Of Books & Bookworms

07/05/2024

I don't get too many early mornings, but when I do I try to get in some time for meditation — reading being the form of meditation that grounds me the most. Before I check my emails, before I dive into work, before I forget what a slow, deliberate life means as I lose myself for the next 8, 10, 12 sometimes even 16 hours of work.

Reading first thing in the day is like exchanging good morning messages with the characters I'm currently reading. I know at the end of the day they will be there again waiting to welcome me back and tell me all about "their lives". Just like friends.

Who else enjoys an early morning read?

30/04/2024

Two books, written 150 years apart – and both touch on how a woman’s voice is viewed. One, a classic novel, the other a contemporary thriller, unveils a persistent theme: the struggle women face to be heard.

"Women were expected to have weak opinions; but the great safeguard of society and of domestic life was, that opinions were not acted on." (George Eliot, Middlemarch, 1872)

This seemingly innocuous statement by George Eliot has a layer of scathing sarcasm. Women were expected to have meek opinions, but even those were deemed a threat to the "safeguard" of society.

Fast forward 150 years and look at it again from a male gaze (and of course, this is male chauvinism, coming from a character who is clearly going to end badly in the book).

"The trouble with women... is that they lack the courage of their convictions." (Sarah Vaughan, Anatomy of a Scandal, 2018)

It stings and stinks, but you have to wonder if a character can think this in 2018, so must people in real life.

Women's voices haven't always been valued (and perhaps, are still not). When George Eliot said this, she was of course critiquing the power structures that silenced women. It reflects a 19th-century view when women had fewer rights and limited agency.

But look at it today, and you have to ask, has social conditioning really changed in all this time? We still hold women back with outdated gender norms and expectations. Not every voice gets heard. When it does, it gets downplayed.

Even across a gulf of 150 years, we are fighting the same battle.

25/04/2024

I'm obsessed with the beauty of these cards from

I've been using them as bookmarks and eye-candy ever since I got them.

Spot any favourite names or faces?

12/04/2024

Historical novels not only chronicle historical events but also breathe life into the traditions, societal structures, and cultural nuances that shape a nation's identity. Explore what it meant to be alive in different eras of Japan with this list of historical fiction books....

Historical novels not only chronicle historical events but also breathe life into the traditions, societal structures, and cultural nuances that shape a nation’s identity. Explore what it mea…

16/02/2024

Rabindranath Tagore's connection with Japan reveals a fascinating journey of cross-cultural exploration. From his enduring friendship with Okakura Kakuzo to his sojourn in Japan and critique of rising nationalism, Tagore's complex relationship with Japan reflects the convergence of two distinct yet interconnected worlds....

Rabindranath Tagore’s connection with Japan reveals a fascinating journey of cross-cultural exploration. From his enduring friendship with Okakura Kakuzo to his sojourn in Japan and critique …

08/02/2024

Not all books are created equal. Not all the stories will be experienced by you equally. This is one of the reasons why I end up opening multiple doors to different worlds simultaneously!

Here is a true adventure with a tragic ending; a history of a 16th century English monarch; a Japanese heist, which I'm guessing, will go horribly wrong; a fictional tale to open our eyes on how we deal with race and prejudice — and I'm experiencing all of them at the same time.

Reading several books at a time is like meeting up with multiple friends, each with their own stories, each broadening your horizon in a different way. And when I'm reading more than one book I manage to read a lot more than I would if I picked just one book, probably because I'm a mood reader and can switch depending on how my day is going and what I'm enjoying.

How about you? Are you a one-book-at-a-time reader, or do you prefer to dive into multiple books simultaneously?

04/02/2024

I haven't finished reading any books since the year started (even though I read a few pages everyday) and I haven't been active on this insta channel for a while - and so I'm filled with some regret.

Sometimes our journeys, whether professional or personal, become so overwhelming, it's easiest to hide under a rock. And that's what I've been doing for a while.

Then I found something yesterday to inspire me. While doom scrolling on Instagram I found a bookstagrammer who read 25 books in January. 25! I didn't even read that many in the entire year last year!

Of course, this isn't about drawing a comparison. Rather, it made me realise just how little time and discipline I have when it comes to stuff that isn't directly related to work.

Of B&B has been my passion project for a few years. But more than that, books have been my companions ever since I was sentient. That's a LOT of years. And for me to get older and skimp on being with them when they've been with me in the best of times and in the worst of times, seems unfair.

So here's me coming back to life on Instagram once again. I am going to come back to this space daily with some content - it won't be a rush to hit some metrics or make my account go viral. Rather it will be a space where I share bookish love and connect with those who enjoy a slow, deliberate time with books.

Featured: Lady Joker Vol. 1 by Kaoru Takamura
Reading this as part of my quest to deep-dive into Japan. More about this on my blog - www.ofbnb.in

03/02/2024

Discover the richness of Japanese literature in this Of B&B series. This index is your guide to a curated exploration of narratives that mirror the unique cultural kaleidoscope of Japan. From ancient wisdom to modern musings, each article serves as a literary lantern illuminating the Land of the Rising Sun....

Discover the richness of Japanese literature in this Of B&B series. This index is your guide to a curated exploration of narratives that mirror the unique cultural kaleidoscope of Japan. From a…

14/01/2024

Readers are drawn to compelling stories with memorable villains. Find out how best you can create a villain that lingers in your readers’ minds, long after the story has ended.

