Bee
"Blue Sisters" by Coco Mellors is a popular book published in 2024. The story is told through the perspectives of three sisters: Avery, Bonnie, and Lucky. They are part of a family of four sisters, each dealing with personal struggles. Avery is struggling with her identity and her inability to connect emotionally with her wife, Chiti. Bonnie, the second sister, is a boxer battling feelings of guilt and low self-worth. Lucky, the third sister, is a model in Paris who is also struggling with addiction. The sisters reunite after the death of their fourth sister, Nicky, who died from an overdose. The reunion forces them to confront their pasts and figure out what happened. To know more about their journey, read the book.
"Willodeen" by Katherine Applegate is a middle grade story, but any story that carries the power to bring positive change in society is for everyone—not just for kids. And so is Willodeen. It's a story that shows a deep connection and love for animals that are often disliked by others, especially the screechers. But the main protagonist, Willodeen, sees their worth. In the end, she helps others realize the importance of every creature in maintaining the balance of nature.
This Henrik Ibsen play will have you pondering for days. There’s no actual ghosts in Ghosts; it’s about the secrets and lies that haunt people even decades later. The plot centers on Mrs. Alving, a widow whose life was never perfect — and oh, does it get worse with the beginning of a revelation of past hidden truths.
The strength of this play lies in how it demonstrates that the true “ghosts” in the life are not frightening spirits, but rather, what we try to conceal — past mistakes, regrets and untold stories.
"The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches" is an amazing story I absolutely loved!
It begins with the story of a solitary witch who receives a mysterious job offer that leads her to a place unlike any she’s ever known. The job is against her rules to find out what happen grab the book and delve into the story.
If you're into cozy fantasy with found family and feel-good stories you should definitely read this one.
Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House is a beautifully written play, and the character of Nora is truly remarkable. Henrik Ibsen does a good job showing how the expectations placed on women by society and reflect the patriarchy and gender roles of his time.
Spoiler alert there are few lines I took from the book so go ahead only if you have read the book otherwise it can be a sort of spoiler.
I adore the response of Nora when she and her husband has conversation
Where Nora questioned....
Nora: What do you consider my most sacred duties?
Helmer: Do I need to tell you that? Are they not your duties to your husband and your children?
Nora: I have other duties just as sacred.
Helmer: That you have not. What duties could those be?
Nora: Duties to myself
"The Vegetarian" left me in between clarity and confusion that I can’t quite put into words. It's one of those books that makes you question everything—whether you like it or not—and I still find myself uncertain about how I truly feel. But there's something undeniably impactful about it, something that lingers in your mind long after you finish.
At its core, this is the story of Yeong-hye, a woman who decides to give up meat after experiencing a disturbing dream basically want to became a vegetarian. But it's not just about her dietary choice; it spirals into a deeper exploration of identity, family, and personal control. The story is split into three parts, each narrated from the perspective of a different person in her life: her husband, her brother-in-law, and her sister.
The first part, from her husband's point of view, sets the stage. He’s bewildered and disturbed by her sudden decision, and his frustration feels palpable. But it’s the second part, from her brother-in-law’s perspective, that really threw me off. This man, in a way, represents the kind of psychological discomfort that the book seems to instill in its readers. His obsession with Yeong-hye only added to my anxiety, making me feel trapped in his unsettling thoughts. And then, in the third part, we see Yeong-hye from her sister's viewpoint, which brings a touch of clarity, but also more questions.
I can't explain why the book made me feel this way. I’m not sure if I can say I “liked” it, but I can say it made me think—about body autonomy, about how our actions ripple out into the lives of others, and about the complexity of human relationships. It's haunting and uncomfortable, but perhaps that’s exactly the point. The rawness and unpredictability of Yeong-hye's journey left me with a sense of unease I can’t shake, and honestly, I’m not sure if that’s something I appreciate or something I’m still processing.
In the end, this book is not for everyone. It's the kind of read that left meunsettled and questioning what I've just read. I enjoyed it, I can’t deny it made me feel something—though I’m still not sure exactly what that something is.
"GUNAHON KA DEVTA" written by Dharmveer Bharti is very well written book fast paced story based in a small town which is focusing on the main protagonist and people in his life and his complex relationships his struggle to be a perfect person but on the other hand he is not a very nice person (Chander Kapoor views towards women are full of patriarchy) but still women love him so basically women is written for men in this book from men's perspective...... There is a charcter Sudha who is close to Chander life; she loves him, respects him, and considers him as her devta, even if he smacked her on the name of concern.
