BOOKSTHAT / LIST NO. 3139

Books that
Search for Meaning

Books for spiritual, philosophical, and ordinary human searching when easy answers are not enough.

FILE UNDER

PHILOSOPHY & IDEAS
LIFE & COMMUNITY

01 / 13

I Eat the Stars

Sarah Wilson

Sarah Wilson argues that contemporary societies face systemic collapse and explores questions about meaning, daily decisions, and collective responses.

Synopsis

02 / 13

Become What You Are

Alan Watts

Alan Watts draws on several religious traditions to explore identity, present-moment awareness, language, Taoism, and Christian symbolism.

Synopsis

03 / 13

The Alchemist

Paulo Coelho

04 / 13

Why Fish Don't Exist

Lulu Miller

“A quirky wonder of a book.”
Kirkus ReviewsReview excerpt

05 / 13

When Breath Becomes Air

Paul Kalanithi, Abraham Verghese

“Part of this book’s tremendous impact comes from the obvious fact that its author was such a brilliant polymath.”
Janet Maslin, The New York TimesReview excerpt

06 / 13

Siddhartha

Hermann Hesse

A young Brahmin leaves a privileged life to seek spiritual understanding through encounters with ascetics, merchants, a courtesan, and a ferryman.

Synopsis

07 / 13

Black Bag

Luke Kennard

08 / 13

I Want You to Be Happy

Jem Calder

An advertising copywriter and a younger barista begin a relationship while navigating unequal circumstances, abandoned ambitions, and unresolved mistakes.

Synopsis

09 / 13

How We Disappear

Thomas S Mullaney

“A fascinating, eloquent study of humanity, what we leave behind, and the uncertain fate of what might endure after we are gone.”
Lucy Roehrig "BooklistReview excerpt