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1. A thousand splendid suns.
Reason: This book expounds on talibanization in Afghanistan and since, unknown heights of agony, Afghan women had to reach.
This book narrates what a woman is capable of and what is to be a woman.
This book gives away a rudimentary fact, “Like a compass needle that points north, a man’s accusing finger always finds a woman.”
2. The Notebook.
Reason: Almost everyone in this big wide world and beyond can ink pages and chant non-stop on the most hackneyed subject, “what is love.” But to know and to feel “what is to love someone”, read the book.
3. The Godfather by Mario Puzo.
Reason: Discover the world of mafia in real terms.
This book is the father of all crime-thriller books.
4. To kill a mocking bird by Harper Lee.
Reason: Learning becomes a lot easier when a book is under a garb of humor.
Learn about America. Learn about discrimination. Learn about double standards. Learn about principles. Learn about a lawyer…and this time, in a different manner.
5. Veronika decides to die by Paulo Coelho.
Reason: Not necessarily there is always a reason to kill yourself, sometimes there is no reason to live. And in that case, discover yourself, assimilate yourself in strange territories, take risks and do not afraid to “live” life.
Do not break the madness, instead, own it.
6. Acts of Faith by Erich Segal.
Reason: It’s about a constant war of three lives with religion for desiring their own path.
An overwhelming depiction of defined borders of religion with boundary less heart.
Jerusalem imagery is enthralling.
I personally think that it’s the most underrated work of Erich Segal.
7. The prodigal daughter by Jeffery Archer.
Reason: No one can produce a literary work so accurately and so strikingly on American politics as Jerry Archer does.
Florentyna Kane-the protagonist- The woman all men fantasize. The woman all women idealize, expressly or secretly.
8. Moth Smoke by Mohsin Hamid.
Reason: Most probably the ONLY book by desi contemporary writers which is NOT about Afghanistan, talibanization, 9/11, America, Iraq war and Islam.
Errm it was written before 9/11, so naturally.
It’s about Pakistan of 90s.
It’s about inner conflicts.
It’s about betrayal in different forms.
One of the best thrillers in the history of desi thrillers.
9. The Rainmaker by John Grisham.
Reason: You wouldn’t know what hit you.
It’s a journey of a lawyer whose life changes 360 degrees. Yes “360” degrees.
This book is the best to read when you are on dieting. As you won’t eat, sleep and do anything, your sole aim of life would be to read, read and read till the end.
10. Rage of angels by Sidney Sheldon.
Reason: A complete thriller by the master of thrillers—Sidney Sheldon.
Power. Tough choices. Deception. Love. Anguish.
This was the book which motivated me to become a lawyer. Sounds stupid?
Wait.
Michael Moretti — The powerful and astute Don– the main adversary of this book and my ideal match. Yeah…I have a bad guy syndrome. Thank you very much !
Oh and btw I vehemently believe that he and I would do great together. Just come out of the book, my love Michael.
I admire your selection. To kill a mocking bird is one of my favourite movies, while rage of the angels I read. Rest.. it will take sometime to go through the slection.
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Thanks Jalal. Nice to know that you have read contemporary classic — To kill a mocking bird.
Yes please, try to read some of the recommendations if not all. I really hope you won’t be disappointed.
Good list. Though the inclusion of Paulo Coelho – in any shape or form – disqualifies it from being called a ‘fictional’ and a ‘must read’ list.
Trust me, i have read the guy, and i have hated every minute of it.
(I used to read his books only when i needed to study for my exams in order to punish myself for wasting time).
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Ali. Thanks. And hahahahaha about Mr Coelho, I know what you are talking and I DO understand that. Having read most of Coelho’s works, I personally think that he’s more of a shrink than a writer. However, I assure you after reading Veronica decides to die, you would find out why that one is on the list :)
I have read ‘Veronica’ and it has not made me change my mind. Sure, a girl with suicidal tendencies for no apparent reason is a great idea. But why does he have to ruin everything with apparently endless and boring prose about LIFE AND HOW TO LIVE IT.
And to top it all, he is not even apologetic about it.
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Whoa. Ali you seem to have some REAL issues with Mr Coelho. But my friend how would it make its way to a novel if there wasn’t a prose at discourse about the subject? I don’t think you expect him to encourage his readers to opt otherwise? :P
On a serious note… You know this book is loosely based on Coelho’s experience on several mental asylums. It is naturally that he would be emotionally attached with the subject and subsequently couldn’t hold back. I personally feel that there are times that he took the place of the protagonist and wrote what his own mind, also the sub plots seemed to be inspired from his life in the asylum. So it might come across too “self indulgent” at places but we can always forgive him for it is done sub consciously.
Every one of his books is supposed to be just that. Which is rather lame if you ask me. But instead of asking me, people go ahead and actually read that stuff and like it. I should be more vocal i guess!
Wow… I think every writer has his forte. But yeah… I think we all should first take your advice.
