7 Best Books to Read High

Updated on Apr 25, 2022

While the idea of smoking weed and reading might be an unlikely pairing for some, it goes together like two peas in a pod for many others. While its for sure something that might take a little bit of practice to master before youre scouring your bookcase for stuff to look at, this unique combination can be rewarding for those who want more out of their blazing experience and not be the robot that smoked weed all day. 

Now you may be wondering, can you read while high? Every stoner is different, so the answer will vary depending on your tolerance and how experienced you are with pot, but science certainly seems to say yes! Some cannabis connoisseurs have reported that being faded makes it challenging to decipher words on a page, while others find that lighting up elevates their reading abilities. Many people intertwine marijuana with creative expression, with numerous studies and reports claiming it enhances the process of imagination. Reading while high can provide augmented imagery for cannabis enthusiasts, allowing them to visualize better vivid scenarios of what's happening in their book, which helps focus their attention on the text. For those who are into it, its like taking your books to the next level! 

We compiled a comprehensive list of some of the most captivating, mind-opening, and entertaining books to read while youre faded. We include some cult classics, some mainstream favorites, and even some deep-cuts for the more hipster stoners among us. No matter how you slice it, this list of books is perfect for anyone looking to combine smoking weed and reading into a single activity, regardless of whether theyre a seasoned stoner, a newbie looking to take their book club to the next level, or somewhere in between!

Top Books to Read While High

We choose our books based on a few essential factors when assembling this list.

Firstly, they needed to be able to keep and capture your attention. We know how tough it can be to be single-minded and 100 percent focused while high, so we kept that in mind while choosing books. We opted for fewer slow burns and more books with creative worlds to think about and explore and get right to the point right away. After all, we wouldn't want your mind drifting off onto anything besides reading while high, right?

Secondly,  we chose books that vary in genre. We know that not everything is for everyone. For example, some people love sci-fi, and others are into horror. We kept that idea in our heads while choosing these books, so we have various genres to explore here. Simply put, theres a little something for everyone on this list! Now lets dig into seven of the most captivating books to read while high!

Harry Potter series, by J.K. Rowling (fantasy fiction)

We wanted to go with a mainstream modern classic to start our list. Set in England, an orphaned boy named Harry Potter discovers he is a wizard. Following him on his exciting adventures, he and his two best friends attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry while simultaneously battling the evil Lord Voldemort and his wicked followers. This legendary series is easily absorbable and can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of age or background, making them good books for stoners. It is a pleasure to crack open anytime, but even more so while baked because of the way a dank smoke sesh can transport you out of reality straight into a whole other magical world - in this case, Harry Potter's world.

The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho (allegorical fiction)

If youre a fan of old-school-style stories and magical, mythical vibes, then this next entry on the list will be perfect for you! This book is the surreal tale of a young shepherd from Andalusia named Santiago. His recurring dreams about treasures and pyramids lead him to embark on a search for them as he learns crucial life lessons along his journey. This stoner novel is short and straightforward, but it also provides inspiring insight into the extreme importance of following one's dreams and having the ability to invoke some profound thoughts while high.

Crankseries, by Ellen Hopkins (young adult fiction)

This profoundly moving and personal trilogy follows the addiction journey of a girl named Kristina, inspired by the author's own daughter's struggle with her meth demons. Told in brilliantly poetic yet easily digestible verses, these books will be sure to draw in stoned readers and leave them wanting more with the suspense that accumulates with each page turn. Its a captivating and often heartbreaking story of loss, addiction, and battling real-life demons, so its sure to capture your attention regardless of high how you might be.  

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom, by Don Miguel Ruiz (spirituality, self-help)

This next entry on the list is for the stoner whos always in their head thinking. This one is for you for those who are often in their heads. Presenting the spiritual teachings of ancient Toltec shamans in simple language, this short book lays out elaborate themes that have the potential to change the trajectory of your entire life. The four easy-to-understand agreements highlighted within the pages beautifully encapsulate how to get on the right path to become your most authentic self and live the life you truly want to live. While faded, reading this book gives you even further wisdom and insight on implementing better practices, giving you a fresh new perspective. A good high would help you hone in on the little details that your usually busy mind would overlook so you can apply them to your everyday life. Its the right mix of exciting and inspirational, trust us!

The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger (coming-of-age fiction)

While this one will likely be a re-read for many, its worth doing in a different frame of mind! This classic novel was a staple on probably every high school English class' reading list. In a dramatic yet enlightening account, the main character, Holden Caulfield, narrates a wild tale of the events and interactions that followed after his expulsion from his private school. Oozing of teenage angst, this story is an interesting recount from the perspective of a young man gradually coming to terms with growing up, and his grapple against death is hard to put down and leaves stoned readers deep in thought. This stoner book is simple to follow, with Holden telling the story in his own words, basically thinking out loud, so it feels almost as if he is speaking directly to you.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life, by Mark Manson (self-help)

If youre looking to feel inspired and motivated while high, this next entry on the list is for you. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, a worldwide bestseller, goes against conventional self-help advice by encouraging readers to embrace negative thinking, not try, and say "no" more often. The key is to give a f*ck about less and instead focus more on what is essential in your life. If you read this book while high, the mental stimulation will be sure to please your brain and offer wisdom and insight that someone else has to share. We highly recommend pairing this one with a nice sativa to get right into whatever activity youre inspired to do right after absorbing a chapter or two of this book after your next smoke session!

The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down: How to Be Calm in a Busy World, by Haemin Sunim (spirituality, self-help)

"Is it the world that's busy, or is it my mind?" Born in Korea and educated in the United States, the author is a well-respected Buddhist meditation teacher whose teachings emphasize the importance of being forgiving toward ourselves and forging a deeper connection with others. Translated from Korean to English, this mindfulness guide leads readers on a path to inner peace and clarity even amidst the challenging demands of everyday life. As cannabis enthusiasts, we completely understand the need to slow down, so this enlightening yet straightforward read is right up any stoned bookworm's alley. Written in easy-to-consume verses, the book also includes beautiful graphics on the pages.

What are your picks for the best books to read high? Let us know in the comments below!