World of Books in Time of Virus.

Most of us are at home with time on our hands. l guess you all must be catching up with the books you had wanted to read but did not have enough time for. I did the same. I like to write travel blogs but travel for now has become a distant dream. So, I have decided to write about the books I have read lately. I have done mainly light, feel good books because these are tough times. I rather read something light and keep my mind positive. All these books are based in the different parts of the world. I walked the streets of different parts of the world with the protagonists.

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. Sweden.

A beautiful story of a depressed and lonely man and how his life changes after a young family invades his space and life against his wishes. A Swedish movie of the book was nominated for the best International Film at 89th Oscars. The English version with Tom Hanks in lead was supposed to be out in 2020, though now its release date is anyone’s guess. When we all have to socially distance, this book about neighborly relations and camaraderie felt right.

Elinor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman. Scotland

A Reese Witherspoon book club pick. Elinor is a lonely young woman who is suffering from psychological issues. This is the story of how she struggles for a normal life. There is everything here – romance, little bit of suspense, and a feel-good story. This is about a woman who overcomes a difficult past and learns to live and love. The movie rights were purchased by Reese. Let’s hope we get to see this book on the silver screen soon.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simion. Australia

Again, I await the film version of this book. It is supposed to be released this year. Bill Gates was given this book by his wife Melinda Gates. He stayed up at night and finished the book in one sitting. The next morning, he gifted it to 50 friends. Of course, I wasn’t someone he gifted it to, so I bought my own copy and read it. The main character, Don Tillman, a genetics professor is socially awkward with one goal in mind- find a wife! It’s a light read and a positive book. I found Don Tillman’s character so charming. He has Asperger’s syndrome. His innovative ways to overcome the hurdles created by his awkwardness put smile on my face. It is the first book of a trilogy.

A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza. USA

This book was recommended to me by my father, an avid reader. It is totally different from other three. It’s a story of an immigrant family in America. As an immigrant myself, I could easily understand the family’s adjustments to their adopted country. The fractured relationships, and the nuances of them are poignantly described here. It brought tears to my eyes and pulled at my heartstrings. This one has all the things that makes a book a great read: family life, drama, love, culture clash, conflicts.

I know, these books are not new. They have climbed New York Times bestseller list sometimes ago but they are still good reads. Pick one up and spend few hours in the world that we knew before Covid 19. Stay safe and healthy!