A good book is like a friend you want to talk to non-stop. In reading, as in life, there are fleeting acquaintances, but there are also those that last forever. From time to time you meet such friends again, get nostalgic and will certainly learn something new.

The ancient Roman philosopher Cicero said that he did not value reading without any pleasure. Superficial, joyless browsing is a problem for many people. It is quite difficult to navigate in the modern literary space. Much of what is written and actively replicated is not worth attention. These are one-day books whose voice will be drowned out for decades. But among the paper cake there are true literary diamonds that will always sparkle. To help enthusiastic readers, we have made a selection of 10 books that are impossible to tear yourself away from.

Somerset Maugham "The burden of human passions" (1915)

"The Burden of Human Passions" (original title Of Human Bondage) is one of the most famous works of the 20th century classic Englishman Somerset Maugham.

This is a philosophical drama about the life and existential quest of Philip Carey. From early childhood, he was haunted by misfortunes: orphanhood, congenital lameness, ridicule from schoolmates, loneliness. Adult Carey still remains timid and shy, falls in love with the wayward vicious Mildred and dutifully endures her beloved's repeated betrayals. Life is damn unfair to Philip, and therefore he is trying to find out what is its meaning, on what laws life is built. Why does it give everything to some, while ruthlessly takes away even elementary grains of happiness from others. On the way to the truth, Carey turns to many philosophical teachings, is disappointed in God and faith, tries himself in various fields, trying to find his calling, falls in love, breaks hearts. Will the protagonist be able to shed the burden of human passions and answer the question, what is life?

Tartt "The Secret History" (1992)

The Secret History is the debut novel by Pulitzer Prize-winning American writer Donna Tartt. It was sold around the world in five million copies and sounded in 24 languages. It was with the "Secret History" that the loud glory of his "parent" began.

This psychological thriller tells the story of the students of a closed college in Vermont. Young people came to the educational institution to study the ancient Greek language. There are very few of them, they are young, smart, talented and fanatically in love with antiquity. Soon, the guys have an idea fix - they are superhumans, a special caste, the chosen ones. Many years later, student Richard Paypen recalls the days when he lived within the walls of a secluded college, believed in his uniqueness, and when that terrible murder happened ...

Donna Tartt knows how to intrigue, dissect characters and break stereotypes. We recommend it to fans of suspense and talented criminalistics.

Fannie Flagg "Fried Green Tomatoes" (1987)

Evelyn Coach's life is over. She is 48 and, despite the fact that she is married, she is infinitely lonely. Evelyn has long ceased to take care of herself, and chocolate bars have become the main joy of her life. In addition, now she has to go to a nursing home to visit her mother-in-law. It is here that the woman meets Ninny Threadgood. This 86-year-old old woman lived a long and difficult life, but she was not at all disappointed in her and did not lose her optimism. Sitting in a state-owned chair at a nursing home, Ninny brings back multiple memories and thus inspires her listener.

The novel "Fried Green Tomatoes" (original - Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe) from the talented American Fanny Flagg became a real bestseller in its time. Four years later, in 1991, a film of the same name was made based on it. The tape was directed by Jon Evnet ("War", "Close to the Heart").

For those who have lost their faith, who have succumbed to pessimism, who love a little sad nostalgia and touching life prose, we recommend Fanny Flagg's novel.

Alexandre Dumas (father) "The Count of Monte Cristo" (1844-45)

Even those who have not read The Count of Monte Cristo certainly know this literary character and at least in general terms heard the story of the prisoner of the Chateau d'If.

Alexandre Dumas (father) is a true titan of literature. Centuries later, he is no longer tied to any particular country and culture, Dumas is a citizen of the world, and his legacy is the pride of mankind.

If you love adventure, intrigue, exciting plot twists and turns, put aside modern reading for a while and turn to the classics. The story of the sailor Edmond Dantes, his ups, downs, love, "death" and magical resurrection, will give you an unforgettable experience!

After reading, emotions should be reinforced with a good film adaptation, more than two dozen of them have been filmed. For example, you can watch the tape of Jose Diane ("Balzac", "Dangerous Liaisons") with Gerard Depardieu in the title role.

Françoise Sagan Leash (1989)

The famous Frenchwoman Françoise Sagan became famous all over the world for her unusual stories. This woman knows how to surprise. The Leash (originally La Laisse) was written in the last decade of her creative career. It tells about a married couple Vincent and Laurent. One of them is rich, earns money, the other plays the role of a toy, forced to live by the rules of a whimsical patron. A familiar story, isn't it? However, the wayward Sagan turned everything upside down: her Vincent is a doll, and Laurent is a puppeteer.

The Leash will certainly appeal to fans of everyday drama, atmospheric French prose and the recognizable style of the great Sagan.

Arthur Hailey "Airport" (1968)

On a January evening in 1967, a snowstorm hit Lincoln International Airport. At this time, a passenger plane crashes and urgently needs to land. The airport administration, led by Mel Bakersfeld, needs to quickly organize a landing in extreme conditions.

The novel "Airport" (in the original Airport), like other works of the Canadian Arthur Hailey, belongs to the genre of the so-called production novel, in which a person (a professional in his field) faces the solution of a complex informal task face to face. As a rule, it is necessary to solve it in a short time. So, Mr. Bakersfeld is given 24 hours to fight the snow element. One day in the life of Lincoln Airport turned out to be quite stressful.

