Bharath
I had zero expectations diving into this book. I picked it up for two reasons: it's only about 90 pages, and it's part of the Penguin Classics series. No regrets on that front because the novella really left me feeling sad and disturbed, which seems to be its intended tone.
I read The Metamorphosis by Kafka years ago, but I wasn't mature enough to fully grasp it back then. More recently, I read The Vegetarian by Han Kang, which also has that Kafkaesque feel, and while it disturbed me on some levels, it never truly resonated with me.
But Blind Owl spoke to me in unimaginable ways. I'm shocked to admit that I found myself agreeing with the narrator, and I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing. One thing is for sure: if you're not in the best mental space, maybe skip this one. It definitely took a toll on me. But if you're into Kafkaesque literature, this book is a must-read. Now, excuse me while I book my therapy session...
I picked this book up because I needed something to listen to while I am not reading any of my literary fiction books. This book surprised me. In a good way. I... really enjoyed it.
We meet Jules and Will, a couple to be married. They choose a far off island to get married. They invite their close friends and family to share their happiness with them. Everything goes well except someone is dead on the wedding day. Who is it? The close friends and the family of the couple carry their own secrets. What has happened? Who killed whom?
I had 0 expectations when I started to listen to the audiobook. The only reason why I listened to this is because I needed a way to pass time rather than scrolling through the never-ending reels. This book is a modern rendition of my favorite, ‘And then there were none' by Agatha Christie. I do not want to compare this book to Agatha Christie's but Lucy Foley delivered. Now, don't build your expectations. It is predictable the way it ends but the unfolding of secrets and how each character's secrets are linked to others is something enjoyable.
I would definitely recommend this to you if you are looking to pass time but not particularly if you do not enjoy multiple perspectives or if you are looking for something out of the box.
I bet that this book will make you feel things that you never thought were humanely possible. A story beautifully blended into the history of Afghanistan is something that everyone should read not only for its writing but also for the ignorance we might hold to the atrocities that bud all around us.
A Thousand Splendid Suns is the story of two Afghan women - Mariam and Laila. Spanning across 3 decades is their story of yearning for love, dealing with grief and surviving the political horrors of Afghanistan. I cannot tell anything about the story beyond this. You need to read it. And cry.
Watching the lives of Mariam and Laila, especially Mariam, will make you want to give them a big hug and maybe, just maybe console them it's going to be okay. I am sorry, I cannot write anything more than this as I am genuinely out of words.
This book will not be the same for me knowing that Talibans are ruling over Afghanistan now. You will understand what I mean once you have read the book.
Only the other day, I was complaining how predictable thrillers have become. But this one filled me with hope that there are still thrillers that need not revolve around a murder.
Before I go to Sleep is the story of a woman, with a condition. Her memory resets every time she sleeps, due to which she does not remember the last 20 years. She lives with her husband, Ben and every morning she wakes up, she is frantic that she is with a stranger but Ben has to explain her every single morning that he is her husband and this is his home. To know why Christine ended up this way, you should read the book and find out.
Ah well. I have had some great time reading it. I read AGGGTM the other day and was complaining that thrillers nowadays seem to always solve a murder. This one was a good change of breeze in thrillers genre for me. This book made me realize that I am specifically interested in Psychological Thrillers.
The only reason why I gave this book a 4 stars is for the first 50% of the book, I felt the book was unnecessarily long and dragging. That is the only complaint. I skipped paragraphs over, paragraphs and not miss any information; that's how much lagging you just might find this book to be.
Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who enjoyed Gone Girl.
Beautiful World, Where Are You truly lives up to its name. I went in with some hesitation about Sally Rooney's work, partly because of mixed reviews, but decided to give it a chance after reading Normal People. And I'm glad I did—something about the time I'm in now and who I am made me really connect with this book.
What stood out most to me is the writing. Normally, I feel a bit of “ick” when a novel is set in our present day; I tend to prefer stories set in unfamiliar times or places. But this time, I didn't get that feeling at all. Rooney has a knack for capturing modern language without dropping in the mumbo-jumbo words we use in our daily lives.
