What you need to read to think about it. Books that make you think
1. April Witchcraft by Ray Bradbury
Of course, the great Ray Bradbury needs no introduction. Although he wrote science fiction all his life, he was known as one of the main romantics in literature. His works are lively, imbued with feelings and bright colors; the way he describes nature and the world around him allows the reader to leave the gray world and rush into the romantic clouds. This book is the quintessence of springtime magical realism and will truly make you feel young, joyful, and ready for adventure.The plot tells about the creature Cecy - she can take any form. Here it is a drop falling to the bottom of a well, and here it is soaring like a bird over the forest. One day a girl drinks water from a stream, and Cecy turns into a person, into an attractive young lady who will have to experience for herself what feelings the human race experiences. This story is permeated with romance against the backdrop of the most magical time - spring. It is, of course, about love and the ability to love.
2. “The Orange Girl” by Jostein Gorder
Another truly spring book. She is sentimental, sensual, but in no way refined or banal. Deceptively light, “The Orange Girl” quietly awakens the soul and pierces it with contradictory and touching feelings. And I must say that the whole world appreciated her. Norwegian writer Jostein Gorder woke up famous with it, topping all sorts of ratings and collecting a decent harvest of awards. This is a kind of book within a book - the story is told from the perspective of two narrators. A fifteen-year-old boy finds a letter from his father, who died 11 years ago. It turns out that before his death he wrote this work, wanting to shed the truth on his life story to his son and reveal to him the secret of the Orange Girl. It is likely that the subsequent plot will make you cry with emotion.
3. “Violets in March” Sarah Gio
Many people are well aware of the writer Sarah Gio, who has repeatedly occupied the first lines of New York Times bestsellers and whose novels have been translated into more than 20 languages. Perhaps, each of her books could easily be included in this rating, since the writer creates non-trivial and very romantic stories, but “Violets in March” can rightfully be called the most spring book.Emily used to be very lucky and successful, she lived in New York, but now her life is falling apart at the seams - her husband cheated, her family doesn’t understand, her creativity is in complete crisis. The girl escapes to Bainbridge Island, where she spent her childhood with her great-aunt in a small house where violets grow on the porch and the ocean lies around the corner. There she finds a diary of an unknown person, dated 1943. And Emily will have to learn all the secrets of the island, and maybe find love thanks to this. This story touched the whole world, and at the same time, it is fascinating to read thanks to the action-packed plot line.
4. “Lavender Room” Nina Gheorghe
This novel was translated into Russian in 2015, and it immediately blew up all sorts of ratings and won praise from critics. Worldwide it has been translated into several dozen languages. If your soul is languishing in sadness, and you are experiencing anxiety, a feeling of crossroads, then this novel will become a lifeboat in finding yourself.Imagine a small shop on the water, whose owner believes that books can cure any disease. Like a medieval pharmacist, he selects this or that product for his “patients” - unfortunate and lost customers. In his opinion, books cure sorrows, negative emotions, disappointment and unhappy love. Unfortunately, they did not cure the store owner himself, who has not been able to recover from a terrible loss for 20 years. But a new spring and new circumstances breathed life into him, and he weighs anchor to go to Provence, to meet new feelings and adventures.
5. “Mashenka” Vladimir Nabokov
It wouldn’t be amiss to add some great Russian writers to this list, because it was they who at all times paid great attention to feelings and “longing of the heart.” But let’s not go down completely banal paths. If you haven’t read Nabokov yet and are afraid of his snobbery and intellectuality, “Mashenka” will dispel your doubts and will probably serve as that very spark of nascent love. Not the writer's most famous novel, but one of the most sentimental, romantic and touching. Add to this the wonderful language praised by all and sundry, and you get Nabokov's exquisite prose. The story of Lev Ganin, a Russian emigrant in Germany, recalling his life and first love, is suspiciously similar to the fictional biography of Nabokov himself.
6. “Goddess of Spring” by F. K. Cast
This story is suitable for all modern witches. Even if you don’t sit over a cauldron at night, you still have a feminine, primordial power that stretches upward in the spring, like a sprout from the ground. Let her have free rein with this wonderful book.A young girl mixes up ancient culinary recipes, suddenly finding a spell among them, and chance takes her straight into the body of the beautiful Persephone, into Hades. Now businesswoman Francesca is the goddess of spring in person. Trying to get her life back, the girl fails Demeter's mission, falls in love with Hades, the ruler of the kingdom of the dead, and challenges all the gods, trying to save her love. A truly hot and exciting story with an unusual plot, without the banal moves and pink refined sugar so often found in women's novels.
7. “Book of Complaints” Max Fry
Want a reboot book that masterfully hides under the cover of entertaining fiction? There you are. "Complaint book". Do you like to whine and curse fate, compare yourself with others, blame your life? Well, here's a cautionary tale about why you shouldn't do that. A smiling salesman, an old lady on the subway, a passerby - all of them can happily live your life a hundred times brighter and more interesting, and they will send you to vegetate beyond the boundaries of your destiny. They are called Nakhi and they live next to people and are always ready to take their lives. What, it doesn’t seem like your home, friends, family are so banal anymore? But it's too late. You can escape from cursed creatures only through courage and self-acceptance. Fry is the author who will not only brighten up your spring, it is quite possible that in every snowdrop and light breeze you will begin to see secret signs and imprints of magic.
