What to read for a guy. Most read books by women

The best minds of the GQ editors gathered and compiled for you a list of 30 books that no man can do without. From communists on the moon to children in war, from a magical encyclopedia to repair tips. These books definitely shouldn't gather dust on your bedside table.

1. "Goodwill"

Jonathan Littell

If you haven't read this book yet, you know as much about war as a schoolteacher or a newscaster. Behind accurate historical facts, sadistic descriptions of cannibalism and executions of Jews, Littell hides the main point of his novel (probably the best story about World War II) - no one can be sure that he is not a murderer without receiving an order to kill.

2. "Sound and Fury"

William Faulkner

The translation of the novel by Hosius Soroka is a work of art in itself, which can be torn away only by the collapse of the New York Stock Exchange (not to be confused with the rival translation of The Sound and the Fury). The book is about how a typical happy American family is slowly but surely losing everything that it has and had.

3. "Entertaining geometry"

Yakov Perelman

If you started a renovation, Quiet Flows the Don, War and Peace, and even, with all due respect, Crime and Punishment, will hardly help you. But a book on how to measure the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe living room, calculate the volume of the bathtub and evenly cut the parquet will definitely play into the hands.

4. Sankya

Zakhar Prilepin

Before the young Russian writer Zakhar Prilepin started fighting for the DPR and became the host of the Russian Lessons show on NTV (where he refers to Danila Poperechny in his usual playful manner: “Danila-Danila, let's go dig a grave”), he wrote a story about Holden Caulfield from Russia, not much inferior to Salinger's plot.

5. The Epic of Gilgamesh

For some, this story about the exploits of the demigod Gilgamesh and his friend Enkidu is the first work of art in the history of mankind. For others, it is the earliest gay fanfic (every handshake is saturated with ancient cult prostitution in the friendship of two guys).

6. "Harry Potter"

Joanne Rowling

Your offspring would easily spend (if not already) a couple of hundred thousand on books, films, "magic" accessories, masks, sweets and brooms of this magical boy. It's worth getting to know him personally - Harry Potter, the boy who lived.

7. Dead Souls

Nikolay Gogol

Once every four years (and now every six years), everything described by Gogol in his farcical novel turns into Russian reality - all over the country, young and old, dead voters come to life.

8. Slaughterhouse Five

Kurt Vonnegut

In a novel about the bombing of Dresden, a former prisoner of war, an American Dutch Jew, Vonnegut explains why World War II became a war of children (another name for the novel is Children's Crusade) and why they will continue to die, no matter how many anti-war books mankind has come up with.

9. "Nun"

Denis Diderot

According to the plot, a young girl Suzanne is forcibly imprisoned in a nunnery. Everything that happens to her next is more reminiscent of one of the Brazzers films: the abbess and sisters turn out to be cruel lesbians who have whips and much more interesting things.

10. "Suffocation"

Chuck Palahniuk

The heroes of Palahniuk are not able to change - instead, they stubbornly fill themselves with bumps on the same corners. In Suffocation, the protagonist pretends to be dying in luxury restaurants and extorts compensation from their owners. And even when it threatens his life, he stoically goes to choke on a bun.

11. "Eugene Onegin"

Alexander Pushkin

"Eugene Onegin" is not an encyclopedia of Russian life for a long time, because that Russian life came to the final kirdyk. This is a completely intelligible guide to life in any era, a matrix of wisdom, jokes and puns. “The less we love a woman, / The easier she likes us”, “Whom to love? Whom to believe? / Who will not change us one? Love thyself, / my venerable reader, etc., etc.

12. "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas"

Hunter Thompson

Like Gaspar Noé, this book is about the devastating effects of acid indulgence. After reading, as well as after the Frenchman's film, the last thing you want to know is what the "hydra" and the now deceased RAMP are.

13. “Diary of a suicide bomber. Khadija"

Marina Akhmedova

In his main book at the moment, the former special correspondent of the Russian Reporter tells the story of the Dagestan girl Khadizhi, from childhood to the explosion in the Moscow metro. Akhmedova got the whole texture from a series of her own reports about terrorists. The way she knows how to place accents (both literally and figuratively) would be envied by Kantemir Balagov with his “Closeness” and Lermontov with “A Hero of Our Time”.

14. "We"

Evgeny Zamyatin

The whole dystopian culture of modern times grew out of Zamyatin's short novel: from Orwell's 1984 and Huxley's Brave New World to The Matrix and the thriller Time with Justin Timberlake.

15. "Little Life"

Hanya Yanagihara

On the one hand, this is an everyday American novel about four guys from New York: a black artist, a handsome actor, a failed architect, and a disabled lawyer. By the end of the book, each of them seems to be falling into an abyss that turns out to be surprisingly better than their real successful life. On the other hand, this is a story about a new type of relationship in which gender plays the last role.

16. "Life on loan"

Erich Maria Remarque

The main question of the novel lies in the title: if the meaning of your existence is to live for the sake of another person, isn't it a waste of time?

17. "The Life of Archpriest Avvakum"

Avvakum Petrov

The first autobiography in the history of Russian literature was written by an Old Believer priest. You have never met such representatives of the clergy either before or after: the humorist and rebel Avvakum compares himself with Christ and the Apostle Paul on one page, but on the other he says that he is still “shit”.

18. Lord of the Flies

William Golding

Instead of us, Jennifer Lawrence will talk about this book: “A bunch of boys on the island, they have a shell-shell. Whoever has a shell is strong and can speak. If you don't have a shell, then you don't have power. There is one fat man there, they call him Piggy, they mock him, and then they kill him. The human world is terrible, and there is no glimmer of hope in it.

19. "Bible"

If we discard the sacredness of this text, the Bible remains the main artistic monument in history. Neither Robinson Crusoe, nor Tom Sawyer, nor Jim Hawkins managed to endure such a kaleidoscope of miracles and troubles, which Jesus Christ and his disciples heaped around themselves.

20. "Odyssey"

Homer

An excellent example of how to make excuses to your spouse if a business trip has dragged on for 20 years.

