We’ve rounded up some of our all time favourite reads.
A great speaking practice is to decide which books you would like to read and practice talking about why.
Here’s a great video that illustrates some of the ways you can answer and IELTS speaking question about books and reading.
“1984” is a dystopian novel by George Orwell that was published in 1949. The story is set in a future totalitarian society where the ruling government, led by a figure known as Big Brother, has complete control over every aspect of people’s lives. The protagonist, Winston Smith, is a low-ranking member of the ruling Party who secretly harbors dissenting thoughts and feelings about the oppressive regime.
Throughout the novel, Winston attempts to resist the Party’s control and search for truth and individuality. He begins a forbidden love affair with a fellow Party member, Julia, and starts to rebel against the Party’s strict rules and propaganda. However, he soon discovers that the Party has an elaborate system of surveillance and thought control, which they use to suppress all dissent and crush individuality.
As Winston’s rebellion intensifies, he is eventually captured and subjected to torture and brainwashing until he fully submits to the Party’s will. The novel ends with Winston’s total subjugation to the Party and the erasure of his individuality and rebellious thoughts.
“1984” is often seen as a warning against totalitarianism and the dangers of government control over individuals’ thoughts and behaviors. It is also a critique of the misuse of language for propaganda and the manipulation of history for political gain. The novel’s title has become a cultural shorthand for dystopian societies and the abuse of power.
“To Kill a Mockingbird” is a novel written by Harper Lee, first published in 1960. The story is set in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great Depression, and is told from the perspective of the young protagonist, Scout Finch.
The novel explores themes of racism, prejudice, social inequality, and justice through the eyes of Scout, her brother Jem, and their friend Dill. The main plot revolves around Scout’s father, Atticus Finch, a lawyer who is appointed to defend a black man named Tom Robinson, who has been falsely accused of raping a white woman.
As the trial unfolds, the deep-seated racism and prejudice of the town become apparent, and Atticus faces hostility and threats for defending a black man. Despite the overwhelming evidence in favor of Tom’s innocence, he is found guilty by an all-white jury and ultimately killed while attempting to escape from prison.
Throughout the novel, Scout and Jem learn valuable lessons about the injustices of society and the importance of empathy and compassion for all people, regardless of their race or social standing. The novel is a powerful critique of racism and prejudice in the American South, and has become a classic of American literature, widely read and taught in schools and universities around the world.
“Pride and Prejudice” is a novel written by Jane Austen, first published in 1813. The story is set in rural England during the early 19th century and follows the lives of the Bennet family, particularly the second eldest daughter, Elizabeth Bennet.
The novel explores themes of social class, marriage, love, and gender roles in the context of the society of the time. The main plot revolves around Elizabeth’s complicated relationship with Mr. Darcy, a wealthy and arrogant gentleman who initially snubs her at a social event. Despite their initial dislike for each other, they eventually come to understand and appreciate each other’s strengths and virtues, and ultimately fall in love.
Alongside this central plotline, the novel also examines the lives and relationships of the other Bennet sisters, as well as the social conventions and expectations of the time. Through the various characters and their interactions, Austen offers a witty and incisive commentary on the society of her time, particularly in relation to the treatment of women and the pressures of social expectations.
“Pride and Prejudice” is widely regarded as a masterpiece of English literature, praised for its realistic characters, intricate plot, and satirical humor. It has been adapted into numerous films, TV shows, and other works of literature, and remains a beloved classic to this day.
“Great Expectations” is a novel written by Charles Dickens, first published in serial form between 1860 and 1861. The story is set in early 19th-century England and follows the life of a young orphan named Pip.
The novel explores themes of social class, ambition, and identity through Pip’s journey from a humble and impoverished background to a life of wealth and privilege. After receiving an unexpected fortune from an unknown benefactor, Pip is able to leave his hometown and pursue his dreams of becoming a gentleman. However, he soon discovers that wealth and status do not guarantee happiness or fulfillment, and must come to terms with the consequences of his actions and his own sense of self.
