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Books & Literature

10 Best Nonfiction Books of All Time to Read Before You Die

Now that it is a decade of all these technologies and stuff, there are a few things that haven’t changed yet. Reading books is one of them. Well, books have always been the key to one’s insight into knowledge and we all have read at least one book in our lifetime. Now here is a list of a few non-fiction books you might want to read before you kick the bucket:

A Feminine Mystique – By Betty Friedan

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In the era of the blooming feminism concept, The Feminine Mystique is quite an interesting book to start with. First published in 1963, this book by Betty Friedan deals with the amusing beginning of feminism in the United States. Friedan, a student of Smith College, was asked to interview her college mates for their 15th Anniversary Reunion, where she found out that almost every woman she talked with wasn’t quite happy about their lives despite having all the luxuries in their lives. This led Friedan to a deep digging into the matter and she started interviewing other suburban housewives. However, she found out that this was not only a problem of a small group of women but almost everyone was facing the same. Initially, she wanted to publish an article about this topic but no magazines wanted to publish the same. Eventually, Friedan published her own book. Well, we are glad that there is something we can look up to when we need some answers about Feminism.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings – By Maya Angelou

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Based on her early life, Maya Angelou penned-down this beautiful autobiography in 1969. This is the first volume of her seven-volume series where she tries to explore things like racism, identity, rape, and literacy. She called her younger self which is the main character in the book as the “symbolic character for every black girl growing up in America.” The story begins with a sweet three-year-old Maya and her brother being sent to live with their grandmother at Stamps Arkansas and ends with Maya becoming a mother at the age of 16. This beautiful book teaches you how to be strong and how your love for literature can bring a difference in your life and overcome trauma.

An Autobiography of Malcolm X – By Alex Haley/ Malcolm X

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This biography based on the Human Rights activist Malcolm X was published in 1965, as a result of the collaboration of the activist himself and the Journalist Alex Haley. During the years from 1963 to 1965, Alex conducted a few series of interviews with Malcolm X and later he published these interviews in the form of a book. However, this book deals with Malcolm X’s philosophy towards black people and their pride, Black Nationalism, and Pan-Africanism.

The Second World War – Winston Churchill

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If you are an admirer of History, here is our Nobel Prize winner “The Second World War”. Published in 1953, Winston Churchill portrayed the period from the end of the First World War to July 1945 beautifully in the book. However, he used his own notes and scribbles along with some official documents but as he penned-down the book from his point of view, it misses quite a few details about the World War. But the book was a major commercial success in Great Britain and later was awarded The Nobel Prize for literature in 1953.

The Civil War: A Narrative – By Shelby Foote

Shelby Foote, formerly a novelist penned-down this non-fictional narrative history based on the American Civil War. It deals with the military history of America although it touches the sides of political and social themes at times. There are three volumes of this particular book- Fort Summer to Perryville, Fredericksburg to Meridian, and Red River to Appomattox. You definitely want to go for it if you want some insight knowledge about the American Civil War.

A Brief History of Time – By Stephen Hawking

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In an attempt to explain the range of subjects in Cosmology, the British Physicist Stephen Hawking wrote the book “A Brief History of Time.” There have been four revised editions of the book till now where he tries to explain the chances of time travel, wormholes, and also the possibility of a universe without a quantum singularity at the beginning of time. It has been a best-seller over time and sold more than a million copies in the last 20 years and it has been translated to more than 35 languages Worldwide.

In Cold Blood – By Truman Capote

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Based on true events, “In Cold Blood” is a novel written by American author Truman Capote. It deals with the murders of four members of a family living in Holcomb, Kansas. In 1959, all the family members of Herbert Clutter were murdered in their own house and when Capote learned about it, he flew to Kansas along with his friend and fellow author Harper Lee. There they investigated the case, talked to neighbors and other people, and gathered details. After six years of hard work on the book, Capote published the book in 1966 and it was a massive success. If you are a fan of crime and true events, you mustn’t miss it at any cost.

Black Boy – By Richard Wright

black-boy-by-richard-wright“Black Boy” by Richard Wright was first published in 1945 which is basically an autobiography based on Wright’s childhood and young adulthood. The book deals with his encounters with extreme racism and brutal violence, which stays with him for the entire life. The book starts with a mysterious, rebellious boy burning down his grandmother’s house and ends with he trying to start a revolution through his writing.

The Diary of a Young Girl – By Anne Frank

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It has been ages and we still cannot miss out on this one. The Diary of a Young Girl is actually based on true events that took place during the occupation of the Netherlands by the Nazis. Anne Frank, a 14-year-old girl, liked to note down her day to day life in a diary. During her days of hiding with her family, she maintained a diary where she put every little detail about her and her family’s life. In 1944, the family was apprehended but she died of typhus in the camp. It was her father who later found the diary and published it as a book in 1959.

