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Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Subway reads: 10 books you can carry on your commute to look cooler than you are
From a pleasurable experience to a statement, we have come to an age where reading is cool and flexible. Celebrities carry it along as an accessory, as a part of their aesthetic. But they are not the only ones who can be blamed for their vanity; everyday commuters are in on it too. They carry it for various reasons, be it to calm their social anxiety, avoid meeting eyes with people, or just try to look cool. But the phenomenon is not all for the worse; who knows, the performative reading might also inspire someone to read further. Here are a few books that will not only make you look cool but also add to your overall development. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy Genre: Historical Fiction 'If everyone fought for their own convictions there would be no war.' A grand epic set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, War and Peace follows five Russian aristocratic families whose personal dramas unfold alongside history. With sweeping philosophical reflections on fate, war, and identity, Tolstoy blends love stories, political intrigue, and meditations on human nature. The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy Genre: Literary Fiction 'It is curious how sometimes the memory of death lives on for so much longer than the memory of the life that it purloined.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brain tumor has left my son feeling miserable; please help! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo Set in Kerala, India, this Booker Prize-winning novel tells the tragic story of fraternal twins Estha and Rahel, whose childhoods are shattered by caste politics, forbidden love, and generational trauma. . I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou Genre: Memoir / Autobiography 'There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.' Maya Angelou's landmark memoir recounts her early life, growing up as a Black girl in the segregated American South. With unflinching honesty and lyrical grace, she explores trauma, identity, racism, and the power of words in shaping her voice. It's not just a story of survival—it's a testament to reclaiming one's narrative. The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka Genre: Absurdist Fiction 'I cannot make you understand. I cannot make anyone understand what is happening inside me. I cannot even explain it to myself.' One morning, traveling salesman Gregor Samsa wakes up to find himself transformed into a giant insect. As he becomes isolated from his family and society, Kafka explores themes of alienation, guilt, and dehumanization in this surreal masterpiece. Though brief, the story's existential weight and eerie symbolism have made it a cornerstone of modern literature. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari Genre: Nonfiction / History ' You could never convince a monkey to give you a banana by promising him limitless bananas after death in monkey heaven.' Harari takes readers on a sweeping journey through 70,000 years of human evolution—from prehistoric tribes to modern capitalism. With bold insights and a knack for storytelling, Sapiens tackles everything from biology and sociology to religion and economics. It challenges conventional thinking and offers a thought-provoking narrative on who we are and how we got here. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini Genre: Historical Fiction 'One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs, Or the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls.' Spanning three decades in war-torn Afghanistan, this moving novel tells the intertwined lives of Mariam and Laila—two women brought together by fate and suffering. Hosseini masterfully depicts resilience, love, and sacrifice amid violence and oppression. The story is both intimate and sweeping, with characters who stay with you long after the final page. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara Genre: Literary Fiction 'And so I try to be kind to everything I see, and in everything I see, I see him.' This devastating modern epic follows four college friends navigating adulthood in New York City, but it's really the harrowing story of Jude—brilliant, mysterious, and deeply wounded. Yanagihara doesn't shy away from trauma, chronic pain, or the complexities of survival, making the book as painful as it is profound. Coming of Age in Samoa by Margaret Mead Genre: Anthropology / Nonfiction 'The children must be taught how to think, not what to think. And because old errors die slowly, they must be taught tolerance, just as today they are taught intolerance.' Based on Mead's fieldwork in 1920s Samoa, this influential work challenged Western ideas about adolescence, sexuality, and culture. She documented how social norms are not biologically fixed but shaped by culture, sparking debate across anthropology and beyond. Though some of her conclusions have been contested, the book remains a foundational text. 1984 by George Orwell Genre: Dystopian Fiction 'Big Brother is Watching You.' In Orwell's dystopian future, individuality is crushed, surveillance is absolute, and even thoughts are policed. 1984 follows Winston Smith as he quietly rebels against the oppressive regime of Big Brother. With chilling relevance today, the novel explores propaganda, language manipulation, and totalitarian control. It's a sharp, compact statement piece. Holding it in public screams 'I see through the system'—and invites nods from fellow book nerds across the train car. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath Genre: Semi-Autobiographical Fiction 'I took a deep breath and listened to the old brag of my heart: I am, I am, I am.' Sylvia Plath's only novel is a semi-autobiographical account of Esther Greenwood, a young woman whose promising life unravels under the weight of depression and societal expectations. With sharp, dark humor and poetic intensity, The Bell Jar explores mental health, gender roles, and the search for identity.
