“Sleep is good, he said, and books are better.” George R.R. Martin couldn’t have said it better. Books are among the few things that we would consider sacrificing our beloved sleep for. This is a socially acceptable addiction. Now, this isn’t a “Top 10 books you should read before you die” thing. We just wanted to share our favourite books with you. Books that bought us happiness, comfort, the ones that made us sob, the ones that made us think, and the ones we are currently obsessed with.
This one is an intense read. The concepts are far ahead of the time and the technological and political advancements the author talks about have come true over decades, like a prophecy. It is a scathing attack on various forms of government and their tendency to turn totalitarian and authoritarian. It is an attack on the people who blindly follow the leaders, believe everything the party says even if it is contradictory and carry within them, toxic nationalism.
The novel is set in a post WW-II dystopian society, where even thinking is crime; where emotions are being phased out and sex for pleasure is a political act of defiance. It is fascinating how the novel resonates with contemporary governments and political parties across the world. The way I see it, it is a warning to the future generations to understand the value of, and stand up for their rights; if not- that is the world we’ll end up in.
If you are a history buff like me and love to read about some unforgettable forgotten events that played a key role in shaping the world politics ‘One Day in September’ is the perfect book for you. This book by Simon Reeve covers one of the most tragic terror attacks in the 1972 Olympics and ‘wrath of God’ the operation by the Israelites to take revenge for the massacre of the 17 member Israeli contingent. Reeve with his impeccable writing style has done justice to the book by successfully captivating the readers till the last page. This breathtaking anecdote really shakes the core of the reader and in-turn leaves some food for thought to introspect on how one sees life as anything can happen in the blink of an eye
The first volume of the Ibis trilogy, Sea of Poppies gloats a diverse mixture of characters to love and hate. This epic saga is utterly involving and piles on anticipation until the very last page. This book started off cynical but was entirely won over by the end.
Wrenching post-colonial yarn Ghosh spins a fine story with an irresistible flow, breathing cheerful life and an absorbing vision. It was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2008.
My fascination with crime novels, whether fiction or not, began with this masterpiece by Mary Higgins Clark, a well known author in the field.
‘Where are you now?’ is a tale of loss, intrigue and peril, fueled by the fire of hope that one day, things will be set right.
On Mother’s Day and birthdays every year, Charles MacKenzie Jr (Mac) calls to wish his mother. But he disappeared 10 years ago. He refuses to answer questions, but the conversation serves as an annual bout of excitement for his family.When his sister finally reinvigorates the investigation, she might have placed herself in the path of danger.
To me, this book represents the commencement of my absorption with stories of crime, horror and mystery.
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown- Have you at any point read a book which lands you in a position where you are threatened by the rich language and simultaneously can’t quit guessing the thoughts boggling things and realities that has been unveiled by the writer? A book which makes you question the beginning of Christianity from all points imaginable? Well, this novel is at your service. Perhaps the most broadly read books by Dan Brown, the Da Vinci Code is a thrill ride/secret novel. It begins with an oversimplified premise however ends up being perhaps the most amazing stories at any point been told. Loaded up with rich jargon, which is by all accounts intimidating towards the beginning but my recommendation is pore through everything and finish the damn book! Trust me, it’s great. I would say it is a novel that you can gorge read. Additionally, you may get one more fictional crush added in your list. 🙂
One of my favorite trilogy would be the Divergent series by Veronica Roth.
I absolutely love the series because it’s so creative, real and reveals the true nature of the human race. It’s a perfect blend of sarcasm, fun, emotions and reality. The trilogy keeps you hooked till late hours and leaves you touched and content.
Foreign Soil is a collection of short fiction by Maxine Beneba Clarke. Fair warning: You can’t help but fall in love with her ability to convey spoken language in the written form. It is truly the use of language at its finest.
Through her book, she gives voices to those who deserve and at the same time, she makes you challenge everything from the way you view the world to yourself. Clark makes you uncomfortable, but perhaps that’s the beauty of it.
If you read this, then take your time. Savour each story and the raw turmoil it brings before you go to the next one.
You won’t get straight answers to the questions that arise when reading her book, but she somehow does challenge you to do better.
