Filling up your book cases

Filling up your book cases In the modern day there are so many great things to keep people occupied. There is the TV, the internet and now lots of little things called apps. These all serve to distract us from our day and help us along when we are bored. But one thing that never gets old is reading.

By a book shelf and slowly fill it up with books, reading them as you go and I guarantee you will feel great. There is no better feeling than finishing an amazing novel, looking at your book shelf and realising you have got many more greats to then move onto.

Here is a small list of great books that I would like to recommend to you. If your book cases are looking a wee bit empty then these may help fill the void and keep you mightily entertained.

Nineteen Eighty-Four – George Orwell

This is quite possibly the greatest book out there. Now I don’t want to cause controversy by saying it is the bet novel ever written, but in my opinion there are very few that can beat it. The story of a dystopian future where everyone lives in a big brother state that is perpetually at war with whoever the government decide. The fact that this novel was written 1949 just made it even more impressive; as it quite accurately reflects the totalitarianism of many of the leading powers in the world today. Read this book and you won’t view the world in the same way ever again.

A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian - Marina Lewycka

Now, this may not be one of the most groundbreaking reads in modern history but this charming and funny story about a family feud. The tale revolves around a pair of sister who are trying to break up the impending marriage of their Ukrainian immigrant father to his young Ukrainian girlfriend who mistreats him and uses him to gain UK citizenship. It is a wonderful story that will make you laugh throughout and it gives you a different aspect on immigration into the UK. Don’t let the title of this novel put you off. Every book shelf should have a book like this.

Of Mice and Men – John Steinbeck

This book is one that every home should have. Pop it on your book shelf and it is sure to evoke some reminiscing. A lovely but sad tale of two friends travelling from ranch to ranch in America during the Great Depression. George and Lenny are good friends but a mismatched pair and this story is inspiring at the same time as being totally tragic. A beautiful book you have to read.

The Shining – Stephen King

Possibly the scariest piece of literature ever, The Shining is not of the faint of heart. This is a very different novel from the successful film, so if you choose to read it after you have watched it, don’t worry. You still won’t know what is going on and I can guarantee it will still scare you. The book is a tale of a small family living in the mountains alone during the winter whilst babysitting a giant, haunted hotel. It is eerie and quite frankly terrifying. Be warned!

Island – Aldous Huxley

After reading this you will no doubt be questioning the way we all live. This book should grace every book case with its wisdom and philosophical weight. This is the tale of the perfect society. It is the story of an island where eastern philosophy is mixed with western technology to create a place where everyone is living peacefully and happily. You follow Will Farnaby, a journalist sent to explore the island of Pala and see if he can convince them to trade with their large reserves of oil which they do not harvest. Will slowly falls in love with the way people live on the island and has a dilemma on his hands.

So if your book cases are bare or in need of some freshening up these five books will do well to help you cover all bases. Enjoy reading them and make sure you keep on filling up the shelves in your book cases.

Picture courtesy of Morgaine