The most recommended karma books

Who picked these books? Meet our 16 experts.

16 authors created a book list connected to karma, and here are their favorite karma books.
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Book cover of Negotiations with God 2

Joe Barrett Author Of Managed Care

From my list on people who don’t take themselves too seriously.

Why am I passionate about this?

I read Lolita as a college freshman and laughed out loud as Nabokov made me love the goofy, intelligent, and clearly sociopathic Humbert Humbert. Nabokov’s fun was palpable; it made me want to write. And knee-jerk criticisms of Lolita drove me crazy – how can people take themselves so seriously as to be offended by fictional characters? To me, an author’s ability to inspire genuine empathy for characters with distorted, irreverent, or socially unacceptable perspectives is both genius and riotously fun (something that people too busy looking for a reason to be offended will unfortunately never appreciate). Hope you enjoy this book list for people who don’t take themselves too seriously!

Joe's book list on people who don’t take themselves too seriously

Joe Barrett Why did Joe love this book?

Sowrider is so unfiltered that it makes you wonder if he’s even aware that social boundaries exist.

NWG2 is a bizzaro, acid trip karmic rebirth journey through history and while the plot is a lot of fun, what really stands out to me is the author’s voice. He’s like the funniest guy in a high school locker room – taking bawdy right to the point of cringe, never afraid to cross a forbidden line, never failing to crack you up.

I just hope he never gets into any kind of psychological treatment, because it might ruin a perfectly insane author. 

By R.W. Sowrider,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Negotiations with God 2 as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Book cover of The Universe in a Single Atom: The Convergence of Science and Spirituality

Larry Gottlieb Author Of Hoodwinked: Uncovering Our Fundamental Superstitions

From my list on to help us understand human being.

Why am I passionate about this?

As long as I can remember, I have wanted to understand how the universe works. I studied physics with a firm belief in scientific materialism, the belief that all things can or will be explained by science, including consciousness. However, after earning an advanced degree I found myself no closer to a satisfying answer to my inquiry into the relationship between consciousness and the physical world. Then, a personal experience of unembodied consciousness convinced me that my answers would have to come from a reexamination of all that I had believed, an internal journey over decades that has borne fruit in unexpected and magical ways.

Larry's book list on to help us understand human being

Larry Gottlieb Why did Larry love this book?

I fell in love with the Dalai Lama while reading this book. While telling his own story, he makes it clear that the most important knowledge a human being can have is not amenable to the usual idea of scientific inquiry, which typically involves analyzing external phenomena. I learned about how inner awareness yields to contemplative investigation in the Buddhist tradition, enabled by the development of refined attention through meditation. As I read this book, I could feel the love that remains when all judgment about ourselves and others is finally released.  

By Dalai Lama XIV,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Universe in a Single Atom as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Gallileo, Copernicus, Newton, Niels Bohr, Einstein. Their insights shook our perception of who we are and where we stand in the world and in their wake have left an uneasy co-existence: science vs. religion, faith vs. empirical enquiry. Which is the keeper of truth? Which is the true path to understanding reality?

After forty years of study with some of the greatest scientific minds as well as a lifetime of meditative, spiritual and philosophical study, the Dalai Lama presents a brilliant analysis of why both disciplines must be pursued in order to arrive at a complete picture of the truth.…


Book cover of The Zen of Therapy: Uncovering a Hidden Kindness in Life

Rande Brown

From my list on karma and reincarnation.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have spent the last 50 years exploring the intersection of Eastern and Western thought and spirituality. Along the way, I experientially learned the details of three of my former lifetimes: as a rabbi in 3rd-century Alexandria, as a tantric yogini and follower of Achi Chokyi Nyima in China, and as the legendary courtesan Lady Mori, who became the disciple and lover of the Zen master Ikkyu in 15th-century Japan. Studying the ways my previous incarnations are interconnected has taught me much about how the principles of karma and reincarnation function in real-time in the actual world, and I treasure the opportunity to share these insights with you.