21. "Demons"

Fedor Dostoevsky

One of Dostoevsky's most underrated novels is as relevant as ever: several young people, not boasting of murders and sabotage, arrange a revolution in a small town.

22. Dunno on the Moon

Nikolai Nosov

A children's fairy tale about Dunno, Donut, Znayka and Button, who discovered capitalism on the moon.

23. "Heroes of our time"

GQ

In the collection of the best essays and reports by GQ, there are portraits of cult heroes for their time, who have now become living artifacts. What is it like to watch Vladimir Putin for months? First interview with Ramzan Kadyrov. Essay about Grigory Perelman. And not only.

24. "Anatomy"

Helen Druver

While everyone at school was laughing at pistils and stamens, you probably didn't fall behind. And by the way, anatomy is useful not only for sexual twists, but also for training in the gym (only on the back there are from 7 to 12 muscle groups) and MMA.

Reading books is a proven way to relax and exercise your brain a little. If your favorite book is in the past, surprise him: give him the "best gift". Choose from our eight that is closer to him in spirit and will interest you.

If you find something interesting to read for your man, then you will have a new expense item: books. But along with this there will be a new hobby, and new topics for conversation. Reading at any age develops creative abilities and, in fact, the ability to think, which means that there is a chance not only to become a more interesting conversationalist, but also a more attractive partner. Your main task is to feel what exactly he will agree to read at his leisure.

• If he is attracted by the idea of ​​self-development, then " BE the best version of yourself" Dan Waldschmidt will definitely support you in your quest for global changes in yourself (and the world).
• " The secrets of the great speakers" by James Humes will be useful to those who, climbing the career ladder, worked more than they talked and never learned to "burn people's hearts with a verb." Let him learn to speak fromthe best teachers of public speaking in the world — the brightest politicians of the 20th century.
• If the content of your beloved is in perfect order, but the form let us down, Alan Flusser's book is a A "real man" will help you create your own style and motivate you to listen to your wife's advice when creating the perfect look.

Antonia Byatt - "Possess"

This book is about living people, whose images come down to the reader with an obsession; about love, rebellious and violent passion, conquering time and death; about the aspirations of the spirit and the flesh, earthly and sublime, obvious and hidden. Through the mirror labyrinth of the plot, the characters make their way into the mysterious past: the inhabitants of the era of people - into the era of heroes, and the inhabitants of the era of heroes - into the era of the gods. This novel brings back the desire to love and dispels despair.

Only masculine heroism is able to find pleasure in constructing dungeons for the innocent in the imagination, and only female patience is able to endure imprisonment in them in reality.

Erich Maria Remarque - "Life on loan"

The meaning of the novel by Erich Maria Remarque "Life on loan" lies in a different attitude towards the life of healthy and sick people. Where one sees boredom, another sees importance. Where one sees meaning, the other sees emptiness. A person who knows that he is given a little, tries to live at least a little the life of healthy people, but very often he realizes that this is not his life.

Reason is given to man so that he understands that it is impossible to live by reason alone.

Mark Jacobson - "American Gangster"

"American Gangster" by Marc Jacobson is not just a sensational bestseller, but a book that became the basis of a cult film. The main character is the real-life Frank Lucas. One of the most famous criminals in the US, active in the seventies. Then he was the "heroin king".

Immigrants from China... These guys are not a blunder. They manage to squeeze the entire thousand-year-old philosophy of their homeland into a three-minute street shootout.

Arkady and Boris Strugatsky - Roadside Picnic

"Roadside Picnic" is not just a fantasy, but a real philosophical parable, the deepest story about human animal fear, absolute absorbing humanity, inner irresistible freedom.

A person needs money in order to never think about it.

John Gray - "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus"

This is a book that has changed the fate of many people for the better. Most problems in a relationship between a man and a woman arise because we are really different. And not just different people - we are from different planets. Our approach to most issues differs so much that a special common language is needed for a real understanding. This book will help each and every one to find and master this language. And when we learn it, most of the reasons for being unhappy in love, in family, in business relationships will disappear. The book is intended for all men and women over 16 years of age.

Giving without expecting anything in return, being there when you are truly needed: that is true love.

Despite the abundance of e-books, tablets and audio formats, it is impossible to discourage a book lover from “rustling the pages”. A cup of coffee, an easy chair, the incomparable smell of book pages - and let the whole world wait!

Your attention - TOP-20 most interesting books. Read and enjoy...

• Hurry to love (1999)

Nicholas Sparks

The genre of the book is a love story.

It is generally accepted that only female authors succeed in romance novels. "Hurry to Love" is an exception in this specific genre. Sparks' book won the love of readers around the world and became one of his most popular works.

A touching and incredible love story between the daughter of a priest, Jamie, and a young man, Landon. The book is about a feeling that intertwines the destinies of two halves only once in a lifetime.

• Foam of days (1946)

Boris Vian

The genre of the book is a surreal love story.

A deep and surreal love story based on real events from the life of the author. The allegorical presentation of the book and the unusual plane of events are the highlight of the work, which has become for readers a complete postmodern with a chronology of despair, spleen, shocking.

The heroes of the book are tender Chloe with a lily in her heart, the author's alter ego is Colin, his tiny mouse and the cook, friends of lovers. A work full of bright sadness that everything ends sooner or later, leaving only the foam of days.

Twice screened novel, in both cases unsuccessfully - to convey the whole atmosphere of the book, without missing important details, no one has yet succeeded.

• Hungry Shark Diaries

Stephen Hall

The genre of the book is fantasy.

The action takes place in the 21st century. Eric wakes up with the thought that all the events of his former life have been erased from his memory. According to the doctor, the cause of amnesia is a severe injury, and the relapse is already the 11th in a row. From that moment on, Eric begins to receive letters from himself and hide from the "shark" that devours his memories. His task is to understand what is happening and find the key to salvation.

Hall's debut novel, entirely consisting of puzzles, allusions, allegories. Not for the general reader. They don’t take such a book with them on the train - they don’t read it “on the run”, slowly and with pleasure.

• White Tiger (2008)

Aravind Adiga

The genre of the book is realism, romance.

