Book characters chasing their dreams is such an interesting topic. These books can have both interesting plots and inspirational elements. This theme came up from a comment from Lucy on my article on literature used as a self-improvement tool about using books to inspire us to be the person we wanted to be. We read books for pleasure but we also use books to learn about things and to help us along a specific situation in our lives. The recent flowering of bibliotherapy (which is more about identifying the reader’s needs and less to do with simple great book recommendations), coupled with a self-help book fatigue has made this a perfect moment to look at excellent examples of the trend of fictional characters chasing their dreams.
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The number one book that comes to mind when thinking about books with great stories and inspirational characters who follow their dreams is The Great Gatsby![]()
. Plus the love story in this book is perfect. This is the story of a poor man who makes his life’s goal to become wealthy and well-regarded. He uses all the means he has to achieve that single goal and he succeeds in the end.
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Life of Pi![]()
, is a novel of personal strength and fortitude and overcoming terrible circumstances. Not everything in life will go your way, but it is up to you how you will let it affect you.
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I’m currently reading Holy Cow!: An Indian Adventure![]()
by Sarah MacDonald and I love discovering the wonders of living in an exotic country through the eyes of one woman following her love.
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One Hundred Years of Solitude![]()
is my favourite book ever! It’s an old time classic inspirational book. Warren, from Married with Luggage, says in this post, the “magical realism” type of books show us the world is not always as it seems, and the characters who build a life based on this knowledge are always compelling and interesting. Just like in real life. So well put, I couldn’t agree more.
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Siddhartha![]()
is a book about choice . This book really speaks to me. And it was the book that got me thinking 15 years ago, when my school mates were dreaming of becoming rock stars or world-class athletes that maybe life is not all about making loads of cash and following egotistic ambitions, maybe there are alternative paths, non-comformist goals that one can choose to follow.
So, whatever your goal might be some of these books might help along the way.
What do you think? Have you read any of these books? Or have I missed inspiring books on following one’s dreams?
