You know that fresh paper-smell of a brand new book? Or the musty whiff of a rare first edition found tucked away at an antique book store? These smells and thoughts can evoke memories of our youth, when we read our favourite books or at least had more time to read. For those who love a good book, it’s was your day earlier this month! Book Lover’s Day, which was on the 9th of August, just passed, but that does not mean you have to put down your book. Or better yet – grab a new (or old) book and get reading!
History of Book Lover’s Day
Before we leap into a list of some highly-recommended reads for you to get your hands on, let’s take a quick peak at the history of Book Lover’s Day and how it came about. First things first, the history of Book Lover’s Day itself is actually unknown. No one truly knows who created it and why, but what we do know is that it is an unofficial holiday that encourages people to put down their smartphones, turn off the televisions, and step away from their computers, to spend a bit of time reading a book instead. This Book Lover’s Day, we’re asking you to play along. So, what are you going to read on the 9th of August this year? We have actually compiled a list of the best books you can get on Kindle and in paperback format for you.
Best Books to Read for 2020
What you choose to read will really depend on the genre that you enjoy the most. Sift through the categories below to find a book that you are most likely to enjoy.
Best Classic Books
If you would like to read a classic book, try to get your hands on To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Some South African schools featured this book as an English set book, but if you haven’t read it, prepare to be wowed by the story. The author perfectly tells the story of Atticus Finch’s work to try to prove the innocence of Tom Robinson, who is wrongly accused of raping a woman in Alabama in the 1930s.
Another of the best classic books is Cry the Beloved Country by Alan Paton, which was published in 1948. In the book, Alan tells the story of a man from rural South Africa going on an epic journey through the city of Jo’burg in search of his son. The central character is a Zulu pastor called Stephen Kumalo who suffers deeply throughout the book.
Best Fantasy Books
If you like reading about fantasy, then perhaps a South African book about time travel should be on your list. One of the best fantasy books written by a local author is The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes. The book features a story of a time-travel drifter who has to murder the “Shining Girls” in order to continue his journey. The book is set in Chicago and features Harper Curtis who is a time-travel drifter. He finds a key to a house that when opened, transports him to another time era, but there are consequences. In order to keep traveling, he has to kill bright young women with potential (called the Shining Girls). The book features how he stalks and terrorizes these girls through the eras.
Best Self-Help Books
If you are looking for a way to change your life, perhaps a self-help book might be the answer. One of the best-selling self-help books of our current time is the ever-popular The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*** by Mark Manson, which sold over 6 million copies. If you can deal with occasional swearing and strategically timed poop jokes, you will derive the self-same value that millions of others have from this book. The book focuses on an alternative approach to bettering your life enjoyment. It teaches practical ways to live a healthier happier life without buying into the idea that you have to try to be positive every minute of the day.
Best Romance Novels
If romance is more your thing, perhaps it’s time to get your hands on some of the best romance novels of all time. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin is just one of the books you have to read in your lifetime. It is the intimate story of how Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett fall in life. Quite frankly, it is one of the great literary romance novels ever.
If you prefer romantic comedy, then the book Sorry Not Sorry by Sophie Ranald is the perfect laugh-a-page kind of read. It’s a quick and easy read and focuses on the humorous side of love and life.
Best Mystery Books
If you are looking for a mystery book that’s packed with action and adventure too, a Wilbur Smith book will do you just fine. Born in Zambia, Wilbur Smith has a way of telling a story that really speaks to a true African at heart. His book called Call of the Raven is his latest release and well worth your time. It features the story Augustus Mungo St John who is the son of a plantation owner and very wealthy indeed. When Augustus returns home, he discovers his wealthy family is ruined and his inheritance gone, along with his childhood sweetheart. Augustus swears vengeance and devotes his life to finding his missing love and of course, his inheritance. This is definitely the type of book to curl up with for a few hours at a time.
Best Horror Books
If you like horror stories, Stephen King undoubtedly has a book that’s just for you. In 2018, he released a book called The Outsider which is highly recommended. The story features a supernatural being committing crimes that are pinned on members of the community. As the characters embattle false accusations, the true evil nature of the “creature” is uncovered and action must be taken.
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