Of all the books in the world, the Bible is the one which helps me the most. As you say, "soak up the word of God". The New Testament is much happier than the Old Testament. I suggest starting with it. Jesus came into the world for a purpose. He came to give us a life more abundantly. If we would do as His word says: "Love one another" how much happier we would all be. Can you imagine everyone in this world loving each other, doing for each other, truly caring how you are, helping you with whatever? Yes, what a wonderful world it would be. If we live on this earth the way we are supposed to, we are offered an eternity in Heaven. I know not everyone doesn't know or doesn't believe. I believe.