Prioritize your priorities

Setting realistic goals is key to establishing a sustainable reading habit. Starting small means setting an affordable goal, such as only 10-15 minutes of reading a day. This approach avoids the feelings of overwhelm and frustration that can arise if you set yourself overly ambitious goals from the start. Gradually increasing the time you spend reading will help you adapt to the new habit more easily and find that reading becomes a welcome and expected part of your day.

Choosing the best time to read also plays an important role in habit formation. Mornings, when the mind is still fresh and there is no strain from the day’s activities, can be the perfect time to immerse yourself in the world of books. For some, on the contrary, the best time is before bedtime, when reading helps to distract from the daily hustle and bustle and relax before going to bed. The key is to find that moment when reading doesn’t feel like a chore, but becomes an enjoyable and welcome activity that helps you relax and gain new knowledge or emotional experiences.

Create a comfortable place to read

Creating the perfect reading nook not only enhances your overall reading experience, but also promotes the habit of reading as a regular and enjoyable activity. Creating a cozy reading nook starts with choosing a place where you can fully engage in the reading process without being distracted by noise or traffic. The ideal reading nook is your own personal oasis of calm, where every detail contributes to privacy and relaxation. It can be a comfortable armchair by the window overlooking a quiet courtyard, a form-fitting sofa in a secluded corner of your living room, or even a hammock nestled in a shady corner of the garden. It is important that you associate this place with pleasure and relaxation, making it your personal space to immerse yourself in reading.

Proper lighting also plays an important role. Insufficient lighting tires the eyes and can quickly spoil the pleasure of reading, while too bright light makes the process uncomfortable and stressful. The ideal option is to use soft, diffused light sources that provide sufficient visibility without causing eye irritation or fatigue. A dimmable table lamp or a floor lamp with a warm glow can be a great choice. If you prefer daytime reading, take care to ensure that natural light falls smoothly onto the pages of your book without creating reflections or shadows. Creating a comfortable reading space with these aspects in mind will make every reading session a true pleasure and help make reading an integral part of your life.

Integrate reading into your daily routine

Integrating reading into your daily routine requires small but significant changes in habits and time allocation. Making reading part of your daily rituals means finding those moments in the day when it becomes a natural complement to your activities: for example, in the morning when you drink coffee, or in the evening before bed, when reading helps your mind disconnect from the day’s worries and prepare for sleep. It’s also important to make use of the time that usually passes without benefit, the so-called “dead time”, like riding public transportation or waiting, turning it into an ideal opportunity to read. E-books and audiobooks become invaluable companions in such cases, allowing you to immerse yourself in reading without the need to carry heavy volumes, enriching every free minute with the knowledge and pleasure of communicating with literature.

Leverage technology

In the digital age, the integration of various devices and programs into our lives offers new opportunities for reading and learning. By taking advantage of these tools, you can significantly increase the number of books you read and enrich your intellectual experience.

1. E-books: E-books offer convenience and accessibility, allowing you to store an entire library in one device. Use them to read on the go, while waiting for an appointment, or at any free moment. With the ability to adjust text size, background and lighting, eBooks make reading more comfortable for people with different preferences and visual limitations.
2. Audiobooks: Audiobooks provide the ability to “read” with your eyes with your ears, allowing you to immerse yourself in books when reading the traditional way is not possible – whether while driving, playing sports, or doing chores around the house. With their help, you can make efficient use of time that may have previously seemed unproductive.
3. Reading apps: Modern book reading apps offer a wide range of features that can help you organize your reading:

• Progress Tracking: Many apps allow you to track the number of pages read or hours spent reading a book, which can motivate you to read more and more often.
• Matching books to interests: Artificial intelligence and recommendation algorithms in these apps can suggest books to you based on your previous selections and preferences, exposing you to new genres and authors.
• Social features: Some apps allow you to share your progress and reviews of books you’ve read with friends or on social media, giving you an extra incentive to read.

Join communities of book lovers

Joining book clubs and participating in online literature forums offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of like-minded people who share your passion for reading. These platforms offer a space to share opinions, interpretations, and reviews of the works you’ve read, which not only enriches your personal reading experience, but also fosters a deeper understanding of what you’ve read. Plus, connecting with other readers can inspire you to read books you might not have paid attention to, thus expanding your literary horizons. In the process of such sharing, you may discover new and interesting facts and ideas that make reading even more exciting and diverse.

Participating in reading challenges is another great way to engage with a community of book lovers. These challenges, often organized by book clubs or online literary communities, offer a list of books on a particular topic or genre to read during a specific time period. This approach not only motivates participants to read more actively, but also opens doors to new literary worlds, allowing you to discover authors and works you may not have even heard of. Participating in such challenges creates a sense of belonging to a larger literary movement and adds an element of competition and play to the reading process, making it more exciting and interesting.

The post Carving Out Time for Reading: Tips and Techniques appeared first on Just Read A Book.

Understanding the Game: Psychology and Strategy

There are a tonne of books and study papers available for people who want to learn more about the psychology and strategy of gambling, as well as tactics that can help them become better players, such as at Casino Fieber. Here are some real books that can help you become a more informed and strategically minded gambler:

“The Mental Game of Poker” by Jared Tendler

This book offers a deep dive into the psychological aspects of poker, but its principles apply to any gambling game. Tendler breaks down the typical psychological problems players face, such as tilt, fear, and motivation, offering specific methods for overcoming them. His strategies will help you maintain composure and mental clarity in critical situations.

“Game Theory for Everyone” by Ken Binmore

This introduction to game theory, written by one of the leading experts in the field, emphasizes the practical application of game theory to everyday life, including gambling. In the face of competition and uncertainty, the book shows how decisions can be made by applying strategic thinking.

“The Psychology of Gambling” by Richard Lacton

Richard Lacton, professor of psychology, explores how psychological mechanisms and biases influence gambling behavior. He looks at different types of gambling and provides insights into why people gamble, how they react to wins and losses, and how this knowledge can be used to improve gambling strategies.

“Skill and Luck: How Gaming Divides Us into Winners and Losers” by Michael Mobussen

This book explores the balance between skill and luck in various aspects of life, including sports, business, and gambling. Mobussen offers a unique perspective on how luck and skill affect outcomes, and how you can improve your chances of success by focusing on skill development.

These books offer insightful analysis and practical tips that can make gamblers of all skill levels more conscious and efficient in their gaming. There are more chances for growth and success in gambling when one studies the psychology and tactics of the game.

