Dear readers,
It is a common assumption that all creators behind reading platforms are effortlessly racking up their monthly book numbers. Yet, here we stand, (too early into the year, mind you), amidst our stacks of unread novels, lost in the labyrinth of our literary aspirations.
Surprisingly, we find comfort in this state of literary limbo, not feeling the need to rush our way out just yet. Don't get me wrong, we're not taking a break from reading altogether in February. Instead, we're savoring books once a week, or whenever the mood strikes, rather than forcing ourselves into the daily bedtime routine. (Admittedly, as we type this, we can't help but think: 'Who are we, and what's going on?’). It is important to acknowledge that if you find yourself in the same position as us now, or at any point in the future, even years down the line, it's completely okay – these reading lulls happen to the best of us.
We're optimistic that a shift in our reading mood is just around the corner. But, just in case this mood decides to linger, we reached out to our community for some preemptive advice. Here are your tactics for overcoming a reading slump:
Listen to an audiobook
Tap a friend for a buddy read
Pick up a short story
Dabble in a new genre
Reread a favorite book
By the way, don't think we don't have recommendations for you this month. Because we do!
Until next time,
Mishika and Sri
The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams
Reviewed by: Maleeha Hamidi
“The Reading List” unfolds a heartwarming narrative that explores themes of friendship, grief, community, and the transformative power of literature. Set in Wembley, London, the story revolves around Mukesh, a widower, and Aleisha, a local librarian facing her own challenges. When Aleisha discovers a crumpled list of novels, she is propelled into a literary exploration. Each book on the list becomes a portal to different worlds, offering wisdom to confront her real-life struggles. Aleisha, in turn, shares these books with Mukesh, creating a profound connection that helps them navigate grief and find joy through fiction.
I picked this up spontaneously at an airport, not expecting it to be on of my favorite books of the last year. In her debut novel, Sara Nisha Adams skillfully addresses weighty topics like grief and mental health with a perfect blend of lighthearted tones. The characters, flawed yet endearing, evoke laughter, smiles, and tears. Mukesh, reminiscent of my own father, breaks cultural stereotypes of South Asian men by openly grappling with his emotions. Adams skillfully portrays a cross-generational friendship, showcasing how Mukesh's connection with Aleisha, who is younger and different from him, becomes a catalyst for his personal growth. This connection also leads to improved relationships with his daughters and his granddaughter, Priya, whom he earnestly hopes to impress. For those seeking a feel-good read with a captivating storyline and lovable characters, “The Reading List” is a solid recommendation.
📚 Get your copy of “The Reading List.”
Almost Surely Dead by Amina Akhtar
Reviewed by: Myra Khan
A haunting, creepy, and dizzyingly fast-paced psychological thriller, “Almost Surely Dead” pushes the boundaries of the genre by blending horror with South Asian mythology and spirituality.
Dunia's ostensibly ordinary life takes a dark turn when a mysterious and handsome stranger attempts to thrust her in front of a speeding subway, unraveling a past filled with jinn tales, death, and exorcisms. As Dunia confronts the demons of her past and present to survive, author Amina Akhtar keeps readers on the edge of their seats, unable to trust anyone, even Dunia herself.
Akhtar’s signature is her uncanny ability to expertly interweave suspense with tongue-in-cheek commentary on contemporary social issues. Dunia’s story would be incomplete without the subtle yet hilarious jabs at modern dating culture, South Asian superstitions, and true crime media. Whether readers have a cultural familiarity with jinn stories or not, Akhtar’s vivid scene descriptions and realistic characters fully immerse readers into Dunia’s world, evoking terror, disbelief, and heartache.
As Akhtar's third novel, “Almost Surely Dead” is as a testament to her exceptional skill as a thriller writer. For those in search of a culturally-inspired, multi-layered thriller that induces laughter, tears, and shivers within a few chapters, this gripping narrative is a compelling choice.
📚 Get your copy of “Almost Surely Dead.”
Working to Restore by Esha Chhabra
Reviewed by: Neha Sharma
In "Working to Restore," Esha Chhabra conducts a profound exploration of how capitalism adversely impacts communities and the environment. The book sheds light on organizations that claim to prioritize ethical sourcing but are actually greenwashing, or feigning sustainability. Chhabra delves into agriculture, supply chain, waste management, inclusion, travel, energy, health, finance, and women in the workforce, providing a thorough exploration of challenges and opportunities. She introduces businesses making a positive impact in each sector, offering valuable insights for readers supporting worthy enterprises.
One poignant case study highlights Amazon rainforest rubber producers collaborating with Veja Sneakers, a sustainable shoe company. Chhabra illustrates the company’s challenge in navigating climate change in Rio Branco, Brazil, where their rubber is sourced, such as with their workers adapting to working in rising temperature conditions.
"Working to Restore" is a captivating and insightful read, and while it may cater to a more academic-minded reader, each chapter delves into a critical piece of the intricacies of the supply chain. Chhabra successfully brings attention to a crucial aspect of capitalism often overlooked by the average consumer in their daily lives. “Working to Restore” provides a nuanced perspective that encourages readers to contemplate the ethical consequences of their choices and consumption patterns.
📚 Get your copy of “Working to Restore.”
The Djinn Waits A Hundred Years by Shubnum Khan
Reviewed by: Janani Naidu
Welcome to Akbar Manzil, a beautiful haunted mansion that sits on the coast of South Africa. This is the tale of Sana, a girl who moves into this once-grand estate with her father and slowly discovers its truth from nearly a hundred years ago. Tragic, haunting, and gothic, the author Shubnum Khan manages to keep you on your toes while also settling you into a gorgeous love story that stands against time.
There are plenty of characters to familiarize yourself with: a nostalgic doctor, a parrot named Mr. Patel, bickering aunties, a formidable mother-in-law in silver salwar kameez, and a mourning djinn, or invisible spirit, with a mysterious death to lament. Khan manages to create complexities in all of these personalities, in a way that you feel fond of them by the end, even for characters one might not usually warm up to.
A delight for those who enjoy prose, the gorgeous writing style and vivid descriptions draw you into the magic of a palace with Western sensibilities and Eastern charm. Lose yourself in this mystical story of a young woman discovering what true love is, all through the tale of a romance before her time.
📚 Get your copy of “The Djinn Waits A Hundred Years.”
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