The Interpretation of Dreams – By Sigmund Freud

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Psychology is one thing that makes us curious. We all want to go deep through it. So here is a book by Sigmund Freud explaining your dreams. This book was first published on November 4, 1899. Freud here introduces the theory of the unconscious human mind and tells us about how dreams work. According to Freud, dreams are our very own unfulfilled desires that we attempt to fulfill it on our unconscious mind. What’s more? Well, you need to go through the book by yourself to get more insight.

Bottom Line

book readingSo I have provided you some best possible options of books that you might want to go for. Read as much as books as you can and gain knowledge. As they say—“Knowledge is power.”

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Books & Literature

10 Best Historical Fiction Book of All Time

History is an interesting subject and we all want to know so many things that happened in the past.  Most of us find history boring but a good historical novel will always make you feel good when you are bored by those romantic ones. If you are a history fan, then we are providing you a list of the best historian books you must read in your lifetime.

The Twentieth Wife – By Indu Sundaresan

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This historical fiction by Indu Sundaresan is one of the most remarkable books in historical fiction. First published on January 29, 2002, this book won the “2003 Washington State Book Award”. The story tells about one of the most powerful Queens of the Mughal Dynasty, Nurjahan. Sundaresan describes Nurjahan’s (formerly known as Meherunnisa) early life, her love for Emperor Jahangir, and how she became Jahangir’s twentieth and last wife. Their love story is no less than Mumtaz and Shah-Jahan’s.

Regeneration – By Pat Barker

This historical and anti-war novel by Pat Barker was released in 1991. This epic work by Barker was nominated for the Booker Prize and it is regarded as one of the best four novels of the year published by New York Times Book Review. Based on the First World War concept, Barker took us into a life that was set in the year 1917, and yet we could no more feel any distance from the soldiers and their lives. It’s truly subtle and touching historical fiction.

Gone with the Wind – By Margaret Mitchell

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First published in 1936, Gone with the Wind is based on American Civil War and Reconstruction. Margaret Mitchell won the Pulitzer Award in 1937 for this historical fiction. The story tells us about young Scarlett’s struggles in her life to come out of poverty, who happened to be a rich spoiled child of a well-to-do plantation owner once.

War and Peace – By Leo Tolstoy

This historical novel by Leo Tolstoy was first published in the Russian Language in the year 1969 and then translated into the English version naming “War and Peace” by Nathan Haskell Dole in the year 1899. The story is based upon the French invasion of Russia and the effect of the Napoleonic era on Tsarist society. This novel is known as the finest work literary work of Leo Tolstoy.

Romola – By George Elliot

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With her pseudonym George Elliot, Mary Ann Evans penned-down this beautiful historical novel. The novel was published during 1862-63 in two parts. The story of Romola takes place during the historical events of the Italian Renaissance. However, the history of Florence society is beautifully explained in the novel. It is basically a “deep study of life in the city of Florence from an intellectual, artistic, religious and social point of view”.

Affinity – By Sarah Waters

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Sarah Waters published her historical fiction “Affinity” in the year 1999. This novel is set in the year 1874. The story tells us about Margaret Prior, an unmarried woman from an aristocratic society who is an unhappy person. Her father’s death and other issues lead her to unsuccessful suicide attempts. Hoping to get over from her grieves; she decides to visit the female prisoners in “Milbank Prison” in the Victorian Era. There she meets Selina Dawes, a medium of spirits. The spiritual element in this historical fiction makes it more interesting.

Wolf Hall – By Hilary Mantel

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Wolf Hall is a historical novel published in 2009 by English Author Hilary Mantel. This is actually a fictionalized biography about Thomas Cromwell in the court of Henry VIII. IN 2012, the book won the Booker Prize and The National Book Critics Circle Award. There are two more sequels for this book. The first one is “Bring up the Bodies’ published in 2012 and the second one “The Mirror and the Light” will be published soon.

The Name of the Rose – By Umberto Eco

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This historical mystery novel was set in the year 1327. Italian author Umberto Eco made his debut as a novelist through this novel. Published in 1980 the book deals with a historical murder mystery set in an Italian monastery. The book combines fiction, medieval studies, biblical analysis, and literary theory. The novel was first published in the Italian Language and was later translated to English by William Weaver in 1983.

A place of Greater safety – By Hilary Mantel

A place of Greater safety – By Hilary MantelAgain another masterpiece by Hilary Mantel. Published in the year 1992, this historical novel is based on the French Revolution. The story is based on the lives of four people from their childhood. They are basically doomed from the beginning but it’s the end that makes us cry.

