The Stationery Shop of Tehran - Marjan Kamali (Book).

Book 29/52.

The Stationery Shop of Tehran - Marjan Kamali

My Rating: 5/5

I found this little gem of a book in our little library that I joined last year, and picked it up for its cover and the city called Tehran (Iran). Also, I needed a break from the fantasy books that I’ve been reading back to back, unfortunately, all from British and American writers, hence this worked like a charm. A total change of geography and an amazing love story from the war (read civil war) torn country of Iran during the mid-20th century. Two 17-year-old teenagers fall head over heels in love, meeting in a lovely bookstore where the owner works for them as a messenger to pass them love letters from each other. While the nation goes through turmoil between the newly elected democratic Prime Minister, who isn’t liked by the Shahs of that era and his followers. The story takes a turn when the couple decides to get married one day, and they decide to meet at one particular crossroad, where, to their sheer bad luck, all hell breaks loose as the PM is ousted by Shah’s followers. To know whether they meet, get married or not, you’ve got to read this book (hardly 300 pages). And read the story of their lives, which stretches to some 60 years across the continents. Try not to read this book when you are hungry, as I was smitten with the Persian delicacies Marjan has mentioned in her story, so much so that now I want to try at least a few of them at the earliest. Totally loved the book, especially the way she has handled the emotional parts and yet made it a believable read. 

Do let me know if you have read this one and liked it. Also, if you have a favourite Marjan Kamali book, I am for sure going to read a few more from her. 

 

A Court of Mist and Fury - Sarah J Maas (Book).

Book: 28/52.

A Court of Mist and Fury - Sarah J Maas.

My Rating: 2/5.

Finally, I am done with the sequel as unfortunately I picked up the first two parts from my library last month after seeing so many posts and reviews on Fable for these too utter craps of the first order (teenagers please forgive my innocence). And with this, I say Goodbye and good riddance to the ACOTAR series. As I mentioned earlier, these books and stories are a cross of GOT, LOTR, Harry Potter, Twilight, even Marvel (Wakanda Forever too), with X-Men movies. If you club them all together what you actually get is ACOTAR books with no head or tale but just magical romance where the girl remains same but her love interest keeps chaging by the book, twice in two books and I do not qualify to read third onward so cant say much about their future, nor I care a bit. So, to get the gist, if you haven’t read them so far, consider yourself blessed and stay away but if you have read them already, you have my sympathies on top of that if you have liked and loved them, please spare me, I am a lesser mortal to whom they made no sense but yes, it was a laugh out loud comedy for sure where I was actually laughing “on them” more than “with them”. 

I need to consciously stay away from the YA genre here onward and stick to my love of classics, especially those whose Author have gone beyond some 50 years ago. 

 

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - J K Rowling (Book).

Book: 27/52.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - J K Rowling.

My Rating: 5/5.

5th book from the much-loved series, and I must say that I’ve still not got enough of the magical world yet. Although this is my second reading of the series, I still feel like I missed out on a few things the last time, or maybe this is a different version, which is more detailed. Whatever said and done, this one is so far my favourite from this series; this one even surpassed my last favourite (so far in the series), The Prisoner of Azkaban. As the story progresses in this one with Harry Potter and the team have turned 15 now, and they are getting into the thick of Things. Politics has entered Hogwarts, the school of magic, much to their and our Displeasure, but loved the way they tackle the whole situation, and on top of that, get ready to fight the dark lord as and when he makes another entry. Another thing I loved in this one is the detailing as JKR has left no stone unturned in giving the dues to all her characters, especially ones that I love (Ron, Hagrid, Sirius and his house elf Kreecher, too, and so many more). Although that makes this one the fattest of the series, so much so that even the last one, Deathly Hallows, looks like a slim book in front of this one. 

The movie, as usual, was a big turn-off off but I had to watch, no option. Now looking forward to my favourite (from earlier reading) is The Half Blood Prince. Do let me know how you rate this book from the series. 

 

A Court of Thorns and Roses - Sarah J Maas (Book).

Book 26/52.

A Court of Thorns and Roses - Sarah J Maas.

My Rating: 1/5.

