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Reading is one of the best ways to boost our imagination and to keep us young at heart. Over the ages, countless books have been written that entertain us and in many cases, stir something very deep inside. Let's take a look at ten pieces of literature that should be read at least once in a lifetime.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
For those of us who have a mischievous side in our adulthood, Huckleberry Finn will satisfy the child buried deep within. Filled with humour and adventure, Mr. Twain has been capturing the attention of the reader for over a century.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Although once considered to be a taboo piece of literature, To Kill a Mockingbird is a poignant tale of coming of age and a loss of innocence. The fact that all of us can relate to such concepts has allowed this novel to become a true classic.
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
This is a great book for those who are interested in learning facts about the world around us which are presented in a down-to-earth manner. This novel is as entertaining as it is insightful.
1984 by George Orwell
This is a stirring tale centred around a world in which privacy and expression are limited by futuristic governments. While the year itself has gone and passed, 1984 provides a chilling account of what may very well be a not-so-distant future.
Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
Franz Kafka takes the reader along a journey deep inside the psyche of a young man who believes (real or not) that he is transforming into another life form. While indeed entertaining, Metamorphosis is also an interesting look at our perception of reality and is just as relevant now as when it was written in 1915.
Moby Dick by Herman Melville
This undeniable classic should be within any top-ten literary list. Depicting a man's epic battle against a white whale (and himself in some ways), Herman Melville captures stunning imagery and untold beauty in a way that very few authors have ever accomplished.
For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway
This work of art is another classic that captures the triumphs and tribulations of man. Taking place in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War, Ernest Hemingway chronicles the exploits of a man trapped within this battle while contemplating his love for a Spanish woman.
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
This French masterpiece has been told and retold for decades. It tells the story of a young boy who wishes to return to his planet. Although it is depicted through the eyes of a child, its simplicity is as beautiful as it is memorable.
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
The Grapes of Wrath follows the journey of a family that has been burdened by the struggles of the Great Depression within the United States. The story highlights family bonds, the power of human will and most importantly, the love between individuals and how it can supersede even the most daunting of challenges.
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Mr. Bradbury tells a tale of a society where literature is almost extinct; prohibited by the authorities. Echoing many modern schools of thought, this novel is a provoking example of the dangers of governmental control and man's struggle to overcome the fetters of censorship.
These are ten must-read books for anyone who is keen on developing a different perspective of the world. For anyone who enjoys mental stimulation, such examples are indeed worthwhile choices.
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Editor, 10/28/2014
