Welcome to another weekend...and this happens to be the one when one of the most powerful nations of the world celebrates its Independence Day!In the U.S, the 4th of July is a Federal holiday celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776 by the Continental Congress declaring that the thirteen American colonies no longer considered themselves as part of the British Empire, but regarded themselves as a new nation - the United States of America. This day is celebrated throughout the U.S. with merriment and fireworks; and, of course, presents us book-lovers, with another excuse to read!
Yes, just like every weekend, we are back with a fresh collection of weekend reads for you - and this time, they are 'July 4th' themed! :)
1)
The Founding of a Nation: The history of the American Revolution, 1773-1776 by Jensen Merrill
Genre: Non-Fiction
Let us start this week's list with a non-fiction for a change. If you are interested in the history of the great nation called America, then this book is a popular 'one-volume' understanding of the American Revolution. Penned by master scholar Jensen Merrill and based on his knowledge of the relevant sources, this book is said to give reliable accounts of events and is considered a 'go-to' book by other scholars. We say, do give this book a try this weekend if you are a history buff, or even if you are just curious about American history!
2)
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Genre: Historical Fiction
From non-fiction, we now move on to historical fiction. And what better to start with, than a blockbuster like The Help? Every country's story of independence is fraught with oppression and the oppressed fighting back to get their rights. This books delves in the lives of such an oppressed lot and how they suffered and eventually fought back to get equal consideration with their fellow citizens. This is a fictional work based in the unjust world of the years past, when "black maids raised white children, but weren't trusted not to steal the silver......" The mere story line and the excellent handling of the characters in this book are sure to draw a good reader to it like a moth to a flame!
3)
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Genre: Thriller, General Fiction
This is the second time this book has been featured by us; and justly so...after all, if we are talking of historical fiction and we are talking of oppression, how can we leave this cracker of a book behind, right? This book is as closely related to America's history as the best of them; and touches on several controversies that the nation faced during the 1930s. One minute, a story about children; and the next minute a story about a lawyer keen on doing the right thing, this is one page-turner that will take you on a roller-coaster ride!
4)
The Godfather by Mario Puzo
Genre: Crime Fiction
If you are something like us, and you love a good crime story, then you cannot miss The Godfather! Depicting an underworld don trying to live 'the American Dream' in America; and eventually passing on a powerful legacy of honour and blood, to his son; what's not to love in this book? In fact, if one of the old Hollywood hits is to be believed, "most life's answers are found in The Godfather...!" Well whether this is true or not, the book definitely makes for a superb weekend read, if you ask us!
5)
The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri
Genre: General Fiction
And now, we move on to an Indian perspective. This first novel by Pulitzer Prize winning author Jhumpa Lahiri gives an amazing insight into the lives of immigrant Indians looking to make a meaningful life in America; and the lives of their children who have to bear the weight of their mixed lineage resulting from a different culture they have grown up in and the different culture they ethnically belong to.
So from the history of the American Revolution to the different perspectives of Americans and immigrants residing in America regarding 'the American Dream' these are our picks for this weekend's reads for you. Are there any other books you would suggest that fit in this theme? We would love to know!
Image Courtesy: Pixabay
