Bharath

This book is kinda like Interstellar of novels. I didn't understand Interstellar that great on my first watch but now, it is a movie that I constantly think about. Similarly, Recursion is one such book.

Recursion by Blake Crouch is, for real, a page turner. If not for my sleepy head, I would have completed this book in a day rather than 2. This is a great take on different timelines. I reread multiple parts of this book to understand it better and I think, this is a book I shall pick up every now and then to completely get the science behind it.

If you like the concept of alternate timelines or alternate lives, this is a book you would definitely love.

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!

That was a very fast read. Usually, I take some time with any book, be it literary or mystery. But this one, I completed in 2 days. The author Holly Jackson got my attention from the very beginning to the end. I think this will be my first series that I shall ever read I guess.

This is the story of the town Fairview where Andie Bell, a 17 year old went missing and was declared dead upon the death of Sal Singh, the alleged murderer. There was never a confession nor a trial. But just a declaration that Sal Singh was the murderer. Five years later, Pip, a high school student, chooses to unravel the discrepancies in the investigation and for some reason, has a strong belief that Sal is not the murderer. Will Pip unravel the dark secrets in the disappearance and the murders of two high school students? Read to find out.

I think Holly Jackson did a phenomenal job in writing a captivating thriller. Although it has the familiar beats of every other thriller, I enjoyed it because I picked it up with one attention - a book that will make me pick it up rather than the phone and it absolutely delivered on it. This book had you guessing who the murderer was and that's something I like. Although, I found weaker intentions behind Pip's motivation, I think this is a great book.

If you are looking for something fun to read, not work your brain much and something that just captures your attention, you can safely trust me and pick this book up!

This book is the longest I have ever taken to complete a thriller book. Although it was an enjoyable read, I have few problems with this book. Here's about the book and why this doesn't make into my ‘mystery-thriller recs' list.

Anna is a psychoanalyst who lives alone, all by herself. While being separated from her husband and her daughter, she also deals with agoraphobia - a condition due to which she cannot step out of the house. She is The Woman in the Window, the one who spies on the neighbors as a way to pass her time. One day, the Russells move into her neighborhood and mistakes them for a regular family. One night, she hears a scream from the Russells and sees something she shouldn't have. However, she is not taken seriously because of her medications and she is left to ask herself, ‘Has it really happened or is she crazy?'


On paper, this book has an interesting premise. However, the biggest setback for me is the pace of the book. When I pick up a thriller book, I expect it to be fast-paced, if not fast-paced, I would like to see the story to progress. However, the author takes about 40% of the book to setup the characters. I mean, I understood the dynamics and their stories in the first 20% maybe. (Yeah, I read it on Kindle. Thats why the %'s). Apart from that, I think it has everything that a thriller should have-except the pace.

If you like a slow burner, I would definitely recommend this to you. But if you are someone like, who pick up thriller to have more of a quick read, I would not recommend this to you. I had to push myself to read this book until the actual plot started and once the plot took off, there were no complaints!

Funny story on why I read this book. I went to the library and I already picked two books that I wanted to read. For some reason, the number 2 did not sit right with me and I decided to borrow a third book. I jumped into my shelf of ‘must-read-before-i-die' on Goodreads and stumbled upon Sweet Bean Paste.

Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa is a beautiful tale of friendship between Senatro, a not-so-happy confectioner and Tokue, a 76-year old woman, who wants to work at Senatro's shop. What begins as a mere employment relationship slowly evolves into a beautiful friendship.

I am rather confused on how exactly to review this book. Its not that there isn't any fluff in it. It's just that this book was an experience that's hard to put into words. I think I would rather write about the aspects I liked and did not.

The aspects I liked in this book was it's simple language yet deep impact. Some authors use wordy words to make an impact on readers and then there are Japanese authors, who for some reason, have this innate ability to leave a deep impact effortlessly. The other aspect I really liked is that the author focused more on the relationship between his two characters rather than dwelling too much into the past. Maybe an underlying message to not care about past much?

Although I enjoyed reading the tale of Sentaro and Tokue, I thought their internal conflicts, especially those of Senatro could have been presented better. I could not empathize or understand Senatro as much as I could with Tokue for the lack of his story. I think that is the only complaint I have.

If you like to read something breezy where nothing phenomenal is happening, where there are no strong plot points but just the interactions of the characters, you would totally enjoy this!