This isn't a fast-paced read by any means. Although I've added it to my “Literary Fiction Recs” list, I wouldn't suggest it to just anyone. You need to be in the right mood for it. If you're looking for a story where the plot isn't central but instead just want to explore the lives of relatable characters who feel the same confusion, longing, and wonder many of us experience in the world, I think you'll appreciate this one.
This book....
I wish I could tell you how much this book means to me. I am reborn every time I read this book. I shall soon make a YouTube video talking about this book. I shall take my sweet little time and talk all about Tuesdays with Morrie.
Every single person, even if you are not a nonfiction reader, you must read this. Because this is not a book; this is life.
Wow—this book turned out to be way better than I expected! It's a close second to Gone Girl, my favorite thriller. The story centers on Josie and Alix, two women who meet by chance at a restaurant, each celebrating their birthday. They're “birthday twins” but lead vastly different lives: Josie works a typical day job and is married to Walter, who's much older (often mistaken for her father), while Alix is a successful podcaster married to Nathan, who's thriving in his career.
When Alix decides to feature Josie on her podcast, secrets start to unravel. Josie begins to share shocking details, and Alix quickly realizes that there may be more to Josie than meets the eye—especially when Josie's family warns Alix to watch her back. But what's true, and what's a twisted version of reality? You should read to find out about it.
If you enjoyed Gone Girl or The Only One Left, you're going to love this book. Highly recommended for thriller fans!
I can't remember the last time a book made me laugh out loud—probably when I was 8 and devouring Enid Blyton's stories. But The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff managed to do just that, and it's been a long time coming!
The story follows Geeta, a woman who's gained a reputation in her village for having “disposed of” her drunkard husband. Though she neither confirms nor denies the rumors, her alleged crime has earned her a status that she secretly enjoys. Life as a widow isn't so bad—until other women in the village begin seeking her “expertise” to get rid of their own problematic husbands. What unfolds is a wildly entertaining mix of dark humor, social commentary, and sharp storytelling.
For a debut, Parini Shroff has done an exceptional job. Writing humor, especially witty and clever humor, is no small feat, and she nails it. The narrative is simple, engaging, and impossible to put down. Every chapter left me eager for the next. Beyond the humor, the book also tackles important themes like untouchability and women's empowerment, adding depth to the hilarity.
While reading, I couldn't help but imagine this story adapted into a crime-comedy film—Keerthy Suresh would be a fantastic Geeta.
If you're looking for a light-hearted yet impactful read, I highly recommend this book. Fans of Anxious People by Fredrik Backman will likely fall in love with The Bandit Queens too. It's a refreshing, unique gem that you shouldn't miss!
I picked this book up solely because Kriti Sachan recommended it. I didn't read the blurb, didn't know what it was about—I just saw “Japanese literature” and went for it. While I liked it, it's not my favorite.
All the Lovers in the Night follows Fuyuko Irie, a 34-year-old proofreader who lives alone and moves through life in a very mechanical way. She's emotionally distant, both from people and herself, making her feel completely detached. As the story unfolds, glimpses of her past emerge, and we see her perspective start to shift. But does it really change? Will she ever truly connect with her emotions?
This book is, at its core, about deep isolation and alienation. Mieko Kawakami does a fantastic job of portraying Fuyuko's state of mind. Written in first person, the narrative allows us to see the world through Fuyuko's eyes, and it's one of the most beautifully written books I've read when it comes to exploring loneliness.
What didn't work for me, though, was the character development. There's a sudden shift in Fuyuko's behavior that felt a little forced, as if it was written just to lead to a certain conclusion. I also felt like the book could've been longer to really flesh out her transformation. One scene in particular—where she sees her reflection and realizes how lifeless she looks—is supposed to be a major moment, as told by many bookstagrammers, in her character arc, but it felt underwhelming. Maybe I just had high expectations.
That said, I'd still recommend this book if you enjoy reading about characters who feel out of place in the world. It's not perfect, but it's a beautifully introspective read.