Throughout the novel, Pip encounters a cast of memorable characters, including the eccentric Miss Havisham and her adopted daughter, Estella, who play a significant role in shaping his perceptions of love and social status. The novel also includes elements of mystery and suspense, particularly in relation to the identity of Pip’s benefactor and the secrets of Miss Havisham’s past.
“Great Expectations” is widely regarded as one of Dickens’ greatest works, praised for its vivid characterization, intricate plot, and social commentary. It has been adapted into numerous films, TV shows, and other works of literature, and remains a classic of English literature to this day.
“Wuthering Heights” is a novel written by Emily Bronte, first published in 1847. The story is set in the bleak and haunting landscape of the Yorkshire moors in northern England and follows the lives of the Earnshaw and Linton families over several decades.
The novel explores themes of love, revenge, social class, and the destructive power of obsession. The central plot revolves around the tempestuous and passionate relationship between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, an orphan who is taken in by Catherine’s father and raised alongside her and her brother Hindley. Despite their intense love for each other, Catherine and Heathcliff are ultimately unable to be together due to social pressures and personal vendettas.
As the novel unfolds, the lives of the various characters become increasingly entwined in a web of jealousy, resentment, and revenge. The novel also includes elements of the supernatural, particularly in relation to the haunting presence of Catherine’s ghost and the mysterious origins of Heathcliff. “Wuthering Heights” is widely regarded as a masterpiece of English literature, praised for its vivid and atmospheric prose, its complex and flawed characters, and its exploration of powerful emotions and psychological states. It has been adapted into numerous films, TV shows, and other works of literature, and remains a beloved and influential classic to this day.
“Atonement” is a novel written by Ian McEwan, first published in 2001. The story is set in England during the 1930s and 1940s and follows the lives of the Tallis family, particularly the youngest daughter, Briony.
The novel explores themes of guilt, forgiveness, memory, and the power of the written word. The central plot revolves around a false accusation made by Briony against Robbie Turner, the son of the Tallis family’s housekeeper, after she witnesses a sexual encounter between him and her older sister, Cecilia. This accusation has far-reaching consequences for Robbie, Cecilia, and Briony herself, and sets off a chain of events that will change their lives forever.
As the novel unfolds, it delves into the perspectives and experiences of the various characters, as well as their relationships and the social and historical context of their lives. The novel also includes reflections on the nature of writing and storytelling, and how they can shape our understanding of the world and our place in it.
“Atonement” is widely regarded as a masterful work of fiction, praised for its complex and multi-layered narrative structure, its vivid and evocative prose, and its exploration of timeless themes and questions. It has been adapted into a critically acclaimed film, as well as stage productions and other works of literature, and remains a powerful and thought-provoking work to this day.
“The Forty Rules of Love” is a novel written by Elif Shafak, first published in 2009. The story is set in contemporary times and revolves around the lives of two main characters: Ella Rubenstein, a middle-aged woman who is unhappy in her marriage and her job, and Aziz Zahara, a Sufi dervish and poet from the 13th century.
The novel explores themes of love, spirituality, and the search for meaning and purpose in life. Ella is assigned to read and review a novel by Aziz Zahara, titled “Sweet Blasphemy”, which tells the story of the relationship between Rumi, the famous Sufi mystic and poet, and his spiritual mentor, Shams of Tabriz. As Ella becomes engrossed in the story of Rumi and Shams, she also begins to correspond with Aziz Zahara, who offers her guidance and wisdom based on his own experiences as a Sufi dervish.
As the novel unfolds, the lives of the various characters become increasingly intertwined, and their journeys towards love and self-discovery are shown to be interconnected. The novel also includes reflections on the nature of love, the importance of embracing one’s true self, and the need to transcend societal and cultural barriers in order to fully experience the richness and beauty of life.
“The Forty Rules of Love” is widely regarded as a moving and insightful work of fiction, praised for its poetic language, its exploration of universal themes, and its ability to offer a message of hope and inspiration to readers. It has been translated into numerous languages and remains a beloved and influential work of literature to this day.
“White Teeth” is a novel written by Zadie Smith, first published in 2000. The story is set in London and explores the lives of two families, the Iqbals and the Joneses, over the course of several decades.