8. “The Witch of April” by Maigull Axelsson
Do you know the feeling of aching and incomprehensible melancholy that arises at sunset in April, when the air is fresh and the bell rings? Then, most likely, you will like the novel by Maigull Axelsson, which made her famous throughout the world. For it she received Sweden's main literary prize - August Strindberg Prize. “The April Witch” has been translated into many languages, including Russian.In the center of the plot is an unusual heroine, from that breed who are like witches, who can immediately comprehend the essence of things, who easily overcome time and space with the power of thought. And this is the only way, because she is paralyzed, left by her mother to social services, but her mind is sharp and knows no boundaries. The heroine has three sisters - some more successful, some less. The girl loves them all, but knows that one of them stole her life, which was intended for Desiree (that’s the heroine’s name). And she is ready to do anything to find out who. Her body is not an obstacle to true love, growing up, complex family drama and overcoming loneliness. In this novel, magic and reality are intertwined into an unforgettable phantasmagoria.
9. “Possess” by Antonia Byatt
I am ready to sing odes to this novel and put it on the pedestal of must read in the spring and precisely in the spring, because I have never seen more beautiful and at the same time intellectual prose about love. It’s hard to call the novel a women’s novel. It was not for nothing that at one time he received Booker Prize(and the author received Order of the British Empire) and does not lose its relevance and leading positions in many ratings to this day. He is called best novel of the 20th century, which in itself says a lot.Starting slowly and even timidly, it hides all the most fascinating things further, in the depths. Here is a chivalric romance in a new way, and a detective story that will not let you tear yourself away from it until the morning, and a truly large-scale drama that will last for more than one generation. Several facets of the work shimmer and beckon, turning to the reader on different sides. Through the maze of the plot, two young philologists, Roland and Maud, make their way into the past, exploring a new clue in the biography of the Victorian writer Henry Holly. They will have to discover the most mysterious love story of the past, and along the way, find their own destiny.
10. “Cold Spring in Provence” by Dean Rubin
Oh, if you have read at least one book by Rubina, you are unlikely to have to explain why it is worth loving and reading, and then re-reading. Kindly sentimental, femininely understanding, whimsical in plots and their interweavings, with a soft, bewitchingly beautiful language. Her prose seems to be woven from spring itself. And it’s better to meet her with a volume of “Cold Spring in Provence.” Short sketches and essays are anything but a banal travel book. This is a flowery and motley, fragrant and poignant canvas of stories from different people and different times. The common denominator is, in fact, Provence, the time of action is spring. Before you know it, the book will end, to your regret, and something in your soul will turn over and shift.
11. Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
Another book that will enchant modern witches. After all, we are all women with a little sin, and if you wish, with a spark. By the way, the world-famous Alice Hoffman in February, which has already received positive reviews from critics. And “Practical Magic” is, perhaps, a classic that is a must for every self-respecting woman. Moreover, even if you have seen the famous film adaptation with Sandra Bulock and Nicole Kidman, then read the book anyway – it’s a hundred times better.Two heroines today possess the ancient gift of witches. The whole novel is about such women, who are witches, who wield feminine magic in a harsh, male world. And, of course, any witches deserve personal happiness. But who knows whether the gift will help him find it or destroy him?
12. “Blackberry Wine” by Joanne Harris
If the famous book by Joan Harris “Chocolate” and its film adaptation with Johnny Depp can be considered truly, a list of which you can also find, then her “Blackberry Wine” is a real ode to spring. It is bright, colorful and incredibly atmospheric, reading it as if in reality one feels the smells of mown grass, just picked berries, a suburb immersed in greenery, the earth reviving after the rain. This book will inspire you and serve as great motivation.In the story, the unfortunate writer Jay, whose fame has long passed, finds six bottles of homemade wine brewed by his childhood friend - the missing old man Joe. The taste of the drink literally creates magic and changes the hero’s life. How else can one explain his sudden purchase of a home in a village far away in France and subsequent adventures?
13. “Queen Sugar” Sarah Edison Allen
Josie is 27 years old, she lives with her mother and is dependent on her, because she is so quiet and modest. She has no friends, no normal social life, she is painfully shy of people and dreams of independence only in her dreams. Her life is brightened up by sweets and books hidden in the dressing room, where she consumes them in incredible quantities. So this gray mouse would have lived in the shadow of her mother, but one day, opening the door of her closet with supplies, she was surprised to find Della Lee there, a local troublemaker. From that day on, Josie's life changes. Perhaps yours will change too, thanks to this good book. In it, magic imperceptibly bursts into seemingly ordinary life. This is not just a fairy tale story, but a touching and unforgettable plot that can make you cry from light sadness.
14. “Tenderness” David Fonkinos
Who better than a Frenchman to create sensual, breathtaking, erotic and bewitching books about love. The young writer David Fonkinos fully confirms this opinion. He is called the brilliant novelist of his time; he already has dozens of novels and millions of copies to his credit. And his novel “Tenderness” is a wonderful book for the spring season, as the title itself hints at.This is a love story between a different man and woman, a love that is subtle, graceful and intricate. They say about such people “not a couple.” Everyone around her and even her boss are in love with Natalie. She is sweet, sympathetic, beautiful. But having experienced a bereavement, she seemingly forever closes her heart to relationships, turning all suitors around. It is not a macho man who can melt such a heart, but a person who is anxious and ready to wait, even if he is completely inconspicuous at first glance. And after the book you can watch a wonderful film adaptation with Audrey Tautou.
