Every year from the more than 300 books we review on this website, we choose the best spiritual books. In addition to 50 books for adults, we also include 15 best spiritual books for children.
These are the titles that have most impressed and inspired us. Since we only review books that we want to recommend for your spiritual journey, this selection really represents the best of the best. Through diverse approaches, drawing on the wisdom and practices of the world’s religions, these titles explore the search for meaning and purpose, wholeness and healing, engagement and community, contemplation, and social activism.
You are reading: Best spiritual books 2018
We congratulate the authors and publishers of these outstanding contributions to today’s spiritual renaissance. Click on the title link to read the full review.
1,000 Books To Read Before You Die by james mustich an eclectic and light-hearted list of books with summaries, topics, and significance of each title.
21 lessons for the 21st century by yuval noah harari a creative book that asks the big questions and explores the small paths that light the way to the future.
aging for beginners by ezra bayda with elizabeth hamilton excellent collection of spiritual practices for dealing with the pain, suffering, and loss of old age.
nearly all by anne lamott, best-selling spiritual writer, on the ever-present and surprising reasons for hope in our time.
america: chris hedges’ farewell tour a prescient critique of the united states designed to make americans think about what they’re missing.
maud casey’s art of mystery an elegant examination of fiction and other art forms that investigate mystery and stimulate our wonder and imagination.
the art of the lost day by patricia hampl a good case for daydreaming, daydreaming, and loneliness.
the ashokan way by gail straub lyrical and thoughtful essays on the beauty and bounties of the place.
Behold, America by Sarah Churchwell A well-argued examination of some of the darker sides of American racism, nationalism, and political impotence.
unlimited compassion by joyce rupp a masterpiece packed with insights, practices, exercises, and illustrative materials on compassion as a spiritual way of life.
a call for revolution from his holiness the dalai lama and sofia stril-rever a challenge to this generation of young people to care for the earth and develop their capacity for compassion.
can it happen here? edited by cass r. Sunstein, a thought-provoking collection of essays asking where America is headed.
the path of courage through the center of courage & renewal and shelly l. francis an overview of successful programs to cultivate courage among individuals and groups.
the creation and the cross by elizabeth a. Johnson, a theologian’s argument for a cosmic redemption in an age of ecological devastation.
dancing with the gods by kent nerburn a passionate and joyous celebration of work in the arts.
daily gratitude edited by saoirse mcchlory, kristi nelson and margaret wakeley a journal with quotes and questions to help you discover the blessings in your life.
god is young by pope francis an extensive interview with pope francis that addresses the hopes and dreams of youth.
good neighbors by nancy l. rosenblum a creative and insightful book about neighbors, democratic public life, and the rigors and toxins of politics in the united states.
grateful by diana butler bass a celebration of the spiritual practice of gratitude as an opener of hearts, a moving adventure, and a creator of meaning in political circles.
See Also: 6 Best Books for Aspiring Teachers – Classrooms
hearth by annick smith and susan o-connor an anthology of distinguished writers from around the world on the importance of community and place.
raising kind kids by thomas lickona helpful ideas for creating a positive family culture where virtues like kindness and respect are upheld.
in search of wisdom by matthieu ricard, christophe andre and alexandre jollien wisdom shared by three accomplished teachers who have a firm grasp on what matters.
kahlil gibran’s little book of life by neil douglas-klotz spiritual reflections on the throbbing soul and the energized world.
leadership in turbulent times by doris kearns goodwin a guide to the character qualities of a transformational leader.
loneliness of gerard a. arbuckle a comprehensive look at loneliness that reveals its complexity and influence on our public and private lives.
a monk’s guide to housecleaning and mind cleaning by shoukei matsumoto a masterful buddhist guide to the spiritual benefits of housecleaning and polishing the mind, body and soul.
more together than alone by mark nepo, a masterpiece about community animated by visionary vigor, philosophical rigor, a cross-cultural perspective, and poetic sensibility.
