Fantasy Fiction Novels: Must Read for Every Adult

The great philosophers of the world have always said life is about finding peace, contentment, and happiness. While these words have different meanings for everyone, in my case these words reflect my emotions when I am reading my favorite fantasy fiction novels. I am 27, happily married, a technical writer by profession and according to everyone who knows me an absolute escapist and fantasy fiction nut. 

I do read some “serious” books as they are called from time to time but end up gravitating towards fantasy fiction faster each time after I have contemplated upon the cacophony of human emotions discussed in these “serious” book.  The world outside that we see is extremely real, sadistic, brutal and effective in killing our imagination. These fantasy fiction novels present a wonderful escape route to a land where your visualization is the only thing that limits the joy you would feel when you read about Eragon flying on his dragon Saphira to meet the elves. I go through a 4D cinematic experience every time I read about Dumbeldore dueling Voldemort and get goose bumps when Percy Jackson cuts of Medusa’s head to courier it to his father Poseidon(the Ocean god).  It is so much more pleasurable to read how Frodo Baggins and Gandalf destroy the ring of power to end the dark ages than to wonder when Mr Darcy would confess his feelings to Ms Elizebeth Bennet. 

Fantasy fiction novels do reflect the state of our society and make some strong observations on various facets such as slavery, racism, and poverty. However, you can conveniently ignore these observations and enjoy the book. A hobby is an activity that should give you pleasure. When you complete a book, you should have a feeling of having eating a cheese mushroom pasta and complementary ice cream. Books that get you into a state of self reflection or end up shocking you with various candid observations are extremely important but should be read only when reading is a habit and not a hobby.  For example, I read Super Frekonomics and learnt some wonderful things but then got so worked up that I re-read the entire series of Bartimeus Trilogy to get back into my suspended state of happiness. 

Try reading Harry Potter for the first time in the silence of your bedroom sipping a glass of chilled coke. You will fell Harry’s pain at being mistreated by his aunt, his elation when he flies for the first time, his angst and fierce longing to punish Bellatrix when she kills his godfather Sirus. You will fly with him when he plays Quidditch, dodge as avoids opposition players, stretch as he reaches out to capture the snitch, and jump in elation as he wins the match for his house. Fantasy fiction novels by their very nature are extremely graphic. Hence, you get a chance to exercise your imagination and dream along with the book. You realize that you dreams are way bigger than anything Warner Brother studios can create. Do you know what the biggest advantage of reading such novels is? Every day you fear to dream since you are afraid your dream may not come true. In this case, you can dream fearlessly because the author is anchoring your dreams and leading you along across your ocean of thoughts. 

Some of my favorite fantasy fiction novels are:

• Harry Potter series
• Percy Jackson series
• Lord of the Rings
• Inheritance Cycle (Eragon)
• Bartimeus Trilogy and Heroes of the Valley
• Ramayan by Ashok Banker
• The Gift, Puzzle, Crow, and Singing by Allison Crogan
   

Hi all,

Summer is here in right earnest, and what better way than to stay cool indoors and curl up with a book. Celebrate the joy of reading with your kids. Here are a lot of books to keep you busy!

New books:

“Captive Imagination: Letters From Prison” by Varavara Rao @ Rs. 350/- (Pgs 193)

Varavara Rao is a well-known Telugu poet and an ideologue of Maoist politics. He is one of the founders of VIRASAM – Revolutionary Writer’s Association, directly inspired by the Naxalbari Srikakulam adivasi peasant struggles. Poet, Marxist critic and activist, he has been continually persecuted by the State and intermittently imprisoned since 1973, but he never stopped writing during all these decades even from within prison. Collected for the first time in English, the essays in Captive Imagination are fiercely personal in their experience and evocatively universal in their expression.

“Songs Of Blood And Sword” by Fatima Bhutto @ Rs. 699/- (Pgs 470)

Fatima Bhutto, daughter of Murtaza and niece of Benazir has her own tale to tell about the tragic history of the Bhuttos. Money, Power and Fame comes accompanied by Murder, Division and Corruption. Closely intertwined with the history of our love-hate neighbour, Fatima goes through a series of unbearable events to discover the truth behind her father’s death. Overall, it is also a story of a father-daughter relationship, which tugs at your heart. A book you will not want to put down, till the very end.

“The World is Curved: The Hidden Dangers to the Global Economy” by David M.Smick @ Rs.499/- (Pgs 329)

At a time when the recession and global financial systems have dominated all our thoughts and overtaken our lives The World is Curved gives a highly insightful and profound view of the international financial markets and global economy. New, provocative and totally straying away from the conventional wisdom David M. Smick gives us both sides of globalization.

“Start-Up Nation: The Story Of Israel’s Economic Miracle” by Dan Senor & Saul Singer @ Rs. 695/- (Pgs 304)

Have you ever wondered how a country just 60 years old produces more start-up companies than any other nation. This book is a story of government policies, Israel’s adaptive military and citizens, geo-politics as well as Israel’s adversity driven culture. The book rightly describes Israel as not just a country but a comprehensive state of mind. So if you are fed up of reading about the conflict in the Middle East and are looking for something more positive Saul Singer and Dan Senor take you on a journey that tells you ‘its okay to try and fail’ but the book is best summed up by what Shimon Peres said, ‘ The most careful thing to do is to DARE.’

“Indian Essentials” @ Rs. 450/- (Pgs 526)

Twenty writers attempt to throw light on the intricacies and cultural values of being Indian. Full of whacky stories that talk about everything from our sex log, obsession with arranged marriages, chalta hai attitudes and Twenty20, it is a must read that not just makes fun of frank matrimonials and Indian men but explores the collective Indian consciousness and popular culture of today. So if you want to know why saying ‘banjo’ will get you black and blue in this awesome country called India, Indian Essentials is totally your book to read.