15. “The Matchmaker of Périgord” by Julia Stewart
Let’s complete our selection with a light book, sometimes funny, permeated with good English humor. Despite this, it also has a double bottom with touching moments and love that melts the heart. This is a real tragicomedy about the difficult paths of love and its unusual, non-trivial forms. Hairdresser Guillaume lives in a village with only 33 inhabitants. He, like no one else, feels that love is necessary for everyone. And when he finds out that half of his fellow villagers go to the neighboring village to see another master, he is not upset and opens a marriage agency. This is where a series of amazing, funny and romantic stories of searching for worthy couples begins. Against the backdrop of a green village and wonderful descriptions of dishes, you can get real gourmet pleasure from reading The Matchmaker of Périgord.
We hope your spring will not only be bright, but also rich in good books. And if this list is not enough for you, then you can find something for yourself from
We've compiled a list of 25 insightful books about peace, society, politics, fiction, history, and human possibility that have stood the test of time.
Next time you're looking for a compelling read, check out this list.
"1984", George Orwell
George Orwell's dystopian novel, first published in 1949, has become a timeless classic of the dystopian genre.
In this book, for the first time, the idea of the existence of “Big Brother” and a totalitarian regime appears, which remains relevant today, as at the time of writing.
Orwell presents readers with his vision of the world, captivating from beginning to end.
"Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley
In this powerful science fiction masterpiece, Huxley's "world controllers" create an ideal society.
Most people are content with a world based on genetic engineering, brainwashing and strict caste divisions. But there is always someone who longs to break free.
Huxley's captivating story takes readers through a frightening and thought-provoking fictional world imbued with the hallmarks of modern society.
Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus, Mary Shelley
This is a novel by an English writer about the scientist Victor Frankenstein, who achieves his goal and creates a living creature from inanimate matter, but it turns out to be so terrifying that the doctor gets scared and runs out of the laboratory in disgust.
Tortured and isolated, the innocent creation will come to hate its creator. The plot then unfolds in the spirit of a gothic thriller that touches the hearts of readers and provokes reflection on the dangers of scientific research and human judgment.
"The Trial", Franz Kafka
Kafka wrote the novel “The Trial” from 1914 to 1915, but it was published only in 1925, after the writer’s death. This is a unique story about a bank employee, Josef K., who is arrested for an unknown reason and struggles to find out what he is accused of.
Kafka wanted to burn the novel, but the writer's friend Max Brod prepared the manuscript for publication, organizing the scattered chapters of the work after the author's death.
Neuromancer, William Gibson
The science fiction novel in the cyberpunk style Neuromancer became the first work in its genre to receive three prestigious awards - the Nebula (1984), the Hugo (1985) and the Philip K. Dick Prize.
This book contains the definition of the matrix, as well as the ideas of cyberspace, artificial intelligence, virtual reality and the worldwide computer network, which subsequently attracted the close attention of both writers and readers.
"The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien
The Things They Carried is a groundbreaking reflection and powerful narrative of war, memory and imagination.
Tim O'Brien uses many metaphors to weave an insightful exploration of the condition of men in war, based on his own experiences in the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1970.
With his "semi-autobiographical" characters, O'Brien creates a style that blurs the boundaries between fiction and non-fiction.
Slaughterhouse-Five or the Children's Crusade by Kurt Vonnegut
Slaughterhouse-Five is one of the world's greatest anti-war books. This is the story of the bombing of Dresden, seen through the eyes of Billy Pilgrim, a man abducted by aliens.
The narrative is woven from different phases of the pilgrim's life, showing the heartbreaking events seen by the hero and based on the writer's own impressions, who, as an American prisoner of war, was in Dresden at the time of the Allied bombing.
Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury
Fahrenheit 451 is a frighteningly prophetic novel about a dystopian future where there are no books.
To the main character, Guy Montag, all this seems normal until he gains insight into the past and joins an underground group of misfits.
The book surprisingly draws readers into its fictional world with a gripping plot and compelling characters.
"A Conspiracy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole
The book's key character is Ignatius J. Reilly, a 30-year-old man living with his mother in New Orleans. This is a hero who has no analogues in world literature. He is an intellectual and an ideologist, a glutton and a quitter. Toole perfectly combined the comic nature of Reilly with deep melancholy.
"In Cold Blood" ("Ordinary Murder"), Truman Capote
“In Cold Blood” is a novel based on a true event that occurred in 1959, when four members of the Clutter family were murdered in Holcomb, Kansas.
The motives for the crime and evidence were practically absent. Capote, interviewing local residents and investigators, collected a huge amount of information and wrote his story in the style of “new journalism.”
This work by Truman Capote has received many positive reviews for its eloquence, high level of detail and layered storytelling.
Lord of the Flies, William Golding
William Golding's allegorical novel Lord of the Flies became a bestseller and was required reading at some colleges and universities in the 1960s. This is a story about a group of boys stranded on a desert island. When problems arise, the cruel traits of human nature immediately begin to appear.
