InklingsInsight

Book Name: Almond Author: Won-Pyung Sohn Publication: HarperVia Genre: Fiction “I have to act to give you what you want, and I can’t. It’s just impossible. So please stop now. Everyone’s acting like they’re scared of you, but they’re actually laughing at you.”  -Yunjae (unable to express his emotion) to Gon (bullying)  Note for Readers: This book contains portrayals of murder, bullying, violence, trauma, and loneliness. Almond by Won-Pyung Sohn is a story of hope, resilience, friendship, human conditioning, and, of course, subtle humour amidst the seriousness of the protagonist's struggles and loss. The story follows a teenager named Yunjae, who was born with a brain condition called alexithymia, which makes it difficult for him to identify, express, and process his own emotions, even in the gravest situations, such as when his mother is brutally attacked and his grandmother is shot right in front of his eyes. While the crowd stands frozen in terror, Yunjae simply watche...

Book Name: Colony Diaries Author: Anupam Parganiah Publication: Astitva Prakashan Genre: Fiction Colony Diaries by Anupam Parganiah is a nostalgic ride back to childhood in the 90s, set within the close-knit confines of residential colonies. The story follows families living in the colonies of Bhilai Steel Plant, C3, and HSCL, separated by a canal. It features different families whose children attend two schools, BPS and NPS. The narrative primarily revolves around the Verma family, which has two children. As the story begins, the elder child, Guddi (aka Rinika), is admitted to NPS for its higher standards and reputed curriculum, while her younger brother, Amit, continues studying at BPS. As Rinika adjusts to her new school, Amit struggles with a strict teacher who constantly finds new ways to punish him. However, this is only a small part of the story. The novel beautifully captures colony life through children's after-school adventures, women's kitty parties, and, of cou...

Book Name: The Little Prince Author: Antoine De Saint-Exupery Publication: Fingerprint/Om International Genre: Fantasy “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” This is a secret that The Little Prince reveals, offering readers a way to understand life through the heart. It is the story of a boy and the Little Prince who journey across different planets in search of a friend or companion with whom he can share life, experience joy, and have meaningful conversations. When you start reading this book, you will notice how the narrator begins his story as a child, only to be discouraged by grown-ups from pursuing his creativity and instead told to focus on more “important” things. But what does that mean? Isn’t creativity an essential part of life? Read the book to understand how the narrator navigates his journey and forms a deep connection with the Little Prince. Review The book may appear to be a children’s story from its cover ...

Book Name: The Picture of Dorian Gray Author: Oscar Wilde Publication: Penguin Classics Genre: Classics “The books that the world calls immoral are the books that show the world its own shame.” The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is a classic that is witty, philosophical, and explores themes such as beauty, youth, art, influence, manipulation, morality, vanity, and narcissism. The story follows Basil, an artist who decides to create the portrait of one of the youngest and most handsome men, Dorian Gray. As Basil works on the painting, Dorian is introduced to Basil's friend, Lord Henry. Henry sets the tone for Dorian's life, and his influence gradually grows stronger, reshaping the way Dorian sees himself and the world around him. Dorian becomes increasingly self-obsessed and convinced that his beauty should never fade. When the portrait is completed, Dorian reacts in an unexpected way. Rather than admiring it, he grows troubled by the realization that while the paint...

Book Name: Psycho Path Author: Prerna Wadhawan Publication: Self-Published Genre: Psychological Thriller “Psychopaths aren’t made. They’re evolved. A gene that strips out the noise of empathy, guilt, hesitation. It lets them do what the rest of us can’t.”  - Prerna Wadhawan Psycho Path by Prerna Wadhawan is a psychological thriller that explores the depths of the human psyche in the name of revenge and fragile ego. Note for Readers: This book contains portrayals of abuse, psychological harm, rape, violence, and disregard for human and animal life and emotions. Review The plot follows two best friends, Tejas and Shubh, who turn into hardcore enemies in a race to prove what they can do and go viral, even when it comes at the cost of other people’s lives, respect, emotions, and feelings, including those close to both of them. What starts as a mere conflict between them grows into something much bigger and leads to one mishap after another. One of them turns into a psychological...

Book Name: The Girls Are Not Fine Author: Harnidh Kaur Publication: Penguin Genre: Non-Fiction “When a woman tells the truth she is creating the possibility for more truth around here.” - Adrienne Rich The Girls Are Not Fine: The Cost of Ambition, Careers and Becoming by Harnidh Kaur is a non-fiction book that gives voice to opinions many women have kept on mute for years, and are still struggling to raise in many spaces. Review This book has four parts, each portraying different aspects of women’s conditioning. These include On Unravelling, On Work, On Relationships, and On Money. Every phase and aspect of a woman’s life deserves to be talked about. From the phase where a woman says “I am fine,” which actually means “I am not fine,” to the phase where she speaks up for her rights in her family or workplace because she knows her limits and what lies beyond them, this book covers it all. These are conversations not only women need, but society needs to hear too. One aspect that p...