01.11.2019
Works that make you think about serious issues. Russian writers about the meaning of life. Robert Kiyosaki "Rich Dad Poor Dad"
The word is truly a powerful weapon, especially when it is in the hands of a talented master. We have collected 35 books for you, the power and piercing depth of which can work real miracles and can radically change your thoughts and views. Do not miss the invaluable lesson of morality that is embedded in each one, because perhaps it is her advice that you are missing so much right now!
1. “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” by Jean-Dominique Bauby
This harrowing memoir, written by Jean-Dominique Bauby, chronicles the life of a narcissistic editor who finds himself hospitalized after suffering a sudden stroke. He is paralyzed and has no way to communicate with others.Bobi's book helps us understand and truly feel how important other people are in our lives, and how precious every moment we live is. This is one of the most touching stories that will not leave anyone indifferent!
2. “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” by Robert Maynard Persig
Do you feel like you are missing some kind of motivating stimulus in your life? Read this wonderful philosophical novel and Robert Persig will help you understand how important it is to pay as much attention as possible to what you do and care about what you want to achieve. In other words, if you need your motorcycle fixed, then do just that! Don't do something else at the same time. Take at least small but confident steps towards what you need to achieve, and then you will have every right to be proud of yourself!
3. “In Cold Blood” Capote Truman
The novel is based on real events. The plot centers on the murder of the Clutter family, which happened in 1959. The author tries to analyze why the killers Perry and Dick did this serious crime? Truman Capote allows the reader to draw their own conclusions about the criminal system, justice, and the nature of violent crime.4. The Curious Night-Time Murder of a Dog by Mark Haddon
This book is special because it tells the story from a different perspective. ordinary person, and people like him don't often write books. Our narrator is a 15-year-old boy named Christopher John Francis Boone, and he is a brilliant mathematician who unfortunately suffers from behavioral disorders. (Some say it's Asperger's syndrome, others say it's autism, but the author himself believes it's not about any one specific disorder.) Christopher has a knack for numbers, but he doesn't get along with people at all. And then one day, when he discovers that a neighbor's dog has been killed, the boy starts an investigation that will change his life. In any case, about prejudices and biased opinions.
5. “The Middle Sex” by Jeffrey Eugenides
A stunning, subtle and sensual novel revolves around Calliope Stefanides, who slowly and with great suffering begins to realize that she is, in fact, him. This book is great for anyone interested in gender issues and will help you take a closer look at how family and biology shape our personalities. Probably it is!6. The Invisible Men by Chuck Palahniuk
An unusually disturbing novel by an American writer. The model loses the lower part of her face due to a rifle shot, and now she is forced to constantly hide it and, of course, cannot speak. A complex and twisted tragedy proves that nothing is ever what it seems. Now the heroine must take revenge on those for whom she is forced to remain invisible forever, and she writes her own story own blood.
7. “Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert
Gilbert's bestseller has gained worldwide fame thanks to the issues raised by the author that do not lose their relevance. What is the true meaning of life? How to survive dramatic changes and a breakup with a once loved one? The heroine of the book strives to cope with a painful divorce and goes on a journey. The first stage of healing is enjoying delicacies in Italy, the second is acquiring spiritual food in an Indian monastery, the third is traveling to Bali and being ready to open your heart to love again.8. "Cat's Cradle" by Kurt Vonnegut
Of all Vonnegut's works (which you may have read), this book will explore the most significant and serious social issues. The hero-narrator of the work wants to write a book about a possessed inventor atomic bomb, Dr. Felix Hoenikker. The reader is asked to answer the question: should there be any restrictions on the pursuit of knowledge? Cat's Cradle will make you think seriously about the power of guns. In addition, it touches on such a controversial and sensitive topic of science and religion.“Listen - once upon a time, two wives ago, two hundred and fifty thousand cigarettes ago, three thousand liters of alcohol ago... Then, when everyone was young... Listen - the world was spinning, the rich were languishing from stupidity and boredom, the poor had only one thing left - to be free and smart. The truth was more improbable than any fiction. The women were angry and beautiful, and the men were unhappy and full of stupid hopes. And life spun and spun, became more and more confused - like a wild, strange game called “Cat’s Cradle” ... "(c) Kurt Vonnegut.
9. “Hell, or the Joy of Passion” Vladimir Nabokov
Don't get me wrong, Nabokov's Lolita is an absolutely perfect novel. But “Ada, or the Joy of Passion” is much more complex and deeper. The romantic plot involving Van Veen and his cousin Ada explores the theme of the nature of time - the author seeks to show us how time can change everything and nothing.10. “One Hundred Years of Solitude” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
The wonderful creation of a great writer does not need advertising. Easily immersed in the world of Macondo, you forget that One Hundred Years of Solitude is not just a masterpiece of magical realism. It is a beautiful allegory of colonialism, the human condition and political struggles in Latin America. The repeating names of men of the Buendia family is a clever author’s device that creates a sense of the cyclical nature of life. Get a family tree of the Buendia family so that while reading you won’t get lost in the endless series of Arcadio and Aureliano.
11. “Beloved” by Toni Morrison
A stunningly disturbing novel about a mother's love, about a black woman who kills her daughter in order to save her from the horrors of the slave system. This work embodies a successful attempt to confront the problem of slavery decisively. And yet, despite all the tragedy, Toni Morrison's novel will fill you with hope.12. “It” Stephen King
Of course, if we have a Stephen King book in front of us, it will be really scary. The story of a group of children terrorized by a stranger, the very embodiment of hell, goes beyond the superficial horror. She explores the sensitive topic of childhood trauma and the power of memory, and also describes the unspoken ugliness that sometimes hides in the values of small town residents.