This book has always been perceived ambiguously. In 2005, Time magazine included it among the 100 best novels written in English since 1923. Although the American Library Association included it in its list of the 100 most controversial books.
The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho
A story of self-discovery and an inspiring tale of an Andalusian shepherd who wants to find the world's treasures. But his desire leads him to wealth that he never imagined.
A motivational story filled with wisdom about how following your dreams can lead to the discovery of great miracles.
Tuesdays with Morrie, Mitch Albom
Tuesdays with Morrie is the touching story of Mitch Albom and his mentor Morrie Schwartz.
Many of us become separated from our mentors and their ideas slowly fade from our memory. But Mitch gets a second chance to meet his sociology professor, who has only months to live. And he starts visiting him every Tuesday.
This non-fiction book has become one of the most read memoirs of all time. It was composed of basic life lessons that became the theme of weekly meetings.
"The Picture of Dorian Gray", Oscar Wilde
Wilde's philosophical novel originally appeared as a short story in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine in July 1890. Moreover, the editors, fearing an “inappropriate” reaction from readers, removed part of the text before publication.
In response, the writer revised, expanded and published his work as an intellectual novel in a decadent style.
This is a story about a man who sells his soul for eternal youth and beauty. The book provoked a scandal in society and sharp criticism, but never ceases to arouse public interest and has been filmed more than 30 times.
A Clockwork Orange, Anthony Burgess
A Clockwork Orange is a classic nightmare where the future is filled with criminals roaming the streets after dark. A frightening tale of good and evil and what it means to be free.
The novel's central character, Alex, was named the 10th greatest movie villain by the American Film Institute (AFI).
Stanley Kubrick's cult dystopian film of the same name, released in 1971, is based on this novel by Anthony Burgess.
"Think slow...decide fast" by Daniel Kahneman
Daniel Kahneman's decades of research in psychology led him to win the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2002 "for his application of psychological techniques to economic science."
He delved into the two systems that control our thinking: system #1 or fast and emotional thinking; system No. 2 or slow and logical thinking. Kahneman exposed the flaws and biases of some thought processes.
The book challenges readers by examining our abilities to control our reactions, judgments, and choices.
"The Name of the Rose", Umberto Eco
Umberto Eco's first novel quickly became an international sensation. The Name of the Rose has sold 50 million copies worldwide.
This is a historical novel, a detective story, and a philosophical and cultural reflection, where the action takes place in 1327. The plot centers on a character named William of Baskerville, who is investigating a murder. He uses Aristotle's logic, the theology of Thomas Aquinas, and the ideas of Roger Bacon to decipher secret symbols and manuscripts.
"The Stranger" (or "The Stranger"), Albert Camus
The Stranger explores what Camus called "the nakedness of man in the face of the absurd" through the story of a man accused of murder.
This story by Albert Camus takes first place in the list of “100 books of the century according to Le Monde”. The writer raises complex questions in it that resonate in existential philosophy; explores themes of alienation, fear, spiritual doubt and the qualities that underlie human character.
"Geniuses and Outsiders" ("Outliers"), Malcolm Gladwell
In the book “Geniuses and Outsiders: Why do some have everything and others have nothing?” Malcolm Gladwell explores the world of the brightest, most successful and famous people on the planet, and also answers the question of how they differ from others.
We pay too little attention to successful parenting. The author discovers certain patterns that explain the secrets of success of software billionaires; reveals what it takes to become a great footballer; why Asian students excel in math; which allowed the Beatles to become the greatest rock band.
"Ender's Game" Orson Scott Card
In the militarized reality of Orson Scott Card's sci-fi universe, a group of children are trained in a special program, preparing to fight insectoid aliens. One of the future commanders, Andrew Wiggin, suffers from the isolation, competition, pressure and fear that exist in this community of young soldiers. But it is he who combines the qualities that allowed him to become the tactical genius of the group.
"Catch-22", (Catch-22), Joseph Heller
Joseph Heller's classic story of the loss of faith and sanity as bureaucratic power grows.
The key character, Captain Yossarian, serves in Italy in a bomber regiment during World War II. But his main enemy is not the Nazis, but the army in which he serves. The bombardier finds himself in a bind due to a Catch-22 that prevents him from leaving the service.
Catch-22 is ranked 11th on the BBC's 200 Best Books and 7th on the New Library's 100 Best Novels.
"Animal Farm", George Orwell
“Animal Farm” is another book by George Orwell, which became a brilliant political satire on the theme of rotten ideals, class conflicts, the revolution of 1917 and subsequent events in Russia.
The farm animals rise up to overthrow human rule and take matters into their own hands, but over time they realize that things are not going as they expected.
This satirical story-parable is actually endowed with deep meaning.
“Einstein walks on the moon. The Science and Art of Memory by Joshua Foer
Einstein Walks on the Moon is the story of Joshua Foer's quest to improve his memory. His experiments continued for a year. The author addressed cutting-edge research, the history of memorization methods and mnemonics.
He studied the ancient methods used by medieval scientists to memorize entire books and other techniques to unlock the potential and greatly improve his memory.
This fascinating book will not only help improve your memory, but also remind you how much our memories affect us.
Watchmen (Sentinels), Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons (illustrator)
Many critics call Watchmen the greatest graphic novel in history. He received a number of awards, including a Hugo Award.
