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The last time most of us read poems was probably in school. We never picked up a book of poems, never having developed a taste for the elaborate language that the form of literature seems to deploy. Fair to say, we are a little intimidated by poetry, relegating it to the preferences of philosophers, students of literature, and poets themselves. 

But a few years ago, a friend forced me to read some poems she loved. I have to admit that they didn’t make much sense to me despite her coaxing me not to think too much and just let the words wash over me. It wasn’t likely that I would pick up a book of poems in the future but my friend kept insisting I was missing out and that poems could offer wisdom and insight in a way that stays with you. Seeing she felt so passionately about it, I thought I’d give it one last try and bought a book of poems called ‘Greatest Poetry Ever Written’.

Some of the poems in the book were ones I had read in school and college. They reminded me of a simpler, happier time and I read all the poems in the book, charmed by their nostalgic quality. I especially loved the poem ‘If’ by Rudyard Kipling. I could even recite it from memory after a while, having read it over and over again. After this though I didn’t have much luck with poetry again and struggled to find meaning in them. 

But the good thing was I kept trying, reading them online or buying books that caught my fancy. I liked the fact that a book of poems with me meant I could dip in and out whenever I wanted without having to commit too much time, especially when I felt ambushed by work and deadlines. This was when I discovered contemporary poets like Nikita Gill and Rupi Kaur whose words resonated with me and I didn’t have to struggle to decipher the hidden meaning behind them. That being said, I’ve also come to realize that not every poem is meant for you and like my friend once told me you just have to let the words wash over you and take your time with them. 

But it would be a grave injustice if you were to sideline this important form of literature as it can be extremely comforting and make you able to look at things from a wide range of emotional perspectives. Here are some books of poems that are great starter kits if you are just getting into the genre.

Burning Roses in My Garden by Taslima Nasrin

Taslima Nasrin is a Bangladeshi writer who is famous for the book ‘Lajja’ (Shame) that describes how a Hindu family in Bangladesh is hounded by their Muslim neighbors. A fatwa was passed against her after its publication and she went into exile as well. ‘Burning Roses in My Garden’ might be her lesser known work but it is no less important. It’s an intimate collection of personal longings and political commentary and gets into the heart of what it is like being an outsider when you are in exile. The themes are mostly longing, loneliness, and sorrow.

She Must Be Mad by Charly Cox

Charly Cox is a British poet and writer whose book ‘She Must Be Mad’ is a collection of short prose and poetry that explores what it is like for a young woman to grow up in today’s society. The format of the book is unlike any other you might have read and that keeps things refreshing. Divided into four sections and exploring a variety of themes like relationships, depression, and self-image among others, She Must Be Mad will take you on a rollercoaster journey of emotions. The tone is simple and lighthearted but the themes give it the gravitas it needs to be a thought provoking read. 

Yesterday I was the Moon by Noor Unnahar

A fun thing about this book is its unique size and layout, complete with illustrations that go with the words on the page. I was enamored by the writing which is simple but hard hitting. ‘Yesterday I was the Moon’ explores courage, self-love, and cultural acceptance. There are also themes of love and loss and the cathartic nature of art. The Pakistani poet’s voice is unique and her poems get better in the second half of the book as she gains confidence with her words. Though meant for a young-audience, I think people of all ages will be able to relate to the poems as the themes are universal. 

The Girl and the Goddess by Nikita Gill

‘Fierce Fairytales’ by Nikita Gill is one of my all time favorite books. It’s a modern take on traditional fairy tales. Gill has many books to her credit but I’d recommend you start with ‘The Girl and the Goddess’ to get a taste and feel of her style of work first. Like Charly Cox’s book, this too has a mix of poetry and prose and is thus really easy to get into. Exploring Hindu mythology and legend, The Girl and the Goddess tells the story of Paro, a girl born into a family that is still dealing with the pain of the partition in India. It’s a very evocative and stirring work that is likely to stay with you long after you’ve finished the book.

A Thousand Mornings by Mary Oliver

This slim book of poetry is a must read, though slightly more complicated than the rest of the books on this list. In ‘A Thousand Mornings’ Oliver takes us to the marshland and coastline of her home in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Here, while looking at the leaves of trees or mourning the passing of her treasured dog, she imparts valuable life lessons with unmatched clarity and humor. The mundane daily occurrences come alive in her poems and the book reminds us of how glorious life can be if we just started paying a little more attention to the small things around us.

Unstoppable Women Series

Luja Mathema

Illustrations by Prakash Ranjit

Language: English & Nepali

Publisher: Nepa~laya

Published: 2024

Pages: Four books, around 30 pages each, Hardcover

Written by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo, there’s a book (that can double as a great coffee table book) called ‘Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls’ that features short stories about 100 real inspiring women who can be role models to children. It was published in 2016 and aimed at children six and up. Since then, it has sold over one million copies and been translated into more than 47 languages. 

