There are many memories associated with reading. Some of them explored in the solitude of the corner of a cutesy cafe, some coupled with lullabies our grandparents sang to us on starry summer nights, and some of them coming to us as a 3 am revelation. They’re friends in disguise – books. A retreat for the escapist in us. A disconnect from the chaos in and around us. A warm peck on our cheek.
That being said, how can we underestimate the enlightening results of developing reading as a habit? An ultimate exercise to the brain, reading helps improve focus, concentration, general knowledge and exposes us to empathy and inspiration, transforming us into woke individuals.
How about everyone in the family taking up reading as a habit? A book club in the family? Sounds like a plan? If that’s a roaring ‘YES’, then this curated list of ‘10 books to read with your family’ is exactly what you need! Let’s get started.
1, ‘Ikigai: The Japanese Secret To A Long And Happy Life’ by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles
‘Ikigai’, which literally means ‘a reason to live’ in Japanese, is an enlightening narrative that talks about striking ‘the right balance’ in life. It’s basically that point in life where all your desires, needs, ambitions and self-satisfaction intersect. With the sole aim to boost self-esteem, this novel talks about how, with a deeper sense of understanding yourself and increasing your self-awareness quotient, you can achieve your ‘ikigai’ and thus, according to the Japanese philosophy, lead a long, happy life.
2. ‘The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse’ by Charlie Mackesy
Remarked as ‘a wonderful window into the human heart’, this illustrated book narrates a tale of Charlie (the protagonist) and his four unlikely friends. Going through stages of loneliness, enthusiasm, hurt and wisdom, these illustrations are woven around some of the finest learnings of life. Through subtle musings and conversations, their story evokes hope, faith and belief in the minds of readers.
3, ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear
Understand the mental science behind forming and continuing healthy habits through this brilliantly smart and supremely practical book. This piece of non-fiction helps you unlearn the idea of ‘set big to achieve big’ and make ‘slow is smooth, smooth is fast’ the motto of your life. Revolving around the concept of how tiny, almost negligible habits can make your life better by 1 percent everyday, this book leaves a revolutionary effect on people’s careers, relationships and life.
4. ‘Train to Pakistan’ by Khushwant Singh
A book that takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride, by describing the loss and horror during India’s independence. Set around the small village of Mano Majra, this narrative captures human trauma, suffering and loss during the partition that got overpowered by socio-economic issues at the time. The story flows beautifully while making its reader feel multiple emotions of empathy, gratefulness and sorrow.
5. ‘Untamed’ by Glennon Doyle
For the women of today, a compelling read that talks about how a heartbroken woman learns to live life fully and begins to trust herself. An intimate journey of a woman as well as a wake-up call to start and unapologetically become her soulful, roaring self, this is a brilliant story that navigates through divorce, family clashes, self-doubt and concludes with the idea of not apologizing for taking up space but instead, becoming the heroine of her own life, and not the victim.
6. ‘Wings of Fire: An Autobiography Of Abdul Kalam’ by Abdul Kalam
An inspiring book that talks about the real life story of the visionary scientist and President Of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, his humble beginnings, sheer grit and determination. Through this book, the late President compels the reader to ponder upon his potential and believe in hardwork without compromising on his dreams or ambitions.
7. ‘Becoming’ by Michelle Obama
The notion that applies to us all – becoming. This narrative is Michelle Obama’s work of deep reflection that walks a reader through amazing experiences that have shaped her into who she is today. Here, the Former First Lady of the United States, with utmost honesty and vulnerability, describes her victories, her disappointments and how at the end of it all, she always lived her life the way she wanted to – her way.
8. ‘Harry Potter’ by JK Rowling
Once a Potterhead, always a Potterhead. This is what this series of 7 fantasy novels does to you. Detach from the ordinary world and fly into the world of Hogwarts where magic, mysteries and adventures happen. A book that you won’t be able to keep down, these beauties, along with the protagonists – Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley, teach everyone – adults and kids alike – about love, courage, choices, loss, suffering and endurance.
9. ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee
‘Mockingbird’, in this haunting narrative of hypocrisy, reality, traditions, injustice and transformation, refers to ‘innocence’. The book talks about how deep rooted human behaviors surface and resurface themselves with changing life. An instant hit and a critical bestseller, this book is both – a coming-of-age story and dark drama.
10. ‘The Diary of a Young Girl’ by Anne Frank
Based on the real life story of Anne Frank and her time in the secret annexe of Amsterdam during the reign of Nazis, this book was actually the personal diary of the 16-year old Anne Frank. During her time of hiding with her family in this Amsterdam warehouse, she recorded her everyday life happenings and her personal opinions about it which have had remarkable effects upon readers and their understanding of life.
This #SaffronStaysSundays, let’s bond with our one true best friend- Books! See the world from the author’s eyes and learn lessons that will stay with you to share with everyone. Send this to friends and family, tag us at #SaffronStaysSunday when you do, and tell your favorite books.
If you are looking for more fun things to do, check out these outdoor games from your childhood to bond over, watch some beloved Hollywood movies or catch these wonderful Bollywood movies.
