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There was a time when I was really skeptical about books that were turned into movies. I wouldn’t watch the movie adaptation of a book I had enjoyed as I feared it would ruin the story or rather the imagery for me, that I would think of characters or a scene and the faces of actors or the shot location would come to mind rather than what I had conjured up on my own. 

But I had friends who watched movies of the books I read, even if they hadn’t read the books themselves. Sometimes, they had such good things to say that I would be intrigued. We all know peer pressure is a funny thing. It sometimes hits you like a boulder. That was how I found myself slowly watching movies based on books. 

I have to confess that there was a time when I always felt that the book was better than its movie. In fact, I would often be angry at what I considered sloppy filmmaking. But in my heart I knew I was just being stubborn. There were some books that were adapted into movies like Roald Dahl’s ‘Matilda’ and J.K. Rowling’s ‘Harry Potter’ series that I enjoyed as much as, if not more than, the books. It was only during the Covid-19 lockdowns that I actively started searching for and watching movie adaptations of books I had enjoyed. I found that many were as brilliant as the book. 

I still make sure that I read the book first and only then watch the movie. I still don’t like how books are often republished with their movie posters on the cover but I’m definitely not closed to the idea that movies can measure up to their books. 

Hollywood actor Reese Witherspoon frequently adapts books she loves into movies and I have really enjoyed quite a few of those. Bollywood has also warmed up to this culture and started making movies based on books and I must confess that I’m a sucker for Hindi movies. 

I know many people, like the earlier version of me, still don’t watch movie adaptations, fearing it will ruin the book for them. So, for the uninitiated I’m recommending 10 books that are brilliant by themselves but watching their movies will make your reading experience all the more fun and wholesome. 

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

This is one of my favorite books. I feel like I say that a lot, and about a lot of books but I believe readers are allowed to gush over their favorites and sometimes they have a good number of favorites. ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ was recommended to me by a friend who is a voracious reader and I put off reading it because the font size was really small. But when I finally picked it up, I cursed myself for not having read it sooner. It’s about a girl named Catherine, known as the ‘marsh girl’ by the locals, who is abandoned by her parents and has to learn to fend for herself. Soon, she is suspected of killing someone and has to prove her innocence. The book has beautiful language and scene setting. The movie is engaging and manages to capture Catherine’s angst beautifully. 

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott 

I read ‘Little Women’ in school. It was prescribed reading. I think many of us read it as a part of our curriculum. I have read it a few more times since then and I cry every time I read it. The story about the four March sisters is so evocative and relatable at times that strong emotional reactions are to be expected. The book has been adapted into movies many times and there’s also a television series on it. I like the original movie, the one that came out in 1994 and has Winona Ryder, Susan Sarandon, Kirsten Dunst, and Claire Danes among others in the cast. We were shown this movie at school and I remember enjoying it then too. I’ve recently rewatched it and came to the conclusion that watching the movie feels like reading the book. It’s such a lovely adaptation. The 2019 version isn’t bad either. But if you had to take a pick, I’d recommend the ‘original’ one. 

The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn 

I like claustrophobic thrillers because the world and tension building in these kinds of books make the stories really gripping. ‘The Woman in the Window’ follows the life of Dr Anna Fox who suffers from agoraphobia and doesn’t go out of her house in New York City. Her view of the outside world is limited to what she can see from her window. One day, she witnesses a murder across the street. But she can’t prove it and no one seems to believe her. The book is such a tense one that I guarantee you won’t be able to put it down. It’s not gory so if that’s not your thing when reading thrillers then you will definitely enjoy this book. The 2021 movie by the same name, starring Amy Adams as Dr Anna Fox is highly enjoyable. Adams’ acting is on point and convincing, making you root for her and doubt her in equal measure.  

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

‘The Lovely Bones’ is a 2002 novel by American author Alice Sebold that follows a young girl who is murdered as she comes to terms with her own death while in heaven. She also watches her family and friends deal with the grief of losing her. I read the book a few years after it was published and it was a difficult read as the girl is raped and murdered and I struggled with anger and sadness. I think it was one of the first books that made me aware of rape and its consequences on the victim’s family. The novel was adapted into a movie and as a play in England, touring several cities. The movie stars Saoirse Ronan and Stanley Tucci and their performances were highly praised by the audience. The movie has a 6.6 rating on IMDb. It’s an emotional rollercoaster so be prepared to shed some tears. 