Stefan Zweig "24 Hours in the Life of a Woman" (1927)

Stefan Zweig writes wonderfully all the time, whether it's a historical novel, a biography, an essay, a dimensional work or a concise short story. “24 Hours in the Life of a Woman” tells about an unprecedented incident - a 33-year-old respectable lady left her two children and a wealthy husband because of a charming stranger whom she met the day before.

The narrator, who was vacationing in the same boarding house where the family drama took place, became an unwitting member of a circle that actively discussed the act of a frivolous fugitive. He, out of the goodness of his heart, joined the camp of those who tried to justify Madame. Among them was one elderly lady - 67-year-old Madame K. Imbued with sympathy for the young man, she told him her own love story, which flared up in just 24 hours, but left a mark on her soul for life.

Zweig's novels are always sincere, deep, aphoristic, sensual and at the same time very chaste. Recommended to connoisseurs of the romantic genre, and not "pink" literature.

Winston Groom "Forest Gump" (1986)

The novel "Forrest Gump" (original - Forrest Gamp) is a vivid example when the fame of a literary character is far ahead of the fame of the writer. Not everyone knows that the story of a mentally retarded man named Forest Gump was created by an American writer and documentary filmmaker Winston Groom.

This fascinating, touching, sometimes funny and tear-jerking novel will not leave anyone indifferent. A masterpiece film will reinforce the impression of the book. The novel was filmed by the outstanding director Robert Zemeckis (Back to the Future, Cast Away). The role of Forest was brilliantly played by Tom Hanks (Outcast, The Green Mile). The film was so successful that it won six Oscars, including Best Director, Best Actor and Best Picture in 1994.

Joan Harris "Five Quarters of an Orange" (2001)

Another creation from the author of the masterpiece "Chocolate" will not leave indifferent sensual natures. Five Quortes of the Orange is a moving story about a woman named Framboise and the secret of her mother's cookbook.

Even at first glance, a trivial plot in the creative processing of Harris will turn into a magical mystery. Those who have read or at least watched the film "Chocolate" will certainly understand what it is about and will want to read this amazing book.

Sebastian Japriso "Lady with glasses and a gun in a car" (1966)

Fans of the detective genre will appreciate the bestseller from the Frenchman Sebastian Japriso. “Lady with glasses and a gun in a car” is an action-packed story about a 26-year-old advertising agency worker named Dani.

Is there any sense and benefit in our time and why many people still cannot refuse this pleasure.

They are now very popular, which have become real encyclopedias for those who are seriously thinking about the premature end of the world.

All her life, Dani lived by the rules, but one day the girl decides on a little prank - a ride in her boss's car to the sea. However, instead of basking on the Cote d'Azur, Dani will have to hide from justice. In the trunk of the car, an unpleasant surprise awaited her - the corpse of a man with a gunshot wound. Now Dani is the main suspect in the murder case. To save herself, she will have to conduct her own detective investigation.

10 books you can't put down

5 (100%) 1 vote
You catch your breath as soon as you read to the end, excited and grateful for the crazy release of literary adrenaline. A great thrilling, interesting detective novel! But most importantly, it is about love. World bestseller 2012. The young successful novelist Markus Goldman struggles with lack of inspiration and goes to his teacher, the famous writer Harry Quebert, for help. However, it suddenly turns out that Harry himself, accused of a murder that took place in a quiet American town 33 years ago, needs help.
📖 A must read, impossible to put down!The book is simply imbued with the spirit of Bulgakov, Edgar Allan Poe and Stephen King!Puzzle book, labyrinth book.A novel that immerses the reader in the mystical world of Barcelona and moves him to a completely different coordinate system. The reader, together with the main character, will meet sinister strangers, understand and fall in love with beautiful and mysterious women, wander through the gloomy labyrinths of the past, and most importantly, uncover the secret of the book, which in an incomprehensible way changes the lives of those who touch it.
📖 A recognized masterpiece of modern English prose, the book that opened the neo-Gothic genre to the general public and made Anglo-American critics talk about the return of the golden age of the British novel, fanned by the names of Charlotte and Emily Brontë and Daphne Du Maurier. The debut novel of a modest teacher, the rights to which were bought for unprecedented money for a novice author (a million dollars for an American edition), overtook the bestsellers of recent years in sales, was instantly translated into several dozen languages ​​and was awarded the honorary name of "new" Jane Eyre from reviewers ".
📖 Robert Langdon arrives at the Guggenheim Bilbao at the invitation of friend and former student Edmond Kirsch. Billionaire and computer guru, he is known for his amazing discoveries and predictions. And this evening, Kirsch is going to “turn over all modern scientific ideas about the world”, giving an answer to two main questions that have been worrying humanity throughout history: Where are we from? What awaits us? However, before Edmond can make his announcement, the lavish reception turns into chaos.
📖 June Andersen inherits the legendary Blue Bird bookstore from Aunt Ruby. Soon, she discovers unique letters among the books - evidence of a long friendship between Ruby and the famous writer Margaret Wise Brown. Since the store is on the verge of ruin, June decides to save it with a find. She turns to Gavin, the owner of a restaurant next door to the Blue Bird, for help. It seems that together they have a chance, but June has a lot of secrets, and trusting Gavin is not so easy.

