If you’re a book lover looking for stories that will make you think and feel, these five novels are must-read. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer takes you on a journey of self-discovery, while Life of Pi by Yann Martel explores deep emotional connections. The Little Prince reminds you of the power of imagination, and Paper Towns by John Green is a beautiful story of love and self-discovery. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson explores friendship and loss. Each book offers unforgettable lessons and insights. Ready to start reading? read on for a real feel into the
Into the Wild by Jon Krakaue
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer is a non-fiction book that tells the story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who, after graduating from college, abandons his comfortable life and sets out on a journey across the United States. He adopts the name “Alexander Supertramp” and eventually travels into the Alaskan wilderness, where he seeks to live independently and find deeper meaning in life. His journey ends tragically when he dies alone in an abandoned bus in the wilderness. Krakauer explores McCandless’s life and motivations, piecing together his story through interviews, journal entries, and other sources.
The life lesson in Into the Wild centers around the quest for self-discovery and the consequences of pursuing ideals without fully understanding the risks. Christopher McCandless’s search for freedom, truth, and a life unburdened by societal expectations is both inspiring and cautionary. His story raises questions about the balance between idealism and practicality, and the risks of seeking meaning without considering the harsh realities of the world.
The book also delves into themes of isolation, family, and the desire for authenticity. McCandless rejects his family and the comforts of modern society, believing that true freedom can only be found in complete independence from the constraints of civilization. However, his tragic end highlights the dangers of extreme detachment from society and the natural world.
Through McCandless’s journey, Krakauer explores the complexities of human nature, the allure of wilderness, and the idea that idealism, when unchecked, can lead to unintended consequences.
Into the Wild serves as a reminder that while the search for personal truth and freedom is valuable, understanding one’s limits and the support of others are crucial to survival and well-being.
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is a timeless story about a young prince who travels from planet to planet, meeting a variety of peculiar adults who embody different types of human behavior. The narrator, a pilot stranded in the desert, meets the Little Prince and learns from his innocent perspective on life. Through their conversations, the Little Prince shares stories of his travels and the lessons he’s learned, most notably about love, relationships, and the importance of seeing with the heart rather than just the eyes.
The life lesson in The Little Prince is profound: it teaches the importance of retaining childlike wonder and imagination in the adult world, which often becomes focused on materialism and practicality.
The story emphasizes that the most important things in life are invisible to the eye and can only be seen with the heart. This is best shown in the relationship between the Little Prince and his rose, which represents love and personal connection. The prince learns that love requires care and responsibility, and that his rose is unique because of the time and energy he has devoted to her.
The book also critiques how adults often lose sight of the things that truly matter in life—creativity, love, and the essence of human connection—by becoming too focused on trivial concerns. Through the character of the Little Prince, Saint-Exupéry highlights how wisdom often comes from looking at the world through a more innocent and imaginative lens, rather than through the lens of grown-up practicality.
The book was written during a time of reflection in the author’s own life, with themes of war, loss, and longing woven throughout. It reflects Saint-Exupéry’s experiences as a pilot and his philosophical thoughts on human nature, relationships, and the importance of retaining one’s inner child. The story remains a moving meditation on the values of love, wonder, and human connection.
Life of Pi by Yann Marte
Life of Pi by Yann Martel is a novel about Pi Patel, a young Indian boy who survives a shipwreck in the Pacific Ocean. After the disaster, Pi finds himself stranded on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker, a zebra, a hyena, and an orangutan. As the story unfolds, Pi must use his resourcefulness, faith, and survival instincts to stay alive while forming an unusual and complex relationship with the tiger.
The life lesson in Life of Pi revolves around the themes of faith, survival, and storytelling. Pi’s journey is a test of resilience, as he must learn to coexist with Richard Parker, overcome his fears, and rely on his beliefs to maintain hope in the face of extreme adversity. The novel explores how faith—whether through religion, nature, or philosophy—can provide strength and meaning in difficult times. Pi practices Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam, showing how different faiths can coexist and offer comfort in times of crisis.
Another key lesson from the book is the power of storytelling. At the end of the novel, Pi offers two versions of his story—one fantastical, with the tiger, and one more grounded in reality. The reader is left to decide which version is true, emphasizing how stories can shape our understanding of the world and our experiences. This highlights the idea that belief, whether in religion, personal narratives, or the miraculous, can help people cope with the unimaginable.
Ultimately, Life of Pi explores the human capacity for hope, faith, and the need for meaning in life’s most difficult circumstances. Pi’s survival story is not just about physical endurance but also about the spiritual and emotional strength that helps him navigate an extraordinary ordeal.
Paper Towns by John Green
Paper Towns by John Green follows Quentin “Q” Jacobsen, a teenager who embarks on a journey to find his missing neighbor, Margo Roth Spiegelman. After a night of adventure, Margo disappears, leaving behind clues for Q to follow. As he unravels her mystery, Q learns more about Margo’s true nature and, in the process, discovers deeper truths about himself.
The central life lesson in the book is about the difference between idealizing people and truly understanding them. Q’s initial perception of Margo is based on a romanticized image, but as he gets closer to finding her, he learns that people are more complex than the versions we create in our heads. This lesson is key to Q’s growth as a person—he learns to appreciate people for who they really are, rather than the fantasies we sometimes build around them.
For Q, the journey is one of self-discovery, learning that the search for Margo is as much about understanding himself and letting go of his idealized version of others. It’s a story about growth, letting go of illusions, and accepting that life doesn’t always fit the narratives we try to create.
Bridge of Terabithia
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson is a novel about Jess Aarons, a young boy who befriends a new girl named Leslie Burke. Together, they create an imaginary kingdom called Terabithia, hidden in the woods, where they rule as king and queen, escaping from the difficulties of their everyday lives. Their friendship and Terabithia provide Jess with a sense of belonging and confidence. However, tragedy strikes when Leslie dies in an accident while visiting Terabithia alone. Jess is devastated, but he learns to cope with his grief and honor Leslie’s memory by keeping the spirit of Terabithia alive.
The life lesson in Bridge to Terabithia centers around friendship, imagination, and dealing with loss. The novel teaches the importance of imagination as a way to cope with life’s challenges and how true friendship can profoundly shape who we become. Jess and Leslie’s bond shows how deeply meaningful and transformative a close friendship can be, especially in helping one face difficulties.
A central theme in the book is the process of dealing with grief and loss. Leslie’s death forces Jess to confront his pain, but through this experience, he learns to grow emotionally and find strength within himself. The story emphasizes that while loss is inevitable, the love and lessons we gain from others remain with us.
Through the creation of Terabithia, the novel also highlights the power of creativity and the importance of having a safe space—whether real or imaginary—where one can express themselves and feel free. Jess learns to embrace the memories of his time with Leslie and keeps the essence of Terabithia alive, showing that while people may leave our lives, the impact they have on us endures.
Ultimately, Bridge to Terabithia is a poignant reminder about the power of friendship, the beauty of imagination, and the importance of finding ways to heal after experiencing loss.
These Books were recommended by Ingabire Sabrina
