Inspiring Books by Speakers Collective Members
- Jon Salmon
- Dec 18, 2025
- 3 min read
At Speakers Collective, we believe in the power of lived experience to make meaningful change.
Many of our members have poured their stories, insights and wisdom into books that offer comfort, challenge and hope.
Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful gift or a book to curl up with over the festive break, we’ve gathered a collection of inspiring reads written by members of the Speakers Collective community.
Some explore joy and resilience, others address difficult and sensitive subjects with honesty and compassion. All are grounded in real lives and real experience.
You’ll find the full gallery of books above, and below we’ve grouped them to help you discover something that resonates.
Stories to Inspire and Uplift
How I Became a Sushi Chef – Kaz Matsune’s journey from apprentice to teacher.
Five Steps to Happy – Ella Dove’s uplifting novel based on a true story.
The Lightless Sky – Gulwali Passarlay’s extraordinary story of fleeing Afghanistan and building a new life in Britain.
QUICK! WAKE UP THE PILOT! – Dr Ant’s introduction to taking control of your thinking.
Books About Hope, Mental Health & Wellbeing
The Book of Hope: 101 Voices on Overcoming Adversity – Jonny Benjamin & Britt Pflüger bring together powerful reflections on resilience from a wide range of voices.
The Recovery Letters – James Withey shares letters written to people experiencing depression, full of empathy and understanding.
How to Tell Depression to Piss Off, How to Tell Anxiety to Sod Off and How to Get to Grips with Grief – James Withey’s straight‑talking, compassionate guides for navigating life’s toughest moments.
100 Days: How I Saved My Life and Can Help Transform Yours – Hannah Sturland’s deeply personal account of recovery and self‑discovery.
Therapy Is… Magic – Jo Love demystifies talking therapy with warmth and honesty.
The Suicide Prevention Pocket Guidebook – Joy Hibbins offers practical guidance on supporting someone experiencing suicidal feelings.
Rachel Kelly: Words for Comfort, Calm & Joy
Black Rainbow: How Words Healed Me – Rachel’s moving memoir of depression and recovery.
Singing in the Rain and Walking on Sunshine – two uplifting collections of small, practical steps towards happiness.
You’ll Never Walk Alone: Poems for Life’s Ups and Downs – poetic reflections offering solace and companionship (available in different editions).
The Gift of Teenagers – thoughtful guidance for parents navigating adolescence.
The Happy Kitchen – combining food, mood and mental wellbeing.
Identity, Belonging & Finding Your Voice
Queer – Frank Wynn curates a powerful collection of LGBTQ writing across history.
The Confession – Maike Mullenders’ journey to self‑acceptance.
Top to Bottom – Finlay Games offers an honest, personal guide through phalloplasty.
The Umbrella Picker – Jane McNeice’s exploration of neurodiversity and identity.
The Body Hoax – Emi Howe challenges harmful body myths with insight and compassion.
Trauma, Loss & Healing
A Path Travelled – Alison Blackler’s guide to making sense of life and experience.
A Small Boy Smiling – Matt Carey’s journey of healing from childhood sexual abuse.
Sisters & Brothers – Simon Blake and Julie Bentley moving stories about the death of a sibling.
The Cry of the Loon – Christopher Morris’ evocative and reflective work.
Parenting, Families & Relationships
Supporting Parents and Families with Perinatal Mental Health and Wellbeing – Mark Williams.
Daddy Blues – Mark Williams shines a light on postnatal depression and fatherhood.
Empowering Relationships and Sex Education – Josephine Morgan’s practical guide for teachers.
Work, Inclusion & Empowerment
The Inclusion Journey – Allegra Chapman & Mousumi Kanjilal Williams on inclusive workplace strategy.
No One Is Coming To Save You and Rescued By The Coastguard – Nicky Marshall’s empowering reflections on resilience and self‑leadership.
The Sh*tty Committee – Jack Williamson’s guide to managing unhelpful inner voices.
Every book reflects the heart of Speakers Collective: real stories, real challenges and real hope.
