Five Reasons Why Your Next Read Ought to be a Classic

Classics have a special place on our bookshelves, needless to say, they are a portal to an era bygone. They instantly transport you to a time that stands still for you to delve into the beauty of nature, the richness of prose, and the complexities of human nature. Classic literature from the historical fiction genre …

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig | Book Review

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig was one of the most talked about books that won the Goodreads Choice Award for Fiction in 2020. But as I had decided to steer clear of the overhyped contemporary books, I chose not to read this one. The critical nitpicker inside me finally caved in, and when I …

A Literary Crossover | From the Dickensian World

What the Dickens…in the times of love and romance! February may not be the best suited month to wedge in Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens but then who thinks a crossover isn’t feasible!  Dickensian world was built inside a certain frame, bleak and gloomy and no matter where you were led by the literary genius, …

Becoming by Michelle Obama | Book Review

"Becoming" by Michelle Obama is a heartfelt and authentic memoir that unveils the woman behind the global icon. Divided into three parts, the book explores her childhood, meeting Barack Obama, and their journey through his presidency. Michelle's resilience, positive upbringing, and dedication shine through, making it an inspiring read.

Thorns in the Crown by Tanushree Podder | Book Review

Thorns in the Crown skillfully weaves historical fiction, immersing readers in India's Independence movement through the disparate lives of Indraneel, Peter, and Olivia. The narrative navigates seamlessly through Indian geography and time, with chapters dedicated to each character. Indraneel's involvement in the national movement, Olivia's unique perspective and Peter's identity struggle add depth and make this book quite captivating.

Clear Light of Day by Anita Desai | Book Review

'Clear Light of Day' by Anita Desai is a soul-soothing narrative that immerses readers in the beautiful tale of two sisters navigating a summer of emotional turmoil and life's realities. Published in 1980 against the partition, Desai's enchanting writing transcends time. The complex relationships between Bim, Tara, and their estranged brother Raja unfold, revealing the profound wounds beneath the surface. The novel captures the evolving dynamics between the sisters and explores the disruptive presence of Tara's self-centered husband, Bakul. Desai's lyrical language, poignant character descriptions, and exploration of familial complexities make this post-colonial work timeless.

A Literary Musing on ‘Book Titles’

Book titles are a head-turner. While it's often said that we shouldn't judge a book by its cover, there's no denying the impact a compelling title has on our minds. A unique title goes a long way in captivating the reader’s interest and imagination. I think finding an appropriate title is a daunting task, a whole …

My India by Jim Corbett | Book Review

"My India" by Jim Corbett offers nostalgic narration of British India as experienced by the British officer, primarily in the Terai region of the Himalayas and Mokemeh Ghat. Emphasizing amiable relationships between some British officers and locals, Corbett shared stories of his humble beginnings, encounters with wild animals, and cultural anecdotes whilst working in Nainital and Mokemeh Ghat. The book doesn't encompass India comprehensively but offers an intimate view of Corbett's experiences, including his interactions with natives and his brave encounters with man-eating tigers.

Ten Must-Read Classics by Women Writers

Classics are a gateway to the mysterious world hidden from us; they reveal layer upon layer the realities of the social milieu of an era bygone. You pick up a book, immerse yourself for a few hours, and come back knowing about characters and their lives that may seem improbable in today's world or perhaps …

Cilka’s Journey by Heather Morris | Book Review

Sometimes a story stays with you and at times, a character from that book haunts you. Last year when I finished ‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’, it was Cilka who stayed with me. I wanted to ask Heather Morris, what happens to Cilka, does she survive the camp? And, I want to know more about her …

The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens | Book Review

“- a casual observer might possibly have remarked nothing extraordinary in the bald head and circular spectacles which were intently turned towards his (the secretary’s) face during the reading of the above resolutions; to those who knew that the gigantic brain of Pickwick was working beneath that forehead, and that the beaming eyes of Pickwick …

Simsim by Geet Chaturvedi, Translated from Hindi by Anita Gopalan | Book Review

Simsim, the magic word opens the doorway to a lane brimming with memories, untold stories and vivid imagery. Originally written in Hindi by Geet Chaturvedi and translated by Anita Gopalan, this book is an emotional journey that takes you back to the Partition and opens a lesser-known chapter from our History – about Sindh and the Sindhi immigrants.

Three Men in A Boat by Jerome K. Jerome | Book Review

The hilarious account of a boating holiday by three friends – George, Harris and Jerome with their dog named Montmorency had me in splits from the word go! ‘Three Men on A Boat’ is both refreshing and relevant, remarkable for a book published in 1889! I never thought anyone could match up to P.G. Wodehouse …

Dig It! Archaeology for Kids by Caitlin Sockin | Book Review

Persnickety Press | 100 pages, Paperback Blurb Dig It! Archaeology for Kids takes readers on a tour through the fascinating world of archaeology, pausing along the way for glimpses into the past lives of people in ancient civilizations across the globe throughout time. This archaeological journey itinerary includes steps in archaeology―finding a site, excavation, lab …

Sleepytime Tales with Coco Comma by Sonia Mehta | Book Review

Title : Sleepytime Tales with Coco Comma Author : Sonia Mehta Illustrator : Sunayana Nair Genre : Children’s Book Number of Pages : 78 Pages Publisher : Puffin Books Blurb It’s bedtime! Time to settle down, get cozy and read some stories – with magical moments, oodles of entertainment and a little bit of learning. …

The Blue Women – Stories by Anukrti Upadhyay | Book Review

The Blue Women by Anukrti Upadhyay 261 pages Harper Collins Fourth Estate ‘The Blue Women’ by Anukrti Upadhyay is magical, emotional, and gratifying with stories woven across an unpretentious literary tapestry. The writing flows seamlessly from one story to the next. You meet characters, women who are real and flawed and hence, interesting! The twelve …

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi | Book Review #TBRChallenge

My pick for a translated book for Blogchatter’s TBR Challenge for February is the Japanese bestseller ‘Before the Coffee Gets Cold’ by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, translated by Geoffrey Trousselot. ‘Before the Coffee Gets Cold’ is a touching tale with subtleties woven within a time-travel trope. It’s a book that weighs more on the internal journey of …

A History of the World in 10 ½ Chapters by Julian Barnes | Book Review

‘Noah’s Ark’ is an imagery imprinted in our minds. A story that permeates across religions and geographical boundaries, making us feel as if we were there, present with Noah when he herded those animals in pairs and held us through imminent doom. Thus, letting us enter the modern age, enabling us to read through versions …

Reading Challenge for 2023 | #TBRChallenge by Blogchatter

A Fresh Year and the tradition continues. So apart from the sign-up on Goodreads, I committed myself to the #TBRChallenge by Blogchatter with the hope of reading 20 books in the coming 12 months. (i.e, once I complete ‘The Pickwick Papers’ by Charles Dickens, holding on to it for quite some time now!) I think …

Persuasion by Jane Austen | A Classic Ode to Romance

Persuasion is my second attempt at reading Jane Austen. Pride and Prejudice was my first, which didn’t go quite well on my literary palate. I sort of disliked the whole family and marriage trope. I wanted formidable female characters who sought romance but weren’t bound by marital trajectory at the core of their pursuits. Reading …