Anxiety is a feeling of constant nervousness, an unpleasant feeling and apprehension about an uncertain outcome. Some of the symptoms include palpitations, irritation and agitation along with tension headaches. To feel anxious is a normal emotion and we do not acknowledge this problem at times and live in constant fear of the unknown. However there is an easy solution to this problem. No need for a therapist or medication when you have an easy at home remedy. The coloring books for adults. We need to widen our horizon and discard the idea that coloring is only for children. It is scientifically proven that adult coloring books have had positive outcomes and they soothe and de-stress anxiety sufferers. These books have intricate designs of different patterns that can be colored in using different vivid colored pencils. The ambiance needs to be a relaxing and silent atmosphere or very light music in the background (my personal favorite- The Archduke Trio by Beethoven). Moreover, these books are not just for anxious people, I enjoy them after a tiring day just to relax myself. It is the perfect sweet escape.

1. Calming Colouring: Nature Patterns by Graham Leslie McCallum
This book includes thick pages with delicately designed nature inspired patterns. The artist and designer, Graham McCallum, has created a graphic view of the trees and leaves that have a soothing effect on the person. As statistically stated, the color green is most well recognized by the human eye and therefore coloring in leaves the color green really focuses the mind on the different shades of green.(Buy)

2. Animorphia by Kerby Rosanes
This is the perfect book for all the animal lovers. Not only does it allow you to color in your favorite animals but it also has some ‘search spots’ where there are illustrations within illustrations and the human mind gets preoccupied into the world of animorphia. This is the perfect way to take a break and get involved into some art so pick up your coloring pencils!(Buy)

3. Dream Cities by Rosie, Chadwick, Alice Goodwin
If you are a travel/tourism enthusiast (like me) and want to nothing but travel the world then the coloring book of dream cities is the way to go. You’ll come across pages that’ll include cityscapes, landmarks and landscapes that you’ll easily recognize. This book also includes a fun activity of a mini treasure hunt for finding extra images with their detailed illustrations.(Buy)

4. Cats: 70 designs to help you de-stress by Hamlyn
This book is simply about seventy feline-inspired designs that are specifically designed for cat-lovers. The best way to calm down would be to color in your favorite animal with detailed colors. This will keep your mind occupied with something you would absolutely adore getting involved in, even for those of who aren’t kitty fans can enjoy the beautiful patterns on these heavy-duty pages.(Buy)

5. Enchanted Forest: An Inky Quest & Coloring Book by Johanna Basford
Probably of one of the most popular illustrators in the market of adult coloring books, Johana Basford, who is also famous for her successful secret garden coloring books. As the name suggests an inky adventure implying that ink can be used as some people have had trouble with in other coloring books. The paper quality used is excellent and pens and ink markers can definitely be used. The enchanted forest is everything you would find in a perfect fairytale story, a woodland, greenery, a thick forest and of course the way to the enchanted locked castle.(Buy)

6. Harry Potter Coloring Book
The paper qualities of this book may vary depending on the different outlets so make sure you use an authentic source to either shop online or buying off of a store. The book is obviously Harry Potter theme based with images realistically drawn from the film or just illustrations in detail as we have imagined it from how it has be described in the book. The images move on from the most loved and popular characters of Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Dumbledore to the most unwanted characters like Malfoy and Peter. It also includes images of the persona non grata; you guessed it, Lord Voldemort. Obviously the book targets the Harry Potter fans but I would recommend it to those who want to escape into a world of fantasy, magic and enchantment.(Buy)

7. The Official A Game of Thrones Coloring Book by George R. R Martin
I am a staunch follower of the game of thrones series and we all know there have been books and a television series as well. The game of thrones can be addictive to be honest so I wouldn’t be surprised if this coloring book casts a spell upon you too. The characters of the series are famous worldwide whether you’re a fan of the show or not I’m sure you’re familiar with Khaleesi, Starks, Cersi and a few other popular names. People might find this a bit odd to use this book to soothe someone as the show itself is so violent however the bold colors, the favorite characters and most certainly the dragons will keep your mind full. Therefore grab a coffee and a copy of this book because ‘winter is coming’!(Buy)

8. The Magical City by Lizzie Mary Cullen
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about a magical city? Cobbled pavements, urban neighborhoods, hidden city and a lot of magic? That’s exactly what you will find in this coloring book illustrated by the award winning Lizzie. Doodle and color your way through into a dream where a stunning whimsical world surrounds you.(Buy)