The boy from the poor Indian village of Balram stands out from his sister-brothers with his unwillingness to put up with fate. A combination of circumstances throws the "White Tiger" (approx. a rare beast) into the city, after which the fate of the boy changes dramatically - from falling to the very bottom, his steep rise to the very top begins. Whether crazy or national hero, Balram struggles to survive in the real world and break out of his cage.

The White Tiger is not an Indian "soap opera" about the "prince and the pauper", but a revolutionary work that breaks stereotypes about India. This book is about the India that you will not see in beautiful films on the TV screen.

• Fight Club (1996)

Chuck Palahniuk

The genre of the book is a philosophical thriller.

An ordinary clerk, exhausted by insomnia and the monotony of life, by chance meets Tyler. The philosophy of a new acquaintance is self-destruction as the goal of life. An ordinary acquaintance quickly develops into friendship, crowned with the creation of the "Fight Club", the main thing in which is by no means victory, but the ability to endure pain.

Palahniuk's special style gave rise not only to the popularity of the book, but also to the already well-known film adaptation with Brad Pitt in one of the main roles. The book is a challenge about a generation of people for whom the boundaries of good and evil have been erased, about the insignificance of life and the pursuit of illusions, from which the world is going crazy.

A work for people with already formed consciousness (not for teenagers) - for understanding and rethinking their lives.

• Fahrenheit 451 (1953)

Ray Bradbury

The genre of the book is science fiction, romance.

The title of the book is the temperature at which the paper burns. The action takes place in the "future", in which literature is prohibited, reading books is a crime, and the job of firefighters is to burn books. Montag, who just works as a firefighter, reads a book for the first time ...

A work that Bradbury wrote before and for us. More than fifty years ago, the author was able to look into the future, where fear, indifference to others and indifference completely replace the feelings that make us human. No unnecessary thoughts, no books - only mannequins.

• Complaint book (2003)

Max Fry

The genre of the book is a philosophical novel, fantasy.

No matter how hard it is for you, no matter how unsuccessful your life is, never curse it - neither in your thoughts nor out loud. Because someone near you will gladly live your own life for you. For example, that smiling girl over there. Or that old lady in the yard. These are the Nakhi, who are invariably by our side…

Self-irony, subtle banter, mysticism, an unusual plot, realistic dialogues (sometimes too much) - with this book, time flies by unnoticed.

• Pride and Prejudice (1813)

Jane Austen

The genre of the book is a love story.

The time of action is the 19th century. The Bennet family has 5 unmarried daughters. The mother of this poor family, of course, wants to marry them ...

The plot seems to be beaten to "eye calluses", but for more than one hundred years, Jane Austen's novel has been reread by people from various countries again and again. Because the characters of the book stick in the memory forever, and, despite the calm pace of development of events, the work does not let the reader go even after the final page. An absolute masterpiece of literature.

A nice “bonus” is a happy ending and the opportunity to steal away a tear from sincere joy for the heroes.

• Golden Temple (1956)

Yukio Mishima

The genre of the book is realism, philosophical drama.

The action takes place in the 20th century. The young man Mizoguchi, after the death of his father, finds himself in a school at Rinzai (approx. Buddhist academy). It is there that the Golden Temple is located - the legendary architectural monument of Kyoto, which gradually fills the mind of Mizoguchi, crowding out all other thoughts. And only death, according to the author, determines the Beautiful. And everything Beautiful, sooner or later, must die.

The book is based on the real fact of the burning of the Temple by one of the novice monks. On the bright path of Mizoguchi, temptations are constantly encountered, good fights evil, and in contemplation of the Temple, the novice finds peace after the failures that haunt him, the death of his father, the death of a friend. And one day Mizoguchi comes up with the idea - to burn himself along with the Golden Temple.

A few years after writing the book, Mishima, like his hero, made himself hara-kiri.

• Master and Margarita (1967)

Michael Bulgakov

The genre of the book is romance, mysticism, religion and philosophy.

The ageless masterpiece of Russian literature is a book worth reading at least once in a lifetime.

• Portrait of Dorian Gray (1891)

Oscar Wilde

The genre of the book is romance, mysticism.

Once thrown words of Dorian Gray (“I would give my soul for the portrait to grow old, and I was forever young”) became fatal for him. Not a single wrinkle on the eternally youthful face of the protagonist, and his portrait, according to the wish, grows old and gradually dies. And, of course, you have to pay for everything in this world ...

A repeatedly filmed book that once blew up a prim reading society with a Puritan past. A book about a deal with a tempter with sad consequences is a mystical novel that is worth re-reading every 10-15 years.

• Shagreen leather (1831)

Honore de Balzac

The genre of the book is a novel, a parable.

The action takes place in the 19th century. Rafael gets shagreen leather, with which you can fulfill your desires. True, after each wish fulfilled, both the skin itself and the life of the hero are reduced. Raphael's delight is quickly replaced by insight - too little time has been allotted to us on this earth to waste it so mediocrely on unaccountable momentary "joys".

A time-tested classic and one of the most fascinating books from the word master Balzac.

• Three comrades (1936)

Erich Maria Remarque

Genre of the book - realism, psychological novel

A book about male friendship in the post-war period. It is with this book that one should begin acquaintance with the author who wrote it away from her homeland.

A work filled with emotions and events, human destinies and tragedies - heavy and bitter, but bright and life-affirming.

• Diary of Bridget Jones (1996)

Helen Fielding

The genre of the book is a love story.

Light "reading" for women who want a little smile and hope. You never know where you will fall into a love trap. And Bridget Jones, already desperate to find her soul mate, will wander in the dark for a long time before the light of her true love dawns.

No philosophy, mysticism, psychological spirals - just a love story.

• The Man Who Laughs (1869)

Victor Hugo

The genre of the book is a novel, historical prose.

The action takes place in the 17-18 century. One day in his childhood, the boy Gwynplaine (who was a lord by birth) was sold to the Comprachos bandits. During the fashion for freaks and cripples that amused the European nobility, the boy became a fair jester with a mask of laughter carved on his face.

