What interesting things can you read from fiction? What to read from modern literature
If you suffer from insomnia, or you simply don’t know what to do in the evening before bed, then start reading! But be careful, because some books are so interesting that you won't even notice the morning comes!
Photo: goodfon.ru
So, a list of fascinating books that will interest both “avid readers” and novice “book lovers”:
“The One Who Has Come in Large Numbers”, Narine Abgaryan
This is a tragicomedy about a young and ambitious girl who, at the beginning of the difficult 90s, decided to leave her native small mountainous republic and conquer the capital. And she immediately realized that each visitor, whom the author calls “who came in large numbers,” has his own Moscow. Some people see it in the millions of people scurrying through the streets, while others get the opportunity to get close to such people. And some of them protect, protect, care, help, support and simply love. The author of the book talks about his small piece of that very “common” life of a newcomer, which many indigenous residents of big cities have no idea about. And there is room for heroic deeds, the most important of which is to decide to emigrate and accept a new place as it is, and to sincerely love it. And then Moscow will certainly reciprocate.
"The Collector" John Fowles
This is the author’s debut story, and for many it almost chills the blood, because this is a real psychological thriller that excites the mind. The plot is the destinies of two people connected with each other. He is a butterfly collector. There is an emptiness in his soul that he strives to fill with beauty. And one day Ferdinand finds himself a beautiful victim - the girl Miranda. It’s as if she was created to create and enjoy freedom. And he understands that he will give everything to have her. And so, Miranda becomes Ferdinand's prisoner. But will he be able to keep real Life, Beauty, Freedom and all the most beautiful things that can be in the human soul within the walls of the castle?
The story is built on the delicate relationship between the victim and the villain and allows you to rethink many of the stories of world classics that seemed to have long been worn out.
Forrest Gump, Winston Groom
This is the story of a mentally retarded guy, which he himself outlined on the pages of a now legendary book, which formed the basis of the film of the same name. The plot can be called practically the embodiment of the myth about that very “American Dream” that disturbed the minds of millions of young people who lived in the second half of the last century. But at the same time, this is a sharp and even slightly cruel satirical parody of the society of that time, which was not ready to accept people who were somehow different from the mainstream. Forrest Gump was different and therefore became an object of ridicule. But this boy is not crazy at all. He is different, and he has access to what others cannot see and feel. He's special.
Amsterdam, Ian McEwan
The author of the book is one of the representatives of the “elite” of modern British prose. And for the work, which became a real world bestseller, he received the Booker Prize. Viktor Golyshev, who translated this creation into Russian, also received the award. It would seem that the story is simple and very relevant. But how many nuances there are in it, how many thoughts, how many doubts! The main characters are two friends. One of them is a successful editor of a popular newspaper. The second is a brilliant composer of our time who is writing the “Millennium Symphony”. And they enter into an agreement on euthanasia, under the terms of which, if one falls into a state of unconsciousness and ceases to understand what he is doing, then the other will take his life.
"Amendment 22" by Joseph Heller
Although more than half a century has passed since the release of the first book, this work still remains legendary and one of the most popular, and many publications included it in the list of the best novels.
This is not your typical story about US Air Force pilots in World War II. They all find themselves in absurd situations, encounter absurd people and rash actions, and commit incomprehensible acts themselves. And all this is connected with a certain amendment No. 22, which actually does not exist on paper, but states that every military man who does not want to carry out a combat mission is completely normal and therefore fit for service. But in fact, in this story one can see not so much an anti-war novel, but a deep and global mockery of modern everyday life, of society and current laws.
"A Conspiracy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole
The author of this book, who, by the way, lived to see the award Pulitzer Prize for this creation, he was able to create a literary hero, unlike any described in satirical literature. Ignatius J. Riley is a creative, imaginative and eccentric personality. He fancies himself an intellectual, but in reality he is a glutton, a spendthrift and a quitter. He is like a modern Don Quixote or Gargantua, who despises society for its lack of geometry and theology. He is reminiscent of Thomas Aquinas, who began his own hopeless war against everything and everyone: representatives of non-traditional sexual orientation, the excesses of the century and even intercity buses. And this image is so interesting, unusual and, unfortunately, relevant that everyone can see a part of themselves in it.
“Monday begins on Saturday”, Strugatsky Brothers
This book is a real masterpiece of Russian science fiction, a kind of embodiment of the utopia of the Soviet era, a kind of artistic fulfillment of the dream of the possibilities of modern man to learn, create, understand and solve the mysteries of the Universe.
The main characters of the book are employees of NIICHAVO (Research Institute of Witchcraft and Wizardry). They are masters and magicians, real pioneers. And they will face many amazing events and phenomena: a time machine, a hut on chicken legs, a genie and even an artificially grown man!
"The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins
This book became a real bestseller. This is a mysterious and fascinating story of a girl, Rachel, who, from the train window, watches, as it seems to her, ideal spouses. She even gave them names: Jason and Jess. Every day she sees the cottage of a man and a woman and understands that they probably have everything: prosperity, happiness, wealth and love. And Rachel had all this, but not so long ago she lost it all. But one day, approaching an already well-known cottage, the girl realizes that something is going wrong. She sees frightening, mysterious and disturbing events. And then the perfect wife Jess disappears. And Rachel understands that it is she who must reveal this secret and find the woman. But will the police take her seriously? And, in general, is it worth interfering in someone else’s life? This is for the readers to find out.
