With the ever-growing catalogue of books, one has access to in this age of internet; it becomes particularly strenuous to decide what one should read next. To help you through the process, here are a pick of five novels spanning various genres and time frames that are guaranteed to make your weekends at home seem less boring.
- Artemis Fowl (part of a series)
The story follows the exploits of a twelve-year-old Irish criminal mastermind in his venture to literally steal gold from under the rainbow. This Young Adult fiction is a fast-paced thriller which provides a witty/satirical take on human greed and conflict. Artemis Fowl, our beloved protagonist, is the heir to a waning fortune and decides to remedy the situation by extorting gold from Fairies. In doing so he almost brings about a war that would shake the very foundations of both the human and fairy world. The author paints a vivid image of the world within the confines of its pages and promises a gripping narrative to all readers.
- To Kill a Mocking Bird
To Kill a Mocking Bird is a classic that deals with racism, prejudice and human malice as experienced by the primary protagonist, Scout, a naïve six-year-old who is forced to grow in a prejudiced society. The story revolves around the injustice a black man faces for crimes he did not commit and the harsh treatment the defendant’s lawyer, and his family, deals with. This classic narrative is a must read for people of all ages.
- The Immortals of Meluha (part of the Shiva Trilogy)
If you have ever wondered what an Indian version of Percy Jackson would read like, look no further. The Immortals of Meluha is the first book in a three-part series, which follows the life of Lord Shiva. Unlike in the original mythos, the author based the story on a humanized Lord Shiva and how he rose to prominence and became a God like being through his righteous actions. This epic of Gods and humans and humans who became Gods is a fresh take on the classical narrative and is bound to fascinate people of all ages.
- Nineteen Eighty-Four
A master of politically imbued narratives, George Orwell offered a glimpse into what a totalitarian world where freedom of thought and expression are illegal would seem like. Set in the year 1984, the narrative is set in a dystopian society where the word of The Party is law and anyone speaking, or even thinking of betraying The Party are executed. A compelling and thought provoking read which is widely hailed as a masterpiece even today, Nineteen Eighty-Four is bound to give readers a new perspective on politics and its place in society.
- The Hitchhiker’s Guide to The Galaxy
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy begins with the destruction of all human life, along with the planet earth by an alien species for the purpose of building a “hyperspace by-pass”. The only remaining human in the entire universe is our protagonist Arthur Dent, who was saved by a passing by alien writer. What makes this otherwise normal science fiction so appealing is the comedic nature, bordering on absurdity; the narrative places on even the most serious of situations, while at the same time discussing matters in a very rational and logical manner. This book promises to make you laugh, reflect on life, and then laugh some more.
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