Every April 23, International Book Day is celebrated. This is because, 408 years ago, an event took place, with a strange coincidence, that marked a before and after in the history of world culture. Precisely, on April 23, 1616, three of the greatest exponents of literature in the world died: William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.
Following the coincidental death, on the same day of the same year, of three historical writers who to this day are a reference in world literature as leaders of the dramatic, narrative and historical genres, UNESCO decided to name every April 23 as International Book Day. In 1988, UNESCO promoted the commemoration of this date, which began to take effect in 1989 in several countries. However, it was not until 1995 wheno the General Conference of UNESCO established that Book Day would be celebrated on April 23 to pay tribute to literature and encourage reading among the population.
Literature and books are one of the fundamental pillars of culture and main trainers of critical thinking. And although the book industry was always considered “dead” in advance, it knew how to reinvent itself and remain relevant. There are as many readers as there are types of books, however there are certain essential readings, which is why we bring you four books that you have to read before you die.
4 books you have to read before you die
Classics are classics and they will always stay in that place for good reason. When we generally read “books that you absolutely have to read” we usually come across authors like Kafka, Borges, Dostoyevsky, Brontë, Orwell, García Márquez, etc. And although they are authors who have earned that recognition, in this selection we opt for rare books and, mainly, by national authors.
1) Rage by Sergio Bizzio
This book quietly works as a wild card, since it adapts to all types of readers: it has romance, action, suspense and many narrative resources. However, It is essential to read it because it is a story that 100% represents Argentina. Between the idioms, food as a meeting point, and the passion, the book is key for any Argentine.
Rage It is an intense and disturbing story that immerses the reader in a world of black humor guided by romanticism and passion. It is a story about the declassed located in Argentina that greeted the 21st century with an acute economic crisis. The protagonists fight for their place in a society that only makes room for millionaires.
2) I remember Martín Kohan
Good books are those that resonate in our heads, that invite us to think and call us to action. That’s what’s remarkable about I remember, since it is a book that calls for doing something as human as remembering. As a kind of intimate diary, the author wrote some of his memories loosely, without a common thread or structure.a format already used by other authors such as Georges Perec and Joe Brainard, but in the pen of an Argentine author it is much closer.
The essential thing in reading this book lies in the call it makes to its readers to do the same. Be encouraged to immerse yourself in your own memory and keep a note of those events that marked our lives, no matter how simple they may seem. The purpose of literature in its purest state: to generate emotions in its readers and make them think.
3) The ridiculous idea of never seeing you again by Rosa Montero
With this recommendation we stray a little from the national axis, but it is worth mentioning, since it deals with a topic that touches all human beings: losing a loved one, going through grief, fighting with new emotions and getting used to live with an absence. It is a work that captivates for its deep reflection on life, death and the legacy we leave.
Through the biography of the scientist Marie Curie, Montero immerses us in an emotional journey where history, science and philosophy converge. With captivating prose, it invites us to question our own lives and appreciate the beauty and fragility of existence.. It is a reading that excites, inspires and leaves an indelible mark on the reader.
4) Mafalda de Quino
Mafalda is a cultural and national treasure that transcends generations. And although it deviates from the traditional format of books, it is still literature and is still fundamental to understand that every struggle is political. Quino’s vignettes offer a sharp and satirical look at society, politics and everyday life, all through the ingenious eyes of a girl with a unique perspective, while remaining a read that captivates children, young people and adults. .
His reflections, which today seem timeless, and his intelligent humor not only make us laugh, but also invite us to reflect on deep and universal issues. Mafalda is a classic that continues to resonate with readers of all ages, reminding us of the importance of questioning the world around us and keeping our curiosity and ingenuity alive.
