“People say that life is the thing, but I prefer to read”. — logan pearsall smith
If a bookworm were asked to sum up his love of reading, this quote would do the trick. A book lover knows that few things can provide as much joy and comfort as reading a good book. however, all bibliophiles feel that they are missing out on a great masterpiece. as frank zappa said: so many books, so little time”. how are you, as a bibliophile, supposed to know which books to read in the limited time allotted to us? we will help you!
You are reading: 10 books to read before you die
1. pride and prejudice
‘pride and prejudice’ by jane austen is a novel that draws you in again and again with its eternal contemporaneity. This book is a satire on rigid and superficial class structures and an exposition on the marriage market of Georgian England. however, if she reads this, she may be surprised to realize that society probably hasn’t changed much in modern times.
2. never let me go
This science fiction novel by Nobel Prize winner Kazuo Ishiguro deals with the complexities of love, friendship, freedom, youth, loss, and acceptance. the main characters of ‘never let me go’ are flawed, just like average humans, even though they are “clones” in a dystopian world. this book is an emotional read that teaches valuable life lessons and one of the best books to read before you die.
read: top 20 honeymoon destinations in india
3. beloved
It is important to read “beloved” by toni morrison for many reasons. one of them is the fact that it was written by a woman of color, who won a pulitzer for this very book. This much-loved classic is a critique of the slave trade in America. The painful spirit of “beloved” that haunts the main character is a symbol of America’s tainted past.
4. things fall apart
See Also: Christopher Paolini Talks His New Book and That Eragon Movie in Reddit AMA | Tor.com
chinua achebe’s “everything falls apart” is an illuminating look at african culture and literature. the novel deals with the changing dynamics of power in a colonized Africa. The protagonist, Okonkwo, finds it difficult to accept the laws and regulations imposed on his community. Recommended by bibliophiles around the world, “Everything Falls Apart” is among the best books to read before you die because it strengthens your perspective on what civilization and community mean.
5. frankenstein
mary shelly’s ‘frankenstein’ is an incredibly important contribution to the literary world. it can easily qualify as the first science fiction book ever written. The plot revolves around an obsessed scientist, Frankenstein, and the monster he creates. Having read this great work of fiction, many questions about the ethos and pathos of life will invade your mind. the most important question will be: who is the real monster of frankenstein?
read: 15 best places to visit in bangalore for a day trip
6. the god of small things
If there was only one book to read before you die, you should definitely consider “The God of Small Things” by Arundhati Roy. Roy’s first work of fiction and his debut novel both earned him the Booker Award. Readers have described it as a hauntingly beautiful story about caste taboos and what it means to break them in rigid and orthodox societies.
7. kill a mocking bird
A timeless American classic, Harper Lee’s ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ is extraordinary and highly educational in the way it is written. depicts the oppressive power structure in America through the eyes of its innocent young protagonist, the explorer. This is one of the books you must read before you die. Although it was written in the 20th century, American society will seem eerily similar to you even today.
8. the great gatsby
The backdrop to this great American novel by f. Scott Fitzgerald is the roaring 1920s. This was the time when American society was mired in decadence and indulgence. When he reads this book, he will learn all about the fragility of the American dream and how far people will go to achieve it.
9. The Handmaid’s Tale
Margaret Atwood’s ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ can best be described as terrifying. The novel’s unsettling but plausible dystopian society is a sharp critique of the patriarchal status quo and the endangered women’s rights in America. Arguably one of the most important novels to read before you die, this shocking book raises several political concerns for today’s world.
10. all about love
See Also: The 8 Books Every Recruiter Should Read
another book you should read before you die is “all about love” by bell hooks. is an amazing book that teaches us all about “love”, the most important quality that a human being possesses. the novel affirms the fact that love is more of a noun than a verb. it also describes how our society has appropriated and distorted the meaning of ‘love’. Read this book to learn how you can fall in love, stay in love, and cultivate love.
Now that you know which books to read, you can begin your journey. As you go down the list, you’ll find that your life is enriched in many different ways.
Also read: Top 7 places to visit in India in December 2018
Also read: Top 10 Law Schools in India
also read:best arts colleges in india
also read: best mutual funds for sip: the best sip plans for a period of 5 years
See Also: General reading list | Epilepsy Society