I love new beginnings and think many people feel the same way. Now that we’re in January, I think most people want that new beginning at the start of a new year. So, why not read stories of new beginnings?
Whether you’re turning the page on a challenging chapter in life or just wanting stories to help motivate change, the stories in this list remind us that it’s never too late to start over. From personal transformations to crazy adventures, these books remind us it will never be too late to start over. Here are some amazing books that acknowledge fresh starts and second chances.

Fiction stories of new beginnings
The Midnight Library

So, I read The Midnight Library a while back!
This story has so much hype around it and for very good reason. I kind of went into this story a little skeptical if I was even going to like it.
This is one story that’s a bit out of my comfort zone because I don’t typically read stories like this. With it being hyped, I wasn’t sure if I would even like it. But I’m so glad that I did! This is a great story about new beginnings and creating a meaningful life.
Here is what The Midnight Library is about.
What would you do if you could live out multiple alternate versions of your life? Nora discovers herself in a magical library between life and death which allows her to explore the roads not taken. The Midnight Library is an uplifting story that reminds readers that it is never too late to create a meaningful life.
Evvie Drake starts over

I haven’t read Evvie Drake Starts Over but I know a lot of you guys will probably like this one. Hopefully, if you decide to read this then you’ll like it just as much as other readers have!
Evvie rarely leaves her large and painfully empty house. She’s “stuck” even a year after her husband died in a car crash. Everyone, including her best friend Andy, thinks it’s because of grief and she doesn’t bother correcting them.
Dean, a former major league pitcher and Andy’s childhood best friend, is miserable. For some reason, he can’t throw straight anymore. When he gets the invitation to stay in Maine he thinks that it’s the perfect opportunity to start fresh.
The two make a deal when Dean moves into the apartment at the back of Evvie’s house. Dean isn’t allowed to ask about her late husband, and Evvie isn’t allowed to ask about Dean’s baseball career. Sometimes deals are meant to be broken and when their unexpected friendship turns into something more, in order to move forward they have to reckon with their pasts.
The Late Bloomers Club

The Late Bloomers Club is one of those stores of new beginnings that will keep your interest from start to end.
The story follows Nora and Kit, who discover they have inherited the home and land of the town’s beloved Peggy. They think their problems are solved when they find out that Peggy had plans to sell her land to a big-box developer.
Soon they must decide under the pressure of the town’s opinions and advice.
I haven’t read this one yet but I want this year to be more inspiring and I just may have to check it out.
One of my reading goals this year is to step outside of my reading comfort zone and I want to be inspired. So I just might add this one to my TBR. Have you read it?
Nonfiction books
Atomic Habits

Atomix Habits is James Clear’s bestselling guide to habit formation. This is the perfect book for those who are looking to reset their routines and build a better future.
Atomic Habits is one of those books that seems like a lot of people have read or want to read.
If you have a lot of goals for 2025 it might be a good idea to read this one and tie it in with the 12-week year. This will allow you to tie in habit with your goals and to also set goals properly so you can complete them faster.
Maybe instead of saying that you can complete them faster, I should say that it’ll help guide you into actually completing them in the first place. Especially considering that so many people want to have a change in their lives but don’t actually take the initiative to do it.
Wild

Wild is Cheryl Strayed’s memoir that follows her solo journey along the Pacific Crest trail after dealing with a personal tragedy. This is her story of self-discovery and restoration. It is a testament to the power of new beginnings.
If you do decide to actually read this book then make sure that you check out the movie for it too.
This memoir was turned into a movie back in 2014 and it stars Reese Witherspoon!
The movie and the book are great opportunities to read and watch because it makes us realize that someone else in the world may have it worse than us and they are still able to overcome it and find a way to start over.
Why We Love Stories About New Beginnings
Like most of us, I love stories about new beginnings because they resonate with us. They project our desires and hope for growth and change. These stories are always a good reminder that change is possible and that every “ending” we have is also a new start. If you’re looking for motivation or just want a great story, this book list will inspire you.
Start Your Next Chapter
Are you ready to have a year of inspiration by diving into these books? Let me know in the comments which one stands out to you. If you have already read one, let me know in the comments how it has inspired you to have your own fresh start. What stories of new beginnings did I miss? Also, make sure you subscribe to our newsletter for more book recommendations!
Make sure to check out my bookish goals for 2025 and I would love to hear about yours!