A book is a version of the world. If you do not like it, ignore it or offer your own version in return.
–Salman Rushdie
Well said, Mr. Rushdie! No wonder your writing makes it to my list of favorite books!
So here’s the list (in random order):
1. One Hundred Years of Solitude- Gabriel Garcia Marquez
An epic saga of the Buendia family over 100 years, the book is like Mahabharata set in Latin America. Reality and hyperbole merge seamlessly in this book..
2. Midnight’s children- Salman Rushdie
Historical events (Indian independence), unbelievable characters (eg. the girl with saucer-shaped eyes), intertwined with folklore and magic, this book is a treat to the senses. Midnight’s children refer to the all the children born at the midnight of Indian independence (August 15th 1947) who can communicate with each other telepathically…did this pique your interest?
3. Long Walk to Freedom-Nelson Mandela
An autobiography of Tata Madiba, the book chronicles his political struggle to end apartheid, his decades of imprisonment, and his regrets at being a poor father to his children even as he was the father of the nation. The book is actually fairly fast-paced for an autobiography, with no trace of self-grandiosity.
4. The Kite Runner-Khaled Hosseini
A book about deep friendship, betrayal and living with a guilty conscience, it is a remarkable book that spans two countries-Afghanistan and the US. Loved it more than the other books by the same author.
5. A House for Mr. Biswas- V. S. Naipaul
A book that introduced me to the Indian diaspora living in Trinidad, I love it for the simplicity of its story-telling and the undercurrent of satire. Obviously the work of a master story-teller!
Would love to hear about your favorite books!
Passion...unbridled 