Hello
everyone, to whoever’s reading this piece.
Today isn’t about a new story or a poem — it’s about the stories behind the
stories.
About the books that became silent friends, changed something within me, and
unknowingly started a journey I never planned to take.
How It All Began
I’ve always believed that people are like blank papers or empty containers — they
fill themselves with what they absorb from the world around them.
For the longest time, books were never that “thing” for me. I only read
academic texts in school, and our library didn’t really have novels or stories
that could spark curiosity.
Until one day, an Instagram friend kept sharing random photos of lines and
pages from Chetan Bhagat’s books — The Girl
in Room 105 and Half Girlfriend.
The way he talked about them made me wonder — what’s so special that he keeps sending me these lines again and
again?
So one day, while waiting at Lucknow Station, I walked into a
bookstall for the very first time and bought two books — Chetan Bhagat’s Half Girlfriend and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (they didn’t have
part one, but that didn’t matter).
That train journey back home was magical. I
was too excited to even start reading; I just kept the books close to me, almost
like treasures I’d just found.
I finished Half
Girlfriend first — and that was it. I was hooked. It was emotional, fast,
unpredictable — and it made me realize that reading isn’t just “reading.” It’s feeling.
And from there began my reading journey — an
unstoppable one.
With limited bookshops around, I built my own digital library, filling it with every genre I could
find — from sci-fi to romance, thrillers to self-help, from fiction to the
cosmos.
Books I’ve Read (So Far)
(This list
will grow each year as I read more — and so will I.)
Harry Potter Series — J.K.
Rowling
A world that taught me imagination has no
limits. From Hogwarts to the magic of friendship and bravery, every book
reminds you that even in darkness, there’s always light — if only one remembers
to turn it on.
4. The Kite Runner — Khaled
Hosseini
A heart-wrenching story of guilt, redemption,
and friendship that spans decades. It shows how sometimes forgiveness takes
more courage than revenge.
5. Gunahon Ka Devta — Dharamvir
Bharati
A beautiful Hindi classic about love,
sacrifice, and the moral dilemmas of life. The raw emotions in this book stay
with you long after you close it.
6. It Ends With Us / 7. It Starts With Us — Colleen Hoover
A touching story about love, trauma, and
healing. These books make you rethink what “strength” means and why walking
away can sometimes be the bravest choice.
Chetan Bhagat Collection
8. Half
Girlfriend, 9. The Girl in Room 105, 10. 2 States, 11. One Arranged Murder, 12. One Indian
Girl, 13. Revolution 2020, 14. Five Point Someone, 15. The Three Mistakes of My Life,16. 400
Days, 17. One Night at the Call Center
Bhagat’s books are like snapshots of modern India — simple language, real
emotions, messy love, and relatable characters. They might not be “classic
literature,” but they have heart — and that’s why millions, including me,
connect with them.
18. 13 Reasons Why — Jay Asher
A bold take on mental health, consequences,
and how even small actions can deeply affect someone’s life. It’s emotional and
eye-opening.
19. The Fault in Our Stars —
John Green
A story about love and loss that hurts
beautifully. It teaches you to appreciate life, even when it feels unfair.
20. The Notebook — Nicholas
Sparks
A timeless love story — tender, emotional, and
unforgettable. It’s proof that some stories are meant to stay with you forever.
21. That Night — Nidhi Upadhyay
A gripping thriller that blurs the line
between guilt, secrets, and survival. It’s fast-paced and keeps you guessing
till the end.
22. The Imaginary Friend —
Stephen Chbosky
A psychological thriller that dives deep into
fear, childhood, and the unknown. It’s haunting yet deeply human.
23. A Brief History of Time / 24. The Theory of Everything / 25. BBC Reith Lectures on Black Holes — Stephen Hawking
These books opened my mind to the mysteries of
the universe. Hawking’s genius lies not just in his science, but in how he
makes you feel small yet infinite at the
same time.
26. Wings of Fire / 27. You Are Born
to Blossom / 28. Vision 2020 — Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam 29. Ignited Minds
Books that plant hope and ambition in your
heart. They remind you that no dream is too big if your purpose is honest and
your spirit resilient.
30. Notes on a Nervous Planet / 31. Reasons to Stay Alive — Matt Haig
Gentle, grounding reads about mental health
and finding calm in chaos. Perfect for anyone who feels overwhelmed by the
modern world.
32. The Monk Who Sold His
Ferrari — Robin Sharma
A spiritual fable about success, balance, and
rediscovering purpose. It reminds you that peace is not found in wealth, but in
wisdom.
33. What Young India Wants – Chetan Bhagat
This book discusses the aspirations, challenges, and responsibilities of India’s youth. Chetan Bhagat shares his views on education, employment, corruption, and social change, encouraging young Indians to think critically and actively participate in nation-building.
34. The Teacher I Never Met – Eshan Sharma
This book is a motivational and self-reflective work that highlights the importance of life lessons learned beyond formal classrooms. It emphasizes self-growth, discipline, and learning from experiences rather than from a single teacher.
35. Biography of Bill Gates
This biography explores the life of Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, detailing his journey from a curious student to a global technology leader and philanthropist. The book highlights his innovation, leadership, and impact on the modern digital world.
In the End
Reading, to me, is not an escape — it’s an expansion.
Every story adds a shade to my personality, every page leaves a mark somewhere
within.
I’ll keep updating this blog each year — with
every book I read and every lesson I learn.
Because maybe, one day, someone else will walk into a bookshop by chance… and
their journey will begin too.
Comments
Post a Comment