5 must-read books that you can read for free: DailyJag
Literature Books

5 must-read books that you can read for free!

In the age of Snapchat, Instagram, binge-watching, and YouTube, who need books, you may ask? Well, everybody needs books.

Especially, to deal with the curse of instant gratification and short attention span, which is affecting us negatively. Even the authors whose works have been adapted as major films or TV series, never shy from stating the obvious: Books are necessary.

“A mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge

George R.R. Martin

Got it?

Even if only business and entrepreneurship interest you, the books (not just textbooks) will serve you as an inspiration. For instance, during a period of existential crisis for a 14-year-old boy who was searching for the meaning of life, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy served as an inspiration. That boy is Elon Musk.

Do we have your attention now?

A good book is like the moon in the dark sky, soothing you with its tenderness in midst of your turmoil. And digitization has made several of these experiences available for free. It’s my delight to introduce you to 5 such experiences in the form of ebooks, that will thrill you to your core.

1. The Picture of Dorian Gray

This Oscar Wilde’s masterpiece takes a witty, and philosophical look at our obsession with youth and the price we are ready to pay for it. It also calls for our attention to the danger of relying on other’s opinions and the pretentious society we live in.

“Live! Live the wonderful life that is in you! Let nothing be lost upon you. Be always searching for new sensations. Be afraid of nothing.”

The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde

2. Pride and Prejudice

Written more than two centuries ago, Jane Austen’s enduring story of family, love and society’s expectation is still a treat to indulge in. And you need no more than its first line to get hooked to this timeless tale about Elizabeth Bennet.

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”

Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen

3. Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse

Siddhartha : DailyJag

Siddhartha is the story of a boy with the same name, who lived in the times of the Buddha but had a different journey than him to attain peace in his life. And as you read it, you may find your struggles echoing in the life of Siddhartha and how he attained peace through his experiences. It will surely leave you with a tranquil feeling.

“It is not for me to judge another man’s life. I must judge, I must choose, I must spurn, purely for myself. For myself, alone.”

Siddhartha, Hermann Hesse

4. Wuthering Heights

A list of must-reads is incomplete without Wuthering Heights. This marvelous love story depicts the complexity of human emotions and the extent a person can go for love or revenge.
Emily Bronte’s narration delivers it like an exotically concocted cocktail of emotions, that you have to have.

“I have to remind myself to breathe — almost to remind my heart to beat!”

Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte

5. Frankenstein (The Modern Prometheus)

This is a personal favourite. The name Frankenstein always manifested an image of a giant monster with his arms raised, eyes big as tennis balls, coming towards me, until I read this book.
Mary Shelley in her narration raises a question: Who’s a monster? And believe me, you will ask this question to yourself as you read it.

“I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel…”

Frankenstein, Mary Shelley

PS: This list is not the best 5 free must-read novels but just five of them. Feel free to mention your favourite ebooks too which others can read for free, in the comments section. Happy reading!

Comments

0 comments

Leave a Reply