Every once in a while you come across a story that transcends the pages. The symphony of words that come together to form a book like no other. These are the books you can’t put down, you anxiously wait for the day to end so you can hurry home and get lost between the fray of words; in the words you find solace, like somehow this was written specifically for yourself. The author has woven a tale that will never be forgotten because they are now apart of your soul. Let these books guide you through any dark tunnel and find peace within yourself.
1. "Siddhartha" by Hermann Hesse
This is the kind a book that once you finish the last page, you flip it to the front to read it again. It’s not complicated at all, but prepare yourself for a journey. Prepare to be humbled, arrogant, neophyte and wise through this 120-page short read. Siddhartha journeys to find true peace within himself but he breaks away from the path of religion believing that there is more to life than listening to a holy man. He’s a lot like all of us, determined to find his or her own path towards equanimity and happiness.
2. "The Tale of Despereaux" by Katie DiCamillo
The little story of a mouse with ears too big and dreams too wide, and by the end he becomes everyone's hero, including yours. I think we all go through doubt in life when we talk about “unrealistic” aspirations. To be an actor or a writer or a singer is usually it, with uneasiness and uncertainty. It’s hard to be doubted even when some of that comes from your own family. This beautifully woven story will have you ready to run through a brick wall and light a fire in your heart.
3. "We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart
You’ll cry. I’m just letting you know now you will be bawling by the time you finish "We Were Liars." But there’s nothing wrong with a good cry, especially from a book that calls upon the reader to show so much emotion and bravery. We all mess up; my mom always says “hurt people, hurt people” and that running away will make the problem worse and it will fester. What I love about "We Were Liars" is that you unearth regrets and mistakes that you’ve never come to peace with. When you’re done, you will be at peace. Thank you E. Lockhart.
4. "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho
There’s only one book on here that needs to constantly be reread; this book is the warm milk that nurtures your soul. It’s pretty well known throughout the literature community but there’s something special about the words written on these pages. The original let-me-cuddle-in-my-blanket-and-read-all-day story "The Alchemist" will always be one for the ages.