Strategies for winning

It’s crucial to read books that provide tried-and-true methods and expert guidance if you want to become a good gambler, particularly in the casino and gambling industries where strategy and tactics are crucial. The following books are said to be crucial for understanding how to win in gambling:

“Every Hand Revealed” by Gus Hansen

In this book, Gus Hansen, one of the most innovative and daring poker players of our time, shares his experience at the 2007 Australian Open, where he won first prize. Hansen analyzes in detail the more than 300 hands he played in the tournament, giving readers a unique perspective on his strategies and thinking during the game. This book offers valuable lessons on how to adapt your game, read your opponents, and make decisions under pressure.

“The Theory of Poker” by David Sklansky

David Sklansky discusses theories and concepts applicable to many variations of poker, including Texas Hold’em, Five-Card Draw, and Seven-Card Stud. Widely recognized as one of the best poker strategy books, this book goes into detail on the importance of position, pot odds, psychology, and long-term strategy. “The Theory of Poker” gives players the tools to develop their game to a higher level.

“Blackjack for Blood” by Bryce Carlson

This book is a thorough reference to card counting strategies and the card game of blackjack, aimed for serious players who want to win consistently at the casino. Carlson discusses the psychological components of the game, bankroll management techniques, how to avoid being caught by the casino, and his own card counting system, Omega II.

“Beat the Dealer by Edward O. Thorpe

Edward O. Thorpe, mathematician and father of modern card counting, proves in his book that it is possible to systematically beat blackjack thanks to mathematical methods. “Beat the Dealer” not only changed the game of blackjack forever, but also provided players with the first scientifically sound strategy for playing the game based on statistical analysis. Thorpe introduces the concept of card counting and discusses optimal playing strategies for various conditions.

Skills development

Developing skills is important not only for professional growth, but also for success in games, including gambling. The ability to concentrate, to read and memorize information quickly, and to delve deeply into analysis and strategic planning certainly improves your chances of winning. Here are two books that will help you develop these critical skills:

“The Power of Concentration” by Jim Quick

Jim Quick, an expert on accelerated learning, offers powerful techniques and strategies for improving concentration, reading speed, and memory in his book, The Power of Concentration. Here are the key aspects Quick emphasizes:

• Speed Reading Techniques: Techniques are offered to help increase reading speed while maintaining reading comprehension.
• Memory Enhancement Exercises: Describes techniques that aid in memorizing large amounts of information, which is extremely useful for learning and applying game strategies.
• Concentration Training: Presents practices to increase the duration and quality of concentration on tasks.

“Deep Work” by Cal Newport

Cal Newport, in his book “Deep Work,” shares strategies for achieving the deep concentration needed to accomplish complex and intellectually demanding tasks. Newport emphasizes the importance of being able to immerse yourself in your work without distractions and offers the following tips:

• Working Without Distractions: Explores techniques for minimizing external interference and creating the conditions for deep focus.
• Rituals and Routines: Discusses how establishing certain habits and rituals can help improve the ability to work deeply.
• Strategic Rest: Examines the importance of breaks and rest in enhancing productivity and improving the quality of deep work.

Conclusion

These books will all help you expand your knowledge of games, tactics, and personal growth. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience, you will be able to reach new heights and become not only a better player, but also a more focused and productive person. Start your journey to the heights of excellence today, and let every page you read bring you closer to your goal.

The post Become a Better Gambler: Books You Need to Read appeared first on Just Read A Book.

However, fans of horror novels will argue that these books give an adrenaline rush as the heart races in anticipation of the next event. Moreover, it allows readers to face their fears safely.

Whatever your reason for enjoying this genre, this article discusses five of the best horror books across different times. Let’s get right into it.

Top 5 Books to Read for Horror Literature Enthusiasts

The horror genre has several books spanning across different decades, even centuries. However, after careful examination, we have curated five of the best this genre has to offer.

Our list, though in no particular order, goes thus:

• IT, by Stephen King
• Bird Box, by Josh Malerman
• Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley
• The Pit and the Pendulum, by Edgar Allan Poe
• Fever Dream, by George R. R. Martin

If you are a horror book fan and need a comprehensive book that keeps you engaged, with heart pacing throughout, you should check out one of the five. Below is a detailed overview of each book.

IT

It’s unlikely you come across a list of the best horror books and not find one of the works of Stephen King. He’s one of the best when discussing this genre. “IT” is a large book, spanning an astonishing 1200 pages! However, it is beautiful, profoundly captivating, and rewarding to readers. Little wonder, even though it was published almost 40 years ago, fans are still returning to this classic. In fact, IT has now been made into a movie, which is one of the most significant in the horror genre.

Plot

The plot easily entices readers: In the fictional town of Derry, Maine, five young misfits fight a malevolent evil around the 50s. This went on through a long summer; however, decades after (the 80s), they returned as adults and had to engage in this fight again. This might be your cue if you fancy yourself a horror book lover and have yet to read this.

The book follows a dark theme of fear and trauma, including sexual abuse, racism, child murder, and homophobia. However, it also portrays love and friendship and focuses on pitching good against evil rather than evil itself.

Bird Box

Like “IT”, “Bird Box” is already adopted into motion pictures, which was an immediate hit. However, like many movies from novel adaptations, the film failed to deliver up to the standard of the book. The novel will keep you engrossed as you read through the pages till the end.

Plot

The plot follows a 2014 post-apocalyptic world, where there’s something out there that, upon seeing it, can make you go mad! This psychological thriller introduces the story of a woman, Malorie, who must navigate this world with her kids as she tries to find safety. Josh Malerman did justice to this story by telling it in a series of flashbacks, as it follows three different timelines. One is the present time, another a recent past, and the third discusses a near-distant future.

Besides the nerve-wracking tension, this novel tends to evoke raw emotion as you immediately begin to root for Malorie. You may feel tense, even holding your breath with a pacing heart as you read each page. The writer paints a picture shrouded in fear; you still feel chills down your spine even after reading. It is a must-read for all horror book lovers!

Frankenstein

Listing the best horror books without including Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” will be challenging. It’s a classic! A book written by a 19-year-old in the 19th century, yet still relevant. Frankenstein is sometimes called The Modern Prometheus, linking the story with the mythological Greek figure Prometheus.