"The Book of Life: Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom
IN recent months Throughout his life, the old professor managed to make several important discoveries.
He realized that death is not the end at all. This is the beginning. And that means dying is the same as preparing for something unknown and new. And this is not scary at all, but even interesting.
Before leaving for another world, the old man passed on such knowledge to everyone who was with him in the last minutes of his earthly life. What's next? Will we find out?
"The Trial", Franz Kafka
The author is one of the most beloved, mysterious, readable and popular writers of the last century. He managed to create a unique artistic Universe, in which everything is completely different from real life. She is sad, dreary and almost absurd, but incredible and bewitchingly beautiful. Her characters constantly become participants in strange adventures, they search for the meaning of life and try to get answers to questions that have long tormented them. The novel “The Trial” is the work that will allow us to most clearly understand the mysterious nature of Franz Kafka’s work.
Lord of the Flies, William Golding
This book can be called strange, scary and incredibly attractive.
In the story, boys brought up in the best traditions find themselves on a desert island. The author told readers a philosophical parable about how fragile the world is and what can happen to people who forget about kindness, love and mercy. This is a dystopia with some symbolic overtones, which explores the behavioral characteristics of children who find themselves in war time on a desert island. Will they be able to maintain their humanity or will they submit to natural instincts?
"Rita Hayworth or the Shawshank Redemption" by Stephen King
The plot of this book is the story of a man whose horrible dream became a reality overnight. He, innocent of anything, was thrown into prison, into a real hell in which he would spend the rest of his life. And no one has ever managed to escape from this terrible place. But main character does not intend to give up and put up with what was destined for him by fate. He took a desperate step. But will he be able to not only escape, but also get used to freedom and the new world, and survive in it? By the way, this work by the real king of fantasy Stephen King served as the basis for the film of the same name, which starred Morgan Freeman and Tim Robinson.
The events take place in England in 1960. Jennifer Sterling wakes up after a terrible car accident and realizes that she cannot remember who she is or what happened to her. She doesn’t remember her husband either. She would have continued to live in ignorance if she had not completely accidentally found letters addressed to her and signed with the letter “B”. Their author confessed his love to Jennifer and persuaded her to leave her husband. Next, the author takes readers to the 21st century. Young reporter Ellie finds one of the letters written by the mysterious “B” in the newspaper archives. She hopes that by taking up the investigation, she will be able to unravel the mystery of the author and recipient of the messages, restore her reputation, and even understand her own personal life.
“A lady with glasses with a gun in a car”, Sebastien Japrisot
The main character of the book is blonde. She is beautiful, sentimental, sincere, deceitful, restless, stubborn and clueless. This lady, who has never seen the sea, gets into a car and tries to escape from the police. At the same time, she constantly repeats to herself that she is not crazy.
But those around me do not agree with this. The heroine behaves more than strangely and constantly finds herself in ridiculous situations. She believes that wherever she goes, she can be harmed. But if she runs away, she will be able to be alone with herself and free herself from what she hides, from what worries her so much.
The Goldfinch, Donna Tartt
The author wrote this book for ten whole years, but it became a real masterpiece. It tells us that art has power and strength, and sometimes it can radically change and literally turn our lives around, and quite suddenly.
The hero of the work, 13-year-old boy Theo Decker, miraculously survived the explosion that killed his mother. His father abandoned him, and he is forced to wander around foster families and completely strange homes. He visited Las Vegas and New York and almost despaired. But his only consolation, which, by the way, almost led to his death, is the masterpiece of the Dutch old master, which he stole from the museum.
Cloud Atlas, David Mitchell
This book is like a complex mirror labyrinth, in which seemingly completely different and unrelated stories miraculously echo, intersect and overlap each other.
There are six main characters in the work: a young composer who is forced to sell his soul and body; 19th century notary; a journalist working in California in the 70s of the last century who uncovers a conspiracy of a large company; clone servant working in modern enterprise fast food; a modern small publisher and a simple goatherd living at the end of civilization.
"1984", George Orwell
This work can be classified as a dystopian genre; it describes a society in which a strict totalitarian regime reigns.
There is nothing more terrible than the imprisonment of free and living minds in the shackles of social foundations.
"Blackberry Winter" by Sarah Gio
The events take place in 1933 in Seattle. Vera Ray kisses her little son before going to bed and goes to the hotel for night work. In the morning, a single mother discovers that the entire city is covered in snow, and her son has disappeared. In a snowdrift near the house, Vera finds the boy’s favorite toy, but there are no traces nearby. A desperate mother is ready to do anything to find her child.
The author then takes readers to modern-day Seattle. Reporter Claire Aldridge writes an article about a snowstorm that literally paralyzes the city. By chance she learns that similar events already took place 80 years ago. As Claire begins to explore the mysterious story of Vera Ray, she realizes that it is somehow mysteriously intertwined with her own life.
"Blindness", Jose Saramago
Residents of a nameless country and a nameless city are faced with a strange epidemic. They all quickly begin to go blind. And the authorities, in order to stop this incomprehensible disease, decide to introduce strict quarantine and move all sick people to the old hospital, taking them into custody.
The main characters of the work are an infected ophthalmologist and his pretending to be blind wife. They are trying to piece together the world and find order in this chaos that is gradually enveloping everyone.
“Three apples fell from the sky”, Narine Abgaryan
This book is the story of one small village, which is located somewhere high in the mountains.
Its inhabitants are all a little grumpy, a little eccentric, but at the same time, real treasures of the spirit are hidden in each of them.
