Last night I ended up cleaning the so-called book cupboard in my room and stacked it with guess what? Books. So what’s the big deal here? Well bloody hell it’s a big deal….a new addition to my (very expensive) addiction list.
And now I find myself spending good chunk of my very small salary package on buying books. Nope, borrowing stuff has never been my thing. Funny when I think back; my sentiments on reading books were somewhat on the same lines as wearing Indian outfits. Let me add the word “forcefully” in there. Jokes apart, in fact for brother’s wedding my mum paid me some 2 grand to wear in-sync-family-outfit-color salwar kaamez. Ah! Those were the good old days….off late I find myself pretty easily giving into emotional blackmails.
Maybe I have grown up?
Or whatever! Chalo no more digressing….post October 2008, I have added to my collection the following:
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini – Liked it. Even sobbed. Found it a notch better than A Thousand Splendid Suns. Currently in the process of downloading the film based on the book.
Married Woman by Manju Kapoor – Not bad. Quite similar to Deepa Mehta’s Fire but not as dramatic or exaggerated. One of those books which leaves with an incomplete feeling.
Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri– Found it to be okayish.
Katha, Short Stories by Indian Women – Completely Loved it. If you are into reading short stories then this book is a must have. Easy on the words and the sheer variety it presents is fantastic.
God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy – Yes yes yes…I did finally read it. And I loved it. No mind fuck business here, as I had been warned by all who did/didn’t recommend it. I guess after reading the likes of Weight Loss & Animal’s People….you are kind off prepared for all sorts of emotional mambo jambos.
Karma & Other Stories by Rishi Reddi – I seem to be hooked on Short stories and this one doesn’t disappoint.
Around the Hearth (Khasi Legends) by Nongkynrih Kynpham Sing – Punchtantra re-incarnated. A fun read.
The Book of Ram by Dr. Devdutt Pattnaik – Different perspective on Lord Ram. Not the preachy sort and therefore an excellent read.
Currently reading Kartography by Kamila Shamsie. What next? You suggest.
Comments
11 comments | Add your comment »
Anurag
Jan 14th, 2009 at 1:11 pm | #
I suggest picking up – ‘Interpreter of Maladies’ by Jhumpa Lahiri, if you haven’t read it already.
Money Money Money
Jan 14th, 2009 at 2:31 pm | #
2 grand to wear a dress in sync with the bridal dressing, not much considering its you
Annie
Jan 14th, 2009 at 3:53 pm | #
If you dont mind reading about the Amish, or if you know even a little about them, I suggest the Cindy Woodsmall trilogy, When the Heart Cries(Part 1), When the Morning Comes(Part 2), and When the Soul Mends(Part 3). It is the story of a 16 year old girl and her struggles in life with her culture, her parents, the love of her life….and never have I been in tears every so oft. Crying for her and silently praying for her. Yes, that was the impact it had on me and I recommend every girl/woman read this. This book captures all the essence of being a woman. Happy Reading
Supremus
Jan 14th, 2009 at 4:39 pm | #
Oh dear! Your web design has turned even more gaudy and horrific; how about picking up a book on html / css hehehe
Looks like you are very much into Indian authors – well, here are my recos: “Parva” and “The Uprooted” english translations by author S.L. Bhyrappa, Phaniyamma (dont remember author), “Cuckold” by Kiran Nagarkar, “The mammaries of welfare state” by Upamanyu Chaterjee, “Tamas” (yeah the one that was made into TV series; the book is amazing) by Bhisham Sahni, “Train to pakistan” by you know who, or pick up any book by R. K. Narayan; He wrote a lot of good books post / pre Malgudi Days too.
S
SpontaneousMini
Jan 14th, 2009 at 6:28 pm | #
I am an avid reader but I do not like buying everything intead I borrow books from our well stocked libraries here and then when I have read the book and loved it I buy it for my personal library.
Hope you like reading Amitav Ghosh. His first novel- “The circle of Reason” and “Shadowl Lines”, then “Calcutta Chromosomes” and “The Glass Palace”. the recent two I havnt read but I already bought them because I know they are good and on award lists.
Saakshi O. Juneja
Jan 15th, 2009 at 7:06 am | #
Supremus : Thanks for your kind words. As usual, listen from ear and let go from the other.
On a serious note though, I think I will pick up Tamas. Very vaguely remember the series.
Annie : Thanks a ton. Not much into foreign authors but will definitely look up the books mentioned.
SpontaneousMini : Amitav Ghosh….hmmmm….maybe someday.
Anurag : Yup thats on my list too.
dhamini
Jan 19th, 2009 at 1:20 pm | #
if you are reading shamsie, i’d reccommend broken verses. her best, by far.
Sanghamitra
Jan 20th, 2009 at 11:05 am | #
Do read ‘Saree SHop’ if you have not yet…
Nandini
Feb 14th, 2009 at 8:47 pm | #
Hey Sakshi
Really love your blog. Everytime I am here, I’m extremely impressed with your thoughts and articulation and humor.
Don’t know what else to say but because of you, I have become an avid-participant in the blogging world. It rocks!
Saakshi O. Juneja
Feb 15th, 2009 at 8:10 am | #
Nandini : Jee…Thanks! * blushing from cheek 2 cheek *
Chai
Mar 7th, 2009 at 6:28 am | #
Books to tickle and tantalize your soul–
The Reader by Bernhard Schlink
The Delta of Venus by Anais Nin
Wicked by Gregory Maguire
Ishmael by Daniel Quinn
In the Shadow of Man by Jane Goodall
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
Enjoy.