Book Suggestions – What I have been reading

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I have always enjoyed reading since I was a kid but to be honest with preparing for grad school and applications reading completely fell wayside. But I started reading again from February and cannot explain the joy it gives me. These days, I have made it a point of self care to read for atleast 1 hour before going to bed to unwind from the day and the news.

I mix it up sometimes reading a hardcopy of the book, sometimes reading on the Kindle app and sometimes on the iBooks app on the iPad. Libby is another great resource I use to read ebooks and audiobooks. I prefer to steer away from the phone to read personally to avoid any distractions while reading.

Here is a list of books I have been reading (re-reading). Would love to hear from you guys about books you have been reading and would suggest reading.

1) Where the Forest Meets the Stars – For long, this book had been on my list to read and I finally read this book on the kindle app where it is free. The book focusses on 3 people who try to deal with the challenges life throws at them. The story is about friendship, power of love and healing, strength, hope, miracles and is a delightful read brimming with emotions.

2) The Palace of Illusions – I re-read this book recently and would recommend it to anyone who is interested to learn about the rich literary heritage of India. Written in first person, the book provides Draupadi’s (Daughter of King Draupada and the wife of the five Pandavas) perspective on what happened during Mahabharata. This book is based with a fresh take on the Indian Epic, Mahabharata from the point of view of the brilliant and fearless Draupadi (Panchali) with her soul touching yet enduring life story.

3) A Woman is No Man – Etaf Rum, the author has powerfully contextualized in her book the lives of 3 generations of Palestinian woman and captured the complexity of generational trauma and family, the violence of occupation and diaspora, and the incomprehensible strength and resilience of women in a raw, brutal and honest manner. I felt so many emotions while reading this book.

4) When Breath Becomes Air – I read this book 1 and a half years ago but thought of including it to the list because I really appreciate the language of the book – the way it is delivered. This book is short on the outside but packs a punch. The author, Paul gracefully deals with traumatic subject matters and triggering topics, and skillfully weaves the narrative of his own life into instructions on how to make life more meaningful.

5) Little Fires Everywhere – I re-read this book again as the Tv adaptation has come on Hulu now. This book is about relationships, race, the power of motherhood and tries to show that even with the perfect planning things can get messy. The book has a slow start but picks up as you read further.

6) Homegoing – Currently reading this book and it is a powerful and engaging novel. It tells the story of two half sisters, Effia and Esi, born to different villages, who grow up in different circumstances, and have very different lives. The book tells the story of many of their descendants covering over 300 years. It goes into great detail of slavery in the 18th century and racism.

Other Books on my list to Read

Ikigai – The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life

Dear Girls – Ali Wong

Olive Again

Open Book

Happy Reading !