What is Crossword Team reading? #August 2024
Welcome to our first literary roundup of what the team behind your favourite bookstore is reading! You might think we spend all our time shelving, sorting, and recommending books—but truth be told, we're just bookish ninjas sneaking in a few pages between all the book-handling acrobatics we do to get books in place for our readers.
And, like any avid reader, we need an outlet to rave about our latest bookish obsessions! So here it is—the scoop on what the team is reading:
Lesson is Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Nidhi Gupta: Very simply told, it had me hooked from start to finish. It had me laugh, cry, feel pain and pride and reflect on life with all its imbalances. A story anyone can easily relate with, a story of love, feminism, brilliance and strength. Reminded me of a lot of The Rosie Project.
Nirav: I absolutely loved "Butter" by Asako Yuzuki! The narrative is so gripping and unique, following a journalist who dives into a bizarre case of a woman accused of killing her lovers with butter. The way Yuzuki explores themes of obsession and human desire is both thought-provoking and chilling. The characters are complex and the story kept me hooked from start to finish. It's a fascinating, dark, and unforgettable read that really makes you think about the nature of love and manipulation.
A Little Life by Hanya Yanaghara
Krati: The book already feels like a hug, contrary to its cover. I have started to read it while playing its audiobook in the background, a setup that is kind of growing on me. The book is about the life of four friends, and looking on the reviews till now it looks like I'm going to be sobbing bad by the time I finish it. I already have high expectations from the book, and I actually am looking forward for the tears :-). The reels and reviews also suggest that I shouldn't get attached to one specific character, who shall remain unnamed as of now. The audiobook feels different to listen to if you're travelling in a metro or something, like you're in a movie. Okay, rest of the review after I finish the book!
Also reading Our Chemical Hearts by Krystal Sutherland!
"She was set alight, shining, the stars that dies to give her all the atoms that made her glowing from beyond the grave. I'd never seen anything so excruciatingly, heartbreakingly beautiful."
THE BOOK IS BOOK FORM OF POETRY! Not sure if that made any sense but it is. The words are so beautiful I couldn't help but keep a few screenshots for myself. The book is about love (kind of obvious) and various forms of it. Being in love, not being in love, whether it is hyped, is it really that movie like feeling. Kinda disagreed with a few points on that personally but overall, the words of the author are amazing. It's that kind of a book that you read tucked into your bed on a rainy day with a cup of coffee, it's about love being hyped and underrated at the same time, it's a roller coaster of emotions at the same time, exactly how your heart feels. Found a personal favorite after a very long time. Writing a favorite line to end my review--- "Grace was my drug of choice, and tonight the dealer was giving out hits for free"
Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed
Neerja: The book is really nice and simple, good to read.
(FYI, our Admin’s words weight in gold)
Let's Talk Money by Monika Halan
Lum: I usually steer clear of non-fiction, but I guess part of adulting is reading books on finance, self help, and getting help right? Currently, I've got my nose in 'Let’s Talk Money' by Monika Halan. Just starting out, and I'm digging how practical it is about money matters... sometimes too practical, I feel sorry for all the wasted years. Ha.
This isn't the kind of read I'd gush over like my favorite fiction reads; it's more like a vitamin pill I think it would do me good kind of read. I am also reading Ruskin Bond's essays to balance out the seriousness with some warm reading.
Are you vibing with any one of us? Tell us in the comments below what your thoughts are about the books! And what are you currently reading that has you hooked?
