Siddhartha

Gr 10 Up–This work has been in continuous publication for over a century because of its universally recognized themes of spirituality, personal growth, and self-exploration. Readers follow the life of Siddhartha and the small cast of characters with whom he interacts. Leaving the upper caste Indian society in which he was raised, Siddartha and his friend Govinda are in pursuit of a deeper understanding of life. The text follows Siddartha in his life-long spiritual journey and through the trials, teachings, and people that lead him to peace and wisdom. Set in India and focused on the religious beliefs and teachings of Buddhism, this is a strong novel for multicultural literature studies and for discussions of students’ own personal growth. Not only is Hesse’s writing style unique, but the themes and issues of this work are needed in high school classrooms; it’s an essential book for any reading list. The experiences of the characters differ from most American students’ lives. It is not necessary for students to have a sophisticated understanding of India, Buddhism, or other religious doctrine; instead, students need only to pay attention to the themes that ring clear. While the novel is relatively short, and Hesse’s language simple and colorful, often with the flavor of legend or myth, some of the key concepts (e.g., individuality, spiritual enlightenment, meaning in life) will appeal to more mature readers.