Hello Fall!
Now that the festive season is almost here, it’s time to look forward to the best time of the year. With the last quarter upon us, it is also time to reflect on the year gone by and begin making plans for 2024 (Already?).
September has been quite eventful but a good reading month too. As always, quality over quantity. I am back with another reading update with some excellent recommendations you should pick up.
Books I read:
Smoke and Ashes: A Writer’s Journey through Opium’s Hidden Histories by Amitav Ghosh
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐, Genre: Non-Fiction, Format: Audiobook
Author Amitav Ghosh compiles his research for the Ibis trilogy in a captivating narrative of the history of opium from the 19th century to its impact on the world in the now.
As a tool that played a significant role in the survival of the British Empire. Its everlasting impact on India and China. The opium wars. The contribution of Dutch colonials. Fertile plains and proficient natives rendered worthless by the ruthless production practices, the effects of which can be seen centuries later too.
Smoke and Ashes is indeed an eye-opener. I read the audiobook narrated by Ranjit Madgavkar and it is indeed an engrossing one.
Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Genre: Mystery/Thriller, Format: Audiobook
Think you know the person you married? Think again…
A couple sets off on a weekend getaway to the Scottish Highlands to celebrate their tenth anniversary. But nothing is what it seems like on the surface. Although it is an attempt to save their marriage, neither plans to return back home with the other.
Rock Paper Scissors deserves the hype. It gets off to a slow start but that killer twist more than makes up for it. I definitely didn’t see it coming. I highly recommend the audiobook. The narration by Richard Armitage and Stephanie Racine was the cherry on top.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐, Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Format: Audiobook
Another book that deserves the hype is Tomorrow, And Tomorrow, And Tomorrow. I buddy-read it with Siddhi Palande @ book_gobbler and it is always a joy discussing a book with a fellow book lover.
A coming of age novel about two game developer friends Sam and Sadie across decades. Friendship, love in all shapes and sizes, grief, professional and personal jealousy, and lots more. Coming in after reading Lessons in Chemistry, it did make me more partial towards Sadie and the lack of recognition of women in the workplace. It would have been a 5-star read for me if not for the penultimate chapter that quite felt like I had switched to another book.
That said, if you enjoyed Normal People, this is the book for you.
Blue Mumbai Stories: A Mumbai Short Story Collection by Damyanti Biswas
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Genre: Short Stories, Format: Kindle Ebook
While we await the second installment of the Blue Mumbai series, The Blue Monsoon releasing on October 24th, author Damyanti Biswas gives us an insight into the backstories of characters from the series.
Blue Mumbai Stories began as prompt-based writings with the author’s monthly One-shot gazette. Compiled into a short book of just over 50 pages, they give a voice to some characters with a generous dose of Easter eggs.
Although it can be read stand-alone, I highly recommend reading the two books from the Blue Mumbai series first.
The Book of (More) Delights: Essays by Ross Gay
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐, Genre: Memoir/Essays, Format: ARC Ebook
A project to pen down daily delights for a year. Some basic rules – write daily, draft them quickly, and write them by hand.
Following the success of the New York Times bestseller The Book Of Delights, author Ross Gay returns with Book The Book Of (More) Delights. Sharing a new chronicle of small, daily wonders.
True to its name, the book is truly a delight to read. Consider it a book to turn to when you are having a bad day. To be comforted and affirm the joy in the world. It hones your own delight radar to appreciate the simple joys of life. Some essays make you introspect. Some make you nostalgic. Some bring a smile to your face.
Woman to Woman: Stories by Madhulika Liddle
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Genre: Short Stories, Format: Kindle Ebook
Woman To Woman is a collection of twelve hard-hitting, no-holds-barred, women-centric stories. Honest, thought-provoking, quintessentially woman. Be it sex trafficking, infertility, abandonment, ravages of age, or soft targets of terrorism.
I read the book in one sitting. If you enjoy reading short stories, do pick it up. You will definitely not be disappointed.
