Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.
There are moments when you want to disconnect from the outside world and plunge into a parallel reality, dissolve in an unusual spiritual story. The best helpers in this are books. Works about love, dreams, adventures and life – presents a rating of the 13 best books for the soul.
- Rating of the best books for the soul
- 'Rebecca', Daphne du Maurier
- 'The Mysterious Island' by Jules Verne
- 'Unadorned Cat' by T. Pratchett
- 'Over the Cuckoo's Nest' by Ken Kesey
- 'Look at me', Cecilia Ahern
- What Dreams May Come, Richard Matheson
- 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen
- The Secret History by Donna Tartt
- 'Standing Under the Rainbow' by Fannie Flagg
- Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury
- 'Norwegian Forest' by Haruki Murakami
- 'Jamilya', Chingiz Aitmatov
- 'Chocolate' by Joan Harris
Rating of the best books for the soul
| Nomination | a place | composition | rating |
| Rating of the best books for the soul | 1 | 'Rebecca', Daphne du Maurier | 5.0 |
| 2 | 'The Mysterious Island' by Jules Verne | 4.9 | |
| 3 | 'Unadorned Cat' by T. Pratchett | 4.8 | |
| 4 | 'Over the Cuckoo's Nest' by Ken Kesey | 4.7 | |
| 5 | 'Look at me', Cecilia Ahern | 4.6 | |
| 6 | What Dreams May Come, Richard Matheson | 4.5 | |
| 7 | 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen | 4.4 | |
| 8 | The Secret History by Donna Tartt | 4.3 | |
| 9 | 'Standing Under the Rainbow' by Fannie Flagg | 4.2 | |
| 10 | Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury | 4.1 | |
| 11 | 'Norwegian Forest' by Haruki Murakami | 4.0 | |
| 12 | 'Jamilya', Chingiz Aitmatov | 3.9 | |
| 13 | 'Chocolate' by Joan Harris | 3.8 |
'Rebecca', Daphne du Maurier
Selection: for the soul
Book rating: 5.0
The detective novel 'Rebecca' by British writer Daphne du Maurier will appeal to both men and women. This is a story about a nameless girl, the companion of an elderly American woman who became the wife of the aristocrat Maximilian de Winter. A couple of newlyweds arrive at the Manderley estate, in the gloomy family mansion of the newly-minted husband, but the heroine does not feel comfortable in it – everything around seems to remind of the aristocrat's previous wife, refined Rebecca de Winter, who died in an accident while on a yacht trip.
Everything in the house seems to continue to live in the order of the deceased – cooking food, arranging furniture, heating fireplaces is carried out in strict accordance with Rebecca's wishes. The servants of the estate treat the heroine in an unfriendly manner. In addition to everything, Maximilian behaves wary, in the conversations one feels innuendo, all this introduces the girl to bewilderment. However, after several months of being in a tense state, she still manages to find out the terrible secret of the past inhabitants of the Manderly family estate, in particular – the details of Rebecca's terrible death.
The story based on the novel by Daphne du Maurier was filmed by the legendary Alfredorm Hitchcock in 1940, after which, today, the BBC has created several more films based on the work.
'The Mysterious Island' by Jules Verne
Selection: for the soul
Book rating: 4.9
The legendary 'The Mysterious Island' is a Robinson novel, continuing the cycle of adventure books by Jules Verne. The northerners who captured the balloon during the US Civil War land on a sandy Pacific beach in the Southern Hemisphere. They boldly settle down in uninhabited territory, establish their economy and life. In part, a mysterious stranger from a neighboring island helps them in this.
Once a ship with a black flag moored to the coast of the island, on board which were pirates, among them were members of the gang of one of the main characters. Some of the pirates run away into the forest, but the colonists are in no hurry to shoot them, hoping to give the fugitives a chance for a peaceful life. Fighting for territory with enemies, protecting honor and dignity, friendship and betrayal – all these are components of the fascinating story of Jules Verne. Who would have thought that Captain Nemo would play one of the key roles in the life of the main characters in The Mysterious Island!
'Unadorned Cat' by T. Pratchett
Selection: for the soul
Book rating: 4.8
In third place in the rating is an unusual comic book 'Unadorned Cat' or 'Cat Without Fools' (translation features) by British writer T. Pratchett. This work, filled with love for fluffy four-legged friends of man, is a kind of thematic gospel. The author humorously supports the idea that the cat first appeared, and then everything else on Earth. The cat is a god, a teacher, the center of the world, the author tells about the animal everything that the future and established owners (or 'slaves') of the feline family need to know. What are cats made of, what laws they live by, what is included in their obligatory habitat, how to name a pet, how to play with it and how to handle it, how to teach it to order, an excursion into history – these and other questions in a humorous form are disclosed in the book 'Cat without embellishment. ' The work will not let you get bored, and the funny pictures of Gray Jolliffe add interest.
