WinterMoon

“One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs, or the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls.” This one was long due! I had read it almost 6 years ago, and it’s still one of my all-time favourites. Mariam’s story touched me deeply — it’s impossible not to feel her pain and connect with her. Reading this book felt like going through a journey of emotions. I haven’t picked it up again since, but I know that if I read it now, even after all these years, it will take me through the same powerful experience once more. A Thousand Splendid Suns is a strong and emotional story set in Afghanistan. It tells the story of two women — Mariam and Laila — who come from very different lives but end up sharing the same house, the same struggles, and later, the same love. Mariam is born outside of marriage and grows up feeling unwanted. After a sad turn of events, she is forced to marry Rasheed, an older man who treats her badly. Years later, Laila — a smart and kind girl from Kabu...

This was my first book by George Orwell, and it truly felt like a reality check — making me reflect on life, our thoughts, and our ability (or inability) to question what’s happening around us! The first chapter instantly takes you back to childhood — animals talking, sharing their thoughts, just like the cartoons we once loved. It makes you wonder, “Why did we stop imagining like that?” Now coming back to the book — it’s definitely an interesting read. One powerful moment is when the animals say: “Man is the only creature that consumes without producing. He doesn’t give milk, doesn’t lay eggs, can’t pull the plough, and can’t even run fast enough to catch rabbits. Yet he is the master of all animals. He makes them work, gives them just enough to survive, and keeps the rest for himself.” That really hits hard. “Four legs good, two legs bad.” The book starts off like a simple tale, but as you go deeper, you realise it’s anything but that. The animals overthrow their human master, set th...

“We all live with the objective of being happy; our lives are all different and yet the same.” The book begins with a moment that felt very personal to me—Anne getting a diary from her father on her birthday. It reminded me of when I got my first diary at the age of 11. That’s how I started writing too. Today we call it journaling, but the feelings are still the same. Anne’s writing is simple and full of innocence. She writes the date, shares small details about her day, and talks like any young girl would. While reading, I felt like I was right there with her. Her honesty and the way she sees the world made me feel calm and connected. What stood out to me was how openly she spoke about her thoughts—especially about her parents, her relationship with her mother, and her feelings as she went through puberty. She didn’t hold back. It made me think about how, no matter where we live or what time we’re in, our emotions as humans are very similar. That really touched me. At times, I did fin...

Can you believe it took me almost seven years to finish -Sapiens? It's true! This book is absolutely filled with amazing facts about how humans evolved. But honestly, sometimes it felt so slow it was like a sleeping pill. Still, sticking with it totally was worth it in the end. "Homo sapiens rules the world because it is the only animal that can cooperate flexibly in large numbers." Sapiens tells the incredible story of how humans went from being just another animal to becoming the most powerful species on Earth. It walks you through our journey: from living in small groups to building huge cities, using money, creating governments, and developing awesome technology. The book talks about human history categorised into four main big changes: The Cognitive Revolution: This is when we learned to think, imagine, and talk in more complex ways. It really set us apart. The Agricultural Revolution: This was a huge shift! We stopped hunting and gathering food and started farming i...

“A man can’t count the times he’s hurt someone he loves. That’s part of what it means to be human.” Here’s one of those rare books that stays with you—forever and always. I had first read The Kite Runner a few years back, probably in 2019, and even after all this time, I haven’t been able to forget it. I later found out that there’s a movie based on the book too, but I chose not to watch it. I didn’t want anything to disturb the powerful impact the book had on me and the way it made me feel back then. Just a few months ago, I came across the 20th anniversary edition and bought it instantly. And now, after reading it again, I find myself filled with the same emotions and thoughts all over again. Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner is a powerful and emotional story about friendship, guilt, regeneration , and the deep bond between fathers and sons. The story is set in Afghanistan and later moves to the United States. It talks about the life of Amir, a privileged boy, and his childhood frien...

“Sometimes, you don’t realize the weight of something you’ve been carrying until you finally set it down.” I’ve read this book many times. It’s quicker to read a book you’ve already read because you know what’s going to happen. But even then, the emotions still hit the same way. I first read it back in 2017, and since then, it’s been one of my go-to books—a feel-good story I keep coming back to. The book is a light and engaging romance by Indian author Preeti Shenoy. It follows Aniket, a techie stuck in a not-so-great relationship with Trish, and Nidhi, a woman who’s left her corporate job to follow her passion for writing and pottery. Their lives cross paths in unexpected ways, and slowly, they help each other grow. The story shows how fate, choices, and a little help from the stars can change everything. Preeti Shenoy writes in a simple and relatable way. Her characters feel real, and the situations are easy to connect with. The book talks about self-discovery, unhealthy relationship...

