As an adult, I always had the notion that reading a fiction book isn’t as beneficial to my growth. So, I limited myself to non-fictions, constantly trying to learn and grow logically. However, as my spiritual journey began unfolding, and my reading habits became even more intense, I concurred that spiritual fiction books are quite empowering too.
Sometimes, a message can be conveyed with much more ease, when it’s delivered with an analogy. This is actually how my first workshop around Chakra Balancing became popular – through a story-telling format. And ever since, I’ve been thinking about putting together a reading list in the fictional genre.
So, here we are now, and here’s what I would like to recommend to you!
#1 – The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin
If Winnie the Pooh and his friends could teach us about Taoism, what would they say? A LOT!
In their own cute and peculiar style, Pooh Bear and his group tackle the complex questions around Taoism. You know a book is well written if it can explain an intricate subject with much clarity and simplicity. I wasn’t able to understand much about the Tao before this, but the book made a lot more sense to me.
I thoroughly enjoyed and loved Pooh’s take on the Tao, and even more so for its amazing narrative when listening to the audiobook. So if you plan to read this spiritual fiction, I’d highly recommend Simon Vance’s voiceover.
#2 – The Quest of the Sparrows by Kartik Sharma
The most underrated spiritual fiction book in this reading list! But I see a bright future for it.
What happens if someone is given the responsibility of a guru, but they’re not ready? The Quest of the Sparrows was such a delight to read, for the relatable way in which an average person is dragged into the spiritual journey through a twist of fate.
The character development is primarily what made this gem so relevant for us spiritual aspirants, as we too learn to let go of our many vices as we progress.
And the spiritual lessons conveyed through the various characters’ narratives are just as profound and well-written. I also think this book perfectly captures the essence of divine timing and other spiritual laws effectively.
#3 – Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield
Not the best storytelling, but the reason this Spiritual fiction is a classic, is for the nine spiritual insights that entail this story. Each insight is uncovered in adventurous (and increasingly fatal) ways.
As the protagonist goes through many hurdles, finally, with a team of spiritual aspirants, the truth about enlightenment is uncovered.
It’s a good blend of analyzing human evolution, human psychology and behavior, and then moulding the findings in respect to energy work and healing.
The mysticism of the Celestine Prophecy is unique, and you’ll most likely enjoy this work, if you’ve enjoyed reading books like The Alchemist.
#4 – Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach
One of my favorite works by Richard Bach, and the rare book that didn’t need a bookmark. I read it in one sitting!
The seagull, Jonathan is symbolic of a human’s journey through life’s obstacles to attain enlightenment.
The story beautifully depicts life in a full circle – from hope, to despair, to hope again. Although it is one of the older spiritual fiction books in my list of recommendations, Jonathan Livingston Seagull remains timeless even today.
Note that the book has two versions. The second release of the book revealed an important chapter at the end. There’s a slight controversy about the value of this change, but I am for the notion that it only added more to the book!
#5 – The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
I’ve talked about this poetic fiction before in my reference to books about practical spirituality. However, I want to bring it up again, in hopes that you will look at this book as an opportunity to understand the meaning of life through a poet’s lens.
The short booklet revolves around a prophet that arrives at a city, and makes many observations about the nuances of everyone’s day-to-day activities.
I’m sharing some of my favorite quotes here from Kahlil Gibran’s most famous work, The Prophet.
Quote about detachment and parenthood
“Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.”
Quote about work and dissatisfaction
“Work is love made visible.
And if you cannot work with love but only with distaste,
it is better that you should leave your work and sit at the gate of the temple and take alms of those who work with joy.
For if you bake bread with indifference, you bake a bitter bread that feeds but half man’s hunger.”
Quote about crime and punishment
” Oftentimes have I heard you speak of one who commits a wrong as though he were not one of you,
but a stranger unto you and an intruder upon your world.
But I say that even as the holy and the righteous cannot rise beyond the highest which his in each one of you,
So the wicked and the weak cannot fall lower than the lowest which is in you also.”
#6 – Siddhartha by Herman Hesse
This book was definitely not what I expected. But it was a writing that was extremely honest about spirituality, from the lens of a seeker that often gets lost on his way towards the Truth.
The story sets up a parallel premise to the actual Gautam Buddha and his enlightenment, versus a young man named Siddhartha on his quest to find the Truth about life.
There are some interesting twists throughout the book. The thing that compelled me to read it the most, was perhaps how the author scraped away the glory and glamour of a spiritual awakening, by bringing forth the many vices that get in our way.
