Practicing gratitude provides emotional, social, physical, and mental benefits. Focus on these steps to show gratitude by choosing from the list of 42 ideas.
Books for Mature Teens and Adults
Theme: Thanks
A Prayer Journal - (ISBN: 978-0374236915)
by Flannery O’Connor
Award-winning writer Flannery O’Connor was a lifelong Catholic and, in this journal, she seeks to praise God for his wonders but also expresses doubts about her writing. In addition, she asks for his help with her writing aspirations. Do you think artistic creations, like her novels, are a form of thanks for one’s talents?
A Quilter’s Holiday - (ISBN: 978-1451658217)
by Jennifer Chiaverini
The Elm Creek quilting group get together between Thanksgiving and Christmas to create quilt squares that symbolize what each is thankful for. They are following the Master Quilter’s family tradition of putting objects in a cornucopia that represented what they were grateful for. The stories that the quilters tell about their own quilt squares create a rich collection of family tales. Try putting objects your family members are grateful for in a Thanksgiving cornucopia or other similar holiday object, like a Christmas basket or a seasonal box.
A Virtuous Woman - (ISBN: 978-0375703065)
by Kaye Gibbons
Jack and Ruby find each other after her brutal husband dies. Although there is a 20-year age difference between them and a great difference in social class, they are filled with gratitude at finding each other. In their relationship, they find sweetness and acceptance. Look at the married couples you know; do you see any with great physical and background differences? What makes their relationships work?
Fortunate Son - (ISBN: 978-0316066280)
by Walter Mosley
Friends Tommy and Eric could not be more different physically and experientially. Tommy is African American, unhealthy, and prone to trouble. Eric seems to glide through life with good fortune at his blond heels. Although the boys’ lives veer apart for many years, when they get back together, they find their childhood bonds help them find more reasons to be thankful for their acquaintance and past experiences. Try reuniting with a friend you have not seen for many years. What emotions do you have upon having had a successful meeting?
Gratitude - (ISBN: 978-0143053590)
by Joseph Kertes
Attorney Paul Beck, whose chance meeting with Raoul Wallenberg changes his life, finds that even his family’s wealth does not prevent his father from dying during WWII. Beck tries all he can think of to save other members of his family and rejoices when the Russians take over. The Russians, however, create their own set of problems and challenges. What personal qualities did Beck have that enabled him to become a survivor?