Another year gone by. So many books and so few read! But the ritual continues. Was reading through one last book on 31st so took time to compile this list and publishing it only now.

• Whole numbers and half-truths by Rukmini S.— Some preamble is necessary. During covid 2nd wave, I got a close up look at what was unfolding across India because of some non-profit work. That also made me realize how little I knew about India from an economic lens. I wanted to read something written by an Indian in a language I could understand. So picked up this book. No, it isn’t about the Indian economy. But it’s a book written by a data journalist about India of recent times. It’s well documented in the sense it makes a lot of information accessible to the reader without the jargon. It’s also open-ended in the sense it doesn’t give any solutions. A few things around migration, population growth, urban India, etc were eye-openers for me.
• Desperately seeking Shahrukh: India’s lonely young women and the search for intimacy and independence by Sharanya B. : Continuing with the theme of wanting to understand India better, I picked up this book. The urban stories of independent, empowered women were (of course) relatable but the stories that Sharanya brought forward from nooks and corners of India blew my mind. Stories of women we sometimes dismiss as ‘oh product of their surroundings/environment’. Sharanya’s unique lens of Shahrukh, Bollywood, globalization, and the Indian economy piece a story of India that’s not only eye-opening but also wholesome and heartbreaking at times. Its a must-read book. And if you are into listening than reading then listen to this podcast.
• The Lonely city: Adventures in the art of being alone by Olivia Laing: You know when you look at a book and think its not for you because the word lonely triggers you as you are struggling with that emotion for a while? I did it for this book for nearly 6 months. Finally, picked it up thinking what worse could happen than some tears? I was wrong 🙂 This book and the artists and their art saved me. Laing opened up an entire new perspective to me when looking at art. What a lovely book! Loneliness is such a universal emotion but very few books talk about it in such an honest and redeemable way. Thanks D for lending it to me!
• Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout: Pagdandi and its people are one of my favorite spaces in Pune. When they expanded their store in 2022, it was obvious to visit and congratulate them in person. On this visit, N (one of the owners) recommended this book. I had decided to not purchase any new books in 2022 but I caved in. I really liked the book. On its surface, the language and narrative sound plain. But the story packed so many nuances about people and relationships. The love, insecurities, tenderness — it all worked for me. Really liked it!
• Little Thieves by Margaret Owen: D gifted this to me on my birthday. (this was recommended by V, the other Pagdandi owner). I loved it! The protagonist Vanja, lives and grows up in the margins and her story is catapulted by the interference of gods and humans alike. Its difficult to tell the story of someone from the margins without making it pitiful and vengeful. Vanja is so humane in her insecurities, need for love, and overcompensation for what she lacks. It all comes together beautifully by the end. Waiting to read more from the author.
• Aahe manohar tari by Sunita Deshpande: Another birthday book gift by R. I had heard/read about this book for a long time but never gotten the chance to read it. I picked it up immediately after Little thieves. What a revelation this book was! Sunita tai (or bai as she is usually addressed) lived such a well-examined, self-aware life. To be able to talk about it with such honesty and openness felt like only someone evolved could do. Liked the book a lot!
• On earth we are briefly gorgeous by Ocean Vuong: Again D lent it. Been lying around the house for a long time. I picked it up once a few months ago but it dint speak to me. Picked it up again on a particularly melancholic day last week and I could not put it down. Its poetic and reflective prose worked for me. There are quite a few books about the immigrant experience out there. Ocean’s perspective is a tender one. Of course, I was crying by the end.

In addition, I also read a few children’s books that I bought for M and H in Goa. Also few cookbooks as part of this.

I have no reading goals for 2023. But will continue to try to read unread books from my shelf and borrow from other readers in the hope of becoming a better reader.

What are you reading? Pray, share!

P.S. Wish that 2023 is nicer and kinder to everyone reading. Wishing everyone, hope, clarity, warmth, love, and good health along the way.

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