Friday, August 04, 2023
During the last 5-6 years, I’ve been trying to write a book. Every time I start on the next segment, I get this little voice in my head telling me that what I’m writing is garbage and I should just give up. Luckily for me, I don’t NEED to write a book because of some deadline I promised to a publisher or anything like that. Just the same, I’ve had this task in my head for quite some time and needed the motivation to move forward. Recently, I spoke with a few people who are in the business of writing, and they’ve all told me the same thing. “Ignore that voice in your head and finish your book.” To that, I added, “Yeah, the book may ultimately suck, but at least I got that off my chest!”.
So, a quick thank you to those who support my craziness and to those who have specifically told me to keep writing, Keith Long, James Pyle, Shirene Dovey, Hunter Schultz, Max Harari and my very special and ultra supportive Queen, Sayira Mikkelson. I’m only about 7,000 pages in to the first book and have a goal to write another 15,000-20,000 words per month until finished. At that rate, I should finish by the end of the year. In other news, I also started two other books. There’s a need to get the concept of Loss Prevention out to those who have the word “Security” stuck in their heads. And the other is about Bullying and how to deal with it. That subject came up during a call I had with James Pyle and my position where Bullying is Essential to growth. Being a bully is a cry for help whether consciously or not, and the importance for kids to know how to mitigate bullies they have to deal with in life. Anyways, I dont want to ruin the rest of it. If you’re going to hate on me for my thoughts on Bullying, I’d rather you buy the book first and then you can hate me for my comments as well as the fact that it cost you $12.99.
In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this week’s compilation of news out of Panama.
TOP NEWS and TIDBITS:
Yoli’s Wisdom
MINERA PANAMA CONTRACT ARRIVES AT THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TO INITIATE ITS DISCUSSION
Contract with Minera Panama arrives at the National Assembly to begin its discussion.
For the start of the first debate on the Concession Agreement with Minera Panama, the Ministry of Commerce and Industries (MICI) officially presented the document to the plenary of the National Assembly (AN) on Thursday, August 3, 2023.
The event was attended by Minister Federico Alfaro and the President of the AN, Jaime Vargas.
On July 1st, the Assembly installed the new board of directors for this term, responsible for approving or rejecting various bills.
The National Assembly cannot modify the articles of the contract with Minera Panama.
After the announcement that Minera Panama would continue its operations in the country, the official document was presented to the public for consultation, approved by the Cabinet Council of the National Government, and sent to the General Comptroller’s Office for its review.
During this period of discussion in the plenary, the results of the three respective debates are awaited, followed by its transformation into law and the sanction by the President of the Republic.
READ HERE: CONTRATO MINERA PANAMÁ LLEGA A LA ASAMBLEA NACIONAL PARA INICIAR SU DISCUSIÓN
ELECTRICITY RATES IN PANAMA: WILL THERE BE AN INCREASE OR NOT?
Electricity tariff in Panama.
The Secretary of Energy, Jorge Rivera Staff, stated that there will be no increase in the electricity tariff for at least 1.2 million regulated customers. However, a total of at least 300 large customers could receive an increase from 14 to 16 dollars per kilowatt per month.
The Secretary explained that the tariff schedule for large customers receiving electricity is currently under review. This review is carried out every four years by the National Authority for Public Services (ASEP), and a possible increase has been proposed.
“These more than 300 customers nationwide are currently undergoing another process, which is the review of the tariff schedule by ASEP, which is done every 4 years. These are not the adjustments made every 6 months but rather a review of all cost elements and income for the distribution companies. ASEP announces, for the next 4 years, the authorized income with a cap and the efficient costs,” indicated Staff.
The Secretary of Energy also mentioned the suspension of the extraordinary COVID-19 subsidy in January, where the government covered up to 50% of the bills, and addressed the variation in fuel prices.
“There will be no increase in the electricity tariff in the next six months. The variation in fuel prices is seasonal, and the projection that is made establishes possible increases in that component; however, it depends on the development of contracts,” said Jorge Rivera.
