Literary Haven
Its that time again when we make lists, plans and resolutions, in preparation for the New Year. In the spirit of the season, here are 5 books guaranteed to satisfy your literary urges. Whether you’re a science fiction fanatic or just looking for a good read, there’s something here for everyone.
(Horror)
WORLD WAR Z- An Oral History of the Zombie War, Max Brooks:
I used to be all about the Vampires. Then Twilight was published and I just couldn’t handle sharing my obsession with the love struck, pre-pubescent girls of the world. So now I preach the Gospel of the Zombie and World War Z is my Bible. Those of you who have grown weary of the publishing world’s tryst with the supernatural need look no further: this book is about as realistic as it gets. Through a series of interviews and reports, the author paints a picture of the world following a global zombie pandemic. Having lived through the panic of H1N1, Max Brooks’ version of the future is not entirely unbelievable. Military strategies, survival stories, epic tales of heroism and spine chilling acts of terror – this book has it all, mixing fantasy and reality in a way that only a true horror novelist can. And rest assured fellow Stephanie Meyer detractors, there are no cross-species love affairs here!
(Comedy/Parody)
GOOD OMENS-Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman:
This book comes from good stock- Prachett is “the exalted Father of Discworld” and Gaiman’s books are regularly made into disturbing movies. It is hardly surprising then that together they have written a hysterically funny book treasured by millions since publication. Good Omens is a comedy of errors, a case of mistaken identity and the tale of Armageddon gone horribly wrong, all rolled into one. In the grand tradition of British comedy, this book lampoons everything. Nothing is sacred ,least of all the Bible. This is one of those books you cannot read in public – the probability of bursting into laughter is just too high. If this is how Apocalypse will be, I look forward to it.
(Nonfiction)
KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL- Anthony Bourdain:
Non Fiction is not my genre of choice. The real world is a disappointing place and I spend as much time away from it as I can. But when I do read nonfiction, I like to read about the one facet of the real world that my imagination can never replicate – food. Tony Bourdain, the brash host of TV’s No Reservations, is a hard man to like. He uses crude language, has made questionable life choices and would gleefully perpetrate the mass genocide of the world’s vegetarians. But he knows the restaurant business and he’s willing to let the world know what really goes on behind the scenes. Word to the wise -those of you who are particular about hygiene may well spend the rest of your lives eating in after this book.
(Science Fiction)
ENDER’S GAME, Orson Scott Card:
Science fiction is not for everyone. The technologically savvy and scientifically inclined read it with a passion but for most casual readers, sci-fi is still pretty inaccessible. Orson Scott Card’s award-winning novel is a good starting point for anyone interested in but overwhelmed by this genre. Set in the future (as all the best sci-fi novels are), mankind is preparing for war with an intellectually superior alien race. To that end, the world’s most talented children are taken away to be trained as fleet commanders including the quiet and calculating Ender Wiggin . Ender’s Game is at once a charming adventure tale and a treatise on the futility and cruelty of war. It is 3 parts hard science fiction and 1 part pure fable. Read it for the science or read it for the gut-wrenching twist but READ IT!
(General)
HIGH FIDELITY, Nick Hornby:
Nick Hornby has the uncanny ability to write best selling novels that go on to become best selling movies. High Fidelity is the story of thirty something Rob Fleming , recently single and eternally underachieving, who clings to his vinyl records the same way he clings to his childhood. It’s a simple, funny tale about life, love and pop music – all the things that matter. If you’ve ever thought maturity was overrated or that being an adult should come with a user’s manual, this book will speak to you like no other.
By Sowmya Arasappan
Comments
Leave a Reply
Shirish on 01.02.2010
Terry Pratchett and Anthony Bourdain are my favorites! Thanks for the list will be sure to check the others out!
thebanyantrees on 01.02.2010
Great Shirish. i am planning to check out “GoodOmens” myself. I also tried last month’s reviewed book, the mystery by Vish Puri, and thoroughly enjoyed it.