Independence by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

Independence by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

2 min readIf you’re looking for a historical fiction novel that immerses you in the pre- and post-independence era of India, Independence by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is a must-read. Set between August 1946 and February 1948, the story explores the lives of two families—the Gangulys and the Chowdhurys—during a time of monumental change in India. Against the backdrop of India’s struggle for independence and the painful partition, we follow the lives of…

Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

3 min readCarrie Soto Is Back took me on a tennis tour that stretched from Wimbledon to the Australian Open, the French Open, and the U.S. Open. If you’re a tennis fan or simply love a comeback story, this book will give you all the adrenaline you’re looking for. Taylor Jenkins Reid has managed to pull readers deep into the world of tennis—not just the game, but the personal battles, sacrifices, and…

The Racketeer by John Grisham

The Racketeer by John Grisham

2 min readThanks to my Chacha (uncle), I was introduced to John Grisham’s books back in college, and recently, with my “read more” resolution in full swing, The Racketeer was a perfect pick. From the very first line, “He was betrayed by the FBI. Now he wants revenge,” I knew this book was going to be an absolute page-turner. The gripping plot had a Netflix thriller vibe, this book was just what…

Sister of My Heart by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

Sister of My Heart by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

2 min readSister of My Heart by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is a beautifully woven tale of two sisters—Sudha and Anjali—who grow up in an upper-middle-class household in Kolkata, led by strong women. With the men of the house mysteriously disappearing just before the girls were born, the story unfolds through their voices, alternating between their childhoods and their later lives as they navigate their relationships, marriages, and the bonds that tie them…

Elephants Can Remember by Agatha Christie  

Elephants Can Remember by Agatha Christie  

< 1 min readOne of my goals this year is to read through all the Hercule Poirot books. I’ve always enjoyed Agatha Christie’s stories, and Elephants Can Remember was no exception. I remember hearing about an Indian tailor who once fed an elephant a banana with a needle hidden inside. Years later, the elephant saw him and got its revenge—whether by splashing muddy water, picking him up with its trunk, or smashing his…

Spoonful of Curds by Bharati Jagannathan

Spoonful of Curds by Bharati Jagannathan

< 1 min readIf you’re searching for a book that beautifully captures the essence of Tamil culture, Spoonful of Curds by Bharati Jagannathan is an absolute delight! This collection of short stories delves into the lives of Tamilians in India and abroad, offering a poignant exploration of relationships, traditions, and identity. When I first picked up the book, I started with one story a week, savoring its depth and detail. But soon it…

The Daughters of Madurai by Rajasree Variyar

The Daughters of Madurai by Rajasree Variyar

2 min readI stumbled upon The Daughters of Madurai while scrolling through a friend’s Instagram reel and ordered it on my Kindle right away. This debut novel by Rajashree Variyar delivered exactly what I needed—a gripping story that brought me back to reality. From the very first page, the book held me captive, shining a spotlight on the heartbreaking topic of female infanticide while weaving a deeply personal tale of family, love,…