READ HERE: TARIFA DE LA LUZ EN PANAMÁ: ¿HABRÁ O NO AUMENTO EN LA ELECTRICIDAD?
PANAMANIAN ARCHAEOLOGISTS MAKE SURPRISING DISCOVERY IN CHAGRES
The recent discoveries in Chagres are a testimony to Panama’s rich cultural history.
A pre-Columbian site in the Chagres area, adjacent to the San Lorenzo Castle on the Caribbean coast of Panama, has been discovered by a group of Panamanian archaeologists.
The findings include ceramics and stone tools, providing the first evidence of human culture in the region before the arrival of Europeans.
Archaeologists Tomás Mendizábal from the Center for Historical, Anthropological, and Cultural Research (CIHAC AIP) and Jean-Sébastien Pourcelot from the Interoceanic Canal Museum led the excavations carried out at the Castle and the Chagres settlement site (both from the Colonial period).
The analysis of the excavated materials was performed in the laboratories of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Naos.
As the recovered remains were analyzed and categorized, evidence of the Pre-Columbian settlement emerged, which was later established as Chagres.
“This was a surprise to us, as we had no previous chronicles or archaeological reports from the area indicating the existence of a pre-Columbian site nearby during the contact period (16th and 17th centuries),” said Mendizábal.
The studied archaeological materials come from two sites: 95% from the archaeological survey conducted on the remains of the old Chagres village and the remaining 5% from the trench excavated in the moat of the third San Lorenzo Castle, buried under the current fortress.
The Spanish materials found in the excavations are also important as they confirm the global connectivity that Chagres maintained as a crucial part of the transisthmian route, defended by the castle.
After the research, a pattern of material culture from the Caribbean side has emerged, which is slightly different from what is observed for the same period on the Pacific coast and especially in the old town of Panama.
“There are some things that appear in Panama that don’t happen in the Caribbean and vice versa. Now we have to sit down and think about why and figure out what is happening, but we are indeed seeing these differences,” Mendizábal explained.
READ HERE: ARQUEÓLOGOS PANAMEÑOS, CON SORPRESIVO HALLAZGO EN CHAGRES
ALERT TO USERS! MOP REPORTS PARTIAL CLOSURE IN PANAMA OESTE
MOP.
Starting from Saturday, August 5th, from 10:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m., there will be a partial closure from the Peruana Bridge towards La Chorrera direction, and traffic from Panama to La Chorrera will be in double circulation, as reported by the Ministry of Public Works (MOP).
MOP announces that the closure is due to the installation work of a pipe beam for the drinking water system located in the structure of the Burunga area under the project: “Study, design, construction, and maintenance of works for the expansion and rehabilitation of the Pan-American Highway, section: Bridge of the Americas – Arraiján.”
The main objective of the Ministry of Public Works is to develop and implement policies for the construction and maintenance of public works. Therefore, it implements policies for the construction and maintenance of the country’s highways and urban roads, as well as repairing and building bridges.
READ HERE: ¡ALERTA USUARIOS! MOP INFORMA SOBRE CIERRE PARCIAL EN PANAMÁ OESTE
MIAMBIENTE (MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT) CONTINUES WITH OPERATIONS AGAINST ILLEGAL MINING.
Mi Ambiente (Ministry of Environment) continues with operations against illegal mining.
In an official statement, the Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente) reports that it is conducting control and inspection operations in collaboration with the Environmental, Rural, and Tourist Police, and the Public Ministry, to detect illegal mining activities in protected areas of Panama.
“During these joint operations, several individuals have been apprehended, presumably part of organized groups engaged in illegal mining activities in protected areas. As a result, firearms and equipment, mainly motor pumps that significantly affect riverbeds and streams, causing water pollution and impacting aquatic fauna and the overall biodiversity of these areas, have been seized,” explains the institution regarding the results of their rural area patrols.
Illegal mining lacks measures to mitigate the negative impacts on the environment.
