Best books … chosen by Paulo Coelho
The Brazilian author of The Alchemist lists his favorites.
Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller (Grove/Atlantic, $13). Miller is the writer who gave me the initial stimulus to write. When I read Miller, I said to myself, “Okay, this is literature.” He was a rebellious writer whose books were censored for years, and that in itself was meaningful for me.
Ficciones by Jorge Luis Borges (Grove/Atlantic, $13). I read one of Borges’ short stories in a science-fiction magazine when I was 20, and I immediately fell in love with his style and his universe. Later on, I discovered that the short story, “The Babel Library,” was part of this collection of short stories. Borges is the only South American writer all of whose books I have read and reread.
Or I’ll Dress You in Mourning by Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins (out of print). This novel narrates the trajectory of one of last century’s most famous bullfighters, El Cordobés. The interesting point in the narrative of the book is the interpolation of the great bullfight in Madrid—where he will receive what is called the “alternativa” (that is, become a fully fledged bullfighter)—with the story of his life and of the bullfighting culture.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon by Jorge Amado (Vintage, $15). Amado is the best Brazilian writer. He portrayed the Brazilian spirit to the world.
The Stranger by Albert Camus (Vintage, $11). The very first pages of this violent book mesmerized me. I read it in my 30s and was fascinated by Camus’ simple and direct language. Given the increasing xenophobic tendencies in the world nowadays, the book is very topical.
1984 by George Orwell (Penguin, $10). I recently reread this book and was impressed by its visionary quality. Orwell’s thinking is implacable, unraveling our desires for freedom as well as our craving for power. This capacity to dive into the very essence of man makes 1984 timeless.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - April 3, 2025
Cartoons Thursday's cartoons - a bull market, the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Discover the wild beauty of Iceland's untamed landscapes
The Week Recommends From ice climbing and backcountry skiing to dining inside a lava cliff, there is plenty to do
By William Leigh Published
-
Trump tariffs: five scenarios for the world's economy
The Explainer A US recession? A trade war with China? How 'Liberation Day' could realign the globe
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Max Allan Collins’ 6 favorite books that feature private detectives
Feature The mystery writer recommends works by Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler, and more
By The Week US Published
-
John McWhorter’s 6 favorite books that are rooted in history
Feature The Columbia University professor recommends works by Lyla Sage, Sally Thorne, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Abdulrazak Gurnah's 6 favorite books about war and colonialism
Feature The Nobel Prize winner recommends works by Michael Ondaatje, Toni Morrison, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Elliot Ackerman’s 6 favorite books on war and duty
Feature The Marine veteran recommends works by Robert A. Heinlein, John le Carré, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Xochitl Gonzalez’s 6 favorite books that shaped her storytelling
Feature The best-selling author recommends works by Stephen King, Julian Barnes, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Jason Isaacs's 6 favorite books that changed his perception on life
Feature The British actor recommends works by George Orwell, C.S. Lewis, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Tessa Bailey's 6 favorite books for hopeless romantics
Feature The best-selling author recommends works by Lyla Sage, Sally Thorne, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Pagan Kennedy's 6 favorite books that inspire resistance
Feature The author recommends works by Patrick Radden Keefe, Margaret Atwood, and more
By The Week US Published