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Five Books You Must Read

Recent research from the United States shows that people are reading fewer books these days. Frankly, I'm not surprised given the demands modern life places on our time, not to mention the near-constant distractions of social media. It's important to remind ourselves how reading benefits the brain, and for language learners it improves vocabulary, grammar awareness, and speaking fluency as well. The books listed here are all popular works of fiction, so it shouldn't be hard to find a translation if you don't fancy reading the originals in English.

1984 – by George Orwell
This dystopian novel often finds its way onto lists of classic books, and it's easy to see why. A chilling portrait of a totalitarian future, “1984” follows Winston Smith as he struggles under the watchful eye of Big Brother. Orwell’s vision of surveillance, propaganda, and manipulated truth feels eerily contemporary. With stark prose and unforgettable concepts like “doublethink” and “Newspeak,” this novel is both a gripping story and a warning that remains urgently relevant. If you read only one book this year, make it this one.

The Magus – by John Fowles
Mysterious, seductive, and intellectually daring, “The Magus” tells the story of a young Englishman who takes a teaching job on a Greek island, where he becomes entangled in elaborate psychological games. Fowles blends philosophy, romance, and suspense into a labyrinthine narrative that constantly challenges reality. It’s a novel that rewards patience and invites re-reading, leaving you questioning what is true long after the final page.




Frankenstein – by Mary Shelley
I decided to read this classic tale after watching the excellent film adaptation by Guillermo del Toro on Netflix. Published in 1818, it tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates life and then recoils in horror at his creation – Yes, the scientist is called Frankenstein, not the monster he creates, as some people mistakenly have us believe! Deeply human and philosophically rich, the novel probes what it means to be responsible for one’s creations, sending us a note of caution as we enter the age of AI.

The Catcher in the Rye – by J. D. Salinger
This book first came to my attention when I was a teenager and I instantly related to the main character. Through the distinctive voice of Holden Caulfield, Salinger captures the confusion and alienation of adolescence. “The Catcher in the Rye” is both deeply personal and universally relatable, resonating with anyone who has ever felt out of step with the world. At the same time, the book offers a valuable insight into American culture in the 1950s, introducing readers to colloquial expressions of the time.

 



Hamnet – by Maggie O'Farrell
A luminous reimagining of the life of Shakespeare’s family, “Hamnet” centres on the death of the playwright’s young son and its emotional aftermath. O’Farrell writes with exquisite sensitivity about grief, marriage, and creativity. Rich in atmosphere and historical detail, the novel offers a moving meditation on love and loss and the quiet forces that shape great art. I liked it so much I read it twice, and I have to say it's much better than the film.

Whether you’re drawn to dystopian futures, psychological intrigue, gothic horror, adolescent angst, or historical fiction, these five books promise unforgettable journeys. Happy reading!

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