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn 

I have yet to come across a book that was as hyped as ‘Gone Girl’ by Gillian Flynn. It catapulted the author to the bestsellers’ list when the book was published in 2012 and kept her there for what seemed like ages. Everyone I know, even those who didn’t read, was talking about the book. Nick Dunne is suspected to be behind his wife’s disappearance but things are a lot more messy than they seem. Amy disappears on the morning of their fifth wedding anniversary and the house shows clear signs of struggle. Everything points at Nick but what really happened? A trigger warning though: there are mentions of sexual abuse and a lot of profanity. The plot is taut and keeps you on the edge. The suspense keeps building and you never get bored as you keep wondering what must have happened. The movie has Rosamund Pike and Ben Affleck in leading roles and an 8.1 rating on IMDb.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

‘The Hunger Games’ series is a dystopian series where participants—a boy and a girl from 12 districts—compete in a televised game of life and death. One one will emerge the winner. It was originally a trilogy but now there are two more novels in the series. For 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen it’s a death sentence when she decides to take part in the games in place of her younger sister when she gets chosen to participate. But survival for her is second nature and she makes for a strong contender. The Hunger Games is thrilling, suspenseful, and action packed. You will not want to put the book down. It might be a young adult novel but it hits differently when you read it as an adult as you are more attuned to the nuances of the situations and don’t just take things at face value. Director Gary Ross’ movie adaptation was a box office success and few others YA fantasy have been able to replicate that success. 

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi 

‘Persepolis’ is a graphic novel based on Marjane Satrapi’s life in Tehran, Iran’s capital, in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. The story narrates how Marjane’s family lived through difficult, turbulent times like overthrowing the autocratic Shah through Islamic revolution, the fundamentalist regime that replaced him, and the devastating Iran-Iraq war. Marjane is a spiritual person but her parents are modern and she struggles with it. She also talks to God at night and believes she will become a prophet. But as the revolution goes on, she’s swayed by different beliefs and starts imitating the protestors and revolutionaries. She learns about her family history and finds out they have always been rebels. The book is such an interesting look into the mind of a young girl who is learning new things and learning who she is along the way. It was adapted into a movie in 2007 under the direction of the author so it stays very true to the book. However, the animated feature film is suitable only for adults. 

The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger 

I think many people have watched this phenomenal movie that came out in 2006 starring Meryl Streep, Anna Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci among others. It’s pretty much a cult classic. People a decade or more younger than me are still watching this movie—it’s that amazing. ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ is currently available on Netflix and the movie is based on the 2003 book by the same name. It’s basically a story about a young woman who is hired as a personal assistant to a powerful fashion magazine editor and the drama that ensues in the fashion world. Weisberger worked as a personal assistant to Anna Wintor, the editor of Vogue, much like the novel’s protagonist and this was what caught people’s attention when the book came out. There’s even a sequel called ‘Revenge Wears Prada’. The movie is great with stellar performances from all the characters but the book is highly enjoyable too. 

Room by Emma Donoghue

‘Room’ is a thriller novel by Irish Canadian author Emma Donoghue that was published in 2010. But it’s so much more than just a thriller story. It’s an exploration of rape, abuse, motherhood, hope, and resilience. It can be a bit difficult to read at times because of the heavy themes but it’s a captivating story that is inspired by a real story. The novel was longlisted for the 2011 Orange Prize and won the 2011 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize.  It was also shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2010. The movie adaptation came out in 2015 and has Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay. It got four Academy Award nominations. Larson won the Best Actress award for it. The story is told from the perspective of a five-year-old boy who is locked in a room with his mother. He is unaware of the fact that the man ‘Old Nick’, who brings them food and other necessities, actually kidnapped and raped his mother when she was 19 and has kept her locked up for seven years and that there is a world beyond the four walls of the room.

Wild by Cheryl Strayed 

This is a memoir where the author tells us about her solo hike on the Pacific Crest Trail after her mother’s death and the breakdown of her marriage. The trip is Strayed’s gift to herself for self-discovery and healing purposes and the memoir explores the spiritual and emotional transformation she undergoes as she experiences the beauty of the natural world. It’s an honest depiction of grief, loss, and longing. The writing is humorous and poignant and makes what could have been a difficult read an enjoyable one. The 2014 movie stars Reese Witherspoon and is compelling and introspective. It’s a tad bit on the slow side but Witherspoon’s performance is well worth your time. 

We live in an increasingly polarized world and feminist literature has never been as important as it is today. It’s our only hope of a better, more inclusive world as reading about diverse cultures and experiences can make us more receptive to ideas that we might not necessarily agree with. I have seen staunch people change their views on gender and sexuality because they read or watched something that triggered an emotional response in them. It doesn’t happen overnight but there’s a chance that even people with strict traditional moral values might change their minds and be open to new ideas if they find works that resonate with them. This week, I’m recommending five of my favorite feminist reads that I think everyone, especially men, should read. 

Three Women by Lisa Taddeo

I first heard about this book from a BookTuber I follow. She spoke so highly of it that I wanted to get a copy as soon as I could. And I wanted a physical copy of the book because I was a little in love with its gorgeous, well thought out cover. ‘Three Women’ is a non-fiction book by Lisa Taddeo. It’s her debut novel and it follows the sexual and emotional lives of three women from different backgrounds and regions in the United States. Taddeo interviewed these three women and their families and friends over the course of eight long years. What I especially enjoyed about the book is that it reads like fiction rather than non-fiction. There’s almost a thriller element to it. The book details women’s complex emotions on desire and power and sheds light on how most women are the victims of misogyny even when it might not be obvious. I think it’s a must read for women of all ages and it’s an even more important work for men to pick up. 