A Tale of Two Cities – By Charles Dickens

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A Tale of Two Cities is a historical novel by Charles Dickens published in 1859. The novel is based on the time during and after the French Revolution. “The two Cities” as mentioned in the title depicts London and Paris. The story tells us about the negligence of the French aristocrats towards the peasants. It beautifully illustrates the lives of two different cities’ people but also shows us the brutality of the aristocracy.

Bottom Line

history booksSo here is our list of the 10 best historical fiction of all time. Do read the books and you may thank us later. If you want to add some more to the list, please let us know in the comment box.

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Movies & TV Series

5 Worst ‘The Vampire Diaries’ Couples of All Time

What does it come to your mind when you think about The Vampire Diaries? Vampires, Werewolves, Hybrids, Witches, Hunters, and what not right? Well, keeping the supernatural stuff aside, The Vampire Diaries is all about love, lust, relationship, and stuff. From steamy hot kisses in the sunset to dreamy farewell dances, it has given us so much to go gaga over. But then, there are some hookups, we just could not take well. A few of them are listed below:

Matt Donovan and Elena Gilbert (The Melena)

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They both were cute, but not together. Close friends since childhood and then a couple, Matt and Elena were not just meant for each other. They broke off a couple of months after Elena lost her parents because she wasn’t ready for a relationship. But then she moved on with Stefan and Matt kept whining over the break up for quite a long time.

Jeremy Gilbert and Anna (The Janna)

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‘Janna” was quite an unpleasant one. They both were selfish and started seeing each other for their individual benefits. Anna was using Jeremy to bring her mother “Pearl” back from dead and Jeremy wanted Anna for her vampire blood so that he can become a vampire and be with Vicki. However, they started a normal relation afterward until Anna was dead, and then Jeremy moved on with Bonnie.

Katherine Pierce and Stefan Salvatore (The Stefarine)

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Katherine was the reason why Stefan and Damon became vampires. Well, it all started back in 1864 and since then Katherine continued to love Stefan. They came close in the recent decade as well but it was a one-time thing for Stefan. He moved on with Katherine’s doppelganger Elena and had no feelings for Katherine. Sweet Stefan and Fierce Katherine was no match at all!

Stefan Salvatore and Rebekah Mikaelson (The Stebekah)

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Back in 1920s, Stefan was a ripper and Rebekah was Stefan’s love interest. But then Klaus put Rebekah into sleep for years and the love story ended there. However, Rebekah found Stefan once again after she awoke from her sleep and they get back together one more time.  Obnoxious Rebekah had a good heart but she was not just perfect for Stefan.

Bonnie Bennett and Jeremy Gilbert (The Jonnie)

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This was the worst relationship of all time. We certainly love Bonnie but we could not hold this relationship in high regard. They both had strong feelings for each other until Bonnie found out that Jeremy was still talking to his dead ex-girlfriend Anna. They both break up after that and Jeremy died. However, Bonnie brought him back from life and they start afresh once again.

VampireWell despite a few miss matches, we continued to love The Vampire Diaries and we will. We love the way they make us wander around the beauty of the feeling of love. Nobody does love-lust or even hate like The Vampire Diaries. We could all get that hot, steamy, feeling of love in just one show. We hope to root over a few more tremendous relationships in the coming season.

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Music

10 Best Music Artists of All Time

Imagine a life without music. Now imagine the world without some of the great musical artists of all time. Can you? No of course we cannot. Life would have been like a desert without water. But thanks to the Almighty, he has blessed us with some of the greatest artists of all time. Let’s have a look:

Eminem

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Marshall Bruce Mathers III AKA Eminem was born in October 17, 1972. He debuted with his first album on 1996 named “Infinite”. In 1999 he won the Grammy Award for best Rap Album “The Slim Shady LP” which also earned him mainstream popularity. Eminem is one of the most loved Rap artists around the globe, especially among the youngsters. In his entire career till now, Eminem has 10 number one albums on the Billboard 200 and five number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100. He is also the second best selling male artist of the Nielsen Era, the Sixth Best selling Artist in the US and the best selling hip-hop artist.  Well, when it comes to Eminem, we cannot stop saying “You’re the Rap God”.

Madonna

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The “Queen of Pop” Madonna Louise Ciccone or simply Madonna is on No. 9 on our list. Her versatility, beauty, and her talent have made us fall in love with her. Born on August 16, 1958, Madonna debuted with her single “Everybody” in October 1982 followed by her next single “Burning up” in March 1983. Both became a huge success and reached number three on the Hot Dance Club Songs chart compiled by Billboard magazine. In 1998, Madonna won her first Grammy Award for her album “Ray of Light” and in 2005 she won the second Grammy Award for her album “Confessions on a Dance Floor”. However, our favorite female pop star has a record of selling more than 300 million records around the globe and has been recognized as the “best-selling female recording artist of all time” by the Guinness Book of World Records.

