A good book is like a friend with whom you want to talk non-stop. In reading, as in life, there are fleeting acquaintances, but there are also those that last forever. From time to time you meet with such friends again, feel nostalgic and will certainly learn something new.
The ancient Roman philosopher Cicero said that he did not value reading without any pleasure. Superficial, bleak browsing is a problem for many people. It is rather difficult to navigate in the modern literary space. Much of what is written and actively replicated is not worth attention. These are one-day books, the voice of which will be drowned out for decades. But among the paper cake there are true literary diamonds that will always sparkle. To help enthusiastic readers, we have compiled a selection of 10 books that you cannot tear yourself away from.
Somerset Maugham "Burden of Human Passion" (1915)
"Burden of Human Passions" (original title Of Human Bondage) is one of the most famous works of the classic of the twentieth century, the Englishman Somerset Maugham.
This is a philosophical drama about the life and existential quest of Philip Carey. From early childhood, he was haunted by misfortunes: orphanhood, congenital lameness, ridicule of schoolmates, loneliness. The adult Carey remains timid and shy, falls in love with the wayward vicious Mildred and dutifully endures the repeated betrayal of her beloved. Life is damn unfair to Philip, and therefore he is trying to find out what its meaning is, on what laws life is built. Why does it give everything to some, while it mercilessly takes away even the elementary grains of happiness from others? Carey speaks to the multitude on the road to truth philosophical teachings, is disappointed in God and faith, tries himself in various fields, trying to find his calling, falls in love, breaks hearts. Will the main character be able to throw off the burden of human passions and answer the question of what is life?
Tartt "Secret History" (1992)
The Secret Story (originally The Secret Story) is the debut novel by Pulitzer Prize-winning American writer Donna Tartt. It sold five million copies around the world and sounded in 24 languages. It was with the "Secret History" that the loud glory of his "parent" began.
This psychological thriller tells the story of the students of a Vermont closed college. Young people came to the educational institution to study the ancient Greek language. There are very few of them, they are young, smart, talented and fanatically in love with antiquity. Soon, the guys have a fix idea - they are supermen, a special caste, the chosen ones. Many years later, student Richard Paypen recalls the days when he lived within the walls of a secluded college, believed in his uniqueness, and when that terrible murder happened ...
Donna Tartt knows how to intrigue, dissect characters and break stereotypes. We recommend it to fans of suspense and talented forensics.
Fannie Flagg Fried Green Tomatoes (1987)
Evelyn Coach's life is over. She is 48 and, despite the fact that she is married, she is infinitely lonely. Evelyn has long ceased to take care of herself, and chocolate bars have become the main joy of her life. In addition, she now has to go to the nursing home to visit her mother-in-law. It is here that the woman meets Ninny Threadgood. This 86-year-old woman has lived a long and difficult life, but she was not at all disappointed in her or lost her optimism. Sitting in the government chair of a nursing home, Ninny revives multiple memories and thereby inspires her listener.
The novel "Fried Green Tomatoes" (original - Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe) by the talented American Fanny Flagg became a real bestseller in its time. Four years later, in 1991, a film of the same name was shot on it. The tape was directed by John Evnet ("War", "Close to the Heart").
For those who have lost faith, who succumbed to pessimism, who love a little sad nostalgia and touching life prose, we recommend the novel by Fannie Flagg.
Alexandre Dumas (father) "Count of Monte Cristo" (1844-45)
Even those who have not read the "Count of Monte Cristo" certainly know this literary character, and at least in general outline heard the story of the prisoner of the castle of If.
Alexander Dumas (father) is a true titan of literature. Centuries later, he is no longer tied to any particular country and culture, Dumas is a citizen of the world, and his heritage is the pride of mankind.
If you love adventure, intrigue, exciting plot twists and turns, put aside modern reading for a while and turn to the classics. The story of sailor Edmond Dantes, his ups, downs, love, "death" and magical resurrection, will give you an unforgettable experience!
After reading, you should reinforce your emotions with a good film adaptation, more than two dozen of them have been filmed. For example, you can watch the tape of Jose Diana ("Balzac", "Dangerous Liaisons") with Gerard Depardieu in starring.
Françoise Sagan "Leash" (1989)
The famous Frenchwoman Françoise Sagan became famous all over the world for her unusual plots. This woman knows how to surprise. The novel "Leash" (originally La Laisse) was written in last decade creative career of a writer. It talks about married couple Vincent and Laurent. One of them is rich, earns money, the other plays the role of a toy, forced to live by the rules of a whimsical patron. A familiar story, isn't it? However, the wayward Sagan turned everything upside down: her Vincent is a doll, and Laurent is a puppeteer.
"Leash" will certainly appeal to fans of everyday drama, atmospheric French prose and the recognizable style of the great Sagan.
Arthur Haley "Airport" (1968)
January evening 1967 on international Airport the name of Lincoln was hit by a blizzard. At this time, the passenger plane crashes and urgently needs to land. The airport administration, headed by Mel Bakersfeld, needs to quickly organize a landing in extreme conditions.
The novel "Airport" (in the original Airport), like other works by the Canadian Arthur Haley, belongs to the genre of the so-called production novel, in which a person (a professional in his field) is faced with the solution of a complex informal problem. As a rule, it is necessary to solve it in a short time. So, Mr. Bakersfeld is given 24 hours to fight the snow element. One day in the life of Lincoln Airport was very stressful.