“You will question my actions. But then, that is the nature of stories, isn’t it? The truth often lies beneath layers of what we call the truth.” The Palace of Illusions is a retelling of the Indian epic Mahabharata, told from the point of view of Draupadi—a strong and complex queen who usually stays in the background of the original story. In this book, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni gives Draupadi a voice and lets us see her thoughts, feelings, and struggles. The story follows Draupadi from her magical birth from fire, to her marriage to the five Pandava brothers, and through the big war that changed everything. What makes this book special is how it shows Draupadi not just as a character from mythology, but as a real woman—curious, intelligent, emotional, and strong. What I liked most was how unexpected it was. The author begins with the idea that Draupadi should have chosen Karna—a bold twist that gives the story a fresh angle. Their imagined connection brings emotional depth and adds ...

“There is your truth and there is my truth. As for the universal truth, it does not exist.” I read this triology by Amish Tripathi in 2020, but its impact stayed with me, inspiring me to write this review today after 5 years! It tells the story of Lord Shiva, but in a very different way. Instead of showing him as a god from the start, the author presents him as a simple man – a tribal leader from Tibet – who becomes a legend because of his actions, choices, and beliefs. (Includes The Immortals of Meluha, The Secret of the Nagas, and The Oath of the Vayuputras) The first book, The Immortals of Meluha, introduces us to the land of Meluha, a perfect kingdom that believes Shiva is the ‘Neelkanth’, their saviour. The story is fast-paced and filled with interesting characters and ancient Indian philosophies. “Har har Mahadev – Every man is a Mahadev.”(A powerful line showing that divinity lies in all of us.) In the second book, The Secret of the Nagas, Shiva goes on a journey to find out the...

“Choosing a path means having to miss out on others.” This is a common idea, but the way it is written in Brida makes it truly powerful. Paulo Coelho’s Brida is a story about self-discovery, love, and finding one’s true purpose. It follows Brida, a young Irish woman interested in magic and spirituality. She learns from two mentors—a wise Magus, who follows the Tradition of the Sun (focused on knowledge and learning), and a powerful witch, Wicca, who follows the Tradition of the Moon (based on intuition and emotions). As Brida explores magic, she discovers her past lives and the idea of soulmates. She realizes she has a deep connection with both her boyfriend, Lorens, and the Magus. Torn between love, destiny, and her spiritual journey, she finally understands that true happiness comes from following her own path and making her own choices. I first read this book in 2019 and found it interesting and unique. However, some readers might not enjoy it as much because of its mystical themes....

I finished this wonderful book today (February 23, 2025) after watching the movie One Day, starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess, for the first time in 2019. Since then, I have watched it every year, so I had to read the book! Reading after watching the movie can be a little distracting because you already know the story and imagine the characters as they were on screen instead of how they are described in the book. But no matter what, the book always tells the story in a better and deeper way than the movie. One Day by David Nicholls is an emotional and beautifully written novel that tells the story of Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew over 20 years. The book checks in on them every year on July 15th, showing how their relationship, dreams, and lives change over time. Emma is smart, witty, and hardworking, while Dexter is charming, carefree, and privileged. They are complete opposites, but their bond is strong, making their story engaging and real. The novel is about love, timing, miss...

"No one loses anyone, because no one owns anyone. That is the true experience of freedom: having the most important thing in the world without owning it." Paulo Coelho’s this piece has always been one of my favourites in every way. It’s a thought provoking novel about love, desire and self discovery. Eleven Minutes is a deeply moving story about Maria, a young woman from a small town in Brazil who dares to dream beyond the life she knows. With hopes of adventure and a brighter future, she sets out on a journey that takes her to Geneva, where she believes success awaits. But reality is crueler than she imagined, and when her dreams slip through her fingers, she finds herself drawn into the world of prostitution—not out of choice, but out of necessity. To protect herself from pain, Maria detaches from her emotions, convincing herself that love is nothing more than an illusion and that intimacy is merely a transaction. Yet, even in the darkness, she refuses to let go of her drea...

“The dead have their own world, and the living have theirs. All the dead do is wait. They wait for a soul to come from the living world to take them to the other side.” Once you're a Murakami fan, you're a fan for life, and his books truly stand as a genre of their own! It's often said that those new to Murakami should begin with Norwegian Wood since it’s more subtle compared to his other works. However, when you’re not aware of that suggestion, you just pick books as they come—like I did in 2021 when I chose Kafka on the Shore . That turned out to be a fantastic decision, and I had an incredible experience immersing myself in the story. Murakami’s imagination is wild and dark, filled with ideas that are hard to even picture. His stories can really mess with your mind and pull you in so completely that you can’t help but become a "Murakami fan"—and that’s how I feel too. It’s also worth mentioning that Murakami’s books need your full attention. You can’t read the...

