10 books you can’t miss out on!

I’m sure you all must have seen GOT! For those who can’t guess, it is The Game of Thrones, which at one point became the most talked about web series on earth.

Remember its Season 1? Fan favourites Tyrion Lannister and Jon Snow came together on their journey to Castle Black. The under-confident ‘bastard’ asked the ‘imp’ on why he reads so much. To which the witty half-man replied, “A mind needs books, like a sword needs a wet stone!”

The wise indeed know that a sharp mind and an open heart are one’s greatest assets. And fortunately, both can only be earned through effort. As one begins to read, one not only polishes one’s intellect, but also travels through various worlds while experiencing the journey of self-transformation.

India’s capital recently saw the World Book Fair return after a long gap of two years. Book lovers assembled at Pragati Maidan and searched for their favourite books and authors through hundreds of shelves and stalls.  

To further the life-changing habit of reading, here’s a list of 10 books (for people across all age groups) you just cannot miss reading:

English

1. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

One learns about many important life lessons through what seems like a simple children’s book. Twain highlights essential moral dilemmas through a child’s perspective and questions the world we live in. 

2. Three Thousand Stitches by Sudha Murty

With an English that is easy to understand, this collection of short stories brims with simple anecdotes of life filled with simplicity and honesty. It reminds all that a common man after all is more enriched for s/he plays a greater role in contributing to a happy world, through small deeds and words of kindness.

3. Palace of illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakurni

This one is for all the history and mythology lovers. Perhaps, the only novel that explains the great text Mahabharata through a women’s lens. Divakurni’s exploration of Draupadi’s character will not only touch your heart, but also help you understand the ancient Indian epic at a deeper level.

4. Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Outsold only by the Bible and Shakespeare, Madam Christie’s novels are till date a huge hit across age groups. No matter the movie adaptations, one simply can’t resist the thrill of travelling to distant worlds and minds through a 250-page thriller that enrapts us for days until the book is finished.

5. Ikigai- The Japenese Secret To A Long And Happy Life

The most popular book of late, this self-help book will help you rewire your personality through small essential changes in your thought process. A must read book that transforms your vision towards life, success, health and happiness. 

Hindi

1. Kabuliwallah by Rabindranath Tagore

A short story that transcends borders! Gurudev’s idea that human kindness and love are the only true language understood by all finds no better example than the bond between little girl Mini and the dry fruit seller Kabuliwallah.

2. Gunahon ka devta by Dharamvir Bharti

Dubbed by many as the greatest book in Hindi literature, this novel truly lives up to the claim. The only Hindi novel to be translated into 79 languages, this book is a process of metamorphoses for its readers. Set in the colonial British Raj, it traces the lives of five characters and their trials through changing tides.

3. Kafan by Premchand

Every literature enthusiast must read this masterpiece from Premchand. Depicting the very ground realities of a developing nation, this piece will open the horizon of your mind and as you make a more realistic sense of the world around you. 

4. Raat Pashmine Ki by Gulzar

We couldn’t have done justice to a list of books without including poetry! Gulzaar sahab being the master of the written word captivates the reader’s heart through magical poetic sentiments that make this book a rare gem to find.

5. Akbar-Birbal ki Prasidhha Kahaniya

Not just kids but anyone can profit by reading about the wit of Birbal as he solves complex problems and riddles in the high tension royal durbar. Truly said, ‘creativity outwits all!’