This is a witty, sublime and unusual dystopia about modern society consumption, which is programmed at the genetic level. And in this world unfolds the sad story of the Savage, whom the author regards as the Hamlet of our time. He still retains remnants of humanity, but people, divided into castes of social consumption, do not want to recognize him or simply cannot do so.
If we list noteworthy books by contemporary authors, we cannot fail to mention the work “Social network “Ark” by Evgeny Vetzel, which consists of three parts.
The main character falls from the roof, but is reborn again. Having lived a little in the 11th century, he finds himself in the distant future - in the 36th century in Moscow. The author touches on many interesting devices, psychology and sales techniques, modern reflections on life and reasons to think seriously about rhetorical questions. The second book describes life in America and the theory of one of the variants of a worldwide conspiracy. And the third part tells about the adventures of the hero on another planet where white angels live.
These were the most interesting books, which are worth reading even for those who think they don’t like to read. They will change your views and even your ideas about the world.
P.S. What books do you remember most?
"Bartleby and Company" - not really piece of art, rather something between a full-fledged novel, a diary, an article and scientific work. This is a kind of study of the so-called “No direction,” writers who voluntarily abandoned their activities. From literature. The reasons are different, the talents are different, but the research of Enrique Vila-Matas is the same.
It is also necessary to note that before reading “Bartleby and Company” it makes sense to familiarize yourself with the original work, the name of the main character of which was borrowed by Vila-Matas - this is the story “Bartleby the Scribe” by Herman Melville, which is quite interesting in itself. It tells about a certain office worker whose life's motive was the word No. Remember how in the movie with Jim Carrey Always say yes". Something similar here, only in reverse.
About the book "Drinking Time" - Philippe Delerme
Novel " Time drinker"Philippe Delerme is the literature of the stream of consciousness. In other words, all events, as well as descriptions and actions in it, are subordinated to the flow of the author's mental activity: what Philippe Delerme thinks about, he writes. Without thinking about what he writes, he writes further. And further , etc. At first glance, everything is simple, but it’s not so.
Reading such literature is incredibly difficult, since it is almost completely devoid of plot. Or it is such that no meaning can be found in it. Suffice it to say that the main character of Philippe Delerme's novel is the man from the bubble from Folon's painting. If this doesn't scare you, half the battle is over.
Books are one of the greatest legacies of humanity. And if before the invention of printing, books were available only to a select caste of people, then books began to spread everywhere. Each new generation gave birth to talented writers who created world masterpieces of literature.
Great works have reached us, but we are reading the classics less and less. The literary portal Buklya presents to your attention 100 best books of all times and peoples, which is a must read. In this list you will find not only classic works, but also modern books who left their mark on history quite recently.
1 Mikhail Bulgakov
A novel that does not fit into the usual literary framework. This story mixes philosophy and everyday life, theology and fantasy, mysticism and realism, mysticism and lyricism. And all these components are intertwined with skillful hands into a coherent and vibrant story that can turn your world upside down. And yes, this is Bookly’s favorite book!
2
Fedor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky
Book from school curriculum, which is difficult to understand in the tender teenage years. The writer showed the duality of the human soul, when black is intertwined with white. The story is about Raskolnikov, who is going through an internal struggle.
3
Antoine de Saint-Exupery
A small story with a huge life meaning. A story that makes you look at familiar things differently.
4
Michael Bulgakov
A surprisingly subtle and sarcastic story about people and their vices. The story is about an experiment that proved that you can make a human out of an animal, but you cannot take an “animal” out of a human.
5
Erich Maria Remarque
It is impossible to tell what this novel is about. You need to read the novel, and then you will understand that this is not just a story, but a confession. Confession about love, friendship, pain. A story of despair and struggle.
6
Jerome Salinger
The story of a teenager who shows with his own eyes his perception of the world, his point of view, his renunciation of the usual principles and principles of morality of society that do not fit into his individual framework.
7
Mikhail Lermontov
A lyrical and psychological novel that tells the story of a man with complex character. The author shows it from different sides. And the disrupted chronology of events makes you completely immerse yourself in the narrative.
8
Arthur Conan Doyle
The legendary investigations of the great detective Sherlock, which reveal the meanness of the human soul. Stories told by friend and assistant detective Dr. Watson.
9
Oscar Wilde
A story about pride, selfishness and a strong soul. A story that clearly shows what can happen to a person’s soul tormented by vices.
10
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
A fantastic trilogy about people and non-humans who fell under the power of the One Ring and its lord Sauron. The story is about those who are ready to sacrifice the most precious things and even their lives for the sake of friendship and saving the world.
11
Mario Puzo
A novel about one of the most powerful mafia families in America of the last century - the Corleone family. Many people know the film, so it’s time to start reading.
12
Erich Maria Remarque
After the First World War, many emigrants ended up in France. Among them is the talented German surgeon Ravik. This is the story of his life and love against the backdrop of the war he experienced.
13
Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol
The story of the Russian soul and stupidity. And the author’s amazing style and language makes the sentences sparkle with colors and shades that fully reveal the history of our people.
14
Colin McCullough
A stunning novel that tells not only about the love of a man and a woman and complex relationships, but also about feelings for family, native places and nature.
15
Emily Brontë
A family lives on a secluded estate and there is a tense atmosphere in their home. Difficult relationships have deep roots that are hidden in the past. The story of Heathcliff and Catherine will not leave any reader indifferent.