"Ten little soldier boys went out to dine; One choked his little self and then there were nine." I just finished an amazing Agatha Christie book, and it’s introduced me to a whole new world of thrillers and murder mysteries. These types of books really grab your attention—you can’t put them down, and they keep you hooked from start to finish. This book is different from others because the characters and situations are so unpredictable, it’s hard to imagine them in real life. That’s what makes it even more interesting. What a genius she is! The story takes place on Soldier Island, a small, isolated island off the coast of Devon, where ten strangers are invited. They think they’re going for a free, luxurious summer vacation with great food and wine. But things take a dark turn right away. Once they arrive, they realize they’re cut off from the mainland, and their host is missing. Each one of them is accused of a serious crime, and soon one person is found dead. They quickly rea...

“There’s no such thing as truly bad people. We’re all just people who sometimes make bad choices.” I finished this book at 11:54 PM on January 23rd, 2025, my tears long dried up after countless sobs. Honestly, I lost count of how many times I cried while reading. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions that you might never want to get off. Having lived through this book once, I know I won’t have the energy to go through it again. But it absolutely deserves at least one read. You have to experience it at least once—it feels like an emotional cleansing from the inside. Colleen Hoover writes in a way that makes everything feel so real, like you’re living the story right alongside the characters. Even the most mundane moments are captured so beautifully. She dives deep into emotions we often don’t talk about—whether it’s empathy, dark thoughts, excitement, or even the unsettling feelings we try to push away—and she hits you at exactly the right moment. Even the inanimate objects in the story hav...

Paulo Coelho shares a special kind of wisdom that helps readers feel calm, positive, and think beyond chasing material things that don’t matter in the long run. In The Archer , Tetsuya, a great archer who has left his craft behind to live as a carpenter in a small village, teaches a young boy about the art of archery. Through simple and practical examples, he shows that archery is not just about skill but also about understanding life. The book highlights how important it is to have a mentor—someone who can guide you and help you find meaning in life. The story begins with a young boy searching for Tetsuya, hoping to learn from him. One key idea in the book is “ An action is a thought made real,” reminding us to stay mindful of what we do and how it shapes our lives. The story also talks about the balance between good and bad experiences and the importance of relationships, whether they are with friends or rivals, as they both help us grow. The book also warns about the dangers of fame...

"Sometimes the secrets we keep are the ones that teach us the most about who we truly are.” Isn’t that so true? The Nosy Neighbor was given to me in 2015 by one of my cousins, who also loves reading. Since he recommended it so highly, it had to be featured in my blog. This was actually the first thriller I ever read. Fern Michaels' The Nosy Neighbor is an interesting contemporary novel about Sophie, a mysterious woman who moves into a quiet suburban neighbourhood. Her arrival catches the attention of the curious neighbours, who begin to dig into her past. As secrets unfold, the book explores themes like privacy, community, and redemption, while also looking at the complex nature of human relationships. Sophie’s quiet and secretive nature sparks gossip, but the story also reveals the hidden struggles of her neighbours. It explores the balance between isolation and connection, and the deep impact family and friendship can have on our lives. As Sophie tries to escape her troub...

"If you’re not afraid of dying, then you’re not afraid of living." I was first introduced to Paulo Coelho by a very special friend, and after that, there was no turning back. Veronica Decides to Die captivated me so deeply that I ended up buying all of Coelho's books and reading them one after another. This novel takes you to a whole new level of introspection, imagination, and hope—ideas that inspire you to keep moving forward in life. The story centers around a young woman, Veronica, who decides to end her life out of boredom with her privileged yet monotonous existence. However, her suicide attempt fails, and she ends up in a psychiatric hospital instead. There, a doctor informs her that the damage done to her brain means she only has a few days to live. As Veronica interacts with the patients in the hospital, each with their own struggles and coping mechanisms, she begins to realize that her journey is no longer about fighting death, but rather about discovering what...

