Neither the radio nor the television managed to do what the internet did – it got people to stop reading. With the internet, users have become used to consuming content that is condensed so as to suit our shrinking attention spans. However, reading isn’t just a pastime, it is a skill and a privilege that opens you to possibilities far beyond your reach. Whether you want to learn the English language, or you want a child to read above their grade level, these are the books you should read if you are just beginning to read for fun.
Also read: 15 Books On Indian History To Understand Our Country Better
1. The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby is an easy classic to read and one that is so embedded in culture that you probably already know the story. In any case, it’s a great place to start your reading journey!
2. The White Tiger
Chances are, you’ve already seen the trailer to the movie that has been adapted from the Arvind Adiga novel of the same name. The White Tiger is an intriguing take on class struggle and gives the reader just enough to keep going without making things too complicated.
3. Rebecca
“Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again,” is perhaps one of the most memorable sentences ever written in English fiction. The story follows the unnamed narrator who gets married to a rich widower who invites her to his country estate, Manderley. The narrator finds herself struggling to fill in the shoes of her husband’s dead wife.
4. The Kite Runner
One of the most heartwarming stories to come out of Asia is Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner. It’s set in Afghanistan and follows the lives of two boys – Amir and Hassan, as they navigate their childhoods in a war-stricken country.
5. Nancy Drew books
Nancy Drew books are great for children who want to inculcate a reading habit. Not only are they extremely easy to follow, they are also very engrossing and you’d be surprised just how many titles a child can go through in a week.
6. The Harry Potter Series
The Harry Potter series is a whole generation’s favourite escape and there are some valid reasons for it. Harry Potter reels you into its magical world and the familiarity you develop with the characters and the settings keeps you wanting more.
7. The Fault in our Stars
Even though this isn’t exactly a great piece of literature, it will still keep you entertained. It’s perfect for young readers and people who cannot get themselves to finish complicated books.
8. Pride and Prejudice
People who do not read are especially wary of classics and feel intimidated by the language. Pride and Prejudice is a timepiece that transports you to 19th century England without the mental work-out. It is extremely easy to read, is suitably funny and has an endearing love story at its heart. Out of all the books you should read as a beginner, this one’s a must.
9. The Remains of the Day
The Remains of the Day is written by Nobel Laureate in Literature Kazuo Ishiguro and is a surprisingly light read that you’ll be done with in a couple of hours. It follows the story of a butler named Stevens who begins a journey of self-discovery while reminiscing about a time before the second world war.
10. The Diary of a Young Girl
Written by Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl who was a victim of the Holocaust, The Diary of a Young Girl is probably the most famous text about the second world war. Written while she was actively hiding from the Nazis, Anne addresses her diary entries to an imaginary friend, “Kitty.”
These are only some of the many books you should read once you start reading. Remember, reading a book takes more time than watching a video, but once you finish reading a book, the satisfaction is far more rewarding. Happy reading!