Reincarnation—the idea of being reborn into a new body or life form—has its fair share of believers and skeptics. It’s a topic that has gone beyond mysticism and religion and into the realm of science.
There’s a lot of research, debate, and ridicule currently going on about this subject. All, however, operate on the same assumption: we know too little to search for a proper answer.
Books about Reincarnation
There are plenty of books about reincarnation, whether fiction or non-fiction, that discuss its merits and flaws. Here are just a few of them.
1. Many Lives, Many Masters: The True Story of a Prominent Psychiatrist, His Young Patient, and the Past Life Therapy That Changed Both Their Lives by Brian Weiss
Weiss, a psychiatrist, is startled when one of his patients begins recalling details from her past lives. Still skeptical, he is further astonished when she begins to narrate private details about his own life.
So began a new journey in his career. Here, he presents his findings gleaned from curing that same patient, along with his exploration of past-life therapy.
2. Children’s Past Lives: How Past Life Memories Affect Your Child by Carol Bowman
Bowman began looking into reincarnation after her son, Chase, accurately described a past life— a story so accurate that it was confirmed by a historian. Still more surprising, Chase’s chronic illness disappeared soon after.
Here, Bowman compiles dozens of similar cases and explains how young children have the miraculous ability to recall their past lives. She also includes practical advice on how to distinguish real memories from fantasies, as well as how you can use this experience for healing.
3. Journey of Souls: Case Studies of Life Between Lives by Michael Newton
Here, Newton, a hypnotherapist, goes into detail about patients who, under deep hypnosis, talk about their past and current lives. Through his patients’ accounts, he explores the possibility of the afterlife and what happens in between our physical deaths.
4. Born Aware: Stories & Insights from Those Spiritually Aware Since Birth by Diane Brandon
Some people are more “aware” of something beyond themselves—the author being one of them. This book chronicles her experiences as well as other spiritually aware people. She also talks about how you can be more spiritually aware, despite not being born so.
5. The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche
Rooted in Tibetan Buddhist wisdom, Rinpoche provides insights into the aspects of life, death, and the stages in between. He talks about the importance of karma and mindfulness in shaping one’s destiny, as well as offering meditation techniques to prepare for a peaceful transition into the next life.
6. My Name Is Memory by Ann Brashares
For centuries now, Daniel has been in love with the same woman. No matter the obstacle, they always find themselves together—only to be torn apart. And he remembers all of it.
Now it is time for them to converge again. But for this lifetime to succeed, they must first face the scepter that’s been chasing them for all these years.
7. The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North
Harry August is dying—again. Then he’s back to being a child but with all the memories of his past lives.
But now it’s different. He learns of others like him and an imminent threat. The world is ending, drawing closer with each life he lives.
8. Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin
Upon dying, fifteen-year-old Liz finds herself on a ship bound for Elsewhere. There, she will age backward and eventually be sent back to Earth to be reborn.
But Liz can’t get over the fact that she’s dead. Hearing rumors of a way out, she must decide whether she wants her old life back or embrace the possibilities of a new one.
9. Reincarnation Blues by Michael Poore
Milo is a soul who has been reincarnated 9,995 times. He needs just five more to achieve the ultimate state of Nirvana. If he fails, oblivion awaits.
Unlike other souls, he remembers his past lives and has fallen in love with Death—whom he calls Suzie. As he nears his 10,000th life, he must confront the lives he’s led, his mistakes, and what’s beyond enlightenment.
10. The Forgetting Time by Sharon Guskin
Janie, a single mom, struggles to raise her son Noah, who is anything but ordinary. He knows too many things a child shouldn’t know as well as experiencing vivid memories that are not his.
She crosses paths with Dr. Jerome Anderson—a psychologist who threw everything away to pursue his obsession with children who remember their past lives. He could potentially solve Janie’s problems, just as Noah might be the solution to his challenges.
Reincarnation Books
There are many reasons why people believe in reincarnation. Beyond the chance of living again, reincarnation is a chance to live a different life and experience new things.
There is plenty of scientific research and philosophical discourse about reincarnation. It has even taken root in fiction, often being a central plot point for many stories.
It’s a concept that plays well into humanity’s fear and curiosity of death and what’s beyond. Imagine what you could do and be if you’re able to live lifetimes—especially when those lifetimes are in different forms and have different experiences.
What other books about reincarnation do you recommend? Share them in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
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- 10 Books About Immortality and the Dilemma of Living Forever
Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
