What are you reading today?

 What are you reading today?

A question I often ask in my trainings to my participants, in my academic classes to my students.

Sometimes I get detailed answers on the book they are reading or listening to, the journal papers or some random article they read that morning.

Sometimes there are awkward silences.

Participants tell me they don't have time to read or they just don't read books; reels or viral LinkedIn posts are more entertaining.

I have often heard adults lamenting how kids dont read today and they are always on the gadgets.

Till a few years back, I would quietly judge wondering how can someone not read. But today, I am wiser I think. I try and understand the why but also how can we inculcate the habit of reading.

So, sharing what I tell my participants and students and what I tell the fellow parents, when they ask "How do we begin reading? " Or "How to get the child to read? "

1. Reading is not a competition- each of us read at a pace that works for us. There is no ideal time to finish a book. I do keep a track of how many books I read, what genre, new authors but that is only a personal benchmark.

2. Read anything you can get your hands on- a book, an article- short or long form, a magazine, a pamphlet, news shorts... Even what is written on newspaper packets or the statements on t-shirts.

3. All genres are good- let us stop being snooty about genres. We could have a favourite genre ourselves but let us refrain from imposing. Fiction, Non-fiction, Mystery, Romance, Drama, Magical realism, Translated works, Vernacular literature- all work.

4. If you are not enjoying a book, stop reading it. Don't be a victim of sunk cost fallacy... Time and life are precious. Sometimes some books just don't work for us and it is ok.

5. One is boring, want to read multiple books at the same time- Go-ahead. Over the years, I have realised that I prefer reading multiple books- one physical book and another on the kindle and sometimes all physical books... I usually read different genres simultaneously. That keeps the momentum and the interest.

6. Children mirror us adults, most times. So, if you are a parent who wants the child to read... Then you also reading helps the cause. Sometimes you could read out aloud to them or read along! Make it a family activity.

7. There is no perfect time to read. We can set aside a time everyday but also not be bound by it. I like to read when I have my morning coffee or when am travelling in the cab or when am waiting at the doctors or the bank or even at Ranga Shankara for eg. Once children take to reading, we see that they read everywhere and at all times.

8. Reading is not a tickbox activity or just a hobby. It over years becomes a part of who we are and shapes how we think, feel and act.

So, go ahead.. pick up just any book and read!

#LoveReading #ReadAnytime #ReadAnywhere #BooksIn2025 #IraLovesReading

Moments of hope arise

 

Ira had her School Mela today. We had been really looking forward to it. The children, adults had put in immense effort for the big day.  And then inclement weather thanks to the Cyclone and plans had to change. A limerick to mark today. 

The morning began with constant pitter patter and gloomy skies

Will it happen or not, suspense stays and the sun still shies

We will have to wait, date with school another day

Post rains, rainbow and sunshine on the way

Change is constant, we learn and adapt, moments of hope arise

#ExistentialThoughts #Limerics #Ira #Iraisms #IraAtEight #EffablesAtEight #Pramadhs #Chai #HotChocolate #LoveReading #Hope #Adapt 

Being Penpals, the Ira way

"I pick up my pencil 

and with all my might, 

I begin to write."

                    Ira posting a letter to her Penpal

Life has myriad ways of teaching us many things. 

A dear friend of ours began writing to Ira about 2 years back. She would send interesting post cards, envelopes with stamps that have historical significance and letters talking about what she did, what she read and asking Ira about her. One of the recent letters was  a copy of a piece she wrote many years back. Little memories from journals to share as learnings to her penpal, a little human being. 

            Letters, Postcards and more Letters

Initially, Ira just found it exciting that someone was actually sending her a letter or  a post card. Encouraged by Papa, over time, Ira began writing little letters in response. She shared what she read, what she did and what she thought. 

Her latest one is a poem that she wrote impromptu. On one side, is the poem and on the other side, a little art by Papa. We are yet to post the letter though. 