The novel explores themes of identity, race, religion, and cultural heritage, as well as the complexities and challenges of living in a multicultural society. The central plot revolves around the relationships between the members of the two families, who come from vastly different backgrounds and have their own unique struggles and aspirations.
As the novel unfolds, it delves into the histories and experiences of the various characters, as well as the social and historical context of their lives. The novel also includes reflections on the nature of time, memory, and the ways in which the past shapes the present and the future.
“White Teeth” is widely regarded as a masterful work of fiction, praised for its engaging and multi-layered narrative structure, its rich and vivid characterization, and its insightful exploration of important and timely themes. It has been adapted into a TV series, as well as stage productions and other works of literature, and remains a powerful and thought-provoking work to this day.
“The Da Vinci Code” is a novel written by Dan Brown, first published in 2003. The story is a work of fiction that centers around Robert Langdon, a Harvard professor of symbology, who is called upon to help solve a murder mystery at the Louvre Museum in Paris.
As the story unfolds, Langdon teams up with Sophie Neveu, a cryptographer and the granddaughter of the murdered curator, and they uncover a series of clues and secrets that point to a hidden code within the works of Leonardo da Vinci. The novel also explores a conspiracy theory that suggests Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene, and that their descendants have been protected by a secret society known as the Priory of Sion.
As Langdon and Neveu race against time to solve the mystery and prevent the Priory’s enemies from getting their hands on a powerful secret, they encounter numerous obstacles and enemies, including a fanatical Catholic sect known as Opus Dei.
“The Da Vinci Code” became a massive bestseller, and was later adapted into a blockbuster movie starring Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon. The novel is known for its intricate plot, its fast-paced action, and its controversial ideas about religion and history. It has generated much debate and controversy since its release, with some critics praising its entertainment value and others condemning its historical inaccuracies and alleged anti-Catholic bias.
“The Kite Runner” is a novel written by Khaled Hosseini, first published in 2003. The story is set in Afghanistan and follows the lives of two young boys, Amir and Hassan, who grow up together in Kabul.
The novel explores themes of friendship, betrayal, guilt, redemption, and the impact of war on individuals and society. As the story unfolds, Amir, the son of a wealthy Afghan businessman, becomes increasingly jealous of Hassan, his friend and servant, and ultimately betrays him in a way that has devastating consequences.
Years later, Amir, now living in America, is called back to Afghanistan to face his past and attempt to make amends for his actions. As he journeys back to his homeland, he confronts the ghosts of his past and the complexities of the relationships he had with those closest to him.
“The Kite Runner” is widely regarded as a powerful and poignant work of fiction, praised for its beautiful prose, its engaging characters, and its unflinching examination of the human condition. It has been translated into numerous languages and adapted into a successful movie, as well as stage productions and other works of literature, and remains a beloved and influential work of contemporary fiction to this day.
“Klara and The Sun” is a novel written by Kazuo Ishiguro, first published in 2021. The story is set in a future world where human-like robots known as Artificial Friends are created to keep children company and assist with household chores.
The novel is narrated by Klara, an Artificial Friend who is purchased by a teenage girl named Josie. As Klara begins to learn about the world and the humans around her, she becomes fascinated by the concept of the “sun,” a mysterious source of energy that seems to be revered by the humans she encounters.
As the story progresses, Klara grapples with questions about the nature of consciousness, morality, and what it means to be human. She also confronts the challenges and limitations of her programming, as well as the complex relationships between the humans she interacts with.
“Klara and The Sun” has been widely praised for its lyrical prose, its imaginative world-building, and its thought-provoking exploration of important and timely themes. It has been nominated for numerous literary awards, and has been praised for its ability to capture the complexities and contradictions of the human experience through the eyes of an AI character.
“The Alchemist” is a novel written by Brazilian author Paulo Coelho, first published in 1988. The story follows Santiago, a shepherd boy from Spain who embarks on a journey to the Egyptian pyramids in search of treasure, after he has a recurring dream about finding a treasure there.