Rande's book list on karma and reincarnation

Rande Brown Why did Rande love this book?

In his new book, Dr. Epstein reflects on a year’s worth of selected sessions with his patients and observes how, in the incidental details of a given hour, his Buddhist background influences the way he works and reveals how a therapist can help patients cultivate the sense that there is something magical, something wonderful, and something to trust running through our lives.

It gives context for Brown’s work in determining the effects that actual past lives can have on current psychological dilemmas and using the important understanding of reincarnation and karma she learned in Japan to help patients transcend the here and now. 

By Mark Epstein,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Zen of Therapy as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

“A warm, profound and cleareyed memoir. . . this wise and sympathetic book’s lingering effect is as a reminder that a deeper and more companionable way of life lurks behind our self-serious stories."—Oliver Burkeman, New York Times Book Review

A remarkable exploration of the therapeutic relationship, Dr. Mark Epstein reflects on one year’s worth of therapy sessions with his patients to observe how his training in Western psychotherapy and his equally long investigation into Buddhism, in tandem, led to greater awareness—for his patients, and for himself


For years, Dr. Mark Epstein kept his beliefs as a Buddhist separate from his…


Book cover of The Love Thief

Margaret Paul Author Of The Inner Bonding Workbook: Six Steps to Healing Yourself and Connecting with Your Divine Guidance

From Margaret's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Healer Facilitator Creative artist Entrepreneur Empath

Margaret's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Margaret Paul Why did Margaret love this book?

The story in this novel was very compelling to me. Her description of narcissism is superb, and it has already helped some of the clients deal with a narcissist in their life.

I loved hearing about all she went through to heal from narcissistic trauma. I’ve never had a desire to go to India, but after hearing about this very special village, now I want to go there! I love the combination of fictional characters and real people, and that I know one of the real people!

By Arielle Ford,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Love Thief as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

He stole her heart and crushed her dreams . . . then karma intervened.

The Love Thief is a story of love, betrayal, and unexpected transformation with a juicy revenge sub-plot and a surprise ending. (it's inspired by actual events!)


Arielle Ford's fun and breezy style grabs you from the first page, taking you on a roller coaster ride of love lost and found that will surprise and delight any romantic. When creative, food-loving Chef Holly gets swept off her feet by the handsome and sophisticated man of her dreams, she cannot help but be blindsided by the betrayal that…


Book cover of The Education of Oversoul Seven

Traci Harding Author Of The Twelve Chapters of the Infinite Night

From my list on inciting the imagination.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was in my teens when I discovered that if I focused on something hard enough I could manifest it. During my investigations into whether others had experienced this, I discovered the Adyar Bookstore in the Strand Arcade in Sydney, and that I had an insatiable thirst for all texts metaphysical, historical, and quantum theory. Turns out that many of the greatest thinkers in history believed that humans hold sway over many of the events and occurrence of their own lives, including Einstein, Plato, Tesla, Carl Sagan, and more. My books are the product of my exploration into the nature of personal reality, spirituality, and the meaning of life.

Traci's book list on inciting the imagination

Traci Harding Why did Traci love this book?

The Education of Oversoul Seven is the only fiction book on my list. 

Most of my books deal with time travel, reincarnation, and karmic themes, and my understanding of simultaneous time came from this gorgeous little novel.

It also opened my eyes to the fact that we don’t necessarily always reincarnate into a future time.

This story tells of four characters, in four different historic periods, and the oversoul responsible for guiding them all. I have such a character in my new book also, whom I call the Inter-dweller. 

When people ask for other books like mine, this is one I always recommend.

By Jane Roberts,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Education of Oversoul Seven as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The Education of Oversoul Seven. Jane Roberts, channel of the Seth material, wrote the fictional Oversoul Seven series to further illuminate the ideas described in her nonfiction books. The Education of Oversoul Seven is a playful parable of time and space that opens up a whole new vision of life.


Book cover of Catfish Alley

Fiona Forsyth Author Of Blood and Shadows

From Fiona's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Rome nerd Teacher Notebook hoarder Thwarted thespian

Fiona's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Fiona Forsyth Why did Fiona love this book?

