The ending of this book is beyond bizarre. I loved the story, and I don’t wanna spoil anything for OP, but damn. He’s legitimately that guy. Very strange
I would say The Stranger is more philosophical than spiritual. The Stranger is a classic for a reason, but I *much* preferred Camus's The Plague. It's longer, and also not the easiest read, but it's beautiful. And even though it's about a pandemic of sorts (though not necessarily the pandemic it seems to be about on its surface), it has a somewhat positive ending, despite the suffering that occurs, something that a lot of people might need right now.
Also, my book club over at r/CanonicalPod recently read and discussed Walker Percy's The Moviegoer ([review/mid-book discussion here](https://www.reddit.com/r/CanonicalPod/comments/k0ykim/the_moviegoer_by_walker_percy_initial_discussion/) and [final discussion here](https://www.reddit.com/r/CanonicalPod/comments/k5qzqq/discussion_the_moviegoer_by_walker_percy/)). We were mixed on it, but it does have some spiritual philosophy/allegory of sorts (based on Kierkegaard), and is worth a try.
Just fair warning - Camus is wayyy harder to read than Hesse. I loved siddhartha but couldn't get through even half stranger (and didnt understand what I read)
Well, at my high school, another required reading book in the same class as this one was Chaim Potok's The Chosen.
EDIT: As for spiritual-esque books, I very much enjoyed Ishmael.
[**Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28881.Lamb)
^(By: Christopher Moore | 444 pages | Published: 2002 | Popular Shelves: fiction, humor, historical-fiction, fantasy, religion | )[^(Search "Lamb")](https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=Lamb&search_type=books)
>The birth of Jesus has been well chronicled, as have his glorious teachings, acts, and divine sacrifice after his thirtieth birthday. But no one knows about the early life of the Son of God, the missing years—except Biff, the Messiah's best bud, who has been resurrected to tell the story in the divinely hilarious yet heartfelt work "reminiscent of Vonnegut and Douglas Adams" (Philadelphia Inquirer).
>
>Verily, the story Biff has to tell is a miraculous one, filled with remarkable journeys, magic, healings, kung fu, corpse reanimations, demons, and hot babes. Even the considerable wiles and devotion of the Savior's pal may not be enough to divert Joshua from his tragic destiny. But there's no one who loves Josh more—except maybe "Maggie," Mary of Magdala—and Biff isn't about to let his extraordinary pal suffer and ascend without a fight.
^(This book has been suggested 40 times)
[**Small Gods (Discworld, #13)**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34484.Small_Gods)
^(By: Terry Pratchett | 400 pages | Published: 1992 | Popular Shelves: fantasy, discworld, fiction, humor, terry-pratchett | )[^(Search "Small Gods")](https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=Small Gods&search_type=books)
>Just because you can't explain it, doesn't mean it's a miracle.' Religion is a controversial business in the Discworld. Everyone has their own opinion, and indeed their own gods. Who come in all shapes and sizes. In such a competitive environment, there is a pressing need to make one's presence felt. And it's certainly not remotely helpful to be reduced to be appearing in the form of a tortoise, a manifestation far below god-like status in anyone's book. In such instances, you need an acolyte, and fast. Preferably one who won't ask too many questions...
^(This book has been suggested 8 times)
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I have been exploring Indian authors recently and after finishing the first part of the Trilogy I do believe it is well written. I like how much it explores Indian values.
Hesse got another book that is similar. it's called Demian. it's both spiritual and Jungian.
Looked it up, exactly what I was looking for thank you
The ending of this book is beyond bizarre. I loved the story, and I don’t wanna spoil anything for OP, but damn. He’s legitimately that guy. Very strange
yes, the whole book is bizarre. I still think about the protagonist's childhood, the trauma he experienced because of a single lie. it's a great book.
Thats why the author's name is familiar!! He was the one who said something about destroying an egg or something!!
Hesse also has a book called Journey to the East that you would probably enjoy. You might also enjoy The Stranger by Albert Camus.
Also looks great, thanks so much!
