A Beginner's Guide to Choosing Great Reads: from a Literature Enthusiast

Assalam-o-Alaikum!

Let's face it you all. Diving headfirst into the vast ocean of literature is always intimidating for me, and I am sure it would be same for you as well. I am the person who stares at that ever-growing tower of books that have a promising adventure, romance, or existential dread in it, and along with a primal fear that grips me. But on the other hand, I am the one who always gets lost in a labyrinthine plot. And one thing that we all agree upon is choosing a book can be trickier than actually letting a story you love end. So, fear not, literature lovers! As I, a certified bookaholic and your friendly guide through the enchanting wilderness of words, am here to navigate you through the thrilling twists and turns of finding your next great read.

Step One: Know Thyself

Before you embark on your quest, a little self-reflection is key. Let's ditch the pressure to pick "important" books/TikTok books and embrace what truly excites you. Are you a sucker for heart-stopping romance that leaves you weak in the knees(SMUT)? Own it! There's a whole genre dedicated to happily-ever-afters, and it's glorious. Or do you crave heart-pounding mysteries, thrillers, or horror that keep you guessing until the very end? I have officially made a cheat sheet to get you kick start your reading journey:

• If you love the Harry Potter movie franchise, Narnia or Percy Jackson then Strap yourself in for tales of daring escapes, hidden treasures, and maybe even a talking parrot or two. Check out young adult fiction like Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare or The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin. For Urdu Readers, read Haalim by Nemrah Ahmad and Sadion ka Beeta by M.A. Rahat.

• If you like Knives Out, or a fan of the OG Krishna Arjun then you must read Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None is a timeless whodunit, or if you prefer something a touch more modern, try Inheritance Games by Jenifer Lynn Barns, Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson, and A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. Moreover, Jasoosi Duniya by Ibn-e-Safi is a good choice as well.

• If you are a Gen Z like me and have marathon-ed every 2000's Indian RomCom then delve into the world of Sarah Adams or Ella Maise if you want a clean romance. Or if you want a book filled with SMUT go for Ana Huang, Lauren Asher, Rina Kent, or Dannielle Lori. 

• If you are a Sci-Fi Fanatic who loves Annihilation, Interstellar, or The Adams Project: Does the idea of spaceships and alien encounters set your pulse racing? Blast off with classics like Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card or The Martian by Andy Weir. My favourite one is A Hitchhiker's Guide to Galaxy.

Step Two: Ditch the Dictionary (Unless You Want To)

Let's be honest, nobody wants to spend half their reading time deciphering a thesaurus. Look for books written in clear, concise language that won't leave you feeling like you need a degree in Elizabethan English. Many contemporary young adult novels are excellent choices, as they often balance engaging plots with accessible writing styles.

Step Three: Size Matters (But Not How You Think)

Don't be intimidated by doorstoppers! While epics like War and Peace are masterpieces, they can be daunting for new readers. Start with shorter novels or novellas. John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men is a powerful story packed into a manageable length.

Step Four: Embrace the Power of the People

Reviews are your friends! Online review sites like Goodreads or book blogs can offer valuable insights into a book's content and writing style. Plus, if everyone seems to be raving about a particular novel, there's a good chance you'll enjoy it too (because let's face it, nobody wants to be the only one left out of the book club watercooler chat).

Step Five: Don't Be Afraid to Quit

Life's too short to force yourself through a book you hate. If a story isn't grabbing you after a few chapters, put it down and move on! There are countless other amazing books out there waiting to be discovered.

Bonus Tip: Make it Fun!

Reading should be enjoyable, not a chore. Curl up in a comfy spot with a cup of tea, listen to an audiobook while commuting, or join a book club to discuss your favorite reads with fellow bookworms.

Remember, the key to becoming a bookworm is to find stories that spark your imagination and transport you to new worlds. So, grab a book, settle in, and get ready for an adventure!

P.S. Still feeling overwhelmed? Leave a comment below with your interests, and we'll recommend some beginner-friendly books that are sure to be a hit!