Curiosity kills the cat - I had read somewhere long back, and now in this book’s and series’ case, I became the bloody cat. I recently (six months ago) joined Fable, as I was getting bored of Goodreads' lack of activity and stumbled upon numerous highly rated reviews, all highly recommended by users. I am going to be the outcast who didn’t like the first book one bit, although going by the theme, it had so much scope, which, as far as I'm concerned, the author didn't explore to the extent I expected. I found it to be a mix of Game of Thrones, Twilight & even Harry Potter for all the magical liberties she has taken in the narrative. So the story goes that a teenage Feyre kills a wolf, which happens to be a Faerie (an immortal shape-shifting magical creature with powers) who is some kind of a High Lord in another world, across a wall between the mortal and immortal worlds. I am assuming the timeline is some thousands of years ago. So now the immortal lord had to fall for her and then you can predict what happens next as there will be a villain preferably a witch with more powers followed by the tasks done by our mortal heroine to save her great lord from her clutches and going by the Twilight hint you can imagine the ending :). Unfortunately, when it comes to books, I still cannot control my book buying spree, hence I already got the second of the series, which, as the thumb rule goes for books, I will surely be reading (call it a literal suicide). 

Thanking God that they haven’t made a TV series or a Movie so far (talk about the quality of writing), I am spared more pain. Please let me know if you have read this one, and spare me if you have loved it for some reason. I will stay away from Ms Maas' books going forward.

 

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire- J K Rowling (Book).

Book: 25/52.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire- J K Rowling.

My Rating: 5/5.

The fourth book in the series and I must say that the plot thickens by the time I finished this one,;there is certainly no looking back. This one happisersonal favorite of lots of people that I know from Harry Potter fan club, but not mine. Engaging, thrilling, action packed and especially the ending (without giving away anything). As Hogwarts the school of magic hosts the Triwizard Tournament, we get our new hero in Cedric Diggory who made a special appearance in previous part, with a full fledged role in this one. Mr Potter is still a teenager with a messed up life all thanks to the dark forces still trying to kill him unfortunately to no avail thanks to his support team with mighty Dumbledore and the helm of things. For tournament, three schools are competing with their best champion but this year for a change, there is a Fourth champion too which comes as a surprise. The three stunts that they need to attempt to be the winner with a ground breaking finale, with so many riddles to solve to clear each one, totally engrossing and engaging. The best part of this one is the Prof Moody Mad Eye the new defence against the dark arts teacher and Sirius Black, Harry’s Godfather who comes to his rescue, finally giving him a much needed family support. This is the only book’s whose movie adaptation (still not upto the mark or detailed) but I still actually look forward to more than my personal favorite The Half Blood Prince, where I believe the movie doesn’t do justice to Prof Snape’s character. One thing I must say that although this is my second reading of the books after a decade but I am suprised to find that I still love them as much as I loved them all, the very first time and if truth to be told, I have actually found some instances that I totally forgot after the first time, which was so Kool. Guess I need to increase my frequency of reading them again. 

Do let me know if this one is your favorite too and how do you like its screen adaptation? 

 

Bridgerton 3 - An Offer From a Gentleman - Julia Quinn (Book).

Book: 24/52.

Bridgerton 3 - An Offer From a Gentleman - Julia Quinn.

My Rating: 5/5

Third from the series and I must say that I am totally hooked to Julia Quinn’s characters and her story telling. Undoubtedly she is the best thing which happened to us readers from the current crop of writers when it comes to regency romance. My favorite from that genre will always be Georgette Heyer but Julia is more modern and pretty lighter take on the same stories so far. This one is based on the second eldest son of Bridgerton family with seven siblings two of whom are already married, I believe every book gets one of these kids married in the story as that is what the Lady Bridgerton’s life motto is. Totally a Cinderella story in the making but in a new way, which kept me excited throughout the narration waiting with bated breath as what will happen next. How will prince charming in this case Viscountes younger brother will find her dream girl who vanishes without trace after their first meeting. If I had to pick a favorite from eight Bridgerton kids, my favorite will be Eloise followed by Anthony, but after this book, Benedict has certainly climbed up my ratings by leaps and bounds. Initially when I started reading the much loved series after finishing it’s Television adaptation (which I severly hated), I thought may be a book or two will work for me at best but never imagined that it will be so fantastic to read back to back three have turned out to be surprisingly great. Looking forward to the fourth one from the series after a short break and not at all looking forward to its adaptation which is right round the corner I believe. 