                Poem by Ira and Art by Papa

Ira has interestingly never met 'Sonali', her penpal but they have embarked on a beautiful journey together. 

Sonali is a writer, a teacher and a Potter-head, along with being a voracious reader. Her enthusiasm and laughter light up the space she is in. Prashant and I have known her for over  a decade now and we cannot thank Sonali enough for giving our little girl this experience and sharing her beautiful writings. 

Ira and her penpal, 

One 7, another in her 50s

Both love reading

Both are Potter-heads

Both are writers

Both are artists

Both are friends! 

#Ira #Iraisms #IraAtSeven #StoriesAtSeven #Penpals #WritingLetters #BeingFriends #LittleHumanBeings #LoveReading #LoveWriting #IraWritesMammaBlogs#ArtByIra #PoetryByIra #IraWritesPoetry#Happiness #Love #Gratitude #ArtByPapa

Books in 2021

 In 2019, my New Year Resolution was to read atleast one new author every month. In 2020, I wanted to read at least one non-fiction every month. In 2021, I just wanted to read more.

In 2022, I want to continue reading at least one new author every month and also read more translated work from Bangla. Recommendations are welcome 😊

 

My reading Journey in the year 2021:

 

Books Read: 42

New authors: 25

Favourite New Authors (in no particular order)- Anthony Horowitz, Kazuo Ishiguro, Alexander McCall Smith

Most Read Genre: Mystery

Favourite Debut Novel: The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

Favourite Fiction: Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Favourite Non- Fiction: Atomic Habits by James Clear

Most Disturbing Read: Why Men Rape by Tara Kaushal

Favourite Poetry book: Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur

Read with your child- India’s Adventures in Space by Spoorthy Raman

 

#Booksin2021 #LoveReading #Happiness #LoveBooks

 

Below are the snippets posted on Facebook. Each one speaks volumes of my mental space at that point of time and my reading journey.

 

Book 42- The Story of the Lost Child- Elena Ferrante. 27^th Dec 2021

 

A dear friend introduced me to this book almost 2 years back. As I come to the final book of the Neapolitan series, I cannot wait to know what happens to Lila and Lenu and their friendship.The fourth book in the series. This time, water in a new favourite mug gives my Kindle company:)

#CurrentRead #BooksIn2021 #LoveReading #AboutFriendship #TranslatedWork #Sequel #KindleRead #NeapolitanNovel #Book42

 

Book 41- The Nothing Man- Catherine Ryan Howard. 25^th Dec 2021

 

Amidst nature, the song of birds, solitude and some me-time.

#Book41 #ThirdNewAuthorOfTheMonth #CurrentRead #LoveReading #LoveBooks #MurderMystery #HolidayRead #BooksIn2021 #KindleRead #WomenAuthors #Happiness #Gratitude

 

Book 40- Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982- Cho Nam Joo. 18^th Dec 2021

 

Travelled on work after 21 months and finished this book in exactly two sittings. A rivetting book that hits you hard. You relate to many experiences and you know exactly what the female protagonist has gone through. A must read. This year has been about discovering some fabulous writers.

#Book40 #SecondNewAuthorOfTheMonth #BooksIn2021 #LoveReading #WomenAuthors #TranslatedWork #GenderDiscrimination #WorkTravels #ReadWhileTravelling #Happiness #Gratitude #Gift

 

Book 39- Atomic Habits- James Clear. 1^st Dec 2021

 

This book was part of our #BlossomsLoot in 2021 January. Picking it up as my first read of December.

Habits are an integral part of our lives.

Just like how Marie was always the perfect accompaniment to my Assam Chai. While Chai and I have parted ways, Marie now gives company to my Black Coffee.

Some Habits stay on, they are a reminder to another set of habits.

