Reading fix from #GNBookClub

Dubai

In today’s fast-paced world, time is a luxury. Taking the time to read a book is an even bigger luxury. So how can people reconnect with the joy of reading without sacrificing too much time? We asked our #GNBookClub members to recommend the kinds of books that you can read on a rushed day.

Short stories

As the name suggests, a short story is a piece of prose that is shorter in length and can be finished in one sitting. Typically, short stories focus on a single incident and feature a small cast of characters.

Abeer Acero, a Filipina blogger based in Dubai, recommends Fragile Things: Short Fiction and Wonders by Neil Gaiman. She said: “Gaiman can lure you to his world by using simple sentences coated with charm. This collection of short stories has a dark magical and fairytale vibe. You can get a daily dose of magical realism by reading one story a day.”

Novellas

Not quite a novel, yet not quite a short story – novellas sit in between the two types of prose. Its structure usually offers fewer conflicts than a novel, but more characters and sub-plots than a short story.

Eunice Sanchez, a Filipina working in the financial sector, feels The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery is a fast read. She said: ”You can read this in one sitting and feel a thousand years wiser. Seen through the eyes of a child, the book reveals how adults complicate their lives. The simplicity in which de Saint-Exupery tells the story belies the deep message beneath.”

Poetry

Poetry’s reputation ranges from difficult to profound. However, poems distill emotion to short verses filled with imagery and cadence.

Marla Salama Griffith, an American corporate and financial advisor based in Dubai is moved by A Journey Within, by Sarah Al Mulla. “This Emirati poet writes poignant poems about living life, finding home and happiness. Her verses are short yet heartfelt, and convey stories in a beautiful way.”

Thrillers and mystery novels

Thrillers and mystery stories have all the elements to keep readers engaged - strong plot points, strange characters, thrilling scenes, and unexpected twists!

Yasser Baroudy, an Egyptian project manager, argues strongly in the favour of The Dog Who Knew Too Much by Spencer Quinn. “Part of a bestselling mystery series, this book is one amazing and gripping adventure, written from a dog’s perspective. Quinn’s crisp literary style and humour keeps you glued to the page.” So, it might not be that fast a read, but the pace of novel will make you feel like it was a quick read.

Audio books

Audio books are perfect for multitasking. You can be walking, cleaning, driving, and listening at the same time. Not only do they demand less attention and focus than print, audio books’ narration can also enhance the story’s tone and drama.

Marla Salama Griffith feels The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas is a perfect audio book. “It’s one of the most amazing stories of all time. A man who is wrongfully imprisoned seeks revenge after he is released. I would never have read this story in print form, but I got through 45 hours of audio easily.”

Young adult fiction

Also referred to as ‘YA’, this genre is usually targeted at those aged 15 to anybody who is interested. It emphasises plot and a good book usually features memorable, relatable characters in clear writing style.

Abeer Acero talks about the first coming-of-age book by John Green Looking for Alaska. He went on to write The Fault in our Stars, which was made into a major Hollywood production. Acero told #GNBookClub: “It’s very easy to get into this young adult-contemporary novel. The protagonist is a boy named Pudge, who lives a boring and routine life, until he meets Alaska Young. It’s a story about being young and meeting people who help you discover who you are and want to be.”

Self-help books

Quick tips and fast facts make self-help books easy reads.

Yasser Baroudy recommends Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future by Peter Thiel and Blake Masters. “Originally written as online notes from a class about startups at Stanford University, this no-hassles book offers a condensed guide to starting from zero and how to succeed.”

Seven quick reads from the members of #GNBookClub:

The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

You by Caroline Kepnes

The Glass Lake by Maeve Binchy

A Time to Kill by John Grisham

How to Be a Domestic Goddess by Nigella Lawson

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Do you want to win books every week? Be a part of discussions, debates and all things literary? Then join #GNBookClub for the joy of reading. Details available on www.gulfnews.com/your-say/gn-book-club