16
Erich Maria Remarque
A book about the war from the perspective of a simple soldier. The book is about how war breaks and cripples the souls of innocent people.
17
Hermann Hesse
The book simply turns all ideas about life upside down. After reading it, it is no longer possible to get rid of the feeling that you are one step closer to something incredible. This book has answers to many questions.
18
Stephen King
Paul Edgecombe former employee prison, which served in the block for death row prisoners. It tells the life story of suicide bombers who were destined to walk the Green Mile.
20
Victor Hugo
Paris 15th century. On the one hand he is full of greatness, and on the other he looks like sewage pit. On the background historical events A love story unfolds between Quasimodo, Esmeralda and Claude Frollo.
21
Daniel Defoe
The diary of a sailor who was shipwrecked and lived alone on an island for 28 years. He had to go through too many trials.
22
Lewis Carroll
Strange and misterious story about a girl who, in pursuit of a white rabbit, finds herself in a different and wonderful world.
23
Ernest Hemingway
There is war on the pages of the book, but even in a world full of pain and fear, there is a place for beauty. To a wonderful feeling called love, which makes us stronger.
24
Jack London
What can love do? Martin's love for the beautiful Ruth made him struggle. He overcame many obstacles to become something great. A story about spiritual development and personality development.
25
Arkady and Boris Strugatsky
A fantastic and fascinating fairy tale in which magic intertwines with reality.
26
We are Evgeny Zamyatin
The novel is a dystopia, which describes an ideal society where there is no personal opinion, and everything happens according to schedule. But even in such a society there is a place for freethinkers.
27
Ernest Hemingway
Frederick volunteered to go to war, where he became a doctor. In the sanitary unit, where even the air is saturated with death, love is born.
28
Boris Pasternak
Beginning of the twentieth century. The Russian Empire has already embarked on the path of revolution. The story is about the life of the intelligentsia of that time, as well as the book raises questions of religion and touches on the mystery of life and death.
29
Vladimir Nabokov
A cautionary tale about people who betrayed their ideals. The book is about how bright and beautiful feelings evolve into something dark and disgusting.
30
Johann Wolfgang Goethe
The greatest work that draws you into the story of Faust, who sold his soul to the Devil. By reading this book you can walk the path of learning about life.
31
Dante Alighieri
The work consists of three parts. First we go to Hell to complete all 9 circles. Then Purgatory awaits us, through which we can atone for our sins. And only by reaching the top can you enter Paradise.
32
Anthony Burgess
Not the most pleasant story, but it shows human nature. A story about how you can make an obedient and silent doll out of any person.
33
Victor Pelevin
A complex story that is difficult to understand the first time. A story about the life of a decadent poet who is looking for his own path, and Chapaev leads Peter to enlightenment.
34
William Golding
What will happen to the children if they find themselves completely alone? Children have a delicate nature, which is quite susceptible to vices. And sweet, kind children turn into real monsters.
35
Albert Camus
36
James Clavell
The story of an English sailor who, by the will of fate, ended up in Japan. An epic novel with historical realities, intrigue, adventures and secrets.
37
Ray Bradbury
A collection of science fiction stories telling about the life of people on Mars. They almost destroyed the Earth, but what awaits the other planet?
38
Stanislav Lem
There is an Ocean on this planet. He is alive and he has a mind. Researchers face the difficult task of transferring knowledge to the ocean. And he will help make their dreams come true...
39
Hermann Hesse
The book is about an internal crisis that can happen to anyone. Inner devastation can destroy a person if one day you don’t meet a person on the way who will give you just one book...
40
Milan Kundera
Plunge into the world of sensations and feelings of the libertine Tomas, who is used to changing women, so that no one dares to take away his freedom.
41
Boris Vian
Each of the group of friends has their own destiny. Everything goes easy and simple. Friendship. Love. Conversations. But one event can change everything and destroy your usual life.
42
Iain Banks
Frank tells the story of his childhood and describes the present. He has his own world, which can collapse at any moment. Unexpected turning points in the plot add a special flavor to the whole story.
43
John Irving
This book raises themes of family, childhood, friendship, love, betrayal and betrayal. This is the world we live in with all the problems and shortcomings.
44
Michael Ondaatje
This book contains many themes - war, death, love, betrayal. But the main leitmotif is loneliness, which can take on a variety of forms.
46
Ray Bradbury
Books are our future, but what will happen if they are replaced by TV and one opinion? The answer to this question is given by a writer who was ahead of his time.
47
Patrick Suskind
The story of a mad genius. His whole life is wrapped in smells. He will go to any lengths to create the perfect scent.
48
1984 George Orwell
Three totalitarian states where even thoughts are controlled. The world is hateful, but there are people who can still resist the system.
49
Jack London
Alaska at the end of the 19th century. The era of the gold rush. And among human greed lives a wolf named White Fang.
50
Jane Austen
The Bennett family has only daughters, and the heir is a distant relative. And once the head of the family dies, the young girls will be left with nothing.
51
Evgeny Petrov and Ilya Ilf
Who doesn’t know Ostap Bender and Kisa Vorobyaninov and their eternal failures, which are associated with the search for ill-fated diamonds.
52
Fedor Dostoevsky
53
Charlotte Bronte
Jane became an orphan early, and life in her aunt's house was far from happy. And love for a strict and gloomy man is far from a romantic story.
54
Ernest Hemingway
A short story from my own life ordinary person. But reading this work, you penetrate into amazing world, which is full of emotions.
