My Favorite Books

Today a reader, Tomorrow a leader

I have been a bookworm all my life and I take a day or two to finish a novel, even if it is 800 pages long! Every year I pick up one genre and decide the read pertaining to it so that I can experience the full essence of all books. This is a very good strategy to becoming a great reader. 

However, even in the plethora of books that I have read there are a few which I still love and would be happy to read it again and again. 

Here is a picture of my bookshelf, I have some novels (which are neatly arranged) and some storybooks. 

Currently, I am reading 1984 by George Orwell. It seems to be very thrilling!!

So here is the list of my all-time favorite books:

• Frankenstein- Mary Shelley 
• The Book Thief- Markus Zusak 
• Anne of Green Gables- L M Montgomery 
• Hunger Games series- Suzanne Collins

Frankenstein

Author- Mary Shelley 

Genre- Gothic Novel, Science Fiction  

Published (year)- 1823 

The latest trend of today is Artificial Intelligence (AI), intelligence demonstrated by machines (artificial beings). When you think about this, I am sure that you picture a metallic being with a robotic voice, helpful with many buttons. But this is not how Mary Shelley imagined it in the 19th century. She pictured a grotesque 'daemon' with translucent yellow skin that showcased all its arteries and muscles working. Instead of it being created by computers, it was made by a Swiss scientist Viktor Frankenstein by using dead body parts! 

A common misconception is that 'Frankenstein' is a horror novel and it is scary to read it. In my opinion, it is not. Frankenstein is a book that holds a lot of deep thoughts like an identity crisis (which the monster faces a lot) and not being able to fit in the society. It is spoken from 3 perceptions- The scientist Viktor Frankenstein, the Monster (who is given no name), and Robert Walton a traveler who meets Frankenstein. Since it is conveyed in a first-person view, you can feel the characters are empty out their feelings. This is one of the things that makes great books great.

Frankenstein brings about a channel of moments ranging from sentimental to ones that make you crumple the pages and sweet ones that ultimately lay in your mind. 

I was flabbergasted at the uniqueness that this book offers which truly is a gem of literature. 

The Book Thief 

Author- Markus Zusak 

Genre- YA, Historical Fiction

Published (year)- 2005 

Anne Frank's Diary talks about the feelings of a young Jewish girl, who lived in hiding during World War II. However, the Book Thief is about how a girl, Liesel Meminger manages to survive during this same time when her family was hiding a Jewish man- Max Vandenburg. 

The story starts off with Death narrating about a young girl and her brother being escorted by their mother into foster care. Sadly, her brother dies, and along his graveside, Liesel finds a buried copy of a book- "The Gravedigger's Handbook" which lightens her love for books. 

She then comes to her Foster family- The Hubbermanns where she makes long-lasting memories that change young Liesel into an independent and strong girl with a flair for reading. 

She immediately bonds with Hans Hubbermann, her sweet foster father who holds her hand and gives her the gift of alphabets. She becomes buddies with Rudy, who accompanies her in every adventure they take to 'steal' books. Liesel is loved by the neighborhood. 

After reading an excerpt from this book in my English Literature Textbook, I was head over heels with this impeccable storyline- hence I decided to read the whole book. 

Advancing each page, I felt more connected to Liesel and could take a peek into her life. Even though terror crept onto every street, she found her ways to vent it out. Growing up in these painful years, she spreads cheer to her family and her friends through her words. 

The book includes deep thoughts and emotions which will keep you engrossed from the beginning to the end. It also includes many references to historical events (which may help you in your history studies)

Overall, I loved this book!! Truly a must-read! 

Anne of Green Gables

I have posted a detailed review of this book as another post since I loved it so so so much!!!

The link is here:- Anne of Green Gables

Hunger Games Series

Author- Suzanne Collins

Genre- Dystopian Fiction, Science Fiction, YA 

Published (year)- 2008 (Book 1)

My friends have been huge Hunger Games fans for a long time, and they kept asking me to read it. But I wasn't interested, thinking it would have too much fantasy. Finally, I picked up the book and starting to read. Lo!!! I loved it!! It is a splendid mixture of all genres, brought into the pages of three fun-filled, exquisite, and heart-thumping novels namely- Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay. There is also a prequel Ballads of Songbirds and Snakes (which I haven't read yet). 

The story revolves around District 12 present in a country called Panem which is ruled by the ruthless Capitol. A 16-year-old girl Katniss Everdeen is the protagonist. 

Every year, a survival game called the Hunger Games is held where two tributes (male and female) are chosen from each district where they are forced to take part in this cutthroat competition. This is telecasted all throughout Panem. 

Kill or be Killed. Only one victor remains who is granted the Lavish Life of riches. 

Katniss's day seems to be calm until her little sister Primrose is chosen to be a tribute. Without a single thought, she immediately volunteers to take her place. But what will be her fate? 

The first book follows Katniss's experience in the Hunger Games- friendships, betrayal, alliances, skill, and bravery. A picturesque image is formed when you read through the pages, each more enthralling than the previous! Many other intriguing characters are introduced like Gale- her best friend, Peeta- the other tribute from District 12, Haymitch- their mentor for the Games, Cinna and his team- Katniss's stylists, and many more, who go through immense development throughout the series; a wonderful characteristic. 

Katniss is a person who is private. She doesn't express her emotions freely but her thoughts, penned down display her independence and valor. Her admiration and daringness is a thing I appreciate a ton! 

The one word I would use to describe the series is- 'Rollercoaster.' Every moment is unpredictable; reading it will keep you on your toes! 

I finished the whole series in a week and I was speechless. Probably the most excellent book I have read till now! 

Start your escapade through the country of Panem with this book! 

May the odds be ever in your favor

Before I conclude, here are some special mentions. 

1. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory- Roald Dahl

I have read this book at least 5 times when I was 8 years and watched the movie more than that. This book ignited my bibliophilia and I still like it. A boy's experience in the WORLD'S BIGGEST CHOCOLATE FACTORY, filled with unique candies,!!!! Sure, it has some bizarre events but all of them are beautifully coupled with illustrations by Quentin Blake- bringing your imagination to life! I recommended it to my little cousin, and she too loves it! 

2. Harry Potter Series- J. K. Rowling

Who doesn't like the stories of the Boy who Lived? I was a humongous Potterhead a few years back (still am) and considered Hermione Granger my twin (😝). This is obviously an outstanding read for beginners and it sparks the joy for novels. A beguile adventure through the wizarding world, the journey will never be forgotten even after reading zillions of books! 

3. Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers who changed the World- Rachel Ignotofsky

My friend gave me this book for my birthday and I consider it my lucky charm :).  It contains marvelous stories of 50 women scientists who didn't let society's walls hit them but crossed over them, created wondrous inventions, and tried decoding the language of the universe. Every story is stupendously illustrated! It is a source of inspiration to me! Short biographies of scientists like Marie Curie, Rosalind Franklin, Jane Goodall, Hypatia, Mary Anning, etc, will amaze you and encourage you to take the path of Science! 

If you ever feel blue or worthless, I suggest you pick up this book and surf through the lives of these mind-blowing women and become motivated to follow in their footsteps! 

Hope you enjoyed this article!