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8 books you must read in your lifetime
Posted by Strategic Communications, JGI Group on 23 October 2017

1. 1984 - George Orwell :George Orwell Book - JHS

This prophetic dystopian novel written in 1949 describes an era set up infuture 1984 which is absolutely frightening and depressing at the same time. Author George Orwell writes of a world that is always controlled by the state including the general public's daily activities to even their thoughts. The citizens are constantly under surveillance and any hint of dislike or disobedience if found will lead to their absolute disappearance.

Undoubtedly this is a book that haunts our very existence of a free world.

As the slogan of the party aptly says:

War is peace
Freedom is slavery
Ignorance is strength

We highly recommend you to read this thought-provoking novel. Book rating - 5/5

 

2. To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee :Harper Lee Book - JHS

Set in the 1930's, this book is a classic adored and read by every generation. It shares the manifestation of the social fabric back then. Written from a child's viewpoint in the first person narrative, To Kill a Mockingbird carefully centers on the coexistence of good and evil along with the issue of racism.

Atticus Finch, a white lawyer has to defend a black man, Tom who has been wrongly accused of raping a white woman. Due to Atticus's involvement in the case, his children are bullied and teased who are not entirely mature to understand the situation. As the trail unravels, the jury convicts Tom although all evidence points out that he is innocent. Tom is also shot while trying to escape prison. Atticus Finch, a widower portrays the ideal father- children relation with his two children, Scout and Jem.

Written with simplicity and ease, Harper Lee captures the essence of transformation from innocence to hard-hitting reality for these two children. This book is a treasure to cherish in every sense.

Book rating 5/5.

 

3. Animal Farm - George Orwell :Animal Farm, Book - JHS

Another of George Orwell's popular works, Animal Farm is truly one of the most inspiring satires of all times.

It is written in a simple language veiling some important characters of political uprising during the author's time.

Here animals are seen as characters revolting with a noble intent against a common enemy i.e. humans but as the story continues, opinions and laws created by the animals deter and falter which leads to a change in the course of the entire revolution.

Book rating - 4/5

 

4. The Catcher in the Rye - J.D Salinger :The Catcher in the Rye, Book - JHS

Written in 1951, this is a novel about a teenage boy's life centered on angst and rebellion. Holden Caulfield as the protagonist of the novelshares a complicated, love-hate relationship with the world he lives in. After getting expelled from his school for failing academically and being careless about losing his team's equipment, he has a fight with his roommate after which his life goes downhill.

A series of events thereafter affects his views towards life, including his relationship with his siblings, friends, parents and teachers.

This novel is included in the Time's 2005 list of the 100 best English-language novels written since 1923. It is voted on the 15th spot according to the BBC survey, The Big Read held in 2003.

Book rating - 3.8/5

 

5. The Lord of the Rings - J.R.R.Tolkien :The Lord of the Rings, Book - JHS

Written by English author and scholar J. R. R. Tolkien,The Lord of the Rings is an outstanding high fantasy novel. It is a trilogy that contains the three volumes titled The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and The Return of the King.

The plot of the novels is about a ring, a ring of power previously owned by an evil ruler, the Dark Lord named Sauron which needs to be destroyed. The task of destroying the ring is given to hobbit(a fictional, diminutive, humanoid race)Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee. The trilogy describes the long and arduous journey the hobbits undertake as they overcome the myths and legends of the land. A one of a kind narrative, it is a novel filled with magic, fantasy and imagination, embedded with friendship, sacrifice, endurance and joy of life.

Book rating- 5/5

 

6. Rich Dad, Poor Dad - Robert T. Kiyosaki :Rich Dad, Poor Dad, Book - JHS

Written by Robert Kiyosaki, Rich Dad, Poor Dad is a short book describing the concept of financial literacy and financial independence. There were two major influential people who inspired him to write the book. One was his real biological father whom he referred to 'Poor dad' and his friend Mike's father whom he called 'Rich Dad'. His 'poor dad' was highly educated but fiscally poor whereas his 'rich dad' was rich although he had completed education in eighth grade.

He discusses the difference in understanding between liability and assets which will help middle-class people to make smarter and wiser investments. Acquiring financial independence is the main theme of the book which the author demonstrates through his personal experiences.

Book Rating: 3.5/5

 

7. We should all be feminists - ChimamandaNgoziAdichie :We should all be feminists, Book - JHS

We should all be feminists is a powerful book-length essay to highlight the pertinent issue of sexism and break the stereotypical notion towards feminism.

Author ChimamandaNgoziAdichie offers a unique but much-needed perspective regarding feminism which requires both inclusion and awareness.

Her book consists of her personal experiences ranging from the USA to Nigeria, where she talks about blatant discrimination. She also emphasizes on how institutions all around the world encourage marginalizing of women.

Book rating-5/5.

 

8. Homegoing - Yaa Gyasi :Homegoing, Book - JHS

A heartbreaking story of two half-sisters from West Africa (gold coast) who lived in their parallel lives, one sold as a bride to a British slave trader and the other captured as a slave from one of the tribes and sold to the British. Set in the late 18th Century Yaa Gyasi gives an accurate overview of the times British colonization and slave industry were booming.

Yaa Gyasi adopts a unique storytelling pattern where each chapter is based on the descendants of the two sisters altogether spanning seven generations. A family tree is also placed at the beginning of the book to bring more clarity to readers. Each chapter alternates between the descendants of the two half-sisters, Effia and Esi show two sides of the Homegoing.

Yaa Gyasi explores the dark history of slavery, presenting the horrors of the African slave trade, the American civil war and life after the war leading to the formation of current America. Each character takes us on a journey through a different period of time in history like H being an African-American coalminer and his tragic story.

The novel is a grand attempt to weave together a series of stories touching aspects of slavery, tragedy, racism and its effects.

Book rating - 4.5/5.

Jain Heritage School encourages inculcating the habit of reading in students as it will improve their comprehension skills. The school is equipped with state-of-the-art library and prides on having a large collection of books that it offers the students to indulge in.

 
 


 
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