I have read another work of Riley Sager before picking this up and it was The Only One Left. I was happy with the work and had a decent expectation from The House Across the Lake. But this one disappointed me. First, the resemblance between these two books is just uncanny. Although the book started out okay; the middle and the end chapters were either repetitive or rushed. It felt like Riley had so much planned out but could not fit it into a 350 pages book and decided to cramp it up in the last 3 chapters. And also, the writing was bad too. There was something off. I could just read the words off the pages but it lacked depth. I would definitely not recommend this book. And probably, not pick up Riley Sager again. Let me know if you have ay suggestion of Riley Sager's works that I cannot miss out on.
“If you want to get on in this life, there are things you have to ignore.”
How often are we told to turn a blind eye to things that can be questioned, but aren't? We're taught that if it doesn't directly concern us, we shouldn't bother.
In its truest sense, Small Things Like These is about a man reflecting on his childhood, searching for answers he thinks will bring closure, all while overlooking the kindnesses he's received. Over time, he becomes someone who doesn't do good or harm—shaped by the complacency of his town.
But what happens when a man blessed with kindness in his youth breaks free from societal norms and takes a single step towards kindness himself? This book beautifully captures the journey of that pivotal moment.
Ahh.. this book is a joke. It does not offer what it says it does. Lesser known facets. For someone who knows the Mahabharata, I think the content written is quite familiar already.
Also, there were so many printing and spelling mistakes for a book. Very disappointed.
Coming from The Song of Achilles, I had high expectations on this retelling of a part of Hindu Mythology and it did not disappoint me. I would recommend this to you in a heartbeat. Of course, T&C apply.
Kaikeyi is a novel written by Vaishnavi Patel in which we hear the story of Kaikeyi, one of the stepmothers of Rama. All my life I have only known her as the “jealous stepmother”. But this book offers more character to her and she might not be what we all perceive.
Now, there are so many new things I learnt from this book. This book challenged my understanding of Ramayana too. But hey, there is no harm in reading multiple perspectives. Vaishnavi Patel did a fantastic job writing this beautiful prose. Her writing is such that you are all ears to hear the story of Kaikeyi and get to the next chapter as soon as possible. What surprised me the most was how Rama was described. Now, I do not know how inconsistent Kaikeyi is with Ramayana, but it does a fantastic job of presenting Kaikeyi's story.
If you are someone who likes to see mythologies in the space of literary fiction, you would like it. I should tell you that this book is not as poetic as The Song Of Achilles. So yeah, that's the only thing I would tell you before you read it. Go for this one. It is a home run!
I finally completed this book, and overall, it's a good read. As mentioned earlier, I love Mitch Albom for his simple language that keeps us hooked, and once again, he leaves us with something to think about. This one is a quick, short read—not Albom's best work, but I still recommend it to certain readers.
If you're into magical realism and want to renew your faith in God, this is a book you might enjoy. However, I did have a few issues with it. While Albom excels with his central idea, a couple of chapters felt lacking in depth. Perhaps I missed the point of some characters (I should research them more), and there were moments where I found a few chapters frustrating.
That said, I enjoyed the read overall. If you've read this one, I'd love to hear your thoughts!
This book is painfully beautiful! If I hadn't been on a train while reading, I would have sobbed. Love and death are two things that are so difficult to comprehend. But how do you cope when the love of your life is dying right before your eyes? How do you manage when they've accepted death and you haven't? It's heartbreaking. I thought I was prepared to mourn a death, but after reading this, I realize I'm not as strong as I thought.
This memoir is one of the most beautiful I've ever read (second only to The Glass Castle). Even if you're not familiar with the Yaloms, you will feel deeply connected to them by the end. I highly recommend this book—it's impossible to read without shedding a few tears.
PS: I was on a train when I completed this book. And there was an old couple seated right in front of me! That's the kind of love I yearn for. Isn't that beautiful? I shall upload it on my X. Check out the photo.
OH. MY. GOD. What did I just read? Is this the greatest sci-fi ever? Well, I'm not the expert (this is only my second sci-fi), but I absolutely loved it!
It's easy to see why Project Hail Mary won Best Science Fiction on Goodreads. The writing is phenomenal—it hooks you right from the start. Dr. Ryland Grace's race against the clock to save humanity is filled with urgency, and the science jargon is explained in such a simple, engaging way. I honestly wish he had been my Physics teacher!