55
Francis Scott Fitzgerald
A great novel that is filled with feelings. On the pages of the book awaits the beginning of the 20th century, when people were full of illusions and hopes. This story is about life values And true love.
56
Alexandr Duma
We are all familiar with the adventures of d'Artagnan and his closest friends. A book about friendship, honor, devotion, fidelity and love. And of course, like other works of the author, it was not without intrigue.
57
Ken Kesey
This story is told to the reader by a patient in a psychiatric hospital. Patrick McMurphy ends up in prison, in a psychiatric ward. But some people think that he is simply faking his illness.
59
Victor Hugo
The novel describes the life of an escaped convict who is hiding from the authorities. After escaping, he had to endure a lot of hardships, but he was able to change his life. But police inspector Javert is ready to do anything to catch the criminal.
60
Victor Hugo
The actor-philosopher met on his way a disfigured boy and a blind girl. He takes them under his wing. Against the background of physical defects, the perfection and purity of souls is clearly visible. It’s also a great contrast to the life of the aristocracy.
61
Vladimir Nabokov
The novel tightens its unhealthy web of passions and unhealthy love. The main characters gradually go crazy, subject to their base desires, like all of them. the world. This book definitely won't have a happy ending.
62
Arkady and Boris Strugatsky
A fantastic story that describes the life of stalker Redrick Shewhart, who extracts extraterrestrial artifacts from anomalous Zones on Earth.
63
Richard Bach
Even a simple seagull can get tired of the drab life, and become bored with everyday life. And then Chaika devotes her life to her dream. The seagull gives his whole soul on the way to his cherished goal.
64
Bernard Werber
Michel ended up at the court of the archangels, where he will have to undergo the weighing of his soul. After the trial, he faces a choice - to go to earth in a new incarnation or become an angel. The path of an angel is not simple, just like the life of mere mortals.
65
Ethel Lilian Voynich
A story about freedom, duty and honor. And also about different types love. In the first case, it is the love of a father for his son, which has survived many trials and will pass through generations. In the second case, it is love between a man and a woman, which is like a fire, then goes out, then flares up again.
66
John Fowles
He is a simple town hall servant, lonely and lost. He has a passion - collecting butterflies. But one day he wanted to add to his collection a girl who captivated his soul.
67
Walter Scott
The narrative of the novel will take readers into the distant past. During Richard's time Lion Heart and the first crusades. This is one of the first historical novels that everyone must read.
68
Bernhard Schlink
There are a lot of questions in the book that remain unanswered. The book makes you think and analyze not only what is happening on the pages, but also your life. This is a story about love and betrayal that will not leave anyone indifferent.
69
Ayn Rand
Socialists come to power and set a course for equal opportunities. The authorities believe that the talented and rich should improve the well-being of others. But instead of a happy future, the familiar world is plunging into chaos.
71
Somerset Maugham
The story of an actress who has worked in the theater all her life. And what is reality for her: acting on stage or acting in life? How many roles do you have to play every day?
72
Aldous Huxley
Dystopian novel. Satire novel. A world where Henry Ford became a god, and the creation of the first Ford T car is considered the beginning of time. People are simply raised, but they don’t know anything about feelings.
75
Albert Camus
Meursault lives a detached life. It seems that his life does not belong to him at all. He is indifferent to everything and even his actions are saturated with loneliness and renunciation of life.
76
Somerset Maugham
Philip's life story. He is an orphan and throughout his life he not only searches for the meaning of life, but also for himself. And the main thing is to understand the world and people around us.
77
Irvine Welsh
The story of friends who one day discovered drugs and euphoria. Each character is unusual and quite smart. They valued life and friendship, but only until the moment when heroin came first.
78
Herman Melville
Ahab, the captain of a whaling ship, set the goal of his life to take revenge on a whale named Moby Dick. Wit ruin too many lives to let him live. But as soon as the captain starts hunting, mysterious and sometimes terrible events begin to happen on his ship.
79
Joseph Heller
One of the best books about World War II. In it, the author was able to show the senselessness of war and the monstrous absurdity of the state machine.
80
William Faulkner
Four characters, each telling their own version of events. And to understand what we are talking about, you need to read to the end, where the puzzles will fit into a single picture of life and secret desires.
82
Joanne Rowling
83
Roger Zelazny
A classic of the fantasy genre. The chronicles are divided into two volumes of 5 books. In this cycle you can find travel in space and time, wars, intrigue, betrayal, as well as loyalty and courage.
84
Andrzej Sapkowski
One of the best fantasy series. The series includes 8 books, with the last one being “Season of Thunderstorms”, which is best read after the first or second book. This is a story about the Witcher and his adventures, his life and love, and also about the girl Ciri, who can change the world.
85
Honore de Balzac
An amazing story about the boundless and sacrificial love of a father for his children. About love that was never mutual. About the love that destroyed Father Goriot.
86
Gunther Grass
The story is about a boy named Oskar Matzerath, who, when the National Socialists came to power in Germany, refuses to grow up in protest. Thus, he expresses his protest to the changes in German society.
87
Boris Vasiliev
A poignant story of war. About true love for parents, friends, and the Motherland. This story must be read to feel the entire emotional component of this story.
88
Stendhal
The story is about Julien Sorel and the soul, in which there is a confrontation between two feelings: passion and ambition. These two feelings are so intertwined that it is often impossible to distinguish between them.
