January has been an absolute delight reading wise. I have grown fond of learning new things through reading and it has been the best decision I have ever made to not just read diverse authors but reading more on diverse topics that address real issues. In January, I learnt about India and the most popular topic in Today’s Indian Politics – Hindu & Muslim. The perpetual Hindu Muslim issue highlighted in A Suitable Boy and Lajja have got me thinking otherwise of the so called Secular Ideologies Indian Spokespersons claim to possess. I read about the worldwide ignorance of Global Warming that is affecting our future generation.
Along with that, I was rejoiced to read translated books and more new releases than I have read in the entire last year. Here begins a little brief on Everything I Read in January 2020…
The Indian Edit
Major portion of my reading in January was filled with Indian Culture, History and its Politics. Being an Indian, I was obliged to read more about the country I was born in. While, in the mainstream reading world it is always tagged as a Diverse read that features a POC or represents Indian Mythology. For me it brings in the essence of a place and its issues I can most resonate with. I decided to start the year with celebrating just that.
A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth
This book is a must read if you want to get a taste for the culture of India. Even though India is known for its democracy and different religions living together in harmony (i.e. – excluding current political agendas). If you are brought up in India, people follow this untold rule of being friendly with people of other caste and religion ( read Muslim / lower castes) but not “too” friendly. Marrying is like a big No (at least at first). 😛
Lajja by Taslima Nasrin
Although not an Indian Author, this book is based on a much controversial Indian Topic – The Babri Masjid Demolition. This book shows a much needed reflection on what has India become with its claims to have a National Religion like what Bangladesh and Pakistan did years ago.
Being Reshma by Reshma Qureshi & Tania Singh
Acid Attacks and the easy access to acid in India is a growing problem India faces. A country where women safety should be priority focuses on beef bans. *slow claps* A biography of a acid attack survivor that also highlights what the country lacks in safety, law and health issues.
Being Reshma is the story of a hero and her struggle to live her life despite the atrocities.
The Free Voice: On Democracy, Culture and the Nation by Ravish Kumar
This book emphasizes on the inalienable citizen’s right in a democratic country to question the government, the right to privacy, the right to choosing who you love, what religion or caste you follow and most importantly it shows you the mirror to what India is turning into and the growing risk to our right to freedom of speech
2020 Releases
The 2020 Releases I picked up have all been light reads contrasting to the other books I picked up throughout the month.
We Used To Be Friends by Amy Spalding
This book truly feels YA with how unsure the characters are about their life and deals with a least talked about issue teens face while growing up -losing friends.
Say Her Name by Zetta Elliott
This book touches on subjects of police brutality, the specific oppression of African American women, sexual assault, racial inequality, imbalanced media coverage, black resistance and empowerment.
Loveboat,Taipei by Abigail Hing Wen
The entertainment value of this book is top notch while also dealing with issues Asian Immigrant Children usually face.
CHILDREN’S
The BFG by Roald Dahl
Growing up.. I was always bought Enid Blyton to read. Rarely a Roald Dahl.
The only Roald Dahl book I must have read in my early teens was Matilda. I would probably have enjoyed this more as a kid for sure.
I have heard a lot of good things about this author and it does show in his writing.
The world building and character development is fantastic. His take on farting is absolutely hilarious though.
The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz by L. Frank Braum
I can see how much more I would love this children’s classic as a kid. As an adult, it was bizarre. However, It is based around the good vs evil theme and the adventurous world is much fun as always
Muslim Girls Rise by Saira Mir
Loved this short biography of muslim women that strive to bring significant change in the world.
NON FICTION
I read a total of four Nonfiction books this month. Which is a lot compared to like forever. ~Last year, all the nonfiction books I picked up have resulted in me wanting to pick up this genre more and so far I am not disappointed. Also, Isn’t there something about reading a story that makes it so interesting knowing it’s true.
No One Is Too Small To Make A Difference by Greta Thunberg
This book was definitely thought provoking. I first came across her name while reading Earth Heroes and was intrigued by her work and wanted to know more.
A Teenager, being a climate activist only highlights the intensity of such crisis.
And, I totally agree with Greta
“We cannot solve a crisis without treating it as a crisis. And even though it isn’t us that will face the entirety of our ignorance. It sure seems like the future generation has a bleak chance of survival.
P.S – Being Reshma, Muslim Girls Rise, and The Free Voice are the other three non fiction books I read .
FANTASY
The Vishakanya’s Choice by Roshani Chokshi
I loved the concept .and even though just a short story it holds a deeper meaning than expected.
The power of choice
THRILLER
You by Caroline Kepnes
If you ever want me to read erotica, this is how you make me do it. 😛
This is no doubt an Adult Thriller and has some serious trigger warnings.
Have been in a Toxic Relationship myself, some of the scenes in this book was rather alarming.
READING STATS
I read 3,982 pages across 13 books. Out of which, four were Non Fiction.
I read two Children’s Classic , one Historical Fiction, one Short Story, three were 2020 Releases, one was a thriller, and one was a literary fiction novel.
Have you’ll read any of these books?
How many books have you managed to finish this month? Do leave a link to your January Wrap Up and I’d love to check it out. Let’s Chat!
You had an awesome selection of books! I’ve heard great things about Loveboat, Taipei in particular!
Thankyou 😍 and Yes… it did put taipei on my bucket list fr sure..