Hello readers! See true to my promise , I have already started to be a little more regular than the last break…
Talking of breaks it’s almost the end of April and many of us are gearing to enjoy the upcoming breaks. I know many of you have already made plans and preparation to visit exotic places during this time of the year. However for book lovers, any trip isn’t complete without them perched near a window seat with a thick book in hand. The companionship of reading while travelling is bliss for them!So for all the book lovers put there, here’s a list of books that you must read while travelling. All of these are paperback editions, so that one worry (of the books being damaged), is off your list.
5. LIFE OF PI by Yann Martel
A thrilling memoir of a young boy, Pi Patel surviving a shipwreck with a zebra, hyena,orangutan and Royal Bengal Tiger in a lifeboat can surely make your journey more exciting than you expected! The book is divided into three parts. The first part focusing on the protagonist’s childhood spent in India. His family owns zoo in the picturesque Indian district of Pondicherry and he shares a cordial relationship with the animals, specially the Royal Bengal Tiger, Richard Parker. During the Emergency, his father decides to shift bases to Canada and from here begins the second part of the novel. This throws light on journey of the protagonist, his family and zoo animals in a ship vessel, which later drowns in the sea. How Pi combats the harsh difficulties with animals on board in a life boat and manages to saves his life could turn into an exhilarating read during the trip. The final part of the novel reveals a grown up Pi narrating two versions of his story to a novelist and asking him to choose one among them for his novel. As you read along the pages, you will realize the novel focuses on the theme of journey of life between two places with varied companions and companionships in the face of difficulties and moments of happiness similar to your journey to beautiful locations! So go ahead with this book in your luggage and enjoy your vacations!
4. EAT ,PRAY ,LOVE by Elizabeth Gilbert
Ever thought of going on a solo trip to discover yourself? Or just reading book about the same theme to get inspired? For all those looking for inspiration, this book is just perfect for you. Well, isn’t it a coincidence, that I read this book on a trip to mountains myself? A larger than life story about young, successful Elizabeth Gilbert takes you on a journey from losing belief in life to finding it back and loving yourself. We see (or read about) a determined Elizabeth Gilbert planning a solo trip to three countries with varied cultures after finalizing her divorce.Like the previous book, this one too is divided into three distinct parts. The first one deals with the leading lady’s adventures in Italy, mainly with nourishing herself with food. The second part is pictured in India. The smell of incense sticks and the peaceful chants of prayers will reverberate in your ears, as you read Elizabeth’s account of her days in India. The third part follows Elizabeth in her journey of finding the love of her life in Indonesia. You will enjoy the book with its light -hearted and positive instances on your voyage or even otherwise. It’s one of those books which , once you start reading can’t be put down without finishing. And loving them at the same time. It is surely a journey worth remembering for life. Or in Gilbert’s words, ” A journey of ‘I’ in countries starting with ‘I’; Italy, India and Indonesia.
3. THE MOTHER I NEVER KNEW by Sudha Murthy
A collection of two novellas about understanding the roots of one’s life and in the process discovering some startling truths. The Mother I never knew is a collection of accounts of two men Venkatesh and Mukesh both on a journey of uncovering a grave truth. Venkatesh’s world is turned upside down, when he stumbles upon a look alike of his and shares his father’s name. Upon further investigation he finds out about his father’s another marriage and a family he never knew existed before. Venkatesh’s determination of making amends for his father’s behavior and how he unburdens himself from guilt forms the crux of this story. The other story deals with a young, grieving man Mukesh, who finds out he is adopted after his father’s death. With a troubled mind he sets forth on a journey of uncovering the truth about his birth. During this trip to his past he discovers how he was nearly abandoned at birth by hew unwed mother, how his was ill-treated by his foster family and how he finally found love in the arms of his old, frail mother he had left behind, in this pursuit. The heartfelt journeys of two different men with a similar agenda in mind would add a soul-satiating breath to your journey. Do read it once and lead yourself to the warm embrace of love and care in the arms of the ones closest to you…
2. WAY OF THE PEACEFUL WARRIOR by Dan Millman
Half fictional and half autobiographical book based on the early life of gymnast and author Dan Millman will surely lead to a new you during your journey. A college going gymnast Dan is frequented by a nightmare of having an encounter with Death and being saved by an old man. In the days that follow, he meets the man from his dreams at a petrol pump and is intrigued by his ideologies. Over time, Dan asks the old man, whom he addresses as Socrates, to guide him in finding happiness. Socrates trains him physically, spiritually, mentally in seeking answers to his questions. These interactions seem to change something within Dan and he starts living his life until a tragedy strikes. A leg injury rob him of gymnastics and Socrates help him in healing once more. One thing worth learning from this book is that happiness is in the journey itself and not in the destination. Dan finally discovers himself later in life after a failed marriage and realizes that the answers that he was long searching for were always in front of him. Always with him. As you wind down the mountains or ride through the sand dunes, do read this book and question yourself which answers are you seeking. And for a matter of fact, our mind and souls work better when surrounded by nature(wink, wink)!
- MALGUDI DAYS by R.K Narayan
So the best one for the last once again!
Although it is not a novel, it is a collection of stories, but for a light -hearted, soulful read, this surely makes the cut. It revolves around a young boy Swamynathan and his adventures with his family and friends. For all those who are familiar with Indian culture, this book would make you revisit your childhood memories and laugh at the flimsy excuses we used to come up with to save ourselves from scolding. For all the others, a humble piece of advise, read this book once and the next time you remember your childhood, this book would surely find its mention in your nostalgic moments.What makes it different from other books and novels is that the protagonist is a child and all his childlike views and questions about the world makes us question our long forgotten curiosity and eagerness. Kudos to the author for keeping the child alive in himself and then through these pages for all of us to savor. After finishing this book, don’t forget to give a call to your old friends and teachers and laugh heartily once again with them!
So here’s my list of books that you should read on journeys. Do tell me which place you visited and which of these books you read there in the comments section. But at the same time, don’t forget to enjoy the trip at the same time and click loads of pictures…
So till the next time, enjoy the weekend vibes (long needed!) and don’t forget to follow my blog!
Cheers!
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