Books Every Book Lover Must Read During This Lockdown!

Dr. Suess in his book I Can Read With My Eyes Shut! cited, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” However, the perfect way to venture into places unknown in these moments of social distancing is READING. That's why here is a perfect list of books for you.

Let's start with a classic

1.  Malgudi Days

All of us know of the cult show that was an absolute favorite of old and young. The classic series that used to air on Doordarshan was an adaptation of the works of famous Indian novelist the R.K. Narayan. Malgudi Days presents Narayan’s imaginary city full of color, revealing the essence of India and of human experience. It is a collection of 30+ short stories composed of powerful, magical portraits of all kinds of people. Most famous amongst them being "An Astrologer's Day" that has ruled the literature curriculum of senior school students for decades.

This book is a short, fun read that will subconsciously engross you in the lives of the people of a small town in South India because as Narayan said, "...the characteristics of Malgudi seem to me universal" that will fill you with innocence, happiness, and yet the gentle irony of Indian life will never more obvious.

You can buy this book here: Flipkart

Next up, I am recommending two powerful works of George Orwell because I believe they both complement each other.  

2. Animal Farm

Animal Farm is a razor-edged fairy tale satire that tells the story of the rebellion of Manor Farm’s livestock vowing to eliminate the terrible injustices committed by their tyrannical owner Mr. Jones. With fierce idealism and rousing slogans, they embark to build a paradise of progress, justice, and equality.  But as time passes, the ideals of the rebellion are corrupted, and then forgotten.  And something new and unexpected emerges…

You can buy this book here: Flipkart

 3. 1984

In 1984 the world as we know has ended. Oceania, an authoritarian superstate stands over the remnants of the free countries. Where there is no escaping the watchful eye of Big Brother. In this world, a seed of rebellion takes root in Winston Smith an employee of the Ministry of Truth when he meets Julia and falls in love. However, he soon discovers that the true price of freedom is betrayal.

You can buy this book here: Flipkart

Both these novels are insightful examples of revolutions and idealism, power and corruption, social injustice, and absolutism. George Orwell creates a dystopia that exposes the destruction of truth, freedom, and individuality. These works are more relevant today than ever before.

4.  21 Lessons for the 21^st Century

21 Lessons for the 21^st Century is an inquisitive and imaginative inquiry into the most important problems of today as we step into the unexplored territories of the future. When technology progresses faster than our knowledge of it, hacking becomes a weapon of war and the world feels more divided than ever before, Harari addresses the difficulty of living life in the face of rapid and disorienting change and asks the crucial questions that we need to ask ourselves in order to survive.

In twenty-one symbolic essays that are both stimulating and insightful, Harari builds on the ideas of work & civilization, nationalism & terrorism, ignorance & education; unraveling political, technological, social, and existential issues and providing advice on how to plan for a very different future from the world in which we now live: how can we maintain freedom of choice when Big Data is watching us? What will become of the future workforce, and how do we ready ourselves for it? How should we deal with the threat of terrorism? Why is liberal democracy in crisis?

In a world where we are bombarded with irrelevant information, this book has the power of clarity. For portraying complex modern-day challenges clearly and conveniently.

You can buy this book here: Amazon

5. Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson is the bestselling biography of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. It’s a riveting tale of a visionary entrepreneur whose passion for excellence and relentless drive revolutionized six industries: personal computers, animated films, music, smartphones, tablet computing, and digital publishing.

Jobs asked for no regulation over what was written until it was published. And, urged individuals he knew to speak frankly. And he talks candidly about the people he worked with and played against, even brutally so. His associates, foes, and colleagues offer an undistorted view of the drive, meticulousness, obsessions, talent, fiendishness, and control compulsion that influenced his business strategy and the creative products that resulted.

His persona and products were interrelated, just as Apple’s hardware and software appeared to be part of an integrated system. His tale is both enlightening and precautionary, packed with lessons on innovation, character, leadership, management, and principles. 

You can buy this book here: Amazon

6. The Kite Runner

"For you, a thousand times over." 

A story of a wealthy boy and the son of his father's servant, The Kite Runner is a roller coaster ride of emotions. Khaled Hosseini has woven an intricately contemporary yet dated story that it will surely make you fall in love with the melancholy of pre and post-war Afghan society. This novel touches a deep nerve in our human consciousness that is unsettling and nostalgic at the same time. It is one of the most heartbreaking and heartwarming stories I have read. Hosseini presents an unforgettable piece on friendship, family, and love, this one will stay with you for weeks.

You can buy this book here: Amazon

As we started with a classic let's end with a classic too. 

7.  Pride And Prejudice

Pride And Prejudice is an 1813 romantic novel of manners by Jane Austen. This book follows the life of Elizabeth Bennet and her 4 sisters. A romantic comedy about the pride and prejudice of two flawed individuals based in 19th century England finding perfection in each other. The novel beautifully depicts British society in the early renaissance period and covers themes of class differences, parental ambitions, and how true love surpasses all.

You can buy this book here: Amazon

Which of these books have you read? Let us know in the comments section below!