Hello September!
Hope you had a great summer with some interesting books to read. It has been an eventful one for me, and I don’t mean it in a good way. This year has been all about tackling the backlist. I have also been very picky with my reads with a record number of DNFs. As always, they don’t make it to the list.
I kind of dropped the ball this year again with the regular reading updates. Here is another attempt to continue with the series. Read on as I share what I have read in the last three months. As always, I hope you find some that appeal to you too.
Books I read:
Yellowface by R. F. Kuang
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Format: Audiobook
How far will an author go for success? At its heart, Yellowface by R. F. Kuang is a story about plagiarism. But it is also a dark, pacy satire about the publishing industry, racism, tokenism, white privilege, social media takedowns, and the cancel culture.
The bookish community is divided over the book – some have been raving about it and some have panned it. Irrespective, I feel it is an important read if you are an author or a reader, particularly in the current times. It is Kuang’s first foray outside fantasy fiction and is equally engaging.
Until I Find You by Kanchana Banerjee
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐, Genre: Mystery/Thriller, Format: Kindle Ebook
A semi-decomposed foot is found at a construction site. Small-town police officer Virat knows there is a lot more to it than meets the eye. What follows is an unearthing of a sinister plot conjured up years back. The sleepy town Bannod will never be the same again.
Based on the Jonestown massacre / mass murder-suicide, Until I Find You is a quintessential Kanchana Banerjee thriller with layered characters and ample twists and turns.
If you are looking for a gripping thriller, do pick up this one.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Genre: Historical Fiction, Format: Audiobook
Lessons in Chemistry deserves all the hype. Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. She refuses to be relegated to the background and challenges the status quo at every step.
The book is an honest look at the 1960s America. Misogyny, patriarchy, gender discrimination and pay gap. Where their achievements were sidelines, or worse, hijacked. A lot has changed over the decades, but nothing has really
I highly recommend you pick it up. I am looking forward to the movie adaptation in October. Hope it does justice to the book.
Silver Lining – The Story of NephroPlus by Kamal Shah
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Genre: Memoir, Format: Review copy / hardcover
In 1997, 21-year-old Kamal Shah was all set to follow his dream of pursuing his master’s degree in engineering in the US. With a visa in tow and just two weeks to go, he proceed to complete the formalities that included preventive vaccination. What began as a slight fever deteriorated into emergency hospitalization. Within hours, his kidneys had failed and he needed hemodialysis to flush out the toxins from his body.
A testimony of personal strength in the face of adversity. Part personal and part business memoir, Silver Lining – The Story of NephroPlus is a must read. Not just as a compelling memoir but also a book to educate yourself about chronic kidney disease. Highly recommended.
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Format: Audiobook
A failed bank robbery. A hostage drama that wasn’t. Eight anxious strangers with more in common than they imagined.
Anxious People is a quirky, heart-warming, and thought-provoking read that leaves you with a smile on your face. It had been in my audiobook library for the longest time but I never got around to reading. I didn’t know what I was missing. Definitely one of my favorite reads of 2023.
Go pick it up if you haven’t already. I highly recommend the audiobook.
The Indian Café in London by Veena Nagpal
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Format: Review paperback copy
“If books and cooking are your relaxation mantra, how can you not read The Indian Café in London?” When I received this message from the author regarding the book review, I knew I had to pick it up. After all, how could I refuse a book about food and lost recipes?
The Indian Café in London is a story about food. Relationships with food. Relationships around food. Lost families. Found families. It is a love story in all its forms. Romantic, filial, and above all, with food.
A love story. A recipe book. A book on food trivia. It is difficult to box the book into a genre. A delectable read that will warm your heart.
Lioness of Punjab by Anita Jari Kharbanda
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Genre: Historical fiction, Format: Audiobook
Lioness of Punjab is one of my favorite reads of 2022 and I haven’t stopped recommending it. A coming-of-age young adult novel about a teenage Mata Bhag Kaur who refused to be relegated to household chores. A warrior woman who lead an army of Sikh soldiers against the Mughals. The battle of Muktsar and the Chali Muktiye (40 liberated ones).