We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

This slim book by Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was published in 2014 and talks about the meaning of feminism and its importance in the 21st century. Adichie draws from her own life experiences and things that she has been told by other women. The main argument of the essay is, like the title suggests, everyone should be a feminist and Adichie shows how we can do better so that there is gender equality in the world. She urges readers to challenge old beliefs on gender that promote inequality between men and women. I read the book every six months or so because it’s short and the ideas presented in it make me think in different ways with every read. I also enjoy Adichie’s writing. Her novel ‘Purple Hibiscus’ is one of my absolute favorites. In ‘We Should All Be Feminists’, her voice rings loud and clear, inspiring you to do whatever you can to break free from cultural and social constructs that tell you that you are less than a man. I also tend to carry this book in my bag and dip in and out whenever I have some free time. Even if I read just a few lines, I find my mind becomes alert and I like how that feels. 

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

I didn’t read this book for the longest time because it was everywhere and I felt I knew everything there was to know about it without even owning a copy. ‘The Color Purple’, which was published in 1982, won the 1983 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Everyone I knew, even those who didn’t read a lot, had read this book and I kind of felt left out so I finally gave in and bought a copy. The book has been targeted by censors many times, mainly for the explicit content so I also wanted to find out what the fuss was all about. The book has been adapted into feature films, musicals and even a radio series. The protagonist of the novel is sexually abused by her father and then her husband and the book details her journey of finding herself despite her circumstances. I must admit that it’s a difficult novel to read but it’s also an essential read as it makes you aware of the atrocities women suffer at the hands of men and why it’s important to speak up about gender equality and sexuality. 

A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf

I have multiple copies of Virginia Woolf’s ‘A Room of One’s Own’ as it’s a book I keep lending out and people keep forgetting to return it and I always like having a copy at hand. One of my friends recently gifted me a special edition of the book that has become one of my prized possessions. It’s an extended essay based on two lectures that Woolf delivered in 1928 at women’s colleges. The idea of the work is basically that for women to achieve greatness and come up with good literary work, they must have two things and that both of these are non-negotiable: financial resources, and time and space in the form of ‘a room of one’s own’. You get the sense of how important financial freedom is, especially for women. It gives them independence and agency besides allowing them to pursue what they love. It’s narrated by an unnamed female character, making you feel like it could very well be you telling your story. There’s a television adaptation of the book that compliments it really well. But I suggest you read the book first and then watch it on screen for maximum impact. 

The Awakening by Kate Chopin

I believe there is a right time to read ‘The Awakening’ by Kate Chopin. Otherwise, it can come across as boring. I had almost given up on it after multiple tries when I picked it up on whim one day and really enjoyed it. It’s considered a landmark work of early feminist literature as it depicts female sexuality with brutal honesty and challenges traditional gender roles. It was originally titled ‘A Solitary Soul’ and depicts a young mother’s struggle to achieve sexual and personal freedom. When it was first published in 1899, it was criticized for its portrayal of marital infidelity. It has also been described as a case study of 19th century feminism as the theme of the novel is women’s bodily autonomy—the right to have control over one’s body and identity. Feminists back then argued that the only way a woman could gain freedom was by refusing men’s control over their bodies. They focused on a wife’s right to say no to sexual advances from her husband. The novel is laced with symbolism and thus feels a little heavy so I suggest you read it when you are in the right frame of mind for it as it will keep you up at night. 

There’s a popular Calvin and Hobbes quote that goes: Never in the history of calm down has anyone calmed down by being told to calm down. For me, no other quote has resonated as much as this one, especially in the past few months when everyone around me has been telling me to calm down or take it easy the minute they see I’m a little worked up. But is there anything such as a stress-free life? Life demands so much from you and it’s not actually all that bad. 

I don’t understand why people see every little stress as something negative and even scary. While chronic stress is definitely not a good thing, I feel daily stresses actually keep you on your toes and stop you from becoming complacent. They make you think, ideate, and come up with effective solutions. It can put your brain in problem solving mode and push you out of your comfort zone. There is something called positive stress (eustress) and studies have shown that it can actually be beneficial for your overall well being. 

And to be honest, there is no avoiding stress. There are different chores or things that go wrong in the house that need your attention. We all know how frustrating it is to get anything done in Nepal. One simple task needs a dozen phone calls. At work, you have deadlines to meet, difficult colleagues to deal with, issues that need ironing out, and bureaucratic hurdles that give you splitting headaches. Anticipation, excitement, and even anger sometimes can cause stress that motivates you to take action and change what you don’t like about your life. 

