Lesson 101 – Choosing the Right Book

There was a time in history where reading was one of the very few pass-time activities. Reading books remains one of people’s favourite hobbies as it lets your mind wonder, travel, it can trigger imagination, and can allow the reader to create visual images in their mind.

So is there a better way than finishing off your day with a good read?

If you are looking into start reading now, bear in mind that there is a vast selection of genres and your options can be endless. All you have to do, is determine the genre you are most interested in and the rest is history.

Below you can find a few book suggestions, mainly for beginners to make their decision much easier:

Genres

Classics

Embed from Getty ImagesCharles Dickens is one of the most popular authors of classic novels. We have his insomnia to thank for, as due to his lack of sleep he would wander in the streets of the old Portsmouth in England, and listen to the stories of the sick, the homeless and prostitutes. Everyone had quite a story to tell, which always apparently ended in tragedy. His input and exposure to such sad stories, in combination with his imagination and writing skills, he was able to create a renowned collection of classic books, such as Great Expectations, Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol. Most of his books share the common themes of injustice in the world, emphasizing on poverty, difficult, challenging living conditions in England and the eminent discremination amongst different social classes, at that time.

Gothic

Embed from Getty ImagesFor those who wish to read a book and stay with the feeling of awe and fear, there are many books and authors who have mastered this genre, through some of the most popular novels ever written. Some of them are Mary Shelley and Robert Louis Stevenson. Mary Shelley, who is the author of Frankenstein would keep her identity a secret and was using a pseudonym when publishing her first pieces of work in the newspaper, as at that time it was unacceptable for women to be writers.

Robert Louis Stevenson who is the author of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is another novel which at that time was ahead of its time, due to the protagonist’s dual dark personality, drawing focus on the abuse of alcohol which leads to vile actions.

Fiction

Embed from Getty ImagesAldous Huxley is a great example of an author to start with. He is mostly popular for his novel Brave New World. Huxley had found his inspiration into writing this book by the Ford Automobile Company. The Ford company was the first ever company to practise mass production and Huxley was left puzzled and even petrified of what technological advancements could do. His feeling of the future can be portrayed in the book itself, as it demonstrates an exaggerated story future predictions.

Flowers in the Attic is another excellent book by V. C. Andrews which describes the appalling behaviour and treatment of a once loving mother towards her four children, by locking them in an attic for more than 7 years. Andrews was initially inspired to write this story, by a story that she had heard by a patient she befriended, when she was hospitalized for a surgery she had to go through. This book leaves many readers torn by the fact that the book is indeed the real story of the 4 children in the attic, while others argue that it is just a product of fiction.

How can we know? Whatever the case is, the novel still remains one of a kind.

Biography

Embed from Getty ImagesOne of the most popular biographies is the biography of Marilyn Monroe, writtern by herself and titled My Story. Once you read this book, readers will understand that all that glitters is not gold and Marilyn’s sexy exterior was indeed hiding a clever, fragile woman that was suffering from debilitating mental illness due to sexual, physical and verbal abuse.

Another life changing book which will get any reader inspired into becoming a better person is the biography written by Mother Teresa titled Mother Teresa:Come Be My Light. This biography will amaze you by the magnanimity and generosity vested in this woman and will make the readers reconsider all of their actions and attitudes, coming to the realization that the key to happiness and a perfect world, is offering an abundance of love and compassion. ‘Charity starts from home’ as Mother Teresa states in her book, is one of the strongest quotes I have ever read in my life and these words with stay with me forever.

Self Improvement

Embed from Getty ImagesOne of the greatest books that should be on the top of the reading list of everyone is Awaken The Giant Within by Anthony Robbins, the self made man, the pioneer of life coaching and one of the richest people on the planet. Not letting your emotions get the better of you is one of the lifelong lessons this book aims to offer. Robbins states that by mastering your emotions, which is the essential key in life, you will be able to take hold and skyrocket every other aspect in your life.

The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma is another great book that everyone should have in their selection. The author unfolds and describes his life-changing decision into gaining inner peace, by leaving his successful life as a lawyer to become a monk.

All of the above books are great to get you started and let you immerse in the world of reading.

It is guaranteed that whichever book you start with, will quickly get you hooked and it is definite that you will turn into a little bookworm!