“Green Zone” by Rajiv Chandrasekaran @ Rs. 399/- (Pgs 356)

Green Zone is a simply superb book on Iraq that stems from a hundred interviews and 2 years of reporting for the Washington Post. Rajiv Chandrasekaran an assistant managing director for the Washington Post spent more time in Baghdad than any other American print reporter. The Sunday Times calls this book ‘JAW- DROPPING’ as it takes you on a journey not just through the Green Zone of Baghdad but also gets into the dark murky details of all that is willfully ignored and gravely comical.

“Collected Stories” by Hanif Kureishi @ Rs. 850/- (Pgs 671)

Hanif Kureishi’s work includes plays, screenplays, novels, and essays. This book is a collection of 8 new stories. In this collection Hanif Kureishi has brought out different twists and turns which are tender, charming and funny. This collection deals with instances like - the difficulties of a relationship, joys of children and other controversies. It also exposes what religious conflicts a Muslim unit experiences amongst themselves. Through his tales, Kureishi has thrown light on various aspects of our daily life and how it affects the everyday lives of people.

“The Napkin The Melon & The Monkey” by Barbara Burke @ Rs. 99/- (Pgs 127)

In this book, Barbara Burke an internationally renowned consultant and speaker tells the world that everything in life is a state of mind. A must read for anyone whose workplace involves customer service management this powerful book is full of simple philosophy that teaches people to be both successful and happy. Simple wisdom, personal touch and ancient advice can a make a world of a difference, so if you are one who needs some practical advice on handling the everyday challenges that life throws at you then this is your book to read.

“Wild Child” by T. C. Boyle @ Rs. 550/- (Pgs 304)

T. C. Boyle is one of the greatest storytellers of our time. Wild Child is a collection of short stories. Each story takes an unexpected turn that pours out various emotions that touches the reader’s heart. Various nuances have been explored, tragic, improbable, the allegorical and the altogether ordinary.


“The Lost River: On The Trail Of The Sarasvati” by Michel Danino @ Rs. 399/- (Pgs 357)

The Indian Subcontinent was the scene of dramatic upheavals a few thousand years ago. Tectonic events played havoc with river courses. The Sarasvati disappeared. The author has attempted to popularize the present research of the legendary river. Recently, geological and climatological studies have probed its evolution and disappearance while satellite imagery has traced the river’s buried courses and isotope analyses have dated ancient waters still stored under the Thar desert.

“SADHUS Going Beyond the Dreadlocks” by Patrick Levy @ Rs. 250/- (Pgs 320)

We see a million of them around us. We have our own pre-conceived notions of their lives and their lifestyles. Have you ever wondered what they may have to say about themselves? How do they let various teachings and philosophies seep into their lives? This book provides the moments of these messages with the help of the author, Patrick Levy. He is a French author who lives 6 months in Uttar Pradesh.

Other new books at the Store:

“A Tiger At Twilight And Cyclones” by Manoj Das @ Rs. 350/- (Pgs 353)
“Muskoka Maharani” by David McMahon @ Rs. 275/- (Pgs 273)
“The Last Victory: The Imperial Agent II” by Timeri N. Murari @ Rs. 399/- (Pgs 430)
“Kadambari” by Bana @ Rs. 399/- (Pgs 395)
“Why Manners Matter” by Lucinda Holdforth @ Rs. 399/- (Pgs 172)
“Parrot And Olivier In America” by Peter Carey @ Rs. 550/- (Pgs 451)
“Holidays According To Humphrey” by Betty G. Birney @ Rs. 195/- (Pgs 191)
“Ablutions” by Patrick Dewitt @ Rs. 299/- (Pgs 164)
“Religion In The New Age: And Other Essays For The Spiritual Seeker” by Swami Kriyananda @ Rs. 295/- (Pgs 401)
“May I Hebb Your Attention Pliss!” by Arnab Ray @ Rs. 199/- (Pgs 237)
“The Gamechangers: The Fake IPL Player” @ Rs. 199/- (Pgs 400)
“Young Turks” by Krishan Partap Singh @ Rs. 195/- (Pgs 354)
“The Wisdom Of Balsekar” by Ramesh S. Balsekar @ Rs. 395/- (Pgs 214)
“A Random Walk Down Wall Street: The Time-Tested Strategy For Successful Investing” by Burton G. Malkiel @ Rs. 395/- (Pgs 455)
“The 50th Law Of Power” by Robert Greene @ Rs. 395/- (Pgs 291)
“Pocket World In Figures 2010 Edition” @ Rs. 250/- (Pgs 256)
“Mojo: How To Get It How To Keep It How To Get It Back If You Lose It” by Marshall Goldsmith @ Rs. 225/- (Pgs 205)
“Need” by Carrie Jones @ Rs. 299/- (Pgs 305)
“The Forty Rules Of Love” by Elif Shafak @ Rs. 499/- (Pgs 354)
“Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand” by Helen Simon @ Rs. 650/- (Pgs 358)
“The Big Short” by Michael Lewis @ Rs. 599/- (Pgs 266)
“Women Of The Tagore Household” by Chitra Deb @ Rs. 499/- (Pgs 640)
“Operation Mincemeat” by Ben Macintyre @ Rs. 499/- (Pgs 400)
“Empire Of The Moghul - Brothers At War” by Alex Rutherford @ Rs. 495/- (Pgs 436)

Over and above these are a whole lot of new books in the kids section, apart from Chitra Banerjee Divakurani’s new book, and a host of others. Drop in and take your pick.

From the team at,

twistntales