THE HITCHHIKER’S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY BY DOUGLAS ADAMSDouglas Adams’ comic sci-fi The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy originally started off as a radio comedy show in 1978, and was later adapted to stage shows, books, TV series, computer games and a movie. The Hitchhiker’s Guide is about the misadventures of Arthur Dent as the last surviving man. Dent is rescued in Vogon spacecraft, moments before Earth’s destruction by Ford Perfect, and a human-like alien writer, to build a freeway in space. Following this, Dent then explores the space with Prefect thus starting a bumpy ride in the galaxy. This funny science fiction would certainly brighten up your spirit. BRIDGET JONES’S DIARY BY HELEN FIELDINGFor all the singletons out there mulling over their non-existent relationship and life in general— worry not, as Bridget Jones’s life would sound quite relatable to yours. Written in the form of a diary entry, this book chronicles a helpless yet hilarious year in the life of Bridget Jones, a single 30-something professional living in London. Juggling between her career, self-image, family, friends and relationships, Jones struggles to keep her life afloat. Reading this book would leave you in splits. THE BOOK OF AWESOME BY NEIL PASRICHA Neil Pasricha began his blog 1000awesomethings.com in 2008 where he posted about the little good things in life, while going through a rough time himself. The blog soon became a big hit and the rest as they say is history. The Book of Awesome is Pasricha’s first book, a compilation of his blog posts that reminds the readers that the best things in life are free. The book lists simple things in life, which we generally don’t appreciate – from popping bubble wrap to hitting a bunch of green lights in a row—reading this book would bring a smile on your face. EAT, PRAY, LOVE BY ELIZABETH GILBERT Based on her own story, Elizabeth Gilbert’s debut book Eat Pray Love touched many hearts. Gilbert had everything in her early thirties that a modern American woman would want- a husband, home, and a successful career. But instead of being happy, she was consumed by panic. She left behind the outward marks of success to explore life in three different cultures—Italy, India and Bali—ultimat finding her true self. Eat, Pray, Love is a book, which would inspire you to search your best self. THE HAPPY BOOK BY RACHEL KEMPSTER AND MEG LEDER The Happy Book guides you on how to practice and celebrate happiness, making it the go-to book when you really need it. How? Filled with creative prompts and wacky ideas, this book has space to doodle and scribble your thoughts, make lists, paste your favourite pictures, thus creating a journal of all the things that make you happy. IS EVERYONE HANGING OUT WITHOUT ME? AND OTHER CONCERNS BY MINDY KALING One of America’s funniest women, Mindy Kaling has many aspects to her life— from being the obedient child of immigrant professionals to a timid chubster who was afraid of her bike, to finally becoming a comedy writer and actress who is prone to argue over opinions with her friends. Through Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, the readers get a tour of Mindy’s life as this book is her memoir. Published in Daily Times, August 6th 2017.