In this fast-paced world, most of us do not have the time and luxury to scroll through multitudes of books.
Even after being aware of the advantages of reading, we find ourselves unable to put in the time towards this task.
The reason? We do not know where to start.
Besides being monotonous, finding the perfect book can be a tedious task too.
To top it off, reading just any random book can put you off of reading altogether.
So how does one rifle through the millions of options at their disposal and discover their best friend?
Well, here is a compilation to assist you through this mammoth of a job.
Before You Begin:
If you don't like reading, then you don't have to force yourself to read. You can also listen to books which is a lot more convenient.
If you want to give reading a try, then these are the best book to help you develop a habit of reading.
1. Catch 22 by Joseph Heller
A satirical war novel set in the 1940s.
If you ever find yourself wondering about the insanity of war, this book guarantees a similar line of thought.
The author cleverly mocks the sheer pointlessness of mass destruction through the story of world war 2 Captain John Yossarian.
2. Let’s Talk Money by Monika Halan
Penned by the brilliant Indian personal finance writer Monika Halan, the book offers an insight into the convoluted world of finances.
It is an extremely helpful read for a young, aspiring businessman.
Acclaimed by critics, the book guides people on how to make the money that they have worked so hard for, work for them.
3. Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
The author ventures across several issues like racism, father-son relationships, the discovery of one’s own identity, and other themes that make it a gripping read for anyone.
4. Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki & Sharon Lechter
The acclaimed, number one personal finance book of all time still enjoys massive popularity among readers.
It guides people on handling money and other aspects of finance that are not often addressed.
The book is a masterpiece in financial literature that will be indispensable to its reader.
5. Fight Club by Chuck Palahnuik
Any cinema lover would be familiar with the immensely popular movie of the same name starring Brad Pitt.
This novel inspired the film and thus contains much more depth and detail than the latter.
The narrative is gritty and the characters are complex.
If you enjoyed the movie, the book is definitely worth a shot.
6. Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
Based on the writer’s own attempts to learn French with his self-titled sadistic teacher, the work elicits a laugh out of its readers.
A light-hearted read, the book is a good idea for anyone looking for a novel to help them relax in their free time.
7. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
This classic novel is set in Hitler’s Germany. Narrated from the point of view of death, the novel is certainly not popular without reason.
A good insight into what the book is would be the last line from death- “I am haunted by humans”. Intrigued yet?
8. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
The protagonist, shepherd boy Santiago takes readers on a journey to the Egyptian pyramids in the search of a treasure.
But what he ends up finding is much more valuable. The book has a global devoted fan following of its own.
If nothing else, the incessant praises of readers are convincing enough for new audiences to try out the novel.
9. The Monk Who Sold his Ferrari by Robin Sharma
This simply worded book penned by one of the world’s finest motivational speakers is a self-help book like no other.
It evades the clichés of other works while getting across the point with tremendous clarity. Feeling lost in the journey of life?
Let a man who gave up everything to discover himself be your guide.
10. Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus by John Gray
Do you ever find yourself having trouble communicating with your significant others?
John Gray helps readers understand the differences in the psyche of men and women by explaining things with a simple metaphor.
This book just might be what you need to maintain a successful relationship.
11. Men Explain Things to Me by Rebecca Solnit
Covering topics like sexism, patriarchy, rape, assault on women, and gender wars, the book has often been deemed a woman’s read.
But I strongly feel that it is men who are the true audience of this work.
It will help them understand a woman’s mindset and her journey, which is essential for establishing cordial relations between the two genders.
12. Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Kid on Earth by Chris Ware
This piece of literature has been lauded as one of the best graphic novels to have ever been published.
It follows the perhaps tragic story of a middle-aged man who meets his long-lost father one day.
Not just that, the novel contains a non-linear narrative that links the lives of men across four generations in a family.
Ever find yourself more comfortable living in a fantasized world than your own reality? This might be just the read for you.
13. The Road by Cormac McCarthy
This fictional post-apocalyptic novel tells the story of a father and a son in a destroyed world.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning work is a must-read for anyone.
It narrates a tale of possessing courage in the face of adversity and hopelessness.
Once you start reading it, nothing short of perhaps an actual apocalypse can make you put it down.
14. Brief Interviews with Hideous Men by David Foster Wallace
Don’t want to read hundreds of pages based on a single plotline? This collection of short stories will be the perfect buddy for you.
Although the motive of the book has come under scrutiny in recent times, the reader can find amusement in the outrageously misogynistic men in the book.
Their ‘ugliness’ can certainly be a source of entertainment.
15. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz
Encapsulating the life of an overweight, Dominican boy in New Jersey, this work of fiction is relatable to many.
A teen boy obsessed with science fiction? Check.
An overweight social outcast? Check.
A beautiful girl who is clearly out of his league? Check.
The novel is a deceptively humorous but deep read.
The bottom line:
Books can indeed be a man’s most valuable possessions. If you haven’t yet found the pages that get you into the spirit of reading, these options are surely worth exploring.
They can be easily found on the shelves of a local library, or simply googled and bought online. And a good read certainly never hurt anyone!
