2020 has been a mind boggling year like no other. From the way life has panned out since the coronavirus pandemic took over the world, everything has changed. Books brought me peace. No doubt, my collection of books propped me up with good company, made me laugh and cry and cozy up when I needed it. Everytime I stepped into the pages of a book, I found that my fears and worries vanished into it. Some magic, huh? It wasn't an easy year. Still here are a few favourites from my reading list during the pandemic. Struggling to find time to read books - join Gretchen Rubin's to read for 21 mins every day - read this for more details.
In Search of Heer by Manjul Bajaj: Published by Tranquebar
Loved this book to bits! My best read of 2020 started off with this contemporary retelling of the iconic Heer Ranjha love story. I had read many readers praising this book on my timeline but I place a lot of trust in the book reviews shared by Anu Reviews - you can read it here and I simply had to read this book. Each sentence is sculptured to perfection like an artist's touch of finality to a masterpiece. Not one instance when I, as a reader, wanted to skip a page or a paragraph. When the story reached its end, I felt Heer's love story seep into my higher consciousness.
"Honour is like a tiger that men of our ilk have been riding for centuries.
We think it adds to our glory, but in the end it only turns its head back, tosses down and devours us."
Another quote: "Why does the world always assume that running away is a solution? That there exists a mythical placed called 'away' in which disheartened people can find refuge? The truth is, our challenges are writen in invisible ink inside our bellies and over our skin, in our very bone marrow, and in the blood that speeds through our vessels. Everywhere we run to, they run with us."
When I began reading this book, the magic of words pulled me in as I visualised the beautiful description of Punjab, which was undivided at the time.
I loved the way how a goat, a crow and a pigeon narrate their perspectives and their authenticity shines. There isn't a single moment to feel bored. For me, the most gripping parts of the story is after Heer moves to her new home.
The feminist tone of this novel strikes a perfect balance with its poetic rendering.
Janaka and Ashtavakra: A Journey Beyond by Ashraf Karyath
Published by Rupa Publications
While the story also shows that physical disability does not determine one's capability and wisdom, it opens a reader's eyes to many aspects of the mind's power to perceive, intercept, deceive and take action.
The nuances of decision making are explored and the narration is as philosophical as it is intense that you cannot skip a single page or paragraph without feeling emotional and worried about the outcome.
The story telling technique is gripping.
Of all the books I read in 2020, this book offered the most enlightening read!
Victoria Gowramma: The Lost Princess of Coorg by C.P.Belliappa
Published by Rupa Publications
A fascinating account of Indian Princess Gowramma, daughter of Veerarajendra, who lives with a royal status in Britain by converting to Christianity and she is christened by the Queen as 'Victoria Gowramma.' Right from the start, she wins the love and affection of the Queen and become a favourite.
Such is the Queen's interest in her newfound Christian daughter's life in London that she is chaperoned and looked after by aristrocrats in London, who report directly about her progress to the Queen. Gowramma is treated as one of the Queen's children in society. They ensure that her contacts with her own father are minimized to maintain her newfound status as a Christian and since her father is a 'heathen' Raja, in comparison.
Having been pampered throughout her life, Gowramma shows neither an interest nor an inclination to remain in the company of her father as she is more ambitious to win a wealthy aristocrat husband, As she turns more British and alienates herself from her large family of siblings in Coorg, it becomes a matter of time before she becomes alien to herself.
Having converted to Christianity to find happiness, the princess finds herself feeling 'lost' till her tragic end. Clearly, a high society and royal acceptance by the Queen of England itself did little to bring her happiness in the long run.
With a Little Help from My Friends by Dev Lahiri
Published by Rupa Publications
Written in a simple, heartwarming style, Dev Lahiri's memoir shows us the grave challenges faced by Principals when in conflict with profit-centric managements. He points out how a wealthy parent tried to influence him by making a call from the then PMO and he refused to oblige even after he was threatened by the parent with 'consequences'.
He also points out that unlike in other developing countries, Indian educational system does not offer any specialised course for Principals and Headmasters.
While reading this, it struck me that we, as parents, know so little or enquire so little into these finer aspects of the educational institutions we put our children into.
Think about it - a specialised training/course is essential for Principals/Headmasters as their functions determine not only the success of the school they helm but the successful outcomes of their students too.