They provide the hotline 311, from the Citizen Care Center, as well as the telephone numbers of regional offices, the social media account @MiAmbientePma, and the website https://www.miambiente.gob.pa/ for reporting complaints nationwide.
READ HERE: MIAMBIENTE MANTIENE OPERATIVOS CONTRA LA MINERÍA ILEGAL
UNESCO RECOMMENDS PROHIBITING THE USE OF CELL PHONES IN SCHOOLS
Cell phones decrease concentration ability.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) presented a report warning schools around the world about the repercussions of excessive cellphone use by students.
According to UNESCO, the constant use of cell phones has a negative impact on academic performance and widens digital inequalities.
Research indicates that the presence of mobile phones in the classrooms distracts students and decreases their ability to concentrate.
“Incoming notifications or the mere proximity of a device can be a distraction for students, causing them to lose focus on the task at hand,” the report states.
They also mention that this situation leads to teachers making greater efforts to keep students’ attention, as they increasingly have access to these technologies.
It should also be considered that overexposure to screens and social media can negatively affect the learning process and emotional development of young people.
UNESCO emphasizes that this situation also accentuates inequality in education, considering that not all students have equal access to devices.
While some have the latest technology on the market, others may not even have access to the internet.
Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, reminds us that technology should be implemented as a tool to enhance the educational experience and well-being of students and teachers, not as a distraction that hinders the teaching process.
During the covid-19 pandemic, the transition to online learning affected primary school students more than older students, who may have been able to maintain their learning better in a remote environment.
READ HERE: UNESCO ACONSEJA PROHIBIR EL USO DE CELULARES EN LAS ESCUELAS
GASOLINE IN PANAMA: THESE ARE THE GAS STATIONS WITH THE LOWEST PRICES
Gasoline in Panama
Since July 28, the maximum selling price of gasoline has increased, with 95-octane gasoline at $1.131, while 91-octane gasoline is at $1.038, and diesel at $0.922. Therefore, ACODECO conducted a “Savings Route” where it compares prices and provides the location of gas stations with the most economical cost in Panama as an alternative for consumers to save money
Gasoline: Here you will find the lowest prices.
95 octane gasoline
- The independent station next to Ciudad Deportiva de Juan Díaz ($1.10).
- The independent station located on Avenida Nacional, before Cabo Verde ($1.11).
- Stations in the Vía España and José A. Arango area ($1.11).
91 octane gasoline
A liter of gasoline with 91 octane rating is available at the lowest prices in five Texaco stations, priced at ($1.03):
- Texaco Transístmica: In Alcalde Díaz and in front of the Hospital Santa Fe.
- Vía España and José Arango: At the Texaco station at the entrance of the Mental Health Institute, Río Abajo Calle 18; Vía España and Ernesto T. Lefevre.
Diesel
- Low-sulfur light diesel can be found at the Texaco station in front of the Hospital Santa Fe for ($.0.91).
READ HERE: GASOLINA EN PANAMÁ: ESTAS SON LAS GASOLINERAS CON LOS PRECIOS MÁS BAJOS
PROMOTING BREASTFEEDING IN THE WORKPLACE
Promoting breastfeeding in the workplace
With the slogan “Facilitating breastfeeding: making a difference for working mothers and fathers,” the aim is to emphasize the importance of providing proper support to mothers when they return to their paid work, so they can continue breastfeeding.
Breast milk assists babies in their growth and development, helping them grow up healthy and reducing the risk of serious illnesses.
“Promoting breastfeeding rooms in workplaces with the purpose of continuing baby breastfeeding,” said Melva Cruz, General Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health (MINSA), about the main goal of launching the 2023 World Breastfeeding Week.
The 11th edition of the “Gran Tetada” (Big Breastfeeding Event) was announced, which will take place at the Domo in Parque Omar on Sunday, August 6th, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Cruz pointed out that the Ministry of Health leads the National Commission for the Promotion of Breastfeeding, and together with the other entities that compose it, they aim to encourage the importance of breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby’s life. To achieve this, they have committed to promoting breastfeeding among mothers.
