1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone written and composed by J.K. Rowling
Genre: Fantasy fiction
The fantasy and fiction fuller journey of Harry Potter begins into the world of magic. He visits Hogwarts and grows into one of the most well-known and leading literary characters in the world.
Why you must read ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone?’
- It’s more than a story about wizards and witches.
- You will get a chance to escape reality and enter the wizarding world.
- There’s more to the women than being dainty, helpless, and in love with a man.
- Not everything is happily ever after.
- You’ll find a character that you feel an instant connection with, unlike any other character you’ve ever read about.
- You’ll be introduced to the best fandom in the world.
- Hogwarts will become your home.
2. The Lord of the Rings presented by J.R.R. Tolkien
Genre: Fantasy adventure
Middle Earth is a wonderful, expansive fantasy world filled with turmoil, heroes, villains/evil and innocence. Although the quest of Frodo Baggins’ seems impossible to complete, this trilogy is a story of a great victory in the most inconceivable circumstances.
Why read ‘The Lord of the Rings?’
- You will learn how even the smallest things can change the world.
- One of the greatest lines in the novel reminds us that “not all who wander are lost.” It is okay to take your time with wherever you are going in life.
- Take a break from the over-industrialized world and simply go outside for a change.
- It shows that even when things appear hopeless, there is still hope to be found.
- There is enough comedy to break up the horrors of war, and everyone needs a little humor in their lives.
3. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Genre: Classic regency
Pride and Prejudice detail the courtship of two opposed characters in a world where manners and gallantry are of the utmost importance. Moreover, it is of the most famous novels of all time!
What will you learn by reading ‘Pride and Prejudice?’
- It is okay not to be good at everything.
- A little humor goes a long way.
- The importance of planning
- If at first, you don’t succeed, try again.
4. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Genre: Historical fiction
The Book Thief was set in Germany during 1939 and this follows Liesel as she rescues books from the tyranny of Nazi rule. Meanwhile, the death looks down on the family as they had a hidden a Jewish fighter in their basement.
What will you experience?
- The bravery that is rarely found in the world, and friendship that is formed in the most unlikely of situations.
- Have the courage to help even if it may cause distress and pain.
- Learn how to appreciate the simplicity of things.
- Never give up to life’s challenges.
- Death comes unexpectedly.
5. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Genre: Tragedy
The Great Gatsby is a purely modern tragedy. Scott charts and expertly investigate Jay Gatsby (the new millionaire on the land). Jay attempts to win back the love of Daisy Buchanan, who is her former girlfriend and now she is engaged to another wealthy, powerful person. Jay, due to his obsessive desire for wealth and social status, neglected to see Daisy’s true nature which ultimately has his downfall.
What will you learn?
- Optimism is a noble if futile trait.
- Money can’t buy you, love or friends.
- Leaving your past behind is not an easy thing, but such an arduous task.
- Unbridled passion isn’t always a good thing.
- Don’t critique others.
6. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Genre: Southern Gothic, Bildungsroman
A classic tale by Harper Lee set in the 1930s which is the original tale on the Deep South’s racial tensions.
There is a main character known as Atticus Finch, a white lawyer who attempts to save the life of Robinson Tom (a black man who has been accused of raping a white woman), though these are false accusations. The narration of Finch’s daughter is effectively used by Harper Lee to bring out the incomprehensibility of the situation which further illuminated the unfairness of the issue.
In this novel humor entwined the delicate strands of prejudice, hatred, hypocrisy, love, and innocence.
Why give a try to this book?
- Do not judge a book by its cover.
- Actions speak louder than words.
- Protect the innocents.
- Courage is not letting the odds stop you.
7. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Genre: Novel and Speculative fiction
Set in a dystopian future, Margaret explores the imagination in which as a result of environmental catastrophes, the majority of females are becoming infertile.
Likewise, fertile women are rounded up and are made to remain silent and are then forced to procreate with men in power.
What will you learn from ‘The Handmaid’s Tale?’
- Freedom is not a guarantee.
- If you stay quiet, you lose your voice.
- Hopelessness breeds boldness.
- In an unfair society, everyone loses.
- Fear trumps all emotions.
8. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
Genre: Tragedy gothic
A reaction to Jane Austen’s romantic fiction. It represents the doomed love affair of Cathy and Heathcliff’s in a precise manner that it will always be remembered.
What will you learn?
- Follow your heart despite what others might think and say.
- If something does not go as you want, it doesn’t necessarily mean that all is lost.
- Don’t get so god damn obsessed over whomever you love and don’t use your love for someone to ruin others’ lives.
9. “The Catcher in the Rye” written and composed by J.D. Salinger
Genre: Realistic fiction and coming-of-age fiction
The author brilliantly captures the disillusionment among adolescents in 1950s America. You will read about the adventures of unconventional hero Holden Caulfield in New York City after escaping from home.
Why read ‘The Catcher in the Rye?’
- You’re not alone in your frustrations.
- Social niceties aren’t always phony.
- Excellent writing can transport you.
- Growing up means channeling your frustrations towards something productive.
- Beauty is rare and worth holding onto.
10. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Genre: Historical fiction
Set in the South during the Civil War. The main character lives in a world called loathsome, the opinions of the readers’ are twisted as this novel dishes out a fated justice when both Scarlett and The South lose their wars.
What lessons you will learn from this historical fiction?
- Cherish your land.
- Always believe in yourself.
- People usually expect something in return.
- Not all men are gentlemen.
- You can’t always get what you want.
11. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
Genre: Dark comedy, satire, science fiction, war novel, metafiction and postmodernism
Vonnegut himself admits that there are a few characters or skirmishes in this book, but the impact of his novel is unassailable!
You will travel through life with our protagonist Billy Pilgrim as he experiences World War II from a rather unique perspective – that is, he’s been abducted from his home planet of Tralfamadore. Affluent and deeply hysterical, this tale aims to deter us from war and murder that the ascendant entities force the public into.
What does this novel teach you?
- Be mindful, what matters is ‘now,’ think about the good things.
- We can’t control everything that happens around us.
- Control your response to what happens.