📖 The long-awaited novel from David Mitchell, each book of which becomes an event in world literature. On the pages of this work, Mitchell created a whole world, plunging into which the reader, trusting the imagination and the will of the author, will seem to pass through a labyrinth where a lot of interesting things await him: unexpected discoveries, unpredictable plot twists, acquaintance with the most colorful characters, many of whom Mitchell's fans know from previous novels. The plot of the story is an everyday situation: in 1984, the main character, Holly Sykes, runs away from home, having quarreled with her mother. But this is where the realistic component of the story ends. Further events will happen to Holly that cannot happen to mere mortals.
📖 Stephen King called The Hungry House "a rare, magnificent thing", and Anthony Dorr called "Dracula" of the new millennium. Hungry House began with a story that Mitchell began posting on his Twitter on Halloween Eve; a story adjacent to his last novel - "Mere Mortals". So, welcome to Slade Alley. It is not so easy to find him in the labyrinth of streets of the London outskirts. Find a small black iron door in the wall. No handle, no keyhole; but touch the door and it will open. You will be greeted by a sun-drenched old garden and an imposing mansion, too opulent for the area, too big for the area. You will be invited to come in and you will not be able to refuse…
📖 Wonderful, wonderful book! I read it all evening until morning!This is such a spring book when you need to wake up from hibernation and stop living a life that is not your own. If you feel that your life is like sitting in a swamp to please others, then this book will shake you up.A love story, irresistible and unpredictable.Paul publishes his first novel and leaves San Francisco for Paris. He composes, meets with readers - and feels immensely lonely. Mia flees London, leaving her husband who betrayed her, and finds refuge with a French friend. Mia accidentally enters a dating site and makes an appointment with Paul...

📖 Perhaps the best book not only of this year, but of the decade. Must read. Superbly written! Read in one breath!The novel, which Pulitzer Prize winner Donna Tartt has been writing for more than 10 years, is a huge epic canvas about the power of art and how it - sometimes not at all in the way we want it - can turn our whole life upside down. 13-year-old Theo Decker miraculously survived the explosion that killed his mother. Abandoned by his father, without a single soul in the whole world, he wanders through foster homes and other people's families - from New York to Las Vegas - and his only consolation, which, however, almost leads to his death, becomes stolen by him from museum masterpiece by a Dutch old master. This is an amazing book.
📖 Louise Clark is ready to start a new life. She comes to New York and finds herself in another world, in a strange house full of secrets. Rainbow dreams are shattered by cruel reality, but the girl with her characteristic sense of humor does not lose heart. She knows how many miles from her home in New York to London, where her new boyfriend Sam lives. She knows that her boss is a good person and that his wife has her own secrets. What Lou doesn't know is that she is about to meet Josh, who will turn her life upside down. Just because Josh looks so much like the one who hurt her once. And whatever decision Lou makes will change everything. Lu firmly knows that sooner or later he will find a way to find himself. And she will definitely get an answer to the question: who does she really love? .. This novel teaches that you should always remain yourself, the way you are, be brave and move forward, despite various difficulties. This is a book about finding yourself and your place in this world.

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Here are the best books of 2017 - the rating of readers. You will learn what to read so as not to tear yourself away. New bestsellers from the last two years - 2016 and 2017 - are the first ones worth reading. Here, only the most modern and popular books, and not only fiction for reading, have added to our list of the best and most interesting, but also books for self-development (Russia and foreign ones).

Dan Brown. Origin

Edward Kirsch is a famous futurist and billionaire who decided to open his research to the whole world. He is going to say that all religions can be easily exposed. Having organized a solemn ceremony in the museum, he invited all the famous scientists. Just at that moment, when Kirsch was already making a speech, an unknown person kills him. Among those invited was Robert Langdon. This is a Harvard professor familiar with the professor's research. Now he wants to restore the work of a scientist and find his killer. Langdon will travel through Catalonia, church secrets and ancient ciphers. Farther

Mark Manson. The Subtle Art of Giggling: A Paradoxical Way to Live Happily

In modern society, success is promoted: you need to be richer, smarter and better than everyone else. In social networks, you can read a success story about how to make millions in one day, and the feed is full of photos of people who live better than you. However, such a positive once again reminds us of what we have not yet managed to achieve. Is it possible to be happy under such circumstances? Mark Manson - the famous blogger - talks about life philosophy. He will teach the art of indifference. You will learn what you really need for happiness and how to cut off the secondary in order to enjoy life, and not show it to others. Farther

Mikhail Zygar. The empire must die

Revolutions don't just happen, and empires don't collapse overnight. After 1917, we were able to understand why the empire demanded internal changes and why not everyone decided on such changes. On the pages of his book, Mikhail Zygar will talk about how the once famous empire moved towards disaster. The focus is on Russian society. The Russian Empire was born, developed and disappeared in 1917. Reading the history of a hundred years ago, you will understand why such events are happening today. Farther

Tatiana Ustinova. Gravity

Before us are four heroes: a pilot, an art critic, an Altai shaman and a Moscow artist. Each leads their own lives, but an unusual situation arises that brings them together. They need to complete the task. It turned out that the director of the Tambov library had died, and after that unusual phenomena began to happen: the library was destroyed in order to find world treasures. Obviously, the library staff was being followed. But what is hidden in these books? Why are there only four of these people? The heroes know how to drive unusual vehicles, perform complex surgical interventions, solve ciphers and shoot perfectly. They will answer all your questions and unravel the tangle of events. Farther

Viktor Pelevin. iPhuck 10

Boris Akunin. Asian Europeanization. History of the Russian state. Tsar Peter Alekseevich