Stefan Zweig "24 Hours in the Life of a Woman" (1927)
Stefan Zweig always writes wonderfully, be it a historical novel, biography, essay, dimensional work or a laconic short story. "24 Hours in a Woman's Life" tells about an unprecedented incident - a 33-year-old venerable lady abandoned two children and a wealthy husband because of a charming stranger whom she met the day before.
The narrator, who was resting in the same boarding house where the family drama took place, became an unwitting member of a circle that was actively discussing the act of the frivolous fugitive. He, out of the kindness of his soul, joined the camp of those who tried to justify Madame. Among them was one elderly lady - 67-year-old Madame K. Imbued with sympathy for the young man, she told him her own love story, which flared up in just 24 hours, but left a mark on her soul for life.
Zweig's short stories are always sincere, deep, aphoristic, sensual and at the same time very chaste. Recommended for connoisseurs of the romantic genre, not "pink" literature.
Winston Groom "Forest Gump" (1986)
The novel "Forest Gump" (original - Forrest Gamp) is a vivid example when the fame of a literary character significantly outstripped the fame of a writer. Not everyone knows that the story of a mentally retarded man named Forest Gump was created by the American writer and documentary filmmaker Winston Groom.
This fascinating, touching, sometimes funny and nagging novel will not leave anyone indifferent. A masterpiece film will reinforce the impression of the book. The novel was screened by the outstanding director Robert Zemeckis ("Back to the Future", "Outcast"). The role of Forest was brilliantly played by Tom Hanks ("Outcast", "Green Mile"). The film was so successful that it won six Oscars, including Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Picture of 1994.
Joan Harris "Five Orange Quarters" (2001)
Another creation from the author of the masterpiece "Chocolate" will not leave indifferent sensual natures. Five Quortes of the Orange is a moving story about a woman named Framboise and the secret of her mother's cookbook.
Even at first glance, a trivial plot in the creative processing of Harris will turn into a magical mystery. Those who have read or at least watched the film "Chocolate" will certainly understand what it is about and want to read this amazing book.
Sebastian Japrizo "Lady with glasses and with a gun in the car" (1966)
Fans of the detective genre will appreciate the bestseller from the Frenchman Sebastian Japrizo. "A Lady with Spectacles and a Gun in a Car" is an action-packed story about a 26-year-old advertising agency worker named Dani.
Is there any sense and benefit in visiting the library in our time and why many people still cannot refuse this pleasure.
They are very popular now, which have become real encyclopedias for those who are seriously thinking about the premature end of the world.
All her life, Dani lived by the rules, but one day the girl decides on a little prank - to take a ride in the chief's car to the sea. However, instead of basking on the Cote d'Azur, Dani will have to hide from justice. An unpleasant surprise awaited her in the trunk of the car - the corpse of a man with a gunshot wound. Dani is now the prime suspect in the murder case. To escape, she will have to conduct her own detective investigation.
10 books you can't tear yourself away from
5 (100%) 1 vote"What to read so as not to come off?" - connoisseurs of literature often think. The choice is sometimes extremely difficult - after all, hundreds of book novelties are published every day in the world. Diary books, publications about life in different regions of Russia, literature suitable for reading at certain times of the year, novels and detective stories. We will help you make the difficult choice!
"Spring" literature
Winter is over, is summer still far away? Do you want to feel the warmth of the sun and the breath of spring? Ray Bradbury will come to the rescue! The April Witchcraft is one of the author's most inspiring stories. The book is very suitable for those who are mired in everyday problems and worries. Bradbury will draw your attention to the unusual, hidden in the most familiar things, inspire and make you feel delight and love.
Another one incredible story this writer is "Fahrenheit 451". Ray Bradbury describes a rather grim picture of the development of a post-industrial society. Here, firefighters burn books, television has become interactive and fools people, and an electric dog comes for those who do not follow the new rules. By the way, "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury was first published in Playboy magazine.
Another incredible spring book- "Complaints Book" by Max Fry. Igor Stepin and (namely, this couple writes under the pseudonym M. Fry) offer readers a full-fledged fantasy novel. Despite the title, there are no complaints on the pages of the work. To the delight of readers, this book is filled with love experiences, subtle humor, philosophical questions and amazing adventures.
Black and "disgusting, disturbing yellow flowers", the first to appear in Moscow. This is exactly what the main character of "The Master and Margarita" by Bulgakov appears before the readers. Work on this novel began in 1928 and ended only with the death of Mikhail Afanasyevich. The reader will be captured by two storylines... One is set in Moscow in the 1930s, the second is the story of the protagonist about Pontius Pilate. Patriarch's Ponds, Literary Institute, Griboyedov House, "bad" apartment - the book "The Master and Margarita" invites readers on a journey through the special, "Bulgakov" Moscow. Mikhail Bulgakov left eight editions of the novel. The terminally ill writer dictated amendments to the last one to his wife, Elena Sergeevna.
Summer under the cover
Fantasy novelties are carried away to an extraordinary world full of incredible adventures and magic. Books by a wide variety of authors are ideal for summer reading.
Fifteen stories about the most ancient wonders and secrets that the Time Lords pass from generation to generation are hidden under the cover of Doctor Who. Tales of the Lord of Time ". Joyless and beautiful, with bright characters and dashingly twisted storylines, Justin Richards' stories are filled with not only the horrors of nightmares, but also heroic triumphs.
