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<p>Some books don’t just fill your shelves, they change your life. A single idea, a fresh perspective, or a powerful story can shift the way you think and act forever. That’s the magic of books; they meet you where you are and often leave you better than before. And it doesn’t always take hundreds of pages to make that kind of impact.</p><p>In fact, many works by famous authors, bestselling authors, and even some of today’s top authors can be read in a single day. Yet their lessons stay with you for a lifetime.</p><p>If you’re looking for books that inspire action, spark reflection, or simply make you see the world differently, here are 7 you can finish in a day, but carry with you always.</p><p>1. Tools of the Titans by Tim Ferriss<br></p><p>Though Ferriss is a bestselling author, this book is surprisingly approachable. It compiles insights from billionaires, athletes, and thinkers in short, digestible chapters. You don’t have to read cover to cover — just dive into the sections that speak to you.</p><p>⭐ Amazon Rating: 4.6/5<br>👉 Buy on <a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Tools-Titans-Billionaires-World-Class-Performers/dp/1328683788" href="https://www.amazon.com/Tools-Titans-Billionaires-World-Class-Performers/dp/1328683788" title="Tools Of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amazon</a>&nbsp;<br></p><h3>2. Think Like a Warrior by Darrin Donnelly<br></h3><p>Donnelly may not be among the “household” famous authors, but he has earned a loyal fan base with his motivational sports parables. This book tells the story of a struggling football coach learning life lessons from legendary mentors.</p><p>⭐ Amazon Rating: 4.7/5<br>👉 Buy on <a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Think-Like-Warrior-Beliefs-Unstoppable/dp/0692705465/" href="https://www.amazon.com/Think-Like-Warrior-Beliefs-Unstoppable/dp/0692705465/" title="Think Like a Warrior: The Five Inner Beliefs That Make You Unstoppable (Sports for the Soul)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amazon</a><br></p><h3>3. Transcending the Levels of Consciousness by David R. Hawkins<br></h3><p>Hawkins, a top author in the field of spirituality, explores how consciousness evolves from fear to enlightenment. It’s deep yet concise, and perfect for a quiet day of reflection.</p><p>⭐ Amazon Rating: 4.7/5<br>👉 Buy on <a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Transcending-Levels-Consciousness-Stairway-Enlightenment/dp/B088ZQCQ5S/" href="https://www.amazon.com/Transcending-Levels-Consciousness-Stairway-Enlightenment/dp/B088ZQCQ5S/" title="Transcending the Levels of Consciousness: The Stairway to Enlightenment " target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amazon</a><br></p><h3>4. Don’t Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen<br></h3><p>Nguyen may not yet be a bestselling author, but this book is quickly climbing charts for its fresh perspective on overthinking and peace of mind. A quick read that can genuinely shift how you see your thoughts.</p><p>⭐ Amazon Rating: 4.7/5<br>👉 Buy on <a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Believe-Everything-Think-Expanded/dp/B0DHJH6QHB/" href="https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Believe-Everything-Think-Expanded/dp/B0DHJH6QHB/" title="Don't Believe Everything You Think (Expanded Edition): Why Your Thinking Is The Beginning &amp; End Of Suffering" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amazon</a><br></p><h3>5. Getting Things Done by David Allen<br></h3><p>Allen, one of the top authors on productivity, delivers his legendary GTD method. Even if you don’t apply everything, one day with this book can reduce overwhelm and sharpen focus.</p><p>⭐ Amazon Rating: 4.6/5<br>👉 Buy on <a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Things-Done-for-Teens-audiobook/dp/B07B7PWQZ9/" href="https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Things-Done-for-Teens-audiobook/dp/B07B7PWQZ9/" title="Getting Things Done for Teens: Take Control of Your Life in a Distracting World" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amazon</a><br></p><h3>6. The Dip by Seth Godin<br></h3><p>Seth Godin, undoubtedly one of the most famous authors in business writing, delivers a tiny yet mighty book. At just 80 pages, it’s about knowing when to quit and when to persist — an essential life skill.