The latest survey conducted in 2019 revealed the country’s challenge to increase breastfeeding up to six months, as only 24.1% of mothers breastfeed. This means that only 1 in 5 mothers exclusively breastfeed, stated Mario Rodríguez, head of the childhood and adolescence section at the Ministry of Health.
By 2030, they hope to increase the percentage of exclusive breastfeeding to 30% (i.e., 3 out of 10 babies).
READ HERE: BUSCAN PROMOVER LA LACTANCIA MATERNA EN LUGARES DE TRABAJO
COMPLAINTS AGAINST PRIVATE SCHOOLS EXCEED ONE MILLION DOLLARS.
Since 2014 until the present, the Consumer Protection and Competition Defense Authority (Acodeco) has received 355 complaints against different educational centers in the country, with a total claimed amount of $1,375,529.75.
“Tied selling” is one of the main complaints received by Acodeco.
During these years, there were notable cases such as 114 complaints in 2020 amounting to $933,028.30, and 89 complaints in 2021 totaling $260,490.92, which were related to the issue of virtual classes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Regarding consumer complaints against private educational institutions, a total of 1,931 have been reported. Furthermore, during the years 2020 and 2021, complaints increased by 709 and 438, respectively. As of the current year, 74 complaints have been reported.
Regarding fines imposed in the first instance on different private educational institutions, there have been 253 fines totaling $265,310.00 from 2014 to the present year.
These fines were imposed for reasons such as tied or conditioned sales, failure to deliver contracts, truthfulness of advertising, lack of clear and truthful information, increase in enrollment fees, increase in monthly fees, compulsory payment for extracurricular activities, discrimination, and non-compliance of services.
Additionally, a report from the Defensoría de Oficio of Acodeco indicates that since 2013, a total of 39 lawsuits have been filed against private schools, with the entity representing consumers in these cases.
Before 2020, lawsuits were filed due to the lack of coordination in the process of setting prices for school services, regulated by Executive Decree 601 of 2015. After 2020, several lawsuits were filed related to the costs of virtual education.
From January to July 2023, 13 private schools have been fined a total of $8,900. The main reason for these fines was the lack of clear and truthful information (including non-compliance of information and failure to display prices), with 7 fines. The next highest were 2 fines for compulsory payments for extracurricular activities, 2 for non-compliance of services, one for an increase in enrollment fees, and another for demanding cleaning and stationery supplies.
Furthermore, the institution reported on a recent ruling by the magistrates of the Third Superior Court of Justice, which overturned an unjust primary sentence that was detrimental to the rights of parents who approached Acodeco to demand unjustified increases in enrollment and monthly fees by the Nuestra Señora de Lourdes school announced for the year 2020.
As the educational center did not inform consumers or parents clearly, truthfully, and in a timely manner about the cost increase, the decision was made in favor of Acodeco.
READ HERE: QUEJAS CONTRA ESCUELAS PRIVADAS SUPERAN EL MILLÓN DE DÓLARES
HUMANITARIAN PROTECTION WORK PERMIT CAN NOW BE REQUESTED ONLINE
Work Permit.
The National Authority for Government Innovation (AIG) announced that the Application for Humanitarian Protection Work Permit (Type 5) from the Ministry of Labor and Social Development (MITRADEL) can now be done solely by accessing the Citizen’s Single Portal on the website: https://www.panamadigital.gob.pa/
Panamá Digital is a portal that gathers government procedures online through its digital platform, reducing bureaucracy, facilitating business operations, and enhancing the country’s competitiveness.
Panamá Digital: Here’s how you can create your user account.
Before attempting any procedure, you need to have a username and password that will grant access to the web portal. If you don’t have your user account yet, we invite you to follow these steps:
- Go to: https://www.panamadigital.gob.pa/
- Complete the registration form and download it.
- Provide your identification card number (cédula de identidad).
- Submit the social pact and the latest tax return.
- Finally, upload your commercial registration or license.
Once you have completed these steps, you’ll be all set.