Tsar Peter Alekseevich carried out reform reforms that could not but affect world history. All the circumstances that were present in his personal life, the nature of his mind, personal phobias and addictions have become part of the national heritage and are perceived as something universally Russian. From this book you will learn how the Russians did not follow history, created it and why they did it on a whim. Farther

Alexandra Marinina. Question price. Volume 1

The program fights against the System. And the System is omnipotent and corrupt. She has her own price, but at the same time she is not able to appreciate anything. Sharkov, the general of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, knows perfectly well that the controlled program is his last chance to restore order in law enforcement agencies. However, one of the radicals disappears. After this event, incomprehensible paired murders began to occur. Now it has become known that the fanatic killer is on the loose, and the program will be destroyed. What should General Sharkov do to restore his life's work? Farther

Yu Nesbo. Thirst

Harry Hole stepped out into the sun on a typical June afternoon. He felt a balance and a certain harmony. This is how Nesbø's novel The Police ended. However, Detective Harry had been deceiving himself all this time. The world is still cruel, imperfect and requires a strong hand to put things in order. Harry Hole returned to Oslo to continue his police service and resume the hunt for a serial killer who attacked girls during dates using a dating site. However, having attacked the trail of a famous criminal, the detective will plunge into his own dark past. Farther

Andrew Cruz. The land of the superfluous. businessman

If the battle is won, it does not mean that the war has been won. Alexander Barinov managed to fight off the Albanians, but this does not mean that now his existence has become calm and quiet. He still knows how to control the situation and is responsible for his actions. However, everything in life does not turn out as planned, and the path drawn from the theoretical turns into a practical one. Farther

Dmitry Bykov. June

Dmitry Bykov knows how to experiment. In this novel, you will learn about three different stories that are united by a single place and time. The thirties of the XX century - this time incredibly intersects with the middle of the 41st year. The philologist, a former IFLI student, has returned from exile and seems to have decided that now he can influence what is happening in the country. There is already a war in the air, which some are afraid of, while others are in a hurry. And it seems that the beginning of the war will cut all the knots and give all the answers. Farther

Dmitry Glukhovsky. Text

Dmitry Glukhovsky wrote his first realistic novel called Text. This is a story about how generations collide, how love can become impossible and why retribution is useless. Moscow in modern times. The phone stores all the memories. There are both photos and videos of our favorite moments. In the mail you can find information about business negotiations and mother's instructions. The browser stores what is interesting and hides from others. In the chat, we confess our love, say goodbye and seduce. This is our time. The phone is who we are. If someone gets a phone, it will turn into its owner. But by the time others see it, it will be too late. Farther

Tatiana Polyakova. Time is the judge

After the disappearance of my mother, very strange things began to happen. It's been four years already. The official investigation was unsuccessful, and private investigators failed. And my father and I have long come to terms with what is happening. But now I didn't even know what to think. Did I really see my mother? Or maybe it's just a woman who looks like her? Every time I wanted to approach her, I ran away. Clearly someone is playing a cruel game with me. Now it's time for your own investigation. I have an assistant Leo Berzin. He is a successful businessman, handsome and there have always been strange rumors about him. But can I trust him? Farther

Dina Rubina. Babi wind

In this story, the main role is assigned to a woman. In her youth, she was a skydiver and a balloon pilot. She had a personal tragedy that forced her to do something else and in another country. She went to the looking glass, where she works as a beautician and lives in New York. The heroine is constantly faced with fantastic events, which are sometimes very discouraging. Everything that you read in this book should be rated 40+, because it is written in a cynical, intimate and sincere way. And it's all about love. Farther

Mikhail Zygar. The entire Kremlin army. A Brief History of Modern Russia

From the book you will learn about the history of Russia during Putin's rule from 2000 to 2015. To write the book, the author used documents, reliable sources, unique interviews and information from the president's inner circle. Here facts, events, opinions of various heroes are brought together, which will tell about the full picture of life in the Kremlin. Why did he suddenly turn from a pro-Western president with a liberal direction at the beginning of the 2000s into an authoritarian ruler and an ardent opponent of the West? Farther

Marina Komissarova. Love. Defrosting Secrets

Marina Komissarova is a journalist, blogger and psychologist with 20 years of experience. She developed a unique system for working with personality - psychoalchemy. Her audience is constantly growing, and the blog has been translated into dozens of languages. You will learn how to unfreeze and pump love resources. Thanks to this book, hundreds of people have already come out of the crisis of their personal lives. It is enough to melt yourself a little to increase energy resources and succeed in controlling your destiny. Farther

Hope Kuzmina. Fire Wind Witch

Life has always been amazing. You never really know what's around the corner, whether the good will be bad and the bad good. Did you become an orphan very early? Wandered a lot and for a long time, trying to find a suitable job? So it's bad for you. But if you are young, pretty and have already found your place under the sun in the capital, then that's good. If you were slandered by a former boyfriend, then this is bad. But if someone managed to clear your good name, then that's just fine. But it turns out that you are a witch yourself and you can study magic at the Academy of Magic. If everything works out, you will live happily ever after. Do you think it's too good to be true? What is truly valued by mages? Honor, power, or knowledge? Will you eventually have to choose between your own freedom and security? Farther

Galina Gromova. Bay of Hope. The task is to survive

Death has settled in the world. Civilization has disappeared, and zombies have taken its place, destroying everything in the area. Fear and destruction reign. There are only three left alive. And each survivor will have to make a difficult choice that determines his life path. Farther

These were the best books of 2017. The reader rating (mainly Russia) will help you figure out what to read so as not to tear yourself away. New bestsellers of 2017 and 2016 are now always at your fingertips. Add modern and popular books to read and bookmark the list of the best and most interesting ones. Share in the comments which book you liked the most. 😉

Text: Alexandra Bazhenova-Sorokina

Detective is a relatively young genre. The fruit of the love of realism and gothic, it arose in the middle of the 19th century, became terribly popular and has not lost its position since then. The rise of the Japanese mystical detective, the poignantly social psychological thriller from Scandinavia, the American existential thriller, and the continuing tradition of the British puzzle-mystery show just how diverse in both plot and style detective stories can be.