</p><p>⭐ Amazon Rating: 4.4/5<br>👉 Buy on <a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/The-Dip-Seth-Godin-audiobook/dp/B000R9Q9C2/" href="https://www.amazon.com/The-Dip-Seth-Godin-audiobook/dp/B000R9Q9C2/" title="The Dip" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amazon</a><br></p><h3>7. Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson<br></h3><p>Johnson, a bestselling author, wrote one of the most widely read parables in business literature. This short fable about change is so simple, yet it has influenced millions worldwide.</p><p>⭐ Amazon Rating: 4.7/5<br>👉 Buy on <a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Who-Moved-My-Cheese-audiobook/dp/B07F7LS2ZW/" href="https://www.amazon.com/Who-Moved-My-Cheese-audiobook/dp/B07F7LS2ZW/" title="Who Moved My Cheese?: An A-Mazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amazon</a><br>&nbsp;<br></p><p>These books by famous authors, bestselling authors, and top authors are timeless. Each packs decades of wisdom into a form you can finish in a single day. They’re perfect for busy professionals, lifelong learners, or anyone craving inspiration without the wait.</p><p>So next time you’re on a flight, spending a quiet Sunday, or just want a quick boost of wisdom, pick one of these gems. In a single day, you’ll finish a book and carry its lessons for life.</p>

7 Books You Can Read in a Day

<p>In India, storytelling is a legacy passed down through generations. From the epics of the Mahabharata to folktales whispered in village courtyards, stories have always been our bridge across time. But for years, until the content economy emerged as a trend, stories largely remained the author’s personal asset. Storytellers often had only a limited audience, and many simply aspired to be published authors without ever finding the right platform.</p><p><a data-mce-href="https://www.pratilipi.com/" href="https://www.pratilipi.com/" title="Pratilipi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pratilipi</a>, the Bengaluru-based storytelling startup that turned the publishing model upside down. Founded in 2014, Pratilipi opened the doors for anyone to become an author, publish instantly, and reach millions of readers across the globe.</p><h3>A Universe of Storytelling in 12 Languages<br></h3><p>Pratilipi is more than a self-publishing platform. It’s a storytelling ecosystem. Whether you’re an aspiring author in a small town or a seasoned writer exploring new genres, Pratilipi has a space for you.</p><ul><li>Stories &amp; Novels – Original long-form and short-form content in languages like Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, and more.</li><li>Pratilipi FM – Audio storytelling and podcasts for those who love to listen.</li><li>Pratilipi Comics – Illustrated narratives bringing literature to life visually.</li><li>Audiobooks – Professional narrations for readers on the move.</li></ul><p>What’s unique? Pratilipi celebrates content creators in their own voices and languages, without forcing them into the mold of mainstream publishing.</p><h3>Why Authors and Readers Needed This<br></h3><p>India’s next 500 million internet users will consume content in regional languages. Yet traditional publishing often overlooked these readers and authors, leaving a massive gap between talent and audience.</p><p>Pratilipi closed that gap by making publishing completely frictionless. Authors don’t have to chase editors, printing deals, or distributors. They can simply upload their work, hit publish, and see it instantly available to millions of readers.</p><p>It’s also fully accessible. Publishing on Pratilipi is free, and reading is just as easy. That means even the smallest voices have the chance to be heard, without worrying about costs or formal industry connections.