India.com
20-06-2025
- Climate
- India.com
8 Books That Hit Different When Read With Raindrops On The Window
photoDetails english 2918851 There is something magical about reading while it rains. The soft patter of drops, the cozy indoors, and a soulful book in hand. This rain list features 8 evocative reads that feel extra special and interesting when paired with the monsoon mood. From nostalgic romances to moody classics these books are perfect companions for rainy days. Books which feels like a warm hug. Updated:Jun 20, 2025, 01:01 PM IST The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy: 1 / 8 This book is written by an Indian author and set in Kerala. It is a prize-winning novel that captures the lush, rain-soaked landscapes of South India. It explores how small, seemingly insignificant occurrences, decisions, and experiences shape people's behaviour in deeply significant ways. The lyrical prose and melancholic undertone make it a perfect companion for a grey monsoon day. Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami: 2 / 8 It's a 1987 novel by a Japanese author, a beautiful tale of love, loss, and nostalgia. Murakami's novel drips with introspection. This novel is about a college student living in Tokyo and the reader sees himself in relationships with two very different women. The mood is somber throughout. A Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez: 3 / 8 This novel is cited as one of the supreme achievements in the world and with its vivid descriptions and magical realism. This classic transports readers to the fictional town of Macondo, where rain can last for book has been translated into 46 languages. The Shadow Lines by Amitav Ghosh: 4 / 8 This book is a Sahitya Akademi award-winning novel by an Indian writer, spanning across countries and timelines. This novel explores memory, borders, and identity with quiet intensity. Ghosh's storytelling is evocative and layered, much like the introspective thoughts that often arise on rainy days. And this book is set against the backdrop of historical events like the Swadeshi movement and second world war. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern: 5 / 8 It's a fictional novel and a magical tale of a mysterious circus that only appears at night and closes at dawn. And it features exhibitions such as illusionists and fortune tellers. This novel reads like a dream. Its atmospheric settings and poetic narrative make it an ideal escape during misty, monsoon evenings. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier: 6 / 8 This novel is dark, romantic, and suspenseful. It's about a young and insecure woman who becomes the second wife of the person. This gothic novel is set in a mansion by the sea, often shrouded in fog and rain. The moody ambiance and gripping plot perfectly complement a stormy afternoon. The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai: 7 / 8 This novel was set in the misty hills of Kalimpong, this novel weaves political turmoil with personal loss. And it revolved around two people Biju and Sai. Biju is an Indian living in the US illegally, and this guy is working for Sai's grandfather. Its richly drawn characters and emotional depth reflect the stillness and reflection that rainy days often bring. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë: 8 / 8 It's a novel by English writer, a timeless classic of love, independence, and resilience. This novel is about a guy who his orphan and faces challenges. The novel's moody moors and stormy settings enhance its emotional gravitas. It's a great read for curling up indoors with a warm cup of tea and the sound of rain.
