Sometimes a book comes along at just the right time. Whether it succeeds in allowing one to be more introspective, more optimistic, or less lonely, it’s hard to describe the elation one feels after finishing a book that connects so thoroughly with the reader’s life outside of the pages. The world is tough. Somedays, its problems feel heavier than can be beared. And I’m not saying books hold all the answers for healing a person’s pain. But there’s no doubt there is a magical balm that soothes our woes throughout their chapters.
I haven’t written on this blog in a LONG time. No doubt it is telling then that The Reading List has inspired me enough to post about how it has made me feel less alone. I can’t express how much Sara Nisha Adams’s story has brightened my days and how it almost feels like this book was written just for me at points. I hope for my handful of readers, you seek it out and find it lightens your spirit as well.
Mukesh is a widower, spending his monotonous days alone in South London. Though he has three overbearing daughters, Rohini, Deepali, and Vritti, Mukesh feels disconnected and adrift without the company of his beloved wife, Naina.
After her death, he finds a forgotten library book, one of the many books Naina spent her days buried in. He finds himself reading it and feeling a brand new connection to his wife. One that has him traveling outside his comfort zone and into Harrow Road Library.
Overwhelmed and not sure where to start, Mukesh makes the lackluster acquaintance of a summer hire names Aleisha. At first glance, Aleisha appears to be like any other sulky teenager. Snappish and short tempered, Aleisha does not have the time nor the inclination to assist Mukesh in fulfilling his mission or procuring a new book that will fill his days and remind him of Naina. Aleisha has her own problems – an agoraphobic mother, an absentee father, a brother that is endlessly stressed and balancing work and their mom’s mental health, and her own insecurity about keeping her family’s issues from prying eyes.
After frightening Mukesh away with her dismissive animosity, Aleisha stumbles upon a list while cleaning returned books of litter.
“Just in case you need it:
To Kill a Mockingbird Rebecca The Kite Runner Life of Pie Pride and Prejudice Little Women Beloved A Suitable Boy“
Feeling guilty and intrigued, Aleisha tries to make amends with Mukesh by taking a cue from the list. After reading each book for herself, a practice she is severely lacking in, Aleisha recommends each one to Mukesh, building an unlikely connection through their shared thoughts and experiences, traumas and triumphs, the books creating a bridge between their lives.
And as life tends to do, it throws tragedy in at the most unexpected time.
With the library under threat of closing and a personal calamity turning one character’s world upside down, it appears that books may not have all of the answers for every disaster.
Or do they…?
This is definitely an uplifting book. The relationship between Mukesh and Aleisha reminds me very much of my connection with my own grandmother and our shared love of books. She and I are constantly emailing (yes, emailing) one another about what we’ve recently read, what we think the other will like, and what should probably be avoided when it comes to books. Adams shares that she and her own grandfather had a similar connection as well. It’s a bond that pulls at the heartstrings. ❤
I wish I could share even more about my thoughts and love for this book. I’m now inspired to read the reading list provided, specifically Beloved and A Suitable Boy because I have not yet read them. I laughed pretty hard at Mukesh and Aleisha’s feelings towards Pride and Prejudice. They share an unpopular opinion with me, and I adore them for it. This book is making its way to the top of my 2022 list thus far, and it has inspired me to maybe create my own ” must read” list and anonymously spread it amongst the masses. Be on the lookout 😘 And read this book.
xoxo, Happy & Healthy Reading,
Lexi 📚
By Sara Nisha Adams
Sometimes a book comes along at just the right time. Whether it succeeds in allowing one to be more introspective, more optimistic, or less lonely, it’s hard to describe the elation one feels after finishing a book that connects so thoroughly with the reader’s life outside of the pages. The world is tough. Somedays, its problems feel heavier than can be beared. And I’m not saying books hold all the answers for healing a person’s pain. But there’s no doubt there is a magical balm that soothes our woes throughout their chapters.
I haven’t written on this blog in a LONG time. No doubt it is telling then that The Reading List has inspired me enough to post about how it has made me feel less alone. I can’t express how much Sara Nisha Adams’s story has brightened my days and how it almost feels like this book was written just for me at points. I hope for my handful of readers, you seek it out and find it lightens your spirit as well.
Mukesh is a widower, spending his monotonous days alone in South London. Though he has three overbearing daughters, Rohini, Deepali, and Vritti, Mukesh feels disconnected and adrift without the company of his beloved wife, Naina.
After her death, he finds a forgotten library book, one of the many books Naina spent her days buried in. He finds himself reading it and feeling a brand new connection to his wife. One that has him traveling outside his comfort zone and into Harrow Road Library.
Overwhelmed and not sure where to start, Mukesh makes the lackluster acquaintance of a summer hire names Aleisha. At first glance, Aleisha appears to be like any other sulky teenager. Snappish and short tempered, Aleisha does not have the time nor the inclination to assist Mukesh in fulfilling his mission or procuring a new book that will fill his days and remind him of Naina. Aleisha has her own problems – an agoraphobic mother, an absentee father, a brother that is endlessly stressed and balancing work and their mom’s mental health, and her own insecurity about keeping her family’s issues from prying eyes.
After frightening Mukesh away with her dismissive animosity, Aleisha stumbles upon a list while cleaning returned books of litter.
“Just in case you need it:
To Kill a Mockingbird Rebecca The Kite Runner Life of Pie Pride and Prejudice Little Women Beloved A Suitable Boy“
Feeling guilty and intrigued, Aleisha tries to make amends with Mukesh by taking a cue from the list. After reading each book for herself, a practice she is severely lacking in, Aleisha recommends each one to Mukesh, building an unlikely connection through their shared thoughts and experiences, traumas and triumphs, the books creating a bridge between their lives.
And as life tends to do, it throws tragedy in at the most unexpected time.
With the library under threat of closing and a personal calamity turning one character’s world upside down, it appears that books may not have all of the answers for every disaster.
Or do they…?
This is definitely an uplifting book. The relationship between Mukesh and Aleisha reminds me very much of my connection with my own grandmother and our shared love of books. She and I are constantly emailing (yes, emailing) one another about what we’ve recently read, what we think the other will like, and what should probably be avoided when it comes to books. Adams shares that she and her own grandfather had a similar connection as well. It’s a bond that pulls at the heartstrings. ❤
I wish I could share even more about my thoughts and love for this book. I’m now inspired to read the reading list provided, specifically Beloved and A Suitable Boy because I have not yet read them. I laughed pretty hard at Mukesh and Aleisha’s feelings towards Pride and Prejudice. They share an unpopular opinion with me, and I adore them for it. This book is making its way to the top of my 2022 list thus far, and it has inspired me to maybe create my own ” must read” list and anonymously spread it amongst the masses. Be on the lookout 😘 And read this book.