We have selected eleven detective stories published in the 2000s that are on par with book hits such as The Girl on the Train or Gone Girl and will not be lost against the backdrop of the hegemony of modern masters of the genre Dennis Lehane, Yu Nesbø, Henning Mankell and Robert Galbraith (hello , Joanne Rowling!).

The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair

Joel Dicker

The sensational debut of the twenty-seven-year-old Swiss Dicker about a young popular writer in a creative crisis, his mentor's cult novel, and how novels are created in principle, at one time received conflicting responses. The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair has been criticized for claiming to have an intellectual depth that it does not. Whether this is so - decide for yourself while reading. What is definitely there is a famously twisted plot with unexpected twists and a setting in the best traditions of noir: underage femme fatale, strange and complex men, dark humor and an ever-changing picture of events - is this not a recipe for an excellent detective?

sharp objects

Gillian Flynn

American Gillian Flynn became the absolute star of the psychological thriller after the adaptation of her third novel, Gone Girl, the film was directed by David Fincher, and the script was prepared by the writer herself. Sharp Objects is her debut and deserves no less attention. A mentally ill journalist living in Chicago seeking an outlet for self-harm and alcohol is forced to return to her Missouri hometown to cover the murder of one girl and the disappearance of another. Southern Gothic, well-written characters, a twisted plot - "Sharp Objects" is clear evidence that the success of the writer is not at all accidental. Like the heroine of the book, Gillian Flynn worked for many years as a journalist, which clearly influenced her ability to tell stories.

Voice of the night bird

Robert McCammon

Robert McCammon is an American master of horror, who at some point decided to try himself in a historical detective story. The action of "Voice of the Nightbird" takes place somewhere in Carolina in 1699. The trial of a witch who allegedly killed her own husband and had intercourse with the devil himself shakes the town of Faunt Royal, as teenage clerk Matthew Corbett matures before our eyes and turns into a detective in an attempt to establish the truth and save a woman. Adventure, romance, secrets and conspiracies, plus the history and life of America, still subordinate to Britain, is an excellent combination for a detective, it is not for nothing that the author has already published several books about Corbett.

Judgment Day

Kurt Aust

Scandinavia regularly supplies the world with detective and thriller masters, remember at least the Norwegian Jo Nesbø and the Dane Peter Hoeg. Kurt Aust, a resident of the Norwegian Horten, approached the popular genre from a different angle: we have a historical detective story in which there is almost less of a modern northern detective story than of Umberto Eco. A cold New Year's Eve in 1699 finds several people locked in an inn due to snowfall: among them Professor Thomas Buberg and his assistant Peter - they have to unravel what happened to the dead count found in a snowdrift. The deliberate slowness of the narrative and the lack of detective superpowers in the main characters more than pay off with local (and temporary) flavor.

Crimes of the past

Keith Atkinson

Fans of the BBC series of the same name “Case Histories” know and appreciate the skill of Kate Atkinson, who invented Jackson Brody, a former policeman who switched to private detectives. The first novel in the series made Atkinson, a favorite of critics, a real icon of the modern detective, the reading of whose books is promoted with might and main, for example, by Stephen King. The story of three seemingly unrelated family tragedies, which Brody is forced to take on, is truly gloomy, and you can’t call it light reading. However, for those who are not afraid of the world of truly unpleasant people and not the fastest development of events, there is an amazing atmosphere, family secrets and a wonderful author's style.

Over the settled graves

Jess Walter

In the small town of Spokane, Washington, a serial killer hunts prostitutes, revealingly laying their bodies on the river bank, after slipping each victim 20 bucks into his fist. "Over the Settled Graves" is an investigative story that subtly combines an intriguing yet plausible investigation with the complex style of high literature. The main character Caroline Maybry suffers from depression, loneliness and wonders about the limits of her own abilities as a policewoman. Her former mentor and once failed lover, and now her partner in the case is also suffering - because of family problems and unrequited love. Their personal tragedies and problems are as important in the narrative as the detective story and the image of a gradually dying city that gives rise to nightmares.

golden scales

Parker Bilal

Makana is a refugee from Sudan, where his wife and daughter died. He lives in Cairo, barely makes ends meet and works as a private detective. The hero literally takes on any business (because of the difficult financial situation, one does not have to choose), and one day an oligarch with a dark past and no less dangerous present turns to him for a service. The first novel in the series about Detective Makan is by no means the debut of British-Sudanese-born author Jamal Mahjub, who recently began writing detective stories under the pseudonym Parker Bilal. The protagonist of The Golden Scales is not a detective, but the city of Cairo, which, with its improbable life of an oasis in the desert, a dream that turned into a frightening and enchanting reality, resembles Dostoevsky's Petersburg.