Mariah Carey

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She is famous for her song “Vision of Love”. Mariah Carey is one of the most beautiful and popular singers of all time. Well though she had a successful career till 2001, she went through a huge breakdown both physically and mentally which has let her down on her career. After a few years of issues and struggle, Carey returned to the top music charts with “The Emancipation of Mimi” in 2005. This album became the best-selling album in the US and the second best-seller worldwide. Now, this is why we all love this remarkably talented artist of all time!

The Rolling Stones

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Back in the 60s, “The Rolling Stones” called themselves the “World’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band”. Now a few argued with them at that point in time but now in 2016, we are unable to deny that fact as their music still continues to sound amazing.  The band was formed in 1962 consist of Brian Jones, Ian Stewart, Mick Jagger, Bill Wyman, and Charlie Watts. With some of their popular albums like “Some Girls”, “Tattoo You” or “Steel Wheels”, The Rolling Stones manages to be one of the most popular bands of all time. Their Blues and Rock music still soothes our ears. Isn’t it?

Michael Jackson

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Can we ever forget the “King of Pop”? From childhood till now, we have always admired this Artist. Some of us even tied to copy his dance steps many times. Didn’t we? Michael Jackson was an American singer, songwriter, music producer, dancer, and actor. His contribution to music, dance, and fashion made him a popular culture for over four decades now. Jackson made his professional debut in 1964 as a member of Jackson 5 along with his brothers. He started his solo career in 1971 and in the early 80s, he became quite a popular name in the music industry. Though we have loved him throughout our childhood, we had to lose him early. He died on 2005, June 25 cause of suspected homicide. We still miss him.

Stevie Wonder

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Well, could you imagine being visually impaired and doing something remarkable? Seems pretty tough right? Well not for our No. 5 on the list. Stevland Hardway Morris, popularly known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American Musician, Singer, and songwriter. Born in 1950, Wonder first started performing at the age of 11 when he signed with Morton’s Tamla label. He has recorded more than 30 US top 10 hits and has received 25 Grammy Awards thus becoming the most ever awarded male solo artist. He has sold over 100 million records worldwide which makes him one of the top 60 best-selling music artists of all time. Now no wonder he has a “Wonder” in his name.

Bob Marley

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Robert Nesta or Bob Marley was a Jamaican reggae singer, songwriter, musician, and guitarist. He started his musical career with the group The Wailers in 1963 and then later became famous because of his different way of writings and vocal style. In 1977, Marley started his solo career with the album “Exodus” and it grabbed him worldwide population making him one of the “World’s Best-selling Artist of all the time” with sales of 75 million records worldwide. Marley died t the age of 36 on 1981, 11 May due to a type of malignant melanoma. Now good people don’t last long on this earth. SMH!

Elvis Presley

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Now this one is the best looking lad of all the time. Born on January 8, 1935, Presley was an American rock musician and actor. He was regarded as the most significant cultural icon of the 20th century and he is known as the “King of Rock and Roll” to date. Presley started his music career in 954 when he sang for music producer Sam Phillips. He was a commercially successful artist in many genres including pop, blues, and gospel. With an estimated record of around 600 million worldwide, he is the best-selling solo artist in the history of recorded music. Unfortunately, Elvis died on August 16, 1977, at the age of 42.

Elton John

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Sir Elton Hercules John or Reginald Kenneth Dwight AKA Elton John is an English Song writer, pianist, singer, and composer. In his five-decade career, Elton John has sold over 300 million records worldwide which makes him one of the best-selling music artists in the world. With more than fifty Top 40 hits and seven consecutive No. 1 US albums, 58 Billboard top 40 singles, Elton John s indeed one of the best music artists of all time.

The Beatles

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John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr formed an English Rock Band in 1960 as “The Beatles”. Though earlier they were rooting for skiffle, beat and 50s Rock and roll, later they started experimenting with other various music styles like pop ballads, Indian music, hard rock, and psychedelia. With popular and widely influential albums like “Rubber Soul”, “Revolver”, ‘The Beatles” and “Abbey Road”, the band members parted their ways and started their own solo musical careers in 1970. The Beatles is the best-selling music artist in the United States with 178 million records selling. They have received 10 Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, and 15 Ivor Novello Awards. The band is active or not, we love their style and it will always be one of the best music artists of all time.

Bottom Line

These days, you can even hire musicians online to create personalizer music gifts for your events on reputed platforms such as Bring My Song to Life. It is really great to see how music has evolved over the years.

As far as the list artists are concerned, we all love the musicians mentioned above and I am pretty sure you wanted to know about them a little bit. And thanks to these musicians for whom we could enjoy the variety and beauty of music.