Blogging is a marathon, not a sprint. Truer words haven’t been spoken.
Bohemian Bibliophile started as a lark. I was quite comfortable managing the technical aspects of top-ranking online magazines and blogs. In my 25+ years career, I have managed blogs in all shapes and forms. Fashion blogs, lifestyle blogs, food blogs, and blogs as a tool for lead generation. I have seen the massive rise of blogging and the switch to video content on Instagram and TikTok.
Bohemian Bibliophile completed 6 years in April. Blogging for me has been a rewarding and educational journey. All said, managing my own blog is a whole different ball game. Some learning and some unlearning, too.
I have evolved as a reader. Be it diversifying my reading, picking up more underrated books, and most importantly, more appreciation for the art. It does have its pitfalls with the algorithm monster, but the good outweighs the bad.
I have also evolved as a writer. I cringe each time I read my first review on the blog. Over the years, acknowledgment and being featured among the top book bloggers at Himalayan Retreat and Feedspot have been a motivation. Not to miss the feedback I receive from the community. Makes it all worth it.
Brave Inked Emotions, a collection of 31 soulful life experiences of women across all ages, marked my transition from a blogger to an author. I shall forever be grateful to the editor, Roma Gupta Sinha @ Truly Yours Roma, for gently nudging me to share my story. How books have supported me during the darkest phases of my life. Do pick up the anthology if you haven’t already.
Book reviews, discussion posts, and listicles. I enjoy writing all three forms of content. Join me as I share my favorite reviews through the years. The book review that was the highlight of the year for me. Books that have stayed with me through the years. I had planned this series of posts last blogiversary, but life happened. I hope to turn this into a series (fingers crossed) with my favorite discussion posts and listicles.
2019
Before launching Bohemian Bibliophile, book reviews were often a couple of sentences on Goodreads and/or Amazon. It took me a while to find my footing. I am not a professional writer. My expertise lies in design (and to some point, coding). No doubt, I had done some content writing. But writing research-based articles is different from analysing a book.
After some fair bit of experimenting, I finally zeroed in on the format I was comfortable with. Sharing how I felt about the book instead of a critical analysis. Two blogging communities, Book Dragons India and Blogchatter, played a huge role in shaping the blogger I am.
Letters from Kargil
by Diksha Dwivedi
Buy at Amazon | Add to Goodreads
As an army kid, I have grown up hearing stories about soldiers and wars. Whenever I see a book about soldiers, I always pick it up. Needless to say, when Letters from Kargil by Diksha Dwivedi was featured on the now-defunct Juggernaut app on Vijay Diwas, I knew I had to read it.
It is an extremely moving book that is a compilation of letters sent by soldiers during the Kargil War. In most cases, it was the last letter the family received. The book has its flaws, but it is a must-read. More so in the current times when warmongers demand that India go to war. Martyrs leave behind proud but broken families.
2020
2020 was a life-changing year for so many of us. The first wave of the pandemic and lockdowns. Most of us sought solace in books to escape the realities of life.
2020 was the year I started exploring book blog tours. It also began my long association with Algonquin Books (now an imprint of Hachette) and some brilliant reads. I also actively participated in the Blogchatter Book Review program. It was difficult for me to pick just one book as the book of the year.
The Mountains Sing
by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai
Buy at Amazon | Add to Goodreads
The Mountains Sing by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai is definitely the highlight of 2020 for me in regards to book reviews. As a part of the blog tour, I had a chance to read and promote the advanced review copy of this award-winning masterpiece.
A vivid and gripping account of Vietnam’s 20th-century history. The book is both heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time.
2021
Just when we thought it was over and done with, Covid returned and was worse than before.
Up until 2021, I wasn’t much into middle-grade books. Well into my 40s, I always thought it was meant for kids and young adults. I finally began exploring the genre and found some gems. It was the year of a spate of partition-related books. Some good. Some not so good. But stories that needed to be told.
Lahore: The Partition Trilogy #1
by Manreet Sodhi Someshwar
Buy at Amazon | Add to Goodreads
Merging fiction with non-fiction, Lahore (Book 1 of The Partition Trilogy) by Manreet Sodhi Someshwar is a well-researched story of the most tumultuous time in Indian history – the partition.