Why should you pick this up? Without giving spoilers, this book offers a fresh take on space exploration. The challenges and solutions presented are unlike anything I've seen in Hollywood or read elsewhere. It doesn't follow the typical ‘save humanity' formula, which is so refreshing.
If you're new to sci-fi, this is the perfect place to start. Read the spoiler filled review below (of course I would not give story changing spoilers), I can assure you it will only affirm you to consider Project Hail Mary.
SPOILER FILLED REVIEW! PROCEED WITH CAUTION (again, not so many spoilers too)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Dr. Ryland Grace wakes up in a spaceship, confused and disoriented, with two dead bodies beside him. He can't remember his own name, let alone why he's there. Slowly, through flashes of memory, he pieces it together: he's in a completely different solar system. But why? And what could possibly be threatening Earth that a mere science teacher would be sent on this critical mission?
Well, here's where it gets interesting.
Ryland Grace may be a science teacher, but he's also a microbiologist with a controversial theory—he believes that life doesn't necessarily need water to survive. This idea becomes crucial when humanity discovers a microorganism called Astrophage, which is consuming the Sun's energy. The Sun has already dimmed by 0.01%, and if nothing is done, it will dim by 5% in the next 20 years, plunging Earth into an Ice Age.
Despite not being an astronaut, Ryland becomes a key figure in the efforts to solve the Astrophage problem. Tau Ceti, a distant star, is mysteriously unaffected by the microorganism, and the spaceship Project Hail Mary is sent to investigate. How Ryland ends up alone on this mission, light-years away from Earth, is something you'll need to read for yourself.
Along the way, Ryland meets an alien named Rocky from the planet Erid, who is facing the same Astrophage crisis. Rocky's entire crew has died, leaving him alone on his mission. Together, Ryland and Rocky work to save both of their planets, navigating language barriers, technological differences, and the challenge of cooperating on the biggest problem either of them has ever faced.
What I loved about Project Hail Mary is how it flips the typical extraterrestrial narrative. Instead of the usual triangular-faced aliens and UFOs, we get humble beginnings—extraterrestrial microorganisms. It makes you wonder what could evolve from such life over time. Plus, the bond between Ryland and Rocky is the heart of the story. Their problem-solving, technological exchanges, and camaraderie make this more than just a space adventure—it's a brilliant exploration of friendship and cooperation across species.
I've left out plenty of details, and I really hope you pick this up to experience the rest for yourself. Trust me, there's so much more to discover in this story!
I picked this book up because of the name, Kazuo Ishiguro. I knew he was a famous author and I knew that he is a Nobel Laureate. That's it. This is the first time I ever picked his book up and I am not disappointed.
This story is set in an undisclosed time period and I would like to believe it as future. Klara is a robot and branded as AF (Artificial Friend) built to accompany kids. Klara stands apart from the other AF's, she has extraordinary observational skills. One day she is acquired by Mrs. Arthur to be the AF of her daughter, Josie. Now what happens after Klara goes into the new household is something you should read and find out.
Now, the blurb of the book does not do justice describing what the book is about. I consider it as a Literary Fiction though regarded as Science Fiction by many. It deals with many themes such as love, ethics and character growth. This is science fiction in a very vague way. If I should say something that best describes the book, I would say this is the story of two characters that want the something. However, they are polar opposites in their achieving it. One pleads and bargains with God and the other takes matters into his/her own hands. Anything more I say, will spoil it for you.
I should warn you that to completely understand and appreciate the writing behind this, what seems to be but is not, vague book, you should read slower and reflect every once in a while. That's how I enjoyed the story. And after reading what others think about this book, I could not not appreciate the genius in Kazuo Ishiguro.
This is my second book by Backman and after reading this, I can pick up Backman's works with no hesitations whatsoever.
Anxious People is about a group of strangers held hostage by a confused bank robber who does a terrible job at both robbing and holding them hostage. To make the situation worse, we have a group of strangers who are unapologetically vocal and demanding and also, do not know how to handle the secrets and grievances they hold. Now, throw in a pair of policemen, who only want to narrow down on the bank robber. You end up with a very witty and a breezy novel, Anxious People.
