My Journey as a Bookworm

Ah, the world of books! It’s a place where curiosity and imagination intertwine, creating a realm of endless wonder! My journey into the magical world of literature started when I met my mentor, Dr. G. Chandrasekhar Reddy, a psychiatrist extraordinaire from the charming town of Kurnool. The stories we would unravel together! He was a walking encyclopedia of books, and I was eager to learn!

Dr. Reddy and I would engage in animated discussions, exploring the vast spectrum of literary genres. His recommendations were like hidden treasures waiting for me. My college town, Kakinada, needed a proper library! My appetite for reading grew insatiable, and I often succumbed to the temptation of buying new books. The sensation of cracking open a fresh, crisp book and inhaling that intoxicating aroma was utterly irresistible!

My quest for captivating reads took me to the bustling city of Mumbai. Enter Harendra Bhai, my brother’s friend, who would soon become a beacon of hope in my reading journey. He introduced me to a treasure trove of books! Oh, the adventures I embarked upon while crammed into Mumbai locals and BEST buses! Books became my companions, and I forged friendships with fellow travellers who shared my love for the written word.

My travels became a catalyst for making new friends who, too, were ardent readers. Whenever I spotted a stranger clutching a novel, my eyes would fixate on the book cover, and I’d eagerly jot down the title in my ever-growing list. My trusty companion, a book in my bag, was always ready to whisk me away to distant lands or into someone’s imagination.

My insatiable hunger for books didn’t sit well with my wife. She banned me from bringing new tomes into our home, forcing me to indulge in secret book-buying escapades. However, her compassion eventually triumphed over her annoyance, and she surprised me with two grand bookcases to display my beloved collection.

One day, a Japanese friend visited us. Eager to impress him, I showcased my impressive array of books, expecting admiration. Instead, he quirked an eyebrow and remarked, “You are wasting valuable space.” My world of physical books was about to collide with the digital era.

Enter the Kindle! A game-changer in the world of reading! It was light and portable, allowing me to make notes without cluttering the margins. The best part? I could carry a library in my pocket!

One fateful morning, I gave my beloved books to my friends, for my family had forsaken the written word for the quick fix of videos. Attention spans had dwindled, and the culture of instant gratification was devouring precious time. The art of reading was slowly fading away.

Now, dear readers, I won’t offer you advice or appeal. Instead, I have a reading challenge for each of you. Will you embark on a literary journey with me? I have a few reading recommendations, and all I ask is that you read just one book and share your thoughts. In return, suggest one book for me to devour. Let’s join forces and encourage the younger generation to cultivate the “reading skill” that takes time to nurture. Together, we can keep the magic of books alive!

Fiction

1. “The Beekeeper of Aleppo” by Christy Lefteri: This novel tells the story of Nuri and Afra, a Syrian couple who flee their war-torn homeland and embark on a perilous journey to Europe. Along the way, they confront numerous challenges and must navigate a world of cruelty and kindness.
2. “West with Giraffes” by Lynda Rutledge: This historical novel is based on actual events and follows the incredible journey of two giraffes brought from Africa to America during the 1938 hurricane. The story centres around the unlikely friendship between the giraffe’s caretaker and a World War I veteran. They embark on a cross-country road trip to transport the giraffes to safety, encountering various challenges and adventures.
3. “Wild Swans” by Jung Chang: A family memoir, this book spans three generations of women in China, offering a powerful and personal account of their lives during the tumultuous 20th century. It provides insight into the impact of historical events on individuals and families.
4. “The Twisted Knife” by Anthony Horowitz: This is a collection of short stories by the renowned author Anthony Horowitz, known for his mystery and thriller writing. Each level presents a new mystery or puzzle for readers to unravel.
5. “A Death in Tokyo” by Keigo Higashino: In this Japanese mystery novel, Detective Kyoichiro Kaga is called to investigate the death of a divorced woman found strangled in her apartment in Tokyo. As Kaga delves into the complex relationships and secrets of the victim’s life, he uncovers a web of deception and hidden motives. The story explores human psychology and the intricacies of solving a murder mystery in a modern urban setting.

Non-Fiction

1. “Smoke and Ashes” by Amitav Ghosh: This novel is part of Amitav Ghosh’s Ibis Trilogy, a historical epic set against the backdrop of the Opium Wars and the British Empire’s influence in Asia. “Smoke and Ashes” continues the story of the characters introduced in the previous two books, exploring themes of trade, colonialism, and personal destinies.
2. “Novelist as a Vocation” by Haruki Murakami: “Novelist as a Vocation” is a collection of essays by renowned Japanese author Haruki Murakami. In these essays, Murakami reflects on his life as a writer, his writing process, and the role of the novelist in society. He shares personal anecdotes and insights into his creative journey, making it a valuable read for fans of his work and aspiring writers.
3. “The Bookseller of Florence” by Ross King explores the life of 16th-century Florentine bookseller Vespasiano da Bisticci and his role in the intellectual and cultural development of Renaissance Italy. It sheds light on the importance of books and the spread of knowledge during that period.
4. “Knowing What We Know” by Simon Winchester: This non-fiction book explores the theme of knowledge and how humanity has acquired and shared understanding throughout history. Simon Winchester delves into various aspects of knowledge acquisition, from the invention of writing to the digital age, offering insights into the evolution of human understanding.