Sudha questioned Chander's well-being, all I understood that women are merely puppets of men in the world of Gunahon ka Devta.
‘I thought that one day, suddenly,
life would begin and open up before me like the curtain rising in the theatre, like a show about to start.
Nothing happened and many things happened but
never what I had hoped for, you couldn't say it was
life; and I guess I've persisted in being a little girl, for
I keep waiting for that life to come.'
In my exploration of Harivansh Rai Bachchan's “Madhushala,” I keenly observe how he adeptly captures the complexities of life, addressing issues such as caste dynamics, class struggles, religious undertones, and societal dramas not in more detail but he did. The simplicity in his descriptions serves as a poignant commentary on the profound themes he delves into. My recognition of the metaphorical representation of the bar, subtly repressing life, adds an intriguing layer to the poem, highlighting Bachchan's ability to convey deeper meanings indirectly. It's a testament to the timeless relevance of “Madhushala” and the disconnect some may have in comprehending its profound insights.
Music To Flame Lilies” beckons with a melody of love and mystery, resonating deeply from its opening pages. When Noor receives a mysterious missive from her departed friend, the story unfolds with a delicate balance of suspense and heartfelt reflection.
Megha's prose casts a spell, transporting readers to the mystical realm of Herga, where reality intertwines with folklore's whispered secrets. Noor traverses the enchantment and peril of her childhood sanctuary, while her meeting with Kalki ignites a romance both tender and profound—a dance of souls across the divide.
The novel's strength lies in its lyrical narrative, each chapter a verse in a symphony of emotions. Themes of fate, love, and the enduring echoes of memory echo through its pages, painting a tapestry of longing and discovery.
As the story unfolds gently, it offers moments to pause and ponder, drawing readers deeper into its spell. The characters' uncertain fates and the decisions they face create a web of suspense that builds towards a satisfying conclusion, resonating with both thought and feeling.
“Music To Flame Lilies” by Megha Rao is a engaging tale that lingers like a cherished melody, showcasing her mastery of storytelling and leaving us eager for more.
Blue Is The Warmest Color' isn't just something you read; It's more like an emotional ride that gets under your skull and refuses to stop twisting. Clémentine's pain embodies the silence and suffering that often surrounds so many of us. But her struggles are universal, and the way her pain is depicted seems raw and so real it hurts.
Then there's Emma — the loss she endures is nothing if not gut-wrenching. Watching her go through the deep ache of love and and longing is like exposing your own heart. I don't remember ever crying as I was reading a book as much as I cried reading this one, but it caught me in a way I didn't expect. The emotions are raw and the storytelling strong enough to shred you.
Just finished Our Bones in Your Throat by and I'm utterly spellbound. Her writing never fails to mesmerize me.
Our Bones in Your Throat is a novel, exploring themes like betrayal, sacrifice, friendship, and toxic relationships. At its heart is Esai, whose deep connections to St. Margaret's profoundly shape her character.
Megha Rao enriches the story by painting Mumbai (Bombay) with a romantic and intriguingly peculiar brush, giving the city a captivating charm that lingers well beyond the final page.
What struck me most was the depth and nuance in the friendship between Esai and Scheher. Despite my occasional conflicts with the main protagonist, their relationship is a journey of revelation. The sacrifices they make for each other offer a poignant exploration of loyalty and betrayal, illustrating how their mutual support and help define their bond.
The first book I reviewed of Kochery C. Shibu's Amongst the Believers, tries to address several big themes — faith, personal struggles, social pressures in life — but falters in parts. The story, which is set against a backdrop of Kerala, also explores the way characters contend with their beliefs and how they are perceived by their respective communities. The book shows promise but drops the ball in managing some characters and themes.
Plot and Themes: This book is mostly concerned with the struggle between personal passions and religious responsibilities, and how profoundly faith can affect individual lives. The themes of identity and belief are quite fascinating, but at times the story feels predictable and flat. The characters' personal struggles are often overwhelmed by the crushing weight of social and religious pressure, rendering any development of them inherently superficial.
More troublingly, the book associates Muslims with extremism and terrorism in its portrayals of them in a stereotypical fashion. It is a theme that crops up repeatedly throughout the tale and is a source of trouble. Rather than providing a nuanced, more diverse picture of Muslim characters, the book takes an easy — and hurtful — route to confirming negative stereotypes. This kind of representation is one-dimensional and offers little insight into the complexities of the Muslim world.
