The "New York Times"-bestselling author of "Genome" and "The Red Queen" offers a provocative case for an economics of hope, arguing that the benefits of commerce, technology, innovation, and change--cultural evolution--will inevitably increase human prosperity.

Illustrations and simple text suggest ways see the positive side of difficulties, from losing one's balloon to being left with a new babysitter.

Despair and uncertainty surround us in the news, in our families, and in ourselves. This profound and funny book calls on us to rediscover the nuggets of hope and wisdom buried within us that can make life sweeter than we imagine. Divided into short chapters that explore life's essential truths, this book pinpoints moments of insight to shine an encouraging light forward. [From publisher's description]

"As the first medical director and attending psychiatrist at the World Trade Center Mental Health Program, Dr. Sue Varma worked directly with civilian and first-responder survivors in the aftermath of 9/11. There, she met people at every point of the stress and trauma continuum. She saw devastation and stagnancy as much as she saw amazing resilience and growth. She asked herself: how do some people survive, even thrive, despite profound challenges?...