#BooksIn2021 #CurrentRead #LoveReading #Book39 #OneNewAuthorEveryMonth #NonFiction #Learnings #Gratitude #Habits #PowerOfHabits #AtomicHabits #TinyHabits #LoveCoffee

 

Book 38- Inhale Exhale- Dr. Ishan Capoor. 30^th Nov 2021

 

Thanks to a dear friend who sent this today by India Post. A happy surprise. Cannot wait to read it. Thank you Sonali Bhatia

#BooksIn2021 #CurrentRead #LoveReading #Book38 #ThirdNewAuthorOfTheMonth #Poetry #Learnings #Gratitude #BookByAPulmonologist #Covid19 #LoveCoffee

 

Book 37- Circe- Madeline Miller-4^th November

 

His and Mine. This Morning.

#BooksIn2021 #CurrentRead #LoveReading #Book37 #SecondNewAuthorOfTheMonth #Rereading #Learnings #Mythology #Pramadhs #LoveCoffee

 

Book 36- India’s Adventures in Space-Spoorthy Raman- 1^st Nov 2021

 

We bought this book a few weeks back and gave it to Ira this morning. She finished it already I am also starting my November with this book. The excitement of reading a book, written by someone you know!

Spoorthy Raman , the book looks absolutely beautiful and Ira shared some interesting facts that stayed with her as she read.

Congratulations

on this amazing feat! To reading more books written by you

#BooksIn2021 #CurrentRead #LoveReading #Book36 #OneNewAuthorEveryMonth #SpaceAdventures #India #ScienceWriting #IraReadsMammaReads

 

Book 35- Kiara and the Sun- Kazuo Ishiguro-20^th October 2021

 

Back to Ooru, back to life.

Picked this dystopian Science fiction by an author I began reading this year as my next read!

#BooksIn2021 #Book35 #ScienceFiction #CurrentRead #Happiness #LoveCoffee #LoveReading #KindleRead #NobelLaureate

 

Book 34- The Thing around your Neck - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie -14^th October 2021

 

Sitting amidst the mountains, watching the fogs play hide and seek. Humbling.

Will miss these mornings

The one constant is my company and a book in hand.

#BooksIn2021 #LoveReading #Book34 #Happiness #Travel #Pramadhs #LoveMountains #CurrentRead #ShortStories #FavouriteAuthor #KindleRead

 

Book 33- Milk and Honey- Rupi Kaur-13^th October 2021

 

Another day.

Another morning.

Hello from another place in the Western Ghats! Finding solace in the silence, the rains and the poetry.

#BooksIn2021 #LoveReading #Book33 #Survival #LovePoetry #Happiness #Travel #Pramadhs #LoveMountains #CurrentRead #SecondNewAuthorOfTheMonth #KindleRead

 

Book 32- The Full Cupboard of Life- Alexander McCall Smith- 12^th October 2021

 

Hello from the Western Ghats! In a quaint place that had a small bookshelf welcoming us. Picked this book with one of my favourite protagonists I discovered this year. A fabulous coincidence that this is the second book in the series.

#BooksIn2021 #LoveReading #Book32 #LoveMystery #CurrentRead #Series #Library #BookShelf #Happiness #Travel #Pramadhs #LoveMountains

 

Book 31- Then She was Gone -Lisa Jewell- 4^th October 2021

 

When in between meetings, you want to read. Because what better thing to do while you wait.This year has been a record on the number of murder mysteries that I have read<3

#BooksIn2021 #LoveReading #Book31 #MurderMystery #OneNewAuthorEveryMonth #CurrentRead #KindleRead #BetweenMeetings

Book 30- The Shivering- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie- 30^th September 2021

Another short story<3

#Book30 #LoveReading #CurrentRead #BooksIn2021 #FavouriteAuthor #ShortStory #KindleRead

 

Book 29- Before the Coffee Gets Cold - Toshikazu Kawaguchi- 30th September 2021

 

The last few weeks I haven't been able to read much. This book was gifted by two dear friends. Time to read it as I sip my coffee.

