“Books are the perfect entertainment: no commercials, no batteries, hours of enjoyment for each dollar spent. What I wonder is why everybody doesn’t carry a book around for those inevitable dead spots in life.”
― Stephen King
I order and check out more books than I can possibly read. The stack of books offer comfort and a place of refuge. Here is what is currently on my book shelf:
The Course of Love by Alain de Botton
The Situation and the Story: The Art of the Personal Narrative by Vivian Gornick
Fierce On The Page: Become the Writer You Were Meant to Be and Succeed on Your Own Terms by Sage Cohen
A Man Called Ove by Frederik Backman
Rich and Pretty by Rumaan Alam
What’s on your bookshelf?
Image: bookshelf spectrum by chotda via Flickr.
Welcome! I am a lawyer turned freelance writer, essayist, and editor. On staff at Literary Mama and the co-founder and co-editor of the literary journal, The Sunlight Press, my essays and reported work have appeared in The Washington Post, The Lily, Saveur, Civil Eats, Brain, Child, ESPN and elsewhere. I am currently at work on a memoir on grief and culture and how it provides perspective on life’s ordinary graces. I invite you to appreciate the ordinary with me. I hope my daily practice of seeing the magic in the mundane helps you celebrate and find more of these moments in your life too.
I’ve recently started reading Boy Still Missing by John Searles, which I randomly picked up at my son’s book sale at school. As it turns out, this is the book that’s getting me out of a months-long reading slump. It’s an adult novel though the protagonist is a teen boy caught up in a badly spiraling set of family events…it’s a literary novel and coming of age story that reads like a thriller so…it has many of my favorite elements in a book.
I will check out the titles that you’ve listed. I hope you’re having a wonderful summer, Rudri!
Thanks for the recommendation, Cecilia. This book sounds like it has an intriguing premise with great writing. Adding to my growing list! Hope you are well too. xo
Is this your bookshelf? It’s color coordinated! I’m also reading A an called Ove :).
Bobbi
Hey Bobbi,
I wish it was my bookshelf, but it isn’t. It’s a picture I found on Flickr. Hope you’re doing well.
I am reading “I am Malala.” I am trying to find my book for my Book Club pick. If you or anyone else has any suggestions I would greatly appreciate it. I usually find a book by an Indian Author then pair foods according to the book.
Welcome, Hemal!
My daughter just finished “I am Malala” and recommended that I read it. Your book club sounds great – I love how you pair the book with cuisine. Have you read The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga? You might enjoy this read for your book club. Thanks for joining the discussion.
Thank you for these, Rudri. I always appreciate recommendations for good writing books. I always have so much to learn in this area. I have a few books going at once here….a somewhat coherent combination of non-fiction – intuitive books (Laura Day) the Four Agreements Companion book that I’m journaling my way through (Ruiz), The Guru Question – an interesting look at gurus, avoiding unscrupulous spiritual leaders/what part being a disciple plays, thriving and growing with a guru, with interesting anticdotes from a woman who has been through more than a few on both ends of the spectrum for many years, etc., and The Tao of Meditation. Then when I’m all spiritualed/mindfulled out – I’m getting lost in A Writer’s Paris by Eric Maisel and The LIght of Paris – a new release from Eleanor Brown. Sorry you asked? LOL
What a variety of book recommendations, Barb. I am so glad you shared what you’re reading. Thanks!
I’ve heard such good things about Rich and Pretty. I may wait to hear what you think before putting it on my list!
Will definitely keep you posted, Nina.
I’m still waiting to read “Rare Bird”. One day!
Hope you get to it, Tamara. So many books and so little time. . .
Good titles to add to my book list. Thank you!
My pleasure, Ayala!