So, you've discovered a new genre that's sparked your curiosity! Welcome to a whole new world of stories waiting to be explored. But where to begin? Don't worry, this isn't a one-size-fits-all situation. Here are some tips to pick your perfect starting point:

Do you love learning about science? Maybe history is your thing. Are you curious about true crime? Think about what topics you already enjoy, and that can help you pick a genre to explore.

Consider your interests

These books have stood the test of time for a reason! They're often well-written and considered foundational works in their genre. They'll give you a good understanding of the genre's core elements and style.

Start with the classics

Jumping into a massive textbook can be daunting, especially in a new genre. Starting with a shorter book or an introductory guide lets you test the waters and see if you enjoy the topic.

Look for shorter works or introductory books

<ol><li>Science: A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson, Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari. </li><li>History: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank, Born a Crime by Trevor Noah. </li><li>True Crime: The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson tells the true story of H.H. Holmes, a serial killer who operated a murder hotel during the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote tells the story of a brutal Kansas murder case. </li><li>Biography: I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai, Educated by Tara Westover </li></ol>

Book Recommendations For Non Fiction Starters

<ol><li>Fantasy: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin, Fablehaven by Brandon Mull. </li><li>Science Fiction: Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. </li><li>Mystery: And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories. </li><li>Historical Fiction: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Claudius by Robert Graves. </li></ol>

Book Recommendations For Fiction Starters

Remember, this is just a starting point! The most important thing is to pick a book that sounds interesting to you. Don't be afraid to experiment and try different genres until you find your favorites. Happy reading!mindmap

When I first started reading, I was confused about picking up a good book. On one hand, long books scared me, and on the other, the shorter ones bored me. So here is a small guide to venture into a new genre of literature.

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Personal Development

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Habits

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Learning & Education

books

Books

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Science & Nature

Books for beginners: How to make reading new genres interesting and engrossing? 

Okonkwo, a wealthy warrior of the Umuofia clan, is ashamed of his father Unoka's debtful life and worries his son Nwoye will follow his example. He takes responsibility for a young boy, Ikemefuna, and grows attached to him. However, Okonkwo's actions, such as beating his wife Ojiugo during the sacred Week of Peace, tarnish his reputation. Three years later, a swarm of locusts arrives, and Okonkwo lies to Ikemefuna to get him to return peacefully. Ikemefuna, thinking about his mother, is attacked by the clan's men, and despite the Oracle's warning, Okonkwo kills him to avoid appearing weak.

Summary

Okonkwo's life is described in depth in the novel Things Fall Apart. His battle with his father's reputation, masculine norms, and clan customs all reflect the struggles and final dissolution of his clan. Chinua Achebe, the author of Things Fall Apart, gives a comprehensive overview of Igbo culture. The arrival of white Christian missionaries destroyed Okonkwo's life and the Igbo culture.

An Analysis

Throughout Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo's actions and emotions are dictated by his dread of weakness and failure. Because of the apparent weakness in his father, he is an unreasonable and furious guy who clings to macho ideals. To attempt to escape the destitute, unworthy death that his father experienced, he develops into a well-respected farmer, wrestler, and fighter. Because of his dread and wrath, he acts irrationally, breaking Igbo tradition and upsetting his clan's gods.

Okonkwo's Character

One major issue in Things Fall Apart is masculinity. The idea of masculinity is the foundation of Okonkwo's whole personality. Many of the characteristics Okonkwo views as uniquely feminine were present in his father. In addition to being careless with money, he disregarded his family.

Masculinity

The customs, beliefs, and cultures of the nine clans in the book are distinctly complicated. In order to provide the reader a clear understanding of the dramatic contrast between the impacts of religious colonialism, Achebe goes to considerable lengths to present them as simply as possible. After his exile, Okonkwo returns to the Umuofia tribe, where Christianity has taken root. They want to completely eradicate the native social, religious, and political customs because they consider them to be barbaric.

Impact Of Colonisation

I read this book due to its prominence in previous IGCSE examinations. Chinua Achebe's book "Things Fall Apart" is set in pre-colonial Nigeria. The main character of is Okonkwo, an esteemed warrior from the Umuofia clan of the Igbo people, and his fight against the effects of colonialism.

