These 10 books are considered classics or influential works of literature for various reasons, and reading them can offer many benefits. Here are some reasons why one might want to read these books:
1984 by George Orwell: This dystopian novel is set in a totalitarian society where government surveillance and control are absolute. The story follows a man named Winston Smith who begins to rebel against the regime and falls in love with a fellow dissenter.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: This classic novel explores themes of racial injustice, courage, and compassion in the deep South during the Great Depression. The story is told through the eyes of a young girl named Scout Finch, whose father, Atticus, is a lawyer defending a black man accused of rape.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: This novel is a portrait of the Roaring Twenties, a time of excess and decadence in American society. The story follows the mysterious Jay Gatsby, who becomes obsessed with winning back his former lover, Daisy Buchanan, at any cost.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: This novel is a comedy of manners set in early 19th-century England. It follows the lives of the Bennet sisters, particularly the independent-minded Elizabeth, as they navigate the social norms and expectations of their time.
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky: This novel is a psychological exploration of guilt and redemption. The story follows the impoverished ex-student Raskolnikov, who murders a pawnbroker and her sister and must grapple with the moral and psychological consequences of his crime.
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez: This magical realist novel tells the story of the Buendia family over several generations in the fictional town of Macondo. It explores themes of love, death, and the cyclical nature of history.
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger: This novel is a coming-of-age story that follows the disillusioned teenager Holden Caulfield as he grapples with alienation, hypocrisy, and the loss of innocence.
Beloved by Toni Morrison: This novel explores the legacy of slavery and its impact on African American identity. The story follows Sethe, a former slave who has escaped to Ohio, and her struggle to come to terms with her past and the haunting presence of her deceased daughter.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker: This novel is a celebration of black women’s resilience and empowerment. The story follows the life of Celie, an African American woman living in rural Georgia, as she navigates abuse, racism, and sexism.
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy: This novel is a lyrical exploration of family, love, and loss set in the southern Indian state of Kerala. The story follows the lives of twins Estha and Rahel and their family’s tragic history, which is shaped by social hierarchies, cultural traditions, and political upheavals.
In general, reading these books can help us develop our empathy, critical thinking skills, and cultural awareness, and they offer insights into the human experience that can enrich our lives and broaden our perspectives.