"The greatest illusion," said the mole, "is that life should be perfect." Isn’t that a wonderful thought? The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy is one of the best books I’ve ever read. The author beautifully shows deep feelings and ideas that we often overlook in our busy lives. Even if you're not a big reader, this book is a great choice. It’s simple and has pictures, which will remind you of childhood stories, making it easy to understand and enjoy.While children can enjoy this book, it also has a depth that speaks to adults. The dialogue is simple, but every word is meaningful. The short and thoughtful lines allow you to pause and think, which makes the book feel powerful and special. This book is like a favorite song on your playlist that you always return to, no matter how many new songs you hear. It’s timeless. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse is a story that speaks to people of all ages, offering deep thoughts about life, l...

"They were artists, each painting the other’s soul in a language of words and colors that the world could never fully understand." Amrita Imroz by Uma Trilok is a heartfelt tribute to one of the most touching love stories in Indian literary history. The book beautifully explores the deep connection between Amrita Pritam, the celebrated poet, and Imroz, the artist who became her life partner. It reveals the complexities of love, creativity, and companionship, making it a story for not just art and poetry lovers, but for anyone who believes in the transformative power of human connection. Through its lyrical language and sincere exploration of their bond, Amrita Imroz invites readers to reflect on the true nature of love. It shows how love can be quiet yet powerful, how it can support us through life’s toughest moments, and how it can inspire endless creativity. This book stays with you long after you finish it, deepening your appreciation for both the art of love and the lov...

"Death exists, not as the opposite but as a part of life." What an incredible book by Murakami! It’s no surprise that his writing always leaves a strong impact on readers. I’ve wanted to read this book for a long time, and I finally finished it today, November 30th, 2024. Now, I’m excited to share my thoughts. Set in Japan in the 1960s, Norwegian Wood tells a story full of young love, loss, and complicated relationships. The main character, Toru Watanabe, is an introverted college student whose life revolves around his two close friends: Kizuki and Naoko. The story is told through Toru’s memories, which are triggered when he hears the Beatles song "Norwegian Wood" on a plane. This song reminds him of his intense and life-changing relationships with two women: Naoko and Midori. Naoko is a beautiful but fragile girl who struggles with her mental health after her boyfriend, Kizuki, commits suicide. Toru feels deeply connected to her and wants to help her, but her emot...

"Every choice, every decision you’ve ever made and will ever make, creates a new universe. A new world. A new you." I first read Dark Matter in 2021 and just finished reading it again recently. I had to share my thoughts on it! It's a must-read for anyone who enjoys sci-fi thrillers. Since I have a science background, I found it easier to understand, but even if you're not into science, this book is still great if you’re interested in parallel universes/alternate realities. If you’ve seen Interstellar , you’ll enjoy this book too! Blake Crouch wrote an amazing, mind-blowing story that keeps you hooked until the very end. And even after you finish, it’ll make you think for days or even months about the universe and how small we are in it. The twists in the story keep you turning the pages, and the writing is really engaging. Dark Matter is a sci-fi thriller about identity, choice, and alternate realities. The story follows Jason Dessen, a physics professor who gets k...

I finished the novel a while ago, and I came out feeling both confused and deeply reflective about human connections.  Let me start with an amazing quote: “He brought her goodness like a gift, and now it belongs to her.” Normal People  is a deeply moving story about Connell and Marianne, two young people from a small Irish town whose lives become intertwined in unexpected ways. As they navigate school, university, and the complexities of their emotions, their relationship is challenged by love, friendship, and personal growth. What makes this novel special is its honesty and subtle writing. Sally Rooney captures the tiny, everyday moments that make relationships so complex—misunderstandings, shifts in power, and unspoken feelings. The emotions feel authentic and relatable, especially for anyone who has wrestled with questions of self-worth, love, and belonging. This struggle has become increasingly common in our competitive and fast-paced world! Connell and Marianne are flawed...

Even though the book didn’t fully engage me, I still finished it. It shows how hard life can become for someone whose dreams are ignored or not taken seriously by others, leading to mental trauma that sometimes can’t be healed. Sylvia presents this with such depth and honesty that it’s truly striking! Let’s start with one relatable quote from the book- “I wanted each and every one of them, but choosing one meant loosing all the rest ” The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath is about Esther Greenwood, a young woman who begins to struggle with her mental health. The story is set in the 1950s, a time when women faced many social expectations, which add to Esther’s feelings of being trapped and misunderstood. Although she’s given good opportunities, like a writing internship in New York, she feels empty and disconnected. Sylvia Plath uses the image of a “bell jar” to describe Esther’s depression—like being stuck in a glass jar, where she can see the world but can’t truly connect with it. This shows t...