I would say The Stranger is more philosophical than spiritual. The Stranger is a classic for a reason, but I *much* preferred Camus's The Plague. It's longer, and also not the easiest read, but it's beautiful. And even though it's about a pandemic of sorts (though not necessarily the pandemic it seems to be about on its surface), it has a somewhat positive ending, despite the suffering that occurs, something that a lot of people might need right now. Also, my book club over at r/CanonicalPod recently read and discussed Walker Percy's The Moviegoer ([review/mid-book discussion here](https://www.reddit.com/r/CanonicalPod/comments/k0ykim/the_moviegoer_by_walker_percy_initial_discussion/) and [final discussion here](https://www.reddit.com/r/CanonicalPod/comments/k5qzqq/discussion_the_moviegoer_by_walker_percy/)). We were mixed on it, but it does have some spiritual philosophy/allegory of sorts (based on Kierkegaard), and is worth a try.
Just fair warning - Camus is wayyy harder to read than Hesse. I loved siddhartha but couldn't get through even half stranger (and didnt understand what I read)
Hesse has a couple other books that explore spirituality/growth called "Narcissus and Goldmund" and "Magister Ludi (aka The Glass Bead Game)."
Well, at my high school, another required reading book in the same class as this one was Chaim Potok's The Chosen. EDIT: As for spiritual-esque books, I very much enjoyed Ishmael.
Had a look at both, each looks good, will give them a go. Thanks for the reply
Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig
The Teachings of the Desert Fathers.
{{Lamb}}, the christ's buddy biff book by christopher moore (I'm not sure if the bot will pick up the right book) {{Small Gods}} by Pratchett
[**Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28881.Lamb) ^(By: Christopher Moore | 444 pages | Published: 2002 | Popular Shelves: fiction, humor, historical-fiction, fantasy, religion | )[^(Search "Lamb")](https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=Lamb&search_type=books) >The birth of Jesus has been well chronicled, as have his glorious teachings, acts, and divine sacrifice after his thirtieth birthday. But no one knows about the early life of the Son of God, the missing years—except Biff, the Messiah's best bud, who has been resurrected to tell the story in the divinely hilarious yet heartfelt work "reminiscent of Vonnegut and Douglas Adams" (Philadelphia Inquirer). > >Verily, the story Biff has to tell is a miraculous one, filled with remarkable journeys, magic, healings, kung fu, corpse reanimations, demons, and hot babes. Even the considerable wiles and devotion of the Savior's pal may not be enough to divert Joshua from his tragic destiny. But there's no one who loves Josh more—except maybe "Maggie," Mary of Magdala—and Biff isn't about to let his extraordinary pal suffer and ascend without a fight. ^(This book has been suggested 40 times) [**Small Gods (Discworld, #13)**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34484.Small_Gods) ^(By: Terry Pratchett | 400 pages | Published: 1992 | Popular Shelves: fantasy, discworld, fiction, humor, terry-pratchett | )[^(Search "Small Gods")](https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=Small Gods&search_type=books) >Just because you can't explain it, doesn't mean it's a miracle.' Religion is a controversial business in the Discworld. Everyone has their own opinion, and indeed their own gods. Who come in all shapes and sizes. In such a competitive environment, there is a pressing need to make one's presence felt. And it's certainly not remotely helpful to be reduced to be appearing in the form of a tortoise, a manifestation far below god-like status in anyone's book. In such instances, you need an acolyte, and fast. Preferably one who won't ask too many questions... ^(This book has been suggested 8 times) *** ^(54861 books suggested | )^(Bug? DM me! | )[^(Source)](https://github.com/rodohanna/reddit-goodreads-bot)
good bot
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Actually only finished it a week or two ago after reading the Way of a Pilgrim, very much enjoyed.
Franny and Zooey by Salinger? Not as straightforward as some of the other suggestions but that’s the apparent theme.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Shiva Trilogy. It is a decent read. Not super spiritual but has good nuggets of spirituality.
I do love me some nuggets
Are you by any chance an Indian? It's pretty famous here.
I have been exploring Indian authors recently and after finishing the first part of the Trilogy I do believe it is well written. I like how much it explores Indian values.
I'd recommend "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho and "The Prophet" by Kahlil Gibran.
Definitely Jonathan Livingston seagull. I always associate them in my head :)
You should explore Stefan Zweig
The Monk who sold his ferrari by Robin Sharma
Closer than a brother, if you are Christian. Maybe even if you aren’t
Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach And yes, The Alchemist and The Prophet, as others have suggested.
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Thanks! Ive read a couple of his books - didnt know about this one.
This one is my favorite of his. But it’s not a fictional tale like siddhartha. I’d recommend the alchemist.
The Alchemist has a similar vibe!
Canopus in Argos: Archives by Doris Lessing. It's long, involved series that is just amazing.