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If you suffer from insomnia, or you simply don’t know what to do in the evening before bed, then start reading! But be careful, because some books are so interesting that you won't even notice the morning comes!
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So, a list of fascinating books that will interest both “avid readers” and novice “book lovers”:
“The One Who Has Come in Large Numbers”, Narine Abgaryan
This is a tragicomedy about a young and ambitious girl who, at the beginning of the difficult 90s, decided to leave her native small mountainous republic and conquer the capital. And she immediately realized that each visitor, whom the author calls “who came in large numbers,” has his own Moscow. Some people see it in the millions of people scurrying through the streets, while others get the opportunity to get close to such people. And some of them protect, protect, care, help, support and simply love. The author of the book talks about his small piece of that very “common” life of a newcomer, which many indigenous residents of big cities have no idea about. And there is room for heroic deeds, the most important of which is to decide to emigrate and accept a new place as it is, and to sincerely love it. And then Moscow will certainly reciprocate.
"The Collector" John Fowles
This is the author’s debut story, and for many it almost chills the blood, because this is a real psychological thriller that excites the mind. The plot is the destinies of two people connected with each other. He is a butterfly collector. There is an emptiness in his soul that he strives to fill with beauty. And one day Ferdinand finds himself a beautiful victim - the girl Miranda. It’s as if she was created to create and enjoy freedom. And he understands that he will give everything to have her. And so, Miranda becomes Ferdinand's prisoner. But will he be able to keep real Life, Beauty, Freedom and all the most beautiful things that can be in the human soul within the walls of the castle?
The story is built on the delicate relationship between the victim and the villain and allows you to rethink many of the stories of world classics that seemed to have long been worn out.
Forrest Gump, Winston Groom
This is the story of a mentally retarded guy, which he himself outlined on the pages of a now legendary book, which formed the basis of the film of the same name. The plot can be called practically the embodiment of the myth about that very “American Dream” that disturbed the minds of millions of young people who lived in the second half of the last century. But at the same time, this is a sharp and even slightly cruel satirical parody of the society of that time, which was not ready to accept people who were somehow different from the mainstream. Forrest Gump was different and therefore became an object of ridicule. But this boy is not crazy at all. He is different, and he has access to what others cannot see and feel. He's special.
Amsterdam, Ian McEwan
The author of the book is one of the representatives of the “elite” of modern British prose. And for the work, which became a real world bestseller, he received the Booker Prize. Viktor Golyshev, who translated this creation into Russian, also received the award. It would seem that the story is simple and very relevant. But how many nuances there are in it, how many thoughts, how many doubts! The main characters are two friends. One of them is a successful editor of a popular newspaper. The second is a brilliant composer of our time who is writing the “Millennium Symphony”. And they enter into an agreement on euthanasia, under the terms of which, if one falls into a state of unconsciousness and ceases to understand what he is doing, then the other will take his life.
"Amendment 22" by Joseph Heller
Although more than half a century has passed since the release of the first book, this work still remains legendary and one of the most popular, and many publications included it in the list of the best novels.
This is not your typical story about US Air Force pilots in World War II. They all find themselves in absurd situations, encounter absurd people and rash actions, and commit incomprehensible acts themselves. And all this is connected with a certain amendment No. 22, which actually does not exist on paper, but states that every military man who does not want to carry out a combat mission is completely normal and therefore fit for service. But in fact, in this story one can see not so much an anti-war novel, but a deep and global mockery of modern everyday life, of society and current laws.
"A Conspiracy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole
The author of this book, who, by the way, lived to see the Pulitzer Prize awarded for this creation, was able to create a literary hero unlike any described in satirical literature. Ignatius J. Riley is a creative, imaginative and eccentric personality. He fancies himself an intellectual, but in reality he is a glutton, a spendthrift and a quitter. He is like a modern Don Quixote or Gargantua, who despises society for its lack of geometry and theology. He is reminiscent of Thomas Aquinas, who began his own hopeless war against everything and everyone: representatives of non-traditional sexual orientation, the excesses of the century and even intercity buses. And this image is so interesting, unusual and, unfortunately, relevant that everyone can see a part of themselves in it.
“Monday begins on Saturday”, Strugatsky Brothers
This book is a real masterpiece of Russian science fiction, a kind of embodiment of the utopia of the Soviet era, a kind of artistic fulfillment of the dream of the possibilities of modern man to learn, create, understand and solve the mysteries of the Universe.
The main characters of the book are employees of NIICHAVO (Research Institute of Witchcraft and Wizardry). They are masters and magicians, real pioneers. And they will encounter many amazing events and phenomena: a time machine, a hut on chicken legs, a genie and even an artificially grown man!
"The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins
This book became a real bestseller. This is a mysterious and fascinating story of a girl, Rachel, who, from the train window, watches, as it seems to her, ideal spouses. She even gave them names: Jason and Jess. Every day she sees the cottage of a man and a woman and understands that they probably have everything: prosperity, happiness, wealth and love. And Rachel had all this, but not so long ago she lost it all. But one day, approaching an already well-known cottage, the girl realizes that something is going wrong. She sees frightening, mysterious and disturbing events. And then the perfect wife Jess disappears. And Rachel understands that it is she who must reveal this secret and find the woman. But will the police take her seriously? And, in general, is it worth interfering in someone else’s life? This is for the readers to find out.
