"You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book" - Dr. Seuss
Reading a good book is sadly very underrated. It's actually not too different from watching a good movie, but instead of on a screen, you'd be seeing it unfold in your head. It works like this: the power of the words on the page allows you to conjure up whole characters and scenes, leaving you not only engaged in conversation with the author and his/her culture and time, but also exposed to the "magic" the book entails, whichever form this may take.
So, when you're bored of watching the typical series and the typical movie, why not resort to a story in words? There are innumerable masterpieces you can choose from, but it's best to pick a genre or a subject that interests you. This way, you'd be reducing the risk of becoming bored of the book and holding it against reading and literature in general. In reality, a good book can be just as captivating and interesting as a movie, if not more.
And this is why I'm providing you with a spoiler-free review of 5 esteemed books. Let's hope at least one ends up on your to-be-read list!
1. The Tattooist of Auschwitz (2018)
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Upon reading this novel, it was easy giving it 5 stars. In this literary piece, Heather Morris beautifully captures the resilience and all-consuming love of a real-life couple in 1942-1945 Auschwitz. The novel implores the reader to keep turning its pages so as to discover how these give them the courage to survive their appalling reality. And as readers turn its last page, they are besought to order its sequel: Cilka's Journey (true story, it happened to me).
2. Every Breath (2018)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Critics say this novel is 'enchanting', 'powerful', 'heartbreaking'; a 'beautifully written tale'. I couldn't agree more. After years of not having read any Nicholas Sparks novels, reading this literary work made me fall in love with his writing and storytelling anew. 5 well-deserved stars.
3. The Titanic Enigma (2013)
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Yep, the film Titanic is not the only interesting story that is centered around the famous 1912 shipwreck. The ship is actually a phenomenon that is frequently portrayed in art. This novel, for example, focuses on a secret that was buried with the ship itself. A century later, the secret is about to resurface. I must admit, it took me a while to get into the story. I must also admit, however, that once I did, it was a very enjoyable read.
4. To Kill a Mockingbird (1960)
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Considered a masterpiece of American literature, this is a book everyone must read at least once in their life. It's been a while since I read it, and it's actually on my to-be-read-a-second-time list. Harper Lee is a writer that is able to produce scenes and turns of phrase that simply stay with you. For me, a perfect example is the quote:
"Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing."
This captures how humankind takes many things for granted. The most obvious proof of this is how we take breathing for granted on a daily basis. This is also applicable, however, to our ability and freedom to read and to have access to the thoughts of those living both in the past and present, along with our opportunity to think critically of them.
5. Kien Kwinta l-Qamar (1974)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Did you honestly think I wouldn't include a Maltese novel?
Lina Brockdorff composes a relatively short novel that is centered around love and the heartbreak that is often part and parcel of the phenomenon. With the author's simple style and its mere 124 pages, this is a light yet very gripping read.
Okay, off you go to start/order a good book. Happy reading, and don't forget to let us know your thoughts!
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