I previously read A Man Called Ove and I absolutely loved that one. And this book is equally good (maybe a bit exaggerated, but hey! This is really good too). Backman excelled in completing the arcs of each character and I am content when I have such a complete completion (you read that right! Complete completion). The translation by Neil Smith is on point too. I really loved the opening chapter and the ending chapter. It was a full circle and I think this book has one of the most memorable first and last chapters. It just made me want to tear the pages of the book and stick it to the wall. (of course, I cannot do that since I borrowed this book from my public library)
If you are looking for something easy to read and leave you with a smile in the end, I would totally recommend this. In fact, if you are gearing up for a holiday read, this is a perfect choice!
That was a quick read! I picked up this book at a time when I was questioning whether I was capable or qualified enough. It gave me a fresh perspective, and I feel a bit calmer and more composed after reading it. While I couldn't relate to every situation or circumstance mentioned, many of them felt familiar in some way. I made plenty of notes to refer back to during moments of self-doubt. I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone, no matter what they're going through, as I believe it covers a wide range of struggles.
The Story of Shuggie and Agnes is one that will linger in my mind for a long time. The author masterfully evokes deep emotions, making me feel both frustrated by Agnes's poor choices and heartbroken over Shuggie's fate. It's no surprise this book won the Booker Prize. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves literary fiction!
After many years, I decided to dive back into the romance genre with Beach Read by Emily Henry. Did it disappoint me? Not exactly—but my expectations for romance novels are admittedly low. Here's my take.
Beach Read is about two authors who find themselves neighbors for three months. Gus writes literary fiction, while January writes “happily ever after” books. Both struggling with writer's block, they strike an unusual deal: Gus will attempt to write a romance, and January will try her hand at literary fiction. But it's not as easy as it sounds. As they navigate their creative challenges, they also confront the tension simmering between them—along with their own personal baggage. Will they fall in love? And can they resolve their individual struggles?
While Emily Henry's writing is undeniably good, this book just wasn't for me. To be fair, the romance genre as a whole isn't my thing. The tensions, hesitations, and misunderstandings between the characters felt unrelatable to me—perhaps because I'm in a serious relationship where things have always been straightforward. I struggled to connect with the characters or the story's emotional beats, which made the experience feel somewhat pointless.
That said, I can see why others might love this book. It's light, entertaining, and perfect for fans of slow-burn romance with a touch of personal growth. But as for me, I'll stick to literary fiction. Apologies to Emily Henry fans—I'm just not the target audience for this one!
“What if you are assaulted and you didn't already belong to a male? Was having a boyfriend the only way to have your autonomy respected? Later I'd read suggestions that I cried r*pe because I was ashamed that I had cheated on my boyfriend. Somehow the victim never wins.”
This quote alone summarizes the powerful memoir, Know My Name by Chanel Miller. Let me set up your expectations for this book. This book is less about redemption or healing but more about the torment, the judgement and the criticism Chanel has faced during her quest for justice. She writes about the trauma that was inflicted by not only the perpetrator, Brock Turner but by the judicial system too.
This memoir hit me in the gut. As a guy, I have known the horrors that females face. I hear about these horrors narrated by the media or family. But never through the words of the victim herself. While reading this memoir, I sat down with Chanel Miller and listened to the turmoil that she has gone through and I know that she still would be going through some. I think a few pages in, I dropped the book and checked with my girlfriend. Has she ever had to go through this? A woman being treated as an object. I could do nothing but reassure her that she could tell me anything. There is nothing trivial when it comes to her feelings and her safety and that goes for any woman.
I know that this is less of a review and more of a statement but hey, this is what the memoir made me feel. I will leave you with one last quote from this book and you decide whether you should read this book.