Plot

The book tells the story of a young, ambitious scientist – Dr. Victor Frankenstein. It focuses on the horrors associated with the doctor’s works as he explores the secret of life. Ultimately, the result was the miscreation of a malformed and lonely murderous human-like creature that exceeded his control. This novel by Mary Shelley is arguably the first science fiction novel in the modern world.

This novel is a classical horror tale, as it digs deep into our imaginations, revealing one of human deepest fears. It showcases the subtle difference between life and lifelessness. Besides the creature’s story, it also takes readers through emotional episodes as the writer delves into the human psyche. The story leaves you with empathy and a lesson on our actions’ consequences and humanity’s essence.

The Pit and The Pendulum

All lovers of horror novels are familiar with the name Edgar Allan Poe, Mr. Horror himself. “The Pit and the Pendulum” is one of his most famous works.

Plot

The story describes the horrors and tortures of an unnamed narrator, imprisoned and condemned to death by the Spanish Inquisition. Though the book failed to give us insight into the cause of imprisonment, Poe used his mastery of storytelling to pique readers’ interest. Initially, the narrator was in a dark prison-like dungeon with a pit at the epicentre.

The narrator manages to survive this prison, and soon after, he finds himself bound to a wooden frame with a sharp pendulum that threatens his life, slowly descending upon him. The book uses the different ordeals the prisoner faces as they battle for their survival to keep readers busy and engaged.

The story talks about how humans can endure dire and dreadful circumstances and continue to endure, persevere, and fight to stay alive. In the end, Poe showcases his mastery again as the narrator receives liberation at the eleventh hour.

Fevre Dream

The blockbuster TV show – Game of Thrones – will be familiar to George R. R. Martin. You are probably surprised that he has sometimes engaged himself in horror-filled books, like “Fevre Dream”. If you are familiar with his works, you’d agree that he’s a brilliant writer, and we assure you he didn’t disappoint in this piece.

Plot

“Fevre Dream” is a unique vampire-themed novel that perfectly blends historical fiction and the supernatural. It’s set aboard a steamboat sailing across the antebellum Mississippi River. As you read through the book’s pages, you discover an unexpected alliance resulting in a defying bond between the boat owner and the creature.

The author used his crafty storytelling to tell a beautiful story of a horror creature with a heart like a human being. As you read, you see the vampire struggles through his villainous nature and the motivations for his actions that blur the line of morality. Therefore, if you are searching for a story that paints vampires in a good light beyond the cliche of these creatures being all dark.

Summary

A good horror book, like the ones in this piece, should provide readers with an emotional purge, something you can describe as cathartic.

The table below summarises all the books discussed in this article.

The Allure of Fear: What Fascinates Readers About Horror Books?

As briefly mentioned, horror books allow readers to face their fears in a safe and controlled environment. Authors exploring this genre use their artistic mastery to blend fictional narratives to create something that explores fear and terror while keeping readers engrossed in their seats.

Below are other credible reasons why people enjoy horror literature

• Appreciation of the art of scary and suspenseful storytelling.
• Feed their curiosity into darker places of human nature.
• To confront and explore that which they dread.
• Gush of adrenaline and pleasure from the controlled fear.
• Get an insight into the unknown and the supernatural world.

As they read through each page, even as fear lurks around the dark corners, they should get an exhilarating experience that leaves them thrilled.

However, besides the general themes of fear and horror, these books should be able to shed more light on the mind’s curiosity and the fiction it tells.

Conclusion

Through this piece, we provided insight into some of the best horror books you can enjoy. Even though all the books fall under the same genre, they follow different storylines.

The post 5 Best Books for Horror Fans appeared first on Just Read A Book.

Many people live in stressful times and stay calm amid life’s hustle. Unwinding your mind by reading 5 relaxing books is one of the best ways to achieve this.

The Art of Gambling: Strategies and Tactics for Winning at the Casino and Beyond

Besides reading books, online gambling is another fun way to relax. Joshua C. Butler’s “The Art of Gambling” is a broad exploration of the thrilling world of betting from a different perspective. This book covers everything casino-related, including casino games, lottery, sports betting, and online gambling in general. Even free spins existing customers have something to learn about and enjoy.

In this book, Joshua C. Butler enlightens readers with great tips and expert perspectives that can be useful for success in the online gambling world. The book delves into simple and advanced strategies that can potentially increase winning chances and legal consideration. Readers can also learn about ethical gambling and reflect on their gambling habits.

This is more than a how-to guidebook as it intertwines different concepts seamlessly. It blends different themes and concepts like the history and evolution of gambling, the psychology of gambling, risk assessment, game tactics, and probability theory. These concepts make the book interesting and resonate with most gamblers.

“The Art of Gambling” is an ideal book for calming the mind of the readers, whether they are newbies or novices.

Goodbye, Things, by Fumio Sasaki

“Goodbye, Things” is a remarkable calming book by Fumio Sasaki with a guide to disentangling your life and prioritising what’s important. Fumo Sasaki, 35, single, was not impressed with his life and began to make changes to remain with basic items in his apartments. This book describes his journey and the outcome of decluttering.

The book is about minimalism, which encourages having fewer possessions. According to the author, minimalism can be beneficial because it leads to more freedom, satisfaction, and unforgettable experiences. Having fewer possessions makes it easy to track your items and spend less time cleaning.

One of the most interesting takeaways from Sasaki’s minimalistic life is that although the world has changed over the years, our minds still haven’t adapted quickly. We consume too much information and care about many things, and our brains are not meant to pay attention to so many things at once. This usually causes stress and depression, and we cannot be at our best in all the things we do. To perform better, we need to change our environment.

Tips to Help You Say Goodbye to Your Possessions

Overall, this is an exciting book that can challenge your perspective on this world. It has valid reasons why our items don’t make us happy and brings forth the solution to our changing lives.

These tips are not only applicable to minimalism but also to various situations.

• Discarding your items/things requires skill, and it gets easier with practice.
• There is no need to pile up things in stores or personal warehouses as they consume space and money that could be used elsewhere.
• There is no need to have collections as our homes are not museums.
• Do not keep items because they are free. Be intentional with your items.
• Do not replace items that you can comfortably do without.

The Bear, by Andrew Krivak

The Bear is a sad book that delves into the world of fable and fairy tales. This book is about an unnamed father and daughter who are alone as the last two humans in a post-apocalyptic world.

