Are you thinking about moving to a new city? Perhaps you’ve already made the decision and now you’re looking for some guidance on how to navigate this major life change. Luckily, there are plenty of books out there that can provide you with valuable insights and advice. Whether you’re looking for practical tips on packing and organizing, or you want to explore the emotional journey of starting fresh in a new place, we’ve compiled a list of the 20 best books about moving for adults. These books will not only help you with the logistics of your move, but they will also inspire and motivate you during this exciting chapter of your life.
Contents
- 1 The Great Alone
- 2 The Leavers
- 3 The Nest
- 4 The Underground Railroad
- 5 The Light We Lost
- 6 The Girl Who Smiled Beads
- 7 The Little Paris Bookshop
- 8 The Year of Living Danishly
- 9 The Expatriates
- 10 The Good Girl’s Guide to Getting Lost
- 11 The Reluctant Fundamentalist
- 12 The Signature of All Things
- 13 The Alchemist
- 14 The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
- 15 The Namesake
- 16 The Shipping News
- 17 The House at the Edge of Night
- 18 The Lost Girls
- 19 The Year of Living Danishly
- 20 The Geography of Bliss
- 21 Conclusion
The Great Alone
by Kristin Hannah
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah is an unforgettable book about a family’s journey of starting over in the wilds of Alaska. This captivating novel takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster as they follow the Allbright family’s struggle to adapt to the harsh and unforgiving Alaskan wilderness. With stunning prose and vivid descriptions, Hannah paints a vivid picture of the majestic yet treacherous landscapes. As the family faces numerous challenges and dangers, readers are drawn into their gripping story of survival and resilience. This moving and powerful book explores themes of love, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit. The Great Alone is a must-read for anyone seeking a compelling and thought-provoking book about moving for adults.
The Leavers
by Lisa Ko
The Leavers by Lisa Ko is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged book about the challenges of uprooting and starting anew. This moving for adults book delves into the life of Deming Guo, a young boy whose world is turned upside down when his mother, an undocumented Chinese immigrant, disappears one day. As Deming struggles to adapt to his new life with adoptive parents in America, he grapples with his identity, belonging, and the haunting absence of his mother. Through Ko’s beautifully crafted storytelling, the novel explores themes of migration, family, and the search for home. With its poignant and relatable characters, The Leavers is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities of moving and its impact on the human spirit.
The Nest
by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney
The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney is a captivating and relatable book about starting fresh and moving on in life. This must-read tale follows the dysfunctional Plumb family as they navigate the aftermath of a family tragedy and the unexpected impacts it has on their lives. After years of relying on their shared inheritance, known as “The Nest,” the siblings are forced to confront their individual failures and face the reality of their own self-worth. This moving for adults book explores themes of family dynamics, sibling rivalry, and the pursuit of happiness. With its rich character development and beautifully written prose, The Nest is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever faced the challenges of starting over.
The Underground Railroad
by Colson Whitehead
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead is a groundbreaking book on moving for adults that takes readers on a heart-wrenching journey through the darkest chapters of American history. This powerful novel tells the story of Cora, a young slave on a Georgia plantation, who embarks on a perilous escape via the underground railroad. But in Whitehead’s imaginative twist, the underground railroad is not just a metaphor, but a real network of hidden tracks and tunnels that transport Cora to different states, each with its own distinct horrors and challenges. With haunting prose and vivid storytelling, this moving for adults book explores the depths of human cruelty and resilience, shining a light on the indomitable spirit of those who fought for freedom.
The Light We Lost
by Jill Santopolo
The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo is a captivating book on moving for adults that will grab hold of your heart and not let go. This emotional rollercoaster of a novel explores the complexities of love, fate, and the choices we make that shape our lives.
Set in New York City, the story follows Lucy and Gabe, two aspiring individuals who meet on September 11, 2001. Their connection is instant and intense, but life pulls them apart. Over the next thirteen years, they navigate different paths, careers, and relationships, all while struggling with the lingering memories of their passionate love affair.
This book about moving for adults beautifully captures the bittersweet journey of letting go, moving on, and finding oneself amidst the chaos of life. Santopolo’s poignant storytelling will leave you questioning the power of destiny and the significance of the choices we make.
The Girl Who Smiled Beads
by Clemantine Wamariya and Elizabeth Weil
The Girl Who Smiled Beads is a captivating and introspective memoir by Clemantine Wamariya and Elizabeth Weil. This remarkable book explores the harrowing journey of a young girl who becomes a refugee during the Rwandan genocide. It is a powerful story of survival, resilience, and the search for identity in the face of unimaginable loss. The authors take us on a heartbreaking yet inspiring journey as they detail their experiences living as refugees, navigating through various countries and cultures, and ultimately finding their way to America. This thought-provoking and beautifully written book offers a unique perspective on the human spirit and the complexities of displacement. The Girl Who Smiled Beads is a must-read for anyone interested in the profound impact of war and the resilience of the human spirit.
