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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. 

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