TRUE Literature carries readers to imagined realms or opens windows onto reality that might otherwise stay unseen. It fuels inspirational ideas and generous, enduring stories. Here are eleven selections whose influence lingers long after the last page. The list is inherently personal, and every reader will carry a unique starter set to share.
‘Little Prince’
Lesser known by its full title, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s tale appeared in 1943 and quickly became one of the most widely read novels of the 20th century. The narrator, an aviator who mirrors the author, journeys to a bizarre realm where a small boy—named for the book’s title—confronts a world of paradoxes. Despair and illusion mingle, yet wonder endures. The story continues to captivate readers of all ages with its gentle wisdom and allegorical vision.
‘Frank Anna’s diary’
Anne Frank, a young girl who documented her hidden life during perilous times, speaks through the pages of a diary that has moved millions. In the faces of danger, her reflections reveal faith in humanity and hope for a better future. The narrative remains a powerful reminder of courage, resilience, and the simple longing for freedom.
‘Stories’
Anton Chekhov stands among the pillars of 19th century Russian literature, celebrated for masterful storytelling that probes emotion, fate, and the subtleties of everyday life. His tales explore love, longing, and moral choice with a clarity that still resonates today, echoing through generations of writers and readers alike.
Julian Mantle is a fictional figure who embodies ambition and success. A sharp-minded lawyer, his personal crisis prompts a dramatic turn toward self-examination. Drawing on themes of balance, leadership, and inner purpose, this narrative follows a journey to the Himalayas where monastery life offers a different measure of meaning and fulfillment.
Hermann Hesse remains a touchstone for readers transitioning from youth to adulthood. His exploration of identity and spirituality speaks to a universal search for purpose. Siddhartha follows a Brahmin son as he seeks answers about life, truth, and the path that satisfies the heart as much as the mind.
‘Chemist’
Paulo Coelho, a Brazilian author known for sparking intense conversation about destiny and personal evolution, centers a journey around Seeker Santiago. The story unfolds across landscapes of North Africa and beyond, using a quest for desert wisdom to reflect on inner growth, faith, and the courage to pursue one’s calling.
‘Man’s Search for Meaning’
Viktor Frankl, an Austrian-Jewish psychiatrist who endured Auschwitz and Dachau, offers a stark witness to survival and the power of choice. The core message is practical: even in the harshest circumstances, a person can determine their attitude and purpose. This work remains a foundational beacon for readers seeking resilience and meaning under pressure.
‘Christmas tales’
One of the best-loved Christmas classics is Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. The transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge from misanthrope to generous human being remains a perennial reminder that personal change and compassion can illuminate even the bleakest seasons. The story continues to inspire acts of kindness and a renewed sense of community.
‘Kites in the sky’
Khaled Hosseini’s 2003 novel centers on a friendship tested by rivalry and circumstance as two Afghan boys chase a kite tournament. The narrative threads themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and historical upheaval. The story reached a broader audience when adapted to film in 2007, expanding its impact beyond the page.
‘Snow’
Khalil Gibran, a poet, painter, and essayist from Lebanon, enriched modern literature with The Prophet, published in 1923. The book’s central figure, a prophet addressing his followers, speaks about beauty, pain, friendship, time, death, and pleasure. Its blend of poetry and philosophy invites readers to contemplate life from many angles.