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Reading came to me like speaking did: easy and without much forethought. It was a need of the hour to pass the time, and then it just became a need, period. Most of the younger generation is constantly being exposed to entertainment, but things were different growing up in the 90s. Being a millennial, I was brought up on a healthy dose of free time and getting bored while being left to my own vivid imagination, a novelty that the GenZ is not accustomed to.
And that’s how I started reading, sneaking into my elder sister’s bookshelves and reading books that I was probably too young to read. That is how I discovered that reading is my magic carpet, my time machine, the key to my own personal Narnia. All the school-going years are punctuated with weekends of sprawling out on a chair, basking in the winter sun, and reading the day away. Harry Potter and Twilight were my “Roman Empire,” and I never stopped reading.
While the world changed around me, many summers came and bled to many autumns. I left my home and city and shifted to many apartments, and everywhere I carried my treasured belongings, a pile of books which were enough to make any place “home” instantly.
While I have visited many fictional worlds, here are some books that changed my life, some for the sheer unbridled fandom they offered, and some that planted a new perspective, and all equally loved!
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
Anne Frank’s “The Diary of a Young Girl” is a moving and compelling memoir of her life as a Jewish girl in hiding from the Nazis during World War II. Presented in diary form, Anne’s narrative offers an unfiltered and sincere portrayal of the difficulties, fears, and aspirations she encountered while being in hiding.
This book offers an intriguing and heartbreaking contrast of living alongside war, the reality of the harsh conditions, while still being a teenage girl and combating the struggles that come with it.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
V.E. Schwab’s book, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, seamlessly weaves historical fiction and fantasy. The narrative follows Addie LaRue, a woman who strikes a Faustian deal to live forever but to live with the curse of being forgotten by all who cross her path.
Delving into themes of identity, solitude, and the universal yearning for connection, the book takes readers on a journey with Addie as she walks across centuries, invisible and forgotten -until she meets someone who remembers her! This one gets me thinking about time and the innate urge to leave a mark and to be seen!
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
“Anne of Green Gables” is a timeless literary classic penned by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery. Published in 1908, the novel centers around Anne Shirley, an imaginative orphan who, due to a mix-up, finds herself in the quiet village of Avonlea instead of the intended farm helper.
Anne’s lively personality and creative spirit bring a revitalizing energy to the community, leaving a lasting impression on its residents. The relentless positivity of Anne and the way she showered light and love into her new-found family is something that never ceases to perk me up, and offers me a change in perspective.
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Fredrik Backman’s “A Man Called Ove ” is an emotional and funny novel that narrates the tale of Ove, an elderly man who lives a solitary life after the death of his wife. As Ove’s life undergoes unforeseen changes, the story gradually exposes the intricacies of his personality and how his life changes when a family moves in next door in the neighborhood.
By delving into themes of friendship, love, and opportunities for redemption, the novel presents a poignant and inspiring depiction of the human spirit. This book offers a fresh perspective on the lives of the elderly people around me.
Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke
“Letters to a Young Poet” comprises ten letters penned by the celebrated Austrian poet Rainer Maria Rilke to an aspiring poet named Franz Xaver Kappus. Written between 1903 and 1908, these letters delve into some profound insights regarding the creative process of writing, solitude, love, and the fundamental nature of life.
A gorgeous harmony of nature, philosophy, poetry, and personal reflections, these letters hold answers to most struggles of life, and find myself flipping through this more often than not!
Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
“Gone with the Wind” is an expansive narrative situated against the tumultuous backdrop of the American Civil War and its aftermath. Centered around Scarlett O’Hara, a strong-willed Southern belle, the story unfolds amid the turbulence of war and reconstruction.
The novel skillfully portrays the intricacies of human connections, the profound influence of historical occurrences, and the resilient spirit of a woman navigating a shifting world. While the book is a controversial pick, something that stayed with me is the unwavering strength of Scarlett and how giving up was an option.
Harry Potter Series by J K Rowling
The first fantasy book I ever picked up, The Harry Potter series stands as a literary phenomenon that has captivated readers of all ages around the globe. Comprising seven magical novels, the series follows the extraordinary journey of a young wizard, Harry Potter, as he navigates the intricate world of magic, friendship, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.
Set against the backdrop of the enchanting Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the series takes the readers on a wild ride of spells, mythical creatures, and enchanted artifacts, while also exploring profound themes such as love, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit. This story stuck with me through my turbulent teenage years, made me laugh out loud, cry into my pillow, and dive into a fandom so heady and infectious, that it became a part of me that will forever be nostalgic for.
As a lover of stories, the anticipation of getting lost in a land far away, just by picking up a book never gets old. While some are just a good time, a suspenseful thriller, or a wholesome love story, there are some books that you carry in your very being, like a literary talisman.
This blog is about those books- the ones that are infused with your own voice, the books that never stop whispering a new teaching every time you flip through their yellowed pages! The books can impact and change lives with just ink and paper.