I just finished Lessons in Chemistry , and it’s a book so fulfilling that I’d love to read it on repeat.! Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus is a fun and thought-provoking book set in the 1960s.  It tells the story of Elizabeth Zott, a smart and determined chemist who struggles with being taken seriously because she's a woman. Despite facing many obstacles, Elizabeth doesn’t give up and stays true to herself, which makes her stand out in a male-dominated world. A character who amazes the world with her intelligence and humor. She believes in cerebral equality and sticks to her views throughout her journey. Elizabeth ends up hosting a cooking show, but instead of just teaching recipes, she uses the platform to share bigger ideas about life and equality. What makes her unique is that she doesn’t try to change the world on purpose—she simply stays authentic, and that in itself challenges the unfair rules of society. One of the best things about this book is how it gives every chara...

"I’m your maid, so I know a lot about you. But what do you really know about me?" The Maid is a smart mystery that will surprise you at the end!  The story focuses on loneliness, trying to fit in, and Molly’s kindness, even when it puts her in danger. Molly’s character is charming—her attention to detail and determination help her solve the mystery. The writing is clear and often funny, with Molly’s literal way of thinking adding both humor and emotion. The book is about Molly Gray, a hotel maid who struggles with social interactions. Her life is simple and organized until she finds Mr. Black, a hotel guest, dead in his room. Molly’s innocence gets her involved in the murder investigation, and soon, she has to figure out who she can trust. It's a fun and interesting mystery with a unique and lovable main character. It’s an easy read with a plot that keeps you hooked. Let's leave you with another quote to ponder: "I strive for perfection, and in doing so, I’ve of...

Let’s start with a great quote from the book: “The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about.” The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid is an interesting and emotional novel about the life of Evelyn Hugo, a famous Hollywood actress. The story has two timelines: one follows Monique Grant, a journalist chosen by Evelyn to tell her story, and the other features Evelyn herself as she shares her rise to fame and the truth about her seven marriages. The book gives us a look into the world of fame and success, showing the sacrifices people make to get to the top. Evelyn is a strong and complex character—she is determined and smart but also vulnerable. The author shows how Evelyn navigates Hollywood, a place often dominated by men, where she has to make tough choices. Her marriages, while controversial, reveal important truths about love, identity, and surviving in a world focused on glamour. Monique’s story connects with Evelyn’s in surprising ways, l...

Don’t be fooled by the name, The Forty Rules of Love ; it’s much more than it seems! It’s a beautiful journey that enriches your soul as you read. “There are two types of people in this world: those who believe in love and those who don’t.” The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak tells two stories at once—one set in today’s America and the other in 13th-century Persia. The main ideas in the book are about love, spirituality, and how deep connections with others can change our lives. In the modern story, we meet Ella Rubenstein, a housewife feeling unhappy in her life and marriage. She receives a book to review called Sweet Blasphemy , which tells the story of the famous poet Rumi and his spiritual teacher, Shams of Tabriz. As Ella reads this book, she begins to reflect on her own life and love, leading her on a journey of self-discovery. The second story follows the bond between Rumi and Shams, showing how their friendship helped Rumi become a great poet and spiritual leader. Shams sha...

I recently finished a book that has stayed with me not just for a few days, but for weeks, even months now. One of the most powerful quotes from the book is: “You are the knife I turn inside myself; that is love.” This book is a collection of Franz Kafka's letters to Milena Jesenská, a Czech journalist he had a deep emotional connection with. Kafka’s letters are filled with love, self-doubt, and deep thoughts about life. For anyone interested in the complexities of human relationships, this book is a must-read. Kafka was deeply drawn to Milena, even though she was married and wasn’t planning to leave her sick husband. He wrote to her with complete honesty, sharing his deepest thoughts and feelings, even though Milena didn’t fully return his love. What’s amazing is that, despite hardly ever meeting in person, they formed such a strong emotional connection through their letters. It made me think about how beautiful love can be. Both Kafka and Milena had their own health problems, but...

 I’ve just finished another book by one of my favorite authors, Paulo Coelho.  One of the quotes that stood out to me from The Spy is: "I am a woman who was born at the wrong time and nothing can be done to fix this." This book makes you think about how incredibly Mata Hari handled her life after her parents passed away. She became a self-made woman in the early 20th century, which was not easy at the time. The Spy gives a thoughtful look at a complex woman who didn’t follow the rules of society. Although the book focuses more on her personal thoughts than on the history, it’s a short and interesting read for anyone who wants to see a different side of Mata Hari. The courage and struggles she faced to break free from the rules society had set—especially those created by men and women—are inspiring. The story follows Mata Hari’s journey from Margaretha Zelle, a Dutch woman, to a famous dancer and controversial figure in Paris. Her rise to fame through dancing and relationsh...