13. “The Giver” by Lois Lowry
In the dystopia “The Giver,” the author takes us to Jonas’s world, where there is no pain, no suffering, no war, no fear, and everything is under control. However, at the age of 12, the hero learns about the existence of pain, fear, passion and emotions that he had not experienced before. Ultimately, Lowry's novel has a wonderful way of reminding us that life is pain, but it is what makes our existence so beautiful. Every day we make choices that, of course, may be wrong, but each choice we make gives our lives purpose and defines our aspirations.14. World War Z by Max Brooks
Yes, believe it or not, a book about zombies can change your life. That's because it's not just about eating brains. Max Brooks's work points the reader to cultural differences, the intricacies of politics, the horrors of war and all kinds of conflicts that seem small and insignificant until the fate of humanity is threatened. The story of amazing zombies becomes a sensational revelation.
15. “A Brief History of Time: From the Big Bang to Black Holes” by Stephen Hawking
Since we are talking about the creation of a scientist, it may seem as if this is not the easiest work in the world to understand. However, you should not deny yourself reading this masterpiece. Hawking is a well-known popularizer of science and knows how to explain the most complex phenomena in accessible language. " Short story of Time" is full of incredible thoughts, and after the very first chapters you begin to comprehend the amazing characteristics of time. In the process of reading, you come closer to understanding the most complex laws of the Universe, which means that Hawking’s brilliant creation benefits our education and erudition.16. “The Fault in Our Stars” John Green
Warning: This book will make you cry a lot! Amazing characters, exciting plot and beautiful language This piece will inevitably inspire you to live joyfully and truly enjoy every moment. The global bestseller is one of those powerful ones.
17. “Sofia’s World” by Justijn Gorder
"Who are we?" and “Where did our world come from?” 14-year-old Sofia faced these two difficult questions. Thus begins the story of Western philosophy, wrapped in a fictional story in which a girl gradually discovers the world thanks to the letters of an unknown philosopher.The book presents incredibly deep thoughts, presented in an easy-to-understand form. Moreover, it sheds light on the importance of certain discoveries and achievements in our society.
18. “Crime and Punishment” Fyodor Dostoevsky
Dostoevsky's complex philosophical novel gives a surprisingly detailed description inner work human consciousness and the consequences of committing a crime. Observing Raskolnikov’s mental and mental torment, together with him we think about the purpose of man. “Am I a trembling creature, or do I have the right?” - this question, one way or another, was asked by everyone thinking person. The story of sacrifice, freedom, love and pride is still read in one breath.
19. “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron
The Artist's Way is more than just a book. It will be an invaluable contribution to self-development and will help you awaken your creative nature, if that is what you strive for, of course. Following the author's advice, you can immerse yourself in the bright and extraordinary world of creativity.20. Life of Pi Yann Martel
This is the story about little boy from India who ended up at sea in a lifeboat with a tiger. Some people may mistakenly think that this is about religion, but the main idea the books are really about the fact that you have to believe in at least something, be it God, the world, goodness, or even yourself. The author is trying to tell us that life is filled with millions of possibilities if you just let them happen.
Everyone knows that books develop a person and expand his horizons. But there are literary works, after reading which, people begin to think about the correctness of their lives. Such books are thought out for a long time and scrupulously. And it is precisely this kind of literature that is considered especially valuable, because it plays a significant role in the formation of a person’s personality. Therefore, a list of books was created that will really help everyone think about the meaning of their existence.
Books that make you think
1. Mindfulness
Today, most people forget about real relaxation. For many, peace of mind has long been an unfulfilled dream. People are always in a hurry to get somewhere, but there is still not enough time. As a result, the person quickly gets tired and no longer feels happy. This book will help its reader find inner harmony through meditation, which takes only 10-20 minutes a day. It should be noted that many who have already achieved success meditate daily. This makes them more focused, and with renewed vigor they set off to conquer new heights.
2. Niilang: the story of a boy who sold his fantasies dearly
The main character of the book was a boy who always differed from those around him with his unusual ideas. The book will be especially useful for those who already have children, but those who do not have them can also learn a lot of new things. It's never too late to nurture your personality. And yet, this book is not a guide to raising children. Have you ever been told that your ideas are not promising, that you won’t get rich from it? This work will help you overcome your inner barrier and start doing and earning money from what you really like.
3. 5. Where will you be in five years?
There are people who are simply used to living an ordinary life, and they are not at all concerned about their future. This book was written specifically for them. Each person controls his own destiny. Many people often blame their failures on some circumstances, but nothing in life can stop a purposeful person, so it is necessary to constantly act, constantly strive for something. And this is the only way to achieve success.
4. Zen consciousness, beginner's consciousness
It was this work that prompted the legendary Steve Jobs to become interested in Zen Buddhism. The book will be useful even for those who do not have the slightest idea about this philosophy. The book will teach you to see the world around you differently and inspire new ideas. Of course, any philosophy, one way or another, prompts people to think about the meaning of existence, but Zen Buddhism best suits modern reality.