89
Lev Tolstoy
An epic novel that describes an entire era, delving into the historical realities and artistic world of that time. War will be replaced by peace, and the peaceful life of the characters depends on the war. Many heroes with unique personalities.
90
Gustave Flaubert
This story is recognized as the greatest work of world literature. Emma Bovary dreams of a beautiful social life, but her husband, a provincial doctor, cannot satisfy her requests. She finds lovers, but will they be able to fulfill Madame Bovary's dream?
91
Chuck Palahniuk
No matter how much the work of this author is criticized, it cannot be denied that his book “Fight Club” is one of the symbols of our generation. This is a story about people who decided to change this dirty world. The story is about a man who was able to resist the system.
92
Markus Zusak
Winter Germany in 1939, when Death has too much work, and after six months the work will increase significantly. A story about Liesel, about fanatical Germans, about a Jewish fighter, about thefts and about the power of words.
93
Alexander Pushkin
The novel in verse tells the story of the fate of the noble intelligentsia with their vices and selfishness. And at the center of the story is a love story without a happy ending.
94
George Martin
A fantastic story about another world ruled by kings and dragons. Love, betrayal, intrigue, war and death, all for the sake of power.
95
David Mitchell
History of past, present and future. Stories of people from different times. But these stories make up a single picture of our entire world.
96
Stephen King
A fantastic series of novels by the master of horrors. This series interweaves genres. The books closely coexist with horror, western, science fiction and other genres. This is the story of the gunslinger Roland, who is searching for the Dark Tower.
97
Haruki Murakami
The story of human destinies in Japan in the 60s of the twentieth century. A story about human loss. Memoirs of Tooru, which will introduce the reader to different people and their stories.
98
Andy Weir
By chance, an astronaut is left alone at a space base on Mars. He has a limited amount of resources, but no connection with people. But he doesn’t give up, he believes that they will come back for him.
100
Samuel Beckett
An amazing play where everyone decides for themselves mysterious person Godot. The author gives you the opportunity to find the answer to the question “who is he?” A specific person? Strong personality? Collective image? Or God?
I would like to include many more books in this top. Therefore, dear readers, write in the comments about those books that you consider the best. We will add books to the top and, with your help, expand it to the 1000 best books of all times.
This is not just a list of “recommended literature” like the one that the Ministry of Education and Science hastened to present, and not just a list of good and favorite books. This is precisely a study based on an in-depth survey, literary investigation and analysis of the mention of texts in different eras. As a result, we were able to describe the origin of the key features of the “Russian soul” and even think about the future of our culture.
How was this list compiled? People who took part in the survey asked to name 20 books that are not necessarily their favorite, but which they must read in order to be able to speak “the same language” with them. More than a hundred questionnaires were received. The age of the survey participants ranged from 18 to 72 years, geography - from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok. Among the respondents are journalists, doctors, librarians, builders, engineers, businessmen, programmers, waiters, managers, teachers, etc. Almost everyone either has higher education, or study at a university. That is, the survey involved representatives of the intellectual elite, bearers of the very cultural code of Russia, if it exists.
To our surprise, it turned out that there is one. We truly speak the same language. At all Russian society turned out to be more homogeneous than we thought.
If you need more more letters, then continuation. For those who are more impatient, we immediately offer a list of books.
100 books you need to read to understand yourself and others
1. “The Master and Margarita” Mikhail Bulgakov
Textbook of Soviet and Christian history
2. “Eugene Onegin” Alexander Pushkin
A textbook of real feelings and an encyclopedia of Russian life
3. “Crime and Punishment” Fyodor Dostoevsky
Textbook of philosophy and morality
4. “War and Peace” by Leo Tolstoy
A textbook of real human behavior
5. “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Textbook of philosophy
6. “Hero of Our Time” Mikhail Lermontov
Psychology textbook
7. “Twelve Chairs” Ilya Ilf, Evgeny Petrov
Textbook of satire
8. "1984" George Orwell
Social studies textbook
9. “One Hundred Years of Solitude” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Textbook of knowledge of eternity
10. Harry Potter by JK Rowling
A primer on growing up
eleven. " Dead Souls" Nikolay Gogol
Textbook of Russian character
12. “Anna Karenina” by Leo Tolstoy
Family Life Textbook
13. “The Idiot” Fyodor Dostoevsky
Textbook of Humanity
14. “The Picture of Dorian Gray” Oscar Wilde
A textbook of decadence
15. “Woe from Wit” Alexander Griboedov
Textbook of Russian mentality
16. “Fathers and Sons” Ivan Turgenev
Textbook of generational conflicts
17. The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
A textbook of good and evil
18. “The Catcher in the Rye” by Jerome Salinger
A Primer on Teen Crisis
19. “Three Comrades” Erich Maria Remarque
A Primer on True Friendship
22. "Alice in Wonderland" Lewis Carroll
Textbook of Logic and Dreams
23. “The Brothers Karamazov” Fyodor Dostoevsky
Textbook of philosophy and religion
24. “Sherlock Holmes” (60 works in total) Arthur Conan Doyle
Deductive Reasoning Textbook
25. “The Three Musketeers” by Alexandre Dumas
A manual on real man behavior
26. " Captain's daughter" Alexander Pushkin
Manual of Honor
27. “We” Evgeny Zamyatin
Textbook of political science