</p><p>And perhaps most importantly, it’s community-driven. Authors can build followings, receive feedback in real time, and connect with readers who truly value their work. This engagement fuels creativity and gives authors the motivation to keep writing.</p><p>For authors, it’s freedom from the gatekeeping of traditional publishing. For readers, it’s a treasure chest of authentic, culturally rooted storytelling.</p><h3>Recent Wins for Pratilipi<br></h3><p>Cash-Flow Positive (2024) – A rare achievement for content startups, proving sustainable storytelling can be profitable.<br></p><p>$20 Million Series-E <a data-mce-href="https://yourstory.com/2019/06/startup-funding-pratilipi-series-b-qiming" href="https://yourstory.com/2019/06/startup-funding-pratilipi-series-b-qiming" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Funding</a> (2025) – To expand into the US and explore new formats like vertical shows and animation.<br></p><p>Revenue Growth – Jumped from ₹35 crore to ₹57.8 crore in FY24, while significantly reducing losses.<br></p><p>Global Pilot – Testing the platform with international audiences, starting with the Indian diaspora.&nbsp;<br></p><h3>The Future of Publishing, Pratilipi-Style<br></h3><p>Pratilipi is quietly building what could become India’s largest IP library. Here’s where they’re headed:</p><p>- From Page to Screen – Adapt popular stories into films, web series, and animations.<br></p><p>- Global Storytelling – Take Indian authors to worldwide audiences through translations and partnerships.<br></p><p>- Smarter Discovery – Use AI to connect niche authors to their ideal readers.<br></p><p>- Empowering Authors – Expand monetization options like subscriptions, tipping, and exclusive content.<br></p><h3>The Bigger Picture<br></h3><p>Pratilipi’s success shows that storytelling is evolving. By giving content creators and authors control over their work, bypassing traditional publishing barriers, and nurturing readers who crave authenticity, Pratilipi is redefining what it means to be a storyteller in the digital age.</p><p>If they play their cards right, Pratilipi could become the Marvel Studios of Indian literature, a hub where stories are born, nurtured, and transformed into global cultural exports.</p><p>For anyone who believes in the power of words, Pratilipi isn’t just another content platform. It’s proof that good stories will always find their audience, especially when authors have the tools to tell them their way.</p><p>-----------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p><strong><em>You might find interesting</em></strong></p><ol><li>Global Publishing Industry Trends: 2025 Outlook | <a data-mce-href="https://thetopauthor.com/blog/global-publishing-industry-trends-2025-outlook" href="https://thetopauthor.com/blog/global-publishing-industry-trends-2025-outlook" title="Global Publishing Industry Trends: 2025 Outlook">Read now</a><br></li><li>How to Get Published at Penguin or HarperCollins | <a data-mce-href="https://thetopauthor.com/blog/how-to-get-published-at-penguin-or-harpercollins" href="https://thetopauthor.com/blog/how-to-get-published-at-penguin-or-harpercollins" title="How to Get Published at Penguin or HarperCollins">Read now</a></li><li>Storytelling 101: Master Class | <a data-mce-href="https://thetopauthor.com/blog/storytelling-101-master-class" href="https://thetopauthor.com/blog/storytelling-101-master-class" title="Storytelling 101: Master Class">Read now</a><br></li><li>10 Mistakes to Avoid as a Self-Publishing Author | <a data-mce-href="https://thetopauthor.com/blog/10-mistakes-to-avoid-as-a-self-publishing-author" href="https://thetopauthor.com/blog/10-mistakes-to-avoid-as-a-self-publishing-author" title="10 Mistakes to Avoid as a Self-Publishing Author">Read now</a><br></li><li>Social Media Tips for Indie Authors | <a data-mce-href="https://thetopauthor.com/blog/social-media-tips-for-indie-authors" href="https://thetopauthor.com/blog/social-media-tips-for-indie-authors" title="Social Media Tips for Indie Authors" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Read now</a><br></li></ol><p><br data-mce-bogus="1"></p><p><br></p><p><br data-mce-bogus="1"></p>

How Is Pratilipi Empowering Storytelling Content Creators And Authors?

