How do you react when a friend tells you they have cancer? Or a coworker’s father died suddenly? Or your best pal is getting divorced? It’s probably not a great response if you’re caught off guard. This book will help with that. Kelsey Crowe and Emily McDowell give examples of good and bad responses to the above situations, and then explain how they’re good and bad. They taught me to be more empathetic—and to not simply respond in Annoying Optimist or Problem Solver mode. This book should be in every starter pack for humans who interact with other humans.

From 4 Great Books About Relationships at Book Riot.