The best books with a mystical theme that entertain and enlighten

This classic children’s story was one of my favorites. E.B. White artfully pulls us into a world where we watch Charlotte, the barn spider, spin a web of magic to save her beloved friend Wilbur, a livestock pig. This is a tale of enduring friendship and loyalty that is both otherworldly and incredible—yet we believe it with all our hearts. As a child, this book captivated me; as an adult, it inspires me. Its mystical gift lies in its ability to transport you into a world where inherent good rules.  

Renowned theologian C.S. Lewis invited children and adults into the world of Narnia with the simple opening, “Once there were four children whose names were Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy.” An ordinary start. But by the end of the first chapter, when we follow Lucy through the magical armoire into Narnia and are introduced to a prancing faun, our journey into a mystical realm is assured. By the time Aslan, the magnificent and wise lion appears, we have accepted Lewis’ extraordinary world as ordinary. I have reread this book more times than I can count from age eight on. It never fails to enchant and leave me in awe of Lewis’ gift to capture young and old readers, alike. 

John Steinbeck’s third novel (written in 1933) explores faith and belief with a heavy dose of mysticism, pagan rites, and fantasy. The story follows Joseph Wayne to California where he establishes a thriving ranch. With a fierce connection to the land, Joseph’s beliefs are at times a raw blend of biblical and pagan. After his father dies and a drought strikes the land, Joseph’s good fortune disappears and his faith is tested. Steinbeck was better known for East of Eden and Grapes of Wrath, but this book is my favorite. It feels at times gritty and uncomfortable, but it is also intensely authentic.

Colombian novelist Gabriel Garcia Márquez plunges his readers into a surreal tale of magical realism where the extraordinary sits alongside the ordinary. The mythical town of Macondo creates a backdrop for seven generations of the Buendia family. This is a challenging read that is dense with Latin American history. But it is well worth it. Take it in small doses, if necessary. I found I had to reread passages to absorb it, but the richness of the characters and setting made it a mystical literary feast. 

Mitch Albom steals our hearts with his main character Eddie, a mechanic who attempts to rescue a child from a malfunctioning carnival ride. When Eddie suddenly finds himself in heaven, he is re-introduced to five people he had known while alive; their purpose is to help him make peace with his life. Albom has a gift for making you feel his characters. Although this is a heartwarming story, it is also a commentary on mortality and the meaning of life. This book hits home. In particular, I appreciate how Albom’s ‘take-aways’ and life lessons are simple yet profound. A box of Kleenex is recommended.