Three books you need to read
I’ve read hundreds of books so you don’t have to
As a certified book nerd and English graduate, it’s safe to say I’ve read hundreds of books, poems, plays and just about every type of word on a page.
Recently, I’ve struggled to find an amazing book. Sure, I’ve read good books in the past couple of years, but nothing that gave me that feeling.
You know, the feeling when you pick up a book and are transported into the lives of the characters. Their problems are now your problems, their world is now your world and even when you’ve finished it within a day, it consumes you for several weeks.
But maybe my standards are too high.
Anyway, I’ve rounded up some of my all-time favourite books that still give me that feeling. I also threw in a poem and a short story for good luck.
Here they are:
- “The Book Thief” by Markus Zukas
I always say that this is my favourite book of all time. Narrated by Death, this book follows Liesel Meminger, a young girl living with foster parents, in Nazi Germany during World War II. While adapting to her new home, she is exposed to the horrors of the war and politics. As the political situation in Germany deteriorates, her foster parents conceal a Jewish man named Max Vandenburg. Hans develops a close relationship with Liesel, helping her learn to read and write.
This book is filled with the best characters and emphasises the power of love and literature. It will leave you crying but rushing to watch the movie adaptation for more.
2. “The Great Gatsby” by Scott Fitzgerald
No literary list would be complete without this classic masterpiece. Love it or hate it, it’s one of my all-time favourites. And if you haven’t read it, what are you doing?
Set in the lavish 1920s, “The Great Gatsby” unveils a world of opulence, love, and tragic consequences. Jay Gatsby, an enigmatic figure, captures the reader’s attention through the eyes of narrator Nick Carraway.
Fitzgerald’s exquisite prose and rich character portrayals paint a vivid portrait of an era and the human desires that shape lives. Prepare to be spellbound by this tale of ambition, unrequited love, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
The movie adaptation starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan captures me every time. The scene with the beautiful shirts has claimed the top spot as my all-time favourite scene from any movie. I’m not even sure why, probably something to do with my love for symbolism.
3. “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde
Not everyone’s cup of tea, but you can’t deny it is a classic gothic tale and one that has stood the test of time. I studied this book at university and found it is as relevant now as it was in the 1800s.
It delves into the depths of human nature and the consequences of unchecked desires. Dorian Gray, a young and handsome gentleman, is lured into a life of hedonism, while a portrait ages and bears the burdens of his sins.
Wilde’s lyrical prose and exploration of aestheticism will leave you questioning society.
Today, we can compare it to the modern celebrity culture, social media and our obsession with appearance and brand.
Bonus Recommendations:
“Mrs. Brill” by Katherine Mansfield
A short story that immerses readers in the world of Mrs. Brill, a solitary woman finding solace and purpose in her Sunday routine at the park. Mansfield crafts a tale that reveals the power of human connection and the poignant realities of loneliness.
“When You Are Old” by W.B. Yeats
A poem that resonates with themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. Yeats’ evocative words transport readers into a reflection on ageing and unrequited love. If you know the backstory of Yeats’ unrequited love story, this poem takes on a whole new level of emotion.
So, there you have it — a selection of books and literary works that still give me a warm feeling when thinking of them. Have a read, and may they transport you to worlds where characters become companions, and symbolism takes your thoughts to a deeper level.
Happy reading!