Despite the trials that fell to his lot, Gwynplaine was able to remain a kind and pure person. And even for love, the mutilated appearance and life did not become an obstacle.

• White on black (2002)

Ruben David Gonzalez Gallego

The genre of the book is realism, an autobiographical novel.

The work is true from the first to the last line. This book is the life of the author. He cannot bear pity. And communicating with this person in a wheelchair, everyone immediately forgets that he is a disabled person.

The book is about the love of life and the ability to fight for every moment of happiness, against all odds.

• Dark tower

Stephen King

The genre of the book is epic romance, fantasy.

The Dark Tower is the cornerstone of the universe. And the last noble knight in the world, Roland, must find her...

A book that occupies a special place in the fantasy genre - unique twists from King, close interweaving with earthly reality, completely different, but united in one team and reliably described characters, vivid psychologism of each situation, adventure, drive and the absolute effect of presence.

• Future (2013)

Dmitry Glukhovsky

The genre of the book is fantasy novel.

The recoded DNA at the output gave immortality and eternity. True, at the same time, everything that used to make people live was lost. Temples have become brothels, life has turned into an endless hell, spiritual and cultural values ​​are lost, everyone who dares to have a child is destroyed.

Where will mankind come to? A dystopian novel about the world of immortal, but "inanimate" people without a soul.

• Catcher in the Rye (1951)

Jerome Salinger.

The genre of the book is realism.

In the 16-year-old Holden, everything that is characteristic of a complex teenager is concentrated - harsh reality and dreams, seriousness, giving way to childishness.

The book is a story about a boy who is thrown into the cycle of events by life. Childhood suddenly ends, and the chick pushed out of the nest does not understand where to fly and how to live in a world where everyone is against you.

• You were promised to me

Elchin Safarli

The genre of the book is a novel.

This is a work that people fall in love with from the first pages and are pulled apart into quotes. A terrible and irreparable loss of the second half.

This top contains the best books that you can give a man on February 23, or that male readers should pay attention to. We have identified 10 categories to make it easier to decide on the choice of gift or what to read.

Good books do not have an expiration date, moreover, from time to time familiar and read novels acquire a new sound. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury or 1984 by George Orwell, "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley– the famous dystopias depicting the world of the future, playing on the themes of politics, the state, freedom and the influence of the media, are more relevant today than ever.

The theme of war, unfortunately, is as eternal as the theme of love. But if women like to read about the second topic, then the first one is clearly interesting for men. Of the military books, the most powerful and deepest are the works Erich Maria Remarque(the senselessness of war in the novel "All Quiet on the Western Front", the life of the "lost generation" in "Three Comrades"), Ernest Hemingway(autobiographical "Bye weapons!", tragic "For whom the Bell Tolls" and etc.).

Have you noticed that the main character of books is more often a man? This observation is as obvious as the fact that most writers are male. There are many great novels about real male protagonists. For example, two famous, but very different novels: The Great Gatsby by Francis Fitzgerald and "Martin Eden" by Jack London. In fact, these very different novels are about the same thing: the heroes get out of the bottom and the difficult situation to the very top thanks to their strength of character. And thanks to the power of love - where without it.

And a couple more reading/gift ideas: a novel "Over the Cuckoo's Nest" by Ken Kesey you can advise the future doctor and intellectual, rebels will like the atmosphere of the book Jerome D. Salinger "The Catcher in the Rye", a The Godfather Mario Puzo will not leave anyone indifferent, not just a man.

What is meant by the adjective "modern" in this top? Actual, interesting, smart literature of recent years. Reading!

For many years now, the most sought-after author among the male audience remains Victor Pelevin. What is his strength? In swirling, bold and multi-layered plots, in a mix of philosophical ideas, in a set of unique psychological portraits of modernity or a literary hoax? However, Pelevin's latest novels "Love for Three Zuckerbrins", "Batman Apollo", "The Caretaker" will be of interest not only to the author's admirers, but also to those interested in contemporary Russian literature.

Another author who can be advised for reading to a man is Frederic Begbeder. Surprisingly, this Frenchman knows how to write about love (which is what most of his novels are about) frankly, bitingly, ironically, honestly. Choosing as the heroes of his new book "Una and Salinger" writer Jerome Salinger and his wife Una O'Neill, the author remains true to himself, naturally combining beautiful dialogues about love and caustic descriptions of war in the novel.

The thirteenth book of the famous Japanese prose writer Haruki Murakami became a romance "Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and his wandering years", the main characters of which are an ordinary man and his memories. This is a fascinating, mystical novel about the growing up of Tsukuru, as well as how an event that did not happen can dramatically change a life.

A high-profile novelty on the Russian market in 2015 was the novel by the Catalan writer and screenwriter Jaume Cabre "I Confess". A complex, non-linear, tragic narrative for those who are ready to immerse themselves in the life story of the violinist Adria Ardevol, which turns into a story of war, death, love, life and music. It can be safely recommended to lovers of Spanish prose with elements of mysticism.

Historical fiction is excellent reading, containing two wonderful components at once: an exciting adventure and a portrait of an era.

Classics of the historical genre can be considered Victor Hugo (Les Misérables, Year 93),Valentina Pikulya("Favorite", "Word and Deed", "Pen and Sword"), Rafael Sabatini(primarily his trilogy about Captain Blade).

For those experienced in this genre, the first and most famous novel will be an excellent gift / reading. Umberto Eco "The Name of the Rose" about a monk of a Benedictine monastery in Italy in the 14th century. The famous philosopher, scientist, semiologist, medievalist created a multi-layered complex novel, which can be read at different levels: from plot to semiotic and philosophical. In order to cover the full extent of the novel - to give / read in tandem with copyright "Notes in the margins of the Name of the Rose" published as a separate book.

One of the best historical novels about Egypt is the epic of the Finnish writer Mika Waltari "Sinuhe, the Egyptian", which was based on the "Tale of Sinuhe" - the oldest Egyptian literary monument. A fascinating trilogy "Pharaoh Akhenaten" by George Gulia dedicated to the mythology and history of Egypt. Gulia, resorting to swift, short phrases, a tense plot, historical details, creates a fascinating work that is read in one breath.

