In this perpetually-busy society, where it is seemingly absurd to have free time, we often forget how pleasurable reading for pure enjoyment it. I can't say I remember the last time I finished a novel just because. However, I think it is much more enabling to read for fun when you have good suggestions and find a book you are really interested in reading. With this in mind, I have conjured up a list of 6 books that I think everyone should read for fun. I chose a selection that caters to different topics and interests so I think there is a book for everyone on here. Enjoy!
1. Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
This non-fiction read examines the steps to success using statistics and economics. This book is not only extremely information, but it is also thought-provoking and a page-turner. It’s no wonder it is a New York Time’s best seller.
2. From Beruit to Jerusalem by Thomas L. Friedman
Another bestseller and informational read! This book isn’t the most exciting of stories, however it’s first-hand anecdotes and honest depictions of Beirut during the Lebanese Civil War make this book utterly captivating. Friedman is a journalist who wrote this surprisingly unbiased book about his time in Beruit and Jerusalem during times of unrest.
3. What the Dog Saw by Malcolm Gladwell
Mr. Gladwell makes an appearance again! This book is definitely a relaxing beach read, made up of short stories. The book is composed of articles Gladwell had written and published by The New Yorker. The stories are perfect for moments when your attention is fleeting and you need something lighter.
4. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
If you don’t bawl your eyes out during this novel, then you are a psychopath and should get your amygdala examined. This book is definitely a page-turner with a riveting plot and great character descriptions. You will undoubtedly fall in love with the characters and have your heart torn out, but this story is one that simply must be read.
5. The Stranger by Albert Camus
This 1942 novel is not for your everyday read. This novel is meant to make you think and draws from existential and absurd concepts. The Stranger can be a bit polarizing depending on if you enjoy thought-provoking and ambiguous stories, but I needed to put this on my list being that it is one of my favorite novels (I’m a philosophy minor what can I say).
6. Physics of the Future by Michio Kaku
If you are looking for a way to read about physics and not stab yourself this is for you!! In all seriousness this man rocks and so does this book. I’ve seen Kaku speak about physics both online and in person and he has mastered dumbing down astro-physics in the most interesting and still informative way. In this book, Kaku describes how science and physics will shape our lives by the year 2100. It’s an interesting read that is both thought-provoking and scientific.
