21 Bookish Questions with Shweta Punjabi

Today’s blog post is a little different from my previous ones; it is the first time I am posting a video. It is definitely something new (for me, if not for you) whereas the idea behind it is borrowed.

While I was watching Vogue’s celebrity video on 73 Questions for the fifth time, it struck me why not do something similar in relation to books/reading. Consequently, the idea for 21 Bookish Questions was developed.

Let me give you an insight on what I was thinking while I came up with this idea.

The motive behind this video is rather straightforward. I want to get to know you all better– what each one you is thinking, what is your reading style, what would kind of authors would you prefer and so on. General ideas, beliefs and thoughts.

Questions are funny, quirky and the kind that will not be a part of your daily conversations. And it is in a ‘Rapid Fire’ style, easy to put you in a flux.

Because it is my first time, I appreciate and welcome your comments.

I am on lookout for fellow readers to interview, if anyone of you is interested and is in Mumbai drop me an email on foramdhruv92@gmail.com or you can tweet me @readin_glasses.

If you have any ideas regarding the Questions (no matter how funny or weird), please feel free to comment.

I am thankful for all your love and support!

Disclaimer: The video is shot by me from my phone camera, please excuse the sound. I haven’t done any editing (simply because I am not that tech savvy). I am presenting it to you the way I have shot it.

Cats and Books are two things Shweta loves. 

See what her thoughts are on several things book related.

Thank You Shweta Punjabi for being patient with me while shooting this video.

Happy Reading until my next post!

#Bookstagram

A new trend is creating a rave amongst several bibliophiles. If you have an Instagram account you would know what I am referring to.

Bookstagram is a new fad that is seemingly becoming popular among book-lovers. An account solely dedicated to posting photographs related to books, under the hashtag of bookstagram. It is an interactive portal engaging millions of readers across the world in several giveaways, read-a-thon, book reviews, or favourite quotes from popular books. Love for literature is what binds everyone together.

Much pain is taken by the user to upload attractive photos which take us to a whole new level of book photography. To be honest, these photographs literally call you and make you want to read and posses those not-so-interesting books.

I have tried my hand at this with my normal phone camera. But my attempts are very amateur and nothing in comparison to these experts.

5 brilliant accounts that I follow on Instagram (you too need to follow them): 

Noura AlNaimi (@nouraimi) 

'Grandeur' is the word that best describes her photographs.
 

Ziba.Reads (@ziba.reads)

Her books (photographs) are calling out to you.

 

Mathilde Marie (@relationsheep)

My reading taste is quite similar to hers

 

Elephant Tea (@elephanttea)

Coffee and Books, two things favourite.

 

Lotte Likes Books (@lottelikesbooks)

^ That she certainly does! 

Most of the books on my reading list have been inspired by these people. As I mentioned before, the photographs are just gorgeous enough to lure you. It is also a great way to meet new and fellow book-lovers. The best part about this community is that they are very welcoming and happy to provide you with their inputs, comments and recommendations.

If you don’t have an Instagram account, download the app and make one. It will be worthwhile, trust me. 

Thank You @nouraimi @ziba.reads @relationsheep @elephanttea @lottelikesbooks for letting me share your pictures. You all have an excellent account!

  

 

Reading Challenge- Part 1

In my previous post, I mentioned taking up the Reading Challenge, and also cribbing about how slow my challenge is going. Well, in today’s post I will be talking about 5 books that I have ticked off my reading list. 

A book that was originally written in a different language

Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert (Translated by Christopher Moncrieff)

Main reason why I chose this book was because I had to do my comparison assignment on Madame Bovary and Lolita. Never miss an opportunity, always grab it.

Verdict: Well, I am no one to comment on a classic. You already know.






A book with non-human characters

Holy Cow by David  Duchovny

I wanted to read this book for a funny read but then I already had a book in mind for that hence shifted this one to this category.

Verdict: This book is really hilarious. I found sarcasm and wit running throughout the book. I will recommend it for a light reading. A book to–be-read-in-between-two-intense-books





A Mystery/ Thriller

The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino

I read the review of this book by Jerry Pinto in the Man’s World Magazine, where he is a guest writer. Thought I should try it out.

Verdict: Gripping. Will keep you engaged till the last page.








A Book that takes place in your hometown

Ravan and Eddie by Kiran Nagarkar

I am too much of a Bombay fan. I love this city to bits. Born and bought up in this city, I consider this place as my hometown. Kiran Nagarkar’s Ravan and Eddie is perfectly suitable for this category

Verdict: After reading this book, it is my favourite book EVER. He will make you fall in love with the book.

A Book that became a movie

 Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk

My sister bought this book because she is a huge fan of Fight Club. So, this was an easy option.

Verdict: I love everything weird.

Reading Challenge 2015

I am 4 months late for this post, but who’s counting?

To begin with belated Happy New Year my fellow readers! I realise I have abandoned you for a really long time, but like a lost elephant I am back to my herd for good.

New Year calls for new beginnings, which in turn calls for new readings. Time to discover new books, authors, poems, genres and leave behind our age old stereotypes. My dumb self recently discovered these Reading Challenges that take place all over the internet. There are a wide variety of options available: Goodreads Challenge, Summer Reading Challenge, 50 Books Challenge, and several others. Being a voracious reader and competitive by nature, I voluntary took up one of the challenge that I came across after my thorough research.

I found my Reading Challenge 2015 from this website called POPSUGAR.

This particular challenge aroused my curiosity and got me excited. Options such as: a book you can finish in a day, a book that is last in your reading list, a book by an author who shares same initials as you, etc. seems very very interesting.  

I took my Reading Challenge vow on Instagram; and keep posting snapshots of books I have checked off my list. Though my Reading Challenge is going super slow­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­- due to the intrusion of the real world- I am trying my best.

Challenges are just an excuse to quirk things up a little, making you look beyond your usual choices. I am not one of the best readers with an eye for detail; I am among the average ones just looking to have a good time. Hence, I want to evolve as a reader and broaden my knowledge. I have promised myself that I won’t stick to my comfort zone and take this opportunity to explore.  

Wish me luck for my journey. I will keep you guys updated with my choices and reviews.

Till then Ciao.

Bouna Lettura!