If you find yourself asking the question “why” a lot or looking for the hidden meaning behind everyday life, then the metaphysical book genre may be exactly what you’re searching for. The word metaphysical implies a transcendence of the physical realms and etymologically it means “beyond the physical.” Books in this genre will take you on a deep dive into the meaning of life, love, death and everything in between.
Metaphysical books can be both fiction and non-fiction. In metaphysical fiction, readers go on adventures that share mystical truths while offering otherworldly possibilities for the mysteries of life.
Paulo Coelho is one such author who has created an extraordinarily successful author career writing metaphysical fiction as his primary work, with books published in multiple languages across the world. Coelho famously self-published his first novel in 1988, The Alchemist–number 1 on our list–and as of today it continues to top the charts as a metaphysical bestseller.
Non-fiction metaphysical books feature authors sharing insights based on extensive case studies and human experiences, much like what you’ll find in the books Journey of Souls and Destiny of Souls both by Michael Newton, PhD a trained hypnotherapist. Newton recorded sessions with thousands of his clients, showcasing the similarities of what they described happening to them after they died. These sessions were then transcribed and shared in both of his books.
Do we have your curiosity peaked yet? If so…
Check out our top 12 best metaphysical books to find your new favorite reads:
The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho
Santiago is an Andalusian shepherd boy who embarks on a worldly expedition and learns about the real treasures of life (including following the signs to one’s dreams). This has been a bestselling book for over 20 years and is well worth the read!
The Game of Life & How To Play It, Florence Scovel Shinn
Learn the metaphysical tools for living a life of abundance, success and health from the original metaphysician, Shinn, who penned this work and many others in the 1920s. She shares case studies of clients who employed her metaphysical tools with remarkable results.
Journey of Souls, Michael Newton
Featuring real client case studies about what happens to us after we die. Newton introduces us to a whole new way of viewing life and death, and it comes exclusively from human experiences and stories.
2150, Thea Alexander
Based off journals from a psychiatrist in the 70’s, this novel tells the story of a man, Jon, who astral travels from the 1970s to 2150 each night when he goes to sleep. It features themes of soul mates, twin souls, reincarnation and karma, along with teachings about an advanced macro society. Currently out of print, tracking down a copy of this novel is its own metaphysical quest!
Dying to Be Me, Anita Moorjani
Anita wasn’t a happy person. Anita got sick, Anita died, Anita came back to life. And this is a true story. When she returned to her body, she had a whole new perspective on life and has gone on to write several books about her experience and what life on Earth is meant for.
The Five People You Meet in Heaven, Mitch Albom
At 83, Eddie is a retired war vet who’s pretty miserable. But then, he dies and wakes up in an afterlife that changes everything. Eddie realizes that his seemingly “meaningless” life was filled with five important people. An illuminating read that will help you remember why you’re here now.
The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz
Using wisdom from the ancient Toltec tradition, Ruiz illustrates how to have a truly satisfying life, free from suffering. A must-read for anyone seeking self-liberation.
Sara, Book 1: Sara Learns the Secret about the Law of Attraction, Esther Hicks
Follow Sara on her escapades as a child, teen and adult and what she learns as she seeks the answers to life’s most pressing questions. Is it a young adult novel or a profound wisdom teaching? Or maybe both? You decide.
The Biology of Belief: Unleashing the Power of Consciousness & Matter, Dr. Bruce Lipton
Originally a self-published book in 2005, this profound scientific study on the human mind and DNA was later picked up by a publishing house to become a worldwide bestseller. Utilizing scientific research, Lipton uncovered that genes and DNA do not determine our biology, but rather the thoughts we think do. A riveting read which will transform the way you think about your body-mind.
The Angelics: Wildest Dreams, Heather Kristian Strang
Meet Veronica, a woman in her mid-thirties who’s hit a dead end in her life. A random night out turns into a spiritual awakening and Veronica is thrust into a world of synchronicity and Soul-deep love with a man whose face has been haunting her dreams. This is a self-published, Amazon bestseller that has readers meeting their own Soul love just from reading it!
The Celestine Prophecy, James Redfield
A publishing phenom, this 1993 metaphysical odyssey still tops the bestselling charts. Go on a wild journey in the rainforests of Peru as an ancient manuscript is found containing the nine keys to life. The government doesn’t want this information leaked and an intense game of cat and mouse ensues. You’ll be on the edge of your seat reading this novel, while also receiving metaphysical wisdom for living your best life.
Jonathan Livingston Seagull: The Complete Edition, Richard Bach
A metaphysical classic for over 50 years, you’ll be inspired to follow your heart, make your own way, and enjoy the creations of your life. You’ll also learn through story how there’s so much more to life than what you currently see. A novel and metaphysical guidebook that you’ll return to many times over.
Similar Genres
The metaphysical genre is just one of hundreds of book genres. If you’re looking for more books in a similar vein, check out this list of the best spiritual books.
This guest post was written by Dr. Heather Kristian Strang. She is the author of The Angelics: Wildest Dreams.
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