Do let me know if you have read this one or if you have a personal favorite from the series, I will definitely get there if it isn’t from the first three books for sure. 

War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy (Book).

Book: 23/52.

War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy.

My Rating: 4/5.

What an epic. It has been on my TBR for a few years and on my book rack for exactly one year as I got my copy last year in June hence I had to finish it before the end of the same month this year. Imagine 1350 pages with 60 pages long multiple epilogues. What kept me going was the amazing story with half a dozen lead characters and some 494 scattered here there and everywhere as the story progresses. The best part of the epic is the detailed coverage of Russian royalty from early 19th century followed by Tsar Alexander’s friendship and later animosity with the great Napoleon. I was totally shocked by the way Tolstoy praises Napolean and shoots down his own Tsar Alexander for various reasons, couldn’t believe it but loved the way he called a spade a spade. One on one sessions with Napolean were hilarious to read. Initially I thought this was a Fiction, but later found out (post 75%) that it is actually based on real life events with real life characters, just that he took slight liberty in portraying them in an interesting way. Going by a lot of opinions I was ready to accept that it isn’t going to be an easy read but how wrong I was, it was totally engaging and with chapters as long as 2-3 pages with the longest being 7-8 odd pages, it was a total breeze for me. I still managed 4 odd other books in the same time due to the heavy subect of ongoing war which stretches to no end with so many people paying the price. Heart-breaking is the way few of my favorite characters die or shall I say killed in the course but amazing is the way it kept me glued and I kept looking forward to the finale. My mother told me that I read her copy of War and Peace when I was in 7th or 8th standard, although I have no memory of the same but the only thing I remembered was the bombs that they drop on each other which spin before blasting and how right I was when I read it this time. No doubt this must be one of his best works for obvious reasons. Totally worth your time and effort if you can take that size book in today’s time. The only turn off is the usage of French, almost every page had a line or an anecdotes that I had to translate. 

Do let me know if you have read War and Peace and loved it. I am looking forward to its movie adaptation which I still vaguely remember not from the recent times though but a very old movie made sometime in 80’s. 

 

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - J K Rowling (Book)

Book: 22/52.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - J K Rowling. 

My Rating: 5/5.

Third Harry Potter book in a row and I must say again that nothing has changed, I am still as much in love with the whole Harry Potter thing as I was the very first time when I read them back to back a decade or so ago. I was rather forced or the right term to use will be “challenged” to read a few and not read the rest - which as I am sure you can guess, gravely failed. Now the kid who survived turns 13 and some terrific new characters are introduced in this one, I must say this should be my third favourite of the series after Half Blood Prince and the Deathly Hallows being the first two. Totally love Harry’s Godfather Sirius Black and his friends who always come to his rescue while he escapes the great prison and story goes a little more forward. Harry’s friendship with Hermione, Ron & even Hagrid has gone to the next level and so is his animosity with the Dursleys his only known family increased to no ends. Although it was a respite to believe that he won’t have to go to them anymore for summer vacations all thanks to his God Father. Reading the books again after a decade while I have seen the movies multiple times rather recently, I must say books are so much better and they have missed out so much in the movies, hoping against hope that they make a better TV series as that is in works as I read these books and re-watch the movies. It is actually tough for me to keep a one book break between two from the series but I strictly follow the same hence will be starting the fourth one by this weekend hopefully.

I never imagined that these books will work and even age so wonderfully well after all these years. Totally loving the experience and may read them again in next few years too. 

 

The Tattooist of Auschwitz - Heather Morris (Book).

Book: 21/52.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz - Heather Morris. 

My Rating: 5/5.