While living on the mountainside, they have few remains of the lost civilisation, such as a panel of glass, books, comb, and steel. The girl’s father teaches her a way of life, like fishing, hunting, the stars, and the seasons of the year. This is to prepare her for adulthood. On their way to the coast, tragedy strikes, and the girl is left alone in the world. She strives to survive and return his father’s ashes to the mountain.

As winter closes, she crosses paths with the bear, who leads her back to the mountainside. They pass through the massive wilderness, providing great lessons, but the girl does not take them seriously.

“The Bear” is a book about grief, death, and perseverance during the tribulation. It also teaches how to survive during adverse weather conditions like deadly winter.

Deep Listening, by Jillian Pransky

“Deep Listening” by Jillian Pransky is a novel about paying close attention to our body, mind, and heart to tackle our stress differently. Jillian is a famous yoga teacher who wrote this book after experiencing a devastating personal loss and health complications. She discovered how to unlock deeply ingrained tension in her mind and body by pausing and evaluating her emotions and actions.

The book brings forth a 10-step journey of deep listening to hear what the mind and body tell us. This process involves pausing and hearing, which initiates the relaxation and body healing processes and calming muscular tension.

In this book, the author asks readers to do less instead of stressing themselves to give their best or go the extra mile. She achieves this through a step-by-step guide to a relaxation state. Readers can discover who they are by practising meditation, breathwork, movement, and yoga.

“Deep Listening” by Jillian Pransky allows readers to connect with themselves and respond to stress effectively. This process leads to a stress-free and joyous life with the opportunity to grow.

Hello, Habits, by Fumio Sasaki

This is another interesting book written by internationally best-selling Japanese author Fumio Sasaki. After becoming a minimalist, Sasaki shares his knowledge and practices that aid in embracing good habits and discarding bad ones, enabling us to become better people.

Sasaki explains in this book that our lives are centred on our habits, including our day-to-day activities. The book illustrates how to acquire new habits that we strive for and do away with those that hold us back. As mentioned by the author, the book has everything he learned about developing and sticking to habits.

Using practical examples from his life, scientific research, and renowned Western and Japanese figures, Sasaki comes up with comprehensive steps to effectively build and implement habits into your life. The steps are 50 in number and split into sections. They are easy to follow as the author explains them individually with practical examples and the necessary steps to take when removing harmful habits and embracing good ones.

Good Habit Inhibitors

Towards the end of the book, Sasaki crafts 14 behaviours that inhibit good habits that are very important. Some of these include:

1. Lacking the right tools.
2. Resorting to bad habits to release stress.
3. Doubting yourself, especially after failure.
4. Focusing on good points only.
5. Procrastination.
6. Losing hope early and not giving it a try.
7. Pretending that something never happened.
8. Depending on motivation.

This book provides a way of constructing good and healthful habits by following various steps. Those who find it difficult to establish new routines will appreciate the methods of Fumio Sasaki.

Conclusion

Slowing things down in a world that always rushes, these 5 books can guide you to an environment of relaxation and contemplation. From mindful gambling to minimalism, from nature’s beauty to cultivating inner stillness and intentional habits, these books offer a diverse avenue to tranquillity and rejuvenation. Reading these books will take you to a more serene existence for relaxing yourself in the middle of a busy schedule.

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Writing book reviews is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of books and become a part of its ever-growing community. If your reviews are popular enough, you might even get rewarded for reading! What could be better than getting paid to read – every reader’s dream comes true!

Don’t know how to craft compelling book reviews? Don’t worry; there is a way out. We advise you to order a book review sample from a college paper writing service first of all. An example will teach you to write a good book review and serve as a source of inspiration.

What is the purpose of a book review?

If you’re searching for a new book to read, then look no further than the reviews! Analyzing and comparing book reviews can help readers choose what books they should invest their time in. Typically, a proper review of any newly-published piece is around 300–750 words long and contains an overview of its content, as well as an evaluation from the reviewer who wrote it.

Moreover, don’t mistake this for a book report – those are meant mainly for elementary or middle school students, providing proof that they understood what happened in the novel. Book reviews, on the other hand, provide helpful insight into which titles people should read next!

Unlike other types of reviews, book reviews offer a distinct outlook on the work in question. They are regularly given to college or graduate students for evaluation and may be released in educational papers, one’s personal blogs, or even sites like Goodreads. Consequently, professional book reports are becoming more readily available than ever before!

How to Easily Write a Captivating Book Review in Five Simple Steps

Are you ready to craft your own book review? Follow these five easy steps and be on your way!

Summarize the book briefly

If you’re wondering how to begin a book review, the answer is effortless—begin by summarizing the narrative! By giving your readers a concise and unbiased overview of what the story entails, similar to what’s found on the book jacket, they can build up enough understanding for them to make out your subsequent reviews. This way, everyone has ample context needed for further analysis.

If the book that needs reviewing is nonfiction, you should include key questions it examines and how those queries are answered. Moreover, be sure to mention any pertinent specifics concerning the author’s qualifications. On the other hand, if your selection is a novel, then ensure you detail its category of literature; furthermore, identify who stars as the protagonist along with what events launch them into their journey throughout this book.

To ensure readers are able to experience the story in its entirety, it’s best not to give away too much. As a rule of thumb, refrain from discussing anything that transpires after the halfway point. Let your audience uncover what happens next on their own!

Assess the merits of the book

Having given a brief overview of the essence of this book, it’s now time to discuss its more subjective aspects. What do you feel is worth mentioning about the book? When appraising any nonfiction work, certain elements such as research quality and accuracy are worth considering carefully.

Similarly, other areas like readability and pacing should also be addressed when evaluating a volume for prospective readers.

When reading a novel, here are several elements you can analyze and interpret:

• How intricate are the characters? What level of depth has been portrayed in the protagonist, villain, and love interest roles?
• Does the plot contain unexpected twists, unique plots, and engaging stories? Are there any subverted tropes that add to its intrigue? And are there any glaring plot holes that detract from it?
• Does the story’s world captivate and draw readers in? Is it different from other stories, with its own original ideas and concepts?
• What queries does this narrative explore? How do the answers to those questions help us make sense of the story’s message?
• Is the writing lyrical or plain? Does it have a comedic tone or more of a serious one? Is the language dense and complex, or easier for readers to digest?

Add quotes from the book

When utilizing quotes from the book to back up your points, make sure you select ones that truly exemplify what it is you’re trying to convey. For example, if you state the novel has lyrical prose throughout its entirety, be certain to include a passage of such imaginative writing so your readers can get an accurate understanding of how beautiful and vivid the words are in this particular work!

