Skip to main content

Five Fiction Books to Read this Lockdown

The Planet Earth is in a lockdown, courtesy of a contagious virus that is spreading faster than a Forest fire. Although it is not pleasant for most of us stuck at homes, but reading fiction is one escape that has held on loyally to fight boredom, dull days, and mood swings. Here is a list of five fiction books, I would recommend to check off your reading list this Lockdown. Of course, if you haven't read any of my Novellas to date, do give them a chance as well.


1. Chennai Killings - Chital Mehta 

The only Indian Author on this particular list has written a pacy thriller you need to pass some quality time upon during the Covid19 Lockdown.

Chennai Killings is about a string of murders in Chennai with a Cop, Vikram Rathi, on their trail. Be ready for some exciting twists and a grand surprise of a climax.


2. We the Living - Ayn Rand 

Ayn Rand's novels The Fountainhead & Atlas Shrugged are super famous, decades after they were first published. But I always felt that We the Living was overshadowed in popularity with those two, despite being as good of a novel. 

Its the first novel published by Ayn Rand, way back in 1936 and, like her other works, is even relevant to our times. Its an individual versus the State. Kira against Russia of the 1920s.

An invigorating novel, a good read to peak into the Russia of the times and how mindset has transformed since then, especially regarding self and society.

3. Doctors by Erich Segal

I read Doctors several years ago and still recall how impressive Segal's narrative was. He takes us to a Harvard Class of 1962 and shows us the World of Doctors inside out. With a Pandemic sweeping around us, no better novel to understand the Masked Warriors who are fighting the disease at the frontlines.

4. The Final Diagnosis by Arthur Hailey 

Amongst the most discussed aspects around Coronavirus have been Diagnostics. The testing, the investigation of disease. Maverick writer Arthur Hailey who wrote superb Novels like Hotel, also wrote The Final Diagnosis; a story set against a background of a Pathology department of a Hospital. An enjoyable read which educates us as well.

5. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman 

This book is not just a brilliant story but also compelling storytelling by Backman. He glues you to your seat as he narrates the story of a grumpy older man, Ove, who lives alone and is always temperamental. 

The novel somehow makes you look hard on life and death and life again. The way Ove copes up with his new neighbors is both sad and funny at times. It is not a heavy read but still leaves your heart a little by the end.

So this was my list for the Lockdown. I have read about 12 books since being stuck at home, trying to make the best use of this time to dust off the to-read list. 

If you have read any of the books above, I would love to hear your opinion on the same. Also, suggest some more books which you are reading right now or which you would recommend us to read this time. 

Comments

Also read

Punjab’s stilt-plus-four real estate rule 2025: Game changer or urban chaos? | circle rate hike explained

When the Punjab Cabinet approved the Unified Building Rules 2025, allowing stilt-plus-four floor construction across 40-ft-wide roads, it sparked both celebration and anxiety. For homeowners, it opened a new chapter of vertical prosperity. For urban planners, it may have unlocked Pandora’s box. Add to that a steep rise in circle rates up to 67% in Mohali and you have the perfect cocktail for a cityscape revolution. Is Punjab’s stilt-plus-four policy a game changer or a warning sign for urban chaos? Punjab’s 2025 building rule reforms are rewriting its urban DNA. With stilt-plus-four floors now permitted on 250 sq yd plots and higher circle rates in force, Punjab’s real estate market is at a crossroads. Is this the dawn of new opportunities or the slow death of livable cities? The answer lies somewhere between ambition and chaos. Urban transformation often begins with good intentions and ends in gridlocks. Punjab’s new stilt-plus-four policy and simultaneous circle rate hike hav...

Cutting people off isn’t strength—It is a trauma response

Your ability to cut people off and self-isolate is not a skill you should be proud of—It is a trauma response Cutting people off and self-isolating may feel like a protective shield, but it is often rooted in unresolved or unhealed trauma and an inability to depend on others. While these behaviors seem like self-preservation, they end up reinforcing isolation and blocking meaningful connections. Confronting these patterns, seeking therapy, and nurturing supportive relationships can help break this unhealthy cycle. Plus, a simple act like planting a jasmine plant can symbolise the start of your journey towards emotional healing. Why do we cut people off and isolate? If you’re someone who prides themselves on “cutting people off” or keeping a tight circle, you might believe it’s a skill—a way to protect yourself from betrayal, hurt, or unnecessary drama. I get it. I’ve been there, too. But here’s the thing: this ability to isolate yourself is not as empowering as it may seem. In fact, i...

What is karmic debt? How to clear it for a successful life

Ever felt like you're stuck in a loop, facing the same challenges over and over? You might be dealing with karmic debt—a spiritual IOU from past actions. Understanding and clearing this debt can pave the way for a more successful and fulfilling life. ​​ What is karma and how does it influence our lives? Karma, a concept rooted in ancient spiritual traditions, operates on the principle of cause and effect. Essentially, it suggests that our actions, thoughts, and intentions create energy that returns to us in kind. This universal law implies that positive deeds lead to favourable outcomes, while negative actions result in undesirable consequences. ​ In my own life, I have observed how acts of kindness often lead to unexpected blessings. Conversely, moments of negativity seem to attract further challenges. This personal experience underscores the idea that our current circumstances are shaped by past behaviours, and our present choices lay the foundation for future experiences...