The book has full-page illustrations of women like Ada Lovelace, Frida Kahlo, Malala Yousafzai, Greta Thunberg, Judy Blume etc. followed by their stories. It makes for a great book to read during bedtime or when you just want a bite-sized read. Though a fabulous book, there is a lack of representation since the book is primarily meant for a Western audience. There isn’t a single story about a Nepali woman in the two book series. But Nepa~laya’s ‘Unstoppable Women Series’, a collection of four books about various Nepali women bridges that gap. 

Featuring Ambika Shrestha, Ani Choying Drolma, Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, and Sapana Pradhan Malla, the series is a brilliant collection of stories of women who have excelled in their respective fields. Unlike Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls, where each woman is confined to two pages, in the Unstoppable Women Series the four featured women all get their own beautifully illustrated books. Each hardcover book is about 30 pages long and the stories are narrated in both English and Nepali. 

The perfectly bound slim volumes take you on a journey through these amazing women’s lives, inspiring you to look at life a little differently. Tourism entrepreneur Ambika Shrestha’s life, from Sikkim, India to Nepal, is testimony of the powers of hard work and discipline. Buddhist nun and singer Ani Choying Drolma’s story speaks of the value of pursuing your life’s calling. Similarly, Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, the first Nepali woman to climb Mt. Everest, teaches you how grit and resilience can help you achieve the impossible. Sapana Pradhan Malla, a judge in the Nepali Supreme Court, is an advocate for equality. I made a friend’s daughter read her story and she told me she wants to be like Malla when she grows up. When I asked her what she meant by that, she said she wants to speak her mind and call out all the wrong things in our society. 

All the four books, despite being short, make you want to take your time with them. You will pause to look at the illustrations and when you finish one book, you don’t immediately want to jump onto the next, pausing instead to think about these women’s lives and compare and contrast your own or the lives of women you know with theirs. You realize how women in Nepal have been bound by societal expectations and challenges and yet continue to strive to forge their own paths. It makes you value them more and consider how things could be different, if society was as accepting of them as it is of men. 

All in all, the Unstoppable Women Series is a great collection to read with your children, or by yourself. It’s not just books for girls and women but for boys and men as well, as there are lots of life lessons to learn from these fabulous women who have braved a lot in life to change the world around them and make a name for themselves.

I must admit that I’m not a fan of non-fiction. I prefer fiction as it takes me to different worlds and allows me to live different lives, albeit vicariously. I also enjoy getting to know all these different people and characters, as in real life I’m not a very social person and my contact with people, outside family and work, is limited. I could say I’m more attached to fictional characters than real people. I also find that I’m a fast reader while reading fiction. Non-fiction needs a longer processing time and sometimes, I tend to want to cross-reference what I’ve just read with information available online and that takes me on a different path altogether. 

But that doesn’t mean I don’t read non-fiction. I’m a lot pickier than I am while choosing fiction titles. I have to be really drawn to the subject or need to have heard another fellow reader whose book choices I resonate with talk about it to pick up a non-fiction work. Usually, my husband recommends some titles he thinks I would enjoy as he mostly reads non-fiction. I also have a few colleagues who prefer non-fiction over fiction (I will never understand why) and they have suggested some really good books. So, over time, I’ve read quite a few non-fiction works. They might make for less than 10 percent of all the reading I have done in life till now but I’ve come across some really good works that I find myself picking up when I need some motivation. 

In February this year (which, I must mention, has been a good year of reading so far), I found myself leafing through some non-fiction titles, trying to pick up some helpful tips to restructure my life, get a mental grip on myself, become more attuned to my body and its needs, and generally live a more mindful and thus meaningful life. These were all books I had read in the past that had taught me quite a few life lessons. So, this week, as the month comes to an end, I thought I’d share a list of these books with you, hoping they might help bring comfort and perspective in your life when you need it the most. 

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

I read this book over a decade ago. It wasn’t even available at bookstores in Nepal and I ended up ordering a pricey copy from the US. I was intrigued by the title. The book is about the authors’ experiments in trying to lead a happier life. She breaks down the massive goal into achievable tasks by giving one month each to a certain area in her life. So in a particular month, if she’s trying to be more organized, in another she’s focusing on boosting energy. It’s not preachy like most self-help books and that’s what I liked the best about it. 

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

Crying in H Mart is a memoir that was published in 2021. Michelle Zauner is a singer and guitarist of the band called Japanese Breakfast. The book is an expansion of an essay by Zauner that was published in The New Yorker in 2018. I had read the essay and there was a lot of hype surrounding the book. But I couldn’t bring myself to read it for a long time as it talks about the death of Zauner’s mother and grief is the main theme. But once I read it, I could help recommend it to people. It’s an honest portrayal of what losing a loved one looks like and teaches you to consider the idea of death in ways you haven’t before.  

Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg 

This is a book that my husband recommended. He’s a huge fan of Charles Duhigg’s works and Supercommunicators is the author’s latest book. He thought it would be helpful if both of us read this book as it might make us communicate better in general and with each other as a couple. The book is an eye-opener on how we choose to communicate and why we often get it wrong. Duhigg teaches you how to recognize and respond to the emotion rather than being focused on what is being said and how. The book reveals the art and science of being an effective communicator. 

Atomic Habits by James Clear

I believe everyone has heard about or read this book. This was an instant bestseller when it came out in 2018, with the title being sold-out at most bookstores in Nepal. Even friends who didn’t read much otherwise were carrying this book around. This book presents a proven system for building good habits and breaking bad ones. It also presents the one percent rule, which is if you can get one percent better every day for a year, you will end up 37 times better by the end of the year. It focuses on the power of small habits in creating a lasting change in your life. 

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi 

I don’t cry easily and this book made me sob like no other. An autobiographical work written by an American neurosurgeon Paul Kalanithi about his life while battling stage four metastatic lung cancer. He was just 36 years old. It was published posthumously and there’s an epilogue by his wife, Lucy, that’s just heartbreaking. But as sad as the story is, the book actually gives a hopeful message. It’s about finding beauty and hope even when the odds are stacked against you. There’s also lots about his medical training days that gives you insight into the world of medicine and how hard doctors work to provide their patients the best possible care.

A New Earth by Ekharte Tolle 

This book was chosen twice by Oprah Winfrey for her book club so that speaks volumes about how good the book actually is. In fact, it’s a book that people of all ages can read in order to live a better life. The book has a lot of basic concepts that you might already be familiar with but it presents them in a way that makes you think about them and incorporate them in your daily life. For example, being present in the moment is something we all know we should do but how often do we do it? Tolle shows you why it’s important but doesn’t offer instructions. A New Earth is basically a guide to becoming your best self while allowing you to do it in your own way. 

Wisdom of the Gods for You and Me by Devdutt Pattanaik 

Devdutt Pattanaik is one of my favorite authors. He writes on mythology and breaks down complex religious concepts to make it interesting and palatable. The first book that got me hooked to his works was My Hanuman Chalisa. I read Shikhandi and Other Tales They Don’t Tell You next which was an exploration of queerness in Hinduism and there was really no looking back. I think I have read most of his works but Wisdom of the Gods for You and Me is the one I reach for every now and then when I need some mental clarity. It soothes and calms me down. It makes me feel less emotionally overwhelmed. I think everyone could benefit from some spiritual guidance and this book is just perfect for it. 

The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman

This is an easy book to dip in and out of. It has 366 short chapters, each of which is just a page long. It’s a beautifully compiled daily meditations on stoic wisdom that’s designed to make you happier, resilient, and virtuous. Philosophy books are usually heavy and preachy but The Daily Stoic is an easy guide to understand stoicism and benefit from it. It teaches you how you can approach your problems, work, and relationships by first quoting what famous philosophers have said and then interpreting them in simple ways. It will help you understand how to deal with things that aren’t in your control. 

Exile by Taslima Nasrin

Taslima Nasrin is a Bangladeshi writer, physician, feminist, and activist. She’s known for writing about women’s oppression and the different issues with religion as well as for her memoir Lajja which means shame in English. Exile was published in 2016 and is the author’s experiences during her exile from Bangladesh in 2007 and 2008. Exile is a difficult but important book to read that makes you think about all the things you take for granted in life, like freedom, routine, and even something as basic as having a place to call home. The book also has poems and journal entries that Nasrin wrote during her exile that shed light on her mental state during the difficult time. 

Triumph of the Heart by Megan Feldman Bettencourt 

Human beings tend to hold a lot of grudges. It’s perhaps our most common failing. But, if you think about it, it does us a lot of harm. Our grudges hold us back and make us sad and bitter. Oftentimes, our relationships suffer and so does our self-esteem. In Triumph of the Heart, Megan Feldman Bettencourt shows how and why forgiving is the easier thing to do. Giving the example of a father who forgave the man who murdered his son, Bettencourt explores the benefits of forgiveness both from a scientific perspective and a human one. It’s the most eye-opening, uplifting book I’ve read and I think it really changed the way I deal with things in life. 

In contemporary Nepali society, there is a widespread belief that honest politicians are essential for progress. While Nepal has historically been home to many selfless and dedicated leaders, the country still lacks politicians who approach politics with a sense of sacrifice, prioritizing the nation and its citizens above all else. Mahendra Narayan Nidhi stands out as one such rare figure. Kishore Nepal’s book, Nepal Kaa Nidhi, made it easier to capture the essence of Nidhi’s personality and contributions in this narrative.