The atmosphere of 17th century Japan can be found in the novel James Clavell "Shogun". The main character, the English navigator John Blackthorn (who had a real prototype), is one of the first compatriots to know the Land of the Rising Sun, its traditions, culture and beauty, but this knowledge is not easy for him.

The fragrance of the East is fragrant with the work "Snake Charmer" Soviet writer's pen Yavdat Ilyasov. This is a fascinating story of the famous poet, scientist and philosopher Omar Khayyam, for whom fate has prepared the most difficult trials and the greatest rewards.

The most action-packed and fascinating genre of literature in the first place may be of interest to fans of TV shows. Watching Cumberbatch becomes much more interesting when you know the original Sherlock Holmes, whose investigations are really impressive. Except Conan Doyle in this category it is necessary to mention the cult Rex Stout(creator of detective Nero Wolfe) and his best detectives: "Red Threads", "Broken Vase", "Bad for Business", "Deathtrap".

A series of detective stories about a superspy can be a great gift / reading James Bond. Reading legendary books is much more fun knowing that many moments and images are based on personal experience: the author Ian Fleming was a well-known journalist, scout and favorite of women.

For those who are interested in history, Boris Akunin created a series that included detectives of different styles, united by a sophisticated hero Erast Fandorin. Intelligent and atmospheric historical detective stories allow you not only to get a lot of emotions from a twisted plot, but to immerse yourself in past centuries and enjoy a good style.

Mystical works of the Norwegian writer Yu Nesbø considered one of the best detective novels of recent years. The protagonist is detective Harry Hole, who is struggling with his alcohol addiction, which does not prevent him from brilliantly solving twisted crimes on the streets of Norway. By the way, one of Nesbø's best novels is currently being filmed - "Snowman", where the Golden Lion winner Michael Fassbender will play the role of a detective, but you have time to get acquainted with the entire cycle of novels.

Another novelty of the detective genre is a series of novels about war veteran Kormoran Strike, who investigates mysterious murders. Author of crime novels Robert Galbraith has already published two novels in the series ( "Cuckoo's Call", "Silkworm"), and also revealed his real name: under a male pseudonym, she did not hide for long Joanne Rowling.

Interest in the genres of fantasy and science fiction has not subsided over the years. The choice is great, but the main books remain, stopping at which, you will not be disappointed.

Among fiction, except for the always sought after and beloved brothers Strugatsky("Roadside Picnic", "It's Hard to Be God", "Monday Starts Saturday"), H. G. Wells("The Invisible Man", "War of the Worlds", "Time Machine"), Ray Bradbury(The Martian Chronicles, Dandelion Wine, stories), one can distinguish a classic book for this genre Dune by Frank Herbert. The plot of the philosophical-fiction novel, in which political and environmental problems are raised, revolves around the “spice” substance, on which not only the possibility of intergalactic flights, but also the fate of civilization depends.

The theme of space, fertile for science fiction, is played up in socio-philosophical and science fiction novels Ivan Efremov ("Hour of the Bull" or "Andromeda's nebula"), which will be excellent food for thought. And for those who are not indifferent to travel, the famous novel will be an ideal gift/reading option. Adam Douglas' The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

Fantasy literature is based on the "three pillars": The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien, The Chronicles of Amber by Roger Zelazny and "A Song of Ice and Fire""American Tolkien" George Martin. These sagas are so popular that it is impossible to ignore them, but at the same time, it is bad manners to talk about them, because everyone imagines their content and value.

The next level of immersion in the fascinating world of fantasy can be a cycle of novels Terry Pratchett about flat world. An extensive series by the English writer offers readers the story of a fictional disk-shaped planet where heroes of various races fight. The space of the novel itself is filled with jokes, irony and subtle humor, which distinguishes this fantasy from any other.

An ancient magic, a beautiful archipelago of Earthsea, a magician boy nicknamed Hawk - this is how she created her fantasy world Ursula Le Guin in the novel "Wizard of Earthsea". A book comparable to The Chronicles of Narnia by Clive S. Lewis, written in rich colors and captivates from the first pages.

Representatives of the strong half of humanity will enjoy heroic fantasy from Roberta Salvatore. A grand cycle of novels about dark elf Drizzte (Drizzte), who leaves his underworld, not wanting to worship the bloody laws. After long wanderings and unexpected ups and downs, he finds refuge in Icewind Dale, but this is far from the end of the story.

A fertile topic for choosing a gift. After all, men are eternal nomads and conquerors, who better than them to know about the road. And read about it.

Beatnik books remain unsurpassed masterpieces of travel literature. Jack Kerouac. It’s hard to make a mistake here, you can choose any of his novels, small in volume, but great in terms of presentation, mood and humor. The road, philosophy, conversations, friendship, alcohol, women, again the road and philosophy - about what is happening "On the road". The continuation of this book was the novel "Dharma Drifters", which tells about what happened after the travels, when the autobiographical hero of the novel discovered Buddhism.

More melancholic, confusing and mysterious - "Kafka on the Beach" by Haruki Murakami. The prose of the Japanese, who recognize the existence of hundreds of ancient gods and spirits at the same time, is always a little mystical and mysterious for Europeans. In Murakami's novel, the wanderings of the protagonist, who has chosen a new name for himself - Kafka, resemble dreams, but their consequences do not dissipate with the sunrise.

For those who are not ready to embark on the confusing path of spiritual quest, there is a simple and wonderful book. "The Art of Traveling". High class, delicious storytelling Alena de Bottona, in which the writer is looking for answers to such important questions: what makes us go on a trip; how we return home; is it possible to be a traveler without leaving home; what does freedom mean? After reading this book, I want only one thing, or rather two things: to go on the road and start keeping travel notes.

I would like to mention here another excellent book in the travel genre - "Russian Tales: Around the World on a Harley-Davidson". The authors of this "guide" are Andrey Polonsky, Maxim Privezentsev, Vladimir Roshchin, two of whom (Maxim and Vladimir) made the now legendary journey on motorcycles around the Earth! This is a real, mind-blowing book that teaches not only the art of motorcycle travel, but also the need to follow your dreams no matter what.