This is the perfect thriller. It has a good mystery, of course, and you can’t trust anybody, but for me, the real coup lies in the hero.

The author achieves the most difficult trick of all – a hero you don’t like but whom you nonetheless root for. I think the last time I felt like this was reading Jane Austen’s Emma. A twisty plot and perfect pacing help to make this a really satisfying read.

By T.M. Stretton,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Catfish Alley as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

I once had a girlfriend back in Scotland, Lorna, who was into astrology, karma, healing crystals and all that shite. She always said the universe had a way of knowing when you needed something and providing for you. In my experience, what it generally provides is a kick in the bollocks.

Tommy Chisholm is in trouble.

His dream life in Barcelona is unravelling. He’s broke, his writing career has stalled, and maybe it’s time to pack up and go home.

When he’s recruited by an organised crime gang to help them rob an art gallery, he thinks his financial worries…


Book cover of The Tibetan Book of the Dead: Bardo Thödol: Secrets of Life, Death, and Rebirth

Miriam Van Scott Author Of Bandun Gate

From my list on Heaven, Hell, and the Afterlife.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always been intrigued by concepts of what happens after death, ignited by my religious schooling and fueled by afterlife stories from The Twilight Zone, Night Gallery, Tales from the Crypt, and similar works of fiction. In college I began studying interpretations of Heaven and Hell from literature, art, myth, music, and pop culture, and continued to pursue the topic in my early career. This fascination led to my first books, Encyclopedia of Hell and Encyclopedia of Heaven, and has inspired many of my other works. I continue to do research in the field of comparative afterlife theory, and never miss a chance to interview those with expertise in supernatural matters. 

Miriam's book list on Heaven, Hell, and the Afterlife

Miriam Van Scott Why did Miriam love this book?

For insights into non-western afterlife theory, the Bardo Thodol offers a collection of texts covering aspects of death, reincarnation, and the ‘space’ in between. The work, which dates back to the 8th century, serves as a ‘guidebook’ on preparing the soul for its continuing journey, including advice on meditation, the six states of consciousness, death rituals, and the pursuit of karma. Over the centuries the Bardo Thodol has inspired numerous interpretations as well as literary works. Screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin, who spent time secluded in a Buddhist monastery, describes his film Jacob’s Ladder as a modern take on the ancient text. 

By Tibetan Yoga Academy,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Tibetan Book of the Dead as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Unravel the Secrets of Life, Death, and Rebirth with the Tibetan Book of the Dead!

Have you always been intrigued by rebirth, death, and the afterlife?

Immerse in a whole new dimension and explore life and death from a completely different perspective with this book!

The Tibetan Book of the Dead, also known as Bardo Thödol, is originally a funerary text recited to ease the consciousness of a recently deceased person through death and assist it into a favorable rebirth.

The idea of death, rebirth and the afterlife has been intriguing the human mind almost since the dawn of time.…


Book cover of Srimad Bhagavad Gita

Shweta Mahendra Author Of Many Visions, Many Worlds: Musings on the past and future of human civilization

From my list on connecting past, present and future civilization.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been a dreamer since my childhood and chasing my dream is the goal of my life. Dreams do not have a visible purpose the destiny is hidden behind dreams. While following my dreams, I had started searching for my origin, because I felt connected to some unknown place. I travelled to various ancient sites of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Indus civilizations and explored that these civilizations were very disciplined and advanced. Still, we are not able to unfold so many mysteries. I see the future in the past and present is just a stem in between, this inspired me to write a book.

Shweta's book list on connecting past, present and future civilization

Shweta Mahendra Why did Shweta love this book?

This has original Sanskrit shlokas and is very well explained with the meaning of each word.

Bhagavada Gita is the base of philosophy of life. The relation of body and soul is beautifully presented. Krishna was a great philosopher, and this book teaches us how to live in this world with detachment when the time comes you must look everything as immortal.

