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10 books You should Read Before Turning 25

Books are an escape, our constant companions in the discovery of our own selves and the beauty that our world holds. Some books are just better if you read them at a certain time in your life and some are ideal for reading as a young adult because of the ideas they drive you to think about. Some books are extraordinarily life-changing in ways that cannot be explained in a few characters.

“Good friends,good books,and a sleepy conscience:this is the ideal life.” Regardless of how old you are,every book on the following list is a must-read in its own right.

1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

This book tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of worldly treasure. This book will do more than expand your mind, it will outright transform your life… but only if you let it. This book will do more than expand your mind, it’ll downright transform your life… but only if you let it. This book tells about the power and wisdom of listening to your heart, of recognizing opportunity,and most importantly following your dreams.

2. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice retains a fascination for modern readers, continuing near the top of lists of "most-loved books" among the general public. It has become one of the most popular novels in English literature, with over 20 million copies, and receives considerable attention from literary scholars.

The story follows the main character, Elizabeth Bennet, as she deals with issues of manners, upbringing, morality, education and marriage in the society of the landed gentry of British Regency.

3. The Diary Of A Young Girl by Anne Frank

This book is of the writings from the Dutch language diary kept by Anne Frank while she was in hiding for two years with her family during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.

A very unusual document in the field of Holocaust literature, Anne Frank's diary illustrate an oddly optimistic tale of one of the darkest periods of history. Filled with quiet moments of happiness, the thirteen year old girl's diary documents the growing of a precious life. It is fascinating and equally heartbreaking to read about the unfolding of events in her life, and we are indeed fortunate to have been covert to a perfectly intimate record of youth.

4. Palace Of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

The book is a depiction of the Hindu epic Mahabharata from Draupadi's point of view. The writer amplifies the Mahabharata with modern twist as it narrates the story from the perspective of Draupadi. The story takes us to a world that includes half-history,half-myth and full magic. The novel is a completely human novel about a woman born in this patriarchal society, the world full of misery and the ever manipulating hands of destiny.

The story reflects the facts about Draupadi's life, like born from fire of yagna, friendless childhood, where her brother is the only friend; her complex friendship with the mysterious Krishna; to marriage, maternity and her secret attraction to the man who is her husbands' most dangerous opponent.

5. To Kill A Mocking Bird by Harper Lee

To Kill A Mockingbird is about having the courage to stand by your principles. Narrated through the artless eyes of a child, this novel explores the importance of integrity and duty when faced with intolerance and injustice.

With a message of anti-racism at its core, Harper Lee breaks down stereotypes with subtlety and teaches a thing or two about being respectful to our fellow human beings.

6. The Subtle Art Of Not Giving F*ck by Mark Manson

The book is a reaction to the self-help guide and what Manson saw as a culture of mindless positivity that isn't practical or helpful for most people. This book show us how to stop trying to be "positive" all the time so that we truly become better, happier people.

Manson makes clear. While money is nice, caring about what you do with your life is better,because true wealth is about experience. A much-needed grab-you-by-the-shoulders-and-look-you-in-the-eye moment of real-talk, filled with entertaining stories and profane, ruthless humor, The Subtle Art Of Not Giving a F*ck is a refreshing slap for a generation to help them lead contented, grounded lives.

7. The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger

This book tells about a young woman who is hired as a personal assistant to Anna Wintour, a powerful fashion magazine editor, a job that becomes dreadful as she struggles to keep up with her boss's grueling schedule and demeaning demands.

8. The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga

This Booker prize-winning novel(2008) tells the story of corruption, deprived section of the society and class struggle in India, seen through the eyes of village boy Balram Halwai. He is desperate to come out of his misery and lead an independent life.In order to free himself from the clutches of social and financial misery, he indulges in the negative and shady activities and is unapologetic about them as he pretentiously justifies them.

9. South Of the Border,West Of the Sun by Haruki Murakami

In South Of the Border, West Of the Sun, the arc of an average man's life from childhood to middleage, with its attendant rhythms of success and dissapointment, becomes the kind of exquisite literary conundrum that is Haruki Murakami's trademark.

It shows the story of Shimamoto and Hajime through many years of friendship, love and eventual loss. This book makes you question the relationships we hold with people and the reason for maintaining certain connects. You’ll feel this could be your story too.

10. The Catcher in the Rye by J D Salinger

J.D. Salinger's classic The Catcher in the Rye has always been so relatable since it's publication. Salinger captures the essence of teenage angst and disaffection with an edgy narrative and through 16-year-old Holden Caulfield's constant warped observations.

It also deals with complex issues of innocence, identity, kinship, loss, connection and will compel you to do some deep thinking.


These are some of the books that I believe, will change your life and the way you think. Please let me know if you’ve read any and What book would you add to this list and why?

Happy reading! Because reading is happiness.

Tell me below in the comments section!

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