Read These Inspiring Books For Young Aspiring Readers

As they say, the twenties should be your life’s selfish years. It is the age where you learn to make right or wrong decisions. Still young to judge but old enough to be carefree. You are confident, strong, a little impatient, in the stage of understanding self-love, learning a new definition of beauty, how to manage relationships, the importance of letting go, and so on.

Everything is learned from the experiences and situations that life teaches you and is also learned by observing and, most importantly, reading. Reading makes you more aware, updated, and mature. It is not only a great hobby to have but also a fantastic teacher.

Although they say ‘age is just a number, every age comes with a certain taste.’ Certain things are more critical and appropriate when read at that age. Therefore, I have tried to put some of the books that are apt for people in their 20s.

Read These Inspiring Indian Novels For Young Aspiring Readers

As a seasoned writer who's devoured countless books, I've found that novels can serve as great sources of inspiration, especially for young aspiring readers. Today, I'm sharing a curated list of five Indian novels that have not only left a lasting impression on me but are bound to inspire you as well. Here's why I love each one of these books, and why you should consider reading them too.

"The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy

What I love about this Man Booker Prize-winning novel is its intricate narrative style and hauntingly beautiful prose. Roy delves deep into the social issues of caste and discrimination in Kerala. The book captivated me with its ability to find beauty in everyday life, and it's a powerful reminder that the so-called 'small things' are not so small after all. Read it for its poignant storytelling and compelling characters.

"White Tiger" by Aravind Adiga

I couldn't put this one down. "White Tiger" offers a gritty, raw look into India's class struggle, told through the lens of a servant turned entrepreneur. The book makes you question the preconceived notions of morality and justice. Read it to experience the complexity of the Indian social structure and get inspired to break free from societal chains.

"The Palace of Illusions" by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

I adore this novel because it gives voice to Draupadi, one of the most misunderstood characters in the Mahabharata. This book showed me that there's always another side to the story, often untold or overlooked. Read this novel to explore a fresh perspective on a classic tale, and feel empowered by Draupadi’s resilience and wit.

"Midnight's Children" by Salman Rushdie

This book is a literary masterpiece that blends magical realism with historical events. I was drawn to its layered narrative that follows India's transition from British rule to independence and partition. It's an epic tale that's equally sweeping and intimate. Read it for a mind-bending journey through India's tumultuous history.

Bonus:

The Unproposed Guy: Bhavik Sarkhedi

The book talks about an aspiring stand-up comedian and a rapper, Kevin. He can be a good friend to the guys, but when it comes to the girls, he just can’t seem to understand the game and ends up pushing them away. His creative and bountiful potential is rising, but his failure to impress a girl steadily drags him down. He understands that he can be any guy’s best buddy, but he also appears to be any girl’s worst nightmare. The book relates to the youth and tells you to follow your passion. It is an excellent book for self-motivation. It is a perfect book, especially for all the single people out there.

Such a Fun Age: Kiley Reid

A girl, Amira, a broke 25-year-old, works as a babysitter and has no idea what she intends to achieve with her life. The story commences when a store security officer blames Amira, a Black woman, for abducting the white child. When the video becomes viral, the child’s mother, Alix, a lifestyle expert, wants to seize the opportunity. She wants to be Amira’s friend and guide, guiding her to greatness. However, Amira may not want the same things Alix desires. And Alix doesn’t seem to see how unequal and transactional their relationship is.

The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter and How to Make the Most of Them Now: Meg Jay

The twenty-something years, according to popular belief, are unimportant. Dr. Meg Jay, a psychologist, contends that this could not be further from the truth. In reality, your twenties are the most formative years of your life. The Defining Decade combines cutting-edge science with real-life tales to demonstrate how employment, relationships, personality, social connections, identity, and even the brain can change more over this decade than at any other point in adulthood. The Defining Decade is a practical guide to making the most of the years we can’t afford to waste. It’s intelligent, empathetic, and constructive.

Wings of Fire: APJ Abdul Kalam

Every ordinary man who accomplishes greatness by sheer tenacity and hard effort should share his tale with others, as they may find inspiration and strength to continue in his story. One such example is the memoir Wings of Fire’ by creative physicist Dr. Kalam, who ascended from humble circumstances to become India’s President. The book contains Dr. Kalam’s views, personal events, and life experiences. It provides us with insight into his successful journey. Dr. Kalam’s path inspires the reader to identify with one’s inner fire and potential, as he was a firm believer that every one of us was born with the courage and opportunities to contribute a significant influence on society.

