If you don’t consider yourself a strongly religious person, don’t let the term “spiritual” dissuade you. While it’s true that descriptor can apply to faith-based books, it also includes inspirational or motivational books, as well as those that focus on finding your purpose, becoming a better person, or exploring your moral beliefs. It’s a very broad and diverse umbrella, and you are sure to find at least a few books on this list whose message resonates with you.
Best Spiritual Books
Brighter by the Day: Waking Up to New Hopes and Dreams - $11.99 (Kindle format)
Many people count on Good Morning America host Robin Roberts to help them start their day off on a positive, upbeat note—so it makes sense that we can also turn to Roberts for guidance on how to infuse each day with resilience and optimism. She draws upon lessons she has learned through her own challenging life experiences, along with advice she has received from wise advisers and insight gained from spiritual study, to share tips and encouragement for living a more positive, fulfilling life.
Ritual: How Seemingly Senseless Acts Make Life Worth Living - $14.99 (Kindle format)
Anthropologist Dimitris Xygalatas guides us through a thought-provoking journey in which we contemplate our place in the world and the powerful ways that seemingly routine rituals and traditions help us feel connected and give us a sense of purpose and belonging. (Available for pre-order until release date: September 13, 2022.)
Untamed - $13.99 (Kindle format)
Glennon Doyle shows us how to succeed by trusting our own instincts and nurturing our ability to live an authentic life—while giving us the confidence to know we can overcome not just significant obstacles but other people’s judgment and expectations. Reese Witherspoon, who selected this title as one of her book club picks, says the book is “packed with incredible insight about what it means to be a woman today.”
One Long River of Song: Notes on Wonder– $12.99 (Kindle format)
One review called Brian Doyle a “born storyteller,” and although Doyle—an author and Portland Magazine editor—died from a brain tumor in 2017, he left behind a treasure trove of powerful essays that find the deeper meaning (and humor) in many of life’s everyday events.
Isn’t Her Grace Amazing! The Women Who Changed Gospel Music – $34.99 (Hardcover)
In this lovely coffee table book filled with gorgeous imagery, longtime NY1 anchor Cheryl Wills pays homage to 25 legendary gospel queens, from Willie Mae Ford Smith to Aretha Franklin and several of today’s most talented artists in the genre. We’d recommend opting for the hardcover to best enjoy the powerful images.
Getting to Forgiveness: What a Near-Death Experience Can Teach Us About Loss, Resilience and Love – $6.18 (Kindle format)
If this book—which shares the gripping true story of author Susie Levan’s kidnapping and near-death experience—slipped under your radar when it was initially released in 2019, you definitely want to check it out now. Levan is a certified non-denominational pastoral counselor, hypnotherapist, teacher of meditation, and Reiki master/teacher, and she provides practical advice and important life lessons. To help those dealing with the stress of the pandemic, she has also released two of her guided meditations, produced with GRAMMY-nominated new-age musician, Steven Halpern.
The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World - $21.94 (Hardcover)
You couldn’t ask for a more powerful duo of spiritual icons. Nobel Peace Prize Laureates His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu have overcome decades of exile and oppression, yet still find the strength to share deep wisdom and powerful words that can help you find peace and happiness.
Think Indigenous: Native American Spirituality for a Modern World - $9.99 (Kindle format)
Lakota spiritual leader Doug Good Feather offers some important lessons about how we can apply natural law into our modern ways of thinking to develop a stronger connection to Mother Earth, the world around us, and our fellow humans.
A Heart’s Landscape: An Invitation to the Garden of Moments- $17.20 (Hardcover)
Author and spiritual counselor Susan Lax created this inspirational collection of poems and stories to help us all find moments of beauty and joy every day, no matter how challenging life may be.
The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are - $12.99 (Kindle format)
By now, we all know we can rely on Brené Brown to say exactly the right thing to help us find the courage and motivation to be our best selves, no matter what obstacles we face. Check out the tenth anniversary edition of the book that first introduced many of us to Brown’s trademark blend of encouragement, insight and inspiration, with just a touch of tough love thrown in when necessary.
Metahuman: Unleashing Your Infinite Potential - $13.99 (Kindle format)
New Age spiritual leader and alternative medicine advocate Deepak Chopra guides readers on a journey to higher consciousness, where they can become “metahuman” and achieve great things they might normally deem impossible.
Imperfect Spirituality: Extraordinary Enlightenment for Ordinary People - $9.99 (Kindle format)
If you are someone for whom striving for anything remotely close to spiritual enlightenment can seem like way too lofty of a goal, this is the book for you. Polly Campbell explains how to incorporate spiritual lessons and practices into real-life everyday moments.
Almost Everything: Notes on Hope - $2.99
Delivering sermons and practical tips without ever sounding preachy, Anne Lamott shares inspirational lessons in the relatable yet supportive way that only she can pull off.
Ancient Prayer: Channeling Your Faith 365 Days of the Year– $12.00 (Hardcover)
Guiding readers to adopt a fresh perspective and find new appreciation of life’s everyday meaning, Rachel C. Weingarten masterfully draws upon biblical texts, prayers, and words of wisdom from philosophers, poets, and spiritual leaders.
Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself - $13.49 (Paperback)
Dr. Kristin Neff believes we all need to treat ourselves with more kindness—and she can help show us the way. In this book of gentle yet effective advice, she guides us in the journey from self-criticism to self-compassion.
How Starbucks Saved My Life: A Son of Privilege Learns to Live Like Everyone Else - $4.99 (Kindle format)
Proving that it’s never too late to find redemption—or learn humility—this is the true story of Michael Gates Gill, who in his fifties went from being a successful, privileged executive to working a front-line customer service job after surviving a divorce and being diagnosed with a brain tumor. He learns some potent lessons from an unlikely teacher: his young female boss, whose background couldn’t be any more different from Gill’s.
When Bad Things Happen to Good People - $11.99 (Kindle format)
This long-time favorite stands the test of time, and its lessons are just as meaningful today as when the book’s original version was first published more than 40 years ago. In this updated edition, Rabbi Harold Kushner shares some of the touching messages he has received from readers who found inspiration and meaning in the book’s message of hope and resilience even when faced with great challenges.
The Gene Keys: Embracing Your Higher Purpose- $12.99 (Kindle format)
Many fans of this title from Richard Rudd would likely say it is way more than a book—it’s a whole new mindset that could change how we think about the relationship between our role in the universe and our body’s genetic chemistry. Using astrological data, you identify your unique combination of “gene keys” that influence your life, and you also gain insight as to how this knowledge can transform your life and feelings in a more positive, productive way.
What Jonah Knew– $11.99 (Kindle format)
Fans of compelling fiction might want to check out this psychological thriller by Barbara Graham that delves into the concept of past lives, while also exploring trauma and memory through a variety of lenses, including Tibetan Buddhism. Writing legend Anne Lamott said, “I was hooked from the very beginning by the wonderful characters, unique plot and mystical influences.” (Available for pre-order until the publish date: July 5, 2022.)
A History of Present Illness - $13.99 (Kindle format)
Another option for fiction lovers, this debut novel by palliative care physician Anna DeForest is written from the point of view of a young woman embarking on her first day as a medical resident. Beautifully written in a way that flows with a poetic rhythm, this story gives DeForest the opportunity to help us explore and understand what has happened to us all during the pandemic, through the lens of a medical professional who has dealt with PTSD. (Available for pre-order until the publish date: August 16, 2022.) Next up, check out these 101 Buddha Quotes on Love, Life, Happiness, and Death.
