10 books every teenager should read

1. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Set in Nazi Germany, what separates this holocaust book from others are the center of interest, a family with rather politically incorrect views, and of course, the book thief's way into this family.

2. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

An evident pick, this is one of the most heart rendering novels. Often referred to as American Literature at its finest, it takes the most sensitive issue of race and illustrates the racial bias in an effective way.

3. The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri

This book will successfully reconnect us to our beginnings, regardless of how far we may be. This beautiful creation by Lahiri surrounds Gogol, a man who sets out to discover himself.

4. The Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling

The most obvious in the list, this fantasy series has become one of the classics. Let's be honest; we're all waiting for our letter from Hogwarts. 

5. The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald

A book that is vividly gorgeous and set in an epic time in history, it elaborates that when you're at your lowest, the only way is to go up.

6. A House for Mr Biswas by V S Naipaul

Mr Biswas is humorous, yet petulant and malicious at the same time. His enemies are his relatives and his goal is to be the rightful owner of the titular house. This book is for slightly older teenagers.

7. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

It is an old English classic, packed with charm, humour and romance - all at the same time.

8. The Catcher in the Rye by J D Salinger

Holden, the 16-year-old narrator, is troubled but manages to articulate his pain and pleasures to the audience, yet keeping most of it to himself. A book that centers young angst and is a must read for all teenagers of today.

9. The Ministry of Utmost Happiness by Arundhati Roy

Released just a few months back, people witness how Aftab turns into Anjum. The story takes us from New Delhi to Kashmir, only to make us admirers of Roy's courage.

10. Sister of My Heart by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

Definitely the most underrated book in this list, it is a novel that portrays the bond of love (especially between two sisters) regardless of not being bound by the same blood. The author shapes the story by the inexplicable affection the sisters share for each other.