“This time I wondered what behavior was acceptable for a victim. What tone? She warned me not to get angry. I learned that if you're angry, you're defensive. If you're flat, you're apathetic. Too upbeat, you're a suspect. If you weep, you're hysterical. Being too emotional made you unreliable. But being unemotional made you unaffected. How should I balance it all? Calm, I told myself. Collected. But during the hearing I'd lost control. What about when that happens? My DA reminded me that the jury understood what I was doing was hard. Just be yourself, she said. Which self, I wanted to reply.”
Okay, I've just finished Notes from Underground—and wow, this is easily one of the most complex books I've read. To give you some context, I've read The Picture of Dorian Gray and Animal Farm, and compared to those, Notes from Underground feels like a deep dive into the most twisted parts of human psychology. It's not an easy read, but it's fascinating.
So, how to explain this book? Imagine three types of people:
1. A bad person who doesn't realize they're bad, just doing whatever they want without a second thought.
2. A good person who knows what's right and wrong, and chooses to do good because they care about the impact of their actions.
3. And then there's the Underground Man (TUM), who knows exactly what's right and wrong, but deliberately chooses to do wrong—just because he can. He does it to assert his freedom, to feel some twisted sense of superiority, and to mess with people simply because he despises both them and himself.
Picture a moment from your own life where you've disagreed with someone—maybe your parents or a friend—not because you actually believe in your stance, but just out of spite. We've all been there. Now, take that feeling and imagine living your entire life like that—constantly doing things out of spite, sabotaging yourself and others, but being painfully aware of it the whole time. That's TUM in a nutshell.
See, the book is not about how bad TUM is. What according to us (at least me) is a bad person? Someone who doesn't think twice to sabotage others. Well, TUM is that guy and also, he doesn't think twice to sabotage himself! How twisted is that? This book is like a deep dive into his thoughts. He obsesses over every little detail, analyzes his motives very critically, and then, even when he knows he's acting irrationally, he'll go ahead and do it anyway, just to show that he is free to make bad decisions.
He is a man who cannot stand happiness or peace because they make him feel inferior and weak. So.. he destroys any chance of those things just to feel powerful. Notes from Underground is not just a story - it's a deep dive into human nature, free will and self-destruction.
It is a tough read. But is it worth it? Absolutely yes!
A twisted yet beautiful tale of lost souls, mysterious journeys, and a search for meaning in a world full of wonder
I consider Murakami to be one of the recent greatest authors. I have read two of his books earlier, ‘Norwegian Wood' and ‘South of the border, West of the Sun' and both these books stayed with me for a very long time. When I finally completed reading Kafka on the Shore, I knew this book would stay with me for a very long time, if not for the entirety.
This book is a tale of a 15 year old runaway boy, a 50 year old woman and 80 year old man, all of them in search of their lost part, essentially their souls. I don't want to mention the plot of the story because the plot converges and diverges every chapter. But here's what I am going to say. The writing is immaculate. Throughout this book, you feel your stomach being churned for its twisted nature especially in the initial chapters but when you get to know what transpires in these characters and in this world that Murakami created, you see the bigger picture for its dream like. This book is magical and you will have different answers every time you think about it.
I suggest this book for people who have already read tons of books prior and can overlook the diabolical stuff and can see beyond. Also, do not expect to make complete sense out of every chapter. Murakami in an interview said that he deliberately wrote Kafka this way. It has many riddles within it and leaves it to the reader to make their own solutions. So yeah. Read it surely to experience the magic of Murakami's writing!
Is it overhyped, or did I just pick it up at the wrong time? I might get some backlash for this, but here are my thoughts on Everything I Know About Love.
I picked this book because it was all over Instagram, with people raving that it's a guiding light for lost 20-somethings. As someone who feels a bit lost in my 20s, I hoped to find some advice or comfort. But no—it didn't resonate with me. There were maybe two chapters I could relate to, but beyond that, nothing.
It could be that this book just isn't for readers like me. I can see how women in their 20s, struggling with dating, friendships, and careers, might find it more to their taste. For me, it felt less like a memoir and more like reading someone's personal journal.
Do I hate it? Absolutely not. This is one of those experiences where it was fun in the moment, like enjoying a bowl of ice cream, but later end up regret eating the pint. Don't expect any serious advice from this memoir. Sorry to all the fans!