JFx's Top Ten (5-2)

5. The God of Small Things - Arundhati Roy



The God of Small Things (1997) is a semi-autobiographical, politically charged novel by Indian author Arundhati Roy. It is a story about the childhood experiences of a pair of fraternal twins who become victims of circumstance. The book is a description of how the small things in life build up, translate into people's behavior and affect their lives. The book won the Booker Prize in 1997. - wiki (Read more)

This was one of the most touching novels I ever read. The initial chapters made me wonder whether it deserved the Booker prize, but towards the end the story really tugged at my heart overflowing wit emotions. It is set in my native place. So the nostalgia added that extra emotional edge to it.


4. A Brief History of Time - Stephen Hawking



A Brief History of Time is a popular science book written by Professor Stephen Hawking and first published in 1988. It rapidly became a best-seller, and had sold 9 million copies by 2002. It was also on the London Sunday Times best-seller list for a record-breaking 237 weeks. - wiki (Read more)

A Brief History of Time is the only non-fiction book in my top ten. Physics have always been my favourite subject, and astronomy my passion. This books describes in layman language how the huge universe ticks. From exploring the quantum mechanics of elementary particles to the theory of relativity of massive bodies, the book leads us to the ultimate aim of scientific research - the theory of everything.


3. The Fountainhead - Ayn Rand



The Fountainhead is a 1943 novel by Ayn Rand. It was Rand's first major literary success. The book's title is a reference to Rand's statement that "man's ego is the fountainhead of human progress". The Fountainhead examines the life of an individualistic young architect, Howard Roark, who chooses to struggle in obscurity rather than compromise his artistic and personal vision by pandering to the prevailing taste in building design. - wiki (Read more)

This must be one of the most controversial books ever written. It not only questions the world of second handers but inspire people to choose invidualism over collectivism. In this world run by collectivists, people often see this as a threat to their existence. What I've said may seem rubbish.. Honestly I hadn't understood much of the philosophy on finishing the book, but the book has a quality to make us think. The book's a must read - not 'coz I agree with everything said in the book, but 'coz it urges you to frame a philosophy in life.


2. Prelude to Foundation - Isaac Asimov



Prelude to Foundation is a 1988 novel written by Isaac Asimov. It is one of two prequels to the Foundation Series. For the first time, Asimov chronicles the fictional life of Hari Seldon, the man who invented psychohistory and the intellectual hero of the series. - wiki (Read more)

This is the first book in Foundation series. I'm a die-hard fan of the series. There are many reasons why I like this particular book the most. Asimov had written the original trilogy much before this book. Prelude is a much more mature Asimov. He excels not only in his Sci-Fi and unexpected twists, but also gives us a study of human psychology. Beautifully written, excellent ending.. one that you'd never forget.