After reading quite a few reviews on the book in various book groups and posts, that too almost all positive, I decided to give it a try. I was super glad to find in my library available to be picked up. And I must say it was indeed a page turner, super simple, straight forward and engaging to read, so much so that I was actually looking forward to the ending with bated breath, keeping my thoughts positive for the couple who actually find love in the bleakest of the situations. The protagonist Lale, a guy in his mid 20’s who volunteers to go to the German camp as a prisoner in lieu of them leaving his family behind falls for a girl barely in her teens. For him, with aged parents, a married brother and young sister, he didn’t have any option when the Germans decided that they will take one adult man from every jewish family, no one could guess at that time how it will all turn out for them who were picked or the worst - what will happen to the families they leave behind with the hopes of a better life. He takes the job of the Tattooist to save and make himself more useful. This little gem of a book and the heart touching story throughout kept reminding me of the “Diary of a Young Girl” which of-course was a far better version but that takes nothing away from Lale and Gita’s story. I will recommend this book to everyone as it has so much life in it that too when almost every day so many people are shot dead at point blank range, or burnt alive or killed in gas chambers for no fault of their own but just because one man decided to rid the world of one particular religion. Loved the way life and love find its own way in the darkest of the times and the ultimate victory for all (at least for those who survived it). 

Do let me know if you have read this one and loved it too. Looking forward to the Mini Series based on the book so I could put faces to the characters. 

 

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - J K Rowling (Book)

 

Book: 20/52.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - J K Rowling.

My Rating: 5/5.

My 2016 thoughts on the book: Second book of the series and it is for sure better than the first one - more gripping, detailed, takes the reader deeper into the mysterious world of Wizards and Witches. Hilarious is the start of the book and fantastic is the way his friends let him escape from his terrible life yet again with the muggle family (Dursley's) back home especially the Flying Car. Harry Potter and his friends have now grown a little bit in this one with more knowledge of various tricks from the trade, more newer and wonderful characters are introduced in this one which takes the story one step forward but still "The Villain Voldemort" doesn't make a grand (read detailed) entry yet - still I was actually kept asking for more. This one tells us a little bit more about his dark past, the making of Voldemort and other dark secrets. Seriously books have changed my perception of Harry and his world in totality and thats for good. Movies may be visually more strong than the books but they aren't detailed as how much you can wrap up in mere three hours at the most. There were so many things that they had to skip in the movie in comparison with the book that one would end up loving the book definitely more. And as usual the very smart writer makes this one end right at a moment when one is looking forward to so much more that needs to be covered in the next part. I now very well know how the readers kept waiting for years to read the next part when it was all being written and released as I can definitely pick up the next part tomorrow as its already there in my book rack and thats precisely what I am going to do. One more thing that I noticed in the second book is that - it is written in such a smart way that just in case someone hasn't read the first one - it doesn't make a difference as this covers the most of it in the initial couple of chapters before taking the story forward. But if someone is reading all the books back to back - it’s kind of an irritant. But this things makes all of these books a good individual books.

2025: Nothing much has changed, I still loved it totally the way I loved it in my first read. It all comes gushing back to me as the story progresses. Pity those who still think these books are for kids. Let me see when I read them again :). 

Bridgerton 2 - The Viscount Who Loved Me - Julia Quinn (Book)

Book: 19/52.

Bridgerton 2 - The Viscount Who Loved Me - Julia Quinn.

My Rating: 5/5.

Book 2 from the much loved Bridgerton series of 8 books and I must say I totally enjoyed it as much as the first part and a little more. Julia Quinn has not only surprised me but also impressed big time by her imagination and writing prowess, kept me engaged till the very last page and so much so that I need to go on search of the third from the series at the earliest. This turns out to be the story of the eldest son from Bridgerton family - Anthony as they are all named in alphabetical order so one cannot miss the order at any point of time. The playboy of the family who for reason known to himself had decided that he will get married but will never love his wife. He is still attached to his dad who died about a dozen years ago leaving him as the man of the family. After taking care of all of them and much to his annoyance getting his eldest sister married to a Duke (the first book covers their story), he is now the most eligible bachelor of his own times. Enter the Sheffields family with two eligible daughters, elder one not so beautiful but intelligent but his heart is on the younger one who is beautiful and not so intelligent as that’s what he needs in his wife so he won’t fall in love with her. What happens next is the 350 page novel which superb twists and turns (at times unpredictable) but totally amazing, it was indeed a page turner. To know who he marries and why he doesn’t want to love his wife - you’ve got to read the book. It is funny, romantic, engaging, suspensive and so good that it kept me ploughing forward to know more. 

Do let me know which one is your favourite from the series if you have read them all and I must say that I am not liking the TV adaptation that much as they have taken severe liberties with characters and stories, so much so that I will call it a big screw up. 

 

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - J K Rowling (Book).

Book: 18/52

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone- J K Rowling

My Rating: 5/5. 