5. The art of living simply
How often in modern reality the environment imposes on us certain needs that in fact are not necessary. A person constantly strives to get the newest and best, be it gadgets, clothes, accessories. But at the same time, a person forgets about something more important - moral values. In this book, a person plunges into the philosophy of Japan, and gets a unique opportunity to understand how much useless stuff really exists around us now.
6. Chapaev and Emptiness
This work will certainly make you think about the meaning of life for a long time. Everything that the plot describes is so disparate that the mind simply cannot believe it at first. But if you read the work slowly, thinking about every sentence written, then a new world will open up. The pages of this book will make everyone think about something, about something intimate.
7. Life without boundaries
Perhaps every person at least once in his life was dissatisfied with his appearance in some way. People tend to look for flaws. Many people turn such ideas into real complexes that prevent them not only from achieving their goals, but also from simply being happy. Overweight, birthmarks, baldness, or any other external, as it seems to people, shortcomings actually do not matter in life. In his book Nick Vujicic makes people think about the meaning of such experiences. The author is trying to convey the idea that every person can achieve happiness in life, and appearance does not play any role here.
8. To hell with everything! Take it and do it!
Any good book influences a person in some way. Richard Branson's next work was no exception. This book will awaken the thinking of any person, encourage him to start living happily, getting everything from life. The author himself managed to achieve a lot in life. He has own business, and all thanks to his unbridled optimism. Always and in everything you need to look for positive sides, and then nothing can push you away from the true path to your goals.
9. A Clockwork Orange
Power is to some extent detrimental to the people, especially when it comes to a totalitarian regime, when all human individuality is harshly suppressed. The main character of the book was a man who did not fit in at all. social framework, established by the government. The authorities did everything possible to make him an ideal citizen of the country, they broke his personality, suppressed his will, and knocked out his ideas. And no one ever even thought about what kind of consequences might arise as a result. IN modern world a different system of government operates, however, many parallels can be drawn with what happens in the book.
10. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Perhaps you have not yet seen the film based on the book, then you should definitely read this work. Even if you have already seen the film, you still need to read the book, because the film did not reflect even half of what the author wanted to convey. The thoughts and experiences of the main character seem so stupid at first glance, but as soon as the reader manages to understand them, it immediately becomes clear how deep the meaning they reflect. In any case, the book deserves to be read.
We've compiled a list of 25 insightful books about peace, society, politics, fiction, history, and human possibility that have stood the test of time.
Next time you're looking for a compelling read, check out this list.
"1984", George Orwell
George Orwell's dystopian novel, first published in 1949, has become a timeless classic of the dystopian genre.
In this book, the idea of the existence of "Big Brother" appears for the first time and totalitarian regime, which remains relevant today, as it was at the time the work was written.
Orwell presents readers with his vision of the world, captivating from beginning to end.
"Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley
In this powerful science fiction masterpiece, Huxley's "world controllers" create an ideal society.
Most people are content with a world based on genetic engineering, brainwashing and strict caste divisions. But there is always someone who longs to break free.
Huxley's captivating story takes readers through a frightening and thought-provoking fictional world imbued with the hallmarks of modern society.
Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus, Mary Shelley
This is a novel by an English writer about the scientist Victor Frankenstein, who achieves his goal and creates Living being from inanimate matter, but it turns out to be so terrifying that the doctor gets scared and runs out of the laboratory in disgust.
Tortured and isolated, the innocent creation will come to hate its creator. The plot then unfolds in the spirit of a gothic thriller that touches the hearts of readers and provokes reflection on the dangers of scientific research and human judgment.
"The Trial", Franz Kafka
Kafka wrote the novel “The Trial” from 1914 to 1915, but it was published only in 1925, after the writer’s death. This is a unique story about a bank employee, Josef K., who is arrested for an unknown reason and struggles to find out what he is accused of.
Kafka wanted to burn the novel, but the writer's friend Max Brod prepared the manuscript for publication, organizing the scattered chapters of the work after the author's death.
Neuromancer, William Gibson
The science fiction novel in the cyberpunk style Neuromancer became the first work in its genre to receive three prestigious awards - the Nebula (1984), the Hugo (1985) and the Philip K. Dick Prize.
This book contains the definition of the matrix, as well as the ideas of cyberspace, artificial intelligence, virtual reality and the worldwide computer network, which subsequently attracted the close attention of both writers and readers.
"The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien
The Things They Carried is a groundbreaking reflection and powerful narrative of war, memory and imagination.
Tim O'Brien uses many metaphors to weave an insightful exploration of the condition of men in war, based on his own experiences during Vietnam War from 1969 to 1970.
With his "semi-autobiographical" characters, O'Brien creates a style that blurs the boundaries between fiction and non-fiction.
Slaughterhouse-Five or the Children's Crusade by Kurt Vonnegut
Slaughterhouse-Five is one of the world's greatest anti-war books. This is the story of the bombing of Dresden, seen through the eyes of Billy Pilgrim, a man abducted by aliens.
The narrative is woven from different phases of the pilgrim's life, showing the heartbreaking events seen by the hero and based on the writer's own impressions, who, as an American prisoner of war, was in Dresden at the time of the Allied bombing.
Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury
Fahrenheit 451 is a frighteningly prophetic novel about a dystopian future where there are no books.
To the main character, Guy Montag, all this seems normal until he gains insight into the past and joins an underground group of misfits.
The book surprisingly draws readers into its fictional world with a gripping plot and compelling characters.