When the audiobook dropped, I picked it up for a reread. The narration by Deepti Gupta was on point that added to the charm of the book.
Do pick up the book if you haven’t already. The story of yet another incredible woman whom Indian history forgot.
The Great Indian Tamasha: Adventures of a Wedding Planner by Rasika Bhatia
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐, Genre: Non-fiction, Format: Kindle Ebook
No big fat Indian wedding is complete without its fair share of drama. But a whole lot more goes on behind the scenes.
The Great Indian Tamasha exposes the dark underbelly of the business of wedding planning. A collection of 22 short chapters about the good, the bad, the obnoxious, and the downright ugly. Laced with sarcasm and dark humor, the author spares no one.
Consider it a more raw and realistic Made in Heaven, without the air-brushing.
The Blue Monsoon by Damyanti Biswas
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Genre: Mystery/Thriller, Format: ARC ebook
Damyanti Biswas is back with the second installment of the Blue Mumbai series, The Blue Monsoon, and it is as engaging as ever.
Senior Inspector Arnav Singh Rajput is back to solve a sinister series of gruesome killings at the Kali temple. Walking the tightrope of anticipated religious unrest, tackling the traitors trying to weaken the case, and balancing it all with the care of his pregnant and wheelchair-bound wife.
The gritty police procedural continues to unearth the dark underbelly of Mumbai – caste politics and the way it has permeated every section of the society, corruption, and how politicians use religious conflicts to their benefit.
Highly recommended, the fast-paced read comes out in October 2023. Stay tuned for a detailed review close to the release date.
Twisted Tales and Turns : A Journey through the Unexpected by Smita Das Jain
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐, Genre: Short stories, Format: Kindle ebook
A daughter waiting for her father to return from the war. An artist struggling to create a masterpiece. A scientist doing her bit for a better world.
Twisted Tales and Turns is a collection of 20 short stories across four themes – Out of this world, Not far into the future, Love doesn’t end well, and Love comes in all hues. A collated collection of award-winning and noteworthy mentions includes fantasy, supernatural, sci-fi, and dystopian just to name a few.
This is my first book by the author and I am looking forward to reading more of her works.
Tastes Like Shakkar by Nisha Sharma
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐, Genre: Romance, Format: ARC Ebook
Bobbi Kaur is a wedding planner with hopes of inheriting her uncle’s event planning company. Benjamin “Bunty” Padda, a chef and restaurateur with Michelin-star dreams, is held back by his responsibilities to his father’s frozen food business. In a classic enemies-to-lovers trope, the two are forced to work together on their best friends’ wedding while trying to unearth the saboteur out to disrupt the preparations.
Tastes Like Shakkar, the second book in the If Shakespeare Was an Auntie series, is a modern-day retelling of the iconic Much Ado About Nothing with a generous dose of desi-ness. Witty banter, humor, a generous dose of spice, a dash of mystery, some cheesiness, a refreshing representation of a plus size woman, found family, well-meaning although nosey aunties. It has it all, and then some.
An enjoyable and entertaining read. And thankfully, no Charlie this time (#IFKYK)
Currently reading:
I am currently listening to the Smoke and Ashes: A Writer’s Journey through Opium’s Hidden Histories by Amitav Ghosh that is indeed an eye-opener. About the colonial history where opium played a major role.
I am also reading Box of Lies by the debut author, Etka Kumar. A gripping tale of greed, lust, fear, and hope set in the chaos of the independence era.
September TBR:
I have been quite a mood reader lately but there are a few ARCs I am looking forward to reading this month. The top of the list is one for the highly anticipated The Museum of Failures by Thrity Umrigar
I am also planning to pick up recommendations from my favorite reviewers – Woman to Woman: Stories by Madhulika Liddle (by Tarang Sinha) and All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir (by Shalini Baisiwala).