28. “The Inspector General” Nikolai Gogol
Textbook government system Russia
29. "Romeo and Juliet" William Shakespeare
A textbook of tragic love
30. “The Old Man and the Sea” Ernest Hemingway
Manual of Mental Strength
32. “Faust” by Johann Wolfgang Goethe
Textbook of ethics and will
33. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
A Primer on Anti-Degradation
34. Bible
Textbook textbooks
35. “The Trial” by Franz Kafka
A guide to surviving the world of bureaucracy
36. “Golden Calf” Ilya Ilf, Evgeny Petrov
A textbook on a humorous attitude towards life
37. “Oh marvelous new world» Aldous Huxley
A textbook on renouncing illusions
38. " Quiet Don» Mikhail Sholokhov
Textbook of man's place in history
39. “Generation “P”” Victor Pelevin
Textbook of modern Russian history
40. Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Textbook of contradictions
42. “Two Captains” Veniamin Kaverin
Personal growth textbook
43. “Over the Cuckoo's Nest” by Ken Kesey
Freedom textbook
44. Trilogy about Dunno Nikolay Nosov
Economics textbook
45. “Oblomov” Ivan Goncharov
Textbook of Russian mentality
46. “Monday begins on Saturday” Arkady and Boris Strugatsky
Textbook of Idealism
47. “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” Mark Twain
Childhood textbook
48. “The Gulag Archipelago” Alexander Solzhenitsyn
Survival Guide to the Wheel of History
49. The Great Gatsby by Francis Scott Fitzgerald
A textbook of disappointments
50. “Dandelion Wine” by Ray Bradbury
A textbook of joy and fantasy
52. “All About the Moomins” by Tove Jansson
Textbook of knowledge of the world
53. “The History of a City” Mikhail Saltykov-Shchedrin
Textbook of life in Russia
54. “Lolita” Vladimir Nabokov
A Textbook of Human Weaknesses
55. "On Western Front no change" Erich Maria Remarque
Manual of behavior in war
56. “For Whom the Bell Tolls” Ernest Hemingway
Textbook of Courage
57. “Arc de Triomphe” Erich Maria Remarque
A Guide to Finding Purpose in Life
58. “It’s hard to be a god” Arkady and Boris Strugatsky
Worldview Textbook
59. Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach
A guide to making your dreams come true
60. “The Count of Monte Cristo” Alexandre Dumas
A Primer on Real Emotions
62. “Moscow - Cockerels” Venedikt Erofeev
Textbook of the Russian soul
63. “Belkin’s Tales” Alexander Pushkin
Russian language textbook
64. “Nausea” Jean-Paul Sartre
Textbook of philosophical attitude to life
65. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
Textbook of Humanism
66. “The White Guard” Mikhail Bulgakov
Textbook of Human Dignity
67. “Demons” Fyodor Dostoevsky
Revolution textbook
68. " The Divine Comedy» Dante Alighieri
Textbook of Sin and Faith
69. “Fight Club” Chuck Palahniuk
A textbook on life in the modern world
70. " The Cherry Orchard" Anton Chekhov
A primer on letting go of old ideals
72. “The Name of the Rose” by Umberto Eco
Textbook of erudition
73. Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Team Survival Guide
74. “The Stranger” Albert Camus
Textbook of Humanity
75. "Cathedral" Notre Dame of Paris" Victor Hugo
A textbook of beauty
76. “The Plague” by Albert Camus
A textbook on humanity in extreme situations
No matter how unusual it may sound, in the modern world of various gadgets, applications and IT technologies, our youth still read books, many modern authors with a new style and approach to writing books speak about this.
What kind of books are these, or rather, stories that excite the modern reader?
Let's find out what they are - the most interesting modern books. Although among huge amount It will not be easy to choose interesting literature, but we will still try to do it.
E.L. James - Fifty Shades of Gray
Well, how can we remember the most sensational and scandalous book under the intriguing title “Fifty Shades of Gray”? This half-romantic and half-erotic story of the touching and hot relationship between a journalist and a successful businessman created a real sensation, and also had the effect of an exploding bomb.
For the first time in many years, someone dared to write not only about sex, but also about the capabilities and desires of a person during times of lust and passion.
Which appropriate name this love story, because this is the problem of the modern world. Yes, yes, the Internet is a destructive web; it gives as many opportunities as it takes away. People get to know each other, meet and communicate in the virtual world, forgetting about real emotions and experiences. And when, having met in the real world, they are not suitable for each other, they cannot understand what is the matter and why virtual love and sympathy are so different from the real world, because everything was perfect on social networks...
George R.R. Martin A Song of Ice and Fire. Game of Thrones"
We couldn’t ignore the most discussed and popular novel of the 21st century. A whole series of fantasy novels captivated the minds of young people and made an entire generation fans of this trilogy. The plot of the book unfolds around the fictional continent of Westeros and its mysterious, and I would even say, slightly mystical inhabitants. A mysterious saga about the life of seven kingdoms, where love reigns, hate reigns and the war for the Iron Throne never stops. Here, as is customary in science fiction novels, there are dragons, magicians and fearless warriors. If you are no longer a child, but still love fairy tales, then this series of books about the Magic Kingdom is just for you.
Markus Zusak - "The Book Thief"
A very touching story about a girl who was adopted as an adult. The plot takes place during the Second World War in a small German town, where everyone is afraid of death and repression. But a strong girl named Liesel finds strength and a great desire to comprehend science and read books that are interesting and beyond her age. Although she gets them in a not very honest and humane way, and simply put, she steals from the library of a person respected by everyone, but the end justifies all the means, doesn’t it? This book is a must read for everyone, it's easy to read and the plot is amazing.