So kindly write 10 reasons why we shouldn’t read Mr Coelho or any other writer for that matter, I will be most happy to post it at my blog.
PS: By “any other writer” you do realize that I am talking about “writer”… I am just a harmless blogger. Spare me from your wrath. After all I am ready to post your work here.
thanks for sharing. i score 2 in this list and it gona help my next bookie shop :)
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I am too ridiculously glad to learn that. :P And no problem.
Welcome to my blog :) and thanks for commenting.
Someone has presented me Veronica decides to die but its still placed in my shelf as it is. Book Reading is my not my cup of tea..what to do ?
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Then take coffee :P … This book is also adapted in a movie. Get your hands on the Dvd and WATCH IT :P
haan good idea — as I watched Kite Runner etc …
Do let me know if you find it good enough.
“Veronika” :P
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haha… it’s about time that I started reading my own write-ups … I make too many errors :P *Tanzeel are you reading :P*
Thanks for correcting. Veronika has proven to be a jinx :D
I am reading and recommend you to start watching movies where there is zilch chance of typos : D
hahahahhaa Good one :P
loved ur choice. I have read rage of angels n thousand splendid,,,,i will read the others too,,i agree with what u said about em. thank u for the recommendations,,,it was very helpful.
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Thank you so much Mehreen. :) Flattered. Do let me know how did you find others after reading. Especially “Veronika decides to die”
nice list. have read a few of them.
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Thank you Raj.
Welcome to my blog :)
i read veronika decides to die, three years back and one of those few books which i read in one night. Loved it.
And Rage of Angels, another typical Sidney Sheldon, which i read in my teenage :D
After reading his 7 or 8 books, I have started hating him :s
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Mariam yeah… Veronika is one of those books which should be finished in one sitting as the essence would be lost :) Me too, in one sitting.
Btw, if you get your hands on the dvd, do watch it. You will love it. Sarah Michelle Gella makes perfect Veronika. You would be surprised :)
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And about Sheldon, well actually he is a cult writer, so I am not surprised if anyone calls his work “typical.”
He works are for criminal minds.
*Raising collar
:P
LOL -ye, criminal minds : D
Anyways, i WAS his bag fan.
I found his “Tell me your dreams” as the best.
And thanks for telling me about the movie, I will definitely watch it. Though movies are never as good as the book. I had learnt this after watching Harry Potter :P
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Yeah me too think the same. Most movies based on books are turned out to be disappointing. But this one is really good :)
And tell me your dreams is my fav too. I read it when I was 17. I still remember the night when I finished it, couldnt sleep and kept the lights on. It was TOO CREEPY.
Saw the movie yesterday and it was good :)
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Aweeee…. I am SO glad that you found it good :)
And somehow *relieved* too :P
Yes and it was different from the usual Sheldon fictions.
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Yes. And you know, it was actually HIM who introduced the subject of split personality disorder in the world of fiction.
Which btw, Indians are utilizing in the most absurd sense till now :D
Really?? Though I am not much into indian movies but still i can imagine how they would be utilizing it : D
Dont even ask :P
:D
LOL – relieved : D
:P
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Hii…I have read ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’ and I must say,I am really touched.It has made me realize how my problems are so small compared to so many people in this world and still I worry so much!!!It is one of my favourite books.
I have also read Acts of Faith . I found it ok.Personally I Liked The Class writtenby the same author more than the former.
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Hey :) I absolutely agree with you :) on thousand splendid suns.
However Soman I dont think one can compare the class and faith of acts. Honestly the class was drag in parts plus characters overall were plain in the class. Faith of Acts was well crafted and the imagery was astounded. Plus I personally have learned a lot from faith of acts.
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Thanks for the comment Sonam :) and I really hope you keep visiting my blog
Actually Acts of FAith deals with too much of religion which I found slighhtly boring .Maybe because I dont have much knowledge of the religions discussed in that novel!!..But yes,most of the times I found it to be a very beautiful and touching read.
And for your blog,I’ve visited it many times before..its just that yesterday was the first time I commented here :-))
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Awe. Sonam, I think to each its own. So its fine if you prefer The Class over Acts of Faith :)
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And hey… Really? That’s really a sweet surprise : P How come you never commented before ? I hope I dont come across very “dangerous” : D But now that you have commented. I would say… keep visiting and keep commenting ( And TRUST me I am NO marketing student. Its all about Goodwill ;) :P )
Lol Lol!!Of course you dont come across as dangerous:-D
Yup I like the blog .I’ll keep visiting (as usual) and start commenting also :-D
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:) That’s really sweet of you, Sonam. I hope my blog will remain in your “like” list. :P
Kudos…great peice of information and writing…i have read 4 books of this list…and i hated veronica the most..you should read The Firm by John Grisham, it is quite interesting
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Awe, thanks Narjis :). And wow, Veronica seems to be most hated here, no wonder I relate to the character :D
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And I have read The Firm, “Mister” :P
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Thanks for your kind words Narjis. Really uplifted me :) … Hope you keep visiting my blog :)