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Writer's pictureWen Hui Cheng

Books as dessert for afternoon tea

When was the last time you picked up a book to read?



Maybe it’s time to pick one up!

Why not check these short reads as they be your sides for afternoon tea:))

 

Synopsis:


Bruno, a nine-year-old boy living in Berlin, Germany in 1943 is moving away with his family due to the demands of his father’s new job as he got promoted by “The Fury,” as Bruno calls Adolf Hitler.


The new house is on a hill in a very desolate area. On the other side of the fence, as Bruno can see from his bedroom window, are thousands of people living in a sandy, fenced-in camp, all wearing “striped pyjamas.”


One day he walks along the length of the fence, despite the fact that he has been forbidden to do so. He meets a boy who lives on the other side of the fence named Shmuel. The two boys strike up a friendship, and Bruno begins to visit Shmuel nearly every day.



Why read?:


This is a touching, yet haunting story of two boys that embrace their friendship before anything. The novel is powerfully written as it displays the purity of the friendship on the foreground against the backdrop of the Holocaust. This dichotomy strikes compelling emotions among the readers. It is a remarkable piece that highlights the beauty of purity, which is starkly contrasted with the gruesome, and horror of discrimination.

It is a piece to remind and condemn intolerable acts, or acts of discrimination in anyway. During such times, it may be good to read this and remind ourselves to respect all!

Peace. Respect. Stop violence in any way!

*Spoiler alert! The ending will definitely leave a lasting and heart aching impact on you.


Synopsis:


Mitch Albom, the book's narrator and Morrie Schwartz, his favorite professor got in touch with each other years after Mitch's graduation from Brandeis.


They agreed to meet up every Tuesday, their usual tutorial timing, where Mitch returns regularly to listen to Morrie's lessons on "The Meaning of Life." Each week, Morrie will shares his thoughts and wisdom about love, live and one’s complexities in facing them at different stages of life.


Mitch tape records his discussions with Morrie so that he may compile notes with which to write a book, Tuesdays With Morrie, a project which he and Morrie refer to as their "last thesis together."


Why read?:


No worries it is not an actual thesis:) It’s a book that will definitely keep you reading on and finishing it in one sitting. It is a thought-provoking and inspiring Non-Fiction that explores tough questions in life. It presents the importance of love in everyone’s life as the reader attends the “weekly” valuable lessons of Morrie, together with Mitch. Why not join in this “module” of life, and take some time to think more about what’s important to you in your life. It’s a book where everyone will have their personal thoughts and experience with.



Synopsis:


Nick Carraway, a young man moved to New York in the summer of 1922 to learn about the bond business. He rents a house in the West Egg district of Long Island, a wealthy but unfashionable area populated by the new rich, a group who have gained fortunes recently and who are soaked in their world of wealth. Nick’s neighbor in West Egg is a mysterious man named Jay Gatsby, who lives in the magnificent mansion and throws extravagant parties every Saturday night.


As the summer progresses, Nick eventually garners an invitation to one of Gatsby’s legendary parties. Nick later learns more about Gatsby’s love for Daisy Buchannan. It was later revealed that Gatsby’s extravagant lifestyle and wild parties are simply an attempt to impress Daisy and to “turn back time”. After an initially awkward reunion, they reconnected. Their love rekindled and they began an affair.

*I shall stop here. All I can say is that this is one book with too many twists and deeper meanings for you to delve in to be missed!


Why read?:


An impressive and irreplaceable piece from Fitzgerald. It is magnificently and beautifully written, where it touches on the idea of dream, and Gatsby’s journey in achieving it. One of the greatest literary pieces that I would recommend to anyone, who would like to be embraced by the beauty of words. Sit tight! The novel is filled with too many twists and shocking revelations about the world that make it an unbelievable piece. The ironic end of the book only further heightens the injustice of the world.




Why read?:


This will be a life transforming piece that introduces you to The Secret, which is the Law Of Attraction. A remarkable self-help book that will help you view life in a different light! It highlights the power of your mind and how your life is a reflection of your thoughts. Believe it or not, the key is to stay positive! How about picking up this book during this tough period?

As always, positivity is the way to go:)








Why read?


I am sure you have heard of the popular term “decluttering” that you have always been wanting to practice, but fail to.

Maybe your Minimalist dream room is just on the way?!


Why not read about the KonMari method and decide what “sparks joy” and what not to clear up your room. The book will be a great guide for those who have difficulties removing items that may no longer be required and is picking up dust in their room. Spring cleaning is not just for the spring season.







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