One of the BBC's '100 Novels That Shaped Our World' A worldwide bestseller and the first part of Achebe's African Trilogy, Things Fall Apart is the compelling story of one man's battle to protect his community against the forces of change Okonkwo is the greatest wrestler and warrior alive, and his fame spreads throughout West Africa like a bush-fire in the harmattan. But when he accidentally kills a clansman, things begin to fall apart. Then Okonkwo returns from exile to find missionaries and colonial governors have arrived in the village. With his world thrown radically off-balance he can only hurtle towards tragedy. First published in 1958, Chinua Achebe's stark, coolly ironic novel reshaped both African and world literature, and has sold over ten million copies in forty-five languages. This arresting parable of a proud but powerless man witnessing the ruin of his people begins Achebe's landmark trilogy of works chronicling the fate of one African community, continued in Arrow of God and No Longer at Ease. 'His courage and generosity are made manifest in the work' Toni Morrison 'The writer in whose company the prison walls fell down' Nelson Mandela 'A great book, that bespeaks a great, brave, kind, human spirit' John Updike With an Introduction by Biyi Bandele

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Religion & Spirituality

history

History

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Society, Arts & Culture

Chinua Achebe

Things Fall Apart

The Devil Wears Prada is a 2006 movie based on the 2003 novel by Lauren Weisberger, starring Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, and Emily Blunt. The movie follows a woman named Andy working at a prestigious fashion magazine under Miranda Priestly. The movie has grown in popularity over the years due to excellent performances and the chaotic story. However, some changes have been made.

Some Context...

Andy as played by Hathaway is comparatively endearing, if a little naive and critical of the fashion industry. She is nevertheless quite likeable, competent, breezy, and determined. The character wasn't exactly described like this in the Devil Wears Prada book. In the book, Andy wasn't just blonde (unlike Hathaway's signature brunette)—she was also far more edgy, often smoking cigarettes, speaking her mind, and hurling harsh judgments at everybody around her. Though it can be challenging to see Andy in the novel and the movie as the same person, she was nonetheless likeable.

1Andy's personality

Andy's friend Lily (Tracie Thoms) was the worst character in the Devil Wears Prada movie, well, except for Andy's lover Nate. She makes no contribution to her friendship with the protagonist and is conceited and unkind. Book-Lily wasn't a cruel or conceited person, even though she had issues. She battled alcoholism throughout the book, and as Andy got more involved in working for Miranda, her sympathy for her buddy grew. Lily eventually realizes she is changing negatively when she witnesses Andy's carelessness following her involvement in an automobile accident.

2. Lily's Alcoholism & Car Accident

In the Devil Wears Prada movie, Nate is often seen as the villain. However, this differs from his portrayal in the book, where he is portrayed as kind and patient. Though he gets frustrated when Andy prioritizes her career over him, he sticks it out for as long as he can. 
Unlike in the movie, Nate's character in the book is more sympathetic and readers tend to side with him over Andy. His book counterpart was named Alex, and he only gets frustrated when Andy puts her career above their relationship.

3. Andy's Boyfriend, Nate

Miranda Priestly's character was turned into an icon in the movie adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada, thanks to Meryl Streep's performance. Her backstory was explored more in the book, revealing her childhood in poverty and her determination to succeed in the fashion industry. This adds depth to the character.Despite her divorce and difficult children, Miranda worked her way up in the fashion world through ambition. Her Orthodox Jewish upbringing shows the contrast between her past and present life.

4. Miranda's Backstory

Stanley Tucci plays a crucial role in the Devil Wears Prada movie. He is a gentle but no-nonsense figure for Andy and reveals the true colors of Miranda. In the book, two characters fulfill these roles. Nigel is Runway's creative director and friend to Miranda, while James from the beauty department befriends Andy. Tucci's character cleverly combines the best of both worlds.

5. Stanley Tucci: A Mix of 2 Book Characters

The friendship between Emily and Andy in The Devil Wears Prada is a highlight of the movie. In the book, their friendship is less turbulent but still significant.<ul><li>Emily first bullies Andy in the movie, but gradually warms up to her as Andy proves herself in the fashion world.</li><li>In the book, Emily is not as unkind. Though she doesn't make Andy's job easier, she is understanding and doesn't worsen things.</li></ul>Ultimately, Emily and Andy's friendship forms an important bond in the story, showing the nuanced dynamics of workplace relationships.

