Reading is an obsession for me. I have read many books both in fiction and non-fiction. Every person has his own opinion about a book he/she reads. I read books not only for enjoyment but also for learning something from each book. To specify my favourite five is a difficult task because there are many books, which a person must read once in his lifetime. Five of these books have been mentioned below.
1) The Fountainhead – Ayn Rand
This book is to be read by every person. It is the story of Howard Roark, a man who has his own principles to lead his life. He is tried to be broken, bent and weakened but everybody who tries so fails. He is a free man who is not bounded by the rules made by people in this world that hamper the growth of an individual. The society speaks of community work, service before self, but Roark believes in the progress of each human individually. He believes that if every person makes itself a better human being then the whole society will prosper.
2) Bhagavad Gita – Ved Vyas
This may seem a religious choice, but it is not. The dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna is supposed to be the best book ever written in Indian history. It is a gift India has presented to the world. It shows you the path to righteousness. It shows you how to lead your life successfully. It tells you how to keep peace with your mind and body. It is a book which should be read by every person in any language.
3) The Godfather – Mario Puzo
Such comes once in a lifetime. Don Corleone and the Corleone family has ruled on the minds of the people. This book is a masterpiece. Mario Puzo has given this world a view into the underworld. The underworld, which has a good as well as a bad side. This book has been made into three sequential movies. The second movie has the record of being the only sequel to have won the Academy Award(Oscar) after the prequel has won it. Watch out for the hindi remake of this book called SARKAR where BIG B plays the roll of godfather.
4) You Can Win – Shiv Khera
A gem by Shiv Khera. He teaches you how to be optimistic. In the introduction of the book he asks you to keep a pencil and a notebook while reading this book. He gives shorts notes in between and asks you to review them after reading the book. This helps keep the feeling of optimism alive. He teaches how to face the difficulties in your life.
5) The Da Vinci Code – Dan Brown
This author is a new master in the world of suspense-fiction. This book is one of the most controversial book I have ever read. The book deals with the secret of marriage of Jesus Christ. It is a very fast book. A must read for action and mystery lovers.