Saturday 16 April 2016

What Are Some Of 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' was published in 2 volumes in the early 1600s. Miguel De Cervantes, the author, has been attributed with writing one of the best works of Spanish literature ever. In the book, Alonso Quixano is the lead character, who reads far too many romances and actually begins to believe every word he reads. As a result of the ensuing loss of sanity, he decides to go on a journey to restore chivalry and undo all wrongdoings in the world, with Sancho Panza at his side.

Charles Dickens' 'A Tale Of Two Cities' is interesting in that it was published in parts on a monthly basis in 1859. Much of Dickens' work was published in monthly installments in his literary periodical All The Year Round. The novel is set in parallel worlds of London and Paris leading up to the French Revolution, documenting the frustration and uneasiness of the lower class following terrible treatment by those in the aristocracy.

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.

Published in 1937, 'The Hobbit' follows a human-like creature - a hobbit - named Bilbo Baggins, a rather homely character. Baggins is thrown into adventure as he sets out on a journey to discover treasure watched over by a dragon. 'The Hobbit' was nominated for the prestigious Carnegie Medal title, and has also won an award, named by the New York Herald Tribune as the best juvenile fiction.

'The Lord of the Rings' was originally intended to be the sequel to 'The Hobbit', but the literary work grew so large over the years that it stood well by itself when it was finished in 1949. The story follows 3 hobbits from the Shire along with their traveling companions. They are on a quest through Middle Earth and the tale details the War of the Ring through their perspective. The book is broken into three volumes: the first is 'The Fellowship of the Ring'; the second is 'The Two Towers' and the third '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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