Crossing

Ellie Griffiths

In the novels of the British Ellie Griffiths about the forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway, the echo of another popular heroine is heard every now and then - the forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan from the TV series "Bones" and the American book series Katie Reich that formed its basis. However, the similarity is not limited to bones as evidence: if Reich wrote off the heroine from herself, then Griffiths was inspired by her archaeologist husband and the countryside of Norfolk, with the nature and myths of which the writer was introduced by her aunt. The charm of the debut novel of the British writer consists of a combination of an ominous story with ritual murders, the charm of the sad and funny Ruth and bewitching English landscapes.

Thirteen hours

Deon Meyer

The detective is not only living in northern landscapes, and this is brilliantly proved by the South African writer Deon Meyer, who tells exciting stories in Afrikaans about the life of the Cape Town Major Crime Unit. There, Inspector Grissell is torn every minute between preventing a potential international scandal, advising newcomers to the department, and his own problems that need to be addressed immediately. Just one day, together with Inspector Grissell, involves not only a dashing detective story, but also the life of a very special multinational world of South Africa, about which you want to learn more and more with every page.

Collini case

Ferdinand von Schirach

Ferdinand von Schirach himself could be a wonderful hero of the novel: the grandson of Hitler Youth leader Baldur von Schirach and the great-grandson of an American whose roots go back to the signers of the Declaration of Independence and directly to the first settlers of the New World. A successful forensic lawyer, von Schirach began to write stories based on cases from his practice, and quickly became famous as a writer as well. In the novel The Collini Case, the author insinuatingly and restrainedly raises the question of the difference between justice and justice in the format of a court drama in German. What if you need to defend a confessed killer and you don't know his motives? No surprises or plot twists, but real food for thought, especially important in the context of a global rethinking of one's own identity by any inhabitant of Europe after the Second World War.

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

Popular world bestseller, which was filmed. The protagonist of the detective - Robert Langdon - a professor of the history of religion, receives disturbing news about the murder of the old caretaker of the Louvre. The killer left a secret message next to the victim. The professor takes over the investigation. Keys and mysteries hidden in the works of the genius Leonardo da Vinci lead him to an unexpected discovery.

A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle

Military doctor John Watson - by chance, settles in the house where Sherlock Holmes lives - a mysterious detective who can easily solve complicated crimes. In London at this time there is a series of murders following one after another. The police are unable to prevent them. Then Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson take over the investigation.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

Journalist Mikael Blomkvist takes on the investigation of what he thinks is a hopeless case. One elderly tycoon has been trying for 45 years to uncover the secret of a relative who disappeared at a young age and find out about her future fate. During the investigation, Mikael finds out that several murders are related to this case. As soon as the journalist gets closer to the solution, the hunt begins for him.

The Silence of the Lambs, Thomas Harris

A string of brutal murders, somehow connected to each other, swept through the western United States. The FBI involves Hannibal Lecter, a talented psychoanalyst and a real cannibal, convicted of brutal murders, to investigate. A young police officer, Clerice Starling, becomes close to Lector during an investigation in order to catch a brutal killer and a maniac.

"Ten Little Indians", Agatha Christie

Ten strangers arrive on the island after receiving invitations from the Onim family. Once in an empty mansion, they try to find out why they were called here, but they find only 10 figurines of little Indians, as in the famous children's rhyme. Suddenly, the guests begin to die one by one, and with each death, one figurine disappears from the shelf. The survivors are trying to figure out this terrible sequence.

Historical chronicle

"Joseph Stalin. Death of the Gods, Edvard Radzinsky

In the diaries of Stalin's faithful comrade-in-arms, a whole kaleidoscope of events in which he took part is highlighted. Here is the death of the fathers of the revolution, and a football match on Red Square on the day of terror, the Munich Pact, the fall of Poland, the fateful meeting between Stalin and Hitler. And finally, the camp hell, where Koba sent his faithful friend and comrade-in-arms.

"King Henry IV Chronicle Cycle", William Shakespeare

The work tells about the political life of England at the beginning of the 15th century, which was full of bloody conflicts and rebellious passions. With the coming to power of the first of the Lancaster family - King Henry IV, many heroes and figures appear in history, such as Henry Percy, Prince Harry, John Falstaff. The chronicle-dilogy is accompanied by detailed historical and literary comments.

Rome, Wilhelm Wegner

The book describes the birth, expansion and fall of the great empire of the Romans. The chronicle of the Eternal City begins with its founding in 753 BC until the decline of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD. Historical facts intertwined with myths and legends and the author's writing talent make the book extremely fascinating.

"Richard III Chronicle Cycle", William Shakespeare

Shakespeare's famous tragedy about the fate of King Richard and his posthumous fame. The hero is the most controversial character in English history. Notorious after his death as a usurper and murderer, he still causes controversy among historians. Who is he, a criminal or a victim of posthumous slander - the main question that confronts the reader.

Party Gold, Igor Bunich

This book has gained popularity over the past 10 years. In his creation, the author for the first time presented from the point of view of money, gold, despicable metal, always relevant convertible currency, all events starting from the October Revolution, the coming to power of Lenin and his associates, as well as the next 70 years of the history of the USSR.

