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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. 

‘Simsara’ is a good book that offers a unique perspective on the  existing gender, caste and class differences in the society as well as regionalism, culture, values, ghosts, worship, and recognition of human behavior. Written by Nepali journalist and author Basanta Basnet, and based in his hometown of Taplejung district, the strongest aspect of the novel is its use of imagery—a massive pillar bearing the weight of a house, a lonely house that has lost its warmth, a flower blooming on a tree, an old bird wailing, a weak animal, or a human life bound by the chains of compulsion.

The book is poetic and metaphorical. The characters are entrenched in their circumstances and have a lot of psychological trauma and baggage. The story is narrated in first person but in some places you feel like you are hearing the author’s voice and not the character’s, which I think is mainly due to the writing style. In some instances, you get to see how silence can be more terrifying than speech. There is a lot of serious thought given to even the most trivial thing and that, along with the simple, evocative language, makes the novel highly enjoyable. 

A really promising character in the novel is Samvat who passed his SLC in the second division. He has failed to make his parents see that a joint family isn’t an ideal situation. With his parents in the same house, his relationship with his wife suffers and the couple fail to have the daughter they always wanted. His complex emotions give depth to the story. Babu’s character, on the other hand, isn’t able to prove himself as the main pillar of the household. He has no affection for his wife and teenage son. The newly married Kanchi also has no such attachment. Simsara is a swamp where both the father and the son are stuck. 

Simsara basically takes us through a world from the perspective of a teenager. There is a lot of adolescent psychology in it. But we must not mistake it for young adult fiction as the elements of familial relationship in the book make it a must read for people of all ages. The novel makes you ponder about many things like love, guilt, and survival. It’s not the author’s job to take sides and Basnet doesn’t indulge in it either. As humans, we are likely to take sides but authors aren’t allowed that luxury and in Simsara, Basnet shows the turmoils his characters go through and what makes them who they are without judgement. If you are familiar with Basnet’s previous works, you will know what to expect from his writing but Simsara feels refreshing in terms of the world it delves into. 

The book heavily discusses issues of our social, political, gender, religious, and caste differences. As a reader personally I was very affected by the child psychology and trauma in Simsara. We don’t realize how deep rooted these issues are and how badly it affects people. We tend to turn a blind eye to it and reading Simsara made me realize how harmful that can be. Basnet’s third published work Simsara is a fascinating and inspiring story about how our misguided cultural, political, and familial beliefs can have deep psychological impacts.

Fiction

Simsara

Basanta Basnet

Published: 2024

Publisher: FinePrint

Pages: 265, Paperback

It must be the weather because I don’t really understand what else could be the reason behind my inability to read these days. I just can’t seem to concentrate. This generally does not happen to me and I’ve noticed that when it does, it’s usually when my body can’t adjust to the changing climate. I’m uncomfortable and unable to focus.

But I also can’t not be reading. It’s something that grounds me and without a book to keep me company, I feel lost and I’m more likely to be irritated. So when I occasionally hit a reading slump, I find myself gravitating towards certain kinds of books. These are usually light visual reads, or books that I have loved in the past. Picking these up fills me with a sense of nostalgia and takes my mind off things. Here are three of my favorite things to pick up when I’m unable to read long works of fiction.

Archie comics

I was a voracious reader of the Archie comics series when I was in school. Ekta Bookstore used to stock them, and I found myself picking up a new one every time I went there with my parents to buy school books and stationeries. I still have all of them (easily over a hundred volumes), though they are battered and bruised with age. It’s a goofy series about a bunch of American teenagers and their high school antics. The characters are varied and you are bound to have a favorite. I pick up a random comic whenever I find myself unable to read and I’m transported to a delightful world of easy friendships and heartwarming connections.

Spy X Family 

This manga series about a fake family that includes a spy, an assassin, and a telepath is outrageous and fun. There are 15 volumes in the series and I guarantee you will be binge reading them once you start. The storytelling and illustrations by Tatsuya Endo follows Loid Forger who has to build a fake family for a mission he has been given. But the daughter he adopts turns out to be a telepath and he has no idea that the meek woman he has chosen for his wife is actually an assassin. There’s an anime television adaptation of the series as well. I recommend reading the books and watching the series simultaneously as it makes for a really wholesome experience.

Aesop’s fables

These are a collection of short stories that teach moral lessons. The children’s stories come in slim illustrated volumes and feature animals as narrators. Most of us have heard the stories of the hare and the tortoise and the fox and the grapes. The Greek storyteller Aesop tells many other such stories that impart wisdom and teach you the value of kindness, patience, love, and faith among others. You can find most of these stories online and they make great short reads. I would highly recommend these stories when you are in need of some guidance in life.