Introduction
I did not always like to read, in fact, growing up my mother would be surprised if she saw me opening up a book. However, after being required by my school curriculum and having plenty of free time during my summer holidays, I found that the reason I did not like books was that I had not yet found the one, or perhaps, the genre, that speaks to me....
"If you don't like to read, you haven't found the right book" - J.K. Rowling
With that being said, throughout the years I have found inspiration primarily through my grandfather's library and here I offer you a list of my personal favorite novels that you may use as inspiration.
Gulliver's Travels
Jonathan SwiftGulliver's Travels" has earned a permanent spot on my list of all-time favorite books, captivating me with its masterful blend of wit, satirical edge, and timeless insights into the human condition, all woven seamlessly into one volume. This work stands as a pillar of classic British literature. I heartily recommend it to anyone drawn to explorations of history, adventure, and the complexities of human behavior. Beyond its narrative allure, the novel offers a piercing commentary on the absurdities of British colonialism, presenting a critique as relevant today as it was in its own era.
Boy
Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl holds an unrivaled position as my favorite author. Renowned for his indelible mark on children's literature through enchanting tales like "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," "James and the Giant Peach," and "The Witches," it's his extraordinary storytelling prowess that captivates me. Dahl has a unique ability to transform ordinary moments into wellsprings of imagination, drawing me back to his pages repeatedly. His memoir, "Boy," with its raw and authentic portrayal of his own childhood experiences, strikes a particular chord with me. Its universal themes resonate deeply, offering connections to adolescence that I believe every reader can appreciate in some way. This treasured work also graces "Samhita's List," following my recent reading of it.
The Monk
"The Monk" is a text I discovered while wandering the aisles of the stunning Bookstore Dominicanen in Maastricht, Netherlands. Authored by Matthew Lewis, this novel was a maelstrom of controversy upon its debut, daring to scrutinize and depict the darker shades of sin within the context of Catholicism. What places this book among my favorites, though, is its exquisitely crafted prose that fearlessly confronts and questions the societal constructs of morality. Its narrative, while steeped in romantic motifs, doesn’t shy away from exploring the intriguing depths of darkness, an aspect I find particularly captivating.
