Loneliness is universal—plenty of people may deny being lonely, but everyone’s felt it in some way or another. It’s an emotion that has intrigued both science and the arts for centuries.
Plenty of books about loneliness explore the intricacies of dealing with this emotion. Some people simply need to recharge their social batteries while others must undergo introspective journeys.
Books About Loneliness
From fiction to nonfiction, below is a list of books that shed light on loneliness, how you can cope with this emotion, and the many ways you can use it to your advantage.
1. Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
Imagine being stuck on an island, all by yourself, for almost thirty years. It will break a person—and yet Robinson Crusoe did not.
Sure, he might rail at the heavens or despair at his situation, but he never stopped living. For him, it was a journey of self-discovery, self-sufficiency, and redemption.
2. Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown
Brené Brown, Ph.D. MSW believes that the world is suffering from a “spiritual crisis of disconnection”. We no longer know what it means to interact and foster connections with one another.
Through research and personal anecdotes, Brown proposes a path towards reconnection—not only with each other but also with oneself.
3. The Lonely City: Adventures in the Art of Being Alone by Olivia Laing
Cities can be the loneliest of places, despite being congested with humanity. At least, that’s what Olivia Laing felt when she moved to New York City in her mid-thirties.
Part memoir, part sociological experiment, Laing explores the loneliness of the city through its art. From canvases to performance art, she writes about how each element leaves a mark on the human experience.
4. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
Esther Greenwood is elated when she wins an internship for a fashion magazine, believing it to be the start of her journey to becoming a writer. But it is the 1950s and there are certain things expected of a woman.
And as those expectations drag on her, she begins to fall into a deep depression that no one seems to understand. Things slowly come to a head as she continues confronting a society that refuses to acknowledge her aspirations.
5. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
A deadly combination of abuse and social awkwardness has left Eleanor Oliphant isolated and lonely. But when asked how she is, all she says is “Absolutely fine”.
All that changes when she meets Raymond, the gross and equally awkward guy from IT. Together, they finally begin making sense of the world, learning the importance of friendship, and finding a place to belong.
6. Becoming Human by Jean Vanier
Called a “nation builder”, Jean Vanier has touched the lives of countless people. He founded L’Arche, a network of communities for people with developmental disabilities that span 37 countries.
Here, he talks about community and opening yourself up to others. He also touches upon learning to recognize the humanity of others, and that together, we can create powerful and positive impacts in our relationships.
7. The Loneliness Cure: Six Strategies for Finding Real Connections in Your Life by Kory Floyd
Technology has made it possible for people to communicate with one another, whenever and wherever they are on the globe. And yet, it has also contributed to the worsening problem of disconnection in this world.
Floyd, a communications expert, provides you with a guide to rediscovering the importance of socialization and finally receiving the attention, affection, and connection that you crave. Within are strategies for recognizing your attention hunger, assessing your needs, and making genuine connections with other people.
8. Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
Klara is an Artificial Friend—meant to provide companionship to children in a world that has embraced isolation. Finally chosen, her perception of the world and humanity begins to expand.
But she soon learns how murky things can be as she is confronted by humanity’s talent for emotional contradiction.
9. The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce
On a dead-end shop in a rundown sub is a music store run by Frank, a man terrified of closeness. And yet, terrified as he is, he has a rare talent for connecting his customers to the right instrument.
It’s only when a beautiful woman walks into his shop and asks him to teach her does he begin to confront the loneliness he’s been living in. Carrying their respective baggage, can two people overcome their burdens through music?
10. Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection by John T. Cacioppo and William Patrick
In the 21st century, loneliness has become a legitimate medical concern, accompanied by its respective causes, symptoms, and effects. In light of this, Cacioppo, a social neuroscientist, began pioneering research on this phenomenon.
Relying on brain imaging, behavioral studies, immune responses, and more, Cacioppo takes a scientific approach to explaining the damages of social isolation as well as the steps to achieving happiness.
11. Emotional Freedom: Liberate Yourself from Negative Emotions and Transform Your Life by Judith Orloff
What would your life be without the burdens of anxiety, anger, and other sources of negativity? What if all of those were replaced by nurturing relationships, a sense of calm, and nurturing relationships?
Dr. Judith Orloff calls this a life of emotional freedom. Through a combination of neuroscience, psychology, and real-life experiences, she presents you with a road map to achieving such a life.
Dealing with Loneliness
Loneliness is not necessarily a negative emotion like a lot of media portrays. Channeled well, it gives you the opportunity for self-reflection. Without the distraction of others, you can examine your thoughts, emotions, and life choices.
That introspection, in turn, leads to growth in many ways. Solitude provides an excellent environment for creativity, mindfulness, rest, and exploration. Eventually, you’ll realize that while you are alone, you aren’t truly lonely.
What books about loneliness do you recommend? Share it in the comments below!
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Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