My friend introduced me to Harry Potter a decade ago when I was lame enough to think that these were for kids :). He gave me all seven in one shot and when I told him that I might not like or finish the first one, he mentioned that if I started the first and end up finishing it in the dead of then night, I will be running to his place to get the second one. And let me tell you after a decade that nothing has changed, as I decided to read them again, I picked up all seven from a friend and started with the first one a few days ago, finished (and loved) it today and will be dashing to second right after I post this one. So the story goes in the first one about a wizard kid who survived a deadly curse, ends up in the school of magic. How he survives the first year of school, makes some amazing friends (and enemies too) is covered in a terrific and thrilling way in the first one. Initially I thought it might not work the way it worked the last time when I read it for the first time, but believe me you, it kept a wide smile on my face throughout and I am super glad that I am reading it again. Now looking forward to the second one big time at the earliest but will give it a traditional one book break in between. 

Also, not going to follow it up this time by watching the movie for sure. Do let me know which one is your favourite from the series if there is one that you would like to pick? Mine will always be The Half Blood Prince. 

 

The Duke and I (Bridgerton #1) - Julia Quinn (Book).

 

Book: 17/52.

The Duke and I (Bridgerton #1) - Julia Quinn.

My Rating: 5/5.

I have told my favourite nephew to put a gun to my head and force me to watch a movie or a TV series that he likes and wants me to watch at the earliest. This was one of those episodes where I end up finding a gem of a series (at least to start with), followed by a much-loved (I believe) TV series, which, as of now, I am not liking very much (two episodes done now). But the book is a breeze to read, especially the Duke and his love interest, the eldest Bridgerton sister. Hilarious is the entire family of Bridgertons, starting with the eldest kid with alphabet A leading till H, so we know who is who from the family and never forget the hierarchy in the first place. I am finding it comical yet very entertaining to keep track of the entire family when it comes to their names and mentions. The purpose of Violet Bridgerton's (the mother) life is to get her Sons and Daughters married at the earliest to the right partners (especially the girls, whatever age they may be). First book is a love story but with a twist and a big secret of the duke as why he can’t marry or father any chidlren to take his line forward. If you are a big-time Bridgerton fan, let me tell you that I was introduced to Queen Charlotte first by my nephew through the terrific TV series of the same name, and then I was allowed to read the books on the Bridgerton family. Now that I am hooked to the series at least in the bookish way, I need to get the remaining seven from the same series and read them at the earliest, as the Fourth adaptation of the book into a TV series is right around the corner. The only thing that surprised me while reading and watching the series is the Duke; there is no mention of him being black in the book, while his picture on the book cover is of the same guy playing in the TV series, and he is black for some reason. 

Do let me know if you have read The Duke and I or any other series from Ms Quinn, as I believe she has written almost 30+ books so far, more or less all of them are regency novels. 

Becoming - Michelle Obama (Book)

Book: 16/52.

Becoming - Michelle Obama

My Rating: 5/5.

Another book that was donated to my office library by a colleague as we were building a good collection. And I must say that it turns out to be a surprisingly amazing book. I didn't have many expectations for it anyway, as written by the First Lady of the US (former President Barack Hussein Obama’s wife), but I was keen on knowing more about the first black president of America, hence I picked it up as soon as the opportunity struck. Impeccable writing and terrific flow of their life story, this entire book is written in the first-person account from Michelle Obama (a Princeton and Harvard graduate) and narrates in its entirety the making of a President from a non-immigrant to the US of A. I never imagined that their story could be this heart-touching, especially Michelle’s life back in Chicago from her toddler days to going to Harvard and meeting Obama in her law firm to their falling in love, marriage, becoming first lady, kids, and so much more. I loved the way she incorporated all the events of five decades in her story and still made it up like a proper thriller (not exaggerating), I simply couldn’t put the book down as it was indeed that good to read. But now that I have finished and loved it, I am looking forward to reading the first one written by Barack himself during his initial days, which wasn’t a great success till he became the most powerful man in the world and that too twice in a row. It also gives quite an insight into the White House (an eye opener), other former presidents, as well as the one who succeeded him, but also adds a chapter on Queen Elizabeth, her outlook and her Buckingham Palace (that was hilarious to read). Seriously, I didn’t expect that she would capture so much in this mere 400-page book and was totally surprised by the plethora of information that I was able to grasp from it. This could be called an authentic biography of Mr Obama in the first place. 

