Bharath

That was a tough one to get through. I've always admired Sally Rooney for her ability to dissect complex human relationships. It's her hallmark—people bound by grief, seeking solace in one another. Intermezzo follows the same theme but, unfortunately, fell flat for me.

The story centers on two estranged brothers who've had a strained relationship for years. After their father's death, they're drawn back to each other, but their interactions are awkward and stilted, never resulting in anything meaningful. The plot deepens as they attempt to find companionship with their equally troubled girlfriends, but things never quite click.

Here's the thing: I don't expect grand, sweeping narratives in Rooney's work. Her books thrive on the interplay of dynamics between characters, not the plot. And while she delivered when it came to the brothers, the female characters felt severely underdeveloped. I couldn't connect to them, and their conflicts often felt disjointed or unconvincing.

To make matters worse, the book felt unnecessarily long. Cutting down on chapters or fleshing out the female characters more could have made a huge difference. As it stands, I left feeling disappointed.

If you're a die-hard Rooney fan, this might resonate with you more than it did with me. But for me, this was a miss.

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.

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!

Imagine you live in a world where you are to deal with the absurdity of bureaucracy. A bureaucracy where you are told you are arrested but also assures that nothing in your life changes except for occasional appearances at the court. Now, how this uncertainty impacts a respectable bank officer, Josef K. is the story.

At its core, I think the philosophy behind The Trial (subject to correction) is that you are only a monkey in a well planned out circus. Sometimes, without your control, your thoughts, judgements and capabilities are impacted. In this absurd system, there is hardly anything you can do but wait for it to consume you.

Now, this is what I understood. And I really liked the philosophy behind the book. However, I could not engage with the book as a whole. I lost track of things and the occurrences of events and found myself rereading a few chapters. Of course, it is no fault of the translator. Entirely mine. I might not have started with the right mood and expectations. I was hoping for more of a narrative revolving around the psyche of Josef K rather than the weight of bureaucracy.

Knowing now what The Trial offers, I look forward to revisiting it someday when I'm ready to question the systems around me more deeply. I think I'll find greater meaning in it then.

Ghachar Ghochar by Vivek Shanbhag was recommended to me by a fellow reader who's a big fan of literary fiction, and I'm glad I picked it up. It's a quick, no-nonsense read—I finished it in just two days.

The story follows a family that has gone from rags to riches in a short span of time. But this isn't about how they got rich; it's about how money changes their perspective on values like empathy, compassion, and morality. What happens when a family suddenly comes into wealth? Have they always had skewed moral compasses, or did the money throw them off balance?

This book doesn't provide clear-cut answers. Written in the first person, it feels more like the narrator has made peace with the family's moral decay and how deeply it's been internalized. What I really loved was the cryptic ending. It left just enough room for interpretation, making me feel a little smug for figuring it out!

If you enjoy literary fiction that leaves you pondering long after the last page, definitely give this one a try.

I absolutely loved it. It wasn't relatable but it did feel personal. It felt like I was listening to my friend tell me his story.

This book is a letter from a son to his mother. Written when he was an adult, he writes to her telling about the early life in the States as an Immigrant. In the first few pages, we share the bond that the mother and son share. They aren't particularly emotional to each other; but they surely do care for each other. In the later part of the book, we see the son navigating his life in America amidst the drug abuse, racism and gun violence. By the end, we see how the son accepts life and tries to have a closure.

I would definitely recommend this to people who find peace in sorrow (someone like me). I really like the writing and it is surely different from the other writings of literary fiction. The writing was very poetic and soon I realised that Ocean Vuong was indeed a poet. So... yeah, fans of literary fiction, pick this up now!

I've finally finished The Fox Wife, and I think this is the longest I've ever taken to complete a book of this size. (For reference, I've managed to read 800 pages in a week before!)

Set in 1908 across China and Japan, The Fox Wife explores the legend of fox spirits—creatures seen by some as omens and by others as curses. The story centers on Snow, a mother who is actually a fox spirit walking among humans. She's on a quest for vengeance, seeking the murderer of her child. Alongside her story, we follow Bao, a detective investigating a death. Their paths are destined to intertwine, but how and when? That's for you to discover.

The Good:
The premise is really intriguing. A mother's journey for revenge is always a compelling tale, and it's what drew me to this book in the first place. Writing from two distinct perspectives is no easy feat, but Yangsze Choo pulls it off with skill. The writing is accessible and easy to follow, without feeling too simplistic.

The Bad:
While the setup is promising, I felt the execution fell a little flat. The story just didn't engage me, and I found it hard to get through for long stretches. It wasn't that the book was bad, but it didn't capture my attention the way I'd hoped. When I finished, I couldn't help but ask myself, “Did Bao's narrative really add much?” For me, not really. The story could have focused solely on Snow, and I think it would have made just as much impact.

Overall, The Fox Wife is an okay read. Perhaps it wasn't for me because I couldn't connect with the concept of fox spirits, but it might resonate more with other readers who are drawn to that mythology.

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...

“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.

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)
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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!

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!

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!

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.

Rating: 3.5

Finished the epic, Mahabharata! Every time I hear the story, it leaves me with a heavy heart and countless lessons to reflect on. This time, reading it for the first time, was definitely a unique experience.

What I liked about this book: the translation does a decent job of condensing the epic into 400 pages. However, as I mentioned earlier, some stories were skipped here and there. I wouldn't recommend this to someone who's completely unfamiliar with the Mahabharata, but it's a great option if you're looking to reignite your curiosity or find new areas to explore within the story.

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.

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!

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!

Why I picked this book? My girlfriend never suggests me a book and out of no where and I knew I had to read it because we hardly talk about books with each other and since she recommended this, I picked it up.

There is a clear influence of Kafka on Kang. Not that it is a bad thing, in fact Kang did a very good job. There's a third person that I need to praise, the translator. She did a fantastic job. The book is beautifully written.

The book has episodes where misogyny is so normalized that you cannot help but think of such similar incidents that might have happened in your life. Do not read this book for a great plot. The plot isn't that of a great one; it is quite mainstream. However, the narrative is the anchor that makes this book stand out.

If ever I would want to write a book, this will be a book that I shall constantly refer to.

As an Indian living away from home, I yearned for a book that would transport me back to the familiar landscapes of my homeland. When I read the blurb of Sujata Massey's “A Sleeping Dictionary,” I knew I had found what I was looking for.

Massey's writing is stunning, particularly in her depiction of pre-Independent India. I thought I was aware of the independence struggle; but there is so much more that I am yet to know and this book nudged me towards learning about it more. The journey of Kamala, the protagonist, is one that every reader should experience. This book beautifully balances India's struggle for freedom with the turmoil of the characters' lives.

However, I do wish the book had a better editor, as I noticed a few odd sentences and grammatical errors. Nevertheless, this is one of the best books I read in 2024.

If you're interested in historical fiction set in India, “A Sleeping Dictionary” is a must-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.

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!

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.