Whether you hate the idea of reading books or are a bookworm and have a decent library at your place, there are not enough books in this world to read. There are different genres of books that are available to read from non fiction to fiction, such as literary fiction, mystery, horror, science fiction, romance, thriller, and much more. With so many genres of books available at your doorstep, it is hard not to read all of them. However, not everyone is inclined to the idea of reading.
The truth is that books are transportive, life affirming as well as eye opening for a man. As you read, you go through an adventure which only a book can make you visualise. As a bookworm you might already know this, however if you ignore the idea of reading, you must give it a chance.
Now, you might be thinking that even if you want to read, which books should you go for. Fret not! We have a whole list of books prepared for you, just in case you want to go through the imaginative experience of reading.
The Great Gatsby
‘The Great Gatsby’ written by F. Scott Fitzgerald talks about the roaring 1920s and is considered one of the greatest works of American literature. It talks about Jay Gatsby, a wealthy socialite who has only one aim in life, to get back with his one and only love of his life, Daisy. Narrated by Nick Carraway, it has amazing metaphors as well as beautiful writing, which lead it to turn it into a movie as well, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
1984
If you are a fan of science fiction, then reading ‘1984’ by George Orwell will be the right choice for you. The plot has been set in a future dystopian world of perpetual war and constant government surveillance. As a political satirist, the author has presented his nightmarish vision of a totalitarian, bureaucratic world and one poor stiff’s attempt to find individuality. Along with that, he has written a thorough version of hell and the book is known to be one of the most terrifying novels ever written. ‘1984’ was turned into a movie as well starring John Hurt and Suzanna Hamilton.
How to Win Friends and Influence People
Written around 80 years ago by Dale Carnegie, ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’ is a book which hasn’t lost its touch. The author has written about skills in life that make people feel appreciated as well as valued and not manipulative. Apart from that, it discusses how you can win people with your viewpoints and ideas. It is a self-improvement book and certainly a good read for those men who want to become better in life.
Catch-22
Written by Joseph Heller, ‘Catch-22’ is a satirical war novel portraying Italy during World War II and is the story of malingering bombardier John Yossarian. Although a hero, he has this idea that there are multiple people that he has never met and want to kill him as well. Apart from that, the rule of ‘Catch-22’ has been enacted by his own army which means that a man is insane if he willingly continues to fly dangerous combat missions, yet if he makes a request to be removed from duty, he is sane and therefore ineligible to be relieved.
Swiss Family Robinson
‘Swiss Family Robinson’ was written by Johann David Wyss and showcases a family which has been shipwrecked on a tropical island after being hit by a terrible storm. It is a classic story of survival on the island with teamwork, ingenuity, and a bit of luck, as the family overcomes nature’s obstacles together. The book was turned into a movie as well, starring James MacArthur, Dorothy McGuire, Tommy Kirk and Kevin Corcoran. It is a true tale of adventure as well as survival.
The Lord of the Flies
Written by William Golding, ‘The Lord of the Flies’ is a novel about primal instincts and self-governance. Set in an uninhabited island along with a group of ordinary boys, things are fun and enjoyable at first, however, soon devolve quickly when it comes time to actually think about long-term survival. The central concern of the book is between the two competing and conflicting impulses that exist in all human beings. The book has been turned into a movie as well, which starred Chris Furrh, Danuel Pipoly, James Badge Dale and Balthazar Getty.
The Count of Monte Cristo
‘The Count of Monte Cristo’, written by Alexander Dumas, is a tale of betrayal and revenge talking about Edmund Dantes who is brutally betrayed, arrested for treason, and consequently taken to a prison on an island off the French coast, days before his wedding to his love Mercedes. As the story continues, you will learn about his escape from the prison and his transition to enter the society as the count to plot his revenge and reclaim his love for Mercedes. The book was turned into a movie as well, starring Jim Caviezel, Guy Pearce, Henry Cavill and Dagmara Dominczyk.
Pride and Prejudice
Written by Jane Austen, ‘Pride and Prejudice’ is the perfect classic for you if you are a feminist. It is the story of the Bennet family, focusing on their second daughter Elizabeth who is dealing with pressure of getting married. When she meets Mr. Darcy, a handsome upper-class man, sparks fly. However, a relationship is not so simple and no one appears to be who they are from the outside. The book was turned into a movie too, starring Keira Knightely, Matthew Macfadyen, Rosamund Pike and Carey Mulligan.
To Kill a Mockingbird
‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ has been written by Harper Lee and showcases the story of six-year-old Scout and her older brother Jem spending their days riding bikes, spying on neighbours as well as hanging out with their friends. However, things soon escalate when their father defends a Black man who is accused of raping a White girl. The children are able to see the secrets of the adult world through this. The book was turned into a movie as well, starring Gregory Peck, Mary Badham, Phillip Alford and Brock Peters.
Invisible Man
‘Invisible Man’ has been written by Ralph Ellison and is a story about an unnamed Black man who was raised in the South of New York City but moves to the North to join his community. His brotherhood supposedly fights for justice and equality, however, he soon realises its political motivations. As a Black man he then attempts to find out who he is in a White America. It is a book about acceptance, identity, race as well as being comfortable with who you are.
This Boy’s Life
‘This Boy’s Life’ has been written by Tobias Wolff and is a memoir, explaining his parents divorce where his father lost his custody and he had to live with his mother and they were constantly travelling. Although the two develop a bond, he has to create his own identity and self-respect while growing up, however, soon a stepfather enters the picture. This is his story of his path of self-invention. The book was turned into a movie as well, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Ellen Barkin and Tobey Maguire.
Conclusion
Whether you are an avid reader or want to give reading just a chance, the above given books are worth it. These are some of the greatest works of World literature and reading even one of them will certainly open your mind and help you observe the world around you.
It is possible that the size of some of these books might scare you even before you open the first page of the book. However, when you start reading these classics, you will realise what you had been missing all this while. These are some of the best works by their authors and will definitely astound you with their beautiful writing.
Apart from that, reading itself will help you in learning new things in the world as well as the past with such historical writings. You will be able to understand where such writing came from in the first place. Reading these books will take you for a ride as you visualise while reading and you will not let the book down until you have finished it.
Whether you choose to read one of these books or all of them, they will certainly blow your mind away as you turn the page one by one. Although these are some of the greatest classics, they include some of the most modern writing and plots that you had never imagined.
Make sure that you don’t give up in between even if you feel bored or too tired as books always have a way of charming you with their end. You never know what happens as you turn the next page. Happy reading!