Books, movies, television shows and other works that promote hope, community and kindness in the face of great challenges are riding a wave of popularity. With real-world worries looming large, some audiences are seeking optimism in their entertainment. “I think it’s valuable to tell a dark story, but people want an alternative. They don’t want to look at a grim future and say, ‘That’s it, that’s an inevitability,’” said novelist Becky Chambers, whose book “Record of a Spaceborn Few” depicts acts of compassion after a tragic...

Source: Wall Street Journal March 13, 2019 12:45 UTC