- Perks Of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
A heart-breaking yet relatable tale of a young teenager who is on a journey to find himself while facing the demons in his past and trying to find his way in the present. It encroaches upon topics such as mental health, bullying, abuse and does not shy away from portraying them in the most raw and honest manner. It makes you notice the ordinary – both people and things.
- Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
Arguably Jane Austen’s best novel, Pride & Prejudice is a classic and timeless love story and also a satirical novel with commentaries on the patriarchy and misogyny of the 1800’s society that still holds water in modern times as well.
- I Am Malala by Malala Yusufzai
An autobiographical novel from a young mind with big dreams, nerves of steel and a family that was determined to give her a good education. This book is a detailed and raw collection of her experiences with the oppression of women in her country and how she fought back.
- The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
As the title suggests, this book holds the secret to life. It goes to show that positive affirmations do more than make us feel happier but change the routes our lives take. Its focus on the law of attraction helps one harness and understand the power of thought and the subconscious mind.
- Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell
This book is powerful enough to shift your world-view and is extremely well-written. The plot revolves around the function of a government as a police state and the events that occur as a result. It is extremely relevant in this day and age where we have the technology to turn the plot into our reality. It makes you happy, sad and uncomfortable – everything a good book must achieve. Most importantly, it makes you question the very nature of things in a way that turns your stomach.
- Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Arguably the most famous work of popular fiction in recent times, Harry Potter tells the tale of a young boy who finds out that he is a wizard and the adventures that follow. A light-hearted yet relevant series that delves into themes such as blood supremacy and a dysfunctional government, this series is truly a classic and has shaped the lives of the youth of this generation.
- The God Of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
An award-winning novel that tells the story about the oppressed and the people with no voices (women, lower castes). There’s betrayal and love and they are both interwoven so intricately it’s scary but you realise that love, the pure kind does not make all the unfairness worth it. It makes it easier.
- A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth
A simple tale that delves into the lives of people during the immediate Post-Independence era in India. Its vivid and complex details, subplots and realistic stories make it an entertaining read. The rich writing style of the book gets you so involved in the lives of the characters and makes you feel like you are a part of that world as well.
- Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie
An honest portrayal of flawed characters and raw circumstances during the post-colonial period, this award-winning novel will surely enrapture you. It addresses heavy topics like identity, revolution through the modus operandi of magical realism and charms you effortlessly.
- The Diary Of A Young Girl by Anne Frank
This book tells the tale of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl who lived in hiding in Holocaust Germany, in her own words. It is a raw, honest to God coming of age story under harsh circumstances dealing with everything from emerging sexuality and curiosity to internal dilemmas about the world outside that is rapidly changing – and not for the better.
