This guide to the best books for soul searching looks at some of the most intriguing, inspiring, and life-changing texts out there for those looking for a deeper meaning in their lives.
Some of the titles in this list are more humorous and practical in style, whereas others focus on a more mystical approach. But each of these books delivers valuable life lessons in an engaging way, with most including practical exercises that you can apply to your life on a daily basis.
These are perfect books to read when you feel lost, as they can help you change the way you think whilst giving you the tools you need to avoid negative behaviors and find the inner serenity you are looking for.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
If you are looking for soul-searching books that really tell it how it is, then you’ll enjoy every humorous but hard-hitting word of this one! Written by a superstar blogger – and evident from its title – this book doesn’t try to sugarcoat the issues we all face in the modern world.
Instead of encouraging us to seek positivity at all costs, the main driver of the book is to learn to accept the things about life that are not so great and not let them cause us such distress.
Instead, the book advocates that we focus on the things in life that really matter to us and seek to improve those, whilst simultaneously accepting our flaws and limitations.
The Old Soul’s Guidebook by Ainslie MacLeod
One of the more unique books on soul-searching, The Old Soul’s Guidebook was written by a past-life psychic who believes that your personality, dreams, hopes, and fears all stem from the many previous incarnations of your soul.
It examines issues such as irrational phobias and low self-esteem, then describes how they can be explained by the many experiences that your soul has had in the past.
Written in an entertaining and engaging style, this book mixes humor with useful life lessons and what to expect for the next step in your soul’s journey.
The Road Less Traveled by Scott Peck
One of the most popular books on soul searching worldwide, The Road Less Traveled has been published in more than 23 languages and spent more than 10 years on the New York Times bestseller list.
Thought-provoking and written in a gentle – rather than bullying – style, the book acknowledges that life is filled with problems, then guides you through the techniques needed to deal with them.
Intended for all age groups, the words in this book are designed to help you improve your human relationships and to fully understand who you really are.
Wake Up! by Claudia Velandia
The best books to read when you feel lost are those written by authors who understand your perspective – and this title is a great example.
Author Claudia Velandia transformed her own life, from one spent on auto-pilot and feeling hopeless, to a full life feeling whole and happy both emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
Each chapter of the book ends with a list of the key concepts it covered in order to cement the ideas in your mind. These include techniques on how to live your life in a more proactive way and how to consciously direct your mind towards a positive mindset.
Power of the Soul by John Holland
Written by a renowned medium and spiritual teacher with his own radio show, the Power of the Soul is filled with insights that make this one of the best books for soul searching.
It helps you realize your own spiritual gifts and recognize the psychological restrictions that stop you from reaching your full potential.
Filled with grounded, practical advice, it contains lots of exercises you can practice to achieve the inner peace you desire. There is also a strong emphasis in the book on bringing a positive influence to other people and to the planet itself, in order to live in alignment with our ‘highest good’.
You’re a Badass by Jen Sincero
If you prefer soul-searching books with a light-hearted touch, then you’ll love the 27 chapters of You Are a Badass which are filled with funny but inspiring stories, words of wisdom, and practical exercises to try.
The author suggests that it is our own, self-sabotaging behaviors that limit our success and the book sets out to help us discover exactly what those are.
By the end of the book, you should be able to change the things about yourself that you may not particularly love, whilst learning to love the things you just can’t change! Easy to read and highly motivational, this book comes from a #1 New York Times bestselling author.
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
Most books for soul searching recommend that you live in the ‘now’, but few do a better job of explaining what that means than this beautifully written title by the counselor and spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle.
Within its pages, you’ll find elements of meditation theory, Buddhism and relaxation techniques, but all delivered in a way that you can practically apply to your life.
You will discover how your thoughts and emotions can actually block or limit your peace and happiness, and you are given regular ‘breaks’ to really think over the lessons you have learned and how to use them.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
One of the most extraordinary yet intriguing books for the soul is the Alchemist. Popular across the world, this is not a guidebook filled with self-help techniques.
Instead, it is the simple story of an Andalusian shepherd boy who sets off to discover worldly treasure but discovers spiritual enlightenment instead.
Filled with a mixture of magic and mysticism, the book indirectly delivers life lessons and profound wisdom that we can easily apply to our day-to-day lives.
Yet its beautiful prose is simply written and you will come away with a newfound respect for your own dreams and the desire to follow your heart.
The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer
One of the most internationally popular books for the soul and published all over the world, The Untethered Soul is designed to help you identify all the emotions and thoughts that limit your consciousness on a daily basis.
It then describes how techniques such as mindfulness and meditation can help you overcome these limitations, thereby releasing painful thoughts and discovering true inner peace.
It teaches you to understand the importance of the present moment, value the simple things in life, and transforms the way you think, deepening your relationships with those around you.
The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile
Working on the premise that the key to making positive change in your life is by gaining a better understanding of who you really are, this book focuses on the personality typing system that is known as The Enneagram.
This system suggests that there are nine Enneagram types, and accurately describes how people of each type are ‘wired’. This is intended to not only give you a deeper insight into yourself but to also understand other people.
The ultimate aim is to become a wiser and more compassionate person, applying what you learn through the Enneagram to Christian spirituality.
Final Thoughts On The Best Soul Searching Books
The right books for the soul can make a real difference in helping you transform your life and achieve your dreams. Learning to harness your thoughts and emotions is easier than you think and these books will give you the tools you need to make it possible.
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