Throughout his journey, Santiago encounters various individuals who help him discover his personal legend and follow his heart. He also learns important lessons about the power of the universe, the value of listening to his own intuition, and the importance of taking risks and following his dreams.
“The Alchemist” is a philosophical novel that explores themes of self-discovery, personal transformation, and the interconnectedness of all things. It is widely regarded as a classic work of contemporary literature, and has been translated into over 80 languages, selling millions of copies worldwide.
The novel has been praised for its simple yet profound wisdom, its engaging characters, and its inspirational message about the importance of following one’s own path in life. It has been widely read by individuals of all ages and backgrounds, and continues to inspire and uplift readers around the world.
“Midnight’s Children” is a novel written by Salman Rushdie, first published in 1981. The story is set against the backdrop of India’s independence from British colonial rule, and follows the life of Saleem Sinai, who is born at the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947, the exact moment of India’s independence.
Saleem’s life is entwined with the fate of India, as he discovers that he is one of 1,001 children born at the same moment, all of whom possess special powers and abilities. As he grows up, Saleem becomes increasingly aware of his unique identity and the role he is destined to play in the shaping of India’s history.
The novel explores themes of identity, memory, nationalism, and the complex relationship between the individual and the collective. It also incorporates elements of magical realism, as Saleem’s story is intertwined with the larger history of India, and fantastical events occur throughout the novel.
“Midnight’s Children” is widely regarded as a landmark work of postcolonial literature, and has won numerous literary awards, including the Booker Prize in 1981 and the Best of the Booker in 2008. It has been praised for its imaginative scope, its rich language, and its ability to capture the complexities of Indian society and history through the eyes of a single individual.
“Normal People” is a novel written by Irish author Sally Rooney, first published in 2018. The story follows the on-again, off-again relationship between two young people, Marianne and Connell, as they navigate their way through adolescence, college, and early adulthood.
Marianne is a loner who comes from a wealthy but dysfunctional family, while Connell is a popular athlete from a working-class background. Despite their differences, the two develop a deep connection, and their relationship is marked by intense emotional intimacy, as well as periods of distance and misunderstanding.
The novel explores themes of love, identity, class, power, and the challenges of growing up in contemporary society. It is notable for its sharp dialogue, its intimate portrayal of the central characters, and its ability to capture the nuances of human relationships.
“Normal People” has been widely praised for its raw honesty, its sensitivity to the complexities of human emotions, and its ability to capture the experience of young people coming of age in modern Ireland. The novel has won numerous literary awards, and has been adapted into a popular television series.
“My Brilliant Friend” is a novel written by Italian author Elena Ferrante, first published in 2011. It is the first book in the Neapolitan Novels series, which follows the lifelong friendship between two women, Elena and Lila, who grew up in a working-class neighborhood in Naples, Italy.
The novel begins with the disappearance of Lila, and the narrative then jumps back in time to trace the girls’ friendship from their childhood in the 1950s through to their adolescence in the 1960s. The novel explores themes of family, friendship, class, gender, education, and the challenges of growing up in post-war Italy.
The two girls have very different personalities and experiences, with Elena being studious and ambitious, while Lila is more rebellious and creative. Despite their differences, they remain close friends throughout their lives, supporting each other through various personal and social challenges.
“My Brilliant Friend” has been widely praised for its vivid portrayal of the complex friendship between the two women, as well as its evocative depiction of life in working-class Naples. The novel has been adapted into a television series, and has been translated into numerous languages, winning several literary awards. It is known for its richly detailed characters and immersive sense of time and place, as well as its exploration of the bonds that can form between people from different backgrounds and life trajectories.
“The Corrections” is a novel written by Jonathan Franzen that tells the story of the Lambert family, focusing on the lives of the parents, Alfred and Enid, and their three adult children, Gary, Chip, and Denise.
The novel is divided into several sections, each focusing on a different family member and their individual struggles and relationships. Alfred, a retired railroad engineer suffering from Parkinson’s disease, is determined to complete a final project that he believes will redeem his life. Enid, his wife, is unhappy with her life and relationships, and tries to manipulate her children to fulfill her own needs.