A practitioner of Gandhian ideals

Mahendra Narayan Nidhi was born in February 1922 into a prominent family in Nagarain, a village located about 14 kilometers south of Janakpur near the Indian border. Despite his family’s comfortable financial standing, his upbringing mirrored that of an average child in the Madhesi community. With no schools in Nagarain or nearby villages, Nidhi was unable to attend formal education during his early years. His father, Rajeshwar Nidhi, taught him the basics of literacy at home. After primary education, Nidhi studied Sanskrit under the guidance of priests in the neighboring village of Jatahi. Later, he familiarized himself with the laws and regulations of Nepal’s judicial system before joining his father in business. Through his travels to various villages for work, Nidhi gained a deep understanding of the realities of Madhesi society.

Despite lacking a formal degree, Nidhi developed a strong sense of social awareness early on. His leadership journey began after the Nepali Congress’s Janakpur convention in 1953, where he played a pivotal role in expanding the party’s organizational reach in the Mahottari region.

Nidhi is often regarded as one of Nepal’s Gandhian leaders. Inspired by Gandhi’s independence movement in India and influenced by leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) and Ram Manohar Lohia, Nidhi entered politics with a vision to rebuild Nepal on the principles of truth and non-violence, starting from the grassroots level. Like Gandhi, he embraced satyagraha (non-violent resistance) as a powerful tool in his political struggles. From 1947 onward, Nidhi actively promoted satyagraha and was arrested in 1957 for participating in such movements.

December 15, 1960, marks a dark chapter in Nepal’s history when King Mahendra seized absolute power, dismantling the democratic system. In response, the Nepali Congress, based in Patna, resolved to launch an armed struggle. However, Nidhi remained steadfast in his commitment to non-violence. He believed that a true satyagrahi should embody qualities such as fearlessness, self-discipline, and restraint, which he demonstrated through his actions rather than mere words. Upon returning to Nepal, Nidhi openly opposed the politics of violence and was subsequently imprisoned. His unwavering adherence to non-violence, even in the face of adversity, highlighted his idealism and moral courage.

A bold and visionary leader

In 1964, during a program organized by the Panchayati government in Janakpur, Nidhi boldly stated, “Writing laws and regulations alone cannot bring change to our country; they must be implemented truthfully.” He fearlessly criticized the Panchayat regime’s education policy in 1971, advocating for education in one’s mother tongue—a demand that remains relevant today.

In 1976, when B.P. Koirala and Ganeshman Singh returned to Nepal, embracing national unity and reconciliation, the Nepali Congress faced internal strife. At a central working committee meeting in Calcutta, presided over by Suvarna Samsher, B.P. Koirala was expelled from the party. Girija Prasad Koirala organized a conference in Patna to oppose this decision, and Nidhi played a crucial role in resolving the conflict. He argued that expelling a leader of B.P.’s stature could not be decided unilaterally. After meeting Suvarna Samsher in Calcutta, Nidhi convinced him to hand over the party’s leadership to B.P., thereby preventing the Congress from descending into division and mistrust. Kishore Nepal, in his book Nepal Kaa Nidhi, emphasizes that Nidhi’s wisdom and diplomacy saved the party during a critical juncture.

During the interim government of 1990, Nidhi served as the Minister of Water Resources and Local Development at the request of Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai. As the Minister of Local Development, he dismantled the Panchayat-era structures and established Village Development Committees and District Development Committees. He also advocated against introducing party politics in local body elections, warning that it would divide communities—a vision that remains unaddressed to this day. As the Minister of Water Resources, Nidhi revived the Nepal-India Joint Committee meetings on the Koshi and Gandaki rivers, which had been stalled for years. His innovative approach led to concrete decisions on the Kulekhani hydroelectric projects and an agreement to sell Nepal’s surplus electricity to India without incurring losses—a policy that continues to be a source of economic pride for Nepal.

A humble and unforgettable legacy

Mahendra Narayan Nidhi was a down-to-earth leader whose influence on Nepal’s political history remains indelible. He refrained from engaging in internal party rivalries, even when others sought to split the Nepali Congress for personal gain. The late Pradeep Giri once remarked on Nidhi’s unique intellectualism: “Some intellectuals derive their ideas from the works of Marx, Lenin, Gandhi, or Gramsci, while others form their ideas by observing people, understanding their needs, and responding to them. Mahendra Narayan Nidhi belonged to the latter category.”

Nidhi’s legacy is a testament to his unwavering commitment to truth, non-violence, and the welfare of the nation. His life and work continue to inspire future generations of leaders in Nepal.