Dad hug son and share love with him spend time together at home

<p>Parenting in the West today feels like juggling flaming torches. With so many opinions on raising children, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The right book can offer clarity, practical guidance, and inspiration to help parents build better habits, both for themselves and their <a data-mce-href="https://thetopauthor.com/blog/10-must-read-books-for-kids-this-summer-vacation" href="https://thetopauthor.com/blog/10-must-read-books-for-kids-this-summer-vacation" title="kids" target="_blank" rel="noopener">kids</a>. From life-changing philosophies to simple daily practices, this curated list of seven powerful books will help you nurture happy, confident, and resilient children while also becoming the parent you aspire to be.</p><p>That’s where the right books can make all the difference. For parents in the West or anywhere else in the world, the right reading list isn’t just about parenting tips. It’s about shaping habits, perspectives, and a deeper connection with our <a data-mce-href="https://thetopauthor.com/blog/top-10-must-read-books-for-kids-aged-8-10-years" href="https://thetopauthor.com/blog/top-10-must-read-books-for-kids-aged-8-10-years" title="children" target="_blank" rel="noopener">children</a>.</p><p>Here are seven books every parent should consider reading. &nbsp;<br></p><h3>1. <a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/12-Rules-Life-Antidote-Chaos-ebook/dp/B01FPGY5T0/" href="https://www.amazon.com/12-Rules-Life-Antidote-Chaos-ebook/dp/B01FPGY5T0/" title="12 Rules for Life by Jordan B. Peterson" target="_blank" rel="noopener">12 Rules for Life by Jordan B. Peterson</a><br></h3><p>Think of this book as a manual for life, not just for parents, but for anyone who wants to live with integrity, discipline, and meaning. Peterson’s approach blends psychology, philosophy, and storytelling, offering rules that help create stable, nurturing homes. Parents will especially appreciate his advice on setting boundaries, teaching responsibility, and leading by example.&nbsp;<br></p><h3>2. <a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Cognitive-Theoretic-Model-Universe-Reality-Theory/dp/0971916225/" href="https://www.amazon.com/Cognitive-Theoretic-Model-Universe-Reality-Theory/dp/0971916225/" title="The Cognitive Theoretic Model of the Universe by Christopher Langan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Cognitive Theoretic Model of the Universe by Christopher Langan</a><br></h3><p>At first glance, this may seem far from a parenting book, but it’s about understanding the very nature of reality and thought. If you believe that children learn as much from your thinking patterns as from your words, this book is a fascinating journey. It helps parents frame complex questions in simple, inspiring ways; nurturing curious minds from an early age.</p><h3>3. <a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Unreasonable-Hospitality-Remarkable-Giving-People-ebook/dp/B0B13W5GPT/" href="https://www.amazon.com/Unreasonable-Hospitality-Remarkable-Giving-People-ebook/dp/B0B13W5GPT/" title="Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara</a><br></h3><p>Parenting is, in many ways, the ultimate act of hospitality. Guidara’s reflections on going “above and beyond” for people can be beautifully applied at home. This book will inspire parents to create warm, memorable moments for their children, ones they’ll carry into adulthood and pass on to the next generation.</p><h3>4. <a title="Master the Obvious by Virat Deswal" href="https://www.amazon.com/Master-OBVIOUS-Proven-Happier-Stronger-ebook/dp/B095J7FNK1/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Master-OBVIOUS-Proven-Happier-Stronger-ebook/dp/B095J7FNK1/">Master the Obvious by Virat Deswal</a><br></h3><p>Master the Obvious by Virat Deswal is a practical guide to improving life’s fundamentals i.e. sleep, breathing, eating, and posture. Backed by science and timeless wisdom, it offers simple steps to boost physical and mental well-being. Small daily changes, done right, can transform health, confidence, and happiness.