This is a beautiful story between the Housekeeper and the Professor. One day, the Housekeeper is employed to take care of a maths professor who is in his 60's. Although he doesn't have any physical ailments, he has a condition-his memory resets every 80 minutes. Yes. Exactly 80 minutes. Now, how the Professor manages his life, what kind of impact the Housekeeper leaves on him and what happens when the Housekeeper's 10 year old son who builds a friendship with the forgetting Professor is something you should read for yourself.

I absolutely loved it. I devoured it in like 3 or 4 sittings. This is a very easy and engaging read with only 180 pages. Although the author doesn't dwell much on each character's history, you would not feel disconnected. This book will leave you with smiles, tears and grief too. It is not really sad but yeah, you get it!

If you love A Man Called Ove, I am sure you would love this one too!

There is this photo that I clicked of myself right after I finished reading the book. I was crying sure but I was so happy. I think that photo alone conveys a lot more than the words I write now.

The Art of Racing in the Rain is a story narrated by a dog, Enzo. He is chosen by Denny, who is a car racer. What happens when Enzo and Denny are joined by others such as Eve, his wife and Zoe, his daughter, how Enzo fits into the equation of this family is the remainder of the story.

This book is very personal to me. I have a dog back home and right now, I am so so far away from him. And ironically, today is his birthday. This book is a reminder to everyone that a dog is not a mere pet but a companion in your ups and downs. Even your pets are impacted by the happenings in your life. And sometimes, it is not a human who would teach us how to live but it can be your dog too.

I would totally recommend this to you if you are an animal lover. This is not a very plot-heavy book but surely a heart-touching one. There are so many lessons you learn from the perspective of a dog. On a side note, if you want to read something that involves an animal, I surely recommend The Yearling.

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.

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.

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.

Lucky for me, my public library had this book the day it was released, and I grabbed it immediately—for one reason: Murakami.

This story follows the journey of a 17-year-old boy who falls in love with a 16-year-old girl. She tells him about a mysterious town where time has no meaning. In this place, the boy is a librarian, and the girl works in the same library. But she reveals a strange truth: she's not her “real” self, only a shadow of her true self, who resides in the timeless town. The boy doesn't question her, which leads her to confide these secrets. Then, one day, she vanishes, and his quest to find her begins.

While the blurb offers a glimpse, it doesn't do justice to the magic of this story—you really have to read it to experience it. Similar to Kafka on the Shore, this novel revolves around themes of shadows, lost love, and libraries, all wrapped in Murakami's signature magical realism. However, I found the writing here to be simpler and easier to grasp compared to some of his other works. The characters feel vivid and relatable, and the air of mystery keeps you engaged throughout.

I do have one small gripe: there's a character arc that I struggled to understand in relation to the story. While I appreciate Murakami's style of leaving connections open to interpretation, this one left me puzzled.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book. That said, some readers might find it too familiar, especially if they've read Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World (which I haven't). If you loved Kafka on the Shore, there's a good chance you'll appreciate this one too.

Freedom at Midnight is one of those rare historic, unbiased accounts. I have always wanted to learn about the independence struggle. Have I learnt something new? Yes. Is it what I was expecting? No.

This book begins around 1946-47 when the British have decided to let go of India and give her independence. The drama, the politics and the consequences of the partition are something that's covered in this book. I definitely learnt something but I was expecting to read more on the independence struggle. If you want to learn about the struggles and consequences of the Partition, the role of the princely states and the setup of the first government in Independent India, I definitely recommend this book!

Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors is an absolute gem and my first book by this amazing author. It's a heartfelt story about four sisters, each grappling with their own struggles. Despite their differences—and occasional resentments—their bond remains unshaken, serving as a lifeline through life's challenges.

The narrative begins a year after the tragic death of Nicky, one of the sisters. Her loss has left a void in their lives, yet they've all been trying to move forward, albeit unhappily. On the first anniversary of her passing, their mother decides to sell Nicky's flat and asks the sisters to visit one last time to take anything they'd like to keep. For the sisters, this decision feels like losing one of the last tangible connections to Nicky. As they gather, the story delves into how her death has shaped their lives and whether any of them have truly had the chance to grieve.

I picked up Blue Sisters based on recommendations from Goodreads and Fable, and it exceeded my expectations. The interplay between the sisters reminded me of Intermezzo by Sally Rooney, but Blue Sisters offers a sweeter, less existential take on similar themes. What I loved most was the realistic portrayal of how Nicky's loss reverberates through each sister's life. The character development is beautifully done, and Mellors' writing is accessible, making this a perfect pick for beginners and seasoned readers alike.