Better than a good biography can only be an autobiography. And if an autobiography is also written in a good style, it has no price. Such a book can not only fill in the gaps in a particular area, but also inspire. The main thing is to determine the scope of interests.

An athlete can be advised on a relatively recent autobiography Mike Tyson "The Ruthless Truth" The world's greatest boxer talks about his life in a simple, slightly rough style, objectively and frankly talking about his ups and downs. One of the best biographies in the sports genre remains a book published almost thirty-seven years ago. Valery Kharlamov. "My autobiography. Three Beginnings" begins with the question "Why did I become a hockey player?" and tells not only about hockey, but also about the personality of the athlete.

A photography aficionado will love this book. Helmut Newton. Autobiography", which will pleasantly surprise readers with the fact that the famous photographer of the 20th century writes as tenaciously and frankly as he shoots. One of the best masters of modern black and white photography also wrote his biography Sebastian Salgado. Small but beautifully designed book "Salt of the earth" not only about photography, but about the world and man.

An intellectual can be advised/gifted a job "Roland Barthes on Roland Barthes". In this sympathetic book, which today reads not as a provocation of a well-known structuralist, but as fascinating and witty notes, Bart talks about himself in the third person. And this is not schizophrenia, but a justified literary device.

Musical esthete should pay attention to "Life" by Keith Richards. Voluminous, rich and mind-blowing stories about all the joys and sorrows of the “tumbleweed” guitarist, recorded by the journalist for three years and turned into a legendary confession-biography. Here you can remember The Autobiography of Miles Davis, revealing the entire life path of the musician, seasoned with various stories. As a reflection of not only a separate fate, but also an entire era, an autobiography is interesting. Mikael Tariverdiev "I just live", in which the famous Soviet composer writes easily and sincerely about his fate, character and important moments.

Inspiring, motivating, educational - and that's all about her, about business literature!

The most sought-after business literature remains motivational books that reveal the secrets of how to start ( Rework. Business Without Prejudice by Jason Fried and David H. Hansson or "Startup" Guy Kawasaki), how to make money (bestsellers Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill or "Rich Dad Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki), how to turn yourself into a business shark ( "How to become a businessman" Oleg Tinkov or "Word Masters. Secrets of Public Speaking by Jerry Weissman, The Psychology of Lies by Paul Ekman).

Here it is also worth mentioning books that tell about the success of a particular company, which will captivate not only a businessman or startup, but just a curious person. One of these books is the work of a journalist Dmitry Soklov Yandex. Book", in which the author reveals not only the history of the development of the largest Russian IT company, but also tells about the Yandex team, about the life and development of the main creators. In this category, you can name a few more stories of famous brands, told interestingly and with feeling: “It's not about the coffee. Starbucks Corporate Culture» from Howard Behar and Janet Goldstein or "Inside Coca-Cola" from Nevil Isdell and David Beasley.

Those who worry about time can be divided into two groups: "how-to-do-everything" and "how-to-learn-to-value-the-moment". For the first type, we can recommend a classic book Gleb Arkhangelsky "Time drive: how to manage to live and work". The author, who laid the foundations of national time management, clearly explains how and what to spend time on, how to set tasks correctly, how to consistently achieve your goals. The second group should pay attention to creation Carla Honoré "No Fuss: How to Stop Hurrying and Start Living", in which the author calmly and measuredly proves that the rush of the modern world is a disease of the 21st century, but being a little snail or sometimes being lazy is a natural human need.

It is known that creative people need inspiration, motivation and - a good book!

If you are looking for a good gift for an artist, designer, writer (or you are one of the above), then you should pay attention to the book. Austin Kleon Steal Like an Artist. This book may not be read. If you have a creative block, then simply opening it is enough: designed in the form of clear and simple short phrases (literally - an action plan), it instantly makes you want to draw / write / sculpt / invent.

For writers (or for those who are not yet a writer, “but only studying”), a manual will be a godsend "How to Write Books: A Memoir of a Craft" from Stephen King. The recognized classic shares the story of his rise, honestly and captivatingly talks about how he comes up with ideas, what it takes to be a literary hero, how many hours a day you need to devote to work, and most importantly, how to write books.

For those who have a crisis of ideas, and “there is no way out” stuck in their heads, there is a great book. "Rice Storm" from Michael Mikalko. The author offers 22 creative thinking techniques, the names of which (“Book of the Dead”, “Salvador Dali Method”, “Rice Storm”, etc.) evoke new associations and ideas. The book contains specific exercises, performing which, you can not only get out of a creative impasse, but also develop a creative approach to life.

In the modern world, the book as an object has received a completely new use. Today you can not just read a book, you can draw, draw, write in it - anything you like ... Only if the book is adapted for this. Like a hit “1 page per day. Diary for creative people from Adam Kurtz. Each page in this book is a specific instruction for action: “Describe a birthday from your childhood”, “Write what your motivation is, and then fold this sheet tightly!”, “Draw the contents of your bag” ... These simple and fun tasks will help cope with the fear of a white sheet and accustom to regular creativity.

10. Gift book

Giving a book in the age of the Internet is not an easy task, because any work can be obtained in electronic form and read on your favorite medium. Therefore, when choosing a paper version, it is important to remember that the book should look high quality and beautiful. A book of this type is not even necessary to read: you can look through it from time to time or just put it on a shelf to show off.

Probably, a photo album will become a pleasant gift for any person (not only a man). It can be a large album with black and white photographs of a famous photographer (for example, the legendary Henri Cartier Bresson) or bright glossy shots (as an option - artistic and provocative photos Martina Parra), which are so nice to look at.

A lover of oriental culture will like, for example, an illustrated book “Hidden in the leaves. Samurai Book", where the notes of the samurai are collected Yamamoto Tsunetomo deep and surprisingly modern. Beautifully designed albums with aphorisms or small parables can be found on almost any topic.

Knowing the area of ​​​​interest, you can choose a good encyclopedia, since there are a great many of them now: from edged weapons to men's fashion (as for the latter, there is a decent album "Icons of men's style" by renowned fashion writer Josh Sims).

