Solitude and Books

I picked up Rebellion in Verse that discusses resistance and devotion in the Tamil Bhakti Movement by Raghavan Srinivasan after reading two of his earlier books, Yugantar and RajaRaja Chola. Both of those were deeply researched and helped me understand medieval South Indian history in a clearer way. This book continues that same strength. It explores the rise of the Bhakti movement in the Tamil region and explains how devotion slowly challenged rigid traditions and social barriers. I liked how the author writes history in a way that feels alive.  The presence of images, references, and well-arranged details makes the reading experience richer and easier to follow.  It beautifully explains the quiet transformation that began around the sixth century. Through the hymns of saints like the Nayanars and Alwars, devotion stepped outside the walls of ritual and hierarchy. Their poems were written in Tamil, the language of the people, instead of S...

Some books feel like a short visit, but Once Upon a Town felt like going back to a place from my own bachpan. The stories take us into a small town where everyday life moves slowly and quietly. While reading, I kept remembering simple things monsoon afternoons, familiar shopkeepers, children playing in narrow lanes. The town almost feels alive, like a silent dost watching everyone’s life unfold. What I loved most is how the author turns ordinary people into memorable characters.  A vegetable vendor with jokes, an elderly man sitting outside his house, kids building imaginary worlds these simple faces slowly become meaningful stories.  The writing feels calm and reflective, almost like someone sharing old yaadein over evening chai. The illustrations by Abhijeet Kinni add extra warmth. Their old-school comic style reminded me a little of Tintin days. By the end, the book leaves a gentle feeling in the heart—soft, nostalgic, and qu...

First things first, the cover and the title absolutely give off mystic vibes! A feeling that lingers under my skin as I open this stunning hardcover. Just look at those moths, don’t they feel like they’re truly glowing? They look so real. If you’re like me and enjoy feeling nostalgic, a bit melancholic at times, and find calm yet mysterious vibes pleasant, you’ve got to pick this book up. The Weight of Forgotten Things made me feel quiet, heavy, and thoughtful in the best way. Each chapters title gives out mysterious vibes. Every title feels our curiosity arise.  Click here-  I bought my copy from here. There are books in the world that you should spend time with to reveal its essence in time than rushing. This book definitely feels like that. Let the events sipe in, just observe, but yes at the same time get ready to feel the mysterious vibes which at times send discomfort.  Its about Ravi but his journey across lesser-known Indian towns feels de...

We all look for perfect partner, be it a romantic relationship that feels like dream or good family relation. We expect so much from our partners but seldom we try to be that partner. The reason is most of us donot know how to be, what traits we should have to sustain a healthy long term relationship and keep our partner happy as well as be happy ourselves in turn.  I got my copy from here-  https://amzn.to/4an8VGg I found 19 Rules for Happy Relationships to be an interesting and very practical read. It doesn’t feel heavy or preachy, which I really liked.  The author writes in a clear, simple way, making the ideas easy to understand and apply in real life.  The book talks about relationships in a broad sense not just romantic ones, but also family, friendships, and even work connections. While reading, I felt many situations were relatable, especially around communication and emotional balance. What stood out for me is how the book focuses on...

I sat quietly for a while, after finishing this book. It is one of those stories that asks you to slow down and feel instead of rushing to judge. I found it interesting because it feels deeply personal and thoughtful.  The idea for this story came to the author after hearing a real incident from her aunt about a young girl’s kidnapping , its an event that changed a woman’s entire life. That seed stayed with the author and slowly grew into questions about what life really means, how people live with loss, and how they still move forward.  Set in an India of the 1970s and 80s, the book follows ordinary people living under the shadow of violence and uncertainty. Like Rumi’s field beyond right and wrong, The Road to Foreverness becomes a quiet, open space where the soul may finally rest where words fall away, meanings soften, and feeling takes precedence over judgment. In that stillness, life is no longer argued or explained; it is simply lived, and the he...

Reading Durga in Nigeria felt like stepping into someone’s private world, where pain, faith, and healing sit quietly beside each other. From the very first chapter, I felt pulled into Saani’s emotions,her loneliness, her confusion, and the strange strength that slowly grows inside her. The story moves between Pune and Lagos, and the writer shows both places with a calm, steady touch that made me feel close to the characters. What I liked most about the book comes down to four things: 1. Saani’s emotional journey, it feels honest, slow, and very human. 2. The mix of modern life and old beliefs, shown in a way that feels natural, not forced. 3. Anant’s guilt, which is written with quiet tension instead of drama. 4. The mother-like, ancient presence Saani meets, which adds a beautiful layer of mystery. The story never rushes, and that worked well for me. Saani’s rebuilding process is gentle, and the silence around her pain feels very real. Anant’s return to India with his heav...

Anu & Isha is an interesting and warm coming-of-age read that quietly pulls you into the lives of two young girls who are trying to make sense of growing up while being miles apart.  I’ve also read another book ( Half Way point ) by the same authors earlier, which I loved for its similar conversational and reflective style, so picking this one felt familiar yet fresh.  I got my copy from Amazon, and it turned out to be one of those short reads that stays with you longer than expected. I have personally written letters to my friends when i was in school. Thus, the letter format makes the storytelling engaging and nostalgic,🧡 reminding me of a time when friendships were built on patience and words rather than instant messages. The words feel intimate and honest, like peeking into someone’s personal diary. Again the things felt mature and thoughtful, the conversations felt personal despite the characters being so young.  One deals wit...