A self-confessed ‘non-fiction junkie’ as revealed five fiction titles he simply couldn’t put down. (Image: Getty)
A self-confessed “non-fiction junkie” who has read more than 1,000 books has revealed five fiction titles he simply couldn’t put down. Prahalad Rajkumar said that while he typically prefers non-fiction for its life lessons, a good fiction book can “delight the soul” and even offer just as much wisdom.
He explained that while he’s learned more from non-fiction than school or university, certain fiction books have moved him deeply, and even taught him lessons about life, loss, and love. “I’d choose a non-fiction book over a fiction book any day,” he said. “But a good fiction book can delight the soul. It can transport you into a magical world and expand your mind.” Writing on Medium, he shared five favourites that stayed with him long after the final page.
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The Midnight Library by Matt Haig follows Nora, who ends up in a mysterious library. (Image: Amazon)
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
This novel follows Nora, who ends up in a mysterious library where every book represents a different life she could have lived.
From becoming an Olympic swimmer to marrying an ex, she tries them all.
But none are quite what she expected.
Prahalad said: “She lives through each of them, and finds that they are not the happily-ever-after movie she played in her head. Things went wrong, very wrong, in every one of these lives.”
A Man Called Ove is a story about a grumpy widower who slowly reveals his heartbreak. (Image: Amazon)
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
This story about a grumpy widower slowly reveals his heartbreak, resilience, and humanity.
At first, Ove seems rude and cold. But as the book unfolds, we see a different side to him.
“Backman converts our dislike of Ove to respect and sympathy,” Prahalad said. “Give this book a read, you will not be disappointed.”
Prahalad called And Then There Were None the ‘top of the charts’ for thrillers. (Image: Amazon)
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Ten strangers are lured to a remote island. There’s no escape.
One by one, they start getting murdered, and the killer is among them.
Prahalad called it the “top of the charts” for thrillers. “Psychology at its finest,” he said. “You interact with a small group of people, knowing one of them is out to kill you.”
YOU is a psychological thriller that follows Joe Goldberg. (Image: Amazon)
You by Caroline Kepnes
This unsettling psychological thriller follows Joe Goldberg, a man who wants to find love, but will go to extreme lengths to get it.
That includes stalking, trapping people, and even murder.
“He’ll do anything to be with her,” Prahalad said. “Like him? Hate him? Confused? Decide for yourself after reading You.”
Prahalad has a soft spot for the Chamber of Secrets. (Image: Amazon)
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
While most fans rank The Goblet of Fire or The Deathly Hallows at the top, Prahalad has a soft spot for the second book in the series, mainly thanks to one unforgettable character.
“Gilderoy Lockhart is a piece of work,” he said. “He’s a total fraud, but charming and hilarious.”
He added: “This book also introduces Dobby, the polyjuice potion, and Tom Marvolo Riddle. I know it’s an odd pick, but Chamber of Secrets is my favourite.”