Indian Express
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Arundhati Roy's memoir ‘Mother Mary Comes to Me' to hit shelves on September 2- read these 5 books while you wait
Booker prize-winning writer Arundhati Roy's memoir Mother Mary Comes to Me will hit the stands on September 2, publisher Penguin Random House India (PRHI) announced on Monday. The book, currently available for pre-orders online, unravels Roy's deeply personal experiences of becoming the person and writer she is, 'shaped most profoundly by her complex bond with her extraordinary, singular mother, women's rights activist Mary Roy, whom she ran from at age 18'. While we wait for Roy's highly anticipated memoir to hit shelves, here are five of her books to dive into now. From her Booker Prize-winning debut to her political essays, Roy's work is sure to keep you engrossed in the meantime. Arundhati Roy's Booker Prize-winning debut novel, The God of Small Things, is considered a cornerstone of postcolonial literature. Set in 1960s Kerala, it follows fraternal twins Rahel and Estha, whose lives unravel amid caste oppression and familial hypocrisy. Roy's lyrical prose and non-linear narrative expose the brutality of societal norms, interwoven with themes of love, loss, and forbidden boundaries. The novel's critique of India's caste system and moral rigidity earned global acclaim, translated into 40+ languages. Its vivid imagery—from pickle factories to riverbanks—immerses readers in a world where 'small things' shape destinies. A tragic yet poetic exploration of childhood innocence and adult complicity, the book remains a defining work of contemporary fiction, cementing Roy's place as a literary icon. Two decades after her debut, Roy returned with The Ministry of Utmost Happiness, a sprawling saga of India's marginalised. Longlisted for the Booker, the novel interlaces stories of transgender activist Anjum, Kashmiri rebel Musa, and abandoned baby Tilo, blending magical realism with sharp political commentary. From Delhi's graveyards to restive Kashmir, Roy exposes systemic violence while celebrating resilience. The narrative's fragmented structure mirrors India's fractured identity. Critics praised its audacity, though some found its scope overwhelming. A love letter to the dispossessed, the book reaffirms Roy's mastery of storytelling as both art and activism. This fiery essay collection confronts India's 1998 nuclear tests, globalisation, and authoritarianism. Roy lambasts 'nuclear nationalism' and dam projects displacing millions. Her critique of corporate greed and state violence sparked controversy, branding her a dissident. The book compiles five works, including The Cost of Living and War Talk, with a new introduction. Roy revisits the Gandhi-Ambedkar debate, exposing how caste oppression was sidelined in India's freedom struggle. Contrasting Gandhi's paternalism with Ambedkar's radical egalitarianism, she argues that his Annihilation of Caste remains urgent. The book, originally a preface to Ambedkar's text, dissects Gandhi's views on race and caste, urging a reckoning with his legacy. Scholarly yet accessible, it challenges mainstream narratives, advocating for Ambedkar's vision of social justice. Written during India's anti-CAA protests and Covid-19 lockdowns, Azadi (Urdu for 'freedom') interrogates the alleged rise of fascism. Through nine essays she makes a case for 'dissidence.' The title essay warns against conflating majoritarianism with democracy, while 'The Pandemic is a Portal' imagines post-crisis futures. (With PTI inputs)
Hindustan Times
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
HT Archives: Arundhati Roy wins Booker for her debut novel
October 16, 1997 The imposing chandeliered Guildhall full of literati, academicians and well-known faces from the publishing world broke into a polite applause as the five judges announced their unanimous decision awarding the 29th Booker prize (around £21,000), so far, the most prestigious literary award in Britain, to 37-year-old Arundhati Roy from New Delhi for her first novel The God of Small Things. The award to her did not cause any flutter in the hall as she was a hot favourite to win. Bookmakers Ladbrokes refused to take any more bets soon after noon on the 9/4 rated writer while booksellers were unanimously saying that Ms. Roy would easily win . Her closest rivals to start with were Nick Jackson (The Underground Man) and Jim Crace (Quarantine). But in the final discussions she beat the fancied Belfast-born Bernard Mac Lavert (Grace Notes) and Madeliene St. John (The Essence of The Thing). Ms. Roy, wearing a maroon silk sari, was overwhelmed with emotion as people gathered round to congratulate her. She said, 'There is no book which has universal admiration... another set of judges would have chosen another book.' 'There is no such thing as a perfect book. If there had been five different judges there might have been another winner. It is as much luck as worthiness,' she added She averred that she would resist the urge to write a second novel. 'For me this prize is about my past. Having written this. I am back to square one. I do not know whether I will write another.' About the much criticised and controversial Booker prize awards she said. 