There are also beautiful books about elite alcohol, which is already prestigious to have.

For example, a classic review of wines and wineries in the world from Tom Stevenson. This weighty illustrated book "Wine. Encyclopedia Sotheby's» so pleasant to flip through, then to sparkle with your knowledge when choosing wine for dinner.

Well, who, after such a variety, will say that a book is not the best gift?

If you suffer from insomnia, or just don't know what to do in the evening before going to bed, then start reading! But be careful, because some books are so interesting that you won't notice how the morning comes!

Photo: goodfon.ru

So, a list of fascinating books that will interest both "avid readers" and novice "book lovers":

"Come in large numbers", Narine Abgaryan

This is a tragicomedy about a young and ambitious girl who, at the beginning of the difficult 90s, decided to leave her native small mountainous republic and conquer the capital. And she immediately realized that every visitor, whom the author calls "come in large numbers", has his own Moscow. Someone sees it in the millions of people scurrying through the streets, and someone gets the opportunity to get close to such people. And some of them protect, protect, care for, help, support and just love. The author of the book talks about his small piece of the very "come in large numbers" life of a visitor, which many indigenous residents of big cities do not know about. And there is a place for feats in it, the most important of which is to decide to emigrate and accept a new place as it is, and sincerely love it. And then Moscow will certainly reciprocate.

The Collector, John Fowles

This is the debut story of the author, and for many it practically freezes the blood, because this is a real psychological thriller that excites the mind. The plot is the fate of two people connected with each other. He is a butterfly collector. There is a void in his soul, which he seeks to fill with beauty. And one day Ferdinand finds himself a wonderful victim - the girl Miranda. It is as if she was created in order to create and enjoy freedom. And he understands that he will give everything to possess her. And so, Miranda becomes a prisoner of Ferdinand. But will he be able to keep real Life, Beauty, Freedom and all the most beautiful that can be in the human soul within the walls of the castle?

The story is built on the subtle relationship of the victim and the villain and allows you to rethink many of the stories of world classics that seemed to have long been worn out.

"Forrest Gump", Winston Groom

This is the story of a mentally retarded guy, which he himself outlined on the pages of the legendary book that formed the basis of the film of the same name. The plot can be called practically the embodiment of the myth of the very "American dream" that disturbed the minds of millions of young people who lived in the second half of the last century. But at the same time, this is a sharp and even slightly cruel satirical parody of the society of that time, which was not ready to accept people who were somehow different from the main mass. Forrest Gump was different, and therefore became the object of ridicule. But this boy is not crazy at all. He is different, and he can see and feel what others cannot see and feel. He is special.

"Amsterdam", Ian McEwan

The author of the book is one of the representatives of the "elite" of modern British prose. And for a work that has become a real world bestseller, he received the Booker Prize. Victor Golyshev, who translated this creation into Russian, also got around to the award. It would seem that the story is simple and very relevant. But how many nuances are in it, how many thoughts, how many doubts! The main characters are two friends. One of them is a successful editor of a popular newspaper. The second is a brilliant contemporary composer who is writing the Millennium Symphony. And they enter into an agreement on euthanasia, under the terms of which, if one falls into a state of unconsciousness and ceases to understand what he is doing, then the other will take his life.

Amendment 22 by Joseph Heller

Although more than half a century has passed since the publication of the first book, this work is still legendary and one of the most popular, and many publications have included it in the list of the best novels.

This is not an ordinary story about US Air Force pilots who took part in World War II. All of them get into absurd situations, face awkward people and thoughtless actions, they themselves commit incomprehensible acts. And all this is connected with a certain amendment No. 22, which actually does not exist on paper, but says that every military man who does not want to perform a combat mission is quite normal and therefore fit for service. But in fact, in this story one can see not so much an anti-war novel as a deep and global mockery of modern everyday life, of society and the laws in force.

"Collusion of Dunces", John Kennedy Toole

The author of this book, who, by the way, lived to see the Pulitzer Prize for this creation, was able to create a literary hero, unlike any described in satirical literature. Ignatius J. Riley is creative, imaginative and eccentric. He fancies himself an intellectual, but in reality he is a glutton, a spendthrift and a quitter. He is similar to the modern Don Quixote or Gargantua, who despises society for its lack of geometry and theology. He is reminiscent of Thomas Aquinas, who launched his own hopeless war against everything and everyone: gay people, the excesses of the century, and even intercity buses. And this image is so interesting, unusual and, unfortunately, relevant that everyone can see a part of themselves in it.

"Monday Starts on Saturday" Strugatsky Brothers

This book is a real masterpiece of Russian science fiction, a kind of embodiment of the utopia of the Soviet era, a kind of artistic fulfillment of the dream of the possibilities of a modern person to learn, create, learn and solve the mysteries of the universe.

The main characters of the book are employees of NIICHAVO (Research Institute of Witchcraft and Wizardry). They are masters and magicians, real pioneers. And they will face many amazing events and phenomena: a time machine, a hut on chicken legs, a genie and even an artificially grown man!

"The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins

This book has become a real bestseller. This is a mysterious and fascinating story of the girl Rachel, who, from the train window, watches, as it seems to her, the ideal spouses. She even gave them names: Jason and Jess. Every day she sees the cottage of a man and a woman and understands that they probably have everything: well-being, happiness, wealth and love. And Rachel had all this, but not so long ago she lost all this. But one day, approaching the already well-known cottage, the girl realizes that something is going wrong. She sees frightening, mysterious and disturbing events that disturb her consciousness. And after that, the ideal wife Jess disappears. And Rachel understands that it is she who must solve this mystery and find a woman. But will the police take her seriously? And, in general, is it worth interfering in someone else's life? This is for the reader to find out.

The Book of Life: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

In the last months of his life, the old professor managed to make several important discoveries.

He realized that death is not the end at all. This is the beginning. And, therefore, dying is the same as preparing for something unknown and new. And it's not scary at all, but even interesting.

Before leaving for another world, the old man passed on such knowledge to everyone who was with him in the last minutes of his earthly life. What's next? Will we know it?

