Reading + Reflection Guide: Practical Optimism
My favorite book of 2025 is also our April book club pick. Let's chat about it!
One of my professional coaching certifications, in addition to executive and personal coaching, is in positive psychology. A major aspect that initially drew me to this field, and continues to do so all these years later, is its focus: Rather than only studying illness and how to heal from it (also vitally important), positive psychology looks at human flourishing and explores, scientifically, ways to bring more of that into our lives and to help others do the same.
It’s not about pasting a smiley face on everything and pretending it’s all perfect. It’s not about dwelling on every possible difficulty and negative aspect to the point of feeling absolutely stuck, either.
Board-certified psychiatrist Sue Varma, author of the exceptional book Practical Optimism, gets it. Not only that, she shares it all in such an applicable, approachable way - truly one of the best I’ve read in a while. This was my favorite book of 2025 (out of all the 105 books I read, nonfiction and fiction!) and I’ve been waiting all year to chat about the book, its principles, and how we can apply them to our work and lives. The time is finally here!
Reading And Purpose Nonfiction Book Club members can join the online conversation about this outstanding resource later this month, and new members are always welcome. Come and join us if you’d like to witness me fully geeking out about a book! Or, more importantly, if you’re looking for practical strategies to “help you live fully and joyfully in an imperfect, turbulent world,” as the inside cover of Practical Optimism suggests.
Below, members will also find all kinds of resources to prepare for our chat and to support your further learning: reflection questions and discussion/journaling prompts, additional recommended titles on the topic, podcast episodes, online interviews, and more. And remember, you can participate in the meetings even if you don’t get the book completed - you’ll still have much to contribute and much to gain!
In addition, all are welcome to join our in-person discussion at Dog-Eared Books on Wednesday, April 15 - visit their website for details.
I truly believe books can change lives, and this one has changed mine for the better in numerous ways. I can’t wait to chat about it all with you soon!