'Reviews and prizes are somehow for readers more than writer.' Ms Roy has proved Salman Rushdie right. He said during a discussion the night before the award that there are a lot of young writers who do not appear to be promising and one feels that the novel scene is dull, when suddenly a book comes up and the writer is acknowledged as talented. Ms. Roy has established herself firmly by walking away with the prize with her first novel, although voices of disappointments and dissent inevitably follow the judges' verdict almost every year. At least no judge walked out of the meeting as one lady had done two years ago, refusing to endorse the majority choice. The decision this year, one learns, did not take long although naturally two more books on the list were initially discussed. In fact, the final list for consideration was heavily criticised for not including Ian McEwan's Enduring Love. The real reason for disappointment was that there was not a single writer from the London literary scene. A very elated Tarun J. Tejpal of Indiaink, which published Ms. Roy's book, told this correspondent that he was naturally delighted but until the announcement he was sure that the award would go to someone else. 'Every factor was against it.' He explained that there was such a build-up for Ms. Roy's novel in the book world and such an overwhelming consensus for it to win the prize that he expected the judges, who tend to do their own thing, to choose some other writer. He expected them to be somewhat upset at almost being weighed down by the consensus that had built up. It's also the Mother Teresa syndrome of doing good which often guides the judges. They generally decide to promote a new talent which needs promotion. Whereas, Mr Tejpal further added, Ms. Roy's book, despite being a hardback and a serious literary work (released on April 4 this year) had already sold 4,00,000 copies in the first six months. Its commercial success has been bewildering, Mr Tejpal said. A spokesperson of the booksellers. Waterstones, which has sold 300 hardback copies at one of their branches in London since June, agreed that 300 was a large number for a 'literary' book. 'If I was a betting man I would back it,' he said earlier in the evening. Ms. Roy's 350-page book, which took four years to write, started a bidding war in the publishing world and reportedly fetched £1 million for the rights. It has been published in 19 and sold in 30 countries. It is so far the 16th most popular hardback here with 953 copies sold in the last seven days. Its sale is set to pick up now. Judge's panel chair Gillian Beer said after the award, 'With extraordinary linguistic inventiveness, Ms. Roy funnels the history of south India through the eyes of seven-year-old twins. The story is fundamental as well as local. It is about love and death yet tells its tale quite clearly. We were all engrossed by this novel'. There were of course some dissenting notes. One lady critic told this correspondent that she developed such distaste for the book that she was sure the judges would pick it. 'Judges have such extraordinary tastes.' Another critic, Carmen Callil ,who chaired last year's panel, said, 'It has got a vulgarity about it that embarrasses me.' From New Delhi President K. R. Narayanan led the nation in congratulating Arundhati Roy. 'I was delighted to learn that you have been awarded the Booker prize this year. Please accept my hearty congratulations. All of us in India are proud of your achievement,' Mr Narayanan said in a letter to Ms. Roy. 'I feel particularly proud as you hail from my own district of Kottayam,' the President added on a personal note. Prime Minister I. K. Gujral also felicitated Ms. Roy. He said the whole country took pride in this signal honour bestowed upon her. Union Human Resource Development Minister S. R. Bommai also congratulated Ms. Roy. He said the novel indisputably portrays the problems and possibilities that characterize our society today. It was not only an excellent work of art but also an expression of conscience that exposes social ills like discrimination against women and against untouchables by casteist hierarchy, he added. 'This is a moment of celebration not only for writers of India but also for every one of its citizens,' Mr Bommai said, adding that Ms. Roy has added to the glorious achievements of Indian writing.
The Independent
06-02-2025
- The Independent
12 best Indian novels to delve into the country's culture and history
From the cultural splendour of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur to the glamour of Bollywood, India is a fascinating place. It's the world's most populous country and there's no better way to learn about its diverse culture and complex history than to read about it. India has a long and distinguished literary record. The country's first written works date as far back as 1500BC and its oral tradition is even older than that. Centuries on, India's literary culture is flourishing – as shown by the impressive number of Indian novelists who have won the Booker Prize over the past 50 years. These include Arundhati Roy, the author of The God of Small Things, Aravind Adiga, who wrote The White Tiger, and Kiran Desai, the author of The Inheritance of Loss. Salman Rushdie, who was born in India but is a British citizen, won the 1981 Booker Prize for Midnight's Children. How we tested We've chosen a mix of classics from years gone by and contemporary novels that portray modern-day life in India. Our main criteria was that the novels should be original, compelling and superbly written – the kind of books that convey the country's distinctive culture in literary form. Some of our choices, such as Rohinton Mistry's A Fine Balance, shine a light on times of political upheaval, while books like The Year of the Runaways by Sunjeev Sahota, relay the struggles of migrant workers who leave India and cross the world to look for work. In other words, there's something to suit all literary tastes.