Gary, the eldest son, is a successful banker with a troubled marriage and a history of mental health problems. Chip, the middle child, is a struggling writer living in New York City and trying to rebuild his life after a failed academic career. Denise, the youngest child, is a talented chef and restaurateur, but struggles with her personal relationships and emotional issues.
As the novel progresses, each family member’s struggles and secrets are revealed, and their relationships with each other become strained. The family must come to terms with their individual failures and the dysfunction within their relationships in order to move forward.
Overall, “The Corrections” is a complex and multilayered novel that explores themes of family, identity, aging, and the search for meaning and redemption. Franzen’s vivid characters and sharp writing make this a compelling and thought-provoking read.
“Persepolis” is a graphic memoir written by Marjane Satrapi that tells the story of her childhood and coming of age in Iran during and after the Islamic Revolution.
The memoir is told through a series of black and white comic strips, which depict Satrapi’s experiences growing up in a middle-class family in Tehran. Satrapi’s parents were politically active, and she was exposed to a range of political and social issues at a young age.
The memoir explores the challenges that Satrapi faced as a young girl growing up in a society that was becoming increasingly conservative and restrictive. She describes how her school was segregated by gender and how women were forced to cover their hair in public.
Satrapi also explores the impact of the war between Iran and Iraq on her life and the lives of those around her. She describes the fear and uncertainty that came with living in a war zone, and the devastating impact that the conflict had on Iranian society.
Throughout the memoir, Satrapi also explores her own identity and struggles to find her place in the world. She is torn between her Iranian heritage and her desire to be a part of the wider world, and she grapples with the conflict between her own desires and the expectations of her family and society.
Overall, “Persepolis” is a powerful and moving memoir that offers a unique perspective on the Islamic Revolution and its impact on Iranian society. Satrapi’s art and storytelling are both engaging and thought-provoking, making this a must-read for anyone interested in Iranian history and culture.
AND THE BEST OF THE NON FICTION
The Age of Surveillance Capitalism.
“The Age of Surveillance Capitalism” is a book written by scholar and sociologist Shoshana Zuboff, first published in 2019. The book examines the rise of a new economic system, which Zuboff terms “surveillance capitalism,” in which tech companies extract and commodify personal data from individuals to create targeted advertising and other products.
Zuboff argues that surveillance capitalism represents a fundamental shift in the nature of capitalism, with personal data becoming the new raw material of the economy. She explores how companies like Google, Facebook, and Amazon have developed sophisticated data collection and analysis techniques to track individuals across multiple platforms and devices, and how this has enabled them to build vast databases of personal information.
The book also explores the social and political implications of surveillance capitalism, including the erosion of privacy, the manipulation of behavior, and the potential for exploitation and abuse. Zuboff argues that surveillance capitalism poses a significant threat to democracy, as individuals lose control over their own data and become increasingly vulnerable to manipulation by powerful tech companies.
“The Age of Surveillance Capitalism” has been widely praised for its incisive analysis of the tech industry and its impact on society. It has been described as a seminal work on the challenges posed by the digital age, and has sparked widespread debate and discussion about the ethics and regulation of tech companies.
“Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” is a book written by historian Yuval Noah Harari that traces the history of Homo sapiens, from our evolution as a species in East Africa to the present day.
The book is divided into four parts: The Cognitive Revolution, The Agricultural Revolution, The Unification of Humankind, and The Scientific Revolution.
In The Cognitive Revolution, Harari explores how Homo sapiens evolved to become the dominant species on earth by developing language and a unique ability to create shared myths and beliefs that bind us together.
In The Agricultural Revolution, Harari explains how humans transitioned from hunting and gathering to agriculture, which led to the growth of human societies, the creation of cities, and the rise of civilization.
In The Unification of Humankind, Harari explores how the emergence of religion, empire, and capitalism helped to unify the world and create the global society we know today.
Finally, in The Scientific Revolution, Harari examines the impact of modern science and technology on our society, and the potential future of our species as we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible.
