A favorite book is like a treasured friend. It entertains you, it offers you guidance, it touches you, and it’s there when you need it. More importantly, it leaves you with deep rooted thoughts and ponderings. The kind of books I read are of different genres and areas but they have all left a mark on me.
I will speak about five of my favourite books.
One confession here. I do not read romantic novels, but prefer to read real dramatic stories. Surprisingly, all of these books have taught me about the places they are set in.
Not without my daughter by Betty Mahmoody with William Hoffer– The first and foremost book which impacted me most is this real life account of an American mother Betty Mahmoody who did not want to leave her five year old daughter behind in Iran where both of them were trapped by deceit. Appalled by the filth of their living conditions, horrified by what she saw of a country where women are merely chattels and westerners are loathed, her escape from Iran through many dangerous ways tells us many facets of the country. Today, what I know of Iran is through this book.
Kane and Abel by Jeffery Archer – Story of two contrasting persons born on same date but growing up in different countries under contrasting conditions. I found this book so gripping that I still remember how I started it after midnight, was up the whole night to finish before rushing to work the next day. It grabs our attention right from the start and holds it till the end. I have read it many times since then. The description of war hit, cold, white Poland refueled my desire to visit & see the country.
Into thin Air by Jon Krakauer – A true firsthand account of a commercial climbing group whose expedition of Everest went horribly wrong. Throughout the ascent, the author relates the emotion, horrors, and heroism which followed this trek to the peak of the World. If you love mountains then you can relate to nuisance described here very well. A must read.
Roots by Alex Haley- It is a story about an African American family that inspires pride and a greater understanding of the past. As the name suggests, it is a powerful look at an American family’s immigrant past. The book has earned a place among the popular classics of American literature and remains a profoundly influential and well-loved book.
Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown – The details of Paris and surroundings described in the novel found me nodding my head in affirmation. Probably for me, the reason to like this book was because I had already visited the place and it looked as if I was traversing through Le Musee du Louvre, and the streets once again. The occasional French words used in the novel added to my familiarity of the language. But as much I liked the book, I did not enjoy the movie that much.
Have you read any of these books? Which books do you recommend?
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I have read only Da Vinci code from this list.
Shreya,
I suggest you read some more then! 🙂
Not without my daughter. This book is so sentimental that you cry at end.
Regards
Balaji
Balaji,
Really?
I did not cry but I felt helpless and sad on the affairs.
I’ve read only one out this 5
Shrinidhi,
Which one is that?
I have read 3 out of these books but my favorite was one from Dan brown. he is really great when it comes to suspense and secret codes.