"A Conspiracy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole
The book's key character is Ignatius J. Reilly, a 30-year-old man living with his mother in New Orleans. This is a hero who has no analogues in world literature. He is an intellectual and an ideologist, a glutton and a quitter. Toole perfectly combined the comic nature of Reilly with deep melancholy.
"In Cold Blood" ("Ordinary Murder"), Truman Capote
"In Cold Blood - a novel based on real event, which occurred in 1959, when four members of the Clutter family were killed in the village of Holcomb, Kansas.
The motives for the crime and evidence were practically absent. Capote, having questioned local residents and investigators, collected a huge amount of information and wrote his story in the style of “new journalism.”
This work by Truman Capote deserves many positive reviews for its eloquence, high level of detail and layered storytelling.
Lord of the Flies, William Golding
William Golding's allegorical novel Lord of the Flies became a bestseller and was required reading at some colleges and universities in the 1960s. This is a story about a group of boys stranded on a desert island. When problems arise, the cruel traits of human nature immediately begin to appear.
This book has always been perceived ambiguously. In 2005, Time magazine included it among the 100 best novels written in English since 1923. Although the American Library Association included it in its list of the 100 most controversial books.
The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho
A story of self-discovery and an inspiring tale of an Andalusian shepherd who wants to find the world's treasures. But his desire leads him to wealth that he never imagined.
A motivational story filled with wisdom about how following your dreams can lead to the discovery of great miracles.
Tuesdays with Morrie, Mitch Albom
"Tuesdays with Morrie" - Touching story about Mitch Albom and his mentor Morrie Schwartz.
Many of us become separated from our mentors and their ideas slowly fade from our memory. But Mitch gets a second chance to meet his sociology professor, who has only months to live. And he starts visiting him every Tuesday.
This non-fiction book is one of the most read memoirs of all time. It was composed of basic life lessons that became the theme of weekly meetings.
"The Picture of Dorian Gray", Oscar Wilde
Wilde's philosophical novel originally appeared as a short story in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine in July 1890. Moreover, the editors, fearing an “inappropriate” reaction from readers, removed part of the text before publication.
In response, the writer revised, expanded and published his work as an intellectual novel in a decadent style.
This is a story about a man who sells his soul for eternal youth and beauty. The book provoked a scandal in society and sharp criticism, but never ceases to arouse public interest and has been filmed more than 30 times.
A Clockwork Orange, Anthony Burgess
A Clockwork Orange is a classic nightmare where the future is filled with criminals roaming the streets after dark. A frightening tale of good and evil and what it means to be free.
The novel's central character, Alex, was named the 10th greatest movie villain by the American Film Institute (AFI).
Stanley Kubrick's cult dystopian film of the same name, released in 1971, is based on this novel by Anthony Burgess.
"Think slow...decide fast" by Daniel Kahneman
Daniel Kahneman's decades of research in psychology led him to win the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2002 "for his application of psychological techniques to economic science."
He delved into the two systems that control our thinking: system #1 or fast and emotional thinking; system No. 2 or slow and logical thinking. Kahneman exposed the flaws and biases of some thought processes.
The book challenges readers by examining our abilities to control our reactions, judgments, and choices.
"The Name of the Rose", Umberto Eco
Umberto Eco's first novel quickly became an international sensation. The Name of the Rose has sold 50 million copies worldwide.
This and historical novel, and a detective story, and a philosophical and cultural reflection, where the action takes place in 1327. The plot centers on a character named William of Baskerville, who is investigating a murder. He uses Aristotle's logic, the theology of Thomas Aquinas, and the ideas of Roger Bacon to decipher secret symbols and manuscripts.
"The Stranger" (or "The Stranger"), Albert Camus
The Stranger explores what Camus called "the nakedness of man in the face of the absurd" through the story of a man accused of murder.
This story by Albert Camus takes first place in the list of “100 books of the century according to Le Monde”. The writer raises complex questions in it that resonate in existential philosophy; explores themes of alienation, fear, spiritual doubt and the qualities that underlie human character.
"Geniuses and Outsiders" ("Outliers"), Malcolm Gladwell
In the book “Geniuses and Outsiders: Why do some have everything and others have nothing?” Malcolm Gladwell explores the world of the brightest, most successful and famous people on the planet, and also answers the question of how they differ from others.
We pay too little attention to successful parenting. The author discovers certain patterns that explain the secrets of success of billionaires in the field software; reveals what it takes to become a great footballer; why Asian students excel in math; which allowed the Beatles to become the greatest rock band.
"Ender's Game" Orson Scott Card
In the militarized reality of Orson Scott Card's sci-fi universe, a group of children are being trained to special program, preparing to fight insect-like aliens. One of the future commanders, Andrew Wiggin, suffers from the isolation, competition, pressure and fear that exist in this community of young soldiers. But it is he who combines the qualities that allowed him to become the tactical genius of the group.
"Catch-22", (Catch-22), Joseph Heller
Joseph Heller's classic story of the loss of faith and sanity as bureaucratic power grows.
The key character, Captain Yossarian, serves in Italy in a bomber regiment during World War II. But him main enemy- not the Nazis, but the army in which he serves. The bombardier finds himself in a bind due to a Catch-22 that prevents him from leaving the service.
Catch-22 is ranked 11th on the BBC's 200 Best Books and 7th on the New Library's 100 Best Novels.
Animal Farm, George Orwell
“Animal Farm” is another book by George Orwell, which became a brilliant political satire on the theme of rotten ideals, class conflicts, the revolution of 1917 and subsequent events in Russia.