jordan shapiro’s new childhood an exciting and prescient book that enhances and enriches our understanding of what it means to live in a connected world.
on the edge of everything by parker j. deeper reflections on gaining knowledge and finding new ways to participate in life as we age.
a kiss or two? by andy scott a cross-cultural exploration of the meaning and impact of greeting rituals.
palaces for the people by eric klinenberg a tour de force on how spiritual places and spaces are resurrecting democracy.
pause, breathe, smile by gary gach an engaging text that explores the ethical dimensions of mindfulness.
the problem of wealth by elizabeth l. Hinson-Hasty An Ethical Perspective on the Gap Between Rich and Poor.
radical joy for difficult times by trebbe johnson a compassionate view of healing and finding beauty in wounded places.
radical love by omid safi concise and wonderful poems from the islamic mystical path.
read & nadya tolokonnikova’s riot an unconventional call to radical and creative activism.
craig detweiler’s selfies an in-depth exploration of the seemingly ubiquitous form of self-expression.
standing on the edge by joan halifax an important work on compassion, five inner virtues and a path to transform obstacles into new possibilities.
ten poems for difficult times by roger housden a top-notch collection of poems to cling to like life rafts.
these truths by jill lapore a bold, well written and immersive one volume history of the united states.
they shall inherit the earth by john dear a creative vision of non-violence and environmental renewal.
training in tenderness by dzigar kongtrul an immensely engaging tribute to the spiritual practice of an open heart.
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unlearning god by philip gulley a witty and wise statement of faith that is open, expansive, playful, inquisitive and hospitable.
violence by brad evans and natasha lennard twenty-eight glimpses of a culture drowning in a sea of violence.
voices in the air by naomi shihab nye ninety-five poems that encourage us to listen to the many sources of wisdom that surround us.
walk home together for ram dass and mirai bush teachings to reflect on death, dying, fear and letting go of attachments.
walls, by david frye, a fascinating account of the influence of walls that mix history, military might and impermanence.
the way of kindness edited by michael leach, james t. Keane, & doris goodnough the spiritual practice of kindness given the red carpet treatment.
doomsday fire edited by paul kingsnorth an excellent collection of essays by the prolific farmer, philosopher and author wendell berry.
zen in the age of anxiety by tim burkett insights, epiphanies, and good medicine for what ails us as individuals and as a society.
children’s books
abracadabra! by maria loretta giraldo an engaging story about the magic of perseverance, with helpful endnotes for parents and caregivers.
angel in beijing by belle yang a delightful exploration of the streets of beijing through the eyes of a girl looking for her kitten.
be kind by pat zietlow miller a wonderful catalog of all the ways we can be kind to others.
first laugh: welcome, honey! by rose ann tahe and nancy bo flood a story about a navajo family waiting for their baby’s first laugh before a homecoming celebration.
Good morning snowplows! by deborah bruss a bedtime story that anticipates the nightly adventures of the plow before a bright new day.
herodotus the hedgehog by jean-luc barcot charming illustrated book about a hedgehog who is curious about what animals believe.
i need a hug by aaron blabey, a funny and heartwarming story about a porcupine that no one wants to hug.
imagine by juan felipe herrera the life story of the 51st u.s. poet laureate, inviting children to imagine who they can become.
joy by corrine averiss a heartwarming story about giving a loved one a blast of joy.
just breathe by mallika chopra a children’s guide to a healthier and happier life through meditation and mindfulness practice.
lulu is a rhino from jason flom and allison flom a charming story about a bulldog who can’t seem to convince others of his true identity.
knowing trees by scott russell sanders an introduction, through a father and son walk, to some of the most common species in a climax hardwood forest.
peaceful struggles for equal rights by rob sanders an alphabetical book of big and bold ways to make positive change in the world.
a stone for sascha by aaron becker a centuries-long biography of a meteorite that brings a cosmic perspective to a girl’s pain.
when god gave us words by sandy eisenberg sasso an imaginative tale about god’s desire to give people language even when the angels opposed it.
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