I’m not talking about chronic stress. I understand that has a lot of negative health impacts but acute stress, those that come and go quickly, isn’t something that needs to be feared and shunned. Most people around me don’t seem to realize that stress is a part of life and you can’t escape it simply by ignoring your problems or ‘letting go’. Talking about your problems or dwelling on them is often seen as marinating in negativity. But for me, discussing issues with my parents or partner or contemplating about them on my own makes me more likely to be able to fix what’s wrong. On the other hand, if I were to simply try to push problems out of my mind (as I’m often told to) I’d inevitably be consumed by them.

I must confess that I’m actually on the verge of losing it if one more person tells me to calm down. When people tell me to let things slide, they are asking me to put up with rude behavior, be okay with not getting things done, or give time for things to settle on their own (which I think is such a cowardly and lazy thing to do). All this, I believe, will make me vulnerable and unable to cope with my problems in the long run as it will hamper my decision-making skills and take me from being an action-oriented to an avoidant person. 

As a society, we have adopted a negative mindset towards stress. The moment you tell someone you are stressed or worried, they tell you to take a deep breath, calm down, or just let it go, sometimes even without asking what’s bothering you. ‘Don’t stress’ is the lamest advice I have ever heard. It’s like telling an anxious person not to be anxious or someone who has the flu or a stomach ache to just pretend they aren’t ill. It’s the most useless advice because it doesn’t work and it also shows you that the other person doesn’t care about you or your problems. Have you watched the same people bending backwards trying to fix things when it’s their or their loved ones’ lives in question?

According to Dr Richard Shelton, Department of Psychiatry at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, stress is the body’s fight or flight response being activated and it’s meant to be protective, not harmful. The key, he says in an article I read recently, is viewing stressful situations as a challenge rather than a roadblock. 

I like rewatching movies I watched when I was in school or college as it reminds me of a time when life was simple, besides filling me with nostalgia of an age when my biggest worries were finishing the homework, getting permission to use the landline phone, and not having enough pocket money. 

Most of the movies that are being made today are so elaborate that the charm of a straightforward story is sometimes missing. There is so much happening that it confuses you. Even simple romances have grand settings and convoluted plots. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with that but compared to the movies I grew up watching, I find movies today to be unrealistic and over dramatic. 

Recently, thanks to all the OTT platforms available today and the relaunch of old movies in high definition, I’ve gotten to enjoy some of my favorite Julia Roberts’ movies. These have calmed my overactive mind and soothed my soul and this week I’m recommending three of those movies because I feel everyone could do with a little cheer in their lives. 

Notting Hill

The movie was released in 1999 and features Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts in leading roles. It’s essentially a love story of a small town British bookseller (Grant) and a famous American actor (Roberts). It’s funny and heartwarming, with all the hallmarks of a classic romance, including but not limited to unexplained attraction, heartbreak, deceit, and finding your way to the one you were meant to be with despite the circumstances. The dialogues are witty and all the actors are convincing in their roles. You might be able to predict the ending but it’s still enjoyable to watch it all unfold. It has a 7.2 rating on IMDb and is available on Netflix and Amazon Prime. 

Pretty Woman

Featuring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, ‘Pretty Woman’ is a 1990 film that will make you laugh till your belly hurts. I must have watched it a dozen times when I was in high school. A rich businessman (Gere) hires a prostitute (Roberts) to accompany him to social events but the trouble starts when he falls in love with her and they try to bridge the gap between their worlds. Robert shines in her role, leaving you wanting to be every bit as sassy and confident like her. The romantic comedy has a 7.1 rating on IMDb and was originally intended as a dark cautionary tale about prostitution and class divide. 

Erin Brockovich 

The movie is based on a true story and is a feel-good film that makes you believe in the power of sticking to what is right and following your heart. A single mother (Roberts) becomes a legal assistant and discovers that a powerful California-based energy corporation has been polluting the city’s water supply. She’s determined to see that they are punished and provide compensation to those whose health has been impacted by it. It’s a feisty movie that has you rooting for Erin all throughout. The movie came out in 2000 and got Roberts the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. 

Though I generally tend to read thrillers when I need to distract myself from what is happening around me, there are some non-thriller titles that I pick up when my heart feels heavy and I need something to cheer me up. Books like ‘Matilda’ and ‘The Twits’ by Roald Dahl and anything by David Sedaris and Nick Hornby have witty writing and funny plots and I would recommend these if you were looking for some fun reads. 

But for me, there are some OG (cue in an eyeroll here for the millennial slang) of funny books the thought of which just instantly cheers me up. I can pick these books up and because I know the plot like the back of my hand I don’t even have to read it cover to cover. I just randomly flip to a page and read a passage or a line here and there. This week, I thought I’d share them with you as we could all do with some joy in our hectic lives.

Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K Jerome

Published in 1889, ‘Three Men in a Boat’ by Jerome K Jerome is a hilarious book about a two-week boating vacation. It was initially meant to be a serious travel guide but ended up becoming an account of three friends and their dog on a boating trip. The author and his friends are tired of regular life and decide to take a vacation. The book describes the adventures of the friends during their trip along the River Thames from Kingston to Oxford. There are mishaps and comic encounters that will leave you in splits. The writing is also funny and you get glimpses of London that will make you feel like you are actually there.

Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding

I love Helen Fielding for creating Bridget Jones. In my head, she’s not just a fictional character but someone who actually lives somewhere in this world and ‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’ is actually her diary. The book is well written, funny, and relatable. You are privy to the character’s weaknesses and flaws and that makes her extremely endearing. Her thoughts are laugh out loud funny. You can’t believe she is serious about all the things she stresses about. Reading the book or even parts of it always brings my deepest insecurities to the surface and forces me to look at them in a light manner. It was published in 1998 but it’s as relevant today as it was back then.

Bossypants by Tina Fey

Tina Fey is an American actress, writer, and comedian. She gained popularity for creating and starring as Liz Lemon in the popular show ‘30 Rock’. She created the musical adaptation of the popular movie ‘Mean Girls’. She has appeared in the Time 100 list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Her memoir ‘Bossypants’, which was subject to a bidding war among publishers, came out in 2011. I asked a cousin who was in the US to send me a copy of the book as it wasn’t available in Nepal back then. I’m someone who never asks for such favors so you can imagine how badly I wanted to read the book. Bossypants is funny, inspirational, and makes you want to take life a little less seriously.

Reading books about food is the next best thing to enjoying good food. I have realized that it makes me appreciative of different cultures and cuisines. I’ve also come to know about different kinds of food, despite not having been to certain countries, and as a result become more experimentative with my meal choices. 

Earlier, say till a few years back, it was hard to get many ingredients that I read about in various novels. I could only imagine what a certain dish would taste like. But now we are spoilt for choice as we get everything in the markets here. For local ingredients, bazaars in Ason and Patan are best while Bhatbhateni and Salesberry stock almost everything else. These days when I read about dishes I want to try, I can easily replicate them at home and I love it. It makes my reading experience even more immersive. 

Here, I’m recommending three books that have really made me want to go out of my comfort zone in the kitchen while making me drool excessively while reading them.

The Second-Worst Restaurant in France by Alexander McCall Smith

Paul Stuart is a famous cookbook writer but he can’t, for some reason or other, seem to be able to finish his latest book. Then his cousin suggests that he join her at a house she has rented in the French countryside and he takes up her offer. As the two get used to a calm life there, befriending the locals including the owners of the infamous restaurant that is known to be the second-worst eatery in France, Paul realizes that there is no escaping life no matter where he goes. I like Alexander McCall Smith’s writing. I have read several of his other books and find them to be witty and heartwarming. ‘The Second-Worst Restaurant’ is the second book in the Paul Stuart series by the Scottish author. 

Love & Saffron By Kim Fay

This book reminds you how good food and a good life are two sides of a coin. It’s a heartwarming tale of friendship and how the right food can cure most heartaches. A life-changing friendship begins when Joan Bergstrom sends a fan letter to food writer Imogen Fortier. As the two women communicate, through letters, they build a rapport that helps them appreciate the good things in life as well as get through some difficult times. As the novel follows two women in the 1960s, there’s an old world charm to the plot and I really enjoyed the setting and the pace. ‘Love & Saffron’ is essentially a story about the power of female friendships and food that will leave you feeling happy and hungry. 

Heartburn by Nora Ephron

I haven’t read many novels by Nora Ephron as I’m not really a fan of her brand of stories which is mostly romance. I also heard that she uses ghostwriters and whether that is true or not, it put me off her books even more. So I surprised myself when I picked up ‘Heartburn’ but I was intrigued by the blurb. I’m glad I decided to read it because it was so satisfying. It’s also hilarious. Rachel Samstat discovers her husband is cheating on her when she is seven months pregnant. So the cookbook writer turns to food for comfort. The book alternates between Rachel trying to win him back and wishing him dead with many of her favorite recipes thrown in the mix. 

One of my biggest fears as a reader is that I’ll miss out on some great books because I’m in a rush to read the latest releases by some of my favorite authors or be swayed by online recommendations. Even though I’m a pretty fast reader, I’m not able to read all the books I want and my bedside pile keeps getting bigger. Like every other reader, I seem to buy way too many books than I can read. I always promise myself that I won’t buy more books till I finish the ones I’ve bought but something or the other invariably catches my eye. 

So halfway through 2025, I made a list of 25 books that I want to read or reread (for a better perspective). If I get through these, I’ll have made a sizable dent in my reading goals as well as the TBR shelf that I feel beckons me mockingly every time I’m in the study. In no particular order, I bring to you the 25 books that I’ve sworn to get around to before the year ends, hoping you too find something interesting to pick up when you can’t decide what to read. 

Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Published in 2025, ‘Dream Count’ tops my list of books I have to get to this year because I love Adichie’s writing. The novel apparently features four women and their stories are told in turn. From what I’ve heard and read about this book, there’s not much in the name of plot but it’s a beautiful contemplation on love and its messiness. I’m sure this is going to be brilliant but Adichie never disappoints. 

