Optimistic, even idealistic, Under the Bakul Tree was a heart-warming read. To be honest, I started reading the book prepared not to like it. It seemed like it would be […]
Journey to the River Sea
I read Journey to the River Sea years ago, probably over a decade ago. I loved it so much that it featured on my list of all-time favourite books for […]
The Henna Start-Up
A determined protagonist, a family that’s willing to change, and characters that evolve through the story–what’s not to like? Abir Maqsood of The Henna Start-Up by Andaleeb Wajid is an […]
My Favourite Late Middle-Grade and Young Adult Books from 2023
As usual, I begin my list of favourite young adult books wishing I had read more YA last year. Yes, I loved these books, but once more, I hope to […]
Heartstopper
I rarely write about books that are so popular, but I loved the Heartstopper series and I can’t wait to see what happens next! Unlike most other books I’ve read, […]
Zen
What a book. I’m not sure I know how to begin reviewing a book as mighty as Shabnam Minwalla’s Zen. It is such a compelling read that even though it’s […]
Terminal 3
When I learned that Debasmita Dasgupta had another graphic novel out, I knew I had to read it. Nadya, which I read several months ago, was a stunning read that […]
My Favourite Late Middle-Grade and Young Adult Books from 2022
I just looked back at the post where I listed my favourite young adult books from 2021. When I wrote that, I resolved to read more YA in 2022. And […]
Clap When You Land
A YA verse novel told from two points of view? Yes, please. And one with a secret at its core? Always. Clap When You Land was a stunning read, one […]
My Favourite Young Adult Books from 2021
I didn’t read very many young adult books in 2021, and several that I did read proved to be disappointing. With some, I know I was probably being unfair because […]
Magic Flutes
I love giving books away. I don’t hold with the idea that if you have too many books, you need a new shelf. But on the other hand, I do […]
Postbox Kashmir
From the moment I came across Postbox Kashmir by Divya Arya, I knew I wanted to read it. The title, the cover and the subtitle – ‘Two Lives in Letters’ […]
Neha and the Nose
Why did I not read this book earlier? It’s such a fun book, so witty and well written! I love it! Neha and the Nose are teen detectives. And they’re […]
Strong as Fire, Fierce as Flame
Ahimsa by Supriya Kelkar left its mark on me. But Strong as Fire, Fierce as Flame was something else altogether. I devoured the book. Each chapter made me read just […]
Mirror, Mirror
Fat shaming. It’s so rooted in society and family that it often goes unnoticed. Sometimes, it wears the garb of concern – oh, you’ve put on so much weight; is […]
Queen of Fire
When I started reading Queen of Fire, I wasn’t sure how much I would enjoy it. I expected to read something new and captivating, even though I knew that the […]
Bena’s Summer
Poetic. That’s the first word that comes to mind when I think of Bena’s Summer. It’s a slow, almost languorous read, evoking the in which summer in a small town […]
Nomad’s Land
Last evening, I spoke to the friend who gave me Nomad’s Land for my birthday.“Are you okay?” she asked. “You sound like you have a cold.”I promised her I was […]
Welcome to Nowhere
When I read books like Welcome to Nowhere, part of me reads with a sinking heart for I realise that I don’t have the courage to tell stories like this. […]
Queen of Earth
In the author’s note at the end of Queen of Earth, author Devika Rangachari talks of Queen Prithvimahadevi’s story having been ignored by gendered historiography. That gave me pause. I’ve […]