6. Emily and Andy's Friendship in The Devil Wears Prada

In the Devil Wears Prada movie, Andy betrayed Emily by taking her place in accompanying Miranda to Fashion Week in Paris. This showed the changes in Andy as well as similarities to a younger Miranda. In the book, this event replaced Lily's car accident and was not a part of Emily's character development.

7. Emily's Backstabbing Friendship with Andy

In The Devil Wears Prada movie, Andy faced tough lessons but it all worked out okay. She got her dream job with help from Miranda and reconciled with her friend Lily. Though her former relationship was beyond repair, she found success in her new journey.

However, in the book, The Devil Wears Prada serves as a cautionary tale. Andy's public falling-out with Miranda made her a celebrity in the industry, potentially leading to a blacklist. The book's ending is far more ambiguous, with Andy catching a glimpse of Miranda's new assistant. Ultimately, the movie's ending is more heartwarming.

8. The Heartwarming Ending for Andy in The Devil Wears Prada

8 Biggest Book Changes In The Devil Wears Prada

A delightfully dishy novel about the all-time most impossible boss in the history of impossible bosses. Andrea Sachs, a small-town girl fresh out of college, lands the job "a million girls would die for." Hired as the assistant to Miranda Priestly, the high-profile, fabulously successful editor of "Runway magazine, Andrea finds herself in an office that shouts "Prada! Armani! Versace! at every turn, a world populated by impossibly thin, heart-wrenchingly stylish women and beautiful men clad in fine-ribbed turtlenecks and tight leather pants that show off their lifelong dedication to the gym. With breathtaking ease, Miranda can turn each and every one of these hip sophisticates into a scared, whimpering child. THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA gives a rich and hilarious new meaning to complaints about "The Boss from Hell." Narrated in Andrea's smart, refreshingly disarming voice, it traces a deep, dark, devilish view of life at the top only hinted at in gossip columns and over Cosmopolitans at the trendiest cocktail parties. From sending the latest, not-yet-in-stores Harry Potter to Miranda's children in Paris by private jet, to locating an unnamed antique store where Miranda had at some point admired a vintage dresser, to serving lattes to Miranda at precisely the piping hot temperature she prefers, Andrea is sorely tested each and every day--and often late into the night with orders barked over the phone. She puts up with it all by keeping her eyes on the prize: a recommendation from Miranda that will get Andrea a top job at any magazine of her choosing. As things escalate from the merely unacceptable to the downright outrageous, however, Andrea begins to realize that the job a milliongirls would die for may just kill her. And even if she survives, she has to decide whether or not the job is worth the price of her soul. "From the Hardcover edition.

fashion

Fashion & Beauty

movies

Movies & Shows

loveandrelationships

Love & Relationships

Lauren Weisberger

The Devil Wears Prada

The Help takes place between the summers of 1962 and 1964 in Jackson, Mississippi. Set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement, the novel focuses on a reckoning on race and segregation in a far more intimate sphere than the national stage: the home. Alternating between the perspectives of two Black maids, Aibileen and Minny, and one white woman, Skeeter, who’s mourning the disappearance of her own maid, The Help shows how personal prejudices and racist government policies influence each other to the detriment of everyone.

Introducing The Book

The Help explores themes of writing and storytelling, particularly the power of writing to expose unspoken social norms and laws. The novel's main conflict revolves around the book Skeeter, which focuses on the stories of Black maids working for white women. Writing exposes the racist and abusive behavior of these women, making the system of prejudice transparent and shamesome for some of them.Aibileen uses writing to express her prayers and stories. Skeeter, initially skeptical due to her lack of education, admires her writing, demonstrating that anyone can assert their power through stories.

The Power of Writing and Storytelling

The Help explores the complexity of relationships and the complex nature of people. The maids, who work for the characters, have conflicting feelings towards white women and their children. Skeeter's mother, Charlotte, is often cold and critical, but she still loves her. The book also highlights the complexity of individuals, such as Lou Anne's depression and her close friendship with Louvenia. Skeeter realizes that pigeonholes by race or economic status are futile and that celebrating people's differences would make society more fulfilling.

