1. The Amulet of Samarkand – Jonathan Stroud
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
This is the first book of the Bartimaeus trilogy by Jonathan Stroud. Set in modern-day London, the book chronicles the lives of 12-year old magician’s apprentice Nathaniel and his only friend, the djinni Bartimaeus. It makes for an endearingly humorous and breathtakingly fast-paced read that is sure to leave a mark on the reader. In fact, this might be the very first novel where you’ll look forward to the footnotes more than the actual text!
Bartimaeus of Uruk, a djinni (in his own words) ‘with more resourcefulness (not to mention mindless optimism) in his toenails than other hundreds of porridge-brained spirits together’ exists in his own world, peppered with the most enchanting details and described in a delightfully sassy voice. While summoned by Nathaniel and bound to do his bidding, our darling Barty amuses himself with ‘plenty of fights, chases and sarcastic wordplay’ that helps keep his spirits high during the self-admittedly excruciating period he has to spend on our earth.
Bartimaeus of Uruk, a djinni (in his own words) ‘with more resourcefulness (not to mention mindless optimism) in his toenails than other hundreds of porridge-brained spirits together’ exists in his own world, peppered with the most enchanting details and described in a delightfully sassy voice. While summoned by Nathaniel and bound to do his bidding, our darling Barty amuses himself with ‘plenty of fights, chases and sarcastic wordplay’ that helps keep his spirits high during the self-admittedly excruciating period he has to spend on our earth.
2. Animal Farm – George Orwell
Genre: Roman à clef, Satire, Fiction
The book can be read and enjoyed as a traditional farm fable, where a group of animals are tired of being dominated by humans in all spheres of their life. So they stage an epic insurrection, overthrow the ‘evil’ humans and set up their own ‘independent’ way of life – ploughing fields, building windmills and harvesting the food on their own. Sadly, for these animals, things do not remain as rosy for long.
It makes for an enjoying read with an amusing ending, whether or not you get the numerous references to a communist society.
It makes for an enjoying read with an amusing ending, whether or not you get the numerous references to a communist society.
3. A Storm of Swords – R.R. Martin
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Technically this is the third book of the A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R R Martin, but my personal favorite among the lot. It has everything a reader might desire for in a novel – politics, plotting, romance, betrayal and drama – lots of it.
At 1298 pages long, it’s not a herculean task for a non-reader to complete it, but if you’re a lover of books, then you sure cannot give this series a miss!
4. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix – J.K. Rowling
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
All the Harry Potter books are great. Period. But this one ended up being the one I could best relate with because when I read it, I was perhaps 13 or 14, like Harry – who was 15. Harry, in this book, was awkward, clueless, misunderstood and all of it angered him. And when he got VERY angry, he shouted in ALL CAPITALS!
Also, the bit about Cho Chang and him not being able to come to terms with his feelings for her was adorable
Also, the bit about Cho Chang and him not being able to come to terms with his feelings for her was adorable
5. And Then There Were None – Agatha Christie
Genre: Crime Fiction
Ten people trapped in an isolated house with no means of escape for three days. Ten tiny china soldiers on the dining table that keep disappearing as mysteriously as the people get killed – one by one, with no way of ascertaining who the perpetrator is. It is almost as if a gruesome game is being played that would end only when each and every occupant is killed – a case that keeps the police stumped for years.
Thank God for the epilogue that threw light on events. This certainly is a murder mystery to beat all murder mysteries!
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