In 2017, Rensom Riggs' book Legends of the Weird was published. This piece is a real gift for those who love fantasy novelties. Riggs' books from Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children series are a unique story about people with supernatural powers, imbrins, time loops and monsters. The new edition is a collection of legends, compiled and edited by one of the pupils of the house of strange children, Millard Nallings.
By the way, a series of Harry Potter novels also tells about children with supernormal abilities. In the books, the young wizard faces the most dangerous villain, whose name cannot be pronounced aloud. The series opens with the work "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone". The book was written at the end of the last century!
On its pages, a lonely eleven-year-old boy learns - he is not like the others, he is a wizard. Harry enters the School of Witchcraft, finds friends. It is worth noting that the original title under which the book appeared in the windows sounds like "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone". This title was suggested by J.K. Rowling, the author of the series. The fact is that Americans do not associate the word "philosophical" with magic.
Following the incredible tale "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" is a book about a young wizard and a secret room. It is followed by stories of the Prisoner of Azkaban, the Goblet of Fire, the Order of the Phoenix, the Half-Blood Prince and the Deathly Hallows. The series ends with the novel Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Books for the fall weather
When autumn comes into its own, the question "what to read so as not to come off?" becomes sharper. After all, it is at this time of the year that you want to wrap yourself in a large cozy blanket, stock up on a cup of aromatic cocoa, cookies and good literature. Stories about adorable Moomin trolls will come to the rescue. The collection "All About Moomins" contains what is extremely necessary in the autumn cold - calmness, a sense of security and warmth.
As a cure for autumn melancholy, Bunin's collection “ Dark alleys". These are love stories. About the one that can become an episode of the past, the memories of which are bitter. Or about the one that turned a person's life. Perhaps about a feeling that has become a touching legend. Each story is a real alley under the canopy of stars and age-old trees.
Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell is another book suitable for reading while the leaves rustle. Published over 70 years ago, it remains relevant today! Saga about Civil war in the United States of America, about the fate of the wayward Scarlett O'Hara - this is one of those rare books that you can't tear yourself away from, that you want to reread. Unfortunately, this is the only work that came out from the pen of Margaret.
However, you can read the continuation of the story that takes place in the book "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell in the novel "Scarlett" by Alexandra Ripley. Indomitable and bright Scarlett suffers again, loves, fights with fate and wins!
Winter mood
Winter is the most magic time of the year. This means that literature for winter reading should also be magical. And also - warm, touching and full of secrets. In general, such as, for example, "The Thirteenth Tale" by Diana Setterfield. Critics have honored the debut novel of a modest teacher with the honorary name "New Jen Eyre."
Events begin in a second-hand bookstore where the main character works. A girl named Margaret prefers the works of Dickens and the Bronte sisters to modern literature. Suddenly, the girl is invited by the most mysterious writer of our time - Vida Winter. She asks Margaret to become her biographer. Such a proposal surprises the girl, because Winter is a writer who has never told the truth about herself in an interview. The ghosts of the past, the gothic story of twin sisters, extremely close to the heart of Margaret, and the solution to the mystery that drove readers crazy - all this is under the cover of the book "The Thirteenth Tale" by Diana Setterfield.
Another wonderful winter story is hidden under the cover of a book by the famous German writer Hoffmann. The Nutcracker is able to transfer both children and adults to a world full of magic, transformations and miracles. To a world where cherished dreams come true.
There is no book more wintry than Smilla and Her Sense of Snow. The main character of the book, by Smilla Jaspersen, is half Danish, half Eskimo. Smilla was born in Greenland and lives in Copenhagen. And Smilla also knows several dozen words for different ice. She feels snow and ice, understands its strength and structure. In addition, Smilla cannot stand untruth, and therefore enters the thin ice of the search for truth. This detective story can be watched over several winter evenings.
Book travels
For some, travel is the main objective life, for some it's just a dream, while others prefer to read books about travel. What to read so as not to tear yourself away from the book pages?
Lovers of oriental culture will appreciate the work "Shantaram". Its author is Gregory David Roberts. A stunningly accurate description of Indian slums, detailed reproduction of luxurious palaces, noisy megacities and remote villages - the entire book is literally saturated with the writer's love for amazing India. By the way, "Shantaram" is extremely dangerous: traveling through its pages, you can catch love and tenderness for the eastern country!
Africa and Cuba, Scotland and Japan, India and America - Adrian Anthony Gill invites you to travel to these countries. The collection of stories "On All Four Sides" is a kind of travel notes. Gill is no ordinary traveler, he is a critic and journalist. With a sharp mind and an unconventional view of the world, Gill notices what escapes the attention of overly enthusiastic or tired tourists.
Literary France
A journey into the very heart of Provence will help make the book by Nina Gheorghe "Lavender Room". The 2013 edition was translated into Russian for the first time. The novel is full of warmth and loss, mistakes and happiness. Critics recommend this book to those who suffer from chronic cynicism, everyday dullness. Caution: side effects are possible. Some readers have side effects such as love for lavender blossom and an inexplicable longing for the vastness of Provence.
Adventure books
Probably one of the most famous adventure books authors is Alexandre Dumas. For more than 170 years, "The Count of Monte Cristo" has remained the favorite book of millions of literary connoisseurs. They wrote sequels to this novel, filmed it, staged plays and musicals based on it. By the way, this story is based on real events. The book "The Count of Monte Cristo" tells the story of a young Parisian who was jokingly thrown into prison by his friends. Alexandre Dumas used the archives of the Parisian police for writing.