Classic

The Master and Margarita, Mikhail Bulgakov

The novel is one of the most famous Russian-language works. In it, the fantasy of the magical world is intertwined with the real, ordinary and gloomy Moscow. The mystical atmosphere makes you plunge into the world of illusions and hidden hints. Behind the eternal confrontation between good and evil, the novel has a deep moral and political meaning.

"Crime and Punishment", Fyodor Dostoevsky

A difficult work about the inner struggle of a person with his conscience. Poor student Rodion Raskolnikov commits a double murder and faces a painful remorse. Having gone on the run, he finds love, but this does not save him. Unable to bear the torment, the hero surrenders to justice.

Faust, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The work is based on the famous German legend about the alchemist doctor Faust, who made a deal with the devil, selling his soul to him for eternal youth and worldly pleasures. But Mephistopheles will receive the soul of Faust only on the condition that he glorifies some moment of his life. Everyone is sure that he will remain the winner in the dispute.

The Adventures of Oliver Twist, Charles Dickens

The main character of the work is the orphan Oliver Twist. A boy with the appearance of an angel faces betrayal and meanness, goes through many adventures and becomes the epicenter of criminal events. How will his fate turn out?

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

The story of six generations of one family living in the small town of Macondo. In a mysterious manuscript, the gypsy Melquiades predicted the death of the last of the Buendina line at the moment when the record was read. The recording was kept in the family for 100 years, but now it can be deciphered ...

Love novels

Gone with the Wind, Margaret Mitchell

A cult novel that was filmed. This story is not only about the love of Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara, but also a story about the difficult fate of ordinary people and the American Civil War with all the political squabbles. The novel has everything and can rightly be called a manual for seducing men.

The Thorn Birds, Clint McCullough

This is a story about a family of poor people who rose to the top of success and the difficult love of a young girl and a priest. The book is divided into seven parts, and each of them reveals the character of the main characters. The novel keeps in constant tension, because until the very end the question remains open - what will the heroes choose love or religion?

"Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen

Despite the 200th anniversary of its release, the novel has not lost its relevance. The love story of the poor noblewoman Elizabeth Bennet and the aristocrat Mr. Darcy is worthy of attention and prompts reflection. Events in the novel develop progressively: from an unpleasant first impression to mutual declarations of love.

P.S. I love you, Cecilia Ahern

This is modern love poetry. A romantic story, leading to tears, tells of a strong love, over which even death has no power. After her husband's funeral, Holly does not leave the house and withdraws into herself. One day, she receives a package of letters written by her loved ones with instructions on what she must do. Only after their implementation, the heroine begins to live on and enjoy every minute.

“Hello sadness!” Francoise Sagan

Cecile, after the death of her mother, is forced to live at the monastery, but their rigid framework and restrictions make the girl a rebel. Returning to a world without rules, she lives for her own pleasure and does not deny herself anything. She cannot step over her selfishness, even when she meets love. At this time, a friend of the deceased mother appears in Cecile's life, which can affect the future fate of the girl.

Adventures

Shantaram, Gregory David Roberts

The book is dedicated to the adventures of a fugitive criminal in the most mysterious, contrasting and controversial country in the world - India. The protagonist divorces his wife and loses parental rights, then becomes a drug addict and a robber. The court sentences him to 19 years in prison, but Roberts escapes from a maximum security prison ...

The Diamond Thieves, Louis Boussinard

An exciting journey through Africa of three Frenchmen who are in mortal danger in search of treasure. Against them are poisoned arrows by a native, and local bandits, and the police. Overcoming obstacles, friends again and again fall into the traps of the hot continent.

Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne

The imperturbable and eccentric Englishman Mr. Fogg, taking with him an efficient servant Passport, goes on a trip around the world on a dare. The heroes are trying to circumnavigate the globe as quickly as possible, while experiencing a lot of incredible adventures. On the heels of travelers all the time follows the persistent detective Mr. Fix.

The Count of Monte Cristo, Alexandre Dumas

Betrayed by friends and fiancee, young Edmond Dantes ends up in the Chateau d'If - the darkest and most terrible prison. Fate brings the protagonist to the old abbot, who teaches the young man the sciences and talks about the riches of Cardinal Spada. Dantes manages to escape from prison and take possession of the treasure. Further, a new world opens before him, in which he himself becomes the arbiter of destinies.

Journey to Kon-Tiki, Thor Heyerdahl

Six brave people decided to sail across the Pacific Ocean from South America to Polynesia on a raft. But there is only one real sailor in the team, he acts as a navigator, determines the location of the raft based on astronomical observations and marks the course on the map. The book makes you experience real adventures with the right team, plunge into the ocean, amazing with secret depths, and find yourself in the epicenter of the elements.

Modern prose

The Help, Katherine Stockett

The dramatic and humane novel became a bestseller and was translated into 40 languages. The plot describes the events of the 60s of the 20th century. The main characters, namely two black maids and a white young girl who dreams of becoming a writer, are united by a heightened sense of justice and a desire to somehow influence the order of things.

The Brand, Cecilia Ahern

An ideal young girl in everything, Celestina, one day finds herself in an unforeseen situation where, at the call of her heart, she breaks the law. Punishment cannot be avoided: either a prison or a stigma. In a world where the ideal is valued above all else, and the slightest deviation is unacceptable and punishable, the girl decides to resist the system.

"House for Peculiar Children" by Ransom Riggs

After a family tragedy, sixteen-year-old Jacob ends up on a mysterious island. He finds the ruins of an old house in which very strange children with incredible abilities lived, and understands that they can still be alive and very dangerous. Imagine his surprise when Jacob finds out that he is one of them.