"The Book of Life: Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom
In the last months of his life, the old professor managed to make several important discoveries.
He realized that death is not the end at all. This is the beginning. And that means dying is the same as preparing for something unknown and new. And this is not scary at all, but even interesting.
Before leaving for another world, the old man passed on such knowledge to everyone who was with him in the last minutes of his earthly life. What's next? Will we find out?
"The Trial", Franz Kafka
The author is one of the most beloved, mysterious, readable and popular writers of the last century. He managed to create a unique artistic Universe, in which everything is completely different from real life. She is sad, dreary and almost absurd, but incredible and bewitchingly beautiful. Her characters constantly become participants in strange adventures, they search for the meaning of life and try to get answers to questions that have long tormented them. The novel “The Trial” is the work that will allow us to most clearly understand the mysterious nature of Franz Kafka’s work.
Lord of the Flies, William Golding
This book can be called strange, scary and incredibly attractive.
In the story, boys brought up in the best traditions find themselves on a desert island. The author told readers a philosophical parable about how fragile the world is and what can happen to people who forget about kindness, love and mercy. This is a dystopia with some symbolic overtones, which explores the behavioral characteristics of children who find themselves on a desert island during wartime. Will they be able to maintain their humanity or will they submit to natural instincts?
"Rita Hayworth or the Shawshank Redemption" by Stephen King
The plot of this book is the story of a man whose terrible dream suddenly became a reality. He, innocent of anything, was thrown into prison, into a real hell in which he would spend the rest of his life. And no one has ever managed to escape from this terrible place. But the main character does not intend to give up and put up with what was destined for him by fate. He took a desperate step. But will he be able to not only escape, but also get used to freedom and the new world, and survive in it? By the way, this work by the real king of fantasy Stephen King served as the basis for the film of the same name, which starred Morgan Freeman and Tim Robinson.
The events take place in England in 1960. Jennifer Sterling wakes up after a terrible car accident and realizes that she cannot remember who she is or what happened to her. She doesn’t remember her husband either. She would have continued to live in ignorance if she had not completely accidentally found letters addressed to her and signed with the letter “B”. Their author confessed his love to Jennifer and persuaded her to leave her husband. Next, the author takes readers to the 21st century. Young reporter Ellie finds one of the letters written by the mysterious “B” in the newspaper archives. She hopes that by taking up the investigation, she will be able to unravel the mystery of the author and recipient of the messages, restore her reputation, and even understand her own personal life.
“A lady with glasses with a gun in a car”, Sebastien Japrisot
The main character of the book is blonde. She is beautiful, sentimental, sincere, deceitful, restless, stubborn and clueless. This lady, who has never seen the sea, gets into a car and tries to escape from the police. At the same time, she constantly repeats to herself that she is not crazy.
But those around me do not agree with this. The heroine behaves more than strangely and constantly finds herself in ridiculous situations. She believes that wherever she goes, she can be harmed. But if she runs away, she will be able to be alone with herself and free herself from what she hides, from what worries her so much.
The Goldfinch, Donna Tartt
The author wrote this book for ten whole years, but it became a real masterpiece. It tells us that art has power and strength, and sometimes it can radically change and literally turn our lives around, and quite suddenly.
The hero of the work, 13-year-old boy Theo Decker, miraculously survived the explosion that killed his mother. His father abandoned him, and he is forced to wander around foster families and completely strange homes. He visited Las Vegas and New York and almost despaired. But his only consolation, which, by the way, almost led to his death, is the masterpiece of the Dutch old master, which he stole from the museum.
Cloud Atlas, David Mitchell
This book is like a complex mirror labyrinth, in which seemingly completely different and unrelated stories miraculously echo, intersect and overlap each other.
There are six main characters in the work: a young composer who is forced to sell his soul and body; 19th century notary; a journalist working in California in the 70s of the last century who uncovers a conspiracy of a large company; a clone servant working in a modern fast food establishment; a modern small publisher and a simple goatherd living at the end of civilization.
"1984", George Orwell
This work can be classified as a dystopian genre; it describes a society in which a strict totalitarian regime reigns.
There is nothing more terrible than the imprisonment of free and living minds in the shackles of social foundations.
"Blackberry Winter" by Sarah Gio
The events take place in 1933 in Seattle. Vera Ray kisses her little son good night and heads off to her night job at a hotel. In the morning, a single mother discovers that the entire city is covered in snow, and her son has disappeared. In a snowdrift near the house, Vera finds the boy’s favorite toy, but there are no traces nearby. A desperate mother is ready to do anything to find her child.
The author then takes readers to modern-day Seattle. Reporter Claire Aldridge writes an article about a snowstorm that literally paralyzes the city. By chance she learns that similar events already took place 80 years ago. As Claire begins to explore the mysterious story of Vera Ray, she realizes that it is somehow mysteriously intertwined with her own life.
"Blindness", Jose Saramago
Residents of a nameless country and a nameless city are faced with a strange epidemic. They all quickly begin to go blind. And the authorities, in order to stop this incomprehensible disease, decide to introduce strict quarantine and move all sick people to the old hospital, taking them into custody.
The main characters of the work are an infected ophthalmologist and his pretending to be blind wife. They are trying to piece together the world and find order in this chaos that is gradually enveloping everyone.