The Process, Franz Kafka

The author is one of the most beloved, mysterious, readable and popular writers of the last century. He managed to create a unique artistic universe in which everything is completely different from real life. She is sad, dreary and almost absurd, but incredibly and bewitchingly beautiful. Her characters constantly become participants in strange adventures, they are looking for the meaning of life and trying to get answers to questions that have been tormenting them for a long time. The novel "The Trial" is the work that will most clearly understand the mysterious nature of Franz Kafka's work.

"Lord of the Flies" by William Golding

This book can be called strange, scary and incredibly attractive.

According to the plot, boys brought up in the best traditions find themselves on a desert island. The author told the readers a philosophical parable about how fragile the world is and what can happen to people who have forgotten about kindness, love and mercy. This is a dystopia with some symbolic overtones, which explores the behavior of children who find themselves on a desert island during wartime. Will they be able to maintain humanity or will they obey natural instincts?

Rita Hayworth, or the Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King

The plot of this book is the story of a man whose nightmare suddenly became a reality. He, innocent of anything, was thrown into prison, into a real hell, in which he will spend the rest of his life. And no one has been able to get out of this terrible place yet. But the main character does not intend to give up and put up with what was destined for him by fate. He took a desperate step. But can he not only escape, but also get used to freedom and the new world, survive in it? By the way, this work of the real fantasy king Stephen King served as the basis for the film of the same name, which starred Morgan Freeman and Tim Robinson.

The events unfold in England in 1960. Jennifer Sterling wakes up after a terrible car accident and realizes that she cannot remember who she is, what happened to her. She does not remember her husband either. She would have continued to live in ignorance if, by chance, she had not found letters addressed to her and signed with the letter "B". Their author confessed his love to Jennifer and persuaded her to leave her husband. Further, the author takes readers to the XXI century. Young reporter Ellie finds one of the letters written by the mysterious "B" in a newspaper archive. She hopes that by taking up the investigation, she will be able to unravel the mystery of the author and recipient of the messages, restore her reputation and even sort out her own personal life.

“Lady with glasses with a gun in a car”, Sebastien Japrisot

The main character of the book is a blonde. She is beautiful, sentimental, sincere, deceitful, restless, stubborn and stupid. This lady, who has never seen the sea, gets into a car and tries to escape from the police. At the same time, she constantly repeats to herself that she is not crazy.

But people around here disagree. The heroine behaves more than strangely and constantly gets into ridiculous situations. She believes that wherever she is, she can be harmed. But if she escapes, she can be alone with herself and free herself from what she hides, from what worries her so much.

Goldfinch, Donna Tartt

The author has been writing this book for ten whole years, but it has become a real masterpiece. It talks about the fact that art has the power and power, and sometimes it can radically change and literally turn our lives upside down, and quite suddenly.

The hero of the work, 13-year-old boy Theo Decker, miraculously survived after the explosion that killed his mother. His father abandoned him, and he is forced to wander through foster families and completely strange houses. He traveled to Las Vegas and New York and almost despaired. But his only consolation, which, by the way, almost led to his death, is the masterpiece of the Dutch old master, which he stole from the museum.

Cloud Atlas, David Mitchell

This book is like a complex mirror maze in which seemingly completely different and unrelated stories echo, intersect and overlap each other in an amazing way.

In total, there are six main characters in the work: a young composer who is forced to sell his soul and body; 19th century notary; a journalist working in California in the 1970s who uncovers a conspiracy of a large company; a clone servant working in a modern fast food business; a modern petty publisher and a simple goatherd living in the decline of civilization.

1984 George Orwell

This work can be attributed to the genre of dystopia, it describes a society in which a harsh totalitarian regime reigns.

There is nothing more terrible than the imprisonment of free and living minds in the fetters of social foundations.

"Blackberry Winter" Sarah Gio

Events unfold in 1933 in Seattle. Vera Ray kisses her little son before going to bed and goes to work at night in a hotel. In the morning, a single mother discovers that the whole city is covered with snow, and her son has disappeared. In a snowdrift near the house, Vera finds the boy's favorite toy, but there are no footprints nearby. A desperate mother is willing to do anything to find her child.

The author then takes readers to present-day Seattle. Reporter Claire Aldridge writes an article about a snowstorm that literally paralyzed the city. By chance, she learns that similar events have already occurred 80 years ago. Starting to explore the mysterious history of Vera Ray, Claire realizes that she is somehow mysteriously intertwined with her own life.

"Blindness" José Saramago

The inhabitants of a nameless country and a nameless city are facing a strange epidemic. All of them rapidly begin to go blind. And the authorities, in order to stop this incomprehensible disease, decide to introduce strict quarantine and relocate all the sick to the old hospital, taking them into custody.

The main characters of the work are an infected ophthalmologist and his wife pretending to be blind. They are trying to collect the world bit by bit and find order in this gradually embracing chaos.

“Three apples fell from the sky”, Narine Abgaryan

This book is the story of a small village, which is somewhere high in the mountains.

Its inhabitants are all a little grumpy, a little eccentric, but at the same time, real treasures of the spirit are hidden in each of them.

This is a witty, sublime and unusual dystopia about the modern consumer society, which is programmed at the genetic level. And in this world, the sad story of the Savage is unfolding, whom the author regards as the Hamlet of our time. It still retains the remnants of humanity, but people divided into social consumption castes do not want to recognize it or simply cannot do it.

If we list noteworthy books by contemporary authors, then we cannot fail to mention the work “Social network “Kovcheg” by Evgeniy Vetsel which consists of three parts.

The main character falls from the roof, but is reborn again. Having lived a little in the XI century, he finds himself in the distant future - in the XXXVI century in Moscow. The author touches on many interesting devices, techniques of psychology and sales, modern reflections on life and reasons to seriously think about rhetorical questions. The second book describes life in America and the theory of one of the options for a worldwide conspiracy. And the third part tells about the adventures of the hero on another planet, where white angels live.

These were the most interesting books worth reading even for those who think they don't like to read. They will turn your views and even ideas about the world.

P.S. What books do you remember the most?