11 Books recommended for Beginners

Reading books can open up a plethora of learning opportunities and widen our interests drastically. As a reader, we get to experience worlds that might be beyond our reach geographically or imaginatively and also, get an insight into a writer’s unique perspective of the world. The word books trigger procrastination within us and are commonly attached to the concept of learning, productivity and we constantly search for alternative forms to achieve productivity. Let me set this straight, books are both entertaining and a tool for learning, they are irreplaceable elements of our society. They are known to stimulate our brain cells actively and improve creative thinking, which furthers focus and grasping power. Reading is not just a hobby, it’s a habit you cultivate. Various psychological studies have proven that our brain perceives stories better than facts and is constantly reconstructing memories as stories, to utilize for your varying degrees of social interactions.

Here are 11 books I’d like to recommend to anyone who’s planning to take up reading:

1. Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling:
   The universality of this series is its biggest USP. It’s an enjoyable read for people across all ages and draws you in from page one. The 7-part fantasy adventure novel is a modern classic perfect for children and young adults, as the language is simple. My biggest takeaway from this was the layered world-building, visual imagery, and impactful characters and of course, the dream of getting accepted to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. You can check out the first book here on Amazon.
   
   
2. Becoming by Michelle Obama
   This autobiographical memoir by the former First Lady of the United States explores the working-class environment that she grew up in the South Side of Chicago. It is an inspiring tale of sheer grit, hard work, and self-reliance. It provides an insight into the racial prejudices that existed and still do, in America and how two Harvard graduates join the public service to restore equality and understand the nuts and bolts of American governance. Available on Amazon here.
   
   
3. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
   My favourite novels of all time, it is a satirical take on the middle-class social structure that existed in England during the 18th century. Even though the book is 200 years old, it continues to hold relevance to-date, and Austen’s witty sense of humour will keep you hooked throughout. Available on Amazon here.
   
   
4. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott:
   A fictional take on her own life story, Louisa May Alcott weaves a tale of love, family, and struggles the March sisters face in New England. Set against the backdrop of the Civil War, the story highlights the fight for self-reliance and independence women are forced to fight for and the stereotypical notion of choosing home over the profession. Available on Amazon here.
   
   
5. And then there were None by Agatha Christie
   A murder mystery that leaves you spellbound by the end. I had goosebumps when I read it and it kept me engaged with every chapter. Agatha Christie is the uncrowned genius when it comes to writing crime novels. Available on Amazon here.
   
   
6. Lord of the Flies by William Golding
   Reading as part of my college curriculum, I went into the book with lest expectations and was stunned by the end of it. The abstract motifs and dystopian setup can trigger various questions regarding human existence. It explores the darkest shades of human nature when push comes to shove and what we are capable of succumbing when we are least likely to survive. Available on Amazon here.
   
   
7. The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
   It’s a retelling of the Indian epic Mahabharata from the perspective of Draupadi, a plot-changing character in the magnum opus. Draupadi is a woman driven by honour and love in a patriarchal society, a character who’s constantly in a conflict between the heart and the mind. It is an engaging read and provides a fresh perspective into the actions of men, from the eyes of a woman. Available on Amazon here.
   
   
8. Conversations with Mani Ratnam by Baradwaj Rangan
   This is the first book I ever read under the Cinema genre. The Indian master storyteller shares the experiences in an interview format and it is awe-inspiring. I have read this book several times, purely for the love for Mani Ratnam and passion for cinema. Behind-the-scenes, filmmaking as a craft, and his writing process behind each of his 20 films (From Pallavi Anupallavi to Raavanan) are discussed in detail with a witty and pensive touch. Available on Amazon here.
   
   
9. Three Thousand Stitches by Sudha Murthy
   A collection of short stories of ordinary people described using simplistic language and rooted in India, primarily. The co-founder of the software enterprise, Sudha Murthy shares some of her personal experiences as well, for example, being the only woman in her engineering college or protecting the marginalized Devadasi community in Karnataka, one step at a time. It is heart-warming and a slice-of-life type of storytelling technique. Available on Amazon here.
   
   
10. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
    This is the only novel written by Margaret Mitchell, a story of Scarlett O Hara who finds her place in the society when she is forced out of her comfort zone during the American Civil War. Almost 1500 pages long, it is a depiction of racial discrimination deep-seated in American history and marking the beginning of a woman’s liberation rights in society. Available on Amazon here.
    
    
11. Swami and Friends by R.K. Narayan
    Set in the fictional town of Malgudi, the book revolves around the life of a ten-year-old Swami and his friends which mainly consists of adventures, the tiresome homework, and their passion for cricket. Trouble ensues when Swami gets expelled from school and is forced to run away from home in 1930, India. It is a charming and entertaining story that appeals to your innocence and empathy.

Happy reading!