Years ago, when I had just begun dreaming of a life as a digital nomad, I created a reading list of 3 inspiring books that I wanted to revisit before I took the plunge.
These books are all motivational, educational, relatable, and inspiring in their own unique ways.
When I first read these books, I just knew I had to read them again before a major life decision.
And so I did right before I took off on my world tour.
I named this reading list "Takeoff".
1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
The Alchemist is a mystical story about a young shepherd who leaves his hometown to travel the world in search of a worldly treasure. The story emphasizes the importance of the the journey, not the destination. All in all, a very optimistic read with an uplifting message narrated as a folk tale.
2. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
This book is a recollection of the author's “final class” with his dying college professor, whom the author has reconnected with decades later.
The book dives into the bare essence of life and makes you focus on the bigger picture rather than the everyday rut people are usually stuck in.
It has no direct connection with travel, but it helped me re-centre my life towards what truly matters to me.
3. Hippie by Paulo Coelho
Hippie is a story about a young Paulo Coelho wandering the world and meeting other inspiring travellers along the way.
As the title suggests, this story is set in the hippie days when the calls for peace and love were at their peak. By nature, the characters are constantly questioning the norm and challenging social expectations — young free souls going where the wind takes them.
