Review: Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi

For 2 years, every Thursday, a teacher started teaching works of fiction to her most committed students. Set amidst backdrop of traditional and stringent Islamic Rule in Republic of Iran, these women break laws just to read!

Honestly, I fell so inquisitive about this book as soon as I heard of it. I just had to get my hands on it, and thanks to kindle, it is easy to do so! 🙂

This book gave a detailed insight into the lives of women in highly traditional countries. What happens when one cannot make even a single decision of your life? You cannot go out without a male chaperone? You cannot talk to people from opposite sex who are not directly related to you? You cannot even decide which books you want to read!

I especially loved how the parallels where showcased between the books in question along with the lives of the students who are reading them. It goes on to show how fiction is more than just stories. How real fiction can stir emotions and sometimes focus on changing lives as well!

Now, I really want to start reading Lolita, and because I obsessed so much about this book, hubby to be got it for me 🙂 so next to read: Lolita!

Too Much Reading Makes You Lazy

Recently while researching on education, I came upon a quote from Albert Einstein which said:

At first I was appaled! Reading too much is not good? Such humbug..

But the more I think about it, the more it makes sense to me. Einstein is not necessarily against people reading too many books, but he is against people reading books and not forming their own opinion on these books.

I have come across many people, who by their own admission are “voracious readers”. These are the people who read books like we were asked to read textbooks. They would memorise the quotes and then repeat them verbatim, every instance they get.

The problem with reading like this is that while to some you might seem smart, but since you do not have your own opinion on the said subject, you might just have goggled “quotations on xyz” and had the same impact. What is the use of reading a book if you do not have your own thoughts about the said subject?

The next words in the above quotation that struck me was the use of “lazy habit of thinking”. Thinking is good, right? Then how is it lazy?

Well, there are people who think and think and then think some more. There is no action that backs it up. Unless you are a consultant, this would be quite a lazy thing to do indeed.

If you want to write a book, it is all too well to think about the kind of book you want to write, the scope of story that you want to tell, the characters that would appear in your story, but, if you do not stop thinking and sit down to write it, what is the use of all that thinking?

So, in order to read book, you need to think about it, and then inculcate that thought into your daily life, then there is some use of all that reading, else you might want to glance at the quotation page of Goodreads, it might save a ton of time.

30 Day Book Challenge: Day six: A Book That Made You Sad

Ahh…So many books come to my mind when I see this. So, I will go with the last book that made me turn into an emotional wreck.

The book that I choose for it would be “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini (Click here for book review)

I had read this book a long time ago, and recently picked it up again. So, I was kind of expecting the emotions, but the sheer intensity of the emotions, especially in the ending, took me by surprise.

What I learnt in 2014 (Part 2): On Reading More

In the year 2013, I read 25 books. So, my goodreads goal at the starting of the year was to read 35 books. Which increased to 50 books in mid June…In the year 2014, I was able to complete 75 books! Compared to last year, it was quite a jump…especially since this year my workload almost tripled. So with triple the work, I was able to complete these many books.

I realized a few tips to increase my reading, which I will be sharing with you. If you wish to read more…read on!

Step one: Set Realistic Goals and Take Them Seriously

Just because your friend read fifty books, does not mean you can too. Each person has their own reading speeds. Take a look at the number of books you would have read last year, and increase the number by five. If you have not read any books last year, it does not make sense to challenge yourself to read fifty books this year. Instead start with five. And make sure you complete reading those five this year.

Step two: Sign up on Goodreads

Once you have set the challenge, log in to your goodreads account and accept that on the site. The goodreads will have a 2015 reading challenge, sign up for that. It would look like this:

This challenge will track your reading, and let you know how much you are lagging or ahead in your reading, in terms of books. So, you can adjust your reading accordingly.

Also, you get to be friends with a lot of readers and check what they are reading, look at the reviews, and find out the books that would interest you.

Step three: Select your genres

When I look at my personal reading habits, if I am reading a book that I am absolutely in love with, it would take me a considerably shorter time to read it, than the book that is not matching with my tastes.

Figure out what you like and do not like? What interests you? But then try to read something out of your genre too once in a while, you never know what would catch your fancy. I have made a few book lists based on different genres, you could check those out under the “looking for book recommendations?” tab above.

Step four: Subscribe to book bloggers, fb groups and booktubers

There are a lot of passionate bloggers and booktubers out there who love taking about books. Follow them, to know more about books as well as to keep yourself motivated to read.

Here are a list of bloggers, fb groups and booktubers that I love who blog about books:

Bloggers:

http://thereaderscosmos.blogspot.in/

http://thereaddicts.blogspot.in/

https://boundandgaggedbooks.wordpress.com

http://suchetabiswas.wordpress.com/

https://ahouseofbooks.wordpress.com/

https://abookwormsmusing.wordpress.com

http://austenprose.com/

Facebook groups:

NovelNerds

Bibliophiles-India

BookTubers:

Ariel Bissett

jessethereader

Katytastic

Little Book Owl

padfootandprongs07

polandbananasBOOKS

readbyzoe

rincey reads

Check them out, follow them and get to know more books!

