Business Day (Nigeria)

6 books inspired by real life experience­s

- ESTHER EMOEKPERE

Truth is often stranger than fiction, and some of the most compelling stories are those that are rooted in reality. From historical events that shaped the world we live in today, to personal struggles that inspire us to persevere, real-life experience­s have inspired some of the most powerful

and thought-provoking books ever written. These stories have the power to educate, inspire, and even transform us, offering a unique glimpse into the human experience and the complexiti­es of the world we inhabit.

Through the pages of these books, we can bear

witness to moments in history that changed the course

of human events, or find solace in the stories of those who have faced unimaginab­le challenges and emerged stronger on the other side. We can gain new insights into the human condition, and find ourselves reflected in the struggles and triumphs of others. From memoirs that offer a deeply personal look at the human experience, to historical accounts that shed new light on pivotal moments in history, here are 6 books inspired by real life experience­s

DIARY OF A YOUNG GIRL – ANNE FRANK

"Diary of a Young Girl" is a timeless true-life book that captures the heartbreak­ing experience­s of Anne Frank and her family hiding from the Nazis in Amsterdam.

For two years, they endure cramped conditions and constant fear,forced to hide out in a secret annex of an old office building completely cut off from the outside world. To occupy herself, Anne began chroniclin­g their difficult journey in her diary, little knowing that her

words would one day be read by a global audience.

SCHINDLER'S LIST – THOMAS KENEALLY

"Schindler's List" by Thomas Keneally is an historical novel that tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessma­n who saved the lives of over 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the book vividly portrays Schindler's transforma­tion from a profiteer to a humanitari­an hero. Through Keneally's powerful storytelli­ng, readers are immersed in the horrors of the Holocaust and inspired by Schindler's extraordin­ary acts of bravery and compassion. Originally published in 1982 and later adapted into an award-winning film by Steven Spielberg,

TWELVE YEARS A SLAVE – SOLOMON NORTHUP

Solomon Northup, a free man living in New York State with his family, was abducted and sold into slavery,

beginning a twelve-year nightmare in Louisiana. Despite losing everything, his resilience and hope led him to escape, reclaiming the freedom stolen from him. "Twelve Years a Slave" recounts Northup's harrowing journey, shedding light on the brutality of slavery and the human spirit's capacity for endurance

and triumph.

A CHILD CALLED “IT”

– DAVE PELZER

Dave Pelzer's "A Child Called 'It'" is a poignant account that exposes one of the most infamous cases of child abuse in US history. For years, Pelzer was forced to sleep in the cold, dark basement, where he was brutally beaten and even denied all food. And to make it worse, he was occasional­ly fed with scraps not fit for a dog. Unfortunat­ely, his deranged mother taught

him he was no longer her son and no longer a boy,

but an ‘it.’ He was just a thing to torture, maim, and torment for fun. Despite the horrors he faced, Pelzer

clung to hope and ultimately escaped his nightmare,

finally finding the safety, tenderness, and love that he’d longed for all his life.

I AM MALALA

– MALALA YOUSAFZAI

"I Am Malala" is the inspiring memoir of Malala Yousafzai, a brave young girl from Pakistan who defied the Taliban's ban on girls' education. Despite facing threats and violence, Malala remained steadfast in her commitment to learning and advocating for the rights of girls in her community.

In 2012, Malala survived a targeted attack by the

Taliban, which only strengthen­ed her resolve to fight for education and human rights. Her remarkable

recovery and subsequent global activism have made

her a symbol of courage and hope worldwide. In recognitio­n of her extraordin­ary efforts, Malala became the youngest-ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, at the age of just 17. Through her foundation, the Malala Fund, Malala continues to work

tirelessly to ensure that every girl has access to quality education

A LONG WAY HOME – SAROO BRIERLEY

''Saroo Brierley's "A Long Way Home" recounts his harrowing experience of being lost at a train station in India at just five years old. After enduring weeks alone on the streets of Calcutta, he was taken in

by an orphanage and eventually adopted by an

Australian couple. Despite a happy upbringing, Saroo never forgot his roots and yearned to find his birth family. With the help of Google Earth, he embarked on a remarkable journey of self-discovery, ultimately

reuniting with his long-lost relatives. Saroo's story is a testament to resilience, hope, and the enduring power

of family bonds.

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