</p><h3>5. <a title="Light at the End of the Tunnel by Paul Hellyer" href="https://www.amazon.com/Light-End-Tunnel-Survival-Species/dp/1449076122/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Light-End-Tunnel-Survival-Species/dp/1449076122/">Light at the End of the Tunnel by Paul Hellyer</a><br></h3><p>Light at the End of the Tunnel by Paul Hellyer is a passionate warning that humanity is heading toward extinction unless we act swiftly. Drawing on his vast public and political experience, Hellyer calls for three urgent changes: adopting advanced clean energy technologies allegedly kept secret, reforming the global monetary system to fund sustainability, and fostering unity across nations and cultures. He stresses we have about a decade to break free from oil dependency, criticizing world leaders for their slow response to the crisis. The book is both a wake-up call and a roadmap for a more sustainable future.</p><h3>6. <a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break-ebook/dp/B07D23CFGR/" href="https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break-ebook/dp/B07D23CFGR/" title="Atomic Habits by James Clear" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Atomic Habits by James Clear</a><br></h3><p>Good parenting is little about grand gestures but largely, it’s about consistent, intentional action. Clear’s science-backed strategies for building and breaking habits can help parents set routines that bring peace and structure to family life, while also teaching children how to create positive changes for themselves.</p><h3>7. <a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Whole-Brain-Child-Revolutionary-Strategies-Developing-ebook/dp/B004J4X32U/" href="https://www.amazon.com/Whole-Brain-Child-Revolutionary-Strategies-Developing-ebook/dp/B004J4X32U/" title="The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel &amp; Tina Payne Bryson" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel &amp; Tina Payne Bryson</a><br></h3><p>This modern parenting classic blends neuroscience with practical parenting techniques. It’s a must-read for parents who want to understand how children’s brains develop and how to respond to meltdowns, big emotions, and moments of wonder in ways that strengthen the parent-child bond.</p><h3>The Takeaway&nbsp;<br></h3><p>Reading isn’t just for acquiring knowledge. It’s for shaping who we are. Each of these books offers something unique, a new habit to try, a fresh way to think, or a deeper understanding of what it means to raise children in today’s world.</p><p>As parents, our influence reaches far beyond rules and routines. It’s in the stories we tell, the lessons we pass on, and the examples we set every single day. Pick up one of these books, and you may find that while you’re learning to guide your children, you’re also rediscovering how to guide yourself.</p><p>Because in the end, the best gift you can give your children is the best version of you.</p>

7 Books All Parents Should Read for Raising Resilient Kids

<p>The other day, while doom-scrolling through Reddit (don’t judge), I stumbled on a question that made me stop:</p><p>“First time author here, should I get my work copyrighted or wait?”</p><p>It’s one of those questions that sounds simple… until you start thinking about it. And then, suddenly, you’re in a rabbit hole of what copyright really means in 2025, whether it’s worth it, and how much we’re all pretending we understand legal stuff.</p><p>So let’s explore this, without the legal jargon, without the “you must” fear-mongering, and with a good look at both the ideal and the real world.</p><h3>The Ideal State: The Author’s Fortress<br></h3><p>In an ideal world, every self-published author would have their work officially copyrighted before a single chapter sees daylight. You’d have that neat certificate with a registration number. You’d know, without a doubt, that if someone tried to steal your plot or copy-paste half your book into theirs, you’d have the legal firepower to shut it down fast.</p><p>It’s neat. It’s tidy. It’s protective. In this world, every author would also have an agent, a marketing team, and unlimited coffee refills.</p><p>But as you’ve probably guessed, ideal worlds don’t often match real worlds.</p><h3>The Realistic State<br></h3><p>Here’s the thing many new authors don’t know: in most countries, the moment you create something original and put it in a tangible form, you already own the copyright. That’s the law. You don’t have to fill out a form or pay a fee to “get” copyright.</p><p>So technically, your book is already protected. But proving ownership and enforcing that right are two different beasts.