Do let me know if you have read this one or any of her other books. I would love to give them a try, as I loved this one big time. 

 

Elon Musk - Walter Isaacson (Book).

Book: 15/52.

Elon Musk - Walter Isaacson. 

My Rating: 5/5.

Another book that I bought for my office library, which I'm finishing now that I'm on notice and my last working day is just around the corner (I have two more good books to go before I call it quits). This is my fourth biography by Walter Isaacson, and I can now confidently certify that he is my favourite biography writer. He keeps them pretty simple to read and engaging at all times. I am on the verge of finalising my next car or SUV, and as I was considering an electric vehicle too from the segment, I thought why not read about the man himself who started it all in the first place. It simply turned out to be a Wow story, thrilling, engaging, super informative on what is going on around the world when it comes to technology, and so much more about the character called Elon Musk, who refuses to get off the limelight. The richest and craziest man from our planet, who plans to reach Mars before his retirement, even shows his son (named X) the planet Mars by a telescope to tell him that the day isn’t very far when they will go, at the earliest and that too at any cost. He rather claims that humanity has no option but to make a move to Mars as our planet is dying, can you believe that? He has even designed the clothes we will wear, the houses that we will live in and the greenhouse that he plans to transfer from here. Let's not even talk about Tesla or his contribution to destroying Twitter as a freedom of speech platform. Walter leaves no stone unturned in telling us the truth behind it all and calls a spade a spade, much to Musk’s disliking or knowledge (since he claims he hasn’t read this one), I believe, in his biography. His relationships and number of kids are something which shocked me big time, but was hilarious to read how he handles his family and personal time. All Elon’s ventures are covered in great detail in this 600+ page book. His histrionics with Russia, NASA, a few Presidents of the USA and whatnot. And it was great to read about so many Indians involved in his personal as well as professional life, too. Every chapter starts with a picture, and all the chapters are like max 5-6 pages, with the longest being 10 pages at times. No doubt, this will go down as the best biography I have read so far from or on anyone that I know of. 

Have you read Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson, or if you have a favourite Isaacson? Do let me know, and I would love to read that too. 

 

Icebreaker - Hannah Grace (Book).

Book: 14/52

Icrebreaker - Hannah Grace 

My Rating: 1/5.

This was the second book of the three that I got from my bestie while she travelled from JFK (US of A) to India last month. Not sure what made her buy this one, as it turns out to be a teenager’s Fifty Shades of Grey in the worst possible, grossest way possible. I mean I have read erotic novels but this one takes it to next level (may be we can call it proper porn) by making the sex scene at times like 4-5 pages long. WHOA! On the other hand, it's a very simple Rich guy meets poor girl while ice skating, as one of the two rinks where they practice is vandalised by some other teenager, and they fall for each other immediately. Before that, the same girl is going around with her Figure Skating partner and one more dude as well. Books like these are some kind of guilty pleasure for my kinda people who read a lot of classics which take a lot of toll on my fragile heart and mind (wait for the upcoming post on War & Peace). And writers like Hannah keep it simple for themselves by making all their characters rich so there is technically no struggle for anyone barring broken down family and too rich to care about family kind of guys and all that crap. So if you haven’t read this one or anyone from this trilogy (I swore to keep away from), you aren't missing anything in life. The only thing that kept me going in this book was the mention of Skating by the female lead as she vows to compete in the Olympics figure skating (go figure), as I was a District-level skater back in the day (quads). 

If you have read this by any chance, do let me know your thoughts, but if you are a fan of the book or writer, please forgive me, as it wasn't my cup of tea. 

 

Chaos (In Romance, Sexuality and Fidelity) - Raksha Bharadia (Book).

Book: 13/52.

Chaos (In Romance, Sexuality and Fidelity) - Raksha Bharadia.

My Rating: 3/5.

