My Top 5-Stars Rated Books
Book Recommendations
A great book can be defined in many ways, what I look for in a book is how it transports me to another world. Where I find myself consumed by the characters’ realities, journeys and their perspectives. I especially enjoy writers who are intentional about each character’s story without glossing over their flaws just for a happy ending.
The greatest books I’ve read are books that are timeless and lay the story bare in a way that 50 years ago or 50 years from now readers would still resonate with its honesty and vulnerability. These books have taken me on a blissful, emotional, bittersweet and momentous journey that will always stay with me.
This list features some of my all time favourite books. I will be reviewing the amazing work of Aja Monet, Oscar Wilde, Paulo Coelho and Toni Morrison.
“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” — Stephen King
#01 — Beloved
Author: Toni Morrison
“Love is or it ain’t. Thin love ain’t love at all.” — Sethe from Beloved
Toni Morrison’s work is a body of art. Her way of telling stories in the most poetic yet storytelling manner is intriguing. I read this book about 2 years back and I keep thinking about it. This book was published in 1987 and it won several awards. Be prepared to be taken on a journey that captures the experience of slavery and the fears of the past.
#02 — Picture of Dorian Gray
Author: Oscar Wilde
“I have never searched for happiness. Who wants happiness? I have searched for pleasure.” — Dorian from Picture of Dorian Gray
Picture of Dorian Gray is a wonderful piece of work written by the Irish writer Oscar Wilde. This book is a story of tragedy and a mirror to self. The author tells a story of a troubled soul captured in a painting. The young man Dorian is reluctant to accept parts of himself and his actions haunt him till the end. This book introduced me to the work of Oscar Wilde which has left me wanting to read more of his work in 2024. Trust me you won’t be disappointed at all.
#03 — My Mother Was A Freedom Fighter
Author: Aja Monet
…as if a swallowed moon, she glimmers.
Her head wrap rolls out in a gutter, bare feet
scat the earth, the ghosts of women once girls
make bridge of the dust dancing behind her,
she decorates the ground in dimples
she stomps suffering out the spirit
hooves drumming the earth in circles
she holds gladness in her mouth
like a secret teased out of a giggle…— The ghosts of women once girls
This book really deepened my love for poetry. A few years back when I found Aja Monet’s pieces of poetry on YouTube and SoundCloud I knew that I had to find more of her work. Aja Monet is a Grammy nominated surrealist blues poet, writer and lyricist from America, Los Angeles. She captures the intrinsic experiences of struggle,womanhood, love and more in this book. You will be taken on a journey of emotions in the best possible way. If you are looking to explore great poets, I recommend you start here.
#04 — The Bluest Eye
Author: Toni Morrison
“Beauty was not simply something to behold; it was something one could do.” — Narrator from Bluest Eye
Yes, it’s Toni Morrison again. Clearly I can’t get enough of her work. The Bluest Eye is my most recent read and it had to be on my Top 5. Toni Morrison first book to be published in 1970 and it explores the idea of beauty in the black community. Not only that but it also deciphers the experiences of the abused and the abuser. As well as the experiences of black people back in the 1940s.
#05 — The Alchemist
Author: Paulo Coelho
“Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure.” — The Alchemist
The Alchemist is a classic in my books. The Brazilian novelist and lyricist published this novel in 1988. This book really taught me something and I just couldn’t imagine my top 5 without this honourable mention. This is a book about a boy who goes on a journey in search of a “treasure”. The journey of this shepherd boy is where all the lessons are. If you are looking for a story with true meaning and lessons this one’s for you.
You have reached the end of the book recommendations. I hope you enjoyed this read. I will probably revisit sometime soon with a new list of recommendations but in the meantime please leave recommendations of books you have read and enjoyed in the comments.
That’s all from my side, share your thoughts.
Happy reading folks!
