1. A patchwork Planet: A Patchwork Planet is a novel by Anne Tyler. Published in 1998, it tells the story of Barnaby Gaitlin, anti-hero and failure who suffers

1. A patchwork Planet: A Patchwork Planet is a novel by Anne Tyler. Published in 1998, it tells the story of Barnaby Gaitlin, anti-hero and failure who suffers from more than the usual quota of misfortune. The book is noted for its complement of old people and eccentrics, and its sharply ironic humor. As a teenager/young adult (can't remember), the ending left me puzzled until someone older tipped me about what was going on. 2. edit (this was my first answer before I could remember the title of two other books which aren't as famous but left a mark on me): Steppenwolf could be a good candidate. Wind, sand and stars. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind,_Sand_and_Stars https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind,_Sand_and_Stars There's something in it about going on. I can't say they had a significantly positive impact on my life though. I think reflecting back on events, trying to put things and traumas into perspective has had a positive impact. What I am trying to say without knowing where you are coming from: there's no magic pill and books are not magic pills either.