Like always, on the first day of every year I set a bunch of resolutions to accomplish for that year. Of course it only lasts a few days/weeks but the whole process of setting goals makes me feel good about myself. 2019 was different – it was the year I decided to do the thing I loved to do a lot but somehow managed to let life get in the way. It was to read at least 12 books (a book a month!). Going back in time, I used to thoroughly enjoy myself a good book – so much so that my mother had to take away my story books until I finished studying. There was some joy to be had in being completely immersed in the lives of the characters and living the book through them. It was time to experience that joy, AGAIN!
Like most other resolutions, I thought I wouldn’t make it through more than two books before disengaging from that resolution but 2019 was not that year. I managed to read not 12 but 16 books that year and it was the best. I read books from different genres and writers and it was AMAAAZZING!! Here’s a little bit of an inspiration if you feel like you want to pick up a book or two but don’t know which one.
A Fine Balance
Author : Rohinton Mistry
Recommendation : 4 / 5
Description : A heart wrenching book of four lives weaved together by life. It is a story of hope and despair depicting perfectly well how one cannot exist without the other. This book was beautifully written and conveyed the emotions of the protagonists perfectly well. Having grown up in India and the book being set during a troubled period of India – it was easy to empathize with hardships faced by the common man. A long book but worth the read.
The Silent Patient
Author : Alex Michaelides
Recommendation : 4.5 / 5
Description : I had the hardest time putting this book down – a real page turner. This thriller involves the violent death of Alicia’s husband and this unending obsession of a therapist to uncover why she would do it. All I can say is – get your hands on this book right NOW! š
Where’d You Go, Bernadette?
Author : Maria Semple
Recommendation : 4 / 5
Description : I surprisingly loved reading this book. The writing is sharp, witty and makes for an interesting read. Bernadette is one of those quirky, lovable characters that will make you want to laugh and pull your hair out at the same time. Reading this book also gave me strong travel vibes!
We Should All Be Feminists
Author : Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Recommendation : 4 / 5
Description : A must read for everyone! Chimamanda clearly explains what Feminism is about and more importantly what its not. The book clearly backs all her points with examples of what the current situation is society is. Absolutely loved her writing style – it was concise and hit the nail on the head.
When Life Gives you Lululemons
Author : Lauren Weisberger
Recommendation : 3 / 5
Description : A book starring Emily Charlton (if you know, you know š ). Set in the suburbs, this book showcases how an unlikely trio of women band up to get past the current situations life has presented them with. The book has enough wit and charm to keep you captivated till the end.
The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A Fuck
Author : Mark Manson
Recommendation : 3 / 5
Description : The message that stuck with me throughout the book was not to stop caring entirely but to care about the things that really matter the most and the rest is just not worth your time. The book makes for a good one time read but I wasn’t a fan. Then again, I’m not the biggest fan of self help books so it’s probably just me.
My Not So Perfect Life
Author : Sophie Kinsella
Recommendation : 3 / 5
Description : To me, it felt like I was reading the story line of a Bollywood movie in the making. š There are times where you just want to read a light book – this book is perfect for one of those times. You start to feel for the protagonist somewhere down the line and it keeps you going to see what ultimately happens. A one liner – this book is about a girl from the countryside trying to make it in the big bag advertising world of London.
The Opposite of Loneliness
Author: Marina Keegan
Recommendation : 3.5 / 5
Description : This book is a beautifully written compilation of fiction and non-fictions stories essays. She writes about a wide range of topics with great depth. Her non-fiction stories are left to the interpretation of the reader. All in all, a good book. Unfortunate that her life was cut short and her potential unrealized.
The Department Of Sensitive Crimes
Author : Alexander McCall Smith
Recommendation : 2 / 5
Description : It took me a great deal of effort to get past finishing this book. I had no clue if the story was leading to a bigger plot that I just didn’t understand. The cases were poorly developed leading to nothing substantial or interesting. The plot was predictable the writing lackluster. I would give this book a pass.
Hyberbole and a Half
Author : Allie Brosh
Recommendation : 4 / 5
Description : Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It touches upon topics that are difficult to digest and the most witty way possible. The book is all about dogs, chronicling the author’s thoughts as a child and a humorously dark account of the author’s battle with depression. Definitely recommend this
The Night Diary
Author: Veera Hiranandani
Recommendation : 4 / 5
Description : The story, told by a 12 year old, is a heartbreaking story of a family who’s life is completely derailed due to the religious unrest followed by the India-Pakistan Partition. Her family, like many other families, are forced to move to the newly formed countries based on their religion. The hardships endured whilst making this journey is truly gut wrenching. The author explains that this story is loosely based on the journey of member of her family.
Today Will Be Different
Author: Maria Semple
Recommendation : 4 / 5
Description : Absolutely fell in love with Eleanor’s character. The book starts by Eleanor deciding how she wants the day to go and rest assured the day goes from humor to tears in seconds. The book is spread over a day, taking you back to her complicated past and then back to the present. Beautifully written book with equal parts laughter, confusion and tears!
The Windfall
Author: Diksha Basu
Recommendation : 3.5 / 5
Description : A hilarious account of a middle class family in India coming into good fortune and then having to deal with the societal pressures that ensue from living a simple, uncomplicated life to that of richness and grandeur. All in all, a good, light read that keeps you in splits!
What Alice Forgot
Author: Liane Moriarty
Recommendation : 3.5 / 5
Description : Look at yourself now and look at how you were a decade ago! How much have you changed? How much have your relationships with people changed? How much has life changed you? This book makes the protagonist of the story answer all of these questions and more!
The Art of War
Author: Sun Tzu
Recommendation : 1 / 5
Description : I read so many good reviews about this book that I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. Unfortunately, this book just didn’t do it for me. I expected to have a lot of take aways from this book. All in all, it wasn’t an enjoyable read and I gained nothing. Almost struggled to finish this book!
Nine Perfect Strangers
Author: Liane Moriarty
Recommendation : 1 / 5
Description : Nine strangers, each with a troubled past, set out to sort out their problems and make life better in a luxurious health resort. One word to describe this book – BLAH!. Not a book I expected from Liane Moriarty, not after a book like Big Little Lies! Definitely give this book a pass!
Hope these recommendations inspire you to pick up a book and have a go at it! š Happy reading, beautiful people!
Lots of Love,
Novembrella 