Six books you must read in your lifetime
Books are known to have been man’s best friend since eternity. The solace, relaxation, and comfort a book can provide can’t be attained by any other means. Plus, books act as gateways to places that exist only in our imaginations. Such books are full of magic, mythical creatures, and fantastical lands. Throughout history, there have been certain books that have impacted humankind greatly and changed the course of their lives forever. If you haven’t read these books yet, there is no time to lose! Here’s a look at 6 books you must read in your lifetime.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
In the book, Lee, through the eyes of Scout and Jem Finch, explores the issues of race and class in the Deep South of the 1930s with compassion and humour. She also creates one of the great heroes of literature in their father - Atticus Finch - whose lone struggle for justice pricks the conscience of a town steeped in prejudice and hypocrisy.
Pic credit: William Heinemann
1984 by George Orwell
It is a dystopian novella by George Orwell published in 1949, which follows the life of Winston Smith, a low ranking member of 'the Party', who is frustrated by the omnipresent eyes of the party, and its ominous ruler Big Brother. Big Brother controls every aspect of people's lives. Orwell had witnessed the danger of absolute political authority in an age of advanced technology in Spain, Germany, and the Soviet Union. The novella still remains one of the most powerful warnings ever issued against the dangers of a totalitarian society.
Pic credit: Rupa
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The book is set in the summer of 1922 and centres on the enigmatic millionaire, Jay Gatsby, who is in love. He has everything he could ever want, except the one thing that always remains out of reach-the beautiful socialite Daisy Buchanan, a former lover, now married to someone else. However, everything changes when Gatsby befriends Nick Carraway, Daisy's cousin and Gatsby's new neighbour, who reunites the two lovers. With this, begins a tale of obsession, madness, and tragedy that unravels Jay Gatsby's life forever.
Pic credit: Penguin
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
The story follows a young prince who visits various planets in space, including Earth, and addresses themes of loneliness, friendship, love, and loss. Despite its style as a children's book, 'The Little Prince' makes observations about life, adults and human nature.
Pic credit: Om Books International
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
The masterpiece of a novel follows the turbulent relationship between Elizabeth Bennet, the daughter of a country gentleman, and Fitzwilliam Darcy, a rich aristocratic landowner. They must overcome the sins of 'pride' and 'prejudice' in order to fall in love and marry. In particular, the novel focuses on the different ways love may grow or disappear, and whether or not society has room for romantic love and marriage to go together.
Pic credit: Penguin US
The Diary Of A Young Girl by Anne Frank
Anne Frank is a Jewish girl who is hiding during World War II. Her diary tells the story of her family who live in Frankfurt, Germany and suddenly have to go into hiding as a result of Hitler and the Nazi Party's treatment of Jews in Europe during the second world war. They escape to Amsterdam where they go into hiding with other Jews. The diary ends suddenly on 1 August 1944.
Pic credit: Penguin Classics
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