R.K. Narayan’s Malgudi emerges as a timeless, fictional South Indian town where ordinary lives reveal universal truths. Through Malgudi Days and novels like The Bachelor of Arts and Mr. Sampath, Narayan captures human frailty, humour, and quiet transformation with warmth, simplicity, and enduring charm.
Understanding HG Wells’ World of Science Fiction
H.G. Wells’ The Invisible Man and The War of the Worlds explore humanity’s fragile relationship with science. Through Griffin’s moral decay and the Martians’ downfall, Wells contrasts human arrogance and vulnerability, revealing how unchecked ambition and superior intellect collapse before nature’s enduring power and balance.
A Goodbye Letter to Writer’s Block
Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird is both a writing guide and a companion for struggling writers. With humor and honesty, Lamott reminds us to start small, embrace imperfection, and write “bird by bird.” She dismantles the myth of effortless genius, offering empathy, wisdom, and encouragement to simply keep writing.
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson | Book Review
Bill Bryson’s A Short History of Nearly Everything is a brilliant, accessible dive into science—from the Big Bang to biology. With humour and curiosity, Bryson explores evolution, extinction, and everyday wonders, making complex topics feel human. A must-read for anyone who's ever looked up and wondered, “How did we get here?”
The Great Derangement by Amitav Ghosh | Book Review
Amitav Ghosh’s The Great Derangement offers a insightful blend of memoir, history, and literary criticism. Through personal stories, ecological analysis, and colonial critique, Ghosh urges deeper cultural engagement with environmental crises.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon | Book Review
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon is a poignant, unconventional mystery told through the eyes of Christopher, a 15-year-old with Asperger’s. Exploring family, trust, and emotional complexity, the novel offers raw insight into neurodiversity, caregiving struggles, and the quiet strength it takes to navigate an overwhelming world.
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe | Book Review
Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart portrays Igbo life before and during colonialism through the tragic story of Okonkwo, a proud warrior grappling with change. Rich in culture, conflict, and humanity, the novel explores tradition, identity, and societal upheaval with nuance, making it a timeless and powerful read.
Ram C/o Anandhi By Akhil P. Dharmajan, Translated from the Malayalam by Haritha C.K. | Book Review
Ram C/O Anandhi follows Ram, as he navigates film school, cultural shifts, and his evolving relationship with Anandhi, a strong-willed receptionist. With humor, drama, and regional charm, the novel captures college life, cultural shifts, and deep bonds, making for an engaging read.
The Silk Route Spy: The True Story of an Indian Double Agent by Dr Enakshi Sengupta | Book Review
Dr. Enakshi Sengupta’s The Silk Route Spy follows Nandlal Kapur, a British-trained spy who secretly aids India’s independence movement. Set in 1920s India, the novel explores espionage, patriotism, and sacrifice as Nandu’s journey takes him from Punjab to Japan.
White Teeth by Zadie Smith | Book Review
Zadie Smith's "White Teeth" explores immigration, identity, and family through the experiences of the Iqbal and Jones families in London. The narrative intertwines cultural struggles and generational conflicts, highlighting the complexities of friendship and the search for belonging, particularly through the characters Samad, Archie, Irie, and Clara.
November Comfort Reads: The Wit and Warmth of Jeeves and Wooster
This November, dive into the hilarious misadventures of P.G. Wodehouse’s iconic duo, Wooster and Jeeves. From The Inimitable Jeeves to The Code of the Woosters and Very Good, Jeeves!, these tales of wit, eccentric characters, and clever rescues provide comfort, laughs, and delightful escapism for cozy reading days.
Poonachi by Perumal Murugan | Book Review
Poonachi is a deeply emotional and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of survival, class, and social norms through the life of a tiny black goat. Perumal Murugan masterfully blends myth and dystopia, portraying rural hardships and human-animal connections with vivid detail, leaving readers reflecting on its message long after finishing.
It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover | Book Review
It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover, now a major motion picture, tells the story of Lily Bloom, a florist in Boston, and her complex relationships with two men—Atlas, a homeless boy from her past, and Ryle, a wealthy neurosurgeon.
Thank You For Being Late by Thomas Friedman | Book Review
"Thank You For Being Late" by Thomas Friedman explores the rapid technological changes since 2007, emphasizing Moore's Law and key innovations like smartphones. It highlights the impact of these advancements on society and the environment, stressing the urgency of addressing climate change. The book combines personal insights with global case studies, offering a comprehensive look at our accelerated age.
Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley | Book Review
Frankenstein, a literary classic for over two centuries, delves deeply into themes of creation, beauty, and rejection. Through letters by Captain Walton, Mary Shelley's novel reveals Victor Frankenstein's tragic story and his grotesque creation's struggle for acceptance, highlighting society's superficial judgments and the ethical consequences of scientific ambition.
Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens | Book Summary and Insights
Nicholas Nickleby is an enduring tale of compassion and resilience, navigating the trials of a young boy thrust into the world's harshness. Dickens weaves a tapestry of contrasting fortunes, where goodness contends against evil's depths. Through adversity, Nicholas and Kate find strength, embodying Dickens' belief in the triumph of integrity over adversity.
Five Reasons Why Your Next Read Ought to be a Classic
Classics have a special place on our bookshelves, needless to say, they are a portal to an era bygone. They instantly transport you to a time that stands still for you to delve into the beauty of nature, the richness of prose, and the complexities of human nature. Classic literature from the historical fiction genre … Continue reading Five Reasons Why Your Next Read Ought to be a Classic
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig | Book Review
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig was one of the most talked about books that won the Goodreads Choice Award for Fiction in 2020. But as I had decided to steer clear of the overhyped contemporary books, I chose not to read this one. The critical nitpicker inside me finally caved in, and when I … Continue reading The Midnight Library by Matt Haig | Book Review
A Literary Crossover | From the Dickensian World
What the Dickens…in the times of love and romance! February may not be the best suited month to wedge in Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens but then who thinks a crossover isn’t feasible! Dickensian world was built inside a certain frame, bleak and gloomy and no matter where you were led by the literary genius, … Continue reading A Literary Crossover | From the Dickensian World
Becoming by Michelle Obama | Book Review
"Becoming" by Michelle Obama is a heartfelt and authentic memoir that unveils the woman behind the global icon. Divided into three parts, the book explores her childhood, meeting Barack Obama, and their journey through his presidency. Michelle's resilience, positive upbringing, and dedication shine through, making it an inspiring read.
Bookishloom 