The importance of karma without expecting the result is the key to happiness. No expectations, no regrets and sadness. Whatever happens, happens for good, this message makes life easier.

By Gita Press Gorakhpur,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Srimad Bhagavad Gita as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Book cover of Gun, with Occasional Music

Anthony W. Eichenlaub Author Of The Man Who Walked in the Dark

From my list on morally complex sci-fi noir books.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love morally complex sci-fi noir books because they tend to ask the hard questions that I find interesting. What is the point of seeking justice in an unjust world? How can we judge others when we ourselves are corrupt? Often, we think of noir as being dark—and it is—but it’s the pinpricks of light that make the shadows fascinating to me. I try to blend this complexity into my own writing, whether it’s in a tense relationship with religion, rampant corruption, or a struggle to do the right thing when there just aren’t any options left.

Anthony's book list on morally complex sci-fi noir books

Anthony W. Eichenlaub Why did Anthony love this book?

I love this book because it perfectly blends the surreal with noir and science fiction and comes together with its own brand of dark humor. While parts of this book are unsettling and strange, there’s a solid throughline of the investigator seeking the truth in a broken world.

Of all the books here, I think this one has the most damaged society, and the main character, Conrad Metcalf, is a match for it. Drugs that make you forget everything and be complacent. Baby heads. Uplifted animals. The book is never afraid to get stranger, but it also tackles some pretty heavy themes. This is a world where asking questions is taboo, and the moral and ethical implications of that shape the entire world in which Metcalf lives.

By Jonathan Lethem,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Gun, with Occasional Music as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The first novel by Jonathan Lethem (author of the award-winning Motherless Brooklyn) is a science-fiction mystery, a dark and funny post-modern romp serving further evidence that Lethem is the distinctive voice of a new generation. Conrad Metcalf has problems. He has a monkey on his back, a rabbit in his waiting room, and a trigger-happy kangaroo on his tail. (Maybe evolution therapy is not such a good idea). He's been shadowing Celeste, the wife of an Oakland urologist. Maybe falling in love with her a little at the same time. When the doctor turns up dead, Metcalf finds himself caught…


Book cover of Unfinished Business: What the Dead Can Teach Us about Life

Tina Proffitt Author Of Come Back: How Past Lives with Animals Changed the Way I Think about Death

From my list on reincarnation.

Why am I passionate about this?

Tina Proffitt is a former educator in love with writing romance novels, who believes there’s nothing more romantic than reincarnating with those she loves. After her first one-on-one past life reading with Dr. Doris E. Cohen, she was hooked and has never looked back. (Pun intended) She wants to share her passion for living a life free from fear and full of love. She writes reincarnation romance novels in the genres of mystery, science fiction, contemporary, and YA.

Tina's book list on reincarnation

Tina Proffitt Why did Tina love this book?

While James Van Praagh’s book titled Unfinished Business: What the Dead Can Teach Us About Life is not strictly dealing with reincarnation, but rather, what those who have passed over want us to know, it is founded on the same principle—that life and death are not about punishment and reward but compassion and love. Told on a case-by-case basis, the book aims a spotlight on just how important our earthly relationships are. And those souls, who have moved out of their bodies, are determined to have their messages heard, whether to right wrongs, settle debts, or, as in most cases, to ask for simple forgiveness from those they wronged on earth.

By James Van Praagh,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Unfinished Business as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

“He helps a lot of people. He really is a healer. I think he’s basically on this earth right now at this time and place to heal. He is the real thing. I can’t tell you how many times he’s been right with me.” — Shirley MacLaine

“It has such a hopeful message. Even though he’s telling stories of the dead, it’s really about living your life better and inspiring people to not have unfinished business.”
— Jennifer Love Hewitt

James Van Praagh, world-famous medium, co-executive producer of the primetime series Ghost Whisperer, and author of the New York Times…


Book cover of Negotiations with God 2
Book cover of The Universe in a Single Atom: The Convergence of Science and Spirituality
Book cover of The Zen of Therapy: Uncovering a Hidden Kindness in Life

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