Hey everyone! Today, I want to take you through some of the best fiction books that have impacted me deeply, and, of course, how they’ve shaped my journey as a writer. As many of you know, I pursued my master’s in creative writing at Greenwich University in 2023-24. It’s been an incredible decision, especially as it helped me look at books more nuancedly.
For me, reading is like peeking into a new world, a new life. You get to step into someone else’s shoes and experience their problems, which often mirror our own or those of people around us. Sometimes, characters rise to the challenge, and other times, they don’t, leaving us with valuable lessons on resilience and stagnation. So, here are five books that have truly made me rethink life and my choices.
1. Norwegian Wood – Haruki Murakami
Murakami’s *Norwegian Wood* is a masterpiece. My first language is Marathi, and there are some emotions and concepts that feel almost untranslatable. Yet, Murakami somehow manages to articulate these complicated feelings in a simple, profound way that leaves you feeling understood. This novel, in particular, explores the nuances of loneliness and solitude. While reading, I found myself reflecting on how we yearn for connections but also need to embrace being alone.
2. The Fountainhead – Ayn Rand
Next is *The Fountainhead* by Ayn Rand, a book that I hold close to my heart. It’s about an architect, Howard Roark, who challenges conventional norms, much like how I used to scrutinize my architectural designs before leaving the field. Roark’s perspective on how architecture should be functional rather than ornamental resonated with me and influenced my decision to leave architecture behind and fully embrace writing. The novel delves into individuality, creative the pressures of societal conformity, and it left me contemplating how much of our true selves we’re willing to compromise for success.
3. The Three-Body Problem – Liu Cixin
Moving on to sci-fi! *The Three-Body Problem* by Liu Cixin is a treat for any sci-fi lover. It’s about an alien civilization living on a planet with three suns, making survival nearly impossible. They set their sights on Earth, but then the question arises: where will humans go? The character of Ye Wenji, who’s driven by her desire for revenge after her father is killed during China’s Cultural Revolution, makes for a complex protagonist. This book mixes science, politics, and human survival in a way that feels eerily real. It made me feel connected to the grand scale of the universe, and at the same time, it hit me with this overwhelming sense of how fragile human existence is.
4. An Ember in the Ashes – Sabaa Tahir
Sabaa Tahir’s *An Ember in the Ashes* is one of those books that grips you from the first page. It’s a blend of fantasy and political intrigue, set in a world where Laia’s brother is abducted, forcing her to make impossible choices. What stood out for me was the theme of trust. It shows how easy it is to be misled by those with ill intentions while dismissing the people who genuinely care for us. This one made me think hard about the people I surround myself with and how trust can sometimes be both our greatest strength and weakness.
5. One Hundred Years of Solitude – Gabriel García Márquez
Finally, we have *One Hundred Years of Solitude* by Gabriel García Márquez. This book is wild. It’s magical realism at its best, where time feels like it’s looping endlessly, and generations of mistakes just keep on repeating. The book explores love, politics, and the inevitable consequences of history, all wrapped up in this dreamy, surreal narrative. It made me feel like I was stuck in a dream, where the mistakes of the past refuse to let go, and the weight of family legacy presses down on every character.
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