The longpi mug was bought at Dastkar few years back from this Artisan from Manipur. Like the book, the mug is special too

#BooksIn2021 #LoveReading #Book29 #TimeTravel #OneNewAuthorEveryMonth #LoveCoffee #LongpiCoffeeMug #Memories #BooksAreTheBestGifts #LoveBooks #CurrentRead #TranslatedWork

 

Book 28- One of Us is Lying- Karen M McManus- 27^th August 2021

 

Nothing in life is just B&W. Neither stories, nor those mugs of coffee nor existential thoughts!

My last book was an extremely difficult read. So, picking up something light, hopefully.

#BooksIn2021 #LoveReading #Book28 #KindleRead #DebutNovel #MurderMystery #OneNewAuthorEveryMonth #ExistentialThoughts #LoveCoffee #EnamelCoffeeMug #CurrentRead

 

Book 27- Why Men Rape- Tara Kaushal-25^th July 2021

 

This book was bought online in 2020, the year it released. I have many times picked it up and put it back because wasn't sure I could read it. Few pages in. I want to continue reading. I want everyone to read it.

#CurrentRead #BooksIn2021 #LoveReading #Book27 #NonFiction #InvestigativeJournalism #SecondNewAuthorOfTheMonth

 

 

Book 26- Those who leave and those who stay- Elena Ferrante- 8^th July 2021

 

Lila and Lenu and their friendship. One of those translated works that tugs at your heart. The third book in the series. This time, some Black tea for company!

#CurrentRead #BooksIn2021 #LoveReading #AboutFriendship #TranslatedWork #Sequel #KindleRead #NeapolitanNovel #Book26

 

 

Book 25- The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency- Alexander McCall Smith- 6^th July 2021

 

This book came highly recommended from a close friend. Halfway into it, I absolutely love Mma Precious Ramotswe and the narration of life and culture in Botswana

A perfect company to my quiet mornings.

Can't wait to read more in the series. There are 20 books.

#Book25 #LoveReading #BooksIn2021 #CurrentRead #OneNewAuthorEveryMonth #LoveMystery #KindleRead #Series

 

Book 24- Zikora- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie- 1^st July 2021

 

July begins with one of my top favourite authors. Was introduced to her writing by a dear friend and my reading life just got better.

#Book24 #LoveReading #CurrentRead #BooksIn2021 #FavouriteAuthor #ShortStory #KindleRead

 

 

Book 23- Moonflower Murders- Anthony Horowitz-22^nd June 2021

My journey with Sophie is slow. Picked up another book to read simultaneously. Loved the first book by Anthony Horowitz. This also seems intriguing.

Giving my read company is a bowl of happiness!

*The Cover page picture is sourced online.

#Book23 #CurrentRead #LoveReading #BooksIn2021 #LoveMystery #KindleRead

 

 

 

Book 22 –Baby and Dubdub- Khyrunnisa A.

Book 21- The Puppy who was Left behind- Holly Webb- 14^th June 2021

 

"Mamma, read this story about Dubdub. It is really nice"

"Ok Ira, how about the book by Holly? "

"That is a sad story, about a puppy who is left behind"

"But don't they get back together in the end?"

"Yeah, they do."

"So, it is a story with a happy ending?"

"Yes actually".

Ira sat with me as I read the final pages of Baby and Dubdub's story. Two delightful books that made my weekend

#Book21 #Book22 #ChildrensLiterature #IraRecommendsMammaReads #LoveReading #CurrentRead #BooksIn2021 #IraLovesDogs #ThirdNewAuthorOfTheMonth #FourthNewAuthorOfTheMonth

 

 

Book 20- Jostein Gaarder-Sophie’s World- 9^th June 2021

Picked this book up in 2010 at the Bangalore Book Festival. Many times picked it up and just put it back on the shelf. Finally, this morning seemed right to begin reading it.