The farm animals rise up to overthrow human rule and take matters into their own hands, but over time they realize that things are not going as they expected.
This satirical story-parable is actually endowed with deep meaning.
“Einstein walks on the moon. The Science and Art of Memory by Joshua Foer
Einstein Walks on the Moon is the story of Joshua Foer's quest to improve his memory. His experiments continued for a year. The author addressed cutting-edge research, the history of memorization methods and mnemonics.
He studied the ancient methods used by medieval scientists to memorize entire books and other techniques to unlock the potential and greatly improve his memory.
This fascinating book will not only help improve your memory, but also remind you how much our memories affect us.
Watchmen (Sentinels), Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons (illustrator)
Many critics call Watchmen the greatest graphic novel in history. He received a number of awards, including a Hugo Award.
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"Mindfulness"
One of the thought-provoking books written by Danny Penman is called Mindfulness. This is a work dedicated to the mindful meditation on which the therapy is based, which the authors developed together with their colleagues from the University of Oxford. It is noteworthy that today the UK Ministry of Health recommends using this technique, since it can not only cure some illness, but also prevent depression. This is a book that makes you think about life and helps a person cope with the frantic pace of our modern life.
The book describes meditative practices that you need to devote no more than 20 minutes a day to get the desired result. Its authors claim that if you follow these recommendations, you will reduce your own stress levels, forget about irritability, and be able to develop Creative skills and memory, train physical and psychological endurance, reduce blood pressure and increase immunity and general state your health.
The authors suggest breaking the system, getting rid of obsessive and unnecessary habits, and conducting regular meditations, which can lead to a calm mind and success in life. This is the book that will make you think about how to make your life even better.
"Niilang: the story of a boy who sold his fantasies dearly"
This book, dedicated to a boy inventor, is primarily intended for parents. But the authors are confident that it is worth reading for those who do not yet have children. It will help in your own upbringing, this is a book that makes you think, break stereotypes determined by society, remembering your true desires.
The main character of the Niilang book series received amazing ability, which turns him into a superhero thanks to his incredible imagination.
Niilang comes up with incredible inventions and entire systems that can change our world and solve its most pressing problems. He is thinking about how to teach a person to play the piano in 1 second, how to clear all the air on Earth from dust and smog at once.
These are inventions that, although they look completely incredible, upon closer examination become quite real. The main thing is not to be limited in anything in your fantasies, this is exactly what this series teaches. To fantasize, going beyond stereotyped ideas about the world. In addition, this is a unique format, where each book is an incredible combination of text, illustrations and unusual photographs.
A book that makes you think about life, reconsider what you have already achieved and what you will strive for in the future, is called “Where will you be in 5 years?” It was written by Dan Zadra.
The author asks a reasonable question: what are you willing to spend the next 5 years on? After all, this is quite a long period human life. For example, it took Christopher Columbus 5 years to discover America, and Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel during the same time. It is important to never forget that your life is one and only, you cannot waste it.
This is a book that makes everyone think, analyze their dreams and desires, and pay more attention to their talents. Only then can you change your life and the world around you for the better.
Dan Zadra encourages you to live consciously, being inspired by every day you spend, appreciating every moment, because every next 5 years can become the best in this life or turn into just another five years. It depends solely on the person himself.
Zadra is both the editor-in-chief and founder of a publishing house that produces motivational and inspiring gift books. He himself wrote several collections of quotes, which are also among the top books that make you think.
"Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind"
Among the interesting and thought-provoking books is a study by Shunryu Suzuki called "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind." They say that after reading this particular work, the famous founder Apple Steve Jobs became a Buddhist. But this work will be useful even for those who are not at all interested in this topic.
This is a book that makes you think about the meaning of life, take a fresh look at the world around you, and learn to find new solutions and approaches.
Zen Buddhism, to which this work is dedicated, is a special philosophy that makes you think about your place in life like no other. Most believe that this is the most suitable philosophy for the modern world.
This book, which makes you think about the meaning of life, is available today entirely in Russian. In it you will find the basics of practical meditation and learn the features of Japanese Buddhism.
"Zen Consciousness, Beginner's Consciousness" are conversations between the famous Zen teacher Suzuki Shunryu and his American students. Shunryu is a representative of one of the branches of Japanese Buddhism, founded by the monk Dogen back in the 13th century.
This book will help you formulate the right attitude towards life, teach you to understand the world around you, which is incredibly complex, despite its apparent simplicity and ease. Those who do not want to devote themselves to Zen Buddhism will be able to find in these pages the true secret of existence on earth, a new joy of being.
"The art of living simply"
Dominique Loreau's book "The Art of Living Simply" tells how to get rid of unnecessary things and enrich your life. Its author claims that in the modern world, most of the desires that we have are not actually ours, but are only imposed fashion trends and advertising.
Nowadays, people are constantly on the hunt for fashionable gadgets and other things that they could actually do without. At the same time, he forgets about real values. After reading this book, the reader has a unique opportunity to plunge into the world of Japanese philosophy, to think about the real value of most of the things that surround us. “The Art of Living Simply” is on the list of books that make you think and change your attitude towards many things that surround us every day.
"Chapaev and Emptiness"
Among the good books that make you think, there are not only religious and philosophical studies and motivational publications, but also works of art. For example, a novel by a modern classic of Russian literature, Viktor Pelevin, called “Chapaev and Emptiness.”