“Three apples fell from the sky”, Narine Abgaryan
This book is the story of one small village, which is located somewhere high in the mountains.
Its inhabitants are all a little grumpy, a little eccentric, but at the same time, real treasures of the spirit are hidden in each of them.
This is a witty, sublime and unusual dystopia about a modern consumer society, which is programmed at the genetic level. And in this world unfolds the sad story of the Savage, whom the author regards as the Hamlet of our time. He still retains remnants of humanity, but people divided into castes of social consumption do not want to recognize him or simply cannot do so.
If we list noteworthy books by contemporary authors, we cannot fail to mention the work “Social network “Ark” by Evgeny Vetzel, which consists of three parts.
The main character falls from the roof, but is reborn again. Having lived a little in the 11th century, he finds himself in the distant future - in the 36th century in Moscow. The author touches on many interesting devices, psychology and sales techniques, modern reflections on life, and reasons to think seriously about rhetorical issues. The second book describes life in America and the theory of one of the variants of a worldwide conspiracy. And the third part tells about the adventures of the hero on another planet where white angels live.
These were the most interesting books that are worth reading even for those who think that they don’t like to read. They will change your views and even your ideas about the world.
P.S. What books do you remember most?
Autumn depression has given way to spring vitamin deficiency, there is dirt on the street, but your soul is sad and you want to cry? We offer you 10 books that will best help you shed a tear. Cry with pleasure!
1. Erich Maria Remarque - “Three Comrades”
Erich Maria Remarque entered literature as the author of books about the fate of the “lost generation”. These were true stories, based on the experience of the writer himself, about young people who went through the horrors of the World War. “All Quiet on the Western Front,” along with the novels of E. Hemmingway, R. Aldington and W. Faulkner, became the confession of the “son of the century.”
“Three Comrades” is a poignant novel about loneliness and mutual understanding, about friendship and love, about devotion and the fragility of human life. His heroes are far from the social unrest and political storms of the 1930s, but the approaching catastrophe leaves its sad marks in their lives.
Despite the tragic notes, this is a book about the amazing happiness of a person - the ability not to get lost in the labyrinths of ghosts and lies.
2. Jenny Downham - “While I'm Alive”
The sixteen-year-old heroine of this book is just beginning to live, and she wants to do so much. So she writes a list of all her wishes and gets down to business. Not everything about him is as innocent as her peers. But only because she is not like them in many ways. And also because she needs to do everything now! “While I Live” is an honest, brave and incredibly life-affirming novel. In the full sense of the word, it stops time, reminding us that we need to appreciate the main thing, seize the moment, be bolder in our desires and enjoy the adventures that every day gives us.
3. Jojo Moyes - “Me Before You”
Lou Clark knows how many steps it is from the bus stop to her house. She knows that she really likes her job at the cafe and that she probably doesn't love her boyfriend Patrick. But Lou does not know that she is about to lose her job and that in the near future she will need all her strength to overcome the problems that have befallen her.
Will Traynor knows the motorcyclist who hit him took away his will to live. And he knows exactly what needs to be done to put an end to all this. But he doesn’t know that Lou will soon burst into his world with a riot of colors. And they both don't know that they will change each other's lives forever.
4. Annabelle Pitcher - “My Sister Lives on the Mantel”
Ten-year-old Jamie didn't cry when it happened. He knew he was supposed to cry. After all, Jasmine’s older sister was crying, and mom was crying, and dad was crying. And Roger cried. But what can you take from him - he’s just a cat, even if he’s the coolest cat in the world. Everyone around said that over time everything would settle down, life would get better and everything would be as before. But this damned time went on and on, and nothing got better. It even got worse every day. Dad won't part with the bottle, Jasmine walks around darker than a cloud, and Mom has completely disappeared. But Jamie hopes that the day will come when they will all be happy again. Even his second sister Rose is the one who lives on the mantelpiece. You just need to push things forward and direct them in the right direction. And Jamie comes up with a plan. If he, for example, becomes famous throughout the country, or even the entire planet, then everything will definitely change... An amazing novel for people of all ages, sad and cheerful, optimistic and full of hope, the main idea of which is that no matter what happens , no matter what troubles befall you, only you yourself are the masters of your destiny, your mood and attitude towards life.
5. John Boyne - “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas”
Nine-year-old Bruno is a cheerful German boy who lives carefree in Berlin during World War II. When his father, a high-ranking Wehrmacht officer, is transferred to a new place, the family moves from the capital to the province, and Bruno quickly finds a friend with the funny name Shmuel. He lives on a strange farm with unusual people: they wear pajamas even during the day, play numbers that are sewn to these pajamas, and drag some kind of cars. And sometimes there is acrid smoke coming from the stoves on the farm...
The novel “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” is a book in no way intended for children; on the contrary, it is a very adult thing, addressed to people who know what barbed wire is.
6. Stefan Zweig - “Impatience of the Heart”
The soul-tearing story of the tragic, doomed, unrequited love of a crippled girl, Edith von Kekesfalva, for a kind and sincere, but narrow-minded young officer, capable of responding to her feelings only with pity.
Edith understands: she, confined to a wheelchair, should not count on reciprocal love.
But the strength of her frenzied passion is such that it does not require reciprocity. The only thing a girl can hope for is a miracle that will help her one day get up and go...
