The Geeky Bookworm

Be it poems, stories or an excerpt from an enlightened person’s life, literature is one of the best ways of entering the realm of spiritual transformation. Words though subtle have a long-lasting impact on one’s tryst with destiny. This blog consists of fictional books, poetry and real-life experiences from some of the most remarkable authors. They have played an important part in shaping my spiritual outlook and I urge you to read them with an open mind.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: 

One of the most popular books, The Alchemist came to me with very high recommendation. The story starts with Santiago embarking on a journey through mountains and deserts to find treasure. At first, the book seemed to be an extraordinary tale of self-discovery. But on further reading, the book turned out to be very layered!

Santiago’s journey is an allegory to our inner search for the greater meaning of life. After knocking on several doors, one comes to terms with the fact that the treasure of spirituality was always within oneself. Once the path is shown, there is no looking back!

You can find the book here.

Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach:  

Did you ever think that a metaphorical book about a Seagull would teach you invaluable life lessons and leave a deep impact?

Neither did I! 

The book is fast-paced, insightful, and reflects reality through its allegorical writing. Jonathan, the seagull wanted to fly to great heights and break the monotonous rat race, unlike the rest of his flock. He got guidance from his master and was transported to another dimension where he was taught to fly. He was then sent back to Earth to teach Seagulls like him.  

Johnathan Livingston’s quest for the purpose of life resonates with the human race.

It inspires the readers to fly beyond the barriers and soar high!

You can find the book here.

The Razor’s Edge by WS Maugham:

When I started my spiritual journey, along with daily meditation, I started reading books that would deepen my spiritual practice and would teach me unforgettable lessons. The Razor’s Edge is such a novel that I read at that time and has stuck with me all this while.

Surprisingly, Maugham has made himself a part of the novel. The tale begins with the author being introduced to the American elite of 1920’s;  Eliott Templeton, his sister Mrs Bradley, his niece Isabel and her fiancé Laurance Durell. Laurance a.k.a Larry had just returned from France after fighting the first world war. Although he wasn’t physically injured, he had evolved and was in the search of a spiritual guidance.

Much to the disappointment of his fiancé, the story transits into Larry’s journey of enlightenment. Maugham himself turned to India’s spiritual roots and spent time with Shri Ramana Maharishi. Initially, Larry seems to be the odd one out. But as you progress with the book and evolve with the characters, you will observe that other than Larry, all characters were consumed in their shallow materialistic lives.

The book’s title The Razor’s Edge is very accurate as it means to strike the right balance between spirituality and materialism following the true essence of Raja Yoga.

You can find the book here.

Gitanjali by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore:

The Nobel prize winning book of verses Gitanjali is food for the soul. I have made a post on Rabindranath Tagore, discussing Gitanjali and his other works in detail. Please take a look at it for more.

You can find the book here.

One Hundred Poems of Kabir:

I have grown up memorizing Sant Kabir’s dohe (quotes) for Hindi essays. Only recently did I realise that his layered poetry takes one towards their spiritual awakening. In most of his poems, he urges people to see the limitless and formless spiritual force that drives the universe. English translation by Rabindranath Tagore has managed to capture the essence of the original Hindi writing.

You can find the book here.

Many Lives Many Masters by Dr Brian Weiss:

Dr Brian Weiss was a psychiatrist working with various means of therapy to help his patient Catherine. When nothing else worked, he turned to hypnosis. This was the beginning of Dr Weiss’s career with past life regression. Catherine not only learnt from her past lives but also from her spiritual masters while transitioning from one life to another. With every Catharsis, she was able to let go of her trauma and heal herself. This technique of healing lies in one’s subconscious mind. Please read my post on healing through the subconscious mind to learn more.

You can find the book here.

Tuesday’s with Morrie by Mitch Albom:

This book taught me to live when I was surrounded with grim hopelessness. I have recommended this book to my pals, time and again. There is also a dedicated post for Professor Morrie Shwartz. Morrie is immortal and lives as our beacon of hope, inspiring and guiding us.

You can find the book here.

The literature I have mentioned is just few in number. There is more for me to learn and discover through the journey of life. If you have more suggestions of spiritual books, please leave it in the comments. I’ll leave you to ponder on this verse from Sant Kabir Das, until next time.

Onkar siwae koi sirjai,
Raag – swaroopi ang
Niraakaar nirgun abinaasi,
Kar vaahi ko sang.


All things are created by the Om;
The love-form is His body.
He is without form, without quality, without decay:
Seek thou union with Him!