The Alchemist-Paulo Coelho
“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.”
A book addressing life philosophies and following one’s destiny. This book is the perfect read to find inspiration and motivation in. Paulo Coelho’s work creates a constant flow and always provides that feeling that makes you need to read on. It’s a fairly short novel and a very easy read! Definitely one of my major recommendations!
Indian Horse-Richard Wagamese
“When your innocence is stripped from you, when your people are denigrated, when the family you came from is denounced and your tribal ways and rituals are pronounced backward, primitive, savage, you come to see yourself as less than human. That is hell on earth, that sense of unworthiness. That’s what they inflicted on us.”
This has got to be one of my all time favourites! I have a list of Wagamese’s books that are on my must-read list because of Indian Horse. This compelling novel is impossible to put down once you begin reading. It’s a life story of an indigenous Canadian boy and his journey through life in residential school as a child to dealing with emotional trauma as an adult. The novel addresses racism and the dark Canadian history which is very rarely discussed.
A Thousand Splendid Suns-Khaled Hosseini
“I’m sorry,” Laila says, marveling at how every Afghan story is marked by death and loss and unimaginable grief. And yet, she sees, people find a way to survive, to go on.”
Once again, I’ve got to provide you with an addictive-novel warning. I picked this book up one morning and by the evening I had read half of it (and it’s not the shortest read, mind you). A story which indulges the reader about the lives of two Afghan women, living in a highly sexist society, who are stripped of control over their lives. Lessons about friendship and strength are taught, and you’re presented with a very interesting perspective on humanity and societies. Although various of parts of the book can make your stomach churn, it is definitely worth it!
Around the World in Eighty Days-Jules Verne
“But what then? What had he really gained by all this trouble? What had he brought back from this long and weary journey? Nothing, you say? Perhaps so; nothing but a charming woman, who, strange as it may appear, made him the happiest of men! Truly, would you not for less than that make the tour around the world?”
If you’re just as obsessed with travelling then I highly suggest giving this one a read! It’s a classic (really, it was originally published in 1873), but it is still a very enticing read. There aren’t any language barriers or any old-English being used so it isn’t a difficult read either. It’s a story which addresses friendships, time, and perseverance, in a humorous and light manner.