This book will make you immerse yourself in thoughts about existence for a long time. Most of the events described in it are so contradictory that your consciousness will often simply refuse to believe in what is happening and adequately perceive what you read. This book needs to be read slowly and thoughtfully, only in this case is it possible to discover a lot the most interesting topics, which will be useful to reflect on.
And Emptiness" covers the time period from 1918 to the mid-90s. In the center of the story are two characters: the red commissar Vasily Chapaev and the decadent poet Peter Pustota. All this time they seem to be fighting on the fronts Civil War. The author himself subsequently admitted that connecting such incompatible heroes was one of his main tasks.
The novel also contains many minor lines and characters. There are many symbols in the work that hint at possible options development of the future of Russia. Which path she decides to take, Western or Eastern, will determine a lot in her fate.
In reality, it turns out that Peter the Void, as well as several other heroes, are undergoing rehabilitation in a psychiatric clinic using the method of Dr. Kanashnikov, which is based on a joint hallucinatory experience. Four patients, who are united by the goal of getting better, are placed in one ward, in which they take turns immersing themselves in each other’s reality.
"Life Without Borders"
Of course, one of the most was written by Nick Vujicic. It's called "Life Without Borders." Vujicic is an Australian motivational speaker and philanthropist who was born with tetra-amelia syndrome. This is an extremely rare hereditary disorder that results in the absence of all four limbs.
At the same time, he himself states that his mission is to help people find their way in life. This is why he wrote his book, as you understand, Vujicic himself did this a long time ago. As a child, he was very worried about his shortcomings, but over time he learned to live a full life with them. He began to share his experience with others and became famous throughout the world. He primarily addresses his speeches to young people and children, including those with disabilities, whom he encourages to more actively seek the meaning of life, to develop the abilities that are inherent in every person, and talks a lot about God, free will and the importance of providence.
In his book, Vujicic argues that people often limit themselves and lower their self-esteem, focusing on unimportant little things. For example, excess weight, baldness or imperfect facial features. This stops them on the path to true happiness. After reading “Life Without Borders”, you will understand what kind of book makes you think about yourself, forget about shortcomings, become happy, not paying attention to minor details.
"To hell with everything! Take it and do it!"
Another motivational work that can change the lives of many is the work of Richard Branson called “To hell with everything! Take it and do it!” This is a good book that makes you think.
This is a work that can kindle in any person the desire to live on full blast, can wake up many who seem to go through life with eyes closed, floating with the flow.
Branson himself - successful businessman and an optimist who is confident that positivity can be found in everything. And on the path to happiness and success, nothing should lead you astray.
One of the most famous thought-provoking books for teens is A Clockwork Orange, written in 1962. This work became especially popular after the American director Stanley Kubrick shot the film of the same name in 1971.
In this book, the author unequivocally states that violence against people is any kind of power, without exception. Overt suppression of everything individual that may be in each of us is totalitarianism. At the center of this story is a charismatic and memorable anti-hero, from whom the authorities are trying to make an ideal citizen, breaking his essence, without thinking about what such actions can actually lead to. If you try, you can find many analogies between the events described in the novel and modern life.
Surprisingly, in the same year, 1962, another book from our list was published. This is the American novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Like A Clockwork Orange, it also became incredibly popular after its film adaptation. The film of the same name was directed by Milos Forman in 1975. main role It was performed by Jack Nicholson, who received an Oscar for this work. By the way, the film has a total of 5 statuettes of this prestigious American film award, including a victory in the “Best Film” category.
It is considered to be one of the main works of beatniks and hippies around the world, a book that makes you think about love. It is all the more surprising that the action takes place in a psychiatric hospital. And the story itself is told by an Indian, whom everyone calls by the nickname Chief Bromden, he is one of the patients of the clinic. He pretends to be deaf and dumb, although in reality he is able to communicate.
One of the key characters in the novel is the freedom-loving patient Randle McMurphy, who is transferred to a psychiatric hospital from prison. He will have to defeat the older sister of the department, Mildred Ratched, who is the personification of the system, the state. Her personal life has not worked out, now she is strengthening her power and influence in every possible way, leading patients and staff.
McMurphy sets himself the task of crushing this long-established order. He influences other patients, teaches them to enjoy life around them, and helps them get rid of many complexes. Making a bet with other patients, he arranges a place in the hospital card games, is trying to get permission to watch baseball on TV. But overcoming the system in the person of older sister Mildred turns out to be not so easy, although even alone McMurphy is ready to fight and win.
If you suffer from insomnia, or you simply don’t know what to do in the evening before bed, then start reading! But be careful, because some books are so interesting that you won't even notice the morning comes!
Photo: goodfon.ru
So, a list of fascinating books that will interest both “avid readers” and novice “book lovers”:
“The One Who Has Come in Large Numbers”, Narine Abgaryan
This is a tragicomedy about a young and ambitious girl who, at the beginning of the difficult 90s, decided to leave her native small mountainous republic and conquer the capital. And she immediately realized that each visitor, whom the author calls “who came in large numbers,” has his own Moscow. Some people see it in the millions of people scurrying through the streets, while others get the opportunity to get close to such people. And some of them protect, protect, care, help, support and simply love. The author of the book talks about his small piece of that very “common” life of a newcomer, which many indigenous residents of big cities have no idea about. And there is room for heroic deeds, the most important of which is to decide to emigrate and accept a new place as it is, and to sincerely love it. And then Moscow will certainly reciprocate.
