This week sees the fifth instalment in my series of posts devoted to books for different moods. Here are more 7 books for 7 moods/states of mind. Click on the links to read my reviews.
In the mood for a Transgressive classic? (Perhaps you have seen the film but not read the book)
A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
A Clockwork Orange is a ground-breaking and controversial work set in a dystopian near future. It leaves many questions to ponder concerning behaviourism, free will and the purpose of punishment. Click here to read my review.
My Opinion: Interesting
Are you in the mood for something psychological, but don’t have much time. If so you might like:
Chess by Stefan Zweig
Chess offers the prospect of salvation, but also the threat of dissolution in this short psychological novella, which explores the delicate divide that separates genius from obsession and madness. Click here to read my review.
My Opinion: Mildly intriguing
Tired of the joys of summer? Then how about:
Cancer Ward by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
Whilst the drab setting, morose subject matter, distressing scenes, and length (nearly 600 pages) will not appeal to everyone, this reader was captivated by the book’s diverse characters and poignant prose. Click here to read my review.
My Opinion: Superb characterisation
Feel like reading an iconic humour book?
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
The 1981 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction winner is less concerned with plot than focusing on absurd situations, designed to elicit a humorous response. The book boasts an obnoxious protagonist called Ignatius. Click here to read my review.
My Opinion: Overrated
If you are in the mood for something dark and poignant then I would recommend:
The Pearl by John Steinbeck
The Pearl is a novella about a destitute Mexican pearl diver who finds a very valuable pearl. It is a parable about the darker side of human nature that illustrates how riches can be illusory. Click here to read my review.
My Opinion: Good
If you are in the mood for a post-apocalyptic classic then look no further:
On the Beach by Nevil Shute
On the Beach is a cautionary and timeless post-apocalyptic novel whose central theme is an exploration of how people confront imminent death. This reader was impressed by the author’s adept characterisation. Click here to read my review.
My Opinion: Memorable & Melancholic.
If you are in the mood for some contemporary non-Fiction then this might appeal:
Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic by Sam Quinones
Composed of short, engaging chapters, Dreamland is a meticulously researched, multi-faceted work about addiction, entrepreneurship and the perils posed by unrestrained corporate greed. Click here to read my review.
My Opinion: Compelling
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