Madhulika Liddle is a master storyteller and I am looking forward to reading all her books.
Box of Lies: A Love Story, Without Love by Ekta Kumar
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Genre: Fiction, Format: Kindle Ebook
A love story, without love.
Box of Lies is a gripping tale of greed, lust, fear, and hope set in the chaos of the independence era. The story of Raseeli from the dark corners of a brothel to a radio star. The story of Sitara, a neglected wife struggling with the weight of expectations.
Well-etched characters and an engrossing narrative, this debut novel hits the right buttons. Switching back and forth between timelines, it is an insight into the lives impacted by the freedom struggle, independence, and beyond. And lives where little changed.
Currently reading:
I am currently reading The Museum of Failures by Thrity Umrigar. It is a slow read and I hope it picks up soon.
I am also reading the highly recommended All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir. It is a difficult read and true to its name, fills you with rage. I will probably be picking up a few romances soon after completing both books.
September TBR:
I am taking a break from setting up a TBR this month and probably going forward this year too. I am a mood reader and still have quite a few from the past months to get to. I have also cut down on blog tours given the start of the Fall/Holiday season where work takes priority.
The one book I will definitely be picking up is The Blogchatter Book of Thrillers which includes writings from some of my favorite authors from the community.
Reading Challenges:
The number of books read this year stands at 39 now with a record number of DNF. I have read some excellent books this year and hope to continue the streak.
Finally, we have a bingo! The challenge is complete but I am still going to continue with it to see how many more bingos I can get to. It seems I will be acing the backlist and non-fiction challenge too.
On the Blog
It has been a relatively quiet month on the blogging front.
I had been planning to write a post combining my two favorite topics – books and food. All thanks to Cindy D’Silva’s Blogaberry Creative Challenge and the September prompt “Sweet/Spice”, I launched the series “On the Spice Trail” with On The Spice Trail: Exploring The Magnificent World Of Indian Food Through Books to an amazing response.
I also reviewed The Book of (More) Delights by Ross Gay.
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
October 6, 2023 @ 6:14 pm
Oh, you read Woman to Woman! I loved it. Madhulika is a wonderful writer and storyteller.
Some interesting books here and you’re a true, dedicated reader. I have tried a Hindi book as an audiobook format, but for now, I think I’ll stick to physical and kindle copies.
October 8, 2023 @ 9:29 pm
Such a happening TBR it is. I can’t wait to start reading the Amitav Ghosh one.
October 6, 2023 @ 7:43 pm
As always, Ritu, your blog post is a treat to the senses, with its combination of great content and attractive graphics. Out of this list, “Tomorrow, And Tomorrow, And Tomorrow By Gabrielle Zevin” is something I’m hoping to read soon. 🤞 ‘The Book Of Delights’ and ‘The Book Of (More) Delights: Essays By Ross Gayand’ sound absolutely delightful! I’m not at a place where I can listen to audiobooks, what with frequent headaches, etc. I guess I will stick to hard copies for the foreseeable future.
October 7, 2023 @ 5:39 pm
Your post are gem right from the choice of books. Yes, year is going to end very soon. So I am too planning for 2024 not much but yes I like to make resolution earlier so that I am able to continue 😉 I would like to read Box of lies.
October 7, 2023 @ 6:27 pm
Smoke and Ashes shook me up as well. What a turbulent history of exploitation for profits. It opens up a whole new area of reading and the way we see Asian cultures today. I would like to read Madhulika Liddle’s book, as I like her writing style and language. The Museum of Failures has a catchy cover, so that goes on my list as well.
October 7, 2023 @ 8:02 pm
Smoke and Ashes sounds really interesting. I am going to read that one first and give the audiobook a go. I am waiting for you to finish All My Rage. You keep talking about it.
October 9, 2023 @ 3:01 pm
Phew! what an amazing list Ritu. Hope the last three months bring in more good reads.
Since I am not reading much these days if I had to pick up one from your list it would be Smoke and Ashes as I got a good review from another friend.