9. Vogue Colouring Book by Iain R. Webb
This book is for the shopaholics, fashionistas, divas and people who are simply followers of the vogue magazine. The book contains bold, vivid, outstanding images of stylish imagines from the 1950s vogue. You will find your favorite brands, most wanted silhouettes and old fashioned styles that are to die for!(Buy)

10. Creative Coloring Inspirations: Art Activity Pages to Relax and Enjoy! by Valentina Harper
My inspiration to get out of bed every morning is the quote ‘Today is going to be awesome’ which is stated on the front cover of the book. Just like that the book is full of creativity and inspirations that won’t only de-stress and relax you but enlighten and elevate your mood and energy levels. This one has been the last on my list but definitely is not the least!(Buy)

An adventure is an exciting or unusual experience. It can be risky, exhilarating, bold and exuberant. It can include; sky diving, travelling or extreme sports. But that was just a list of some outdoorsy activities. However, adventure can include indulging in a thrilling movie, writing an exciting story or simply, reading an adventure book. For me, that’s the greatest venture of all, where I can let my imagination run wild and let the book lead me into a world of hazards, endangerment and uncertainty. Therefore if you classify yourself as a bohemian, wanderer, risk-taking adventurer, I dare you to go ahead and read these top ten adventure books of all time.

1. Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
Moby-Dick, if you’re not a hermit or have been living under a rock your whole life you must have at least come across hearing about Moby-Dick. Well, if not, here’s a short summary; Moby-Dick is a novel written by the American author Herman Melville which was a turning point of his career as it turned out to be the master-piece of all time. The story is narrated by the sailor, Ishmael who is on board with the obsessive, slightly neurotic Captain Ahab on a quest to find the white whale, Moby-Dick, who has apparently ruined his whole life and now seeks revenge. The characters are brilliantly portrayed as well as the descriptions of the exotic locations with a tinge of dark humor. If you haven’t already read this book I would recommend you to pick up your copy right away.

2. The Call of the Wild by Jack London
The story revolves around the initially domesticated canine, Buck, before he gets kidnapped and moved around, and about his adventures. The reader is anxiously on edge at all times as the novel takes uncertain turns with hazards around every corner. The book describes the indestructible nature of this courageous dog and how he endures the unpleasant conditions and behavior without any fear.

3. Odyssey by Homer
The novel is set about three thousand years ago, although it would be wrong to call it a novel as it is rather an epic poem. Homer has great command over literature, poetry, metaphors and symbolism. It’s based on the ancient Greek sea god Poseidon and the challenges he faces on his return home after twenty years. The ancient Greek history is unraveled and myths and legends retold in this poem. Therefore if you enjoy poetry, literature compositions along with adventure this should be on your list of reads.

4. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
This is the first non-fiction documentation on the list. Fiction adventure books are an enjoyable read; however we cannot leave out non-fiction because these are the ones that take you as close as possible to the real adventure that you can experience. Thus I have included one of my favorite tragic tales, into the wild. This inspirational story is about a young man who leaves all his possessions behind to live life on his own terms and invents his own life after donating his valuables to charity. He hitchhikes his way to reach his final destination, Alaska to become a wanderer. However the world seems to be too harsh on him and he only gets to live his dream for a short span of four months after which he passes away. His body is found after these few months by a moose hunter.

5. Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
Had I been writing this blog post a few years ago this novel would’ve appeared on the top of my list and it is still the most ‘treasured’ book on my shelf but I seemed to have grown out of it (only a little). This book was the turning point of adventure novels during my childhood and I am sure many people would relate. As the title suggests, this adventure is about the venture of men seeking for treasure. Stereo-typically you would expect the one legged pirate, the talking bird and of course the treasure map, however this doesn’t seem cliché at all. I would classify it as a classic. Surely a delightful read for all ages.

6. The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
‘The lord of the rings’ fans would already know of this novel. The Hobbit is the same set up of the whimsical world created by the author. The plot revolves around the young Bilbo Baggins and his adventure into a world that his fellow hobbits will perhaps never see. The story intersects with fantasy, mystery and adventure. I would highly recommend it to people who would enjoy mystery books as well as adventure.

7. Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster by Jon Krakauer
Yet another outstanding read by Krakauer, an account of the 1996 disaster. It is an account of a great miscalculation of an upcoming devastating storm that was the cause of death of five mountain climbers. The mountaineers enthusiastically made their way up the mount when suddenly they were stricken by the terrible weather after which every life moment and limbs were in peril. There was no peace, rest or a moment of safety through this read.

8. Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne
The story of Phileas Fogg, also made into a great film with the main character portrayed by Steve Coogan. The uptight Phileas proves to the world his journey around the world in eighty days around the time when the world wasn’t such a global village. His exhilarating journey across the different countries and the different modes of transportation are excellently executed in the novel.

9. Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift
A universal read all over the continent and for all ages. This book casually mocks different aspects, religion, science and politics with the use of satire. The main character is taken through all sorts of strange journeys, mishaps, islands and philosophies that we have probably never read before.

10. King Solomon’s Mines by H. Rider Haggard
An incredible quest of an undiscovered mine of King Solomon into unexplored parts of Africa. Three Englishmen, a lost man, an untold story and an undiscovered kingdom; need I say more? Get deluded into the world of imagination, legends history and adventure.

Life is all about challenges, riddles and our thrive to explaining the impossible and that’s exactly what mystery is, something puzzling, mind-boggling and difficult to understand, these challenges excite our glial cells and neurotransmitters, thrill us and leave us in suspense. When speaking of novels and literature a bookworm looks for art, action, fiction, narration, suspense; and mystery is the genre that covers it all. A mystery novel would include riddles, secrets, unsolved problems, crime, suspense, murder, death, morbidity and puzzles. Therefore if you’re weak-hearted who is easily threatened by jumps and surprises should probably step back. However those who are the ‘Sherlock Holmes’ of their family, those of you who wake up to crack  riddles and puzzles, resolve disputes and get enthralled by the mysterious world and love to live in suspense should definitely give these best mystery books a read!

1. The Whistler by John Grisham

I’ve grown up looking up to a bookshelf full of John Grisham books since my uncle was a die-hard Grisham fan, therefore when it comes to mystery this American bestseller is the first one I can think of, some may contradict with my views as to this novel being the first on my list as it won’t do justice to all the other extraordinary reads but this one by far has to be my favorite. This story is about a lawyer who comes across a rather dangerous and deadly case that reveals the truth about the corruption in the judicial system. The case reveals unfathomable misconducts that she has to face.

2. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

The Da Vinci Code which was also made into a movie, with the main character executed exceptionally well by Tom Hanks. The post effects of this book will leave you in a hypnotic trance; I must admit I spent nights over the internet in search for the ‘code’. The book is about a symbolist, Langdon, who wakes up one day to a phone call after which his entire life is turned around. After this point he is on the run away from the police on the quest for the historical secret. His journey is accompanied with the French cryptologist, Sophie. Together they crack a series of bizarre riddles and codes hidden under the art of Leonardo Da Vinci.

3. The Woman in White by Wilkie Colins

This novel is set in the 19^th century, the whole set up portrayed and depicted brilliantly. This is an excellent mysterious novel, daunting, peculiar with immaculate and well explained characters and scenes that will send a chill down your spine.

4. The Eye of the Beholder by Marc Behm

No matter how many times I read this book it always gives me goose bumps and chills. The plot revolves around a female serial killer who has an intense dislike for men, however it is somehow validated. This ‘slayer’ is being followed around by the private detective, the eye, for about ten years. The relationship that has been described between these two characters is by far the most unexpected and intriguing one that you will ever find.

5. Sneaky People by Thomas Berger

When talking about mystery one immediately thinks of murder, offense, maliciousness, and violence. However this novel is rather a humorous crime story. A simple guy called Buddy Sandifer who wants his wife dead and therefore hires a someone to do so. The purpose behind this is to spend the rest of his days with a promiscuous woman who he’s been having an affair with. The book takes a few hilarious spins making this the most comic mysterious novels ever!

6. A Simple Plan by Scott B. Smith

The title simple plan suggests something about a simple plan but it’s anything but that! Two brothers come across a crashed plane and after thorough search they find a handsome amount of money and all they have to do is come up with a simple plan in order to conceal the fortune they’ve stumbled upon. The plot takes some unexpected turns and these innocent people end up becoming criminals. Anyone looking for a more of a realist read should definitely go for this novel.

7. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

There has been a Hollywood version of this book but of course movies never do justice to novels. The layout is the cliché where people are stranded on an island and start to die one after the other and start accusing each other of the misconduct. Therefore there are a total of ten people who have allegedly been accused of the murders until all ten of them have died and there’s no one left who could be the last suspect!