"The Collector" John Fowles
This is the author’s debut story, and for many it almost chills the blood, because this is a real psychological thriller that excites the mind. The plot is the destinies of two people connected with each other. He is a butterfly collector. There is an emptiness in his soul that he strives to fill with beauty. And one day Ferdinand finds himself a beautiful victim - the girl Miranda. It’s as if she was created to create and enjoy freedom. And he understands that he will give everything to have her. And so, Miranda becomes Ferdinand's prisoner. But can he keep it within the castle walls? real life, Beauty, Freedom and all the most beautiful things that can be in the human soul?
The story is built on the delicate relationship between the victim and the villain and allows you to rethink many of the stories of world classics that seemed to have long been worn out.
Forrest Gump, Winston Groom
This is the story of a mentally retarded guy, which he himself outlined on the pages of a now legendary book, which formed the basis of the film of the same name. The plot can be called practically the embodiment of the myth about that very “ American dream”, which disturbed the minds of millions of young people who lived in the second half of the last century. But at the same time, this is a sharp and even slightly cruel satirical parody of the society of that time, which was not ready to accept people who were somehow different from the mainstream. Forrest Gump was different and therefore became an object of ridicule. But this boy is not crazy at all. He is different, and he has access to what others cannot see and feel. He's special.
Amsterdam, Ian McEwan
The author of the book is one of the representatives of the “elite” of modern British prose. And for the work, which became a real world bestseller, he received the Booker Prize. Viktor Golyshev, who translated this creation into Russian, also received the award. It would seem that the story is simple and very relevant. But how many nuances there are in it, how many thoughts, how many doubts! The main characters are two friends. One of them is a successful editor of a popular newspaper. The second is a brilliant composer of our time who is writing the “Millennium Symphony”. And they enter into an agreement on euthanasia, under the terms of which, if one falls into a state of unconsciousness and ceases to understand what he is doing, then the other will take his life.
"Amendment 22" by Joseph Heller
Although more than half a century has passed since the release of the first book, this work still remains legendary and one of the most popular, and many publications included it in the list of the best novels.
This is not your typical story about US Air Force pilots in World War II. They all find themselves in absurd situations, encounter absurd people and rash actions, and commit incomprehensible acts themselves. And all this is connected with a certain amendment No. 22, which actually does not exist on paper, but states that every military man who does not want to carry out a combat mission is completely normal and therefore fit for service. But in fact, in this story one can see not so much an anti-war novel, but a deep and global mockery of modern everyday life, of society and current laws.
"A Conspiracy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole
The author of this book, who, by the way, lived to see the Pulitzer Prize for this creation, was able to create literary hero, unlike any described in satirical literature. Ignatius J. Riley is a creative, imaginative and eccentric personality. He fancies himself an intellectual, but in reality he is a glutton, a spendthrift and a quitter. He is like a modern Don Quixote or Gargantua, who despises society for its lack of geometry and theology. He is reminiscent of Thomas Aquinas, who began his own hopeless war against everything and everyone: representatives of non-traditional sexual orientation, the excesses of the century and even intercity buses. And this image is so interesting, unusual and, unfortunately, relevant that everyone can see a part of themselves in it.
“Monday begins on Saturday”, Strugatsky Brothers
This book is a real masterpiece of Russian science fiction, a kind of embodiment of the utopia of the Soviet era, a kind of artistic fulfillment of the dream of possibilities modern man learn, create, explore and solve the mysteries of the Universe.
The main characters of the book are employees of NIICHAVO (Research Institute of Witchcraft and Wizardry). They are masters and magicians, real pioneers. And they will encounter many amazing events and phenomena: a time machine, a hut on chicken legs, a genie and even an artificially grown man!
"The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins
This book became a real bestseller. This is a mysterious and fascinating story of a girl, Rachel, who, from the train window, watches, as it seems to her, ideal spouses. She even gave them names: Jason and Jess. Every day she sees the cottage of a man and a woman and understands that they probably have everything: prosperity, happiness, wealth and love. And Rachel had all this, but not so long ago she lost it all. But one day, approaching an already well-known cottage, the girl realizes that something is going wrong. She sees frightening, mysterious and disturbing events. And after that perfect wife Jess goes missing. And Rachel understands that it is she who must reveal this secret and find the woman. But will the police take her seriously? And, in general, is it worth interfering in someone else’s life? This is for the readers to find out.
"The Book of Life: Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom
In the last months of his life, the old professor managed to make several important discoveries.
He realized that death is not the end at all. This is the beginning. And that means dying is the same as preparing for something unknown and new. And this is not scary at all, but even interesting.
Before leaving for another world, the old man passed on such knowledge to everyone who was with him in the last minutes of his earthly life. What's next? Will we find out?
"The Trial", Franz Kafka
The author is one of the most beloved, mysterious, readable and popular writers of the last century. He managed to create a unique artistic Universe, in which everything is completely different from real life. She is sad, dreary and almost absurd, but incredible and bewitchingly beautiful. Her characters constantly become participants in strange adventures, they search for the meaning of life and try to get answers to questions that have long tormented them. The novel “The Trial” is the work that will allow us to most clearly understand the mysterious nature of Franz Kafka’s work.
Lord of the Flies, William Golding
This book can be called strange, scary and incredibly attractive.