Overall, “Sapiens” provides a thought-provoking and engaging overview of the history of our species, and challenges readers to consider what the future holds for Homo sapiens in the 21st century and beyond.
“Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow” is a book written by historian Yuval Noah Harari that explores the future of humanity and the possible paths that we may take as a species.
The book is divided into three parts: The New Human Agenda, Homo Deus, and The Data Religion.
In The New Human Agenda, Harari argues that as humans have overcome many of the challenges of the past, such as famine and war, we are now turning our attention to more complex issues, such as increasing happiness and prolonging life.
In Homo Deus, Harari explores the possible evolution of Homo sapiens into a new type of human, Homo Deus, who has the ability to use advanced technology to overcome death, disease, and even control the environment around them.
In The Data Religion, Harari examines the role of data in our society, arguing that it has become a new form of religion, with algorithms replacing gods and data-driven decision-making replacing traditional forms of governance.
Overall, “Homo Deus” provides a thought-provoking exploration of the possible paths that humanity may take in the future, and challenges readers to consider the ethical and societal implications of advanced technology and data-driven decision-making.
“Women and Power: A Manifesto” is a book written by classicist Mary Beard that explores the history of women’s exclusion from positions of power and offers a manifesto for change.
The book is divided into two parts: The Public Voice of Women and Women in Power.
In The Public Voice of Women, Beard examines the cultural and historical roots of women’s exclusion from public speaking and political discourse, from ancient Greece to the present day. She argues that women have been excluded from positions of power by a culture that values male authority and sees women as inferior.
In Women in Power, Beard offers a manifesto for change, arguing that we need to rethink our assumptions about power and leadership. She challenges the idea that leadership is inherently masculine and argues that we need to create new models of leadership that are more inclusive and egalitarian.
Throughout the book, Beard draws on her expertise in classical history to offer insights into the cultural and historical roots of women’s exclusion from power. She also draws on her personal experiences as a woman in academia to offer practical advice on how to challenge gender bias and create a more inclusive culture.
Overall, “Women and Power: A Manifesto” is a powerful and thought-provoking book that challenges readers to think critically about the cultural and historical roots of women’s exclusion from power, and offers a compelling vision for a more inclusive and egalitarian future.
“On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft” is a book written by acclaimed author Stephen King that offers insights into the craft of writing and the experiences that have shaped his career.
The book is divided into several sections, including memoir, writing advice, and a personal account of King’s experience of being hit by a car while walking.
In the memoir section, King reflects on his childhood, his early experiences as a writer, and the challenges he faced in his personal and professional life. He also discusses the impact that his family, friends, and teachers had on his development as a writer.
In the writing advice section, King offers practical tips and insights into the craft of writing, including topics such as plot, character development, and dialogue. He also discusses his own writing process and the importance of revision and editing.
Throughout the book, King emphasizes the importance of hard work and persistence in achieving success as a writer. He also discusses the importance of reading widely and being open to feedback from others.
Overall, “On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft” is a valuable resource for aspiring writers, as well as anyone interested in Stephen King’s personal journey and insights into the craft of writing.
“The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History” is a book written by journalist Elizabeth Kolbert that explores the current mass extinction of species on Earth and the role that humans have played in causing it.
The book is divided into several sections, each focusing on a different aspect of the mass extinction. Kolbert describes the history of previous mass extinctions and explains how the current extinction is unique in that it is caused by human activities, such as habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change.
Kolbert also profiles several species that are currently facing extinction, including the Panamanian golden frog, the great auk, and the Sumatran rhino. She explains how human activities have directly or indirectly contributed to the decline of these species, and how their extinction would have far-reaching consequences for the ecosystems in which they live.
Throughout the book, Kolbert argues that humans have the power to prevent further extinctions and that urgent action is needed to protect the world’s biodiversity. She also highlights some of the challenges that must be addressed, such as political will and economic incentives, in order to create a sustainable future for the planet.
Overall, “The Sixth Extinction” is a sobering and thought-provoking book that highlights the urgent need for action to protect the world’s biodiversity and prevent further extinctions.
Great book choices