'Over the Cuckoo's Nest' by Ken Kesey
Selection: for the soul
Book rating: 4.7
Ken Kesey's novel Over the Cuckoo's Nest is narrated in the first person, an Indian named Chief Bromden, who pretends to be a deaf-mute patient in a psychiatric clinic, where the action takes place. His 'misfortune friend' Randall Patrick is trying to break the ward's proclaimed order of head nurse Mildred, who is struggling to establish leadership over patients in an attempt to satisfy her own unfulfilled ambitions. Patrick's method is simple – to inspire comrades with the joy of life and liberation from complexes through simple bets, games, and watching matches together.
As it turns out later, Randall Patrick's stay in the hospital can be extended by the same sister Mildrad, because the hero temporarily ends the war with her, and then resumes resistance, enlisting the support of other patients. What will this confrontation lead to? Will those for whom Patrick raised their self-esteem be grateful to him? The denouement of the novel is somewhat natural, but on the whole unexpected.
'Look at me', Cecilia Ahern
Selection: for the soul
Book rating: 4.6
The world bestseller Look at Me is the story of the young designer Elizabeth. The girl leads an active lifestyle, her day is scheduled by the minute, and there is simply no time left for dreams, as well as for her personal life. She looks after her nephew while his mother, the heroine's sister, gets involved in unpleasant stories and drinks. The girl is forced to earn money, abandoning a successful career in New York for the sake of her family, at the same time denying herself love and everyday joys. However, miracles will not keep you waiting – they merge into Elizabeth's life along with a stranger, next to whom the heroine begins to thaw out of years of loneliness and get rid of limiting beliefs. But she knows nothing about her beloved, except that he is a once fictional friend of her beloved nephew. I wonder how Elizabeth's outlook will change when she learns more about her companion.
The originality of the plot of the novel 'Look at me' was recognized by the Cosmopolitan U.S. magazine.
What Dreams May Come, Richard Matheson
Selection: for the soul
Book rating: 4.5
The next in the rating novel in the genre of fantasy drama 'Where Dreams May Come' sends the reader to the world after death. Chris Nielsen, the protagonist of the work, dies in a car accident a few years after the death of the children, and after a while commits suicide and his wife, who could not stand the loneliness after the loss of all loved ones. Her soul goes to hell, where Chris's soul goes to save her beloved and take her to his heaven. Now the heroes' task is to find love and hope.
The novel caused a flurry of discussions immediately after its release, the film of the same name was shot based on it with Robin Williams in the title role, the picture was awarded an Oscar. Interestingly, controversy has flared up not only among critics and spectators, but also among scientists researching the question of the existence of the soul after the death of a person on Earth.
'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen
Selection: for the soul
Book rating: 4.4
Nineteenth-century realism educator Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice explores questions of morality and self-esteem, no matter what the circumstances are. S. Maugham about the author's approach: 'she was interested in the ordinary, and not in what is called extraordinary. However, thanks to her visual acuity, irony and wit, everything she wrote was unusually 'fully describes the idea of the novel. The main character is Elizabeth, the proud daughter of the Bennet family, the hero is Mr. Darcy. Parents woo them, but young people are in no hurry to unite, tossing between pride and love. Jane Austen presents their life from all angles: social circle, habits and character. Will Elizabeth and Darcy be together? What will they choose – love or satisfaction of their ambitions?
The novel reveals the question of love, honor and dignity, which has not lost its relevance today. 'Pride and Prejudice' is a masterpiece of world literature that will be of interest to more than one generation of readers.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Selection: for the soul
Book rating: 4.3
A small college in Vermont, Richard Paypen comes here from California to study the ancient Greek language. He quickly finds new friends – cheerful, rich and passionate about antiquity young people who consider themselves a caste of keepers of ancient culture. However, reality leaves its mark and changes plans: friendship ends when a murder occurs within the group. Years later, Richard Paypen recalls the past, meeting with friends and his girlfriend, and on the basis of these memories creates the literary masterpiece The Secret History, a high-quality psychological thriller that creeps through to the chills.
'Standing Under the Rainbow' by Fannie Flagg
Selection: for the soul
Book rating: 4.2
In the novel Standing under the Rainbow, author Fannie Flagg collected characters from her various works and placed them in the cozy town of Elmwood Springs. In this place, everyone knows each other, they communicate closely, the life of the inhabitants is known far outside the town thanks to the radio operator Dorothy, a compassionate woman with a smiling voice.