Reading Challenges:
This year has been more about quality than quantity. I have already surpassed my reading challenge goal of 24 (as expected) with 32 books. There have been quite a few DNF, or as I like to call them, backburner reads.
I have also completed the non-fiction challenge and have upgraded it to 12 books. The backlist challenge has been going great too.
As for the bingo challenge, a different version of a cover gets a bingo but I still have four months to go.
On the Blog
The highlight of the past few months has been the privilege to interview the inspiration powerhouse, Vinita Dawra Nangia: Director – Times Literature Festival, AutHer Awards, and Write India. She discussed the literary ventures she leads for the Times, literary festivals, publishing, writing, and the question everyone’s asking – will AI replace writers?
I shared recommendations on LGBTQIA+ memoirs and personal narratives from India. In prose and in verse. Not just by the members of the community but also by allies. Because reading diverse books should not be limited to just Pride Month.
If you have been following me for a while, you know I rarely share a personal post. But last month, I celebrated the Incredible Libraries That Have Shaped The Reader I Am. The last I shared something personal was way back in 2020, It Takes a Village: A Tribute to the Amazing Women Who Raised Me.
What have you been reading lately? Which book from the list are you planning to pick up soon? Do share in the comments below.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
Photo credit: Canva.com
September 1, 2023 @ 3:55 pm
I have noted down all the books. I will read them one by one. Currently reading Bossy pants by Tina Fey!!
September 1, 2023 @ 3:56 pm
I have noted down all the books. I will read them one by one. Currently reading Bossy pants by Tina Fey!!
Thanks for the reviews.
September 14, 2023 @ 10:05 pm
Thank you, Rose 😊. Would love to read your thoughts on them.
September 1, 2023 @ 9:29 pm
Your reading challenges are on fire! Congrats on surpassing your goal already.
September 14, 2023 @ 10:07 pm
Thank you so much, Felicia 😊
September 1, 2023 @ 10:56 pm
Hi Ritu, I’m really in a reading slump. I’ve read some of the books above but I need something really strong to pull me back. I will wait for your review of Amitav Ghosh. I’d also like to see what you have to say about Sabaa Tahir. Anything else that I may not DNF???
September 14, 2023 @ 10:21 pm
Hi Sonia. I quite enjoyed Smoke and Ashes. Hoping to share a review soon. Light reads do get me out of a reading slump. Try Lessons in Chemistry or Anxious People. Or Jesse Sutanto’s Aunty series. Thanks for stopping by. 😊
September 2, 2023 @ 9:46 am
I have also read around 32 books till now, surpassing my moderate target of 24 books. And I like Madhulika Liddle’s books as well. I read Crimson City, her books are very detailed and good language. From your list, I have marked out 2 books on my #TBRList (Anxious People By Fredrik Backman and Lessons In Chemistry By Bonnie Garmus). Hopefully, will get around to them this year.
September 14, 2023 @ 10:22 pm
I am exploring Madhulika Liddle’s books and have picked up Woman to Woman. Thanks for recommending Crimson City. Adding it to my TBR. 😊
September 2, 2023 @ 1:48 pm
Wow! I have read just one book from the list (Until I Find You). It must be wonderful, wonderful feeling when you love every book you pick to read. I’m so annoyed leaving books unfinished.
Your reading challenge graph looks so cool. I just update goodreads and Blogchatter. 🙂
Hope you like Woman to Woman (I think you will). Will wait for your review. Thank you for your kind word. 🙂
September 14, 2023 @ 10:25 pm
My pleasure, Tarang. Your recommendations have always worked for me. 😊
Trust me. There have been a record number of DNFs these few months too. I avoid discussing books I don’t finish.
September 2, 2023 @ 8:32 pm
Your reading prowess impresses me so much. I would like to meet you someday. More reading to you
September 14, 2023 @ 10:26 pm
Thank you so much 😊 We would love to meet you too. We should definitely plan something.
