Books like Hiking with Nietzsche — picked by fans

James Clavell’s Shogun is the granddaddy of epic historical adventure.

From the moment I stepped into feudal Japan, I was captivated by the intricate political maneuvering, ruthless power struggles, and cultural clashes between East and West. Clavell created unforgettable characters whose loyalties shift constantly, making every alliance feel fragile and every conversation dangerous.

I especially loved how strategy often proved more powerful than the sword, with victories won through patience, deception, and psychological warfare. The novel also offers a richly authentic look at samurai honor, religion, trade, and the complexities of navigating an unfamiliar world.

By the final pages, I felt as though I had lived another life. It's an unforgettable adventure that rewards every minute invested.

I've spend over a year of my life in the halls and cabins of Bhavana Society. A meditation monastery in the forest of West Virginia, where its abbot is the most senior and respected Buddhist monk living in the United States.

In "What, Why, How" Bhante G. as he is affectionately called answers the most common questions you would hear if you spent a few months there on retreat. I enjoyed the format and style of this book, more of a Q&A than a thesis. In this way you get a sense of the great masters playful personality. He once said, "If I hadn't been a monk, I would have been a comedian". There is no dryness here, but he still manages to answer the questions with thoroughness.