The Pursuit of Happiness: Daniel G. Brinton

“Half of the happiness realizes we’re happy; half of the unhappiness is forgetting how many sources of happiness we have.” Daniel G. Brinton’s The Drive of Happiness presents unusual and valuable insights on this most sought-after emotion and the pursuit to reach it, from happiness as the goal of life to its reliance on nature, luck, ourselves, and others. The book explores pleasure and pain, the hierarchy of enjoyments, the distribution of happiness in the classes of society and the two sexes, principles to promote one’s happiness, and the consolation of affliction, in addition to defining happiness and explaining the desirability of being taught how to become happy. The Pursuit of Happiness is a unique treasure that continues to inspire us in our never-ending quest for happiness.

The Power of Your Subconscious Mind: Joseph Murphy

The Power of Your Subconscious Mind is one of the most promising self-help books you can give to yourself or a loved one. This book is intended to help you better your relationships and health and give you internal strength that will make any obstacle seem insignificant. The book combines the best of both worlds: scientific research and spiritual insight. This book will guide you in comprehending the depths of your subconscious, eliminating anxieties, and attracting what you wish by changing your views. This book and its concepts have altered the lives of countless people all over the world.

Autobiography of a Yogi: Paramhansa Yogananda

Autobiography of a Yogi, which has inspired stalwarts such as the Beatles, Steve Jobs, and Ravi Shankar, is an incredibly fulfilling spiritual book that has impacted and enriched the lives of millions worldwide since it was initially published in 1946. This book, which relates to the narrative of Paramhansa Yogananda, has been praised for its memorable, sharp, and instructional teachings. This spiritual autobiography will take you on an incredible trip through Indian mysticism and spirituality while delivering sobering and consoling facts about life and existence. It is a book that should be in every home.

Immortals of Meluha: Amish Tripathi

The once proud Suryavanshi rulers of the Meluha Empire are in grave danger in 1900 BC. The Saraswathi, the empire’s main river, is steadily drying up. Terrorist assaults are coming from the east, the region of the Chandravanshis, and to make matters worse, the Chandravanshis appear to have partnered with the Nagas, an outcast species of disfigured humans with incredible martial skills. The Suryavanshis’ sole hope is an ancient prophecy: when evil reaches epic proportions, and all appears lost, a hero will emerge.

The Inscrutable Americans: Anurag Mathur

This humorous novel, a best-seller in India, follows an Indian student during his year abroad at an American university. This brilliantly true story is based on Gopal’s amusing escapades with the American language, his flamboyant landlord, the ubiquitous hamburger, and, most importantly, American ladies. When confronted with his fellow college students’ persistent sexuality, Gopal reacts with disbelief, sly amusement, and hormone excess. Despite his battles with prejudice, his insecurities, and his family’s warning that if he dabbles in America’s temptations, he maintains dignity and unexpected shrewdness, rejecting the worst of what America has to offer while recognizing the best. Following hesitantly behind his American friend Randy’s outlandish leadership, the innocent but attentive Gopal responds with sarcasm that is well beyond his verbal limits.

Animal Farm: George Orwell

Animal Farm is George Orwell’s classic satire of the Russian Revolution – a chronicle of the brave battle launched by the animals that turn Mr. Jones’s Manor Farm into Animal Farm – a democratic society founded on the tenet that All Animals Are Created Equal. But do they? Orwell was born in India and worked for the Imperial Police in Burma before joining the Republican Army in Spain during the Civil War. He wrote six novels, as well as several articles and nonfiction books.

"Train to Pakistan" by Khushwant Singh

Last but not least, this novel touched me profoundly. It brings the harsh realities of the India-Pakistan partition into focus, while making you ponder the essence of humanity. Read it for its hauntingly beautiful depiction of love, loss, and the heart-wrenching choices one has to make during challenging times.

Wrap-up

Thus, we all suffer grief, lost friendships, failure, rejection, and various challenges. The good news is that we all go through such ups and downs in life. It’s a crucial period since we’re figuring out what we wish to be and seeking answers to unsolved questions.

In conclusion, these novels are more than just compelling narratives; they offer invaluable insights into the human condition and the complexities of Indian society. So, if you're an aspiring young reader, these books are not just food for thought but a veritable feast for the soul.

Particular reads give insight into your problems and help you gain a new perspective. Books are indeed a man’s best friend! Utilize this friendship to see and bring the best in you.