October 7, 2023 @ 9:35 pm
Thank you for the suggestions. After I started reading your posts from week 1, I have a word document saved with all your suggestions. I will surely read all one by one.
October 9, 2023 @ 1:12 pm
I always wonder how you manage to read so much and then write about it too. Kudos! I’ve read one book from Blue Mumbai series and it was gripping. Would like to check out Woman to Woman and a couple more.
October 7, 2023 @ 10:12 pm
I admire your reading capacity and you know that. I was part of a Bookwormz club.It was ten book lovers reading the same book and then discussing it when we met. Each one have their own perspective.When I read your previous post; I stopped to ponder how and why I stopped reading.I started reading at 5!
I started my career when I was 40 and providing for my kids was my priority. I always have been financially insecure and used to think I should not spend money on my books.
But I am very proud that I gave the reading habit to my daughter.
October 8, 2023 @ 12:19 am
September was little dull for me in regards to reading as I wrote more than reading last month. There were also some family engagements due to back to back two pujas last month which kept me occupied for preparation and then celebration. But I am trying to be back on track in October although its again a festive month for us as its Durga Puja and most important festival for us. But I will give my 100% effort to read more. Good number of books you read I can see and out of them only I read long back that is Rock paper scissors and its indeed an awesome book. Wish you happy October reading.
October 8, 2023 @ 11:26 am
You inspire me every single day to read more and more. Rock,. paper, scissors sounds so intriguing! And I guess any book by Amitav Ghosh is awesome.
October 8, 2023 @ 11:33 am
As always the wrap up to ur reads was good my attention was caught by Women to Women and Box of lies.
October 8, 2023 @ 12:01 pm
Wow, I’m always amazed at how you all manage to dive into so many books simultaneously. It’s like you’ve got some secret scheduling superpower! 😄 Honestly, I used to dream of doing the same, but I’ve come to accept that it might be a tad too ambitious for me.
By the way, I noticed we have one book in common from your list – “Rock Paper Scissors,” right? Such an awesome read it was.
Wishing you a fantastic October filled with captivating reads! Your passion for books truly inspires me every single day, and I’m incredibly grateful for your fantastic book recommendations. Keep them coming.
October 8, 2023 @ 7:56 pm
Thank you for the suggestions.. amazing list to dig in.. smoke and ashes seems very interesting
October 8, 2023 @ 9:30 pm
Such a happening TBR it is. I can’t wait to start reading the Amitav Ghosh one right away.
October 8, 2023 @ 10:58 pm
“Blue Mumbai Stories” by Damyanti Biswas is intriguing. The idea of exploring character backstories in a short story collection is fascinating, especially when it adds layers to a larger series. I’ll definitely keep this one in mind.
October 9, 2023 @ 12:27 am
Rock Paper Scissor and Blue Mumbai Is in TBR for next week that starts on 16th. But the remaining that arent in my list sound good.
October 9, 2023 @ 1:51 pm
As always absolutely love your reading choices. Very diverse and interesting mix bag! September wasn’t the best month for me as I was sick and went in and out of hospital but I am really looking forward to October cz it’s the festive season and I have huge pile of unreads staring at me.
October 9, 2023 @ 4:27 pm
Have heard about rock paper scissor in reviews. Got to read. Having to read about many books together is always a treat. 🤩
October 9, 2023 @ 6:02 pm
Of all the books, Blue Mumbai caught my attention the most. I guess exploring more on different films on Netflix made me more open minded watching more films of different genre/culture. This extends to my love for books of course!
October 9, 2023 @ 7:52 pm
I can never get enough from your posts. I enjoy them so much! Your recommendations….they are always amazing. I have become a slow reader of late and many books are lying half-read. I think my challenge for next year would be to complete all the unfinished books of this year. 🙂
October 14, 2023 @ 10:44 am
Very Interesting lineup of Books. Hope to read Amitav Ghosh some day.
January 17, 2024 @ 7:02 pm
I haven’t read any of these. Plenty to add to my TBR.