The Little Paris Bookshop
by Nina George
The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George is a delightful book about embarking on a journey of self-discovery and healing. This enchanting tale takes readers on a literary adventure through the picturesque streets of Paris and the beautiful French countryside. The protagonist, Monsieur Perdu, is a literary apothecary who prescribes books to heal the souls of his customers. When he decides to embark on a journey to find his own healing, he sets sail on his floating bookstore, aptly named the Literary Apothecary. The story is filled with heartwarming moments, profound insights, and the transformative power of literature. It is a book on moving for adults, as it explores the themes of loss, love, and finding oneself in a new chapter of life. The Little Paris Bookshop is a must-read for any book lover seeking a soul-stirring adventure.
The Year of Living Danishly
by Helen Russell
The Year of Living Danishly by Helen Russell is a captivating book about relocating to Denmark and discovering the secrets to Danish happiness. This delightful memoir takes readers on a journey as Russell and her husband leave behind the hustle and bustle of London to start a new life in rural Denmark. Through her humorous and insightful anecdotes, Russell explores the Danish way of life, from their work-life balance to their obsession with hygge (the art of coziness). With its charming storytelling and well-researched observations, this book on moving for adults is sure to inspire and entertain anyone seeking a fresh start or a new perspective on life. So if you’re looking for a moving for adults book that will transport you to a whole new world, The Year of Living Danishly is a must-read!
The Expatriates
by Janice Y. K. Lee
The Expatriates by Janice Y. K. Lee is a captivating book about moving for adults that delves into the lives of three women who find themselves living in Hong Kong. Each woman is grappling with her own personal struggles and secrets, searching for a sense of belonging in a foreign land.
As they navigate the expatriate community, they form unexpected connections and confront the challenges of cultural differences, loneliness, and the pressures of motherhood. Lee’s vivid storytelling and rich character development make this moving for adults book a compelling exploration of identity, loss, and the complexities of human relationships.
With its evocative setting and poignant themes, The Expatriates offers a thought-provoking glimpse into the lives of those who embark on a journey of self-discovery and reinvention in a new country.
The Good Girl’s Guide to Getting Lost
by Rachel Friedman
The Good Girl’s Guide to Getting Lost by Rachel Friedman is a captivating book about embarking on a journey of self-discovery and adventure. This extraordinary memoir follows Rachel as she leaves her predictable life behind and sets off on a life-changing trip around the world. With a desire to break free from her comfort zone, Rachel explores new cultures, forms unexpected friendships, and finds herself in the process. This book on moving for adults is a thrilling and inspiring read that will encourage you to step outside your comfort zone, embrace the unknown, and discover the incredible possibilities that await you when you decide to take a leap of faith. If you’re craving a book about moving for adults that will ignite your wanderlust and inspire you to live life to the fullest, then this is the perfect read for you.
The Reluctant Fundamentalist
by Mohsin Hamid
The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid is a captivating book about moving for adults. It tells the story of Changez, a young Pakistani man living in America, whose life takes a dramatic turn after the September 11th attacks. As he faces discrimination and cultural alienation, Changez’s perspective on his own identity and the world around him begins to shift. The novel is a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of identity, belonging, and the impact of global events on individuals. Hamid’s writing is both evocative and gripping, keeping readers engrossed from beginning to end. If you’re looking for a moving for adults book that delves deep into themes of identity and cultural clashes, The Reluctant Fundamentalist is a must-read.
The Signature of All Things
by Elizabeth Gilbert
The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert is a captivating book on moving for adults that takes readers on an extraordinary journey through the 19th century. Filled with lush descriptions and historical detail, this moving for adults book tells the story of Alma Whittaker, a brilliant and independent woman who is fascinated by botany and the mysteries of the natural world. As Alma navigates through love, loss, and the pursuit of knowledge, readers will be spellbound by Gilbert’s elegant prose and the depth of her characters. This book about moving for adults is a masterful blend of science, romance, and exploration, inviting readers to ponder the interconnectedness of all things and to reflect on the complexities of life. Whether you are a fan of historical fiction or simply crave a thought-provoking read, The Signature of All Things is sure to captivate and inspire.
The Alchemist
by Paulo Coelho
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is an enchanting and transformative book for those seeking meaning and purpose in their lives. This mesmerizing tale follows the journey of a young shepherd named Santiago, who embarks on a quest to discover his personal legend. Set in the backdrop of the mystical Sahara Desert, Santiago encounters a series of captivating characters and experiences that challenge his beliefs and push him to transcend his limitations. With its profound themes of self-discovery, destiny, and the pursuit of dreams, this moving for adults book is a captivating and thought-provoking read. Coelho’s poetic storytelling and philosophical insights make The Alchemist a timeless masterpiece that will inspire readers to follow their hearts and embrace the magic of life.
