Books of the Week: June 24, 2013
Looking for a good book to read? Every week, ZODML spotlights three great books from our extensive collection to inspire readers to try out books they might not have previously heard of. The selections fall under three major categories – fiction, non-fiction and children and young adult literature – so there’s a book to suit every taste. Also check out our archives to see which books have been selected in the past.
Fiction: Chaka by Thomas Mofolo
Chaka Zulu is one of Africa’s most mysterious and highly enigmatic figures whose life was stranger than fiction. Mofolo, in this novel, mixes facts with fiction to recreate Chaka’s legendary and wondrous life. The novel is a study of human passion, of an uncontrolled and then uncontrollable ambition leading to the moral destruction of the character and the inevitable punishment.
Non-Fiction: An Autobiography: The Story of My Experiments With Truth by Mahatma Gandhi
The Story of My Experiments with Truth is the autobiography of Mohandas "Mahatma" Karamchand Gandhi, the great Indian political leader and social reformer. Covering his life from early childhood through to 1921 when he became the leader of the Indian National Congress, the book tells not only of his struggles and inspirations but also speaks of his failures. It is a powerful and enduring account of an extraordinary life.
Children and Young Adults: Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
The most popular pirate story ever written in English, featuring one of literature’s most beloved “bad guys,” Treasure Island has been happily devoured by several generations of boys, girls and adults. Its unforgettable characters include young Jim Hawkins, who finds himself owner of a map to Treasure Island, where the fabled pirate booty is buried; honest Captain Smollett, heroic Dr. Livesey, and the good-hearted but obtuse Squire Trelawney, who help Jim on his quest for the treasure; the frightening Blind Pew, double-dealing Israel Hands, and seemingly mad Ben Gunn, buccaneers of varying shades of menace; and, of course, Long John Silver, who is one moment a friendly, laughing, one-legged sea-cook - and the next a dangerous pirate leader!
Reading something good? Share with us in the comments!