The book felt personal because these are the stories of my family too. My family belonged to the other side of the border. Rawalpindi, to be exact. It reminded me of dining table conversations with my grandparents discussing Kauntrila and the partition. I have since read and reviewed Hyderabad, book 2 of the series but Lahore will always have a special place in my heart.
2022
2022 was the year of return to the new normal. But it was also a year when family took priority. Health scares and hospitalization, blogging took a bit of a back seat as I switched to mini reviews on updates instead of full-length ones mid-year.
Crushing
by Sophie Burrows
Buy at Amazon | Add to Goodreads
A story told in silence. A story without words but bursting with meaning.
Crushing, the debut graphic novel by Sophie Burrows is quite unlike others. Pencil art in duotone (gray and red). No dialogues. Barely any typed words. Using one color over the other to highlight emotions. It was a lesson in the art of storytelling. Colors and words take a backseat in this graphic novel.
2023
I always look back at 2023 with a grateful heart. The highlight of the year was the opportunity to interview the inspirational powerhouse, distinguished editor and author Vinita Dawra Nangia Ma’am for my blog. It was also the year I launched Bookish League as a way to give back to the community, bringing together my favorite bloggers.
My personal health took a beating in 2023, and I had to limit blog tours and book review requests. That said, the ones I chose to review are close to my heart.
Dust Child
by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai
Buy at Amazon | Add to Goodreads
When I was invited to promote Dust Child by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai, I signed up immediately. I read the author’s debut book in 2020 and it is still one of my favorite reads.
The sophomore novel captures the heartache and trauma during and after the war. The Amerasian children, the soldiers on all sides, the villagers, the city dwellers, and people who had nothing to do with the politics of war. The book does not romanticize the trauma. It lays bare the ravages of war but also speaks of hope, forgiveness, and second chances.
2024
2024 was a year of high highs and low lows. It began with my first-ever anthology as an author. Ended with both my mother and brother dealing with a health crisis. Family took priority over everything else.
Ramrajya by Ashutosh Rana,
Translated by Tarang Sinha
Buy at Amazon | Add to Goodreads
Books were my solace during the difficult times. Reviews were limited but the highlight of the year was Ramrajya by Ashutosh Rana, Translated by Tarang Sinha.
Why did Kaikeyi, who adored Ram, suddenly demand a fourteen-year exile for him? Why did Ram decide to abandon Sita? With Ramrajya, the author attempts to answer these questions and more in a unique retelling of the great epic.
A personal thank-you note from the author himself was both overwhelming and motivating. I shall be forever grateful to Tarang Sinha for the opportunity to review the book and also for the immense patience to allow me time to review it.
2025
We are still reeling from the repercussions of 2024 and I haven’t posted much yet on the blog, let alone a full-length review. The fact that this is my fourth post in 2025 says it all. My mother is my #1 priority right now. 2025 has been a mixed bag. Not too kind, but lots to be grateful for. Hope to be back soon full-fledged with reviews, recommendations, and discussions.
Honorable Mentions
As I mentioned before, it was not easy to pick my favorite review/book of the year. There were some honorable mentions, too. I am limiting them to the books I shared a full-length review. Skipping mini reviews on monthly updates.
Girl From The Tree House by Gudrun Frerichs (2019): My first ever Netgalley ARC, and I couldn’t have picked a better book. A brilliant fictionalized depiction of dissociative identity disorder.
Hiraeth: Partition Stories From 1947 by Dr. Shivani Salil (2020): A tribute to all refugees, on both sides of the border. Heartbreaking stories of loss. Uplifting stories of hope.
Disfigured: On Fairy Tales, Disability, and Making Space by Amanda Leduc (2021): Beauty is good. Ugly is evil. The book examines the disability representation from the fairy tales of yore to modern-day tales of superheroes.
African Icons: Ten People Who Built a Continent by Tracey Baptiste (2021): Inspiring and enriching, the book provides ten illuminating portraits of Black excellence from ancient times through the sixteenth century.