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
by Rachel Joyce
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is a captivating book about embarking on a transformative journey. This heartfelt novel takes readers on a moving and inspiring adventure. Harold Fry, a retired man, receives a letter from a former colleague who is terminally ill. Overwhelmed with emotions, he decides to write back and begins a journey to deliver the letter in person. But, as Harold walks from one end of England to the other, his pilgrimage becomes much more than just a physical distance. Along the way, he encounters various characters and confronts his own past, leading to profound self-discovery. This soul-stirring book about moving for adults explores themes of redemption, friendship, and the power of human connection.
The Namesake
by Jhumpa Lahiri
The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri is a captivating book on cultural displacement that delves into the complexities of identity and belonging. This mesmerizing novel follows the journey of Gogol, a first-generation Indian-American, as he navigates the challenges of growing up in two vastly different worlds. Lahiri’s exquisite prose paints a vivid picture of Gogol’s struggles with his unique name, his sense of alienation, and his quest to find his place in the world. Through the lens of Gogol’s experiences, Lahiri explores the universal themes of family, love, and the search for self-acceptance. With its heartfelt storytelling and poignant exploration of the immigrant experience, The Namesake is a profound and thought-provoking book about moving for adults that will resonate with readers from all walks of life.
The Shipping News
by Annie Proulx
The Shipping News by Annie Proulx is a captivating novel that takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and redemption. This book follows the life of Quoyle, a man who is forced to leave his familiar surroundings after a series of unfortunate events. In this powerful story about starting anew, Proulx explores themes of loss, love, and the complexities of human relationships. As Quoyle embarks on a new life in a small coastal town in Newfoundland, he begins to unravel the mysteries of his past and finds solace in the unpredictable world of shipping news. With Proulx’s vivid descriptions and compelling storytelling, this moving for adults book is sure to leave readers deeply moved and inspired.
The House at the Edge of Night
by Catherine Banner
The House at the Edge of Night by Catherine Banner is a captivating book about moving for adults that takes readers on a journey to the beautiful island of Castellamare. Set in the early 20th century, it tells the story of the Esposito family who arrive on the island and open a tavern, becoming an integral part of the close-knit community. As the years pass, the house witnesses the triumphs and tragedies of the family, as well as the island’s own transformation through wars and political upheaval. With its vivid descriptions and richly developed characters, this book on moving for adults explores themes of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. It is a must-read for anyone seeking a poignant and immersive tale of life’s journeys.
The Lost Girls
by Jennifer Baggett, Holly C. Corbett, and Amanda Pressner
The Lost Girls is a captivating and inspiring book about three best friends who leave their successful careers behind to embark on a life-changing journey around the world. This remarkable memoir follows Jennifer, Holly, and Amanda as they trade in their corporate jobs and comfortable lives for a year-long adventure filled with self-discovery, personal growth, and unforgettable experiences. As they travel through countries like South America, Africa, and Asia, the trio learns to navigate unfamiliar cultures, overcome challenges, and embrace the beauty of the unknown. With its vivid descriptions, heartfelt storytelling, and empowering message, The Lost Girls is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration, adventure, and the courage to make a change. Prepare to be moved by this remarkable book on moving for adults.
The Year of Living Danishly
by Helen Russell
The Year of Living Danishly by Helen Russell is a captivating book for anyone considering relocation or experiencing the rollercoaster of moving for adults. Faced with the daunting task of uprooting her life from bustling London to the tranquil countryside of Denmark, Russell embarks on a year-long journey to uncover the secrets of Danish happiness. Through wit and charm, she explores the Danish way of life, delving into their work-life balance, sense of community, and hygge, the concept of coziness. Russell’s humorous anecdotes and insightful observations paint a vivid picture of her transformation as she navigates the quirks of a new culture. Whether you’re contemplating a move or simply seeking inspiration, this book about moving for adults is a delightful read that will leave you longing for a taste of Danish living.
The Geography of Bliss
by Eric Weiner
The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner is an intriguing and thought-provoking book about the pursuit of happiness. Rather than simply offering self-help advice, Weiner takes readers on a captivating journey around the world, exploring the varying factors that contribute to happiness in different cultures.
This book on moving for adults delves into the idea that happiness is not a one-size-fits-all concept, but rather a complex and multifaceted phenomenon influenced by geography, culture, and personal values. Weiner’s witty and insightful observations make this moving for adults book an enjoyable and enlightening read.
Whether you are contemplating a move or simply curious about what makes people happy, The Geography of Bliss offers a unique perspective on the human quest for contentment.
Conclusion
So, whether you’re embarking on a new adventure across the country or simply looking for some inspiration during a time of transition, these 20 best books about moving for adults are sure to provide you with a wealth of knowledge, insight, and comfort. From memoirs to self-help guides, each of these books offers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities that come with starting over in a new place. So why not grab a cup of coffee, cozy up with one of these books, and let yourself be transported to a whole new world of possibilities?