Though gratitude seems to be a fad these days—with everyone from Oprah to the makers of The Secret promoting being grateful every day—the fact remains that gratitude is one of the most powerful, moving things that exists.

Think of the moment you change your thinking from resenting your lot in life to being grateful for what you have—or even for what ills have befallen you. What happens? You start to feel lighter. Things seem to be just a bit less bleak—perhaps even brighter. And speaking from my own experience—as well as dozens of people I’ve known—I know that it also gets bigger over time until you start to feel good much more often than you feel badly.

Just to clarify, gratitude is not blind optimism. It’s not saying that you love everything that ever happens, ever. That’s just not realistic—unless you are a saint, perhaps. What gratitude IS includes simply recognizing the many things you have to be thankful for—and if you have the means to read this right now, then I know you have at least a few.

The following authors have written some great books about gratitude. I’ve already shared one of my favorites, Simple Abundance, from which I learned to create a gratitude journal many years ago. Here are a few more to add to your gratitude library.

Gratitude Works, by Katherine Scherer and Eileen Bodoh: Through these daily readings and their themes—from beauty to nature to fun, and others—you may find yourself with a little inspiration to find more to be grateful for each day.

Attitudes of Gratitude, by M.J. Ryan:  Ryan’s book is another that explains the power of gratitude in simple, accessible chapters that are short and sweet.

How to Want What You Have, by Timothy Miller: If you’re not into fluffy inspirational books, or you simply prefer scientific research to base your actions on, this one may interest you. Miller talks about gratitude from a psychological standpoint. Pointing out how the constant need for more is an unhealthy habit, he then explains how to kick the habit of constant consumption and to start being happy with what you’ve got.

The Secret Gratitude Book, by Rhonda Byrne: If you have read The Secret (or seen the film), you know that gratitude is a big component of the process being taught (the Law of Attraction). The corresponding gratitude journal is a nice little book that guides you with quotes and a simple meditation to follow as you record your blessings every day.