September 3, 2023 @ 4:06 pm
You have read such varied genres. It is a good collection that you have in this month. I have anxious people in my TBR
September 3, 2023 @ 4:06 pm
You have read such varied genres. It is a good collection that you have in this month. I have anxious people in my TBR
September 14, 2023 @ 10:27 pm
Thank you Rakhi 😊 I try to dabble in all kinds of genres.
September 3, 2023 @ 4:08 pm
Twisted Tales and Turns is a beautiful book that I have read this month. Your collection is really good. Some of them I have in my TBR
September 14, 2023 @ 10:28 pm
Absolutely. I will definitely be returning to it.
September 3, 2023 @ 8:23 pm
Congratulations Ritu. As usual you accomplished your reading challenge very well. I have started to read again and complete almost 3 books. I want to read “Until I find You ” it is mysterious as per your review. Keep inspiring us.
September 14, 2023 @ 10:30 pm
Thank you so much, Neeta. You are too kind 😊. I am so glad to read that. Looking forward to reading your thoughts on Until I Find You.
September 4, 2023 @ 3:25 am
Your book reviews are a treasure trove for any avid reader! I appreciate your concise yet insightful summaries and recommendations. Your passion for literature shines through, making it easy for readers to decide which books to pick up next. Keep those reviews coming! 📚👏😊
September 14, 2023 @ 6:23 pm
For me it is a challenge to complete a book sometimes but you have done a great job! How to you manage reading??
September 14, 2023 @ 10:32 pm
Thank you Meenu 😊. These days I barely get time to read so I multi-task. Audiobooks during morning walks or while doing chores.
September 14, 2023 @ 10:31 pm
Thank you so much Monidipa for your kind words. 😊 I love sharing about the books too.
September 4, 2023 @ 9:18 am
It is posts like yours Ritu that inspire me to make an effort to read more. I remember making a mnetal note to read a few of the books that you have just finished reading, especially “The yellow face” and “Until I Find You “. You are now the person whose books read list is what I look up to for suggested readings.
September 14, 2023 @ 10:34 pm
I am so glad to read that, Preeti. 😊 Thank you! Would love to read your thoughts on them.
September 4, 2023 @ 3:11 pm
I salute ur reads, its makes me feel so happy, some of the books are the ones I like and some are new.
September 14, 2023 @ 10:35 pm
Thank you Flavia 😊
September 4, 2023 @ 8:59 pm
Wow! How I wish I could have that much dedication and discipline to reading books. I actually have a long list of books to read and wish I could finish even half of them before the end of the year.
September 14, 2023 @ 10:37 pm
I hear you, Jeannine. I have a huge TBR list and books on my Kindle that I probably won’t be able to get to by the year’s end.
September 5, 2023 @ 5:27 pm
Your suggestions are amazing. It definitely insires me to read more. Some of the books are TBR notes.. which I will make it a point to read ofcourse. Congratulations on completing the challenge.
September 14, 2023 @ 10:37 pm
Thank you so much, Karen 😊. I am so glad to read that.
September 5, 2023 @ 8:23 pm
If anyone asks me to pick up a reader-reviewer friend of mine who reads variety and writes quality reviews, I am surely going to pick you Ritu. I love your taste and choice of books and beyond that the way you present a book without even completely disclosing the plot. You just nailed the art of reviewing books making it easy for book lovers to take the call which book to buy and which one to skip. Well I too read plenty of books in the first half of the year and few in your list I added in my TBR. I can bank on your recommendations completely.
September 14, 2023 @ 10:40 pm
OMG! Thank you so much, Samata. That means a lot coming from you. Your comment made my day 😊. The next time I question myself why I am blogging in spite of having my hands full, I will definitely read your comment to give me the pep up. Thanks again.
September 5, 2023 @ 8:48 pm
Such a beautiful collection of books got to read great Indian Tamasha The Indian cafe in London, Tastes like Shankar. These wrap-up posts always being in a variety of books together.