READ HERE: PERMISO DE TRABAJO DE PROTECCIÓN HUMANITARIA PODRÁ SER SOLICITADO ONLINE
DOCTORS AT NICOLÁS SOLANO HOSPITAL DECIDE TO EXTEND STRIKE
Other specialists have joined the work stoppage at Nicolás Solano Hospital.
Doctors at the regional hospital Nicolás A. Solano, in the province of Panama Oeste, decided this Wednesday to continue the indefinite strike, in addition to adding new demands to the Ministry of Health (Minsa).
The decision was made at the end of a general assembly in which the responses and proposals presented by the Minister of Health, Luis Francisco Sucre, to the serious problems of the hospital were evaluated.
Dr. Rey Luque, spokesperson for the doctors, stated that by next Friday, the issue of air conditioning in the operating rooms could be resolved, although the issue of humidity and the replacement of an automatic door still needs to be addressed.
However, during this Wednesday’s assembly, pediatricians presented a list of urgent needs, including a shortage of cribs and incubators.
They also require six gynecologists to reinforce the existing team, which is “exhausted,” said Dr. Luque, adding that years ago there were 14 specialists, in addition to three orthopedists and four internal medicine specialists.
Luque warned about the serious delay in the equipment used by anesthesiologists, which dates back 20 years.
He also stated that there is a shortage of medications for pain treatment.
The nursing group also presented a list of needs, as did the psychiatrists, who are demanding a ward for the hospitalization of adolescents.
During the assembly, the healthcare professionals at the Nicolás A. Solano hospital also rejected the proposal of Health Minister Luis Francisco Sucre to appoint foreign doctors to fill the vacancies.
They also maintain that there are enough specialized doctors in the country to cover the vacancies at the Nicolás A. Solano hospital and that they are waiting to be appointed.
Another concern is the personnel that will be available to work at the modular hospital once it is installed.
On the previous Tuesday, Health Minister Luis Francisco Sucre stated that the issue was discussed with the doctors at this hospital, who expressed no opposition to the measure as long as the proper consultations are carried out.
READ HERE: MÉDICOS DEL NICOLÁS SOLANO DECIDEN PROLONGAR PARO
EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES IN PANAMA: COSTS AND STEPS TO APPLY FOR A VISA
Embassy of the United States in Panama: Costs and steps to apply for the visa.
Before buying your plane ticket to the United States, you should first be aware that you need to invest in the visa process. The only entity that handles this process is the Embassy of the United States in Panama, and currently, the cost will depend on the type of visa the person wishes to obtain.
It is important to mention that this investment will not be refunded, meaning the money you deposit to initiate the visa process will not be returned. With that point clarified, we will explain step by step how to apply for a visa at the Embassy of the United States in Panama.
Steps to apply for a visa in Panama:
To apply for the American visa in Panama, you must take a passport-sized photo with a white background, and your face should be clearly visible. The embassy recommends not using accessories that cover your face, such as hats, scarves, or sunglasses when taking the photo.
Fill out the visa application, where you need to choose the type of visa you are applying for. The options are:
- Tourism and visit (B-2)
- Immigration
- Study and exchange (F, M)
- Employment (H, L, O, P, Q)
- Business (B-2)
There are other types of visas for government officials or airline crew members, and the cost will vary depending on the type of visa you apply for. Once you have chosen the type of visa, you will need to fill out the rest of the required information by the American Embassy in Panama, and after completing the process, you can submit the application.
This process will be effective once you have made the payment at the bank indicated by the embassy. Here are the costs for each type of visa:
Previously, the general cost for visas B1, B2, and BCC was $160.00, but as of May 30, 2023, everything changed:
- Visas B1, B2, and BCC now cost $185.00 dollars.
- Temporary work visas in the categories (H, L, O, P, Q, and R) increased from $190 to $205.00 dollars.
It is important to mention that for traders and investors, the E visa type increased from $205.00 to $315.00 dollars. Additionally, the fees for the so-called non-immigrant visas, according to the Department of State, are calculated based on the costs of consular services.
