1. Angela's Ashes - Frank McCourt
Some books confuse you whether to laugh or cry. One such book was this one! I have laughed uncontrollably and cried at the same time too.It is an autobiography of Mr.McCourt written in the most delightful way possible.
I was looking for a book to read in the summer so I went to the store. There I came across "Teacher Man" (the third book in the autobiography series). Having no idea this book had three prequels I read it anyways and fell in love with the style of writing. So I went back to find the first part i.e. Angela's Ashes.
It is a story of an ordinary boy whose family decides to go back to Ireland as the expenses in America are a little too high for them to recover. There are several heart breaking incidents that leave your eyes misty. But what makes this book so special is that it is written from the view of a 10 year-old. The childish logic behind every event and the positive approach towards life baffles you. You laugh off your own problems because this child in the book teaches you hell of a way to live life. Sometimes you connect and feel nostalgic because we have had similar thoughts when we were children too. "What is death?", "Where do babies come from?" have amazing answers in this book.
When I'm low or feeling frustrated, I just open up a random page and read. There's no better feeling than to have a book in hand that understands you, guides you, lifts your spirits and helps you come out into the world as a better person altogether!
A beautiful quote to sum it all :
"You might be poor, your shoes might be broken, but your mind is a palace"
- Frank McCourt, Angela's Ashes
2. Like the flowing river - Paulo Coelho
Doesn't the name itself bring about a positive vibe. Yes, all the Paulo Coelho books are mystical and make you feel magical but this one is my personal favorite and certainly relaxes my mind when I'm stressed.
This book comprises of short stories. Some are real life incidents of the author while some are tales imparting deep and divine morals in the end. This is a book you can grab anytime and everytime you read it, it makes you go "wow". The same story is interpreted in a different sense every single time I read it! It amazes me how the stories adapt to my situation. Life is truly like a flowing river. This book inspires you right from the first page till the very end.
" Be like the flowing river,-Manuel Bandeira
Silent in the night.
Be not afraid of the dark.
If there are stars in the sky, reflect them back.
If there are clouds in the sky,
Remember, clouds, like the river are water,
So, gladly reflect them too,
In your own tranquil depths."
3. Wise and Otherwise - Sudha Murthy
This book holds small stories of ordinary Indians and is an absolute treasure to own. It tells us that every individual no matter how rich or poor, whether he rides a mercedes or a bullock cart has a unique story to tell. The author Sudha Murthy reaches into the deepest roots of India and connects with all sorts of people. She inspires me and teaches me to treat every person with equal interest and passion. Every person has undergone certain struggle in his/her life. She talks to children, men and women from various states and backgrounds and listens to what they have to tell. The outcome is : the reader connects as if interacting with the individual in person. You imagine yourself sitting in a hut and eating a meal with their family or sitting on the beach watching a young boy helping his mom collect crabs. Beauty of the soul is captured, feelings are expressed raw and clear. This book shapes your thinking and gives you the desire to do something for the society. It makes your own problems seem minutely small and you start to appreciate life for what it is!
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