"It seems as if in the process of growing up we lose the ability to wonder about the world".

The pretty coffee mug is courtesy Hamsa Venkataraman . It is pure love.

#Book20 #LoveReading #CurrentRead #BooksIn2021 #PhilosophicalThoughts #Wonder #BBF #SecondNewAuthorOfTheMonth #DebutNovel #TranslatedWork #CoffeeMugs

 

Book 19- Rebirth- Jahnavi Barua-5^th June 2021

A book from two of my besties, with their personalised messages is what makes this one even more special. Also, the fact that the protagonist hails from the state, where the moda at home is from. Random connections, you know.

Kaberi could just become one of my favourite protagonists ever.

#Book19 #CurrentRead #LoveReading #BooksIn2021 #Gratitude #Happiness #Friends #OneNewAuthorEveryMonth

 

Book 18- Go Set a watchman- Harper Lee- 30^th May 2021

Another treasure from Blossoms, Bengaluru. I was fascinated by Scout and Atticus Finch when I read, To Kill a Mockingbird years back.

For me, Scout challenged gender norms and was someone to look up to.

As I picked this book up yesterday to read, I couldn't help but find comfort in wanting to know how is Scout doing.

#LoveReading #BooksIn2021 #CurrentRead #Sequel #SecondHandBook #Book18 #Gratitude #Memories #SundayThoughts #FavoriteCharacters

 

Book 17- When we were Orphans- Kazuo Ishiguro- 24^th May 2021

Picked this book from Blossoms 2 summers ago when it was one of the most normal things to do! Miss those moments.

#LoveReading #BooksIn2021 #CurrentRead #SecondNewAuthorOfTheMonth #SecondHandBook #Book17 #Gratitude #Memories #MondayMusings

 

Book 16- Daughter by Court Order- Ratna– 17^th May 2021

Arnie's life seems as complex as my multilayered breakfast!

#Book16 #CurrentRead #BorrowedBook #OneNewAuthorEveryMonth #LoveReading #IndianAuthor #Gratitude #HappyBreakfast #MondayMusings #BooksIn2021

 

Book 15- Anxious People- Fredrik Backman- 1^st May 2021

'May' we reach out to each other, 'May' we be there for each other.

'May' we find solace in the little things we do. 'May' we reflect on our words, thoughts and actions.

#Book15 #CurrentRead #BooksIn2021 #LoveReading #FavouriteAuthor #LoveCoffee

 

Book 14- Bipradas- Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay-23^rd April 2021

#Book14 #TranslatedWork #BanglaLiterature #LoveReading #BooksIn2021 #CurrentRead #GiftedBook

 

Book 13- Magpie Murders- Anthony Horowitz- 5^th April 2021

Hello April,

Let just the books I read be full of mystery. I want you to be mundane, calm and boring; just a regular sort of month.

Much love.

HE has already read this and highly recommends it.

The original cover of the book is red and black; some red apple for thought, giving my book company!

#Book13 #CurrentRead #LoveReading #BooksIn2021 #OneNewAuthorEveryMonth

 

Book 12- Honour- Elif Shafak-29^th March 2021

Picking up an author I love and whose books give a sense of comfort. Protagonists who are so real, so flawed and so endearing at the same time.

#CurrentRead #LoveReading #BooksIn2021 #Book12 #FavoriteAuthor #Gratitude

 

Book 11- Collected Stories- Gabriel Garcia Marquez- 7^th March 2021

I began reading this book in 2016. This year the idea is also to finish the unfinished books. As I flipped the pages, I actually found some boarding passes from 2016.

A grim reminder also of my last work travel that was on 7th March 2020.

#Booksin2021 #CurrentRead #UnfinishedBook #LoveReading #Gratitude #Memories #WorkTravel #ShortStories #Book11

Book 10- Fasting, Feasting- Anita Desai-1^st March 2021

Marching into the new month, with a book that explores multiple nuances of Indian families, through the food and the eating.