</p><p>We now live in a content-soup era where AI can remix your writing into something “new” in seconds. Screenshots of your words can travel across social media without attribution. Entire PDFs can show up on shady “free ebook” sites overnight.</p><p>So yes, you own your work. But defending it? That’s where official registration, timestamped ISBNs, and public documentation can make a difference.</p><h3>Why Authors Even Consider It<br></h3><p>When you ask fiction authors or a bestselling author about copyright, their reasons tend to fall into a few buckets:</p><ul><li><strong>Peace of mind </strong>– Knowing you have a registered copyright makes it easier to sleep at night.</li><li><strong>Legal pace</strong> – If you ever do need to sue or send a takedown notice, having a registration speeds up the process.</li><li><strong>Professionalism </strong>– Some authors see it as part of treating their book like a business product, not just a creative hobby.</li><li><strong style="font-family: inherit;" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit;">Futuristic security</strong><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"> – If you ever sell film, translation, or adaptation rights, formal copyright is a cleaner, stronger proof of ownership for contracts.</span></li></ul><h3>Did anything change?&nbsp;</h3><p>Ten years ago, copyright felt like a lock on your house you got it to keep people out. Today, the conversation has shifted.</p><p>In 2025, many authors focus less on preventing copying and more on making sure everyone knows they’re the originator. Why? Because content theft is harder to stop but easier to expose.<br></p><p>Building a strong, visible author brand is often the best deterrent.<br>Community loyalty can make stolen work irrelevant because readers want you, not just your words.<br></p><p>This doesn’t mean copyright isn’t useful. It just means the most powerful protection is often public recognition and proof that you published it first—think blogs, social media timestamps, and ISBN records.</p><h3>What Most Self-Published Authors Actually Do<br></h3><p>Based on Reddit threads, author forums, and my own chats with indie writers, here’s the real-life consensus.</p><p><em>Hobby or Small Release? <strong>Rely on automatic copyright</strong>, but keep digital proof of creation dates </em>(Google Docs timestamps, email drafts to yourself, etc.).<br></p><p><em>Serious Commercial Goals? <strong>Register the copyright</strong>.</em> It’s relatively inexpensive and can save headaches later, especially if you have multiple projects or expect international distribution. </p><p>Some authors skip registration for early drafts or test runs but copyright their final, published versions. Plenty of authors never have their work stolen in any meaningful way. But the ones who have? They’ll tell you they wish they’d done the paperwork upfront.</p><h3>So… Is It Mandatory or Just “Nice to Have”?<br></h3><p>In today’s diluted content ownership landscape, I’d put it this way.</p><p>Not mandatory – The law already gives you basic protection.<br></p><p>Good to have – If you care about your work as a long-term asset.<br></p><p>Most powerful when paired with visibility – Because a recognized name often trumps a faceless legal document in real-world deterrence.<br></p><p>Think of it like insurance; you hope you’ll never need it, but if something goes wrong, you’ll be glad it’s there.</p><h3>Protect, But Don’t Paralyze Yourself<br></h3><p>The danger in overthinking copyright is that you delay publishing. You get so caught up in guarding the words that you forget the goal of sharing them with readers.</p><p>A bestselling author once told me, “<em>My biggest protection isn’t my copyright. It’s the fact that people know my voice</em>.” That’s the real takeaway here.</p><p>So, by all means, copyright your work if it gives you peace of mind. But don’t let fear keep you from putting your book out there. In the noisy, fast-moving digital world, the best way to own your story is to tell it loudly, visibly, and repeatedly until there’s no doubt who wrote it.</p>

Should Self-Published Authors Copyright Their Work Before Publishing?

Secret and silence. Quiet silent shh gesture with finger on lips. Man doing expression with hand on mouth. Taboo topic, censorship or freedom or speech. Conspiracy theory.

