hope, inspiration.. not some handbook

[Jason]

Im asking, or looking for books that have a little "life is tough, life is shit, but there is some hope in there" books. there is a careful line here, however. Im not looking for a strong workbook or anything like that. I dont want to be so hopeful and sappy and in your face. I just want it to be a backdrop. Something that is sought out. Something a bit.... well not confronting me with a character strength and hope in an overt way. let it be subtle, let it also have applicability among readers, rather or in addition to the main characters. No fault in our stars is sorta like this... hope... but not overly so.

cheers all and thanks for all your work in making my book case fuller.

[karen, future RA queen]

i am going to bump this - i have been neglecting this group lately - shameful!! but maybe Lullabies for Little Criminals would work for you. the atmosphere is bleak, but the protagonist is so young, she doesn't realize it; she just takes her life as it is - without comprehending the dangers and conflicts the reader recognizes as such. she is just a little kid, living a little kid's life without judgment or perspective. it is lovely.

[Jaye]

The Book of Bright Ideas (fiction)
I just finished reading this. It might fit what you are looking for.
2 little kids write down their "bright ideas" so they won't make the same mistakes over and over in their lives, they want to get it right.
There are some serious life problems covered through out the book.

Not that it has to do with anything, I really dislike the cover. It made me even wonder if I wanted to read the book...made it seem like it was going to be frivolous.