If you have never read a book before.. but want to :)

There are, according to me, 3 categories of people when it comes to books:

1. Those who HATE reading and do not have anything to do with books at all!!
2. Those who are curious about the "habit" called reading but do not know where to start.
3. Those who have "attempted" reading but have unfortunately started off with some heavy duty stuff and have been freaked out by their experience.

If you fall in the first category, read no further, this is not for you! For those who fall in the second and third category, I have compiled below a list of five "easy on the mind" books to guide you and hopefully get you hooked on to reading!! :)

• Five Point Someone - Chetan Bhagat: Written by an ex IITian this is a story about 3 average guys at the IIT Delhi. Light, breezy and funny, it makes for an ideal read because of the simplicity of the language that the author has used. With its fair share of twists and turns and a few "Oh my gosh" incidents, this book is sure to leave you smiling for a long time after you have finished reading it. And my personal opinion.... This is the best book written by Chetan Bhagat.

• Short Stories by Ruskin Bond: Set majorly in North India especially Mussorie and Shimla, his stories are written in an easy flowing language that is simply mesmerising and soothing. Two collections I recommend are : The Room on the Roof and Our Trees still grow in Dehra. Try also to read some of his unforgettable stories like "The Blue Umbrella", "Time stops at Shamli", "The night train at Deoli" and "The last Tonga ride".

• Swami and Friends- R.K. Narayan: All time favourite stories, unforgettable characters, a language that is easily understood, this is a masterpiece by R.K. Narayan and a must read if you want to relive the magical, innocent and carefree childhood days :)

• Matilda- Roald Dahl: Though actually a children's novel, this story of five year old Matilda, will be enjoyed by young and old alike. Humorous, quirky and magical, this book is a quick and enjoyable read especially for those who have never ever touched a book before and do not have the courage to read through a thick one at the first go ;)

• The Notebook- Nicholas Sparks: This is the story of an old man who reads out to an old woman, from a faded old notebook about the story of Aly and Noah, a passionately in love couple, who is separated, only to be reunited again 7 years later. At times tender, at times heartbreaking, this story manages to keep you engrossed and you will want to read it in one go....