5 Interesting, Addictive and Inspiring Books to Indulge on a Weekend
When I started reading, I didn’t know which genre or author I like the most, but more than that which type of literature is my cup of tea. While exploring the libraries racks, I was unsure if I should go for a thick 400-page novel, or a novella, or a thin spine drama which ends with a flick of pages or poetry or a compilation of short stories. So, here I have prepared a list of five books to indulge in a week.
Which books to pick? Do you face the same crisis?
So, here is a cheat sheet to know your type with a short selection of five books of different types of literature and varied genres. Dive into a world of captivating narratives and profound insights with these five interesting, addictive, and inspiring books. Whether you’re seeking adventure, personal growth, or pure entertainment, these literary gems are perfect companions for your leisure time.
Know your liking for a particular type within a week with these few selected gems. You can invest your time and money in these books, as the books have either been bestsellers or critically acclaimed or by the eminent author; they indeed are amazing, mind-blowing- my favorites as well.
1. Tarkash (Quiver) by Javed Akhtar
The author doesn’t require any introduction. Javed Akhtar, the same person who is a poet, lyricist, scriptwriter of iconic movies like Sholay, Deewar, Zanjeer, has filled this “Quiver” with the arrows of sweet and bitter memories, observations of the life described in his distinct poetic style. So let’s look at the edge of one of the arrows of his…
“गिनगिन के सिक्के हाथ मेरा खुरदुरा हुआ
(Tarkash,46)
जाती रही वो लम्स की नमी, बुरा हुआ”
Read also: Time to change the social commandments for gender equality
2. The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo
Realize what is hidden within you, with this book. The Guardian in the review of the book said, “Insightful ideas about one’s own destiny, about rising above failure, about the unity of the universe, are all things Coehlo pens into the comparatively simplistic diction of the text.” Away from chaotic life bit in mystical land, may be colonial hangover or… Explore yourself and give this not-even-200 pages book your own reading…
“There’s no need for iron to be copper, or copper the same as gold. Each performs its own exact function as a unique being.”
(The Alchemist,142)
3. Medea by Euripides
This 5th century B.C. Greek play is a dark revenge. The play has its impact even today and is adapted today as well. You’ll be astonished to see how the plot is developed. The end might leave you disappointed. At least I found it unsatisfactory. But the character development of eponymous character is remarkable. And while reading you will realize why ‘that’ end. He has been claimed as ‘misogynist’ for the portrayal.
Read it, to know the reason, I’ll not be a spoiler.
4. The Shadow Lines by Amitav Ghosh
A Sahitya Akademi award-winning novel. The back and forth movement of the narrative in the time complexes the text for the best- removing the demarcation of past, present and future showing violence prevailed along. The character of Th’amma leaves an irrevocable impression on us, when she doesn’t let any drop of her blood waste in order to contribute to war, a war that divides to draw borders- borders she couldn’t see when flew through airplane, and kept on asking where’s Dhaka…
Read the novel. Maybe you are not interested in history, but still, read it. Look at how we think something to be and what is the reality. A must read.
5. Sa’adat Hasan Manto
Pick any short story of Manto and I can assure you that you will be affected. I have not read all of over two hundred short stories, a novel, five collections of radio plays. Yet I’m confident because I keep going back to him every now and then. It is impossible that any reader is left untouched by him and his remarkable writing style. Even the translated versions are impactful.
Important thing, his writings are drool-worthy once you get a hang of it, but be open-minded while reading, or else you will despise him.
So here’s a suggested list for your journey to be a bibliophile.
By the way, if you like romance then P.S. I Love You by Cecilia Ahern is not to miss. So is Erich Segal’s Love Story. Moreover, if Manto grows on you, and you already like Ghalib, then Dozakhnama by Rabi Shankar Bali awaits you. If Ghalib is there can Rumi be far behind, nor Gulzar Saab should be forgotten if Javed Saab is present with this
The list is endless, the libraries are brimming yet await you to scavenger or to contribute a drop, so go ahead and enjoy reading…