Gulliver's Adventures is no less popular. This work, so similar to a funny fairy tale, is actually an allegory. Its author, Jonathan Swift, is a true master virtuoso of artistic words. Good-natured humor and subtle irony, angry sarcasm and sharp ridicule - the writer uses a variety of techniques in his book. Gulliver's Adventures is both a dystopian novel and a utopia (especially its last part). By the way, there are four parts in this book. The main character makes four incredible journeys that last more than sixteen and a half years. So if you are interested in the question of what to read so as not to come off, pay attention to this book.
Those who like large-scale works should pay attention to the stories about Sherlock Holmes. The Adventures of this is a collection of 56 stories and 4 novellas! The first story about this unique detective was written by Arthur Conan Doyle in 1887. The author did not consider the work to be good literature; the delight of the readers seemed to him stupid and inappropriate. However, when the writer decided to complete the story of Sherlock, thousands of readers, among whom, according to rumors, was Queen Victoria herself, literally forced Conan Doyle to "revive" his character and continue to write about him. So the stories about Sherlock Holmes came out of the writer's pen until 1927.
for kids
Young adventurers will love the story of a boy who didn't want to grow up. Yes, it's about Peter Pan! The hero of the book of the same name by James Barry once accidentally flew into the window of a house where a girl named Wendy and her two brothers lived. Together they went to a magical land, whose name is Neverland (or Netine will be). Here the guys meet mermaids and Indians, a fairy and pirates. Exciting adventures await both heroes and readers!
Detective stories
If it seems to you that modern Russian detective stories are third-rate and frivolous literature, you are seriously mistaken. A mixture of writing, fantasy, logic and all the requirements of the genre gives rise to unique works. Adherents of fascinating and mysterious stories should pay attention to Russian detective stories. Boris Akunin's books, for example, are recognized as the most popular works in Russia in the first decade of the twenty-first century. The readers met the hero of this writer, the brilliant detective Erast Fandorin in 1998. The first book, Azazel, was a conspiracy detective. The second - "Turkish Gambit" - is called a spy detective. The third novel, called "The State Councilor", is already a political detective story. Akunin did not stop at three stories. The Counselor was followed by The Mistress of Death, Pelagia and the White Bulldog, and The Spy Novel.
However, not only Akunin can write Russian detective stories. Anna Malysheva's books are also very popular in Russia and even in other countries. This writer has more than twenty books on the list. The most popular are psychological detectives: "The House at the Last Lantern", "The Night Is Dangerous", "The Taste of Murder". According to the latter, by the way, a popular television series was even filmed!
Breaking Boundaries and Boundaries: Science Fiction Books
There are works that contain an element of the unusual, a denial of rules, conventions and boundaries. What are these books? Fantastic! The origins of this genre lie in fairy tales and folklore. Fantastic works have been known since ancient times, while this genre flourished in the first half of the 20th century. One of the most popular authors - H.G. Wells... The Time Machine, The Invisible Man, The First People on the Moon are examples of high-quality science fiction. Another author popular not only in this genre is Stephen King. According to readers and critics alike, his best fantasy story is 11/22/63.
The main character - an ordinary teacher from a provincial town - gets access to a temporary portal to prevent the most mysterious crime of the 20th century - the assassination of President Kennedy. What happens if a terrible catastrophe is averted? The answer to this question is hidden under the cover of this book. Science fiction is a genre in which Viktor Pelevin is very popular. His works "The Sacred Book of the Werewolf", "The Lamp of Methuselah", "The Life of Insects" and "Love for the Three Zuckerbrins" deserve special attention.
A good book is like a friend with whom you want to talk non-stop. In reading, as in life, there are fleeting acquaintances, but there are also those that last forever. From time to time you meet with such friends again, feel nostalgic and will certainly learn something new.
The ancient Roman philosopher Cicero said that he did not value reading without any pleasure. Superficial, bleak browsing is a problem for many people. It is rather difficult to navigate in the modern literary space. Much of what is written and actively replicated is not worth attention. These are one-day books, the voice of which will be drowned out for decades. But among the paper cake there are true literary diamonds that will always sparkle. To help enthusiastic readers, we have compiled a selection of 10 books that you cannot tear yourself away from.
Somerset Maugham "Burden of Human Passion" (1915)
"Burden of Human Passions" (original title Of Human Bondage) is one of the most famous works of the classic of the twentieth century, the Englishman Somerset Maugham.
This is a philosophical drama about the life and existential quest of Philip Carey. From early childhood, he was haunted by misfortunes: orphanhood, congenital lameness, ridicule of schoolmates, loneliness. The adult Carey remains timid and shy, falls in love with the wayward vicious Mildred and dutifully endures the repeated betrayal of her beloved. Life is damn unfair to Philip, and therefore he is trying to find out what its meaning is, on what laws life is built. Why does it give everything to some, while it mercilessly takes away even the elementary grains of happiness from others? On the way to the truth, Carey turns to many philosophical teachings, becomes disillusioned with God and faith, tries himself in various fields, trying to find his calling, falls in love, breaks hearts. Will the main character be able to throw off the burden of human passions and answer the question of what is life?
Tartt "Secret History" (1992)
The Secret Story (originally The Secret Story) is the debut novel by Pulitzer Prize-winning American writer Donna Tartt. It sold five million copies around the world and sounded in 24 languages. It was with the "Secret History" that the loud glory of his "parent" began.
