I like to presume that everybody has read the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or, at some point in your life, watched its film adaptation of the same name. Give yourself a pat on the back and kudos for having done it!

And to the next category of people — those who don’t even have an iota of an idea about it — were you living on Earth all this time? Got you! Psyche! I was just pulling your leg. It may sound like too much drama for a book, but I strongly recommend that you read it if you haven’t — or at least watch the film adaptation if you don’t have the time to read. But instead of just watching it, I suggest it would be better if you read the book. Or even better — read the book and watch its film adaptation. No loss in that, huh?

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a children’s novel, humorously written by the legendary author Roald Dahl and quirkily illustrated by the quintessential illustrator Quentin Blake. The story revolves around the journey of Charlie Bucket — a poor boy — and other rich children visiting Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.

Now, I want to delve into something out of the box. This was the first book I ever read in my life, and I feel delighted to have begun my illustrious reading journey with such a wonderful story. Although Quentin Blake’s zany illustrations lend a helping hand in visualizing what Roald Dahl expressed in words, I rode the imagination elevator of my mind, which took me to some fantastic floors of crazy fantasies.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is the first book in the Charlie duology. The second book, titled Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator, is an awesome sequel to the first. And did you know — Roald Dahl actually planned to write a trilogy? The third book was even titled Charlie in the White House! But it was never written, as Dahl lost interest and became busy with other projects.

Here’s a little trivia about the book: while cleaning up one day, Roald Dahl found a box of his favorite chocolates — and that’s how the idea for this story was born.

I don’t want to spoil the reading experience for you by revealing too many details, but a little hint won’t hurt — I’m sure you’ll grow fond of the workers in the chocolate factory. They are one joyous bunch of characters you’ll meet in the book.

As I mentioned at the beginning, I highly recommend you read or watch it. You’re in for a ride — so get on with it soon!

HAPPY READING OR WATCHING!