In the story, boys brought up in the best traditions find themselves on a desert island. The author told readers a philosophical parable about how fragile the world is and what can happen to people who forget about kindness, love and mercy. This is a dystopia with some symbolic overtones, which explores the behavioral characteristics of children caught in war time on a desert island. Will they be able to maintain their humanity or will they submit to natural instincts?
"Rita Hayworth or the Shawshank Redemption" by Stephen King
The plot of this book is the story of a man whose terrible dream suddenly became a reality. He, innocent of anything, was thrown into prison, into a real hell in which he would spend the rest of his life. And no one has ever managed to escape from this terrible place. But the main character does not intend to give up and put up with what was destined for him by fate. He took a desperate step. But will he be able to not only escape, but also get used to freedom and the new world, and survive in it? By the way, this work by the real king of fantasy Stephen King served as the basis for the film of the same name, which starred Morgan Freeman and Tim Robinson.
The events take place in England in 1960. Jennifer Sterling recovers from horror car accident and realizes that she cannot remember who she is, what happened to her. She doesn’t remember her husband either. She would have continued to live in ignorance if she had not completely accidentally found letters addressed to her and signed with the letter “B”. Their author confessed his love to Jennifer and persuaded her to leave her husband. Next, the author takes readers to the 21st century. Young reporter Ellie finds one of the letters written by the mysterious “B” in the newspaper archives. She hopes that by taking up the investigation, she will be able to unravel the mystery of the author and recipient of the messages, restore her reputation, and even understand her own personal life.
"A Lady with Glasses with a Gun in a Car" by Sebastien Japrisot
The main character of the book is blonde. She is beautiful, sentimental, sincere, deceitful, restless, stubborn and clueless. This lady, who has never seen the sea, gets into a car and tries to escape from the police. At the same time, she constantly repeats to herself that she is not crazy.
But those around me do not agree with this. The heroine behaves more than strangely and constantly finds herself in ridiculous situations. She believes that wherever she goes, she can be harmed. But if she runs away, she will be able to be alone with herself and free herself from what she hides, from what worries her so much.
The Goldfinch, Donna Tartt
The author wrote this book for ten whole years, but it became a real masterpiece. It tells us that art has power and strength, and sometimes it can radically change and literally turn our lives around, and quite suddenly.
The hero of the work, 13-year-old boy Theo Decker, miraculously survived the explosion that killed his mother. His father abandoned him, and he is forced to wander around foster families and completely strange homes. He visited Las Vegas and New York and almost despaired. But his only consolation, which, by the way, almost led to his death, is the masterpiece of the Dutch old master, which he stole from the museum.
Cloud Atlas, David Mitchell
This book is like a complex mirror labyrinth, in which seemingly completely different and unrelated stories miraculously echo, intersect and overlap each other.
There are six main characters in the work: a young composer who is forced to sell his soul and body; 19th century notary; revealing a conspiracy large company journalist working in California in the 1970s; clone servant working in modern enterprise fast food; a modern small publisher and a simple goatherd living at the end of civilization.
"1984", George Orwell
This work can be classified as a dystopian genre; it describes a society in which a strict totalitarian regime reigns.
There is nothing more terrible than the imprisonment of free and living minds in the shackles of social foundations.
"Blackberry Winter" by Sarah Gio
The events take place in 1933 in Seattle. Vera Ray kisses her little son before going to bed and goes to the hotel for night work. In the morning, a single mother discovers that the entire city is covered in snow, and her son has disappeared. In a snowdrift near the house, Vera finds the boy’s favorite toy, but there are no traces nearby. A desperate mother is ready to do anything to find her child.
The author then takes readers to modern-day Seattle. Reporter Claire Aldridge writes an article about a snowstorm that literally paralyzes the city. By chance she learns that similar events already took place 80 years ago. Starting to study mysterious story Faith Ray, Claire realizes that she is somehow mysteriously intertwined with her own life.
"Blindness", Jose Saramago
Residents of a nameless country and a nameless city are faced with a strange epidemic. They all quickly begin to go blind. And the authorities, in order to stop this incomprehensible disease, decide to introduce strict quarantine and move all sick people to the old hospital, taking them into custody.
The main characters of the work are an infected ophthalmologist and his pretending to be blind wife. They are trying to piece together the world and find order in this chaos that is gradually enveloping everyone.
“Three apples fell from the sky”, Narine Abgaryan
This book is the story of one small village, which is located somewhere high in the mountains.
Its inhabitants are all a little grumpy, a little eccentric, but at the same time, real treasures of the spirit are hidden in each of them.
This is a witty, sublime and unusual dystopia about a modern consumer society, which is programmed at the genetic level. And in this world it unfolds sad story A savage whom the author regards as the Hamlet of our time. He still retains remnants of humanity, but people, divided into castes of social consumption, do not want to recognize him or simply cannot do so.
If we list noteworthy books by contemporary authors, we cannot fail to mention the work “Social network “Ark” by Evgeny Vetzel, which consists of three parts.
The main character falls from the roof, but is reborn again. Having lived a little in the 11th century, he finds himself in the distant future - in the 36th century in Moscow. The author touches on many interesting devices, psychology and sales techniques, modern reflections on life, and reasons to think seriously about rhetorical issues. The second book describes life in America and the theory of one of the variants of a worldwide conspiracy. And the third part tells about the adventures of the hero on another planet where white angels live.
These were the most interesting books, which are worth reading even for those who think they don’t like to read. They will change your views and even your ideas about the world.
P.S. What books do you remember most?
