Inspiring Novels of All Time

Sometimes you just need a little inspiration and what better way to do that than to curl up with one of the most inspiring novels of all time? Novels have a way of reaching into the heart and mind, allowing the reader to feel inspired and encouraged to make positive changes in their life. Reading inspiring content can provide you with the insight you need to make positive decisions or feel good about your journey. Below are five novels that are a great place to start in your quest to stock your inspirational library. Build a full library of books that can help you find inspiration in your daily life whenever you need it. These titles can easily be read time and again, providing new and insightful content every time you turn the page.

The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist is a masterpiece by Paulo Coelho that tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd. He hopes to explore the world and encounter riches beyond belief. His quest does lead to riches; however, they are far different than he ever imagined. Santiago’s inspiring journey teaches us about the importance of following our dreams, seeking and embracing the opportunity, and listening to our hearts.

During the journey, Santiago shows the reader that it is important to pursue your dreams and follow what your heart desires. It can be difficult for people to feel that they should pursue their dreams. This can be due to obstacles that may stand in the way or self-doubt. By reading about Santiago’s journey, you can find strength and feel inspired to follow your dreams.

A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman

Ove finds his solitary world turned upside down when his neighborhood is invaded by a boisterous young family that moves in next door. The family’s first impression, whereupon they level Ove’s mailbox, isn’t the greatest – but don’t worry, things get much better from there. This is the lead-in to a heartwarming, comical tale of surprising friendship, unkempt cats, and how to back a U-haul, all of which change one cranky old man to his very foundations.

Reading this novel provides insight into the relationship with society that many of us face as well as learning who you are deep down. The main character in this book, Ove, discovers that he has value despite his nature. The story is certainly worth reading and can help anyone learn something about themselves based on their interpretation of the characters.

Catching a Miracle, by Mark Spinicelli

Catching a Miracle, part one of a three-part series, is one of the most inspiring novels of all time. It explores the human spirit’s quest to find answers to questions that seem unanswerable, even against the odds. First-time author Mark Spinicelli wrote the novel after losing several relatives to cancer. His research efforts consumed him and led to the creation of this novel. The tale mirrors Spinicelli’s own hope of seeing a real-world initiative to end cancer.

In the novel, a brilliant doctor decides to take on the corporate side of medicine. The quest of Dr. Shelly White is certainly inspirational as she tries to help those who are battling cancer by finding a cure, fighting the medicine companies as they work to only treat the symptoms of the disease.

Life of Pi, by Yann Martel

Life of Pi is a fantasy adventure novel that tells the story of Piscine Molitor “Pi” Patel. This Tamil boy, hailing from Pondicherry, is a reflective soul who explored spirituality from an early age. After a shipwreck, he finds his life to be a struggle simply to survive. He is stranded on a boat for 227 days in the Pacific Ocean along with a Bengal Tiger. The spine of this inspiring story is the conscious choice between hopelessness and faith.

For many individuals, it can be hard to have faith. Losing hope in life is easy to do and reading Life of Pi helps the reader to see how Pi finds a way to keep the faith and move forward, no matter how desperate the situation.

A Lesson Before Dying, by Ernest J. Gaines

Winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award, A Lesson Before Dying is the deep and compassionate story of a young man who returns to 1940’s Cajun country to teach. He visits a black youth on death row for a crime he didn’t commit, and the story gets started. Together, this unlikely pair joins forces and come to understand the art and importance of resisting.

The novel poses the question, if you know that you are going to die, how should you live your life? Would you change how you live or how you react to people? It’s an interesting concept and helps the reader to find insight into their own life and how they live it.

Tuesdays with Morrie, by Mitch Albom

Mitch Albom still remembers Morrie, a college professor who gave him sound advice twenty years ago. He reencounters Morrie in the last months of the man’s life. Mitch begins to visit him in his study every Tuesday, just as he had done when he was a student in college. Their rekindled friendship culminates in one final “class” – lessons on how to live.

In this novel, the friendship between the two individuals is uplifting even though one is dying. The author of the novel knows that his time with his friend will soon come to an end and he figures out how to make the most of it.

Inspiration can be found anywhere, particularly within the words of amazing novels. Read any of these titles to find inspiration for your own life, be it within relationships with friends or family as well as with yourself. Reading about the lives of others, even if the characters are fictional, can be inspiring. You may create a deep feeling to help others, be more creative or be honest about your life.

Some of these novels have inspired millions of people around the world. Find a novel that inspires you and keeps it close, learning more about yourself along the way.