Did you grow up reading one book after another? Or does the thought of reading a book send you running to the hills? Whether you fall in the former or latter category, there are some books EVERYONE needs to read.
While most articles like these list books like ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’, ‘The Great Gatsby’, and ‘Pride And Prejudice’, we have compiled a list where unconventional meets modern. The books in this list might not have been instant best sellers or best sellers at all, but each of these books tells a compelling story that is hard to ignore.
We’ve picked each book after careful consideration to give our readers a taste of something unique that they might have never experienced before.
So what are you waiting for? Make the most of this list of unconventional books to read!
1. ‘Chasing The Monsoon’ by Alexander Frater
In this book, Frater is chasing the monsoon across the country. He starts from the tip of India from where the monsoon winds blow into the country bringing the first drops of relief. He then follows the monsoon trail right up to Cherrapunji – the wettest place on Earth. Not only does he capture the Indian scenario with perfection, his primary motive is to display the kaleidoscope of emotions that Indians portray while eagerly waiting for the burst of rain. The book shows how, in India, the monsoon is not just a season but a celebration of nature. It is an easy read with some facts and figures included about the climatic conditions in India. If you want to read something homegrown, this book is not to be missed!
2. ‘The Hungry Tide’ by Amitav Ghosh
A brilliant writer, Amitav Ghosh paints an unforgettable description of the Sunderbans in his book – The Hungry Tide. The narration is delicately balanced between the horrors of a vast watery labyrinth where no one dares to venture and the human heart with dark creeks and crevices of its own. The novel seamlessly slips between the past and the present making it a true masterpiece. Ghosh does not fail to conjure intricate as well as easily relatable characters. It is a dark and thrilling story which is a must-read.
3. ‘Me Before You’ by Jojo Moyes
For the longest time possible, the idea of rains has been undoubtedly linked with romance. Ladies and gentlemen, be prepared for a woman who is a burst of life, a man who is losing hope with every passing day and an incredible relationship that turns their lives upside down. This book teaches us to love unconditionally and lead a life spent enjoying every moment. A book which is poignant and hopeful, this one is a guaranteed page-turner.
4. ‘Into The Water’ by Paula Hawkins
After ‘The Girl on the Train’, Paula Hawkins releases yet another disturbing yet brilliant narrative of a small town by a riverside. Many folklores have been spun owing to the dangerous waters of the river. Is there any truth to these stories about women and witches flinging themselves in the water or a more sinister plot underlays? Find out all the answers in this intriguing psychological thriller. Hawkins brilliantly captures the prowess of water as both life-giver and destroyer in this incredible read.
5. ‘Village By The Sea’ by Anita Desai
Based in a tiny village on the coast of Mumbai, ‘Village by the Sea’ depicts the contrast between a rural and urban lifestyle. Anita Desai’s book is filled with detailed descriptions and it succeeds in creating a vivid impression in the reader’s mind. This book follows the adventures of a boy who goes to Mumbai looking for work. The writer effortlessly brings out the city’s bustling life and its idiosyncrasies. The evolution of the city offers a contrast to the stuck-in-time village. It is truly a riveting read.
6. ‘The Blue Umbrella’ by Ruskin Bond
With his child protagonist and attention to detail, Ruskin Bond has the ability to return you a chunk of your childhood while he takes you from one chapter to another. A blue umbrella received in a barter helps Biniya gain popularity in the hills of Garhwal. Bond paints a beautiful picture of the rains when they touch Himachal Pradesh. While reading this book, you will feel the cement buildings and concrete roads melt away as they give way to misty mountains and rain-kissed greenery. Immerse yourself in this masterpiece and you will not be disappointed.
7. ‘Neither Here Nor There’ By Bill Bryson
Warm, fuzzy, and delightfully sardonic, Bryson is great company on pretty much any day! This book takes you on a fascinating journey through Europe – right from Hammerfest, the northernmost town in Europe to Istanbul. The book is peppered with brilliant insights, sometimes trivialising and at times glorifying. If you’re bitten by the wanderlust bug and you want to weave through the various cultures of Europe, don’t give this read a miss.
Books can transport you from one place to another while you’re sitting on your couch. If you’ve read all the popular books on the market and you’re looking for something unconventional to immerse yourself into, don’t look beyond the above list!
Found this article interesting? Check out this secret list of books that infuse hope.