This Rebel Heart by Katherine Locke (2022): Historical fiction with a hint of magical realism, a story exploring the aftermath of World War II. Of the youth stepping up to take back what is rightfully theirs.
Silver Lining – The Story of NephroPlus by Kamal Shah (2023): Sometimes a book finds you when you need it the most. Silver Lining is a testimony of personal strength in the face of adversity. A compelling memoir, but also one to educate yourself about chronic kidney disease.
The Indian Café in London by Veena Nagpal (2023): A love story. A recipe book. A book on food trivia. A delectable read that will warm your heart.
Filterworld: How Algorithms Flattened Culture by Kyle Chayka (2024): How the algorithm influences almost every decision of our life. Art. Literature. Movies. Food. Travel. Fashion. Dating.
Hope you enjoyed this retrospective as much as I did. Compiling the post and rereading the reviews made me realize how I have grown as a reader and reviewer. Have you read the books I have listed? Do let me know in the comments below.
This post is part of the Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile.
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Ratna Prabha.
Photo credit: Canva.com
May 6, 2025 @ 7:18 pm
Many congratulations, Ritu. 💫
Such beautiful and intriguing books, and what an interesting idea for a blog post (I might try it myself if only I could remember exactly which books were my favourites from 2010 onwards).
I have read some wonderful books through Netgalley.
And thank you so much for featuring Ramrajya. It means a lot to me. 🙏🏽
May 12, 2025 @ 8:49 pm
Congratulations Ritu and thank you for bringing wonderful books to us.
May 13, 2025 @ 7:06 pm
Congratulations on completing six wonderful years, Ritu!
I’ve loved your blog from the very first day I discovered it…your content creation and presentation style are truly one of a kind. Also, what a unique idea for the blogpost, haven’t read many of them, so taking a note. And, here’s to many more years of creative growth and joy!!
May 14, 2025 @ 10:59 am
Dear Ritu!
First, Congratulations on completing six years! You are one of my favourite book reviewers, and I have always loved the books you recommend.
Second I have to thank you for starting the Bookish League. I am not very active on the chat, but it is one of my favourite and non-judgmental blog hops.
This blog post is a treasure trove for book lovers. It has so many excellent recommendations. Dust Child and When the Mountains Sing are my favourites too!
May 26, 2025 @ 12:59 pm
This was such a great way of going through your blogging journey. You have inspired me in so many different ways through the years. From book recommendations to how you designed your blog to your reviews – I have looked forward to your blog posts Ritu. So happy to know you keep coming back despite challenges. I hope the rest of 2025 is kinder to you.
May 27, 2025 @ 11:16 am
Congratulations Ritu. I hope your family is well now. And it was good to read this recap. So many memories pop out when we trace our footsteps, so much gratitude for the learning. I have added Letters from Kargil and African Icons to my list now. And looking forward to more posts once things are settled. And best wishes for more milestones.
May 28, 2025 @ 2:07 pm
Loved reading this retrospective, Ritu—it felt like watching a life unfold through books. Your journey is both inspiring and deeply relatable. Wishing you many more chapters of discovery, growth, and healing ❤️
This line, “Books were my solace during the difficult times.”- beautifully captures the heart of the post and the emotional role books have played in your life. Keep going!
June 11, 2025 @ 2:56 pm
Happy blog anniversary Ritu!! I love reading your blogs and get many good recs!! Keep writing
June 20, 2025 @ 1:23 pm
The way you pivoted during family crises in 2024 and still found solace in books like Ramrajya was both brave and beautiful . And your honorable mentions? They’ve added so many new titles to my TBR—especially Girl From the Tree House and Disfigured . Your reflective tone (“blogging is a marathon, not a sprint”) reminded me why I started my own blog—to grow, share, connect. Honestly, your journey makes me excited to dive deeper into my reading, review more openly, and maybe even cringe less at my old posts. Here’s to many more blogiversaries—and to your inspiring bookshelf 💫
June 20, 2025 @ 2:13 pm
Ritu, you always inspire me with amazing book recommendations. Congratulations on your consistent work for your book love, and we are glad to have found you, as you always inspire me with such amazing books. I am going to pick the books you recommended here as the best books of the year.