The New Neighbors by Claire Douglas

Till now, I’ve only read one book by Claire Doughlas but I keep seeing her books at the bookstore and the owner recently told me they are hugely popular. So I’d like to give it another try. ‘The New Neighbors’ is her latest book and the premise sounds promising. A woman thinks her neighbors are plotting a crime but no one believes her and things get really intense. I like psychological suspenses and I believe I’m in for a treat. 

The City and its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami

There was a time when I read Murakami’s works back-to-back and then I stopped reading him altogether because I felt I had overdosed on his writing. I came across his recent work at the bookstore and felt really drawn to the title. Reading the synopsis on the inside flap of the cover made me certain that I was in for a good time. Translated by Philip Gabriel, ‘The City and its Uncertain Walls’ is basically a love story and an ode to books and libraries. When a young man’s girlfriend disappears, he sets about to find her in the imaginary city where her true self lives. 

Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq

Winner of the International Booker Prize 2025, ‘Heart Lamp’ is a collection of stories by lawyer, activist, and champion of Muslim women Banu Mushtaq. Apparently Mushtaq’s father told her he would bring shame to their family and with the Booker win, she hopes she has proved her late father wrong. Originally written in Kannada between 1990 and 2023, and translated into English by Deepa Bhasthi, the anthology explores the lives of Muslim women in India, focusing on patriarchy, inequality, and resilience. 

The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown

I’m picking about fantasy fiction but everything about this book caught my eye—from the beautifully designed cover to the fascinating blurb. I bought this book knowing nothing about it or the author and I can’t wait to read it. ‘The Book of Doors’ is Gareth Brown’s debut novel that is apparently full of magic, adventure, and romance. I’m a big fan of Erin Morgenstern’s ‘The Night Circus’ and this book seems to toe that line between what’s real and what’s imaginary. I have a feeling I’m going to love this one. 

The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

I actually gifted this book to my husband and I can’t wait for him to read it so that I can ‘borrow’ it. I have heard so many good things about it. Evelyn Hardcastle will die every day until Aiden Bishop can identify the killer and break the cycle. But Aiden wakes up in a different person’s body every day making things confusing and difficult. I’ve heard that the plot is slow but gripping and that readers really get to know and empathize with Aiden. 

The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese 

Set in Kerala, South India, ‘The Covenant of Water’ follows a 12-year-old girl at the turn of the 20th century from the time she weds a 40-year-old to becoming a matriarch of the family known as Big Ammachi. It’s full of tender moments, heartbreak, love, and loss. The book was an Oprah’s Book Club pick and she called it one of the best books she’s read in her entire life. It’s over 700 pages long and I want to reread this to better understand the nuances of the culture and life in a different setting. I think I flew through it the first time around without letting the words and wisdom sink in and that there are a lot of nuggets of wisdom to be found in the book. 

The Bee Sting by Paul Murray

This is another thick book I want to read this year. Published in 2023, ‘The Bee Sting’ is about a dysfunctional family in Ireland. Each member of the family gets a separate section in the book and so you get different perspectives on the same matter. The Bee Sting is Murray’s fourth novel that took five years to write. A friend who recently read it says it has family drama and intriguing characters. It was, she says, easily the best book she’s read this year.

Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng

I’ve read two books—‘Everything I Never Told You’ and ‘Little Fires Everywhere’— by American writer and novelist Celeste Ng and I’ve loved both of them. She has also written many short stories that have been published in various literary journals. Her works are basically social commentary with elements of mystery and drama thrown in the plot. ‘Our Missing Hearts’ was published in 2022 and I’ve been meaning to get to it since then. It’s a story of injustice and resilience and going by the blurb I feel like there will be a lot to learn from it. 

Everyone I know is Dying by Emily Slapper

I was intrigued by the title which is why I picked up the book on a whim during a recent bookstore visit. Also, the first line of the book is intriguing, making you want to get inside the character’s head. It’s narrated by a woman who seems to have it all but isn’t happy. She doesn’t know why she’s unhappy and unable to make the right choices. She’s insecure and afraid. She’s you. She’s me. The book explores mental health, societal pressures, and toxic relationships. It’s bound to be an eye-opener. 

Conversations on Love by Natasha Lunn

A collection of essays on love and relationships, ‘Conversations on Love’ by Natasha Lunn sets out to explore and understand how relationships work and evolve over time. Lunn turned to other writers and experts to understand love and its intricacies. Philippa Gregory writes about falling in love slowly, Roxane Gay writes about redefining romance, Lisa Taddeo on the loneliness of love, and Dolly Alderton discusses vulnerability among others. All in all, it has different perspectives and sounds promising.  

The Days of Abandonment by Elena Ferrante

I’m scared to admit this but I didn’t particularly enjoy Elena Ferrante’s ‘My Brilliant Friend’. I thought it was tedious and the writing was average. But ‘The Days of Abandonment’ on the other hand is a slim volume that packs a punch. I read it about a year ago and remember feeling comforted and wiser. I want to reread it this year. About an Italian woman living in Turin whose husband leaves her abruptly after living together for 15 years, The Days of Abandonment is about a woman trying to find her place in the world when everything that tethers her to it is stripped away.  