7. Victor Hugo - “The Last Day of a Man Condemned to Death”
Victor Hugo is one of the most widely read French prose writers in the world. His works formed the basis for many performances and films. And the musical “Notre-Dame de Paris” (“Notre-Dame de Paris”), based on Hugo’s novel of the same name and, thanks to its fantastic collections, included in the Guinness Book of Records, is still winning hearts.
The story “The Last Day of the Condemned to Death” and the romantic drama “Ruy Blaz” fascinate the reader with the intensity of passions and the acute drama of destinies.
8. Daniel Keyes - “Flowers for Algernon”
“Flowers for Algernon” by Daniel Keyes is required reading in American schools. This is the only story in the science fiction genre whose author was awarded twice, first for a short story and then for a novel with the same title, character, and plot.
Thirty-three-year-old Charlie Gordon is mentally retarded. At the same time, he has a job, friends and an irresistible desire to learn. He agrees to take part in a dangerous scientific experiment in the hope of becoming smart...
This fantastic story has amazing psychological power and makes you think about universal questions of morality: do we have the right to experiment on each other, what results can this lead to, and what price are we willing to pay to become “the smartest”? What about the lonely?
To questions that were raised by M. Bulgakov in “Heart of a Dog” and J. London in “Martin Eden,” Daniel Keyes gives his unequivocal answer.
9. Haruki Murakami - “South of the Border, West of the Sun”
“South of the Border, West of the Sun” (1992) is the most poignant novel by the classic of modern Japanese literature Haruki Murakami. Twenty-five years later, a mystical childhood sweetheart returns to the life of a successful jazz bar owner - and an almost forgotten passion flares up again. But the ghost of death is constantly watching him...
“Casablanca” in Japanese. A novel about existential love that is not destined to come true.
10. Mark Levy - “Shadow Thief”
Critics call the novel “The Thief of Shadows” Levi’s most exciting book. The main character, a dreamy boy, is endowed with a special gift: he can communicate with human shadows and even kidnap them. The shadows share secrets with him, ask him for help - not for themselves, but for their masters, and he tries to change for the better the fate of those who are dear to him. Having matured and become a doctor, he uses his gift to heal the sick. However, he is unable to cure himself: his soul is rushing about in search of love, lost many years ago.
Life is movement, and the main thing in it is constant work on yourself. In order to make fewer mistakes and gain as much useful knowledge as possible, it is worth choosing the right sources of information. We offer you a list of works that are required reading for everyone who wants to change themselves and better understand this world.
- Carlos Castaneda. "The Teachings of Don Juan"
The book describes the philosophy of an Indian sorcerer Don Juan, whom I personally met Castaneda. The shaman offers his theory of understanding the world through the interpretation of energy signals from the Universe. Don Juan promotes the construction of his model of the universe, based on sensations.
- Gabriel Garcia Marquez. "100 Years of Solitude"
A novel about a mysterious village Macondo, lost in the depths of the Colombian jungle. This is a poignant story of the family of the founders of the village - the clan Buendia. Clan Buendia– endless repetition of identical names and destinies. Members of the clan are revolutionaries, hermits, alchemists, writers and businessmen. But they are united by one quality - awareness of loneliness and some kind of evil fate weighing down on everyone Buendia and the village Macondo. In the novel, real historical events are intertwined with mythical ones.
- Franz Kafka. "Letter to Father"
This is an autobiographical work. The writer’s extremely frank reflections on the difficult relationship with his father and how they influenced the writer’s work and his development as a person. The book may be especially interesting for parents as a guide on how not to raise their children.
- Kurt Vonnegut. "Cat's Cradle"
One of the author's most famous novels along with " Slaughterhouse number five" A work about the responsibility of scientists for their inventions. The book also addresses issues of the environment, wars and religions. The narrative is ambiguous and the plot unpredictable.
- Nikolay Berdyaev. "Self-Knowledge"
The book cultivates unconventional views and the eternal search for meaning. Correlation of oneself with the world environment. Reflections on God and creativity.
- Marquis de Sade. "Justine, or the Miserable Fate of Virtue"
The main character of the book is a girl from a noble family. Having become an orphan, she is forced to earn a living herself. At the same time, the girl strives to act in accordance with moral laws. But life is merciless. Justine constantly faces the cruelty of others. Lies, kidnapping, rape - all this the poor girl has to endure. The book is incredibly frank.
- Ruben Gallego. "White on black"
The book gives the reader the opportunity to learn about the lives of people with disabilities first-hand. The author also poignantly talks about the so-called communist morality, the essence of which is to deprive a person of the opportunity to be human. Despite the sad topic, the book gives an incredibly bright reading experience. The author makes you look at sad things through the prism of kindness.
- Paulo Coelho. "Alchemist"
This short work is filled with deep thoughts and simple truths. The book is read in one breath, although many thoughts are written between the lines and are not always revealed immediately. The main character is a shepherd Santiago, who goes on a journey to the pyramids to find treasures and answers to questions about happiness and the meaning of life.
- Jerome Salinger. "Catcher in the rye"
I re-read this book twice, and how strange it was that its meaning changed for me each time. The story is about how the main character (a 16-year-old boy from New York) tired of the falsehood, hypocrisy and meaninglessness that he encountered every day, and how he found out what was really important to him, what should be valued in life and what was worth living for.