8. The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey

The layout is set back during the era of the Tudors. An inspector Alan Grant has a special skill and a hobby of studying portraits brought to him by a friend and gets indulged in a case from almost five hundred years ago during the time of the Tudors! Sounds kind of peculiar doesn’t it? Hence, if you are a historical mystery kind of a reader this book is the one to choose.

9. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

This is an eerie story about a family who was murdered in their own house without any traces of motive to cause this mishap. An investigator gets involved with this case and gets to the bottom of it. Captoe invented this legendary genre of literary non-fiction which creates an absolutely fascinating read.

10. Tales of Mystery & Imagination by Edgar Allan Poe

Poe started off writing short mystery stories, eventually to become the father of this genre. His plot includes all the basics that you would need to get indulged into a mystery novel; it is a compilation of different writings by this author. This novel has claimed to be one of Poe’s best written pieces. The ones who have read are accustomed to Poe’s writing style but the ones who haven’t should give this gothic literature a read.

Science fiction quite literally means the literature of change; this includes all the modern day technological and scientific advancements to create an imaginative future. The sci-fi genre can be subdivided into astronomy, astrophysics, fantasy, science, time travel and so much more that it is beyond the scope of this article to discuss them all. Hence when I sit back to contemplate the top 10 of the list it is impossible not to exclude some of the ‘all-time-favorites’. The science fiction experts reading this blog might give the writer a condescending nod as I leave out their top best science fiction books, however, I’m going to take the risk and go ahead with my list.

1. Dune by Frank Herbert
As cliché as this might be (since this book seems to be the number one on every list), this book just seems to be a classic, a story that can be read over and over. Therefore Dune has turned up as the number one on my list.

The novel is set about 20,000 years ahead with Dune Leto as the main character. The plot of this novel takes some excitingly shocking twists that leave the readers in suspense. The ending is definitely a cliff hanger which will make the reader want to keep reading on. The Dune series have been a popular hit since the 1990’s coming a long way up to 2009.(Buy)

2. Neuromancer by William Gibson
This book is set in the future. About a simple cowboy who turns into a cyberpunk and gets caught up with a shadowy organization that turn out to be cyber terrorists. The novel takes some mysterious instructions to moving through cyberspace. The author captures the complex cyber technology, mystery and excitement in his novel.

Therefore if you are a ‘cyberpunk’ or and ‘IT freak’ you should undoubtedly give this novel a read.(Buy)

3. The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
This must have been of one of my favorites as I was growing up when the entire idea of time travel and a time machine, to me, sounded so bizarre!

As the name suggests this book is about a time machine created by the time traveler, the star of this story. The time traveler travels through different times going from 802,701AD and making several stops after which he ends up thirty million years into the future. The story takes the reader through the different times; the reader is in a trance as travelling through with the time traveler into the whimsical world of HG Wells.(Buy)

4. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
There have been so many Frankenstein stories out in the market that the audience almost wants to say ‘Yet, not another one of the Frankenstein’s monsters!’. However this novel supercedes all those novels that have not failed to saturate our brains.

This story revolves around Victor Frankenstein’s tragic story- the story of Frankenstein’s monster.

The story of Victor is told in third person by Robert Walton who narrates to the audience every detail about Victor’s life. Victor being the genius since childhood, ends up accidentally creating a monster. The monster is now dedicated to avenge his rejection from mankind from his creator and his creator’s family.(Buy)

5. Hyperion by Dan Simmons
The reader is taken into another dimension, another world, another time. In a world called Hyperion a creature named Shrike is worshiped, feared by some, and hated by the others. Due to the contradicting beliefs of the people of Hyperion the entire galaxy seems to be at war. Seven pilgrims to Hyperion hold several mysteries that are unraveled towards the end of this novel. Definitely a page turner!(Buy)

6. The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin
Only my second novel on the list by a female author, as we know women are not well appreciated in the sci-fi genre, it was important for me to mention this outstanding author, Ursula who breaks the stereotype of science-fiction being a male oriented domain. The book deals with issues of gender crisis and identity. The characters of this story are gender-less with conflicting human characteristics. Ursula has portrayed this unique plot magnificently. This novel will give you goosebumps. A must read.(Buy)

7. The Forever War by Joe Haldeman
The forever war by Joe Haldeman is a series of novels; here’s a little about the first novel of the series. The novel is based on a fierce alien that seems to have a hostile approach. The hero, William Mandela propelled through space takes changes of saving his planet and goes through any challenges that he has to survive through.(Buy)

8. The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester
This nerve-racking novel portrays an imaginative future in which the people protect themselves from the radioactive hit men.