This psychological thriller tells the story of the students of a Vermont closed college. Young people came to the educational institution to study the ancient Greek language. There are very few of them, they are young, smart, talented and fanatically in love with antiquity. Soon, the guys have a fix idea - they are supermen, a special caste, the chosen ones. Many years later, student Richard Paypen recalls the days when he lived within the walls of a secluded college, believed in his uniqueness, and when that terrible murder happened ...
Donna Tartt knows how to intrigue, dissect characters and break stereotypes. We recommend it to fans of suspense and talented forensics.
Fannie Flagg Fried Green Tomatoes (1987)
Evelyn Coach's life is over. She is 48 and, despite the fact that she is married, she is infinitely lonely. Evelyn has long ceased to take care of herself, and chocolate bars have become the main joy of her life. In addition, she now has to go to the nursing home to visit her mother-in-law. It is here that the woman meets Ninny Threadgood. This 86-year-old woman has lived a long and difficult life, but she was not at all disappointed in her or lost her optimism. Sitting in the government chair of a nursing home, Ninny revives multiple memories and thereby inspires her listener.
The novel "Fried Green Tomatoes" (original - Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe) by the talented American Fanny Flagg became a real bestseller in its time. Four years later, in 1991, a film of the same name was shot on it. The tape was directed by John Evnet ("War", "Close to the Heart").
For those who have lost faith, who succumbed to pessimism, who love a little sad nostalgia and touching life prose, we recommend the novel by Fannie Flagg.
Alexandre Dumas (father) "Count of Monte Cristo" (1844-45)
Even those who have not read the "Count of Monte Cristo" certainly know this literary character and at least in general terms have heard the story of the prisoner of the Chateau d'If.
Alexander Dumas (father) is a true titan of literature. Centuries later, he is no longer tied to any particular country and culture, Dumas is a citizen of the world, and his heritage is the pride of mankind.
If you love adventure, intrigue, exciting plot twists and turns, put aside modern reading for a while and turn to the classics. The story of sailor Edmond Dantes, his ups, downs, love, "death" and magical resurrection, will give you an unforgettable experience!
After reading, you should reinforce your emotions with a good film adaptation, more than two dozen of them have been filmed. For example, you can watch the tape of Jose Diana ("Balzac", "Dangerous Liaisons") with Gerard Depardieu in the title role.
Françoise Sagan "Leash" (1989)
The famous Frenchwoman Françoise Sagan became famous all over the world for her unusual plots. This woman knows how to surprise. The novel "Leash" (originally La Laisse) was written in the last decade of the writer's creative career. It tells the story of a married couple Vincent and Laurent. One of them is rich, earns money, the other plays the role of a toy, forced to live by the rules of a whimsical patron. A familiar story, isn't it? However, the wayward Sagan turned everything upside down: her Vincent is a doll, and Laurent is a puppeteer.
"Leash" will certainly appeal to fans of everyday drama, atmospheric French prose and the recognizable style of the great Sagan.
Arthur Haley "Airport" (1968)
On a January evening in 1967, a blizzard hit Lincoln International Airport. At this time, the passenger plane crashes and urgently needs to land. The airport administration, headed by Mel Bakersfeld, needs to quickly organize a landing in extreme conditions.
The novel "Airport" (in the original Airport), like other works by the Canadian Arthur Haley, belongs to the genre of the so-called production novel, in which a person (a professional in his field) is faced with the solution of a complex informal problem. As a rule, it is necessary to solve it in a short time. So, Mr. Bakersfeld is given 24 hours to fight the snow element. One day in the life of Lincoln Airport was very stressful.
Stefan Zweig "24 Hours in the Life of a Woman" (1927)
Stefan Zweig always writes wonderfully, be it a historical novel, biography, essay, dimensional work or a laconic short story. "24 Hours in a Woman's Life" tells about an unprecedented incident - a 33-year-old venerable lady abandoned two children and a wealthy husband because of a charming stranger whom she met the day before.
The narrator, who was resting in the same boarding house where the family drama took place, became an unwitting member of a circle that was actively discussing the act of the frivolous fugitive. He, out of the kindness of his soul, joined the camp of those who tried to justify Madame. Among them was one elderly lady - 67-year-old Madame K. Imbued with sympathy for the young man, she told him her own love story, which flared up in just 24 hours, but left a mark on her soul for life.
Zweig's short stories are always sincere, deep, aphoristic, sensual and at the same time very chaste. Recommended for connoisseurs of the romantic genre, not "pink" literature.
Winston Groom "Forest Gump" (1986)
The novel "Forest Gump" (original - Forrest Gamp) is a vivid example when the fame of a literary character significantly outstripped the fame of a writer. Not everyone knows that the story of a mentally retarded man named Forest Gump was created by the American writer and documentary filmmaker Winston Groom.
This fascinating, touching, sometimes funny and nagging novel will not leave anyone indifferent. A masterpiece film will reinforce the impression of the book. The novel was screened by the outstanding director Robert Zemeckis ("Back to the Future", "Outcast"). The role of Forest was brilliantly played by Tom Hanks ("Outcast", "Green Mile"). The film was so successful that it won six Oscars, including Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Picture of 1994.
Joan Harris "Five Orange Quarters" (2001)
Another creation from the author of the masterpiece "Chocolate" will not leave indifferent sensual natures. Five Quortes of the Orange is a moving story about a woman named Framboise and the secret of her mother's cookbook.
Even at first glance, a trivial plot in the creative processing of Harris will turn into a magical mystery. Those who have read or at least watched the film "Chocolate" will certainly understand what it is about and want to read this amazing book.