Dev Lahiri's fascinating account also relates how his wife and daughters made sacrifices to support the challenges that he faced in his leadership roles as an educationist. Pointing to the difficult days when his daughters' education itself was impacted due to the strict and uncompromising stance that he took, the book conveys the truth about an honest man's account of what happens when you refuse to let your integrity be compromised. Even when his school management turns the tables on him and makes multiple allegations to remove him arbitrarily, Lahiri receives wholehearted support from parents and the alumni.
Summing up, this book is one that every parent should read and reflect on.
Shadows of the Past and Other Stories by Jeena R Papaadi
Published by BecomeShakespeare.com
A thought provoking collection of fifteen short stories bring to life the nuances of the Malayali identity, probing the faultlines with a dash of good humour and wit. Each story, starkly different from the other, glued me to the book.
The language sparkles with piercing clarity and flows like a melody.
A part of me did not want these stories to conclude - it was as though every story had a heartbeat of its own and I didn't want it to stop. The reader is given the liberty to probe the hidden kernel of truth in every story as the author wraps up the crux of the story. No doubt, Jeena R Papaadi is a writer whose voice must be reach more readers.
Ten Things Your Skinny Friends Don't Tell You by Keerthi Yella
Published by FingerPrint! Publishing
Few books make me smile and laugh aloud continuously. Keerthi Yella's hilarious take on "Ten Things Your Skinny Friends Don't Tell You". As some one who is regularly bombarded with comments from a diverse range of family members (well intentioned of course) that start with "Oh my god, how did you become so fat" to "when will you ever lose weight and look normal" to "do something before your weight management issues go out of control' to 'look at her and find out how she lost weight in such a short time'. From weddings to marriage reception to parties, I am bombarded with comments that are totally brimming with such love.
For the same reason, I had a hearty good laugh to find out that I am in good company with Keerthi Yella's "Ten Things Your Skinny Friends Don't Tell You." She nails every sentiment that I personally have gone through and I am taking a good guess that thousands of women under go the same on various occasions - which is why I loved reading this book.
"So when your skinny friends bless themselves for their genes and thank the merciful Lord, stare hard at them until you freak the hell out of them because they are fooling us, just as those women who grace the pages of glossy fashion magazines..."
Another hilarious quote among many: "Whenever a dessert is placed before them, skinny people will always say that their non-elastic golf ball-sized stomachs are full and they have no room..."
Packed with useful tidbits (read: secrets safely guarded by skinny people), the book is a must-read for any one who enjoys talking to those who are candid enough to tell you that a spade is just that - a spade.
I can't help resisting adding one more quote from Keerthi Yella's book, "It's quite a common sight in the kingdoms of Facebook and Instagram - skinnies flashing their Colgate smiles with cones of ice cream or wispy thin candyfloss...."
Muruga The God of War: As Told by an 11 year old Storyteller
Published by Notion Press
When the world is waging a war against the pandemic, I became drawn to reading about the God of War! You cannot imagine how interesting the experience has been. After all, these are times when we are waging a war with viruses!
Coming back to this well-written book on Lord Muruga written by a 11 year old girl called Shraddha Anu Sekhar, I was amazed by her understanding of the Puranas. Kudos to the 11 year story teller who meticulously brought to life the story of Lord Karthikeya.
Two sections make for a thorough and interesting reading - Temples and Festivals associated with Lord Muruga and the stories behind each temple and its unique traditons as well as the 'Vahanas' or the divine vehicles of Lord Muruga. The informative insights are a must-read for any temple-goer who is keen to understand more about Lord Muruga.
A sweet dedication by the 11 year old story teller: She dedicates the book to her grandparents.
If you love reading, share your book reccos with me and do check Ranjini Rao's blog post on 'Why I love libraries'.
Before I sign off on this blog post with a beautiful thought: "Between life and death there is a library, " she said. "And within that library, the shelves go on for ever. Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived. To see how things would be different if you had made other choices. Would you have done anything different, if you had the chance to undo your regrets?" [The Midnight Library by Matt Haig]
Do let me know what are the best books you read in 2020 - I'd love to get your book reccos too. Just in case you want to stay connected with my book reviews, feel free to follow my GoodReads profile here.
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