The book takes the reader through a journey with a mix of emotions about the main character, Foyle. Great read, highly recommendable.(Buy)

9. The Foundation Trilogy by Isaac Asimov
This trilogy has served as an inspiration to many in the science fiction genre. This novel takes you on a voyage to a time beyond our imagination. A time so far ahead in the future that the humans have settled into the galaxy to explore the universe. This novel welcomes you into the world of fantasy, a world where there are no limitations and everything can be worked out into a mathematical equation. This will push your imagination to the edge and excite your neural cells.(Buy)

10. The Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe
The book of the new sun by Gene Wolfe is one of the series. The story has a fantasy background, concentrating on magical wonders and powers. The plots set around as we are introduced to a dying sun and the ‘Conciliator’ who happens to be the savior of the earth but is not aware of it as yet. The character has been bestowed magical powers. The ‘Conciliator’ faces many challenges before he is crowned and set to world to be judged. His aim is to save the life of a dying world.(Buy)

Often times, most people avoid browsing through the nonfiction category, claiming that the genre doesn’t suit their taste, because non-fiction is too ‘serious’, too depressing even, at times.

But non-fiction is often more chilling and shaking than fiction because we know that the horrors in the books are the reality that we’re living in. Non-fiction is true, truer than fiction, and we can’t handle the ugly truth.

But it’s always there and non-fiction will always be here, whether we like it or not. So brace yourself for these top 12 nonfiction books that are equally shocking as they are inspiring.

1. I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou is a woman of color who has had to deal with abuse, which makes her book a very painful and emotional read. Because it reminds of how women all around the world still suffer these consequences and are living with them. (Buy)

2. The Diary Of A Young Girl by Anne Frank

A world classic which was discovered in an attic, gives us the vivid descriptions of war and it’s horrors and consequences. Anne Frank was a Jewish girl who had abandoned her home in Amsterdam to seek shelter from the Nazis. She was living with her family in hiding where her diary was discovered. (Buy)

3. Princess Trilogy by Jean Sasson

The three books talk about Princess Sultana of Saudi Arabia and what life really is like for people behind the veil, regardless of royalty and otherwise.(Buy)

4. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.

Some people tend to believe that if you have a loving husband, a country home and a successful career, you’ve got it made. That’s not the case, most times and in her book, Elizabeth Gilbert explores the reasons of her confusion and lack of fulfillment. (Buy)

5. A Room Of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf

Despite it having a fictional narrative, A Room Of One’s Own is considered to be non-fiction where Virginia talks about women, both as writers and the characters in fiction. (Buy)

6. Guns Of August by Barbara W. Tuchman

In her hauntingly informative book, Barbara talks about the events that led to World War One and despite the fact that the war could’ve been stopped, it wasn’t. It’s a horrifying reminder of how inhumane humanity can be. (Buy)

7. Between Two Worlds by Zainab Salbi

Taught from a young age, to forget what she saw around her and to be always be silent, because violating that silence was dangerous, Zainab Salbi witnessed some truly horrific wrongs and in her book, finally broke her silence. (Buy)

8. Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay

As a woman of color struggling to be recognized for her efforts, Roxane talks about her contradicting views and how complex the nature of the world we live in is. She has a humorous taste as well, which makes the book more interesting and relatable. (Buy)

9. Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus by John Gray

True, men and women are very different from each other but this book just proves that and also helps us to communicate our needs in a way that won’t allow any conflicts to arise. John Gray’s book has helped and re-constructed many people’s relationships. (Buy)

10. The Interpretation Of Dreams by Sigmund Freud

As one of the pillars of modern psychology, Sigmund’s book is very knowledgeable and interesting and one that you wouldn’t want to miss out. Especially if you’re a curious reader. (Buy)

11. Do They Hear You When You Cry by Fauziya Kassindja

Running away from her home in Africa to avoid an arranged marriage and painful rituals, Fauziya Kassindja seeks refuge in the U.S only to be locked up prison. In her book, she talks about the terrifying 16 months behind bars. (Buy)

12. Bad Blood: A Memoir by Lorna Sage

Your family is something that you should be able to lean on but for Lorna Sage, who came from a dysfunctional, claustrophobic family, she was only eager to escape. But can you really untangle yourself from your past? (Buy)