<p>What do Orwell, Anne Frank, and a talking pig have in common?</p><p>They’ve all been on someone’s hit list. The kind of list where books get banned, blacklisted, or even burned. Because somewhere, sometime, someone thought they were too dangerous, too honest, too weird, or too real.</p><p>And yet, these books not only survived, they thrived. Let’s take a tour of 10 famously banned books that prove one thing: ideas have a funny way of slipping through the cracks.</p><h3>1. 1984 by George Orwell<br></h3><p>Big Brother is watching but apparently, so were the censors.</p><p>In a twist of poetic irony, Orwell’s dystopian classic about government surveillance and censorship was...wait for it...censored. Banned in the USSR for being anti-communist, and challenged in the U.S. for being “pro-communist.” Yes, the same book. You can't make this up.</p><h3>2. The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie<br></h3><p>This book sparked global outrage in 1988. Banned in India, Iran, Pakistan and Rushdie himself faced a fatwa. Why? The book’s fictional portrayal of Islam’s origins struck a nerve.</p><p>Rushdie went into hiding, but the book became a symbol of artistic freedom vs. religious extremism. Heavy stuff — and still relevant.</p><h3>3. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov<br></h3><p>One of literature’s most uncomfortable masterpieces, Lolita was banned in multiple countries for its disturbing theme: a middle-aged man’s obsession with a 12-year-old girl.</p><p>It's haunting, masterful, and morally messy, which is exactly why some countries preferred to just pretend it didn’t exist.</p><h3>4. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank<br></h3><p>Yes, even Anne Frank was banned. Some schools objected to its “sexual content” or deemed it too depressing. Others denied its authenticity.</p><p>Let that sink in: a teenage girl hiding from the Nazis poured her heart into a diary... and people said, nah, too controversial.</p><h3>5. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee<br></h3><p>One of the most taught and banned books in American schools. It was challenged for its use of racial slurs, depiction of racial injustice, and yes, for making people uncomfortable.</p><p>If that doesn’t prove the point of the book, I don’t know what does.</p><h3>6. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger<br></h3><p>Holden Caulfield might be the original angsty teen and boy, did he get schools in a twist. Profanity, rebellion, sexual references...you name it.</p><p>It’s been called everything from “a masterpiece” to “a menace.” Which probably makes it the most accurate book about teenage life, ever.</p><h3>7. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley<br></h3><p>Drugs, dystopia, and test-tube babies; what’s not to love? Huxley’s futuristic society, where people are bred and medicated into obedience, rattled feathers across Ireland, India, and U.S. school boards.</p><p>Too anti-religious, they said. Too anti-everything, readers replied.</p><h3>8. Animal Farm by George Orwell<br></h3><p>Talking animals overthrow their human oppressors, only to realize that power corrupts... even when you have hooves.</p><p>Banned in the Soviet Union for obvious reasons. And even in the U.A.E. for talking animals being considered inappropriate. Apparently, pigs quoting Marx was a step too far.</p><h3>9. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury<br></h3><p>This one is the grand irony of all banned books. A novel about burning books... gets banned. Bradbury’s tale of firemen torching libraries in a future where reading is illegal was too hot to handle for school boards.</p><p>Too many swear words, they said. Clearly, they missed the whole point.</p><h3>10. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi<br></h3><p>A graphic novel about a young girl growing up during the Iranian Revolution filled with politics, protest, and painful truths.</p><p>Iran banned it for obvious reasons. But even in the U.S., some schools removed it for its “graphic imagery.” The fact that it’s graphic is what makes it powerful.</p><p>&nbsp;<br>So... Why Are We Still Banning Books? In a world of 15-second TikToks and AI-generated everything, books remain the most dangerous form of slow thinking. They make us pause, reflect, get uncomfortable maybe even change.</p><p>That’s scary to some.</p><p>But remember, every time a book gets banned, more people want to read it. It's like human nature has its own algorithm for curiosity.</p><p>If a book made someone so uncomfortable they tried to erase it, it might be exactly the book you need to read next.</p>

10 Books They Didn’t Want You to Read

Portrait of interested lady holding pen and notebook writing check plan to do list with eyewear eyeglasses wearing burgundy sweater isolated over yellow background