September 14, 2023 @ 10:41 pm
Thank you so much, Sivaranjini 😊
September 5, 2023 @ 9:25 pm
I love to read , but these days I am quite occupied to read anything new. Anyway , started reading again to make it practice I am reading two states as a lighter way. I loved your list, would love to try them.
September 14, 2023 @ 10:42 pm
I hear you, Pamela. With the Holiday season coming up, finding time to read will be a struggle for me too.
September 6, 2023 @ 10:24 am
You are such a voracious reader Ritu! I wish I could get back to reading at this level! Your list looks really interesting and I would love to read the Chemistry one. Also I have read the Great Indian Tamasha!
September 14, 2023 @ 10:43 pm
Thank you so much, Mandira 😊. Do pick it up. I think you will enjoy it.
September 6, 2023 @ 10:43 am
This book list is giving me stress, I am amazed at how it’s possible to read so many books 🫡. I am so much occupied these days that don’t get time to read any. Well!! It’s great to see your September post. Summer flew by, didn’t it? 😅 Tackling the backlist sounds like a noble mission, and we all have those DNF moments. 🙈 Looking forward to your reading updates, love your recommendations.
September 14, 2023 @ 10:47 pm
Oh no no. Please don’t stress yourself. We all have our reading blocks and struggle to find time to read. Summer? The whole year flew by.
September 6, 2023 @ 11:25 am
I have read most of these books by proxy 😀 I enjoyed reading The Indian Café In London. Reminded me of the good old days. I want to read Lioness of Punjab next.
September 14, 2023 @ 10:49 pm
What can I say? If I am enjoying a book, you have to listen to all the details by default 😀
September 6, 2023 @ 1:48 pm
Wowwww Ritu! u are killing it! I can’t ever stop being amazed by the number of books you devour and I have to shamelessly admit that I haven’t even read one from that whole list.
Wishing you more good reads through the rest of the year…
September 14, 2023 @ 10:50 pm
Thank you so much Kaveri 😊
September 7, 2023 @ 3:23 am
You have wonderfully given brief information about the books. One can pick accordingly the interest of book. I gonna pick The Indian Cafe in London as of now. and I am heading to your complete review of this book too. I shall come soon to share my review with you.
September 14, 2023 @ 10:50 pm
Thank you Pooja. I would love to read your thoughts on it 😊
September 7, 2023 @ 1:39 pm
How do you choose your books, Ritu? I’m curious. I love to read your recommendations and I also choose many books based on them. I like the way, you’ve wrapped up your month’s read–just enough to evoke curiosity and yet, not giving away much. Thank you.
September 14, 2023 @ 10:53 pm
Thank you, Janaki 😊 There is no method for choosing a book. I do have a list in my spreadsheet of all the books I want to read next. A mini TBR of sorts. But I don’t always stick to it. You can say I am a certified moody reader 😀
September 8, 2023 @ 9:13 pm
OMG I am in love with your aesthetic blog and your book taste!!!! I am gonna read yellowface this month and maybe I should pick up smokes and ashes too. Hey, do you mind if we do buddy reading of sorts?
September 14, 2023 @ 10:55 pm
Thank you so much for your kind words, Trinanjana. 😊 I would love to buddy read with you. Let me know.
September 9, 2023 @ 7:13 pm
I read a lot of books based on parenting, pregnancy and self-help and also children’s book now.
Loved your already read book list.
Great. Keep it up 👏
September 14, 2023 @ 10:55 pm
Thank you Radhika 😊
September 11, 2023 @ 1:12 pm
You have read some amazing books this month. I really enjoyed ‘Lessons in Chemistry’
September 14, 2023 @ 10:56 pm
Absolutely Neelam. Thank you 😊
January 16, 2024 @ 8:57 am
It’s always a pleasure to go through your reading lists because I earmark quite a few books to read. From this list, I’ve only read ‘Lessons in Chemistry’ which I absolutely loved.