Sebastian Japrizo "Lady with glasses and with a gun in the car" (1966)
Fans of the detective genre will appreciate the bestseller from the Frenchman Sebastian Japrizo. "A Lady with Spectacles and a Gun in a Car" is an action-packed story about a 26-year-old advertising agency worker named Dani.
They are very popular now, which have become real encyclopedias for those who are seriously thinking about the premature end of the world.
All her life, Dani lived by the rules, but one day the girl decides on a little prank - to take a ride in the chief's car to the sea. However, instead of basking on the Cote d'Azur, Dani will have to hide from justice. An unpleasant surprise awaited her in the trunk of the car - the corpse of a man with a gunshot wound. Dani is now the prime suspect in the murder case. To escape, she will have to conduct her own detective investigation.
10 books you can't tear yourself away from
5 (100%) 1 voteDespite the abundance of e-books, tablets and audio formats, it is impossible to discourage a book-lover from going through the pages. Cup of coffee, soft armchair, the incomparable smell of book pages - and let the whole world wait!
To your attention - TOP-20 most interesting books. We read and enjoy ...
- In a hurry to love (1999)
Nicholas Sparks
The genre of the book is a novel about love.
It is generally accepted that romance novels only women authors succeed. "A Haste to Love" is an exception in this specific genre. Sparks' book won the love of readers around the world and became one of his most popular works.
The story of the touching and incredible love of the priest's daughter Jamie and young man Landon. The book is about a feeling that intertwines the fate of two halves only once in a lifetime.
- Foam days (1946)
Boris Vian
The genre of the book is a surreal love novel.
A deep and surreal love story based on real events from the author's life. The allegorical presentation of the book and the unusual plane of events are the highlight of the work, which has become for readers a continuous postmodern with a chronology of despair, spleen, and outrageous.
The heroes of the book are gentle Chloe with a lily in her heart, the author's alter ego - Colin, his tiny mouse and cook, friends of lovers. A work full of light sadness that everything ends sooner or later, leaving only the foam of days.
Twice filmed novel, in both cases it is unsuccessful - to convey the whole atmosphere of the book, without missing important details, so far no one has succeeded.
- The Hungry Shark Diaries
Stephen Hall
The genre of the book is fantasy.
The action takes place in the 21st century. Eric wakes up with the thought that all the events of his previous life have been erased from his memory. According to the doctor, the cause of amnesia is severe trauma, and the relapse is already the 11th in a row. From that moment on, Eric begins to receive letters from himself and to hide from the "shark" devouring his memories. His task is to understand what is happening and find the key to salvation.
Hall's debut novel, consisting entirely of puzzles, allusions, allegories. Not for the general reader. Such a book is not taken with them on the train - they do not read it "on the run", slowly and with pleasure.
- White Tiger (2008)
Aravind Adiga
The genre of the book is realism, novel.
The boy from the poor Indian village of Balram stands out against the background of his siblings by his unwillingness to put up with fate. A confluence of circumstances throws the "White Tiger" (approx. A rare beast) into the city, after which the boy's fate changes dramatically - from falling to the very bottom, his steep rise to the very top begins. Whether crazy, or a national hero - Balram is struggling to survive in the real world and escape from the cage.
The White Tiger is not an Indian "soap opera" about a "prince and a beggar", but a revolutionary work that breaks stereotypes about India. This book is about the India that you will not see in beautiful films on TV.
- Fight Club (1996)
Chuck Palahniuk
The genre of the book is a philosophical thriller.
An ordinary clerk, exhausted by insomnia and the monotony of life, by chance meets Tyler. The philosophy of a new acquaintance is self-destruction as the goal of life. An ordinary acquaintance quickly develops into a friendship, crowned with the creation " Fight club”, The main thing in which is not victory, but the ability to endure pain.
Palahniuk's special style gave rise to not only the popularity of the book, but also the already well-known film adaptation with Brad Pitt in one of the main roles. The book is a challenge about a generation of people for whom the boundaries of good and evil have been erased, about the insignificance of life and the race for illusions, from which the world goes crazy.
A work for people with an already formed consciousness (not for teenagers) - for comprehending and rethinking their life.
- Fahrenheit 451 (1953)
Ray Bradbury
The genre of the book is fantasy, novel.
The title of the book is the temperature at which the paper burns. The action takes place in the "future" in which literature is prohibited, reading books is a crime, and the job of firefighters is to burn books. Montag, who works as a firefighter, reads a book for the first time ...
The work that Bradbury wrote before us and for us. More than fifty years ago, the author was able to look into the future, where fear, indifference to others and indifference completely supplant those feelings that make us human. No unnecessary thoughts, no books - just human mannequins.
- Book of Complaints (2003)
Max Fry
The genre of the book is a philosophical novel, fantasy.
No matter how hard it is for you, no matter how unfortunate life is, never curse it - not in thought or out loud. Because someone near you will happily live your own life for you. For example, that smiling girl over there. Or that old woman in the yard. These are the Nakhis who are invariably next to us ...
Self-irony, subtle banter, mysticism, an unusual plot, realistic dialogues (sometimes too much) - time flies by with this book.
- Pride and Prejudice (1813)
Jane Austen
The genre of the book is a novel about love.
Time of action - 19th century. The Bennet family has 5 unmarried daughters. The mother of this poor family, of course, dreams of marrying them off ...
