Books I can suggest to everyone to read.

• The Great Gatsby

This Fitzgerald’s masterpiece was first published in 1925. The parties he attended in Long Island inspired him to write it. The story is set on the West Egg in the prosperous Long Island in the summer of 1922. The novel shows the tragedy of Jay Gatsby, who despite having achieved everything, could not win the love of his life. It is actually a very short novel of around 200 pages. Despite it’s short length, it will have you captivated. It is a delight to read especially it’s masterfully crafted ending. It explores the themes of decadence, idealism, resistance to change and social upheaval. It creates a vivid portrait of roaring twenties which has been described as a cautionary tale of American dream.

Best quote: ” So we beat on boats against current, borne back ceaselessly into the past”.

• The Kite Runner

This novel, which was also the debut novel of Khaled Hosseini is considered by many to be one of the best novel of this century and that’s saying something. First published in 2003, it features Amir from Wazir Akbar district of Kabul narrating his  story. Set against the backdrop of tumultuous events which happened In Afghanistan, from the invasion of USSR to the rise of Taliban, does not shy away from showing the tension between ethnic groups of Afghanistan. Though, set in Afghanistan and USA, it’s themes of guilt and redemption makes it universal. Albeit of the fact that the lat part is a bit too much concentrated on redeeming Amir, it is still a devastating and unforgettable experience.

Best qoute: ” For you a thousand times over”.

• The Perks Of Being a Wallflower

This epistolary novel from Stephen Chobosky is about a boy who regularly writes to someone( the name of the someone is not given) under the fake alias of Charlie, about his life when he starts going to high school. Through these letters we learn a great deal about him. The book details his unconventional style of thinking as he navigates from adolescence to adulthood and tries to ask poignant questions spurred by his interactions with his family and friends. This is one of those rare books which will remind you of your teen days or if you are a teenager just like me you will find it easy to relate to.

It has a brilliant cinematic adaptation also, so just make sure you read the book before you watch the motion picture. Trust me, it will make you feel infinite.

Best quote: ” I am both happy and sad and I am still trying to figure out how I can be both at the same time”.

• The Alchemist

First published in 1988, written by Paul Coelho (perhaps his most famous work). It is an allegorical novel. It follows a young shepherd named Santiago, who travels to the great pyramids of Egypt from Spain to achieve his dreams. It has a charmingly simple narrative and a simple but beautiful plot. ”When you want something the whole universe conspires to help you achieve it”, this line from the novel is core to its philosophy. It shows you that journey is more important than the destination. It is a very inspiring book. I hope that it will inspire you just like it inspired me.

Best quote: ” It is the possibility of having a dream coming true that makes life interesting “.

• The Catcher in the Ray

J. D. Salinger’s masterpiece, it is a book I think every teenager should read. The book features Holden Caulfield narrating events that happened to him around one Christmas. The book’s narration is so honest that you can’t help feeling that you are not reading a book but are listening to a close friend. The novel’s protagonist is a teenager who is having problems adjusting to changes brought by adulthood. Despite being cynical, he is a reader’s delight. You can easily relate to him. This novel is a pure classic, so I guess most of you would have already read it. But if you have not read it, then you must read it, it won’t disappoint you.

Best quote: ” People always clap for the wrong thing”.