Check Me Out - Haven August 2025

A MAN CALLED OVE

By Fredrik Backman

Ove is that grumpy old man we all know, but beneath his prickly exterior is a man shaped by love and responsibility. As neighbors slowly draw him into their lives—whether he likes it or not—Ove’s story becomes a beautiful testament to the power of community and the unexpected grace of helping, and being helped, in return.

THE LIFE YOU CAN SAVE

By Peter Singer

With clarity and urgency, Peter Singer lays out a powerful moral argument for why and how we can, and should, help alleviate global suffering. Far from overwhelming, his approach is practical and hopeful, offering real-world ways we can make a difference, one meaningful choice at a time.

THE BOOK OF JOY

By the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu

Settle into this soul-nourishing dialogue between two of the world’s most joyful and compassionate leaders. It’s a weeklong conversation about what it means to live a good life in the face of suffering. Their laughter, wisdom, and shared humanity shine through every page, offering a vision of joy grounded in service, resilience, and love for one another.

THE EGG

By Andy Weir

“The Egg” is a super short story that packs an incredible emotional impact. One man’s journey through the afterlife reveals a breathtaking truth: we are all connected. Told with simplicity and depth, it offers a stirring meditation on compassion, urging us to live with greater empathy, because every act of kindness is, in the end, kindness to ourselves.

THE RUTHLESS ELIMINATION OF HURRY

By John Mark

Comer Sometimes helping others starts with slowing down enough to be fully present. Throughout this practical guide, Comer makes the case that the frantic pace of modern life is at odds with our deepest needs, for connection, meaning, and spiritual flourishing. By embracing stillness, simplicity, and rest, we can create the space to show up with compassion and clarity, for ourselves and for others.

THE COLLECTED REGRETS OF CLOVER

By Mikki Brammer

Clover is used to helping others face death, but it takes one final wish to push her toward truly embracing life. As she begins to open up and connect with those around her, we’re reminded that healing often happens in relationships - that by holding space for others, we can discover what we need most ourselves.

CONGRATULATIONS, BY THE WAY

By George Saunders

Gentle and deeply human, George Saunders’ reflections remind us that the most meaningful lives are built not on accolades, but on kindness. Adapted from his viral commencement speech, this small but powerful book encourages us to shift our attention outward, to notice others, to act with empathy, and to recognize the quiet, transformative power of everyday compassion.

I AM THE MESSENGER

By Markus Zusak

What begins as a strange mission turns into a tender and unexpected journey of compassion. Ed Kennedy is just an ordinary guy until mysterious messages lead him to step into the lives of strangers. As he carries out small but life-changing acts, he learns that helping others can quietly and profoundly change your own life, too.

TENTH OF DECEMBER

By George Saunders

Ok, I’m on a George Saunders kick, but his fiction is truly worth reading - and this collection offers a different take on kindness. This darkly funny collection of short stories explores what it means to be human in a complicated world. Surrounded by the absurdities and moral messiness of modern life, Saunders’ characters often stumble into small but thoughtful acts of care. Each story feels like a mirror reflecting all our imperfections, but also reminding us that even flawed people are capable of kindness.