Characterization:
The characters in “Amongst the Believers” are not well-developed, making it hard for readers to connect with them. While Shibu tries to show people struggling with faith and identity, many characters come across as tools for the author's social commentary rather than real, fleshed-out individuals. Muslim characters, in particular, are often reduced to their religious identity and connected to radicalism and violence. This is a limiting and unfair portrayal, which misses an opportunity to explore the full complexity of these characters.
Writing Style:
The writing is clear but lacks the depth needed to make the book stand out. There are moments where the characters reflect on their lives, but these moments often feel overshadowed by the way the themes are handled. The pacing can be uneven, and the dialogue, though functional, doesn't carry the emotional weight that the story needs.
Cultural and Social Commentary:
The book tries to explore the role of religion in society, but the way it uses stereotypes weakens its message. The portrayal of Muslims as terrorists or extremists feels outdated and unfair. It's important to critique religion in society, but doing so in a way that targets one community in a negative light doesn't promote healthy discussion or understanding.
Final Thoughts:
In the end, “Amongst the Believers” had the potential to be a deeper and more meaningful exploration of faith, identity, and societal pressures, but it doesn't fully deliver. The portrayal of Muslims, in particular, is disappointing because it relies on harmful stereotypes that take away from the novel's message. While the book touches on important topics, it does so in a way that feels shallow and unfair. If you're looking for a more thoughtful and balanced exploration of these themes, this book may not be the best choice.
This is the first graphic novel I'm reviewing that I've read this year. It's a cute lesbian romance that I find sweet. The story revolves around Momo Gardner, who is always ready to help others but is sensitive and introverted.
She ends up falling in love with PG, and she has many doubts about whether PG loves her the way she does or if she's just a hookup or friend with benefit situation for PG. Even though it's not her initial feelings it is based on what others whisper about PG. On the other hand PG is a kind of heartbroken
What drew me into reading it was the opening line of the Chapter One: ‘If you are interested in stories with happy endings, you would be better off reading some other book.' It's a kind of sad story where three kids are so unfortunate that no one wants to be like them. They hear some terrible news at the beach, which they initially hope is just a terrible joke, but sadly, it isn't. From there, their struggle begins.
They don't have proper food, space to sleep, or clean clothes, but they look after each other and fight for each other's lives. In short, if you're prepared for the misfortunes faced by these children, dive into the entire volume of ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events.'
It's a concise yet gripping read.
You will like few interesting lines as well I find this one
” So unless you are very, very lucky, you know that a good, long session of weeping can often make you feel better,even if your circumstances have not changed one bit.”
Lost my heart in the last chapter! Now the entire lyrics of ‘Girls Like Girls' feel like a revelation. It's like the missing puzzle pieces just clicked into place
I didn't really enjoyed the book but yes readers who like Before the Coffee Gets Cold will appreciate it, but it didn't live up to my expectations (I don't know why it's so overhyped). It's a cheerful, fast-paced book that ends very quickly. Furthermore, I felt that the characters were poorly portrayed and lacked nuance. However, I will read the novel's sequel to see if it does justice to (Days at Morishaki Bookshop). I'd also like to know what you think of the book.
Life Ceremony is a collection of 13 short stories, each filled with unusual and thought-provoking narratives. I found myself engrossed in the peculiar activities depicted in each story, making for an enjoyable read overall. After finishing one story, I was compelled to dive into the next, eager to uncover more of Murata's unique storytelling.
Each story explores unusual activities, like making materials from dead bodies and food culture clashes, making them intriguing but potentially off-putting for some readers.
For instance, the first story, “A First-Rate Material,” explores the concept of materials crafted from dead human bodies, while the second story, “A Magnificent Spread,” delves into food culture clashes, making them intriguing.
While some readers may find certain stories a bit too eccentric, but I found them really different and made me think. The book talks about some serious stuff like cannibalism, so it's good for readers to be careful. But overall, “Life Ceremony” is a special book that I think deserves a good
Our Wives Under The Sea is beautiful and emotionally affecting story that swept me up.
In short story is about Two wives Miri and her partner Leah, who has returned after being missing for months, stuck below the surface during a submarine accident. But after her return, things were not quite same,now That Leah has returned she's changed in ways that Miri finds it difficult to understand.
What I really liked about this book was how it shows the raw and real emotions of love,loss and the difficult journey of reconnecting with someone who has gone through something you can't fully grasp. It made me feel for both characters deeply as they tried to rebuild their lives together,even though they were suffering through a lot of hurt and confusion. The author has written it really well showed a sense of loneliness and isolation, but hope,as characters search for ways to deal with the new reality they find themselves in.
The story was strange a bit in the beginning but changed later on.
Ending was not predictable and I really liked reading this book.