For those of us who love books, the summer break is like a blessing. Here are some of the favourite titles you were reading in 2015
Divergent Series Author: Veronica Roth
Summary: A girl living in a dystopian society struggles with heavy decisions. If she sticks to her heart, it will separate her from her family, but if she followed her family’s path, she will be unhappy.
Why: The plot doesn’t let you go. Besides, the characters are superbly etched out and depict realistic scenarios. Each one taught me something new.
Gaauri Laroia, class IX, Delhi Public School, RK Puram, New Delhi
Thirteen Reasons Why Author: Jay Asher
Summary: A teenage girl who looks happy and content on the surface, commits suicide. She leaves 13 tapes for her friends, family and classmates saying why she did so.
Why: The main character (roughly my age, ie 16) made me realise I lead a sheltered life, and that, everyone doesn’t share the same story. However, it can become heavy at times.
Tara Anand, class XI, The Shri Ram School Moulsari, Gurgaon
And Then There Were None Author: Agatha Christie
Summary: Ten strangers are invited by a mysterious person to an island. Unknown to each other, all 10 have committed a crime that he/she got away with. A murder mystery follows.
Why: The concept is innovative and original with lots of twists and turns on every page. I was enthralled until the end and shocked by the final outcome.
Tanvi Bahl, class VII, The Vasant Valley School, New Delhi
Angels and Demons Author: Dan Brown
Summary: Professor Robert Langdon, a symbologist, has to decode a series of murders against the background of science vs religion.
Why: It’s a perfect blend of religion, science, astronomy and history. Full of suspense, even the end is brilliant. When I finished, all I could do was stare at the wall in awe and try to process what I had read. Langdon is my favourite character.
Dhruv Nityanand, class X, The Shri Ram School Moulsari, Gurgaon
The Scion of Ikshvaku Author: Amish Tripathi
Summary: An exciting new book based on Lord Ram.
Why: A riveting page-turning masterpiece. The mythological world Tripathi creates focuses on Lord Ram, Lakshman and Ravan. While we are all familiar with the battle between Ravan and Ram, the writer has humanised these deities and lent a different viewpoint to the original story.
Udei Pratap Singh, class XII, St Kabir Public School, Chandigarh
The Petpost Secret Author: Radhika Dhariwal
Summary: It’s about Squirrel, a Petpost slave, who embarks on a mindblowing adventure along with his friend Des, a dog, in order to discover his true identity.
Why: I am always interested in adventure and animals, and this book gave me a perfect combination of both. The interesting puzzle in the end is fantastic.
Harini M S, class X, Florence Public School, Bengaluru
Reinventing India Author: Dr Raghunath Mashelkar
Summary: A series of lectures adapted in a book form by Dr Raghunath Mashelkar.
Why: The author speaks about the marvel of India where pure science research is practised despite limited resources. Moreover, he comes across as an optimist who believes in the future glory of India.
Samarth Jain, class IX, BGS National Public School, Bengaluru
All the Bright Places Author: Jennifer Niven
Summary: A heartbreaking yet funny love story about two fragile teenagers.
Why: The author has captured real fears and problems faced by young adults like me. Moreover, she does not gloss over any of the issues, but takes the reader on a personalised journey.
Kavya Kolli, class X, Glendale Academy International, Hyderabad
The Art of Happiness Author: Dalai Lama and Howard D Cutler
Summary: A book composed of the Dalai Lama’s answers to questions posed by Howard D Cutler.
Why: The book states in unequivocal terms that in this world of emotional turmoil, happiness like any art, needs to be cultivated with discipline and dedication.
Richa Mohta, class IX, CPS-KR, Nagpur
The Kite Runner Author: Khaled Hosseini
Summary: A beautiful story about friendship and love for one’s motherland.
Why: A tough read that may seem boring initially, but it opens doors to a wonderful world of friendship, realisation and trust. The language is exceptional.
Tania Bagwan, class 10, St Joseph high school, Pashan, Pune