Share your opinion about the book

Goodreads and other book review platforms make it easy to rate the books you’ve read, from one star up to five stars.

Share your endorsement

As you conclude your book review, make sure to determine whether or not this text should be recommended. After all, that’s the primary objective of a book critique – to persuade readers either to read it or avoid it entirely.

Conclusion

With these five steps, you are now better equipped to craft captivating book reviews. Remember that your opinion matters and the more thought-provoking your analysis is, the more likely it is that readers will have their own unique takeaways from a book. So don’t be afraid to offer up your own insights – after all, that makes book reviews so rewarding!

The post Follow These 5 Steps to Write a Captivating Book Review! appeared first on Just Read A Book.

Let your passion ignite the spark of an idea that you love!

Writing a book requires the most important factor of all: An idea! Without one, you won’t even make it to the first draft. Maybe you already know what your story will entail, or maybe you do not – either way, there are some straightforward queries that can help settle on an overarching concept for your book:

• What story am I eager to tell?
• What topics should I prioritize when writing?
• Who can benefit from reading this narrative?
• Will I have the capacity to execute this concept productively?

Through these inquiries, you’ll be able to whittle down your options and come away with the very best one. When you’ve plenty of ideas for a book but find yourself particularly passionate about one and confident that it’s achievable – there lies your premise!

Contrarily, if you are feeling bereft of ideas, let this array of questions guide you in the right direction. Consider books that have had an impressive impact on your life; perhaps they will inspire what kind of book you should write next. Chances are that it may resemble something similar to those stories which resonate so much with readers like yourself.

Enhance your writing by studying books written by accomplished authors.

After you’ve identified your big idea, the next move is to investigate your genre. If you are creating a book that appeals to what thrills you as a reader, then you already have an advantage! Reading books in the same category will teach you how to write within that style most efficiently.

Nonetheless, if not, choose two renowned titles and analyze them closely. How long are they? How many chapters do they contain? What does their story structure look like? And more importantly – can one create something similar with its key elements intact? Examining these details thoroughly will help answer all of these questions and provide invaluable insight for crafting a successful book in any given genre.

Outline your story.

If you aspire to craft a captivating story, it is paramount that you first produce an outline. This is especially crucial if this will be your initial book since having a reliable plan helps when writer’s block strikes! Rest assured, at some point in the writing process, it will happen.

Crafting the perfect outline for your book can seem like a daunting task, but we have some tips to make it easier. Here are the key elements you should keep in mind when creating an outline:

• Select a format that resonates with you. Mind maps, chapter-and-scene outlines, character profiles, and more – the options are endless! If one approach doesn’t seem to fit your writing style or process, don’t be afraid to explore different methods; whichever strategy works best for you is the right choice. With any type of planning comes great power: never underestimate its importance in achieving success!
• Every great story needs a beginning, middle, and end. Many authors have an idea of where they want to start their story but rarely plan out what comes next or how it will all come together in the climax. To avoid this pitfall, take time to clearly define each section and ensure that your ending feels “earned” by setting up its narrative structure from the outset!
• When crafting your story, consider the points of contention. Conflict is an integral part of storytelling—it intrigues readers and stirs up emotion that reflects both the central themes and messages you are trying to convey with your book. You don’t have to know exactly how it will manifest throughout, but it’s important to possess a decent understanding of its role in unifying your narrative.
• Get to know your characters intimately. With the help of an outline, you can begin fleshing out their personalities and motivations. How will they interact with each other? What values do they possess that drive them forward in your story? Character development is essential for a captivating plot, so use this opportunity to bring three-dimensional people onto the page!

Plan the first sentence of a book.

Now let’s get down to business and make some progress with your first draft. One of the most vital aspects of writing a book is starting out strong! It sounds extreme, but it truly cannot be overstated that your initial pages will define whether readers keep going or not — if these chapters do not captivate them enough, many readers may never bother coming back for more.

Compose your chaotic first draft!

Let us challenge the assumption that dazzling style is what makes a compelling book. Admittedly, an elegant writing style is great – so long as it doesn’t become overly ornate – but far more important when constructing your book are its plot points, characters, conflicts, and themes. These will be much more influential in determining whether readers find your work appealing than any dramatic syntax or use of figurative language could ever be!

Review a book for any necessary edits.

Investing in feedback is imperative when writing a book—the more, the better. Day and night, write to your heart’s content but be sure to reach out for advice from others early on; otherwise, you may feel dejected if no one else likes the result of your labors.

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A literature review has four main objectives:

• It surveys the literature in your chosen area of study
• It synthesises the information in that literature into a summary
• It critically analyses the information gathered by identifying gaps in current knowledge; by showing limitations of theories and points of view; and by formulating areas for further research and reviewing areas of controversy
• It presents the literature in an organised way

A literature review shows your readers that you have an in-depth grasp of your subject; and that you understand where your own research fits into and adds to an existing body of agreed knowledge.

Here’s another way of describing those four main tasks. A literature review:

• demonstrates a familiarity with a body of knowledge and establishes the credibility of your work;
• summarises prior research and says how your project is linked to it;
• integrates and summarises what is known about a subject;
• demonstrates that you have learnt from others and that your research is a starting point for new ideas.

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Old English Period (450 – 1066)

The Old English Period or The Anglo – Saxon period, extended from the invasion of Celtic England by Germanic tribes (The Angles – Saxon and Jutes) in the first half of the fifth century to the conquest of England in 1066 by the Norman French the leadership of William the conqueror. The Anglo Saxon were then conqueror. The Angle Saxon were then converted to Christianity in the 7^th century.

English literature started with songs and stories of those three tribes. Its subjects were the sea, the boats, battels, adventures, and the love of home. Their poetry reflected their profound emotion and bravery. Accent, alliteration, and sudden break of each line gave their poetry a kind of Martial rhythm. The main characteristics of Old English literature are the love of freedom, responsiveness to the nature, strong religious convictions, belief on fate, respect to womanhood and devotion to glory as the rolling motive in every warrior’s life. Beowulf was the first great heroic folk epic of unknown author.

Middle English Period. (1066 – 1500)

The fourteen century is important for the growth of the English national spirit during the wars with France. Geoffrey Chaucer, father of English poetry, is famous for his poetry and its variety. A good deal old Middle English prose is religious.

Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales consists of the of 17 000 lines. A group of pilgrims tell stories to pass the time on their journey from London to Canterbury. The characters are realistic and language is simple. Mystery plays, Miracle plays, and Morality plays prepared foundation for Elizabethan drama.

Effect

• An illiterate population is able to hear and see the literature.

Content

• Religious devotion.
• Romance
• Chivalric code of honor.

Renaissance Age (1500 – 1660)

 The Renaissance Age is divided into four dominant period which are:

• 1558 – 1603: Elizabethan Age
• 1603 – 1625: Jacobean Age
• 1625 – 1649: Caroline Age
• 1649 – 1660: Common Wealth Period or Puritan Interregnum

An era that marked by supplementary term such as rebirth and revival was replaced by a description called early modernism.

Elizabethan Age  

Queen Elizabethan ruled England from 1558 to 1603 and she steadily loved England and inspiring all her people with her unbounded patriotism which exults Shakespeare and Spencer. Queen Elizabethan was the source of inspiration for all writers of the age. During the Elizabethan age drama made a wonderful leap into maturity. The drama reached the splendid perfection in the hand of Marlowe, Shakespeare and Ben Johnson. Therefore, we call it The Golden Age of Drama. English prose in the hands of Francis Bacon started polished and effective essay. He also called the father of English essays.

Major writers of this age 

1. Christopher Marlowe (1564 – 1593)

Marlowe is a revolutionary figure in English drama. He was born in shoe maker’s family. He obtained his degree in 1593. His works are “The Tamburlaine”, “Dr Faustus”, “Jew of Malta”, “Edward II”. Marlowe has some defect such as lack of unity in plot construction, use of over luxuriance of imagination and difficult words and violent language. He ignored minor characters in his tragedies.

2.William Shakespeare (1564 – 1616)

Shakespeare is the greatest dramatist and poet in English literature. He wrote 37 long dramas and 154 immortal sonnets. His remarkable dramas are The Comedies of Error, Love’s Laboure’s Lost, King John, Richard II, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, Hamlet, Othello etc.

Shakespeare was born and raised in Stratford -upon- Avon. At the age of 18, he married Anne Hethaway, with whom he had three children.

Plays written by William Shakespeare.

Comedies.

• All well that Ends well.
• The comedy of errors.
• Love’s Laboure’s Lost.
• The Tempest.
• The Marchant of Venice.
• The Winter’s Tale.

Histories.

• King John.
• Richard II
• Richard III
• Henry part I – iv

Tragedies.

• Romeo and Juliet.
• Macbeth
• Hamlet
• Othello
• King Lear
• Julius Caesar.

3. Ben Johnson (1573 – 1637)

His father had died before he was born. His mother married a tradesman who cared of his stepson. After he finished his studies, he joined in army. His main works are Every man in his humor, The Alchemist, The silent woman, etc. His plot construction is weak and comedies of humors lack true humors. He did over correction in his dramas.

The age has the following characteristics.

• Great interest in travel, exploration and commerce.
• New form of sonnet was introduced.
• Nationalistic and pathetic feeling.
• Great poetic output and golden age of drama.
• Poetry of freshness, youthful, and romantic feeling.
• New classical influence.
• Essay writing was remarkable and it was established as a genre by Bacon.

  Neo – Classical Age (1660 – 1785) 

The writers of this age broke the trends of the Elizabethan age and started new style of writing. Elizabethan writers were highly imaginative and spontaneous but the neo – classical or the writers of neo – classical age became highly intellectual and reason based. The writer of that age practiced logical, argumentative writing style. Neo – Classical writing is full of intellectual rather than emotion.

The Neo – Classical Age is divided into three main periods which are given below.

1. 1660 – 1700: The Restoration
2. 1700 – 1745: The Augustan Age (Age of pope)
3. 1745 – 1785: The age of sensibility or Age of Johnson.

Major writers of the Neo – Classical Age.

1. John Dryden (1631 – 1700)

He is the representative figure of the Neo – Classical age. Dryden was the greatest poet, supreme satirist of the Neo – Classical Age. He is successful in his heroic tragedies. He cultivated the blank verse tragedies. His major works are All for love, The essay on Dramatic poesy, Alexander’s Feast etc.

2. William Congreve (1670 – 1729)

William Congreve is the supreme master of the comedy of manners. He wrote all his dramas before he was thirty. The Old Bachelor, The Double Dealer, Love for Love are his major works. he is a greatest comedy writer in this period.

3. John Bunyan (1628 – 1688)

Bunyan wrote above sixty books. He was a religious man with great respect to the Bible. His books include The Pilgrim’s Progress, Grace Abounding, Holy war etc. He wrote realistic novel in simple and vivid language depicting the picture of lower-class people.

This age has the following characteristics.

• Emphasis was laid a correctness.
• The restoration of drama.
• Imitation of classical way of writing.
• Objectivity, detachment on the part of the writer.
• Appeal to the intellect rather than as in satire.
• Age of prose.
• Description of the urban civilization and the higher or aristocratic or rich class.

The Romantic Period (1785 – 1832)

Romanticism is the revolt against pseudo – classicism/ Augustan age. The publication of “The Lyrical Ballads (1798), was the heralder of Romanticism. The Augustan age was highly intellectual, rational, artificial style, no place for nature and feelings, dealt with the artificial life of upper class etc. So, romanticism revolted against it.

Return to nature played very important role in changing people to love nature, rejecting nasty crowd of the town The Medieval revival is a notable trend of this age. Romantic poetry is spontaneous overflow of powerful passions. Love of supernatural, this is a wonder mystery and beauty of the universe and nature. Romanticism is an important literary movement which began in Western Europe during 17^th century and went on till the second half of 18^th century.

Major writers of this age.

1. William wordsworth (1770 – 1856)

His mother died when he was seven. He a natural poet. For him, nature is everything. He treats nature as friends, a lover, a teacher. In his mind nothing is ugly. He is famous for his sonnets and lyrical Ballads etc. His works are The Prelude, The Excursion, etc.

2. Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772 – 1834)

He is a poet, critic and philosopher of romanticism. Coleridge is called the high priest of romanticism for his three great poems – The Ancient Mariner, Kublakhan, Christabel. His poetry is fragmentary. He makes the supernatural look natural.

