Mahtab’s Bookshelf

Here in the “Pick for the Week” series, I’ll help you pick your ‘to-becoming’ favourite books, fiction as well as non-fiction, ranging from all genres and all ages, through a weekly series of mini completely spoiler-proof reviews.

Pick for the Week #1- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald’s masterpiece released in 1924 and an American classic, has given way to three major Hollywood adaptations, the latest being the Leonardo Dicaprio starrer “The Great Gatsby” in 2013.

(The plot is probably well known already, but for the sake) The novel follows the quest of its central character Jay Gatsby’s wistful yearnings for his lost love, Daisy, who is now married to Tom Buchanan. Narrated through the character Nick Carraway, as he himself unravels his mysterious neighbour Mr Gatsby, an exceptionally idealistic person who, for his passion for Daisy, is determined to repeat the past, to change what’s done.

The book is more than just a love story and deals with the perplexities of human nature. Other than the plot, it is often the floral adjectives and the use of symbolism that makes the novel so strong. Where Gatsby’s confidence is sure to hook you till the end, the abstruse nature of Daisy will hold you captive to beyond.

Pick For The Week #2- To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

In a recent nationwide survey in America, PBS’ The Great American Read survey, the title was chosen as America’s best loved novel. Released in 1960, this Harper Lee’s masterpiece was an immediate success, taking away the Pulitzer prize next year.

To Kill A Mockingbird is often described as a “coming of age” story, in that it follows the story of two siblings Scout and Jem Finch growing away from their age of innocence towards understanding the harsh realities of the world. The first half of the book is totally nostalgic, one cannot help but get lost in the fantasy plays of the kids, while through the narration of innocent Scout, the author also builds context for what is to follow in the latter half. The second half is the author’s take on the country’s century long racism, of a time when the blacks disproportionately filled the American jails, and where mere accusations were enough to put a black person behind bars.

Among the piles of literature pieces, the book stands out with its simplicity, the words used are simple and there are no floral adjectives, giving it a very natural flow. And as one finishes this masterpiece, their appetite (for reading) would feel satisfied than ever and yet more hungry.

Pick for the Week #3 – Diary of a Wimpy Kid (graphic novel series) by Jeff Kinney

An annual series of 13 (so far) graphic novels by cartoonist Jeff Kinney, was first released online in the year 2004. These novels stand away from the traditional notion of “novels”, or even for the sake “graphic novels”, and reading these feel more similar to comic reading. Of the 13, four books have been adapted into a film series under the same title.

 First of all, let us get something straight, it’s a JOURNAL and not a diary, and Greg had SPECIFICALLY told his mom to buy one that didn’t say “diary” on it.

Meant for kids, I as a nineteen year old sophomore thoroughly enjoyed it as well, and I am pretty sure you won’t be an exception. The novel in cartoons (as it says on cover) is a journal (and not a diary xD) of a feeble middle school kid, Greg Heffley, who records in it all the misadventures in his life. Greg’s misadventures are both, relatable and hilarious, and the series is a good throwback for adults. Also reading a book won’t take more than three hours, and is better when read in one-go, perfect to turn a boring Sunday hilarious.

Pick for the Week #4 – The Godfather by Mario Puzo

Released in 1969, the novel has made a legacy in the crime fiction genre, it quickly made its way to the screen through the infamous, cinematically acclaimed trilogy under the same title (except the last part). Bollywood film Sarkar (2005) finds its inspiration from the first of the trilogy films.

So there are five Italian-American mafia families ruling and controlling the criminal activities of their respective territories in the city of New York. Of the five families is our sicilian mafia family headed by Don Vito Corleone, a humble but ruthless man. The story is set when the code of honour among the gangs is betrayed by a mobster, Sollozzo, a failed assassination attempt in which our Godfather Don Vito is shot, which leads to a series of war and violence among the families. The story, later on, is about Godfather Vito’s younger son Michael, who shies away from family business at first, but is pushed into it in awake of the disturbances. The character transformation in Michael is a lively experience to read.

The novel is a pretty thick one, but all reasonable and worth. Detailed character sketching brings them out alive, and its high texture allows the readers to live through the violence.

And remember to always address the godfather as Godfather Don Corleone!

Mahtab Alam