Books That Will Make You Ponder Your Own Existence

A stunning new translation of the classic book—and basis for the beloved Oscar-winning film—brings the clarity and beauty of Kazantzakis’s language and story alive. First published in 1946, Zorba the Greek is, on one hand, the story of a Greek working man named Zorba, a passionate lover of life, who accompanies the unnamed narrator to Crete to work in a lignite mine. On the other hand, it explores profound themes such as God and man, The Devil and the Saints, as well as the struggle of men to find their souls and purpose in life.

Zorba’s adventures reveal the joys and pains of existence, his character depicted on the grand scale of literary favorites like Falstaff and Sancho Panza. This new edition, translated directly from Kazantzakis’s Greek original, offers a more faithful rendition and insight into the essence of humanity that the author intended.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author and astronomer Carl Sagan imagines the greatest adventure of all—the discovery of an advanced civilization in the depths of space. Set in December of 1999, this novel chronicles a multinational team's extraordinary journey into the cosmos as they seek to answer the profound question: Who—or what—is out there?

While Sagan previously explained the universe in his classic 'Cosmos,' in 'Contact,' he forecasts its future and humanity’s role in it, forcing readers to ponder our existence in the vastness of space.

Soren Johansson, a faithful Mormon, is thrust into a harrowing afterlife in this haunting existential novella by author and philosopher Steven L. Peck. Upon his death, Soren awakens in a hell defined by a vast library that he must navigate, searching for the book that contains the story of his life. This subversive vision redefines belief as he discovers that what he assumed about existence has been profoundly incorrect. A piercing exploration of the human condition, it invites readers to reflect on their beliefs about the afterlife and reality.

This groundbreaking and Hugo Award-winning novel by Chinese author Cixin Liu raises profound questions against the backdrop of China's Cultural Revolution. When a clandestine military project attempts to signal extraterrestrial life, it catches the attention of a civilization facing its own existential crisis, planning an invasion of Earth. As tensions mount and camps form, the novel explores themes of cooperation, conflict, and the ethical implications of alien contact, prompting readers to reflect on humanity's place in the universe.

NATIONAL BESTSELLER and a modern classic, 'Einstein's Dreams' captures the essence of imagination and human struggle through the creative visions of Albert Einstein as he invents his theory of relativity. Each vignette explores alternate realities of time—circular, static, and fluid—how they impact human lives and relationships, and the inherent fragility of existence. Now translated into thirty languages, this literary gem continues to inspire generations across various artistic disciplines.

In this psychological masterpiece, Albert Camus presents us with an ordinary man's seemingly indifferent life that takes a dramatic turn when he finds himself entangled in a senseless murder on an Algerian beach. The novel delves into themes of absurdism, alienation, and existential meaning as the protagonist grapples with the randomness of existence and the consequences of his actions. It remains a striking exploration of the human condition, making it a pivotal read for those questioning life's inherent meanings.

'Soul Mountain' is the poignant journey of Gao Xingjian, who, having overcome a cancer scare, flees China to traverse enchanting landscapes in search of freedom and truth. This bold and lyrical narrative probes the depths of the human psyche and connection to nature while exploring cultural repression and individuality. With its candid exploration of the self and the cosmos, it encourages readers to reflect on their own existential paths and the nature of being.

When Milan Kundera's 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being' hit the shelves, it was hailed for its masterful blend of narrative depth, philosophical inquiry, and emotional complexity. Set against the backdrop of Prague during the Prague Spring, the intricacies of love, fidelity, and the weight of choices intertwine brilliantly as the lives of two couples unfold. This novel challenges us to consider the nuances of existence, love, and the burdens we carry, defining itself as a modern classic of profound relevance.

In 'Blindsight,' Peter Watts offers a gripping narrative that delves into the boundaries of consciousness and human cognition in the face of the unknown. Following the silence after an alien signal is detected, the story follows an unconventional crew embarking on a mission to encounter an enigmatic entity that views Earth with indifference. Through its provocative blend of hard science fiction and philosophical inquiry, 'Blindsight' poses challenging questions about what it means to be human, consciousness, and existence itself.

In a haunting and poetic blend, Bruno Schulz's 'The Street of Crocodiles' transports readers to the eerie depths of a Polish boyhood captured in vivid memories and dreams. This narrative unfolds within the surreal reality of his father's shop, portraying extraordinary characters and explorations of identity, fear, and family. Schulz's poignant reflections on human experiences amidst the backdrop of historical turmoil elicit deep contemplation on existence and memory, celebrating the fragile compression of life and dreams.