There are very few books that talk about falling off the wagon and resorting to our old ways, but Siddhartha highlights that aspect beautifully. There are many spiritual lessons that were demonstrated and though it’s tough to like the protagonist, it’s really just a huge reality check for our ego.
#7 – Immortal Talks by Shunya
A unique take to spirituality!
The author of this short yet powerful spiritual fiction conveys his spiritual insights through an interesting discourse. The dialogues take place between Indian God Hanuman and some of his tribal worshippers, called Mahtang.
Immortal Talks has many profound analogies in store, that elaborate on spiritual concepts like karma, detachment, reincarnation, astral realms, etc.
So for anyone seeking clarity about life and souls in a mystical and metaphysical narrative, this is a great read.
#8 – The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
A childhood classic, sure. But the Velveteen Rabbit is a gem hidden away in the kid’s section that’s worth revisiting as an adult. The story revolves around a stuffed toy rabbit that longs to become ‘real’.
Over the course of many hardships, the rabbit grows wise and learns about the essence of life. It can sound heavy when I summarize it like that! But it is actually laid out quite simply such that even a child can grasp it.
#9 – Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson
It’s been nearly a decade since I read this, because I picked up this self-help book back in college! But over the years, the story’s message really resonated with me.
Who Moved My Cheese uses mice as a metaphor to represent our own human mind. And their quest to find their beloved cheese depicts our longing for material satisfaction.
This book may not sound spiritual right off the bat, neither is it sold as such. But it encompasses important reminders like detachment and going with the flow, which resonate deeply with spiritual teachings.
#10 – Breakfast with Buddha by Roland Merullo
The latest addition to my list. And perhaps the most wholesome in terms of a good story, progressive character development and meaningful messages.
Through another story of twisted fate, an atheist ends up in a car with an enlightened Buddhist monk. Their journey requires them to be together for several days, and as expected, a transformation happens in the atheist’s life.
What I enjoyed most about Breakfast with Buddha, was how it remains balanced towards all kinds of readers. You could just be getting started on your spiritual journey. Or be several years into it… but you will enjoy it either way!
And there’s very limited dialogue about the metaphysical nature of spirituality. Instead, the approach converges towards practical spirituality. Something we can all implement in our day-to-day lives.
Bonus: The God Matrix by Brian David Alexander
I’m genuinely shocked that this book hasn’t taken off in the world. It makes me realize how some of the most creative minds get lost in the crowd if they aren’t into marketing or selling their work. Shucks! But nevertheless, I wanted to highlight this beautiful science fiction book written with tons of hypnotherapy related insights, speculations in quantum physics and a touch of spiritual romance.
The God Matrix is a great 300-page novel for anyone looking to integrate aliens, soul contracts and all the other sci-fi stuff into one thriller. The book involves the abduction of the main protagonist, Mr Phoenix by aliens that want to help humans save their race. In the meantime, there’s a lot of pushback from the government. Who wins, and HOW?!
I highly, highly recommend Brian’s work in his book The God Matrix!
Concluding Thoughts
The great thing about spiritual fiction is that it’s easy to remember the story, and imbibe the messages. I have overtime learned to appreciate a good fiction book here and there. And I hope this list encourages you to add more to your reading list too!
Read More : 15 Spiritual Authors That Will Spark Enlightenment
NOTE : There are Amazon links in this post. If you make a purchase through these links, you support my work by facilitating a small commission for qualifying sales. This is at no added cost to you. Thank you for your consideration!
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So glad to find your site! You must, must, must read “Awake!”
By Dayna Dunbar
I’d also add to this list: “The Kin of Ata are Waiting for You” – Dorothy Bryantt
Ah, haven’t heard of that one but I’m going to add it to my reading list. Thank you for sharing, Cheryl!
Fantastic list! This is what I am looking for.
One of the most sought -after book genres are self-help books. There is a good reason for that. People tend to rely on them when it comes to dealing with life. A self-help book contains a handful of extremities that can help a person get through something.
Thanks,
Best Regards,
Eric
Absolutely Eric! And when you weave in fiction and philosophy, the self help becomes even more compelling, leaving an imprint on our learning 💜
Great list! Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield is my all time favorite.
It’s such a great read! I learned a lot from the Celestine Prophecy 🙂
I also love the ancient wisdom of The Celestine Prophecy. The Spiritual War series by J. B. Morgan is very good too. It mixes urban fantasy and thriller with spirituality and only gets better with each episode.
Thanks for suggesting the series, Mark! I haven’t heard of that and will check it out – always love me a good spiritual fiction 🙂