The plot seems to be beaten to the "eye corns", but for more than one hundred years Jane Austen's novel has been re-read by people of the most different countries again and again. Because the heroes of the book are engraved in the memory forever, and, despite the calm pace of the development of events, the work does not let the reader go even after the final page. An undeniable masterpiece of literature.
A pleasant "bonus" is a happy ending and the ability to stealthily wipe away a tear of sincere joy for the heroes.
- Golden Temple (1956)
Yukio Mishima
The genre of the book is realism, philosophical drama.
The action takes place in the 20th century. The young man Mizoguchi after the death of his father ends up in a school at Rinzai (approx. Buddhist academy). It is there that the Golden Temple is located - the legendary architectural monument of Kyoto, which gradually fills the mind of Mizoguchi, displacing all other thoughts. And only death, according to the author, determines the Beautiful. And all the Beautiful, sooner or later, must die.
The book is based on the actual fact of the burning of the Temple by one of the novice monks. On the bright path of Mizoguchi, temptations are constantly encountered, good fights against evil, and in the contemplation of the Temple, the novice finds solace after the failures that pursue him, the death of his father, the death of a friend. And one day Mizoguchi comes up with the idea - to burn yourself together with the Golden Temple.
A few years after writing the book, Mishima, like his hero, made himself a hara-kiri.
- The Master and Margarita (1967)
Michael Bulgakov
The genre of the book is novel, mysticism, religion and philosophy.
An ageless masterpiece of Russian literature - a book worth reading at least once in your life.
- Portrait of Dorian Gray (1891)
Oscar Wilde
The genre of the book is novel, mysticism.
The once abandoned words of Dorian Gray ("I would give my soul for the portrait to grow old, and I was forever young") became fatal for him. Not a single wrinkle on the eternally young face of the protagonist, and his portrait, according to his wishes, is aging and gradually dying. And, of course, you have to pay for everything in this world ...
Repeatedly filmed book that once blew up a prim reading society with a puritanical past. A book about a deal with a tempter with tragic consequences is a mystical novel that should be re-read every 10-15 years.
- Shagreen leather (1831)
Honore de Balzac
The genre of the book is a novel, a parable.
The action takes place in the 19th century. Raphael gets pebbled leather with which you can fulfill your desires. True, after each fulfilled desire, both the skin itself and the hero's life are reduced. Raphael's delight is quickly replaced by insight - too little time has been allotted to us on this earth to waste it so ineptly on unaccountable momentary "joys".
A time-tested classic and one of the most fascinating books from the master of the word Balzac.
- Three comrades (1936)
Erich Maria Remarque
Book genre - realism, psychological novel
The book about male friendship in the post-war period. It is with this book that one should begin acquaintance with the author who wrote it far from his homeland.
A work filled with emotions and events, human destinies and tragedies - heavy and bitter, but light and life-affirming.
- Bridget Jones's Diary (1996)
Helen Fielding
The genre of the book is a novel about love.
Easy "reading" for women who want a little smiles and hope. You never know where you will fall into a love trap. And Bridget Jones, already desperate to find her half, will wander in the dark for a long time before the light of her true love dawns.
No philosophy, mysticism, psychological spirals - just a love story.
- The Man Who Laughs (1869)
Victor Hugo
The genre of the book is novel, historical prose.
The action takes place in the 17-18 century. Once in childhood, the boy Gwynplaine (who was a lord by birth) was sold to the Comprachicos bandits. At the time of the fashion for freaks and cripples, who amused the European nobility, the boy became a fair jester with a mask of laughter carved on his face.
Despite the trials that fell to his lot, Gwynplaine was able to remain a kind and pure person. And even for love, the disfigured appearance and life did not become an obstacle.
- White on Black (2002)
Ruben David Gonzalez Gallego
The genre of the book is realism, an autobiographical novel.
The work is true from the first to the last line. This book is the life of the author. He can't stand pity. And when communicating with this person in a wheelchair, everyone immediately forgets that he is a disabled person.
The book is about the love of life and the ability to fight for every moment of happiness, in spite of everything.
- The Dark Tower
Stephen King
The genre of the book is an epic novel, a fantasy.
The Dark Tower is the cornerstone of the universe. And the last noble knight in the world Roland must find her ...
A book that occupies a special place in the fantasy genre - unique twists from King, close intertwining with earthly reality, completely different, but united into one team and reliably described heroes, vivid psychologism of each situation, adventure, drive and the absolute effect of presence.
- Future (2013)
Dmitry Glukhovsky
The genre of the book is a fantasy novel.
The transcoded DNA at the output gave immortality and eternity. True, at the same time everything that had previously forced people to live was lost. Temples have become brothels, life has turned into an endless hell, spiritual and cultural values have been lost, everyone who dares to have a child is destroyed.
Where will humanity come? A dystopian novel about the world of immortal, but "inanimate" people without a soul.
- The Catcher in the Rye (1951)
Jerome Salinger.
The genre of the book is realism.
In 16-year-old Holden, everything characteristic of a difficult teenager is concentrated - harsh reality and dreams, seriousness, replaced by childishness.
The book is a story about a boy who is thrown by life into a whirlpool of events. Childhood suddenly ends, and the chick pushed out of the nest does not understand where to fly and how to live in a world where everyone is against you.
- You were promised to me
Elchin Safarli
The genre of the book is a novel.
This is a work that falls in love with from the first pages and is taken away for quotes. A terrible and irreparable loss of the second half.
Can you start living anew? Will the main character cope with his pain?
