Some people read books so that they can grade well in a particular exam, and some people read for the sheer joy of reading and eloping in this parallel world of fiction. I fall in the latter part, books have been a very important part of life.
There were times when everything fell apart and nothing seemed to click but books served a way out for me. It was a window to my imagination and also an escape from heartless reality.
Down the years, I’ve read a lot of books from genres like thriller, mystery, classic, self-help philosophy, fiction, crime, and so on. Each genre portrayed me a part of life and how everything, in the end, came back to a single point, philosophy.
Reading books shapes your personality and the perspective you have in life. A book can pass you through a flurry of emotions from laughter to sadness and even a point where the existence of life as we know is questioned. Even if you are someone who doesn’t read a lot of books, I’ll be suggesting you these top ten books that you must read
I assure you after you finish this list, you’ll life will change and your mind’s window will open.
1) Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger
The book portrays two days in the life of our protagonist, Holden Caulfield a sixteen-year-old teenager who has been expelled from prep school.
Amidst the confusion and disillusionment, he goes out in the world in search of the truth. He turns out exhausted and unstable after his adventure.
In this book, JD Salinger throws light on themes like isolation, depression, and the protection of the innocent. There is a theme of death subtly shown throughout the book as our protagonist reminisces about his younger brother’s death.
This is one of the books that will change you in a particular way, the way you look at life and your perspective. It is an emotional ride with beautifully written characters and their gradual development.
2) To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee
It centers on Atticus Finch’s attempt to prove the innocence of Tom Robinson, a black man who was wrongly accused of raping a white woman in the early nineteen-thirties Alabama.
The book is an exploration of the moral nature of human beings in general. The difference between whether people are good or evil.
Whenever you look for the best books of all time, every time you’ll find the classic by Harper Lee, it is a literary sensation that has captivated the minds of a lot of people.
3) Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
This book is based on the journey of an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who has this recurring dream to be a prophet, so asks a gypsy fortune teller about its meaning. The woman interprets that the boy will discover a treasure at the Egyptian pyramids. This is the journey of Santiago on his way to find the treasure or real meaning to life.
It was one of the first books I’ve read of Paulo Coelho and since then I’m glued to the literary world of Coelho.
The book delves on the theme of pursuing one’s dream by following what their heart wants. You’ll share a beautiful journey with the protagonist and when you’ll finish it, you’ll be left with high zest and joy.
4) You can win by Shiv Khera
One of the best self- help books of recent times written by motivational speaker Shiv Khera.
This book motivates people to take their day-to-day things if their regular life and turn them into a positive direction.
It is mainly for those people who pursue a balanced personality and who want to taste success with positivity. It is easy to read the book and loved by people of various ages.
5) Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
This is one of the all-time self-help classics which was originally published in 1937.
It is a must-read for investors and entrepreneurs.
Napoleon Hill explores the psychological power of thought and brain in advancing your career towards personal and monetary satisfaction. It’ll leave a positive impact on you and push you to follow what you’re passionate about and make dreams your reality.
6) Norwegian Wood by Harumi Murakami
This is one of the best books I’ve read in my life. Murakami has weaved magic with words, this is one of the books that will leave you with a palette of emotions. You’ll smile, you’ll be angry sometimes you’ll cry. It’s an emotional rollercoaster ride and the story is beautifully written.
Norwegian wood shares the name of the famous Beatles song by the same name. It is about Toru Watanabe, a young man who is damaged by the suicide of high school friends and how he falls in love with a girl named Naoko and the story unfolds. The books delve into themes of love, sex depression, existentialism.
7) Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
One of the best books ever written by Franz Kafka, this book is built on themes of existentialism, isolation, and responsibilities.
It tells the story of a salesman called Gregor Samsa who wakes up one morning and get transformed into a huge insect and the struggles he faces due to this condition
8) Perks of being a wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
One of the best books I’ve come across in my teenage, it explores the life of a socially awkward teenager Charlie who is like a wallflower, always looking at life from sidelines until his two students become his mentor everything changes.
The two students Sam and Patrick help Charlie discover joys of love, friendship, music, and books. While a teacher sparks Charlie’s dream of becoming a writer. It is a beautiful journey of Charlie and his adventures.
9) 1984 by George Orwell
It was the second book I’ve read of George Orwell after Animal Farm. It is the father of all dystopian novels you’ve ever come across is a book which is a warning to society about topics such as dangers of dictatorship and unquestionable rulers.
In his dystopian world being a rebel is the only way out from the societies pressure. It is a compelling read with a frightening adventure and an earnest look at what harm blind faith can cause and the relevance it shares with modern life.
10) Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
You have probably watched the film starring Emile Hirsch, which is based on the book by the same name by John Krakauer.
This true story revolves around a man who wanted to leave his wealthy family behind and face elements of nature and wildlife.
It takes the readers out of the city and straight into the wild. Our protagonist with no planning and less money ends up deep in Alaska and his adventure. This is a beautifully written book and covers various important aspects of life.