Reading books can have numerous benefits, including increasing your lifespan, reducing stress, and enhancing your intelligence.Immersing yourself in a captivating book is one of life’s most enduring and enjoyable experiences. Literature has the remarkable ability to transport you to different worlds and evoke emotions in both your heart and mind. Books provide insights into the past, the possibilities for the future, and the complexities of the human soul. Here are some recommended books that you should read in your lifetime.
1. Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen and her writings have been widely represented in popular culture. In 1813, Austen wrote the timeless classic Pride and Prejudice. The novel follows the journey of Elizabeth Bennet as she learns about the consequences of hasty judgments and discovers the true meaning of kindness and virtue. Mr. Bennet, the owner of the Longbourn estate in Hertfordshire, faces a challenge as his property can only be inherited by a male descendant. With no inheritance left by Mr. Bennet or his wife, the family faces the risk of falling into poverty after Mr. Bennet’s passing. The central plot revolves around the daughters’ need to secure successful marriages to support themselves and their family.
2. To Kill A Mockingbird
Harper Lee, an American novelist, wrote the book To Kill a Mockingbird, which was published in 1960 and gained immediate popularity. To Kill a Mockingbird quickly became a classic of contemporary American literature after winning the Pulitzer Prize. The story and characters in the book are largely based on Lee’s own memories of her family, neighbors, and a real incident that occurred in 1936 when she was ten years old in Monroeville, Alabama. Despite addressing serious topics such as rape and racial inequality, the book is praised for its humanity and touches of comedy. Atticus Finch, the narrator’s father, serves as a moral role model for many readers and exemplifies honesty for lawyers.
3. Great Expectations
Great Expectations, the thirteenth but penultimate completed book by Charles Dickens, focuses on the education of Pip, an orphan. Initially serialized in Charles Dickens’ weekly publication All the Year Round from December 1, 1860, to August 18, 1861, the book is set in Kent and London during the early to mid-19th century. Within the pages of Great Expectations, readers can find some of Dickens’ most famous episodes. The novel presents a vibrant cast of characters who have become iconic in contemporary culture, depicting themes of poverty, prison ships, and life-or-death struggles. Great Expectations has garnered widespread acclaim, with numerous translations and adaptations across different mediums, making it a beloved work among readers and literary experts.
4. The Bluest Eye
Toni Morrison’s debut book, The Bluest Eye, hit the shelves in 1970. The story unfolds in Lorain, Ohio, Morrison’s birthplace, and revolves around the life of Pecola, an African-American girl growing up during the Great Depression in 1941. Due to her behavior and dark skin, Pecola is often labeled as “ugly.” Consequently, she grapples with feelings of inferiority, fueling her deep desire for blue eyes, which she associates with “whiteness.”
5. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Lewis Carroll released his English novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, also known as Alice in Wonderland, in 1865. The story follows Alice, a young girl who finds herself in a whimsical world filled with colorful creatures after tumbling down a rabbit hole. This book is considered a prime example of nonsensical literature.
Upon its release, the novel received a warm reception and quickly became one of the most renowned works of Victorian literature. Its plot, characters, organization, and vivid imagery have left a lasting impact on popular culture and literature, particularly within the fantasy genre.
6. Life of Pi
Yann Martel, a Canadian author, penned the book “Life of Pi” in 2001, which falls into the genre of philosophy. The protagonist is Piscine Molitor “Pi” Patel, a young Indian boy hailing from Pondicherry, India. Throughout his early years, Pi delves into spiritual and metaphysical explorations.
A dramatic turn of events lands him stranded on a lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean for a staggering 227 days, accompanied by a Bengal tiger. This survival tale raises profound questions about the nature of reality, perception, and communication.
7. Lord of The Flies
In 1954, the British novelist William Golding, a Nobel Prize winner, released “Lord of the Flies.” The narrative revolves around a group of British youths stranded on a deserted island, attempting to govern themselves without success. Several themes are explored, including the clash between individualism and group dynamics, intellectual versus emotional responses, and questions of morality and immorality.
Upon its release, Golding’s debut book received positive reviews from many critics. Notably, it earned a place on the Modern Library’s list of the 100 best novels.
8. A Bend in The River
In 1979, V. S. Naipaul, a Nobel Prize winner, published his book “A Bend in the River.” Born in Trinidad, Naipaul was an English-language author known for both fiction and nonfiction. Throughout his career spanning over fifty years, he released more than thirty novels.
One of Naipaul’s most renowned works, this novel narrates the story of Salim, a businessman operating in post-colonial mid-20th century Africa. The book received high praise and earned a place on the 1979 Booker Prize shortlist.
In 1998, “A Bend in the River” secured the 83rd spot on the Modern Library’s list of the top 100 English-language novels of the 20th century. However, some critics also criticized the novel for its perceived justification of European colonialism in Africa.
9. The Wind in The Willows
Written by British author Kenneth Grahame, “The Wind in the Willows” is a children’s book that made its debut in 1908. The story follows the adventures of Mole, Ratty, and Badger as they come to the aid of Mr. Toad, who becomes obsessed with motorcars and creates trouble. Additionally, the book includes separate short tales about these characters, apart from the main storyline.
Kenneth Grahame’s inspiration for the book came from the bedtime stories he used to tell his son, Alastair. Over time, “The Wind in the Willows” has seen numerous adaptations in theaters and movies. Despite receiving unfavorable reviews upon its initial release, the book has since earned its place as a masterpiece of British literature.
10. The Secret Life of Bees
Sue Monk Kidd, an American novelist, crafted the fictional book “The Secret Life of Bees.” Set in the American South in 1964, the story serves as a coming-of-age narrative, delving into themes of grief, betrayal, and the complexities of a mixed-racial society.
The book received favorable reviews, which contributed to its popularity. In 2008, the novel was adapted into a movie of the same name, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood.
Written by the renowned author of “The Book of Longings” and “The Invention of Wings,” “The Secret Life of Bees” takes readers on a journey with a young girl as she discovers the healing power of love.
