For those of us who relish the visual beauty of a book, having a Kindle can feel like something of a betrayal.
The creators seemed aware of the internal tension which would inevitably wage war in the book-loving breasts of readers. What did they mean by calling it “Kindle”? Is it kindling, for a fire, signifying the slow death of books evocative of the nightmarish blaze of books in Fahrenheit 422? Perhaps, though, it instead represents the fire of thought igniting in the imagination as we tear through a new read.
The sparks may be from the work itself, the medium through which it enters our mind irrelevant. The two ideas co-exist, as books and Kindles do. Lugging a suitcase full of books to your next destination can be tough going, and the lightweight feel of a kindle means your cherished volumes won’t be compromised. Sometimes, it just makes sense to put those pennies towards your adventure!
Here are the treasures we suggest, and since they’re free they won’t break the bank:
- The Book of Tea by Kakuzo Okakura
Originally created to be a story meant to be communicated orally, Kakuzo Okakura takes us on a journey through the great culture of tea in Japan. With its description of the legendary tea ceremony and the traditions that have engendered a worshipful, loyal mindset of tea and its masters, this book is best had with a cuppa by your side. Don’t worry, it’s available in an English translation!
Photo courtesy: matcha shop.de; translations available
2. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
Published in 1859 and set in the late 18th century during the French Revolution, this book
offers drama, violence and complex plots that twist and turn in unexpected directions. Perhaps best known for its
opening lines “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”, it is hard to put down. The vast tapestries of description, like the image of spilled red wine in the streets, will stay in your mind like an afterimage of light imprinted on the eyelid and blinked into everyday life.
Photo courtesy: panmacmillan.com
3. Ulysses by James Joyce
Characteristically Joyce, with characters deep enough to dive into, Ulysses is a
Masterpiece. With new perspectives, characters and narrative techniques with each
chapter, this is a work of true genius.
Photo courtesy: dysfunctiaonalliteracy.com
4. The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne
Looking for some adventure? Give this a go. Published in 1874, it follows a group of
castaways who use their incredible survival skills to build and develop a community on an
uncharted island.
Photo courtesy: afternewton.wordpress.com
5. David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
Who doesn’t love a good ‘rags to riches’ story? A tale about a young boy and his journey
to becoming a successful novelist, with an unhappy childhood. With characters that are
more stark and intriguing than the next, it makes for an irresistible read. A very useful text to have on the kindle, since the text is a hefty one – around 800 pages!
Photo courtesy: amazon.co.uk