3. P.B Shelly (1792 – 1822)

P.B shelly struggled against the human misery. He is an optimist and a reformer regarding the future of mankind. He married twice. He died when he was sailing a small boat. Shelly is one of the best lyrical in English literature. His works are The Odes, to west wind etc.

The general features of the age are given below

• Worshipping and love of nature.
• Subjective and spontaneous literature.
• Woman novelists emerged.
• The poetry of the age adored nature.
• Rationality, nationalism, love of supernatural etc.

The Victorian Age (1832 – 1901) 

Queen Victoria ruled England from 1837 to 1901. The Victorian was an era of material affluence. Political consciousness, industrial and mechanical progress, scientific advancement, educational expansion, empire building and religious tolerance. The Victorian age was a period of peace and prosperity. Education was highly developed in this time. Charles Darwin’s Origin of Species changed the traditional concept. W.J Long says that this is the age of prose and novel. The novel in this age fills place, which the drama held in the days of Elizabeth. Immoral novels were written and published in this age. Victorian literature is the writing of realism rather than romance, not the realism of Zola and Ibsen but deeper realism, which strives to tell the whole truth. Widespread materialism saddened many writers of this age. The Victorian compromise between the rich and the poor was strengthened. After Lord Tennyson and Beatrice Webb tried to have compromise between science and religion. Victorian novelists maintained a compromise between realism and romanticism.

Major writers of the Victorian Period.

1. Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809 – 1892)

Tennyson was a representative writer of the Victorian Age. He was great lyricist. He made a minor observation in nature. His main works are, Poem by Two Brothers, The princess, Idle Tears, The Cup etc.

2. Robert Browning (1812 – 1889)

He was born in a middle-class family. His father was a bank clerk mother was a sensitive musical woman. His works are Soul, Man and Woman, The Ring and Book etc.

3. Elizabeth Barret Browning (1806 – 1861)

E.B Browning wrote good poems in spite of her poor health. She married Robert Browning without her parent’s consent. Her major books are The Cry of the Children, Poem Before Congress etc.

The general features of this age.

• Great influent of science and scientific method.
• The age can be called as the age of idealism.
• There was compromise between royal power democracy.
• Beginning of realism as literature came very close to daily life.
• This is the age of novel and continuation of romanticism.
• Literature reflected love, truth, justice, brotherhood etc.
• Reflection of female problem in literature came very close to daily life.

The Modern Age (1914 – 1945)

The Modern Age started after the first world war. All the trends of social, economic, political, cultural and literary word of the Victorian Age were discarded and new trends were introduced in the arena of writing. Literature of the Modern Age is governed by realism. It brought about commercialization of art, literature music. Rapid discoveries of science and technology have developed the field of trade and business. Enormous output of books was another feature of this age. Foreign influence is very strong. The Modern Age is fertile for equal development of all genres. Science fiction is imaginative narrative based on the scientific development frank expression of sex matter in literature can be found. The modern writers do not hesitate to express sex desire, experience and its effect.

The main features of this period are

• Open form and free verse.
• Break down of social norms and cultural sureties
• Equal development of all genres.
• Violation and breaking the established pattern and rules.
• Reflection of complexity and new technique
• Make it New is the modernist slogan.
• The life style of urban which remained same for countries changed in this period.

Main writers of the Modern Age.

1. Rudyard Kipling (1865 – 1936)

Rudyard Kipling was born in India when the power and influence of Britain was very strong all over the world. His books indirectly served British Empire in India. His works are Mother on Mine, The feet of the young man etc. He was the laureate of the animal world. He was an imperialist at heart.

2. George Bernard Shaw (1856 – 1950)

George Bernard Shaw is the great dramatist of the modern age and second after Shakespeare. He was born in Ireland but lived a long time in England. He tried writing all genres but got a great success in drama and essay. His main books include Widower’s House, Arms and the Man, The Apple Cart. Etc.

3.DH Lawrence (1855 – 1939)

DH Lawrence made traditional form of novel wider and deeper. Lawrence is the novelist of sex and primitive instinct and critic of modern civilization. He is the novelist of unconscious life.

The Post-Modern Age (1945 – present time)

The Post-Modern Age started after the Second World War, overthrew traditional values of the world. The war introduced a number of changes that are reflected in the writing of this age. This age is basically influenced by German philosopher of Nihilism. Nihilism refers to radical and extreme attitude, which denies all traditional moral and social values. It is also influence by Sigmund Freud and the principle of Karl Marx. The reaction is seen in style of writing through the use of such device and concept. Post-Modern generally refers to the criticism of absolute truth or identities and grant narratives. It is an emerging period. Stream of consciousness techniques is used to disclose the continuity flow of mental events of the characters. Modern man has a sense of alienation even in a crowd because of the people lack faith and honesty.

Some prominent writers of the Post-Modern age

• Betrend Russell: “The Principles of Mathematics”
• Robert Graves: He is the war poet of the Second World War.
• Harold Pinter: “The Dumb Waiter”
• Philip Larkin: “A girl in winter”
• S Eliot: “The Waste Land”
• H Auden: “The Orator”

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We encourage you to find a book that interests you and carve out a few minutes every day to read at least a few pages. You’ll be amazed at the difference it will make in your journey toward success!

1. How To Win Friends and Influence People

First published in 1937, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie was an overnight success with staying power. Today, this book is regarded as one of the all-time best for its lessons on dealing with people.

The chapter titles seem, at first, a little manipulative: “Six ways to make people like you,” “12 ways to win people to your way of thinking.” But the reality of Carnegie’s teachings is that none will work if the intent is manipulation. The word “genuine” appears repeatedly throughout the book. Only with authenticity and honesty will Carnegie’s methods work consistently.

How to Win Friends and Influence People is packed with anecdotes from historical leaders and lessons learned or taught by some of history’s greatest businessmen, making the read as interesting as it is enlightening. And the methods–calling a person by his or her name or looking at the situation from the other’s point of view–work in business and in personal life with family and friends.

Carnegie’s book is a classic. Though he credits many people for inspiring his ideas, his methods are the foundation for many of today’s personal-development and business-management books.

2. The Richest Man in Babylon

Too often, life doesn’t turn out as expected. And money, or the lack of money, plays a large role in people’s ability to handle life’s ups and downs. Perhaps that’s why, in the 1920s, banks and insurance companies decided to distribute short parables written to educate people on important financial principles. The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason began in 1926 as a series of pamphlets, the most famous ones later compiled into one of the best-loved money guides of all time.