<p>As an audiobook narrator for indie authors, I know how daunting the task of marketing can be - especially when it comes to social media. It seems the "algorithm" is always changing, trends come and go, and with new platforms popping up, it can be daunting just to begin. When it comes to the basics of social media for indie authors, I’ve gathered up the most frequent questions I see so we can discuss them together!</p><h3>Should I make an account before my book is published?</h3><p>Yes! If you’re making the jump to social media, you can absolutely get started building your account before your book is available.&nbsp;</p><p>Ideally you’ll be connecting with potential readers, but even following other authors can help you. Seeing what they post can help inspire you, and can help you keep on top of social media trends in the book community.</p><p>You can also <a data-mce-href="https://shop.beacons.ai/pageandstage/f5a6bdc9-1352-4336-a292-ca7940cd18e7" href="https://shop.beacons.ai/pageandstage/f5a6bdc9-1352-4336-a292-ca7940cd18e7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">introduce yourself</a>, sharing what you like to write about (or even what you like to read!)</p><p>Hopefully your account will start to grow and you’ll drum up excitement for your book leading up to release.</p><h3>What should I post?</h3><p>There are so many options available to you!</p><p>Pre-publication you can share snippets of what you’re working on. You don’t have to give anything away, but even sharing word count updates is something. You can share “<a data-mce-href="https://shop.beacons.ai/pageandstage/34d45756-d5f8-4826-87cd-89d242e76855" href="https://shop.beacons.ai/pageandstage/34d45756-d5f8-4826-87cd-89d242e76855" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reveals</a>” at different stages: title reveal, <a data-mce-href="https://shop.beacons.ai/pageandstage/f97c5436-1878-4c18-af7d-541baf460334" href="https://shop.beacons.ai/pageandstage/f97c5436-1878-4c18-af7d-541baf460334" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cover reveal</a>, publishing date, etc.&nbsp;</p><p>After publishing, be sure to share any <a data-mce-href="https://shop.beacons.ai/pageandstage/cfb727fe-2f9e-46a5-b67c-f073dd583995" href="https://shop.beacons.ai/pageandstage/cfb727fe-2f9e-46a5-b67c-f073dd583995" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reviews </a>or positive feedback you receive. Follow <a data-mce-href="https://shop.beacons.ai/pageandstage/08db5f6b-a4a4-47f2-9a0f-0daf7253fece" href="https://shop.beacons.ai/pageandstage/08db5f6b-a4a4-47f2-9a0f-0daf7253fece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">social media trends</a> to share info about your story. Consider sharing some quotes from the book, or character profiles.</p><p>At any time, you can continue to generate posts by sharing what you’re reading, or books you enjoy. Look out for any “<a data-mce-href="https://shop.beacons.ai/pageandstage/50e8fcf1-951f-4667-8a24-c0e8c7200cae" href="https://shop.beacons.ai/pageandstage/50e8fcf1-951f-4667-8a24-c0e8c7200cae" target="_blank" rel="noopener">special days</a>” on social media, such as “World Book Day” when you can post about your own book, or one that you love.</p><h3>Do I need to show my face?</h3><p>No! If you’re camera shy, or trying to stay anonymous, there’s no need to show your face. You can create graphics, use b-roll footage, and shots of not all of you: your hands, your workspace, a book covering your face, the back of your head, etc. There’s still plenty of material for you to post without showing your face, if you’d prefer not to.</p><h3>Do I need to post videos? How do I do that?</h3><p>This will slightly depend on the platform - some are all videos, some text based, and some a mix of media. In general, it can be helpful to use a mix of text, images, and videos. But don’t overthink videos! There’s a few tricks to make them less daunting.</p><p>Animation can turn a static image into a reel. Platforms like Canva allow you to animate elements of your design. By animating part of the graphic, you can now download and post this as a reel. So any of the designs we’ve already discussed, you can simply turn into a video.</p><p>Don’t discount b-roll footage. For a cozy winter book, using video of snow falling or a fireplace burning can set the vibes.</p><p><br>Social media can be daunting, but hopefully it is a little easier with these tips! Be sure to check out my <a data-mce-href="https://beacons.ai/pageandstage" href="https://beacons.ai/pageandstage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">digital templates</a> to make it even simpler. There’s so much that goes into marketing a book - don’t let social media slow you down!</p>

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