June 20, 2025 @ 2:28 pm
Congratulations on your journey. I love how you discovered your niche and the varied favourite books you’ve kept over the years. Quite an accomplishment.
June 21, 2025 @ 6:31 pm
Ritu, your journey of the past six years has been a revelation as is the fact that you are an accomplished designer and coder besides being an avid book reviewer whose book reviews generally set the tone for my TBR.
In this post I can see the true bibliophile in you , who amidst crisis, when family came first, may not have penned reviews but never gave up her love for books and reading.
Cheers to your 6 years as an emerging force in the bookish world and I hope you continue to grow and keep sharing your lovely reviews with us along your journey.
June 23, 2025 @ 12:45 pm
Congratulations, Ritu.You are a true-blue book lover and reviewer. You keep a log of all the books you read. To go back six years and pick out the best books is an onerous task. You have mentioned how you shaped your blog too in this journey. The mention of such great reads with a description is inspiring.
June 24, 2025 @ 1:08 pm
What a heartfelt journey you’ve had with Bohemian Bibliophile.. Ritu. It’s inspiring and so deeply relatable. Wishing you many more chapters filled with discovery, and growth Looking forward to seeing where your words take you next.
June 24, 2025 @ 2:08 pm
Hearty congratulations. Loved the unique choices and the picks are genuinely interesting saving this blog for my tbr list!
June 24, 2025 @ 2:29 pm
I am amazed that you could choose just one book per year as your favorite. I keep getting shifting between authors, genres and books to decide my favorite
June 24, 2025 @ 10:45 pm
Such journeys are always inspiring to read. Congratulations on your achievements. These recommendations are definitely a gold mine.
June 25, 2025 @ 12:20 pm
Gratitude is very important in life and when you show that to all those who contributed in your life trust me then and there you take a step forward towards betterment in life. Now what the meaning I tried to convey here is that you actually evolved as a wonderful book blogger, a great human being and a caring and adorable daughter….. Books and Blogging on a honest note help us shape better our lives and you just nailed it in that. Hugs and love
June 25, 2025 @ 1:35 pm
Congratulations on 6 wonderful years of blogging! I loved reading this reflective post, it’s so inspiring to see how your journey has evolved through personal milestones, health challenges, and beautiful reads. Your reviews always feel thoughtful and honest, and this roundup is a gem for any reader. Here’s to many more years of Bohemian Bibliophile!
June 25, 2025 @ 3:04 pm
Congratulations Ritu. I love your posts as they let me explore various genres and introduce me to titles that have been hidden gems
June 25, 2025 @ 7:00 pm
Congratulations on the 6 years, Ritu! It’s a huge achievement and it’s great to see you enjoying the journey as well as the accolades. Good book reviews as always!
June 25, 2025 @ 7:51 pm
Being a voracious reader is in our genes. I loved they way you covered your journey in this post. I have read quite a few of these and some by proxy. Some day you should also share why you started blogging.
June 25, 2025 @ 9:40 pm
I have read only two books from your list of six and they are my all-time favourites. I will definitely checkout the rest too. Also, damn, I missed adding my link to your bloghop. 🙁
June 25, 2025 @ 9:41 pm
And now my TBR is even more longer!!! Thanks for picking up such a gems.
June 26, 2025 @ 5:58 am
I loved reading your reflections on six years of blogging and book reviewing. It’s inspiring how your journey deepened your appreciation for books and shaped your voice. Your honesty about growth, challenges, and family priorities makes your story relatable and heartfelt.
June 27, 2025 @ 12:20 pm
Those were some amazing books. Love the way you have sorted it out. Your over the years reads and to pick a few. Thanks for the share
August 24, 2025 @ 3:18 pm
Congrats on completing 6 years! I haven’t read any of these but hope to (Only Hiraeth which I found average – if you ever want to read good Partition literature, I’m happy to share a list of excellent recommendations).