The Complexity of People and Relationships

The Help explores the societal judgment of race and appearance in Jackson society. The character Hilly Holbrook represents the negative perception of Black people, thus the laws. However, the novel also shows the absurdity of judging people based on appearance. Skeeter, a tall, unmanageable white character, and Aibileen, a fat child, emphasize the importance of inner qualities.Celia Foote, a white woman in Jackson, is ostracized by the white women due to her tackiness and marriage to Hilly's ex-boyfriend. Despite this, Celia is kinder and less prejudiced than the women she tries to impress.

The Deception of Appearances

I want to yell so loud that Baby Girl can hear me that dirty ain’t a color, disease ain’t the Negro side a town. I want to stop that moment from coming—and it come in every white child’s life—when they start to think that colored folks ain’t as good as whites.

The #1 New York Times bestselling novel and basis for the Academy Award-winning film—a timeless and universal story about the lines we abide by, and the ones we don’t—nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read. Aibileen is a black maid in 1962 Jackson, Mississippi, who’s always taken orders quietly, but lately she’s unable to hold her bitterness back. Her friend Minny has never held her tongue but now must somehow keep secrets about her employer that leave her speechless. White socialite Skeeter just graduated college. She’s full of ambition, but without a husband, she’s considered a failure. Together, these seemingly different women join together to write a tell-all book about work as a black maid in the South, that could forever alter their destinies and the life of a small town...

parenting

Parenting

Kathryn Stockett

The Help

Jane Austen is interested in personal relationships, what actually this or that person is like. Her characters are complicated and their inner world is revealed gradually through her works. The author doesn’t intend to confuse her readers but is willing to show that even though we feel we know people well, their behavior can be quite unexpected in some situations. These situations thus lead us to insecurity and oblivion.

Jane Austen's Characters

Marriage and social status are the two foci of Emma. Through Emma, Austen subtly satirizes her society’s obsession with social distinctions.The relationship between marriage and social status creates hardship for characters. Frank Churchill must keep his engagement to the orphan Jane Fairfax secret because his wealthy aunt would disapprove. Jane, in the absence of a good match, is forced to consider taking the position of a governess. Finally, the match between Emma and Mr. Knightley is considered a good one only because they are well matched in social class as well.

Marriage And The 19th Century Society

The novel’s limited, almost claustrophobic scope of action gives us a strong sense of the confined nature of a woman’s existence in early-nineteenth-century rural England. Emma possesses a great deal of intelligence and energy, but the best use she can make of these is to attempt to guide the marital destinies of her friends, a project that gets her into trouble. Emma possesses a great deal of intelligence and energy, but the best use she can make of these is to attempt to guide the marital destinies of her friends, a project that gets her into trouble.

The Confined Nature of Women’s Existe

The novel offers critical illustrations of the ways in which personal biases or desires blind objective judgment. Emma’s biases cause her to invent an attachment between Harriet and Frank thus blinding her of jane's attachment to Knightley. At the same time, Frank’s desire to use Emma as a screen for his real preference causes him to believe that she is aware of his and Jane's relation. The ironic detachment of the narrator allows us to see many of these misunderstandings before the characters do. And the plot is powered by realizations that permit characters to make more objective judgments.

The Blinding Power of Imagination

The real evils, indeed, of Emma’s situation were the power of having too much her own way, and a disposition to think a little too well of herself: these were the disadvantages which threatened alloy to her many enjoyments. The danger, however, was at present so unperceived, that they did not by any means rank as misfortunes with her.

The novel centres on Emma Woodhouse, a precocious young woman whose misplaced confidence in her matchmaking abilities occasions several romantic misadventures.

Emma Woodhouse, Tochter aus wohlhabendem Haus, gibt sich mit Vorliebe dem Vergnügen hin, die Geschicke anderer Menschen zu lenken, sie lebt für das "match-making", das Ehestiften, was zu allerlei Missverständnissen und Komplikationen führt ... (Quelle: Verlagsangaben).

Books for beginners: How to make reading new genres interesting and engrossing?

Things Fall Apart

The Devil Wears Prada

The Help

Emma

Parnika Jain