“Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book.” – John Green, The Fault In Our Stars
This is just a short list of my favorite essays, books, and book series. Most of them deal with themes of encouragement and self-discovery, even the children’s and teen books. My favorite books are always the kind that leave you thinking, and this list is full of titles that are bound to do just that (And if you see anything you like, click on the picture, order the book, and have it on your doorstep tomorrow!):
The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo
This is the book that changed my life. Not even being dramatic. When people ask for a single book recommendation, this is the one that I give them. I would describe it as fantastical realism. It tells the story of a young shepherd boy on the journey to follow his heart and discover his personal legend. It teaches the power of your own heart and the importance of never giving up on your dreams. It is a short, enjoyable read that still manages to reveal many universal truths and offer advice to anyone who has ever felt a little lost in the journey we call life.
The Other Side of Beauty by Leah Darrow
Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson
The Zahir by Paulo Coelho
This story is beautifully heartbreaking. In this fantastical realism novel, Coehlo conceptualizes, names, and describes the many emotions that come with finding that one person that forever has a hold on your heart. Following the story of a young man on the search for his wife, in the midst of which he discovers a lot about the truth of love and himself, this novel reminds us all that true love requires sacrifice and freedom.
The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo
Uninvited by Lysa Terkeurst
Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
Harry Potter by JK Rowling
Paper Towns by John Green (and quite frankly, anything by John Green)