Step five: Set Daily Goals

The thing that helps me read so much is that I set daily goals. I make it a point to read 50 pages from the physical book and 10% of the ebook everyday. This is the minimum threshold. Before sleeping I make it a point to read that much.

Step six: Carry your books everywhere

Whenever you are going out, make sure you have at least one book with you. So, if you are stuck waiting, or are just plain bored, you will be able to catch up on your reading.

Step seven: Get an ebook

I got my self a kindle paperwhite and that has made a hell lot of a difference. It is so light and easy to carry around! Also, it is socially accepted to be seen engrossed in a “tablet” more than a book. Plus, because of the inbuilt light, I could read into the night and on trips when it got dark. The battery lasts for hours!!! There are various versions of kindles that are available at Amazon.

You could buy one from:
Amazon.in

Amazon.com (For International readers)

This is the reader that I have, so I could vouch for it, you could check out different versions.

So, these were the few things that I learnt that helped me read more this year.

Sex and Reading: A Look at Who’s Reading Whom (Reblogged from Goodreads)

Find the original article here: https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/475-sex-and-reading-a-look-at-who-s-reading-whom

Book Reading Etiquettes

Once upon a time, I would lend my books to just about anybody, and the results were disastrous. I have been collecting books since childhood, and have lost 1/3 of my collection by lending. So, I do have pretty serious thoughts on it.

Most of my books never came back, and those that did survive, were in such a horrendous condition that they might have gone through third degree torture.

Yea, I loved it when people asked for my favorite books, after all, who does not want to share the joy of seeing others fall for your absolute favorites? But the thing is that most people lack the basic respect for other’s properties especially books. Through the years, I have created kind of rules for book lending to ensure that the books I loan out come back as they are, in one piece and with no damage.

If I have never heard a person talk about books, and their love for reading suddenly develops on seeing my collection, that person will be given the address of the nearest bookstore. Because such people take books, read at max. ten pages, and whenever they are reminded about it, they are “still reading”. Seriously, if they take two years to read ten pages, they might never read the whole book. Just like any other item, one simply does not “borrow” things for years.

A person who has hardly picked up a book in their life, is more likely to NOT respect the books. Especially if such people request for 500 plus pages book or a Dickens, just to seem “Smart”.

The people that I DO lend books, are the ones I know for a fact that they do read for pleasure and not talk about books just to “look smart”. How to differentiate between these two? Simple: A person who reads for pleasure will talk of their favorite books like they would talk about an old friend, while a person who reads just to look smart, would ensure that you know ALL the titles of the books he/she has read and without a doubt these would be some spiritual/self help/ non fiction/ classic. They would never be heard talking about what they understood, or their perspective, but they would be quoting direct lines out of the books (while making sure they clearly enunciate the book title and the author, just in case you missed it the first ten times).

Also, I NEVER loan out my autographed copies or Harry Potter books. (Except to people I could trust my soul with. And till date have only lent it to my younger brother and sister, as I grew up with them, I know for a fact that they know the value of books.)

So, here is the basic book reading etiquette (especially when you are borrowing from someone else).

1) Always Return The Book in Decent Time. It’s OK if you return it without the person having to remind you a million times that their book is still with them.

2) If you really REALLY loved the book, great! 🙂 Still return it. If you wish to re-read it, ask for it again whenever you wish. Just because you liked it, does not make it yours.

3) Eating and Drinking while reading is NOT OK. You cannot dip your hand in that hot samosa, and use that oily fingers to turn pages. 

4) Never dog ear any book. Bookmarks are there for a reason. Just because you are on a certain page, you cannot fold that page’s corner, because believe it or not, others are NOT on that page. So, you cannot mark that page with a fold that will last for eternity.

5) If you have not purchased the book, you will not highlight anything or any word. Just because you could not understand the word or found a line interesting does not mean the world would find that too. Kindly make a notebook and scribble it there. I had given a book to a person, and I got it back (after repeated requests) with stupid names scribbled on the cover with a ball point! That looks just like the silly “raju loves manju“s on heritage sites. You are ruining other’s properties that they have bought.

6) NEVER EVER FOLD THE BOOK. I have seen quite a few people who fold paperbacks so cruelly that they have lines all over their front covers and spines. Paperbacks are fragile, take care you do not stuff them with trash to find them folded. As for hardbacks, here is exactly how you should read it:

7) You will not lend it to your social circle without consulting the owner of the book. Not only is it rude, but it is not yours to lend. It was given to you because you were trusted, I have no clue what your friend’s friend is like or will I ever see it again.

8) If you are not planning to read it now, borrow it later. Do not be that person. Why ask for a book that is just going to sit there, while you go on with your life. Ask for it only if you are going to read it now, and return it as soon as you are done. And NO it does NOT take two years to read a hundred pages.

Because of Reading The Fault in Our Stars

There is this wonderful series “Because of Reading” on Instagram (original account here) and I had blogged about it here.

But as a lot more wonderful pictures are coming up, I thought better separate the learnings from each important book.

First Up, fault in our stars by John Green (Book Review: Here)

If you like The Fault in our stars , Click here for a list of books you might like as well.