The book begins with two men realizing that, while they lived a meager existence, one of their childhood friends had become known as the wealthiest man in Babylon. Despite growing up in similar circumstances, their friend seemed to have created a life of gold while they barely scratched out a living.

The situation is all too familiar even today. And like the men who’d come to the realization that they’d failed to think beyond the day at hand, readers have the opportunity to sit at the feet of the richest man in Babylon and learn how to build wealth. They learn how to plan for the future, make wise investments and how to view money as a tool rather than a measure of success.

With time-tested principles and an engaging format, The Richest Man in Babylon is an excellent introduction to finance, and a classic.

3. Think and Grow Rich

Napoleon Hill, inspired by business legend Andrew Carnegie, spent 20 years of his life studying the lives of some of history’s most successful people. The culmination of his research was the in-depth series, The Laws of Success. In 1937, Hill published another book, Think and Grow Rich, founded on the same philosophies of success. This book condensed the wealth of knowledge he’s accumulated into 13 principles for successful living.

Shorter and perhaps easier to get through than its multivolume predecessor, Think and Grow Rich is as applicable today as it was when it was first released. The title’s principles are founded on Hill’s belief in the power of the mind, and his famous quotes, such as, “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve,” have changed the way millions of people view their lives. When read in its entirety and its principles put into action, Think and Grow Rich not only helps people change their views on life, but also the way they behave and, ultimately, their reality.

More than 30 million copies of Think and Grow Rich have been bought by business students, entrepreneurs and goal-setters around the world. When it was re-released in 2004, it rocketed once again to the top, holding a place on BusinessWeek‘s Best Seller list for paperback business books for more than 20 months.

Think and Grow Rich is a timeless classic that should be read by everyone interested in improving their lives and reaching their goals.

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Anna Karenina

Any fan of stories that involve juicy subjects like adultery, gambling, marriage plots, and, well, Russian feudalism, would instantly place Anna Karenina at the peak of their “greatest novels” list. And that’s exactly the ranking that publications like Time magazine have given the novel since it was published in its entirety in 1878. Written by Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy, the eight-part towering work of fiction tells the story of two major characters: a tragic, disenchanted housewife, the titular Anna, who runs off with her young lover, and a lovestruck landowner named Konstantin Levin, who struggles in faith and philosophy. Tolstoy molds together thoughtful discussions on love, pain, and family in Russian society with a sizable cast of characters regarded for their realistic humanity. The novel was especially revolutionary in its treatment of women, depicting prejudices and social hardships of the time with vivid emotion.

To Kill a Mockingbird

Harper Lee, believed to be one of the most influential authors to have ever existed, famously published only a single novel (up until its controversial sequel was published in 2015 just before her death). Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird was published in 1960 and became an immediate classic of literature. The novel examines racism in the American South through the innocent wide eyes of a clever young girl named Jean Louise (“Scout”) Finch. Its iconic characters, most notably the sympathetic and just lawyer and father Atticus Finch, served as role models and changed perspectives in the United States at a time when tensions regarding race were high. To Kill a Mockingbird earned the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1961 and was made into an Academy Award-winning film in 1962, giving the story and its characters further life and influence over the American social sphere.

The Great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is distinguished as one of the greatest texts for introducing students to the art of reading literature critically (which means you may have read it in school). The novel is told from the perspective of a young man named Nick Carraway who has recently moved to New York City and is befriended by his eccentric nouveau riche neighbor with mysterious origins, Jay Gatsby. The Great Gatsby provides an insider’s look into the Jazz Age of the 1920s in United States history while at the same time critiquing the idea of the “American Dream.” Perhaps the most-famous aspect of the novel is its cover art—a piercing face projected onto a dark blue night sky and lights from a cityscape—an image that is also found, in a slightly different configuration, within the text itself as a key symbol.

One Hundred Years of Solitude

The late Colombian author Gabriel García Márquez published his most-famous work, One Hundred Years of Solitude, in 1967. The novel tells the story of seven generations of the Buendía family and follows the establishment of their town Macondo until its destruction along with the last of the family’s descendents. In fantastical form, the novel explores the genre of magic realism by emphasizing the extraordinary nature of commonplace things while mystical things are shown to be common. Márquez highlights the prevalence and power of myth and folktale in relating history and Latin American culture. The novel won many awards for Márquez, leading the way to his eventual honor of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1982 for his entire body of work, of which One Hundred Years of Solitude is often lauded as his most triumphant.

A Passage to India

E.M. Forster wrote his novel A Passage to India after multiple trips to the country throughout his early life. The book was published in 1924 and follows a Muslim Indian doctor named Aziz and his relationships with an English professor, Cyril Fielding, and a visiting English schoolteacher named Adela Quested. When Adela believes that Aziz has assaulted her while on a trip to the Marabar caves near the fictional city of Chandrapore, where the story is set, tensions between the Indian community and the colonial British community rise. The possibility of friendship and connection between English and Indian people, despite their cultural differences and imperial tensions, is explored in the conflict. The novel’s colorful descriptions of nature, the landscape of India, and the figurative power that they are given within the text solidifies it as a great work of fiction.

Invisible Man

Often confused with H.G. Wells’s science-fiction novella of nearly the same name (just subtract a “The”), Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man is a groundbreaking novel in the expression of identity for the African American male. The narrator of the novel, a man who is never named but believes he is “invisible” to others socially, tells the story of his move from the South to college and then to New York City. In each location he faces extreme adversity and discrimination, falling into and out of work, relationships, and questionable social movements in a wayward and ethereal mindset. The novel is renowned for its surreal and experimental style of writing that explores the symbolism surrounding African American identity and culture. Invisible Man won the U.S. National Book Award for Fiction in 1953.

Don Quixote

Miguel de Cervantes’s Don Quixote, perhaps the most influential and well-known work of Spanish literature, was first published in full in 1615. The novel, which is very regularly regarded as one of the best literary works of all time, tells the story of a man who takes the name “Don Quixote de la Mancha” and sets off in a fit of obsession over romantic novels about chivalry to revive the custom and become a hero himself. The character of Don Quixote has become an idol and somewhat of an archetypal character, influencing many major works of art, music, and literature since the novel’s publication. The text has been so influential that a word, quixotic, based on the Don Quixote character, was created to describe someone who is, “foolishly impractical especially in the pursuit of ideals; especially: marked by rash lofty romantic ideas or extravagantly chivalrous action.”

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