Readers are drawn to compelling stories with memorable villains. Crafting such a character requires understanding their roots, building multi-dimensional backstories, exploring motivations, and dev…

06/01/2024

Jung Chang’s Wild Swans serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving the right to question, think critically, and dissent. It prompts us to appreciate the value of intellectual freedom and to guard against any glorification of ignorance.

Jung Chang’s Wild Swans serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving the right to question, think critically, and dissent. It prompts us to appreciate the value of intellectu…

24/12/2023

Not everyone experiences reading the same way. Ebooks have only been around for the past 50 years or so thanks to the Gutenberg Project while printed books have been around for over 500 years thanks to a German inventor called – yes, you guessed it – Gutenberg. Can we decide a clear winner between the two?...

Not everyone experiences reading the same way. Ebooks have only been around for the past 50 years or so thanks to the Gutenberg Project while printed books have been around for over 500 years thank…

05/11/2023

Rebecca Yarros' "Fourth Wing" is a new adult fantasy world that combines high fantasy, adventure, and slow-burning chemistry. Follow Violet's path from a fragile cadet to a fierce dragon rider within the breathtaking backdrop of Basgiath. Enjoy this unforgettable adventure, and stay tuned for the eagerly awaited sequel, "Iron Flame."...

Rebecca Yarros’ “Fourth Wing” is a new adult fantasy world that combines high fantasy, adventure, and slow-burning chemistry. Follow Violet’s path from a fragile cadet to a …

28/10/2023

Middle Eastern short stories offer a unique window into the region's rich history and human experiences. Through their tales, Middle Eastern authors explore themes such as identity, family, love, loss, conflict and resilience – giving readers a glimpse into cultures that are both familiar and exotic....

Middle Eastern short stories offer a unique window into the region’s rich history and human experiences. Through their tales, Middle Eastern authors explore themes such as identity, family, l…

12/10/2023

In this epic historical fiction, Min Jin Lee paints a rich tapestry of characters whose lives unfold against the backdrop of Korea and Japan during the tumultuous 20th century with a captivating narrative, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and the human spirit....

In this epic historical fiction, Min Jin Lee paints a rich tapestry of characters whose lives unfold against the backdrop of Korea and Japan during the tumultuous 20th century with a captivating na…

02/10/2023

In a world brimming with constant noise and distractions, literature stands as a sanctuary, offering solace and strength to those seeking refuge from life's tumultuous currents. Explore the profound impact of literature on mental health and well-being, delving into its role as a healer, teacher, and empathetic companion....

In a world brimming with constant noise and distractions, literature stands as a sanctuary, offering solace and strength to those seeking refuge from life’s tumultuous currents. Explore the p…

27/09/2023

Explore how to set clear goals, align your reading challenge with your lifestyle, and strike that perfect balance between ambitious and attainable. Downloadable workbook inside >>>...

Explore how to set clear goals, align your reading challenge with your lifestyle, and strike that perfect balance between ambitious and attainable. Downloadable workbook inside >>>

25/09/2023

Delve into the heart of China's rich cultural tapestry with these books that span centuries. From ancient wisdom and dynastic eras to modern transformations and global perspectives, this curated selection promises an unforgettable journey through China's corpus literature and history....

Delve into the heart of China’s rich cultural tapestry with these books that span centuries. From ancient wisdom and dynastic eras to modern transformations and global perspectives, this cura…

20/09/2023

In a world where change is constant, and the future is uncertain, our beloved characters remain steadfast. To revisit them is not an act of literary stagnation but a testament to the enduring power of storytelling....

In a world where change is constant, and the future is uncertain, our beloved characters remain steadfast. To revisit them is not an act of literary stagnation but a testament to the enduring power…

20/09/2023

Call me judgmental, but I'm absolutely smitten with books that sport captivating covers and beautifully sprayed edges, just like the one I'm holding.

It's not just about the visual aesthetics; it's a testament to the unwavering commitment of writers and publishers. A commitment that involves collaborating with a diverse array of artists – illustrators, designers, or those skilled in bookbinding and edge spraying.

This collective effort isn't just about making books look stunning on our shelves; it's a profound love for storytelling. It's about bringing those stories to life within the sacred confines of a book.

Can you guess which book I've got in my hands?

18/09/2023

To Paradise by Hanya Yanagihara is a literary masterpiece that defies conventional storytelling, offering readers a thought-provoking journey through alternate realities, profound ideas, and the enduring complexities of human nature....

To Paradise by Hanya Yanagihara is a literary masterpiece that defies conventional storytelling, offering readers a thought-provoking journey through alternate realities, profound ideas, and the en…

13/09/2023

Discover influential Marathi novels, including “Shyamchi Aai,” “Kosala,” “Mrityunjaya,” “Rau,” “Panipat,” “Mahanayak,” “Yugandhara,” “Fakira,” and “Shriman Yogi” – novels that explore a range of themes, including historical events, social issues, and mythological figures, and that have had a significant impact on Marathi literature and culture.

Discover influential Marathi novels, including “Shyamchi Aai,” “Kosala,” “Mrityunjaya,” “Rau,” “Panipat,” “Mahanayak,” & #8220…