Over the years, I’ve ready many books on people overcoming, showing resilience, and finding hope in difficult situations. Here are some of my favorites:

Night by Elie Wiesel

The Tattooist of Auschwitz and Cilka’s Journey by Heather Morris

They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky: The True Story of Three Lost Boys from Sudan by Benjamin Ajak, Benson Deng, Alephonsion Deng

Don’t Look Back: A Memoir of War, Survival, and My Journey from Sudan to America by Achut Dent

The Girl Behind the Gates by Brenda Davies

Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand

I’m amazed and inspired by people who find hope in hopeless situations. I’m astounded by stories of those finding a way through unthinkable circumstances. People in Haiti have told me that, more than anything, Haiti Alive provides hope for them.

What I’ve come to realize is – I’m attracted to hope.

I’m in the beginning stages of writing a new book, with the working title, Attracted to Hope. I want to explore what hope looks like in daily life, in mental health/trauma, in health situations, in death, in religion, and in third world countries. What does hope look like for those providing hope? How does it look for those receiving hope? Why do some see hope and some see hopelessness in similar situations? What is the impact of hope?

What will make the book, is real-life stories of hope. If you have ideas or connections to stories that illustrate hope, please email me at bruce.blumer23@gmail.com

I’m hoping the book will allow us all to be Attracted to Hope.