The inhabitants of the city are so versatile and interesting that watching them fascinates while reading from cover to cover. For example, Blind Bird Singing does not see anything, but her voice captivates and disarms everyone without exception, and courage exceeds the courage of anyone who can see. The fate of the king of the funeral business Cecil, the future governor of the state Betty Rae, the desperate and reckless Elmer and her nephew Norma, as well as other characters with various characters and destinies, in which every reader will surely find themselves, are intertwined.
The main value of the work 'Standing under a rainbow' is instilling in the reader a love of life, Fannie Flagg shows: one must be able to see the beauty and happiness around, regardless of the circumstances that develop on the way.
Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury
Selection: for the soul
Book rating: 4.1
Another positive story in our ranking is the novel Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradburry. This is a chronicle of the summer life of the small provincial town of Green Town, Illinois in the early 20th century. The main characters are the brothers Douglas and Tom Spauldings 12 and 10 years old, respectively. Around them, unusual stories and adventures unfold with the participation of parents, relatives and neighbors for the described three months.
By the way, dandelion wine is prepared every summer by the brothers' grandfather, and Douglas reflects on how the drink can preserve the events taking place in reality, so that later fill those who have tasted it with memories. Dandelion Wine is the epitome of summer and its rich history.
'Norwegian Forest' by Haruki Murakami
Selection: for the soul
Book rating: 4.0
Japanese novelist Harkuki Murakami is known throughout the world for his soulful novels filled with questions of honor, fate and mystery. 'Norwegian Forest' is the story of student Tooru Watanabe's memories, his friendship with the psychologically traumatized death of his friend, his girlfriend Naoko, and the positive, cheerful Midori. At first, the hero develops a relationship with Naoko, when both needed support after the loss. Tooru falls in love with the girl, but she loves the slain Kizuki. The novel develops against the backdrop of unrest in the college where the heroes studied. While Naoko is undergoing treatment, Tooru gets to know the positive Midori, gets carried away with her, but seriously gets bogged down in messy relationships for one night.
However, the unrest in his personal life, as well as in society, cannot last long – the main character is entangled in his feelings. Who will he choose – Naoko or Midori? Norwegian Forest is a sensual and touching novel by a modern Japanese classic that we definitely recommend reading.
'Jamilya', Chingiz Aitmatov
Selection: for the soul
Book rating: 3.9
The novel 'Jamilya', named after the main character, is unique in its kind: in it a deep drama develops against the background of lyrical descriptions of nature and a fascinating excursion into the culture of the people of Kyrgyzstan. The story is told on behalf of the protagonist – a fifteen-year-old boy, the time of events is the Great Patriotic War, 1944.
Jamilya is the sister of the storyteller, a lively and beautiful girl who does not give herself offense. She ended up in a good family, but remained on the farm together with a fair and domineering mother-in-law – all the men went to the front, except for her husband's brother Seit and Daniyar, who was wounded at the front. Later, it is for the latter that Jamila has warm feelings, which turned out to be mutual. One day Seit learned about the romantic relationship between his brother and the girl, but the only one in the village did not condemn them when they fled together. He was fascinated by the beginning of a new love, it aroused in him the desire to become an artist and to embody these emotions on canvas.
Chingiz Aitmatov, through the story of Jamil, teaches us to make a choice that life often offers people: love or regularity, while it is necessary to understand the consequences of both decisions. As you can see, Jamilya chooses her own happiness, albeit not easy. How will it end?
'Chocolate' by Joan Harris
Selection: for the soul
Book rating: 4.8
The novel 'Chocolate' is a story about a single mother, Vienne Roche, who was able to change the lives of the inhabitants of the French town of Lansquay-sous-Tannes with the magic of a pastry delicacy. In their 'Heavenly Almond' shop, real miracles are happening – mother and daughter prepare amazing sweets, which aroused increased interest of children and adults, despite strict Lent. This fact angered the local priest Francis Reino, because obedience to the laws of the church in the city is above all. And Vien's convictions seemed vicious to him. In part, he was right, the heroine was sure in her thoughts – she was a witch, only she did not use her opportunities. However, home magic helped her and Anouk realize an old dream – to open a candy store.
The priest in various ways tries to provoke Vien to escape, but the efforts are in vain – the woman organizes a Chocolate Festival in the city on Easter Sunday. Who will win in the confrontation – kindness and love for the cause or the dogmatism of people unwilling to change their lives?
Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.