 

 

 

 

 

Answering Questions!

Recently I received a list of very interesting questions, and would like to respond to them here! If you have any interesting question, or if you feel like talking feel free to email me or leave a message, would Love to hear from you!

1. Do we read to “gain knowledge,” or do we read to develop “understanding.” Is there any difference between the two.

 

Yes, there is a difference between knowledge and understanding. According to me, understanding is way deeper than knowledge. 

 

Coming to the contribution of books in a person’s knowledge or understanding, I believe it is up to the reader as to whether they just read the words and gain the knowledge on the surface, or do they read the finer nuances that are hidden, go behind the written word and get an understanding…one book can mean different things to different people…a reader unconsciously adds his/her perspective which adds a dimension to the book.

 

2. How do we gain knowledge with reference to a particular thing that we read.

 

Usually, if I find some interesting reference or read about someone I find particularly interesting, I use Google, Wikipedia, youtube or Tedx talks etc to understand the reference/person better.

 

    –Should we accept in total what that piece of writing puts forward. 

 

No. Just because it is published, does not mean it is fact. It needs a proper reference check, different view points also need to be considered (if any) and then one should formulate one’s own opinion after through consideration from all the references.

    –What happens when the next piece that we read advocates “something  different”.

 

In this case, we use our gut/knowledge and think for ourselves which part resonates more to us…it may be either each one completely or we could choose to take good points from both. Totally depends on the context.

3. How do we choose what to read. Do our beliefs influence our choice (or preference) of what we read, or should it be the other way round, that is, our reading should go on to influence our belief, that too, up to what extent. 

 

Interesting…

From my limited observation, I have come across readers of both kinds actually.

What I have observed is that those who read from childhood usually are the ones whose beliefs have been shaped by the books they read. And this usually is very gradual, how they move from children’s books, to stories, then novels…their beliefs also evolve and sharpen throughout this transition.

While on the other hand, there are those readers who pick up their first book well into their adulthood. These readers usually pick up books based on their preconceived beliefs and preferences.

While the first kind of readers would be more open to try out new genres, rarely do the second type venture out of their comfort zone.

Coming to the later part of the question, yes, reading should influence a person’s beliefs. But, a person should be intelligent enough to decide what he should be influenced by and what he should take with a grain of salt. A person should not be influenced with anything and everything he comes across, reading or otherwise, that would just lead to  him being in a state of constant confusion…and as long as one knows and thinks for himself, there is no limit to the wonders that he could be influenced by.

4. Is it preferable to read “just for the joy of reading,” accept what the writer says, but, keep away from “adopting it” immediately, store the same in an “intermediate buffer” and deal with it when an appropriate “life situation” is faced and only adopt it or adept it or adapt to it at that time only.

 

Yes…not every read has to resonate with one’s intellect..sometimes its OK to read something light once in a while.

 

The question has a very large scope really…Personally,I do believe that everything that I have read has stayed with me to an extent. And whatever lessons I have learnt or should I say read about, irrespective of whether It is heavy or light, would definitely be used if I am faced with a “life situation” without a doubt. But again, this is very subjective, and I can only give my perspective.

New Year Resolutions!!

Happy New Year Folks!!

I know it’s a bit late, but better late than never, right?

I am a kind of person who is crazy about the new things and resolve to change every time, new books (I SWEAR to not let reading this book interfere with life), new pens (I SWEAR i will not lose this one), new gizmos ( I will try not to break it) and a Lot more.

Sometimes these get fulfilled, sometimes they do not.

So, here is what I resolve for this new year:

1) Write more blogs: I know I do not have a blogging schedule, but this year, I plan to be more active here. When I started blogging, it was just an outlet for thoughts that were considered “too out-of-place” and ” different” for people around me. It was here that I realised that these were not one of a kind weird thoughts, but genuine concerns that are faced by many and gave me the confidence to speak up.I thank each person who viewed by blog, followed it or criticized it, you helped me grow. And this year, I plan to do it even more seriously.

2) Read more books and paint more: When I was in school, I was one of those who never spoke much. It was only when I left home and went to college and was forced to speak on stage that I discovered I was a good speaker. And strangely, to this day, I have no problem speaking in front of thousands of people,but have trouble speaking to one strange person.Weird, i know. But anyway, during school I was happiest when I was either reading or painting. But this decreased as life took over.This year, I plan to indulge myself again!

3) Be Patient: I want everything to be done here and now. I will consciously try to be more patient.

4) Decrease procrastination: Like seriously, this needs to be checked

5) Not compromise my standards: As you all know, sundry aunts have made it their life’s mission to get me married to the next guy on the road. Especially as I turned 25 last month, not one day has passed when grand mother has not called  someone to say how she expects me to get married “SOON”, or random relatives I do not even know comment to my parents how they are so looking forward to my marriage. I resolve, that no matter how much pressure society puts on me, I will not compromise my standards. I will not settle for someone any less than I deserve just because it is a “right” age to get married, according to the society.

Well,that’s just all that I plan to do, not much, eh?

Anyway, did you make any resolutions? Let me know what they are in the comments section,I would love to know about them!

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