Books are a blessing for mankind. Some can get you through a bad breakup, while others can bring to life imaginary worlds when you are fighting boredom. But more often than not, you are left in utter dilemma when deciding which book to read. This week, we’ve taken the liberty to recommend some of the best reads that are perfect for every mood.
Feeling insignificant?
There is nothing wrong in admitting that we all feel a bit meh every once in a while, whether you're a bored student, an underappreciated employee or jilted lover. But it is really how you fight back that shows your character. Till then, lighten your mood with The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein, a deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty and hope. Narrated from the perspective of dog, the novel lets you look at the wonders and absurdities of human life.
Another great read would be Mitch Albom’s The Five People You Meet in Heaven. A relatively short novel, it illuminates the mysteries of the protagonist’s “meaningless” life and reveals the haunting secret behind the eternal question about our existence – that’s the most we can write without spoiling anything for you.Humour hour
Whether you want to release some post-exam stress or are simply looking for a fun read to kill some time, read Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan, a hilarious novel which tells you about what it means to be young, in love, and “crazily” rich.
It is particularly to difficult to give an introduction to Good Omens by Sir Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, but know that it is impossible to put down once you make sense of what is going on in the novel.For the Sherlock in you
When it comes to mystery-thrillers, you really need to immerse yourself in the text for maximum pleasure. If you’re done reading classics from the genre like the Sherlock Holmes series and Agatha Christie thrillers, try out The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson and The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith.
However, we also recommend that you go back to some of the best from our childhood. If you haven’t already read them all (you are being judged), Satyajit Ray’s Feluda series or Sunil Gangopadhyay’s Kakababu series are a treat even if you’re re-reading them.When you can’t turn into the Hulk
This is probably the hardest category to list considering that when you're in the middle of letting off some steam, one of the last things on your mind will be to sit down and flip through a book. But if you do feel like you need to calm down, reading something completely unrelated to whatever that's ticked you off is a great way to achieve that inner peace. Our first recommendation is Khalil Gibran’s masterpiece, The Prophet. However, if you are on the anxious side, try out Italo Calvino’s If on a winter’s night a traveler – by the time you are done reading it (or atleast understanding the text), you will be as calm as a sannyasi meditating in the Himalayas.
Lastly, if you are one of those who needs more violence to calm themselves down (may God bless you if you can relate), start reading George R R Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series. If the violence does not satisfy you, the epic fantasy novels will transport you to a different realm, perfect for you to forget your woes.So many books, so little time
There are way too many books out there that are deemed must-reads and the task to list them in one article is a strenuous one. Never restrict yourself to any list even if they are as great as this one.
Jokes aside, the feeling of finding the right book for yourself is too enchanting a process to be lost. When you do, make sure to let us know on Weekend Tribune’s Facebook page.
Happy reading!