A Death in Tokyo by Keigo Higashino

Keigo Higashino is a Japanese author known for his mystery novels. His books have won many awards in Japan and they have been turned into movies and series as well. ‘A Death in Tokyo’ is the ninth novel in Higashino’s detective Kyochiro Kaga series but only the third to be translated into English. I’ve been told that you needn’t have read his other works to read this book as it works wonderfully as a standalone novel. 

Funny Story by Emily Henry

What happens when your fiance dumps you for his best friend? You get together (or at least pretend to be with) his best friend’s ex of course. This is the premise of ‘Funny Story’ by Emily Henry that like all of her previous books is heartwarming and hilarious. I’m a huge fan of Henry’s works and Funny Story which I’m currently reading has my heart. I love the character development and the nuanced writing despite the incredulous plot. 

Fury by Alex Michaelides 

Alex Michaelides is the master of psychological thrillers. ‘The Silent Patient’ is one of my absolute favorite books and I’m always recommending it to people. ‘Fury’, on the other hand, feels a little like watching a movie. It’s almost like Michaelides realized the cinematic appeal of his books and decided to prepare for it by writing the book almost scene by scene. The reason this book is on this list is because it’s a great book to pick up when you can’t concentrate on much else and need something fast-paced. 

Butter by Asako Yuzuki

This is a cult Japanese bestseller about a gourmet cook and a serial killer and a journalist who is determined to crack her case. It’s inspired by a true story of the ‘Konkatsu Killer’. All the reviews I’ve read of this book have been positive, calling it an unsettling yet stunning account of what it’s like to be a woman in a man’s world. The book explores misogyny, obsession, and our relationship with food. 

Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors

I’ve read Coco Mellor’s debut novel ‘Cleopatra and Frankenstein’ and I really enjoyed it. The book has been translated into over 15 languages. I wanted to read ‘Blue Sisters’ because I heard it deals with grief and the bond between siblings—both concepts I want to understand better. Here, three estranged sisters return to their family home after the death of their beloved sister. They have to deal with disappointments of their childhood and come to terms with the loss of the one person who held them together. 

Knife by Salman Rushdie

‘Knife’ is an autobiographical work by the British India writer Salman Rushdie. On August 12, 2022, Rushdie was stabbed multiple times by 24-year-old Hadi Matar as he was all set to give a lecture  at the Chautauqua Institution in New York, United States. Matar was arrested and charged with attempted murder (and later convicted and sentenced to 25 years in prison) but Rushdie was wounded and hospitalized. Knife is Rushdie’s memoir about the attack and made it to the bestseller list upon publication. 

Either/Or by Elif Batuman

This is the sequel to Elif Batuman’s highly acclaimed novel ‘The Idiot’. But again, you really needn’t have read it to read ‘Either/Or’. The story picks up where The Idiot left off but it’s a whole new plot and knowing the backstory isn’t really important. Essentially a campus novel, Either/Or deals with a woman’s quest to find herself and figure out her place in the world. 

Free Food for Millionaires by Min Jin Lee

Min Jin Lee is the author of the bestselling novel ‘Pachinko’ which is one of my best books of all time. ‘Free Food for Millionaires’ is actually her first novel and it started as a short story about the ironic habit of rich people to be the first in line to get free stuff. Lee writes about the American immigrant experience and Free Food for Millionaires is no exception but I have heard to call it just that would also be extremely reductive so I’m curious to see what’s in store. 

Happiness Falls by Angie Kim

Eugene Parson has Angelman syndrome. It’s a rare disorder that makes him incapable of speaking. One day, his dad and Eugene go to the park and Eugene comes back home alone, bloody, disheveled, and upset. Dad’s backpack is found floating downstream but Eugene can’t tell anyone what happened. This book has mystery woven with family drama. It’s the book I’m going to pick up next. 

Slow Productivity by Cal Newport

This is the book my husband is currently reading. He’s more than halfway through it and he’s been recommending it to be right from the start. It’s not a big book and from what he’s read aloud to me, I’m intrigued. ‘Slow Productivity’ by Cal Newport is a groundbreaking philosophy for pursuing meaningful accomplishment while avoiding overload. Newport offers hacks for working efficiently and producing quality work and not letting work consume you. 

Prophet Song by Paul Lynch

‘Prophet Song’ won the Booker Prize in 2023. I had gotten the book when it had been longlisted for the prize and I’m ashamed to admit that I haven’t read it yet. That’s perhaps because it’s a dystopian novel and I tend to be a little skeptical about the genre. But I want to read the book this year and I’ve roped in a colleague to read it with it for a two person book club. The plot sounds promising: It’s about a country sliding into authoritarianism and a mother’s fight to hold her family together during such times. 

Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll

Highly recommended by Lisa Jewell, the mistress of crime fiction in my opinion, ‘Bright Young Women’ is also based on a true event  and tells the story of two women brought together by horror and tragedy. The bright pink and yellow cover caught my eye as well as Jewell’s raving review. I have read Knoll’s ‘Luckiest Girl Alive’ and watched the movie as well and enjoyed them both so I’m looking forward to Bright Young Women. 

The Song of Lunch by Christopher Reid

A colleague gave me his beautifully battered copy of ‘The Song of Lunch’ by Christopher Reid and said he had first watched the movie, found out it had been adapted from a poem and then gone in search of the book. I love to hear people talk about the works they have enjoyed. It’s a slim volume that won’t take more than a couple of hours to read but I’ve been carrying it in my bag and reading just a page or two between work to make it last. So far, the words that I have read keep dancing in my head. I’m sure this is going to be a story that will stay with me for a long, long time. 

The monsoon is here and with it we have the perfect reason to curl up on the couch with a hot beverage and a fun snack and binge watch a series that will blow our minds. At least, that is what I’m doing. I find it immensely satisfying to watch something at the end of the day. It just gives you something to look forward to and you also have a story in your head for times when you need a distraction.

Available on Amazon Prime, the series I’m recommending today are all worth your time. I guarantee you will not be able to watch just a single episode and turn off the TV and go to bed. Mostly thrillers with one comedy thrown in the mix, the five series that I have listed here will have you glued to your seat.

Dupahiya

Featuring the fabulous actor Gajraj Rao widely known for his role in the Neena Gupta starrer ‘Badhai Ho’, Dupahiya is a comedy and satire on the dowry system that is still prevalent in many places across India and Nepal. When the groom’s family asks for a fancy motorbike as dowry, the girl’s family scrambles to get one. But the bike gets stolen and this puts the villagers in a mad frenzy to find it, especially since the village has been crime free for 25 years and all set to be rewarded for it. The characters are well fleshed out and the plot is gripping and fun. It has both light moments as well as emotional scenes. It’s a great mix. You will enjoy this light-hearted series that raises an important issue.

Reacher

Based on Lee Child’s thriller novels, Reacher follows retired military officer Jack Reacher as he gets arrested for a murder he did not commit. He finds himself in the midst of a deadly conspiracy and also on a quest for revenge. The series has an eight out of ten rating on IMDb and is filled with suspense right from the start. Starring Alan Ritchson as Jack Reacher, the series has three seasons with eight episodes each. The third season came out in 2025. The first season is based on the book ‘Killing Floor’ and premiered in 2022. Reacher is an intriguing character. He is smart and courageous and his dialogues and body language make him even more compelling. You will enjoy getting to know him but you will never be able to predict what he does next and that is where all the fun lies.

The Continental

This limited series has just three episodes but each episode is over an hour long so it’s almost like watching a movie. Spoiler alert: the stage is already set for a second season as the ending shows the possibility of the story becoming even more intense. The Continental is a chain of hotels around the world that is a neutral ground for members of the underworld. Starring Mel Gibson, this action-crime series follows Winston Scott, played by Colin Woodell, as he puts together a team to take over the infamous hotel after his brother is killed in a conspiracy. There’s a lot of drama, action, witty dialogues, and stunning cinematography in this series that can get a bit too violent at times. There is an old world charm to The Continental that makes it different from the rest of the series on this list. 

Suzhal: The Vortex

This is a Tamil series that has two seasons. My issue with series that are dubbed in Hindi or English from another language is that the dialogues feel a little out of sync. I recently watched a Tamil series dubbed in Hindi that had a really good plot but the dialogues of the main character infuriated me, so much so that I couldn’t stand watching the actor on screen. I was skeptical about Suzhal: The Vortex as well since it’s also a Tamil series dubbed in Hindi but it had an 8.1 rating on IMDb and as my friends like to say I’m an IMDb snob. If there’s something that is highly rated on it, I have to watch it. I’m glad I decided to watch the series as it’s engaging and tense. Set against the backdrop of a unique festival, the viewers are drawn into the eye of the storm where myths and faith rule over logic and humanity. The second season starts where the first left off but you don’t have to watch the first to watch the second. I watched both back to back and can’t decide which one I loved more. 

Alex Cross

Alex Cross is a crime, mystery, thriller series written by bestselling author James Patterson. The protagonist is Alex Cross, an African-American police officer who is also a single father. In the Amazon Prime series, Cross, along with his partner, comes across a sadistic serial killer who is targeting people who look like serial killers. Cross is also dealing with his own demons and trying to find his wife’s killer while rushing against time to save the serial killer’s latest victim who he believes is still alive. If you have read Patterson’s books or read thrillers regularly, the plot might be a little predictable but it’s still gripping and fun while it lasts. The characters are relatable, each battling their personal problems and biases. There’s a lot of family dynamics at play too and that makes for a nice little side story. All in all, Alex Cross is a series you might want to binge watch this weekend when you don’t want to do much else.