After reading three hard-hitting books, I needed a light-hearted book, which had been in my TBR for quite a while. Looking at its cover, my teenage daughter commented, “Like really?? You are going through mid-life crisis, Dad, and so is your book choice too” :D. It was a very light read with some really good insight on Romance, Sexuality and Fidelity, too. Although all those topics are big time debatable with opinions of each to their own, too, but fantastic to read a modern Indian female’s perspective who has met and spoken to several counsellors, psychologists, sexologists and experts from the related fields. Her take was hilarious at times, but made me think hard about looking around my own life and of those I know personally coming into the same age bracket. It was kind of an eye opener as to what I’ve been doing wrong (if at all) and how I could go back to the right track, although the book and theory offer no solution, which was a bit of a turn off for me. I will call it a very brave attempt, especially when it comes from Indian mentality and society, when she accepts that fidelity exists and is an acceptable norm in today’s time in our part of the world - that was an eye opener (but with facts and figures). With barely 200+ pages with funny illustrations in almost all the chapters, I found it a very easy read and enjoyed it as well. The outcome is very simple that this Chaos has no solution, and still the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, and to top it all, if you jump the fence, the grass still remains greener again on the other side this time :), if you know what I mean. 

Do let me know if you have read this one and how you liked it. Any other book on a similar subject that you might like to recommend to me :) I would love to know that too. 

 

Small Things Like These - Claire Keegan (Book)

Book: 12/52.

Small Things Like These - Claire Keegan.

My Rating: 5/5.

My best friend was travelling from JFK (NYC) to India and calling to ask what she should get for me, other than, of course, chocolates and what my family demanded—the only thing I told her was books (as many as she could get). Hence, this book landed in my collection; she gave it to me only after reading it herself, as it is hardly 115 pages and quite a quick read. I am not surprised to read that it was selected for a Booker too, it deserves all the accolades as it covers such a sensitive topic. It is a fictional account based on the Magdalene Laundries in Ireland (late 20th century), where an estimated 30000 or more women and orphan girls, abused, deserted by their families or who did not conform to the then social norms. The protagonist, a coal merchant, takes one such girl to his home, even after having a few of his daughters whom he is not able to provide for. It was such a touching story, especially when he made up his mind that they would plough through somehow, even when they would have to struggle a little more each day. Initially, I wasn’t able to like it, but as the story progressed, it completely engrossed me, and the highest point was the way it ended, totally touching. I didn’t know that they had adapted this into a movie too, which now I am looking forward to big time, as it stars Cillian Murphy in the lead. 

Have you read Small Things Like These or any other from Claire Keegan? Do let me know, as I would love to read a bit more from her, and looking forward to the other two books, too, which my friend got for me from the US of A. 

 

Pachpan Khambe Lal Deewarein - Usha Priyamvada (Book).

Book: 11/52.

Pachpan Khambe Lal Deewarein - Usha Priyamvada.

My Rating: 5/5.

Time and again, I pick chaste Hindi classics to keep up with my father’s and mother tongue, but more often than not, they break my heart with the outcome. This one too was in the same league, but what a brilliant story, amazing writing and such beautiful prose that it would be an exaggeration to claim I haven’t read something like this in the past. On that note, I need to pick up a few more from Madam Usha and that too like NOW. It is indeed a straightforward story of Sushma, the eldest daughter of a middle-class family, who gets promoted as a Girl’s Hostel warden in a college in Delhi after serving for about a decade in the same facility. Unfortunately, she becomes the sole breadwinner of the family as her father goes bedridden, with two younger sisters and two brothers and an over-the-top emotional (call it cranky) mother, she has no respite. On top of that, she is in her mid-30s, which from the 70’s standpoint was quite a late age to get married. Neel comes into Sushma’s life as a breath of fresh air, but the tragedy is that he is five years younger than her. The rest you can imagine what all they both go through and how their life takes so many twists and turns. I kept rooting for Sushma to fight with society and do what she wanted to do, and kept hoping that the tides would turn in her favour. Heart-breaking was the way her family behaved with her, but what made me happy was that it didn’t exactly go the way I expected it and left me with some hope in the end. It reminded me so much of real-life-based Premchand stories from the time. But one must read the little gem of a book to go through the nuances of that era and read about the challenges, not much has changed even in today’s time, too, as we still have so many Sushmas around us even in 21st-century India. I must say the relevance of the title is something the reader is left with much after the book has ended. 

Have you read Pachpan Khambe Lal Deewarein? Do let me know how you liked it, and I am big time looking forward to the TV series based on the same, with wishes for so much more to read from Usha Priyamvada in the very near future.