The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
“There is only one sin, and that is theft… when you tell a lie, you steal someone’s right to the truth.”
― Khaled Hosseini, The Kite Runner
Genre: historical fiction, contemporary, drama.
I’m sure you must have heard about this particular novel; it’s often recommended, and for good reason. But if this is something quite new for you, don’t worry; it’s a good start and is going to hook you up, as it did for me. This novel, in particular, made me feel, think, and cry without overwhelming me. It is excruciatingly emotional, beautifully written, and really moving. Set in Afghanistan, following a complex friendship between Amir and Hassan. It spans the themes of guilt, redemption, betrayal, and forgiveness. If you want a book that feels cinematic and immersive, it is a heavy read emotionally; however, the story flows so spontaneously and magically that you would not want to put it down. It’s quite addicting.
Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
“What happens when people open their hearts?”
“They get better.”
― Haruki Murakami, Norwegian Wood
Genre: fiction, romance, coming of age
Haruki Murakami’s books are either loved or hated by most readers; I love his works, as they drag you back and forth, and there is a magical realism in most of his writings. However, Norwegian Wood is not a fantasy or surrealist story like his other works; it is grounded in reality. This novel follows Toru Watanabe, a quiet college student in Tokyo, as he navigates through love, loss, mental illness, and memory. The story is intimate, the atmosphere is moody, and the emotions are raw. If you ever want to go through a heartfelt story that has heartbreak, loneliness, and the ache of growing up fast, this book will hold your hand through it.
Reader discretion: it’s not a feel-good novel; it deals with suicide and mental health struggles, so proceed gently. It is kind of a book that changes you a little bit inside.
The Book thief by Mark Zusak
“Usually, we walk around constantly believing ourselves. “I’m okay,” we say. “I’m alright.” But sometimes the truth arrives on you and you can’t get it off. That’s when you realize that sometimes it isn’t even an answer–it’s a question. Even now, I wonder how much of my life is convinced.”
― Markus Zusak, The Book Thief
Genre: Historical fiction, young adult, literary fiction.
If you’re a history buff, you should give this book a try; every page is meticulously crafted by Mark Zusak. This novel is exquisitely articulated. Set in Nazi Germany during World War II, The Book Thief follows a girl named Liesel Meminger, who is compelled to live with foster parents in a small town outside Munich. The protagonist finds solace in books; grappling with loss and pervasive fear, she resorts to stealing books when necessary and discovers the power of language to comfort and resist. Narrated by Death, but not in a chilling way but with tenderness, offering a unique perspective on human nature, war, and compassion. Through a tapestry of emotions viewed through Liesel’s eyes and Death’s voice, we witness a world falling apart, and a child’s love for reading emerges as both a means of survival and a subtle act of defiance.
A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Spark
“The problem isn’t finding out where you are gonna go-it’s figuring out what you are gonna do once you get there that is! (Jamie Sullivan)”
― Nicholas Sparks, A Walk to Remember
“It all made perfect sense, and at the same time, nothing seemed to make sense at all.”
― Nicholas Sparks, A Walk to Remember
Genre: Fiction, Romance, young adult, contemporary
Well, Nicholas Sparks’ A Walk to Remember is the first romantic novel that I encountered, and among all his novels, I love this book the best. If you are in the mood for a story that gently breaks your heart and teaches you how to love more deeply, this novel is the kind of book that sneaks up on your emotions and stays with you forever. A love story that is so gentle that it hurts and so real that it heals. Set in a small North Carolina town in the late 1950’s the novel follows Landon Carter, a rebellious high school senior with no real direction. His life takes an unexpected turn when he is paired with Jamie Sullivan, the quiet, devout, and kindhearted daughter of the town Baptist minister, for a school play. She is the kind of girl he would never have noticed, but fate has other plans.
If you’re a sucker for emotional depth and slow-burn character growth, the book is your holy grail.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.”
― Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird
Genre: southern Gothic
This is a novel that quietly punches you in the gut with truth, injustice, and unexpected warmth. This book is not only for entertainment or to educate, but it also shows us the world through the eyes of a child and sees the cracks in a broken system. It is set in the sleepy, racially divided town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the 1930s. The story is told through the eyes of Scout Finch, a sharp, curious girl learning the rules of a world that doesn’t always play fair. While she navigates school fights, childhood games, and the mystery of reclusive Boo Radley, the real battle is happening in courtrooms where her father, a Black man, was falsely accused of a crime he did not commit.
This is a coming-of-age story drenched in empathy, subtle rebellion, and truth-telling with a child’s voice that cuts deep.
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Love this!❤️
Amazing list of books. Definitely first class reads.