An interesting foreward by Rana Dasgupta, whose Tokyo Cancelled I have read and immensely enjoyed.

#BooksIn2021 #OneNewAuthorEveryMonth #LoveReading #CurrentRead #IndianAuthors #Book10 #BookerPrizeRunnerUp #BorrowedBook #Gratitude

 

Book 9- The Other Shore-Enso-27^th Feb 2021

Enso is a quest and the beautiful pen name chosen by this author. This was a lovely book of poetry gifted to me by a friend, that makes you ponder and reflect on the simple realities of life. I do have some favories here- Creation, Free Spirit, Reaction and Flow.

#LoveReading #CurrentRead #DebutBook #BookOfPoetry #PenName #Book9 #ThirdNewAuthorOfTheMonth #BooksIn2021 #Gratitude #LovePoetry #ExistentialQuest #Reflection

Book 8- Palli Samaj- Sarat Chandra Chatterjee-18^th Feb 2021

#LoveReading #CurrentRead #BooksIn2021 #TranslatedWork #BanglaLiterature #Book8

 

Book 7- A Suitable Boy- Vikram Seth-7^th Feb 2021

There are some books that you may have been wanting to read for years! This is one such book for me. Waiting to see what unravels in these 1349 pages!

A friend who is in a spree of reading Vikram Seth nudged me to pick this one, and I borrowed it from another friend.

Look what I found in the pages. A memory? A story?

#Booksin2021 #CurrentRead #LoveReading #FriendsAndBooks #SecondNewAuthorOfTheMonth #Book7 #Gratitude

Book 6- The Tattooist of Auschwitz- Heather Morris- 4^th Feb 2021

A story of love and determination to begin February

#DebutNovel #CurrentRead #BooksIn2021 #LoveReading #OneNewAuthorEveryMonth #Book6

 

Book 5- Nudge- Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein-26^th January 2021

Read this book 2 years back and reading this again. I teach Behavioral Science to Public Policy Masters Students this semester. A fabulous book to nudge those classroom discussions.

Also, Happy Republic Day Everyone. Nudge yourself to be a more rational, conscientious, accepting and empathetic citizen. The Constitution Preamble adorns a wall at home and triggers many a thoughts in the Pramadh household.

#CurrentRead #BooksIn2021 #LoveReading #Book5 #NonFiction #RepeatRead #AcademicRead #Pramadhs #HappyRepublicDay

 

Book 4- The Story of a New name- Elena Ferrante-22^nd January 2021

Some days, you take comfort in the known.

#CurrentRead #BooksIn2021 #LoveReading #AboutFriendship #TranslatedWork #Sequel #KindleRead #NeapolitanNovel #Book4

 

Book 3- Parineeta- Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay-19^th January 2021

I love the sweetness of 'Patali gur'. For me, it is about Kolkata winter memories- hot phulkas with Begun bhaja (Brinjal fry) and gur.

Last evening, a swiggy parcel from a dear friend brought the same warmth, sweetness and happiness! I had shared a desire to read some Bangla literature, translated books. I received some patali and a few books

Began reading one right away.

#CurrentRead #BooksIn2021 #TranslatedWork #BanglaLiterature #Happiness #Gratitude #Friends #LoveReading #Book3

Book 2- Queen of Dreams- Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni-11^th January 2021

Waiting for the week to begin! Starting a book by an author whose books I absolutely love. And then to find a quote from another of my favorite authors in the starting pages. I absolutely enjoyed reading Murakami's Sputnik Sweetheart.

#BooksIn2021 #CurrentRead #LoveReading #OneOfMyFavoriteAuthors #MondayMusings #Gratitude #Happiness #Book2

 

Book 1- Girl in White Cotton- Avni Doshi-1^st January 2021

Hello January!

#BooksIn2021 #OneNewAuthorEveryMonth #DebutNovel #CurrentRead #LoveReading #Book1