READ HERE: EMBAJADA DE ESTADOS UNIDOS EN PANAMÁ: COSTOS Y PASOS PARA SOLICITAR LA VISA
CURFEW DECLARED IN CHANGUINOLA STARTING FROM AUGUST
The fines will be paid in favor of the Municipal Treasury of the district of Changuinola.
Starting from August 1st, a curfew has been ordered by the Municipality of Changuinola for minors and unidentified individuals throughout the entire district of Changuinola, province of Bocas del Toro. The curfew will be in effect every day of the week until October 30, 2023, from 9:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
This curfew has been implemented by authorities in an effort to address the high levels of crime occurring in the district. The measure exempts public and private personnel involved in emergency and disaster response, health personnel, security and relief organizations, as well as private security personnel, prison officials, civil servants, and anyone who needs to circulate during these hours due to their work.
Individuals not covered by the curfew are allowed to circulate as long as they carry work identification or a permit. However, minors found in public places after the established hours must be accompanied by an adult family member; otherwise, they will be handed over to the Police for Minors and Adolescents.
Parents, legal guardians, or representatives who violate the municipal ordinance will be fined $50.00 for the first offense, $70.00 for the second offense, and $100.00 for the third offense. The fines will be paid in favor of the Municipal Treasury of the district of Changuinola.
In case the fined person is unable to pay the fine in cash, the guardian or parent will perform community service in accordance with the applied sanction.
The Executive Decree No. 11 of July 31, 2023, stipulates that any unidentified person (not carrying an ID card or work permit) found on public streets and places will be subject to fines ranging from $25.00 to $100.00.
READ HERE: DECRETAN TOQUE DE QUEDA EN CHANGUINOLA A PARTIR DE AGOSTO
THE MUNICIPALITY IS REMINDING RESIDENTS ABOUT THE REQUIREMENTS TO HOST A PARTY IN THE CITY
The organization of ‘parkin’ events is prohibited nationwide because they affect security and social peace, as stated by the municipality.
All private and commercial celebrations held within the capital district require the processing and approval of a permit from the Legal and Justice Directorate of the Panama City Municipality. Additionally, the venue must be located within the capital district, which needs to be proven with a public service payment receipt, a municipal clearance certificate, and the payment of a B/.20 tax.
Eldis Barnes Saldaña, attorney and executive director of the Municipality, stated that there is a catalog outlining the requirements for managing residential celebrations, dance events, and concerts according to their scale. Interested parties must inquire at the Hatillo Building, located between Justo Arosemena Avenue and Cuba Street, and between 35th and 36th East streets in the Calidonia district.
He also mentioned that the regulations governing sound limits in the Republic of Panama stipulate that from 6:00 p.m. to 9:59 p.m., the maximum sound level allowed is 60 decibels, while from 10:00 p.m. to 5:59 a.m., the maximum sound level permitted is 50 decibels.
Party activities in Panama
In addition, bailable activities require presenting the contract with the venue, verifying the coordination of security with the National Police, and having emergency services available.
For these events, the operating hours of the so-called ‘Ley Zanahoria’ (Carrot Law) for nightlife establishments apply: until 3 a.m. from Sunday to Wednesday and until 4 a.m. from Thursday to Saturday.
It was reiterated that the organization of so-called ‘parkins’ or outdoor celebrations in public places is prohibited nationwide because they affect security and social peace.
READ HERE: ALCALDÍA RECUERDA LOS REQUISITOS PARA HACER UNA FIESTA EN LA CIUDAD
END NOTES:
The wonders of books are endless – they can eliminate your stress, increase your happiness, and boost your intelligence. Whether you’ve crossed out some best books to read or you’re just starting out to broaden your literary horizons, you should be familiar with the books to read before you die.
The greatest books are not called classics for nothing. Written by the best literary minds, these books have a universal theme, interesting characters, experiences, perspective, and emotions that are still relevant until today. Some of the ultimate and best interesting books to read have inspired modern fiction in many ways.
