Mid-year reading update

As we all continue to recover from the horror fest that was the past 2-3 months (at least for us in India), I remembered that I had this ritual of jotting down thoughts about books I have been reading. Why? Maybe whoever stumbles upon this might find something of interest. In that case, do drop a note/comment? We could connect over books. In no particular order (actually there is one - ruled by my memory) here you go:

• Masala Lab by Krish Ashok: I enjoy cooking. I mean I mostly do. I like experimenting and learning new things and techniques in the cooking world. So when the erstwhile talented Mr. Ashok had a book announcement I pre-booked my order and with convenience forgot about it. The book landed at my door in December 2020. So I kickstarted January with a real, science-y book. Fun! The book is as much fun, smart, and a breeze to read through. He has a knack to break down complex science into easy-to-understand insights. I am observing and practicing more in the kitchen (not so much in the past 3-4 months). Pick it up, maybe?
• Invisible women by Caroline Criado Perez - Received this book as part of the writing group secret Santa. 5+ months post-reading it, still digesting and assimilating the information and insights packed in this book. If you identify as a woman then I highly recommend it. If you identify as a man, then read for solidarity, because hey! you still get to influence most of the workings of this world. Also as an afterthought, as the pandemic lays open the inequities in every system around us, this book becomes an even more important read.
• These, our bodies possessed by light by Dharini Bhaskar - One of the exciting things about living in 2020/21 is the plethora of debut novelists in the Indian literature world. I might have picked this book based on the intriguing book cover. If you have ever wondered about the inner lives of women in your lives beyond the daily roles they play, you’ll like this. The poetry references strewn through the book were so good. As an appreciator of subtlety tho, a lot that remained unsaid frustrated me to no end. I wanted this book to be much more, maybe?
• When stars are scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed - This graphic novel recommended by one of the owners at Pagdandi is so wholesome. It's heartbreaking, heartwarming, humbling, and uplifting. The artwork is so vivid that I was transported to Dadaab. If you have any young adults in your life then please please gift them this treasure. We need more Omar-like stories in this world.
• Factfulness by Hans Rosling - Received as part of writing group secret Santa. This book's outlook felt too optimistic. Even for an optimist like me. I mean yeah I learned a thing or two but not sure if I endorse this worldview. Look we have fixed so much and we are in much better shape. I am thankful for getting tap water without thinking much about it, but we need to do better. For the rest of the world.
• The midnight library by Matt Haig - This book was philosophy lite. I mean kya chal raha tha yaar? I get the premise - one life, parallel lives, and making it work. 'You live to learn. It also deals with mental health issues. So overall promising by underwhelming.
• Boskiyana by Yashwant Vyas - This book is all love. Got this as a birthday gift last year. It's a set of in-person interviews with Gulzar that span conversations, genres, life. If you are remotely interested in Indian literature and cinema history then you will find the stories in this book insightful. I feel immense gratitude to be alive when Gulzar is around, and to have witnessed his magic.
• The 10000 doors of January by Alixe Harrow - T sent this as a late birthday gift. I got this book when I needed it the most. The sense of adventure and love of this story made me survive a rough patch. More thoughts here.
• Seven kinds of people you find in bookshops by Shaun Bythell - Bought this on a whim cos I was looking for some snark. It became too self-deprecating and uninteresting and I lost interest. Easy breezy read otherwise.
• Designing your life by Bill Burnett - I had picked up this book in March when I was feeling existential. Whenever I have felt so I have sought help via books. This book came highly recommended by someone rational I follow on twitter. If you like design thinking frameworks then you will like it too. I found it pretty practical and useful. That rare occasion when I completed all the exercises with diligence. This book is useful for someone evaluating career changes or breaks.
• Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri - One Saturday morning in May, D sent me a TLC package of books, handwritten note, and lemon mousse. (I have the nicest friends!). This book came in that package. I breezed through this one cos of its typical Jhumpa-ness. If you have ever caught yourself on the verge of a physical move, then JL gives words to those feelings of uncertainty, belonging, comfort. I'll read anything JL writes so I am a bit biased when I say I liked it.
• Dutch House by Ann Patchett - PT sent this to me knowing I'll love it. And I LOVED it! (cue nicest friends reference above). There is fiction and there is this superlative fiction. The Dutch House is so many things but above all, it's a very well-realized 'regular' story. There is love, drama, camaraderie, growing up, obsession, letting go, flawed relationships, timeless bonds. In short, it's all about life. The structure or the lack of it works as well. Because on the surface it's a pretty plain story. I have thought a lot about this book and its characters. I want spin-offs on Celeste and Andrea.
• The guest list by Lucy Foley - I got this in a book barter with SG from running group. The premise and setting of this book are very Agatha Christie. It's a thriller/murder mystery set on a remote, spooky Irish island. *spoiler* if you have read/watched Big Little Lies then you'll find this too similar to that plot/story. I am sure someone will make a watchable movie out of it. Wo dekh lena ok?
• Daddy long-legs by Jean Webster - Got this in the book barter with SG. I enjoyed it. It's the story of an orphan girl whose education is sponsored by a secret benefactor. The book is narrated through letters she writes to 'Daddy long-legs' as she progresses through school and life. For a book written in 1912, it's very progressive. Does it stand the test of time? On most counts yes. Nice book to add to YA reading list.
• The heart and the bottle by Oliver Jeffers - I got this from a book haul at pagdandi for my ~5-yo niece. I know some people don't count this as legit reading but IMO children's books are THE books to be read. Especially in these pandemic-stricken years, they take one back to the basics. This book talks about loss, grief, and healing in the most tender way that only children's books can do.
• The day the crayons quit by Drew Daywalt - I got this from a book haul at pagdandi for my ~5-yo niece. Oh, what a fun little book this was. On the surface about some crayons complaining about a kid but so wholesome and cute if one digs deeper.