7 Best Books that will Make You Fall in Love with Reading

Quarantine has taken a toll on all of us. People all over the world are locked up in their homes. It is natural to feel bored, almost all the time. So why not put all of this free time to good use? In today’s digital world, very few people are drawn to books. But there are certain books which will make you fall in love with reading, even if reading is not really your cup of tea. Here are some such book recommendations, in no particular order, which will keep you hooked towards the end.

1. The Kite Runner

Khaled Hosseini’s debut novel, set in Afghanistan, says a heart-wrenching tale of two young boys Amir and Hassan. The story includes tumultuous events such as the Soviet Union intervention in Afghanistan and the exodus of refugees to Pakistan and United States and the subsequent rise of the Taliban regime. The book is truly an emotional roller coaster. If you are ready to shed some tears this quarantine, this book is a perfect read. Hosseini’s exceptional story-telling makes you feel at home. Amir and Hassan leave an indelible mark on all of our hearts.

2. Eleanor and Park

American author Rainbow Rowell’s first young adult novel says a story of two misfit American teenagers, Eleanor and Park who bond over comic books and 80’s music and eventually fall in love. The dual narratives by both the characters is a major highlight of the book. Rainbow manages to capture the attention of her readers, throughout the novel by this style of narration. This novel cannot be shoved away as a regular teenage story. It is a light read which never fails to impress the readers.

3. Interpreter of Maladies: Stories ofBengal, Boston and Beyond

A short story collection by Jhumpa Lahiri which includes the stories of Indians and Indian Americans, told in an engaging way. This collection of nine short stories won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 2000. Based on the difficulties faced by Indians living a life in exile, and their search for identity in a foreign land, each story is perfectly blended with a tinge of humour in the right places.

4. The Perks of being a wallflower

Stephen Chbosky gives us a new friend, Charlie, with his novel. The entire book is in the form of letters that Charlie writes to his imaginary friend. Like every other teenager, he too has his own apprehensions related to life and troubles at school. He pours his heart out to us. The book has also been adapted into a popular motion picture.

5. The Book Thief

International bestseller by Marcus Zusak tells the story of a little girl, Liesel Meminger, and her foster family set against the backdrop of Nazi Germany. Narrated by death itself, this book is not very morbid as you might imagine. There are some really heartwarming moments, in the story. The narrative style is new and compelling.Zusak effortlessly merges fact with fiction. His perspective on war, family and Nazism might in fact surprise you. Not all Germans despised Jews, after all.

6. The God of Small Things

Arundhati Roy’s Man Booker Prize winning novel is a semi-autobiographical tale centered around the unfortunate lives of twins, Estha and Rahel. It is also a tale of unconditional love and the dos and don’ts in love- whom to love and how. Roy’s beautiful language combined with the compelling tale makes reading effortless. Even though the story is based in Kerala, readers of all backgrounds can connect with it. There are certain moments in the story which stays with you long after you put the book down.

7. The Alchemist

If there is a book that everyone has heard of, this would be it. Don’t worry if you haven’t read it yet. It is always better late than never. Paulo Coelho’s masterpiece, though not originally written in English, is not lost in translation. Santiago and his dreams do not appear alien to us. The book inspires us to follow our heart, for the Universe might indeed be conspiring to make it happen, already! As the famous proverb goes, where there is a will, there is a way.

Aarcha PB

About Author: Aarcha PB is a student pursuing an Honours degree in English who has an ear for vintage music. She writes poetry for fun and is passionate about reading. She hopes to pursue a career in Journalism.

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