Everyone should read at least once for these 30 books to read before you die — some are well known classics, others are modern giants. All are well worth reading at least once in your life!
We’ve rounded up some of the books that everyone should read below.
1. To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee
This book is a timeless classic that discusses human behavior and the collective conscience of The Deep South during the 20th century. This book discusses hypocrisy, prejudice, hatred, love and innocence with humor to create an amazing novel that you are bound to love.
2. 1984, by George Orwell
1984 is George Orwell’s dystopian and totalitarian world where fear, control and lies take over the lives of people. Look into the life of Winston Smith who struggles with his nature in a world where free will, individuality, and love are not allowed.
3. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, by J.K. Rowling
Chances are, you’ve heard about this book. Harry Potter is an integral part of the childhood of millions of people. In this book, you can join Harry as he journeys into the Wizarding World and he triumphs over Lord Voldemort. Throughout these books, you’ll get to know characters such as Hermione, Ron, Hagrid, Dumbledore, and many more.
4. The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien
In this book, you will get to know the characters of Middle Earth, a beautiful and very expansive fantasy world that although it is filled with innocence, can also be ridden with turmoil. Follow the protagonist Frodo Baggins as the embarks on a challenging quest. This trilogy will definitely leave you at the edge of your seat.
5. The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Great Gatsby is one of the most exciting yet sorrowful books you will ever read. The novel was published in 1925 and perfectly shows how decadent the Jazz Age was. It will teach you a valuable lesson that not everyone is fortunate in love.
6. Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen
This book is dubbed as one of the most interesting books to read and most famous novels of all time. Pride And Prejudice tells the story of the courtship of two very opposite characters in a world where courtesy and manners are integral.
7. The Diary Of A Young Girl, by Anne Frank
One of the most influential books ever published, the Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank tells the raw account of her life as she hides from the Nazi soldiers. Despite the circumstances she is facing, she still believes that naturally, people have a good heart and the world is still full of beauty. It’s truly a book that will change your perspective.
8. The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak
This book is set in Germany in 1939. It follows Liesel as she tries to rescue books from Nazi rule. At the same time, her family has hidden a Jewish fighter living in their home’s basement. When you read this book, you’ll get to experience courage that is rarely found in the world today, as well as the friendship that is formed even in the most challenging situations.
9. The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien
You may be wondering now: what book should I read? Well, you may have heard or even watched the film, but reading The Hobbit is a must for every Lord of the Rings fan. It follows the courageous Bilbo Baggins as he travels in the harsh Middle Earth to contest a dragon.
10. Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott
In this book, you will get to join four sisters, each boasting their own personality, as they grow up during 19th Century New England. You will get to bask in their unique struggles and understand their flaws as they turn into strong women.
11. Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury
This book has an unlikely plot. Here, books are not allowed, and it is Guy Montag’s job to burn all the books he comes across. This book is usually compared to 1984 by George Orwell. Here, author Ray Bradbury’s dystopian world can be seen as his commentary on the addiction and dependence of Western society on the media.
12. Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte
When it comes to the books that everyone should read, Jane Eyre is always part of the list. It introduces you to arguably one of the most influential and likable fictional heroines of all time. Jane Eyre is not only a strong, but also an unbroken woman despite experiencing a troubled childhood in a repressed Victorian society.
13. Animal Farm, by George Orwell
Animal Farm is definitely one of the books to read before you die. This satire was published in 1945. In many ways, this book was truly ahead of its time. The book uniquely examines some of the realistic risks associated with revolution, as well as the dynamics animals are bound to give in to.
14. Gone with the Wind, by Margaret Mitchell
This book has been turned into one of the most successful films of all time. It is set in The Civil War in the charming south. The main character lives in an immensely challenging situation, and she tries to navigate how to love amidst the brewing war.
15. The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger
A charming yet cynical novel, The Catcher In The Rye will let you in on the challenges of adolescence. In this book, you get to follow sixteen-year-old Holden Caulfield, and as you read his experiences, you will make up your mind about the character.