John Green - "The Fault in Our Stars"
Love is the most important and primary feeling in our lives and throughout the world. At the same time very romantic and sad story love between two terminally ill people. Hazel Grace and August Waters meet at a cancer support group and fall in love. They know that imminent death will separate them, but are happy that before leaving they experienced tender feelings and found happiness. An unusual love story, where pain is intertwined with tenderness and happiness, and which is a must read.
Pavel Sanaev “Bury me behind the baseboard”
A touching and very life story about how love turns into hatred and tyranny. The story is autobiographical, it is told by a little boy, whom his own mother abandoned, leaving him in the care of his grandparents. And they, in turn, are not too happy about this prospect, but are ready to fulfill this duty of conscience without unnecessary feelings and emotions. The strict grandmother is confident that she will raise the boy to be an obedient and emotionless robot. Only Sasha Savelyev doesn’t think so and has his own opinion on everything... Yes, you wouldn’t even dream of such a childhood... This story is on the list of books that are definitely worth reading.
Bernhard Schlink - "Reader"
Each of us has our own secrets and mysteries. The book "The Reader" is quite complex psychological history love, passion, hopelessness and betrayal.
A fifteen-year-old boy and a fully grown woman start an affair, they are united by an interest in books, and an educated guy reads important and interesting, in his opinion, books to his illiterate lover.
Stormy passion and unusual relationships end as unexpectedly as they begin. But fate is preparing for ex-lovers another meeting, but the circumstances will not be too pleasant for them. For those who have not read this popular story, we highly recommend reading it, because this is one of the books that will make you think and touch every note of your soul.
Mitchell David - "Cloud Atlas"
The novel is on the verge of fantasy - that’s what critics dubbed it. The plot tells the story of six different people from different time periods, namely the past, future and present, but as it turns out later, they have one soul, it is simply subject to reincarnation and wanders, visiting first one body, then another. Everything is very confusing and storylines strongly intertwined, although meaning and morality are still present here. But what they are is up to you to decide. But to do this, you first need to read the book from beginning to end.
Moyes, Jojo - "Me Before You"
We all have our own past, and throughout our lives we all meet the right and important person for us, who will once and for all change it beyond recognition.
This touching novel is about exactly that. Already in the first weeks of sales, more than half a million copies were sold, and the book itself entered the top bestsellers according to the New York Times. And this turn of events is not at all surprising, because we all love love stories that end with a happy ending.
Khaled Hosseini - The Kite Runner
The story is about the friendship that two eastern boys Amir and Hasan carried through their entire lives, despite all the differences and social inconsistency, because they are from different social strata and classes. Life scattered them to different places and forced them to be different sides barricades, but despite this they are faithful to their conscience and friendship.
A very moralizing and life story, which came from the pen of a talented writer, showed the whole world how to value friendship, and no matter what, not turn into blood enemies and protect friendly relationships with all your might.
Sebastian Barry "Tables of Fate"
An interesting story about how a poor old woman, who has already turned a hundred years old, living her old age in a mental hospital, keeps her own diary, where she writes down difficult and sad memories associated with her fate and the country in which she was born.
Ray Bradbury - "Dandelion Wine"
An ordinary life story that takes place in a small town. Every summer two boys come to the village to visit their beloved grandfather and help the old man collect dandelions for his drink. own recipe. This interesting wine contains their family history, traditions and memories, as well as all-consuming love, friendship, quarrels and tragedies.
Colm Toibin - "Brooklyn"
The best novel of the year about a young girl and a real wanderer who returns to her native land after so many years of wandering and searching for herself. Life forces her to leave her native Ireland and settle in New York's Brooklyn. Maybe this is for the better, because the chance of finding love here is much higher.
Homesickness makes her thoughts constantly return to her native land, and when Eilis gets used to a foreign city and becomes her own in it, life circumstances return her to Ireland.
What is this? Joke or simple irony of fate? What will happen next and what trials does fate have in store for her? To find out the whole truth you need to read the most interesting novel 2017.
Gillian Flynn - "Gone Girl"
The detective of the decade will tell us how you can live with a person for five years and not know him at all. Marital and, at first glance, happy couple is preparing to celebrate her wedding anniversary, but in an instant everything changes.
The thing is that the main character disappears without a trace, leaving a lot of bad evidence pointing to her death and more more questions. But we will find out the answers to them only when we read this interesting book.
Gregory David Roberts - "Shantaram"
The story of an Australian guy who chose the wrong one life path and went to prison. By chance, he manages to escape, and to get out of sight, he goes to Bombay. In India, a guy named Lindsay does not reform and again becomes a swindler and a deceiver. The moral of this novel is “people don’t change.” This is such a strange life story, but we will not reveal all the secrets and will give you a chance to read this book yourself.
Bernard Werber - "Empire of Angels"
We all ask ourselves the question: “Is there life after death and what awaits us beyond that?” A story that touches on this topic and gives us a chance to reflect and understand what evil and good are, why we were given life and how to use it correctly.
The main character of a science fiction novel named Michel Panson goes to heaven after death (that's lucky), and becomes a Guardian Angel and receives three wards.
It turns out that it’s not so easy to watch worldly life and be on the other side of the screen, and his new profession is not an easy one. This is the author’s imagination that brought him and his novel worldwide fame. The topic is simply very interesting and in demand. After all, we are not eternal...