Invisible Orphans is a heartfelt novel that comments on the importance of protecting one’s mental health. Although my novel is fiction, there are countless nonfiction and autobiographical books that emphasize the need to look after your mental health to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Here are 5 nonfiction books that I recommend you read in tandem with Invisible Orphans to further your understanding of the brain, mental health, and the importance of prioritizing yourself. Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig is a novel intended to inspire those who feel lost in the throes of depression. Matt Haig has experienced depression and has therefore dedicated much of his work to inspiring readers to persevere in the midst of hardship. Depression Hates a Moving Target by Nita Sweeney explores the consequences that physical activity has on one’s mental health. Sweeney highlights how consistent exercise, such as running daily, may help decrease several effects that depression can cause. Microjoys by Cyndie Spiegel focuses on finding happiness in the small, mundane moments of everyday life. For example, family traditions, movie nights with friends, and finding love all leverage some portion of one’s happiness. Focusing on the Microjoys can help anyone who is suffering from mental health. How to Build a Healthy Brain by Kimberley Wilson offers practical, holistic advice on how we can protect our brains by making certain lifestyle decisions. Wilson is a psychologist and has imbued this novel with an abundance of helpful information for our mental and physical well-being. Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson is a hilariously insightful look into the brain of someone who deeply struggles with depression but refuses to let it prevent her from being happy and living life. Lawson urges us to embrace who we are and use our beauty and our flaws to find joy in shocking ways.