Book cover of The Great Work of Your Life: A Guide for the Journey to Your True Calling

Book description

Discover the deep purpose hidden at the very core of your being

To know your true calling-your dharma, as the yogis say-is perhaps the greatest desire within each of us. And yet, few can say we know our purpose with absolute certainty. Fortunately, there is a time-tested guide-an ancient map-for…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked The Great Work of Your Life as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I had been wanting to begin exploring historically and spiritually important texts, and I was drawn to this example-driven, practitioner-led exploration of the Bhagavad Gita by Stephen Cope. It highlights the key themes of the Gita and then uses examples from the life stories of real people — both famous and not famous — to expand on the core messages.

Stephen Cope is a careful, considerate, and nuanced writer who brings a text to life in a way that other authors could have produced yet another popular spirituality book.

His deep knowledge of the reference text, plus sibling texts from…

If I only had one book I could bring on a deserted island, The Great Work of Your Life, would be that book. It focuses on what is known in the Hindu tradition as one’s “dharma” or our soul’s unique duty or mission we are called to endeavor. Using The Bhagavad Gita—an epic Hindu folktale as an analogy, TGWOYL follows the lives of culturally known (Beethoven, Gandhi, Harriet Tubman, Susan B Anthony) and everyday characters from the author’s life, as an exploration of what it means (and requires) to live one’s dharma in the world. We all know…

If you love The Great Work of Your Life...

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Want books like The Great Work of Your Life?

Our community of 13,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Great Work of Your Life.

Browse books like The Great Work of Your Life

Book cover of The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles
Book cover of Meeting the Shadow: The Hidden Power of the Dark Side of Human Nature
Book cover of The Fruitful Darkness: A Journey Through Buddhist Practice and Tribal Wisdom

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,395

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like The Great Work of Your Life, you might also like...

Book cover of Ramón Ramirez's Dog: Reflections on Then and Now

Ramón Ramirez's Dog by David J. Dunford,

Ramon Ramirez’s Dog is a collection of essays written over the years about the adventures and misadventures, mostly outside but occasionally inside the diplomatic career of a U.S. ambassador. Common threads weaving the stories together are a desire for a life well-lived, balancing career with family and friends, keeping physically…

Book cover of I, Robot Alien

I, Robot Alien by Joel R. Dennstedt,

“Intelligent, unique, and tremendously entertaining.” - Readers' Favorite 2025

BOOKLIFE EDITOR’S PICK!

EARTH… CENTURIES AFTER THE FALL!

I was created by beings who couldn’t touch this world... only watch it crumble. Every twenty years, a new tribe... a new hope... a new failure.

I was told, “Do not interfere.” But…

5 book lists we think you will like!