Not all books are able to captivate the reader from the first pages and keep them in suspense and ignorance until the very end. But these 10 books will definitely not let you break away from reading for a couple of minutes. They can be "swallowed" literally whole and until the very last line the reader will be in tension and ignorance.
1. The novel "Amsterdam"
writer Ian McEwan
Clive and Vernon are two bosom friends, successful, quite young and smart. Clive is a very talented composer and Vernon is the editor of a major newspaper. Their friendship seemed unbreakable, and upon learning of the death of a woman named Molly, who was their common love in the past, they make a strange agreement between themselves, which says that if one of them is slain by the same terrible disease that killed Molly, the second will order him to be euthanized. But after several incidents, friendship collapses, people who were once dear to each other become enemies, and wishing to take revenge, they secretly order euthanasia for each other ...
2. The novel "The Collector"
writer John Fowles
Frederick Clegg is one of those people who are called "gray mouse", he works as an ordinary clerk in a government office and his only hobby is collecting butterflies. He is not interested in the people around him, no one pays attention to him, and especially Miranda, with whom he is secretly in love. But one day fate turns to Frederick "face", having made the right bet on the races, he wins a huge amount of money.
He sends all his relatives on vacation to another country, and he buys good house in the wilderness, away from people. He would have lived in peace, but he decides to kidnap Miranda, which he successfully accomplishes. The second part of the book is written on behalf of the kidnapped girl, who at first is afraid of Clegg, but then realizes how unhappy and insignificant he is, and pity for him awakens in her soul. What awaits her next? ..
3. The tale of "Billy Milligan's Multiple Minds"
writer Daniel Keyes
Billy Milligan - unusual person, 24 different personalities coexist in his body, which are radically different from each other. Among them there are adults and children, and creative subtle natures, and villains. Because of them, Billy cannot control his actions, most of the time he is not subject to himself, which is why he goes to prison for rape, but Billy did not do this ...
4. Detective "Broken Dolls"
writer James Carol
Jefferson Winter is the son of one of the most famous serial killers America, and in order to get rid of such a "legacy", Winter becomes a detective, and not just a simple one, but a serial murder consultant who helps the police solve complex cases. After all, he knows the logic of serial killers like no one else ... A new case - a psychopath catches young girls and lobotomizes them, and Jefferson is obliged to find him as quickly as possible, because not everything that is broken can be repaired ...
5. Science fiction "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy"
writer Douglas Adams
Arthur Dent did not even suspect the existence of other civilizations until they decided to demolish his house. He lies on the way of the bulldozer, but at that moment his friend named Ford comes, who reports that he is an alien from another world and very soon the Earth will be destroyed to build an intergalactic road. At the very last moment before the destruction of the Earth, friends manage to get onto the ship of other aliens, where they are tortured for illegal entry, and then thrown into space, but even then they manage to escape. Since then, Arthur and Ford's incredible journey across the galaxy begins.
6. Detective "The one who is gone"
writers Pierre Boileau and Thomas Narsejac (Boileau-Narsejac)
"The One Who Has Gone" is a classic detective story that attracts with its brevity and ease of writing, and also does not let go until the very end. It happens in life that it seems as if you have found "your" person, you fall in love, start a family, but over time you realize that this is a completely stranger. And the further - the worse, at first you just hate this creature nearby, and then you wish its speedy demise. The same thing happened with the main character of this work, which is why he is plotting the murder of his wife, but life is a difficult thing, and everything turned out to be not as simple as he thought ...
7. The story "Remembering my sad whores"
writer Gabriel García Márquez
The main character of the book all his life fled from serious feelings, from family and children, it seemed to him more reasonable to pay for high-quality sex than to give his heart to someone. On the day of his 90th birthday, he summons a young girl with whom he falls in love. At that moment, he remembers and realizes his whole life, analyzes it and regrets that he fell in love on the "threshold of death" ...
8. The novel "The Creator of Angels"
writer Stephen Brace
The book "Angel Maker" brings up a very popular topic of cloning, but it cannot be called ordinary. The main character of the work is a little boy with Asperger's Syndrome, an orphan who is brought up in a monastery. No one expected that a genius would grow out of him, but very evil and cruel. He named his three children after the names of the archangels, but their behavior is close to the devil - all the villagers are in fear of them. Who is to blame for this? Brains' work conveys to readers the essence of faith, social and humanitarian responsibility of a person before the whole world.
9. Detective "Snowman"
writer J. Nesbe
Hole Harry is a Norwegian detective who investigates seemingly ordinary murders married women... But his tenacious mind finds a connection between these murders with others that happened long before that. All the women were killed when the first snow fell, they were all married, they had children, and there was always a snowman at the scene of the murder. Other detectives could not tie it together, but Hole understands that all these murders are the work of serial maniac... Since then, he began his "hunt" for the killer, who was given the nickname "Snowman".
10. The novel "The Thirteenth Tale"
writer Diana Setterfield
Margaret Lee is an ordinary seller in a bookstore, sometimes she wrote literary works, she published some of them, but she never stood out in anything and nobody was interested in her work. That is why she was extremely surprised when the popular writer Vida Winters approached her with a request to write her autobiography.
Before meeting Vida, Margaret sincerely considered her works "thoughtless scribbling", but during her stay at her estate, she changes her mind. She finds a book of Vida Winters called "Thirteen Tales" with her father, but the thirteenth is not in it. And Margaret has to learn this confusing, but so interesting story while writing an autobiography, which turns out to be that same unpublished "fairy tale".
