I have heard that Rick Warren's book, "The Purpose Driven Life" is a
great read for those who have lost their way in understanding the
purpose of life. It is meant to be a life changing read for those
suffering from depression, low confidence and lack of direction or
purpose. It is however a book used in church and one that I would not
feel comfortable given that the easiest way I can describe myself is a
Jew who doesn't believe in god. Therefore my question is, what
alternative readings, which do not contain references to religion or
god, could you recommend which will help me live my day one day at a
time and achieve peace of mind. [I am aware that reading alone will
not bring me this, but anything that could help would be much
appreciated.]

Greetings Thepiman,

Check out Secular Wholeness to see if that approach is what you're
looking for - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/155369175X/qid=1124210532/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/102-3135029-6472116

You might also consider reading about Wicca (basically nature
appreciation and protection), as its main motto is "Do no harm" which
relates to all areas of living.  Also, check out the book The Way To
Happiness by George Catlin (NOT the L. Ron Hubbard book by the same
name) at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0875168043/qid=1124210799/sr=2-2/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_2/102-3135029-6472116

Even not being religious, remember that you may still read what are
considered religious texts and simply ignore the religious part - for
instance, the majority of the lessons from the Rabbi Y'shua in
Christian New Testament are wonderful examples of how to live
regardless of whether or not you choose to subscribe to the
preternatural allegations that follow.  Same with A Course in Miracles
(ACIM): it's really a group of lessons seeking to teach that reality
is simply personal perception - one reader friend of mine substituted
"Cosmos" for all the God and Jesus references when reading ACIM and
she thoroughly enjoyed the book, and took a great deal from it to
apply to her personal non-religious life.

Best regards, 
journalist-ga

You refer to those who "have lost their way in understanding the
purpose of life". As a self-described atheist and non-religious
person, I am a little surprised at your assumption that life has a
purpose. There is no evidence that this is the case. Scientists do not
make this assumption. Darwin described the evolution of life as a
random process. You also say that you are depressed and connect this
to a lack of direction in your life. I think you are making an
erroneous assumption here that if "life" has no direction, then your
life can have no direction. What if life is purposeless and
meaningless in the overall scheme of things? You are free to create
whatever purpose or meaning you want. I would suggest reading in
philosophy rather than religion, and seeking truth rather than
comfort. Though you may think your depression is caused by these
existential concerns; it is almost certain to be biochemical in origin
or due to your current life circumstances - these can change for the
better. Good luck.

Here is ACIM online. 
http://acim.home.att.net/
I just follow the "Workbook for students". The exersizes are done 1
each day. I have found that God just needs to be described as the
whole of the universe. When they talk about atonement and holiness I
break those words into "At one ment" and "Wholiness". Meaning to try
to see yourself and your environment as the same thing or "At One"
with yourself. I try to work the exersizes until they become "real"
for me, if I don't "get" one I go back to the last one that I "got". I
find that it is sufficient positive brain food for the day and is
changing the way that I relate to and react to the environment (aka
people). I have found a lasting and meaningful purpose in life via
this method.

I just want to thank all of you for your time. The advice is inspiring and warming.
Best wishes,
Thepiman