16. Charlotte’s Web, by E.B. White
When it comes to the most interesting books to read ever written, this book takes the case. Here, you will meet Charlotte, an adorable spider, as well as Fern, a farmer’s daughter. Watch the two try to save Wilbur the piglet from being killed. This book is such a compelling reminder to marvel at the simple wonders of life and to love all living creatures.
17. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, by C.S. Lewis
This is another renowned fantasy world, especially for children. Narnia is the home of magnificent and interesting creatures that have their own morals. As you read this book, don’t forget to let your imagination run wild, especially as you get to meet the characters.
18. The Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck
This book was published in 1939, and it is set during The Great Depression. The Grapes of Wrath centers on an Oklahoma family who is forced to travel to California. Here, you will get to see America as it is divided into the haves and have-nots, as well as the powerful and the powerless.
19. Lord of the Flies, by William Golding
The Lord of the Flies is a classic novel that follows boys that are marooned on an island. Here, they regress into becoming savages, and their joyful island existence turns into a cruel nightmare.
20. The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini
The Kite Runner tells the story of a one-of-a-kind friendship. It centers on Amir who tries to find the only friend he’s ever had who previously abandoned him because of the ethnic and religious differences that happened in Kabul, Afghanistan.
21. Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck
Of Mice And Men tells the complex story of a friendship between George Milton and Lennie Small, two migrant workers in California. Here, their bond strengthens as their work towards their dreams of owning their land and pets.
22. A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens
In this novel, you will get to know Dr Manette, an eighteen years political prisoner as he is released and returns to England with Lucie, his daughter. Here, two men fall in love with Lucie and they become entwined in a story of love and sacrifice.
23. Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare
The most interesting books to read do not always have a happy ending. This is probably the most famous love story ever written. Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare is a tragedy that centers on the joy of young love, and the complexity of revenge.
24. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams
Join human Arthur Dent on a great adventure across the galaxy in this book. Here, you will learn not to take the universe seriously and forget all the meanings you have in your life because everyone knows the real meaning of life is simply 42.
25. Wuthering Heights, by Emily Bronte
Wuthering Heights is a book you shouldn’t miss to read. It is ridden with passion. This book was published in 1847 and it showcases great storytelling packed with rivalry and revenge as it follows Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw.
26. The Color Purple, by Alice Walker
This book has reaped multiple awards. The Color Purple is a sorrowful story that discusses the lives of colored women in the USA during the 1930s. Challenged and censored, the harsh reality in The Color Purple will truly leave you shaken.
27. Alice in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll
Alice In Wonderland proves that the potential of imagination is endless. If you’re not a fan of the real world and like to imagine your own reality, Alice in Wonderland is definitely the ultimate book to read.
28. Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley
This book showcases a combination of gothic thriller, romance novel, and a cautionary tale. Frankenstein is definitely a story like no other. It was written by Mary Shelley when she was just eighteen and it inspires readers to ask themselves shattering questions such as what makes us human.
29. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain
Often dubbed as The Great American Novel, The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn is a book you shouldn’t miss. It is both deep and complex, and shows friendship and shifting societal norms.
30. Slaughterhouse-Five, by Kurt Vonnegut
Dubbed as one of the best books to read, the impact of his novel cannot be denied. In this book, readers travel through life with Billy Pilgrim as he experiences World War II. He has been abducted from Tralfamadore. Both rich and funny, this book hopes to discourage people from war.
Brett Mikkelson, CII, CPE
Director, B.M. Investigations| M1 Consultants Inc
Mobile (+507) 6674-1183
brett@bminvestigations.com/www.bminvestigations.com
Proud Member of: Council of International Investigators (CII – Past President 2018-2019; Executive Regional Director 2021-Present), World Association of Detectives (WAD), The Fraternal Order of Investigators (Founding Member), Victory Services Club (London), Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA – Isthmian Chapter), Association of Certified Anti-money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS), American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), Association of Fraud Examiners (AEF – Panama), Business Security Alliance (ASE – Panama).