Manyunya, Narine Abgaryan

A humorous story about childhood, soaked in the sun and the smell of the southern bazaar. The author tells about the girls' girlfriends Nara and Manyunya, as well as about Manyuni's grandmother and her relatives, who now and then find themselves in all sorts of casus situations. Such a warm and mischievous, filled with fun adventures, childhood gives a person happiness for life.

The Thirteenth Tale, Diana Setterfield

Margaret Lee receives an offer to become the biographer of the famous writer Miss Winter, who became famous for not telling the truth to any journalist in her entire life. A gothic story about twin sisters unfolds before Margaret as soon as she finds herself in the gloomy mansion of the writer. In some strange way, this story echoes her fate and gradually leads to unraveling the mystery of the “thirteenth tale”.

Horror, mysticism

"Pet Sematary", Stephen King

The book tells about the exemplary Creed family, who lacked only a large old house for complete prosperity and idyll. After the move, the life of all household members turns into a nightmare. Since something terrible and powerful is hiding in the forest that surrounds the new house.

"Black Cat", Edgar Allan Poe

A story on behalf of an alcoholic who, in fits of insane anger, kills his beloved cat, and from that moment on, hell begins to happen to him. His house burns down, and the silhouette of a cat appears on the surviving wall. An alcoholic picks up a similar cat in a tavern, but strange things begin to happen to the new pet. And no matter how hard the hero tries to avoid him, the cat is always there.

The Exorcist, William Peter Blatty

Something is trying to take over the soul of a sweet and innocent child and turns the little girl Regan into a monster with a scary face and a wild voice. The tender soul of the girl trembles with pain and horror and is no longer able to resist the too strong devil, who is ready to celebrate the victory.

"Lullaby", Chuck Palahniuk

Sudden death syndrome causes 7,000 infant deaths every year. Doctors shrug their shoulders as reporter Carl Streitor starts investigating. It turns out that children die after they are read an old African lullaby, which was previously read only to the sick and hopeless, in order to free them from a painful death. Straitor proves that the lullaby is still valid.

It, Stephen King

One day, seven teenagers witnessed terrible events. But having matured, they forgot what they once had a chance to see. However, strange things begin to happen in their hometown, in which friends decide to figure it out, not even assuming that they will have to fight with a crazy, merciless, cruel creature with no name.

Fantasy

"End of Eternity", Isaac Asimov

The organization "Eternity" is engaged in the adjustment of human destinies, the control of time and reality. The main character - Andrew Harlan is fond of the primitive history of mankind and, like no one else, is suitable for the position of Chairman of the Council of Times. But love for a simple girl causes the fall of Eternity.

"Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley

The work describes a single society of the state of the planet Earth, which exists for the purpose of consumption. New generations in this state are grown in factories, the institution of marriage is completely absent, and parents from childhood instill in their children love for their caste. Disregard for the lower strata of the population and admiration for the higher caste is considered the norm.

1984 George Orwell

Oceania is a country with a ruthless totalitarian regime, whose inhabitants are deprived of civil rights and individuality. In a state where most feelings are despised, an aversion to love and sexual relations is instilled, and marriages are made exclusively for reproductive purposes, a rigid social hierarchy operates and all power is concentrated in the hands of a single party.

Solaris, Stanislav Lem

The novel describes events that take place in the distant future. The work is based on two plot lines: the work of Dr. Kelvin on board the research station and a documentary story of the discovery and study of a new planet. The latter is presented in the book in the form of a library at the station.

"Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus" by Mary Shelley

Dr. Victor von Frankenstein managed to resurrect a unique person whose body was made up of parts of dead people. Subsequently, the professor renounces his creation, which turned out to be an ugly and monstrous creature. The scientist leaves the city, but a vile monster is chasing his creator.

fantasy

The Lord of the Rings, John Ronald Reuel Tolkien

Narrative of the Great War for the Magic Ring. The one who receives the ring will receive power over the world and will take the side of Evil. The hobbit Frodo and his friends travel to the Fiery Mountain of Doom to destroy the ring. The heroes have interesting adventures that will forever change the lives of each of them.

A Song of Ice and Fire, George Martin

A sensational multi-volume saga about the amazing lands of eternal cold and the edges of endless summer. The novel tells about the prowess of knights, distant tribes and the confrontation between the powerful clans of the Seven Kingdoms in the Great War for the Iron Throne. But in addition to people, an army of the living dead enters into a mortal struggle, unprecedented until now.

The Chronicles of Narnia, Clive Staples Lewis

A series of 7 books loved by children and adults. A good fairy tale about a fantasy world where good fights evil, and animals can talk. Children enter a magical land called Narnia through an old wardrobe. Incredible adventures and amazing acquaintances await the heroes in the magical world.

The Wizard of Earthsea, Ursula Le Guin

A young man named Ged overcomes difficult trials and difficulties on the way from a village blacksmith to a powerful wizard of Earthsea. Here he meets true friends, learns true joy and pain. If he manages to go his way to the end, then he will have to face the most dangerous enemy.

The Chronicles of Amber, Roger Zelazny

The main contender for the royal crown in the Amber City - Prince Corvin - loses his memory and falls into the abandoned shadow of Amber in the ocean of Chaos. The locals call this shadow - the Earth ... From here begins the difficult magical path of the prince in a rich, vibrant and diverse world full of difficult mysteries.