Friday 15 April 2016

What Are The Best Books To Read?

By Lisa Fox


There is really nothing that compares to picking up a good book from time to time and becoming completely engrossed in a story. Some of the best books to read over the history of literature have topped lists around the world time and again, despite the constant flow of new writing every year. Here is a list of some of the world's greatest stories of all time.

'Don Quixote', written by Miguel De Cervantes, is a book that was published in 1605 and 1615 in two separate volumes. This is one of the most influential pieces of Spanish literature. The story follows the protagonist - Alonso Quixano - as he sets out on a journey to revive chivalry and uphold justice, having lost all common sense and sanity after reading too many romances. His sidekick, Sancho Panza provides witty comic relief throughout.

'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens was published bit by bit throughout 1859 in Dickens' monthly literary periodical. It follows the plight of the peasants in Paris, frustrated by the treatment they receive from the aristocrats in the years preceding the French Revolution. The story runs parallel to similar events in London at the same time.

J. R. R. Tolkien has two of his works on bestselling lists around the world and both were made into blockbuster Hollywood movies. 'The Hobbit' and 'Lord of the Rings' are both classed as fantasy novels for children. However, the writing in these works is so wonderful that, much like J. K. Rowling's 'Harry Potter' series, the books are read by audiences of all ages.

'The Hobbit' came out at the end of 1937. It tells the story of a hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, who is not really remarkable in any way, until he sets out on an adventure. Bilbo is on the hunt for treasure that is supposed to be closely guarded by none other than a dragon. The book has won the title of best juvenile fiction and was even nominated for none other than the Carnegie Medal.

'The Lord of the Rings' was written following 'The Hobbit', intended originally as a sequel, but over the years it morphed into a much larger body of work by itself. Completed in 1949, it tells the tale of three hobbits and their allies as they travel across Middle Earth on a mission during the War of the Ring. The story is divided into three volumes - 'The Fellowship of the Ring', 'The Two Towers' and 'The Return of the King'.

Antoine de Saint-Exupery's 'The Little Prince' is in fourth place when it comes to the most translated books in the world. It has also been voted as the 20th century's best book in France. The story documents the interaction between a stranded pilot who meets a young boy, a prince who has fallen to Earth from an asteroid. The book contains many themes and lessons.

Great books cannot be discussed without naming 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho. Even though the author from Brazil has a number of excellent novels, 'The Alchemist' is known worldwide for its strong themes and overall message. It tells about the travels of a boy who is searching for his destiny and ends up on a journey of self-knowledge.




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