If you're looking for a wholesome, emotionally resonant book that isn't overly heavy, Blue Sisters is a fantastic choice. Highly recommended!

I have always wanted to understand Franz Kafka, especially his works. I thought it's better to first read his letter to the father and then dive into his books to fully understand the work.

I hate to rate or review this because how inhumane must you be to rate someone's pain and agony. All I can say is the letter made me reflect on the patterns of, what could be sometimes, a toxic upbringing. It's important for everyone to read this book not only to understand Kafka better but to introspect on any patterns in your family that were passed from one generation to other. Hermann was lucky to not read his son's letter. But how would you feel if your child had written this letter to you? This question made me affirm to be a better father one day.

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.

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.

Of all the books sitting on my TBR forever, I'm so glad I finally picked this one up. Huge thanks to the bookstagrammer who recommended it! Here After by Amy Lin is a memoir about grief—raw, honest, and deeply moving.

Amy Lin shares her journey of surviving each day after losing her husband. This book made me teary not once or twice, but multiple times. It made me reflect on grief, something I haven't personally experienced, and on how we rarely think about the moments that shake us to our core until they happen.

If you're someone who likes a strong plot or clear progress, this might not be for you. But if you love books that explore deep human emotions, you might just connect with this one.

BookTok actually got it right this time. This book left me with such a heavy heart—I just sat there for ten minutes, not moving. If I had been alone, I probably would have cried.

The Song of Achilles is a retelling of a small part of Greek mythology, focusing on two Greek princes: Achilles and Patroclus. Told from Patroclus' perspective, we follow their journey—from their first meeting, to growing up together, to falling in love. Achilles is destined to be the greatest warrior of the Greeks, while Patroclus is... just Patroclus. Their love story begins in Phthia, takes them to Troy, and eventually leads to the Trojan War.

That's all I'll say about the plot. Even though the ending is obvious, I went in with no knowledge of Greek mythology, and the book still hit me hard. Patroclus' narration is beautiful, and Madeline Miller's writing is effortless yet so powerful. Retelling mythology in a way that feels fresh and personal is no easy task, but she absolutely nails it.

You should read this book. No excuses. Don't worry if you're not familiar with mythology—just focus on the love between Patroclus and Achilles, and the forces that try to keep them apart. It's heartbreaking, but so worth it. Now, I will go to the bathroom and weep.

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.

This book is a fantastic thriller. It does not have your typical whodunnit plot, which seems to be the premise every thriller being published these days.

First Lie Wins is about a woman named Evelyn Porter. Her childhood did not have some memorable moments rather filled with deceit. Years later, she seems to have a stable life with her boyfriend Ryan Sumner. At least that's what you would think. But, Evelyn Porter isn't her real name. And Ryan isn't her boyfriend but a mere assignment. Her assignment gets locked in jeopardy when she is at crossroads with her past. Why she is with Ryan, who endangers her assignment and why she does what she does is the remainder of the story.

You should definitely read this one for a different take on the thriller genre. I have been bored to death with every thriller book having the central theme of a dead body and who the killer is. Although it has similar plot points throughout, I must say Ashley Elston has done a commendable job in captivating the readers from the get-go. It does not have any mind-blowing twists but it is definitely worth a read!

Ahhhh, it was such a long month. I have started two other books and DNF'ed them. I was about to DNF this too. Thankfully, I was able to push through and complete The Shining. And I like it. Like, like it the right amount.

The Shining is the story of a family. Jack and Wendy are the parents of a 5-year old son, Danny. Jack loses his job at a school and is forced to take up a job as a caretaker of the grand, historic hotel, The Overlook. As magnificent as it looks, the hotel holds a dark past. Will the family succumb to the horrors of the hotel? That is the remainder of the story.

Now, the only reason I picked it up is because I have always wanted to watch the movie. So, I am one of the lunatics who needs to read the book before the movie adaptation. Halfway through the book, I realized that the movie is no where near to the book, except for the core.

Talking about the book, this is my first Stephen King's read. He writes very descriptively. I had each and every detail of The Overlook in my head. Although the writing is fantastic, the pace and setup have been rather slow. 3/4th's of the book is taken to establish the influence of The Overlook on the family. It is great pacing but I prefer a faster one maybe? (Thank you, Instagram!)

Overall, I would definitely recommend this if you have been meaning to explore Stephen King. I think it's a great one to begin with. Although, I have heard the movie is much better than the book. More on that, later!

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.