[Shiva] Reading Biography

Initially, I thought I should track my reading history. Then I realized it would reveal how narrowly, not widely, read I am and decided to take another approach. I don’t know if you remember, but there was once this hot trend on Facebook notes- to list 15 books that resonate with you. Personally, it had been a very enlightening exercise because I hadn’t been aware that these books affected me that much. So here’s my reading biography…of the books that struck a chord :)

1) The Picture of Dorian Gray
First ever book to get under my skin/creep me out/disturb me…and I thoroughly enjoyed that. Wilde may have single-handedly cured me of any fear about growing old. I liked the ‘what if’ premise explored in the story- shows why humans have limits. My, how would we abuse it if we had the power to have everything we want with no consequences?
2) How to Kill a Mockingbird
At the end of this book, I only remember wishing one thing- that Atticus Finch was my father. I was Scout when I read the novel, I learnt from Atticus just as she did. Up until today, when it feels like a losing battle, I always draw strength from these words that Atticus says in the novel- “[Courage is] when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do.” <3
3) The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
Girl raped and murdered by neighbour narrates life as she sees it from heaven. I think this book resonated with me because I always wonder about my loved ones who have passed on- are they happier? In peace? Looking down on us? There’s this one moment in the novel which is seared in my memory- the father is very sick and on one hand, the dead girl is watching him as a spirit and praying that the dad would die so that he comes to her in heaven. On the other hand, her sibling is by the dad’s side, praying he would live and not abandon their family. 2 children, same wish. Heartbreaking stuff really.
4) Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
First book to start my NUS life! I remember thinking at the back of my head that my mom was paying good money for me to read subversive soft-porn novels in school. Haha. For the sheer sick fun it had been to read, I’ll remember Nabokov’s naughty novel for years to come. No pun intended.
5) A Heart So White by Javier Marias
To be honest, I don’t remember the story. But it had had so many unforgettable stark-truth quotes. I compiled the ones that I liked just so I could read them as and when I want. Shall quote one for this biography- “I know of no parental equivalent for "orphan" in any of the languages I speak.”
6) New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
I know, you’re wondering why on earth is this book even here. Too bad, Bella emo-ing after Edward left affected me. I never want to become that dependent on a person…but I’m terrified I will. So Bella is my anti-role model, to keep myself in check.
7) Atonement by Ian McEwan
Saw the movie first, for James McAvoy. Hated the Briony character. Forced myself to read the book. Ended up sympathizing with the Briony character. Words…swaying me over all the time. Poignant story about love and courage.
8) The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
Need I even explain why? Roy probably can never out-do herself after this novel.
9) Othello by William Shakespeare
Iago in his entirety. Othello’s inferiority complex. Desdemona’s utter stupidity. WIN.
10) The Gate to Women's Country by Sheri S. Tepper
I loved the elaborate storyline and how it all came together in the end. Women in this story had been inspiring and I adored how the men got played [cue Beyonce’s Run the World].
11) The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
It was really a scary ‘What If’ premise for me, as a woman, to be nothing more than a baby-maker. More scary knowing that in some parts of the world, not science fiction but non-ficiton, women are still viewed as only baby-makers. It had been a thought-provoking read for me.
12) & 13) Endzone & Underworld by Don DeLillo
I could read DeLillo for life really. He’s one author I know who makes me feel both stupid and intelligent at the same time. Both these novels had pushed me out of my comfort zone because I had to research and find out more about American History to really get his writing. After which, it was plain amazing to get his brilliant use of metaphors and to be able to pick the consistent themes in his works.
14) A Passage to India- E.M. Forster
Maybe it was the way this novel had been taught in my class. Everyone had something to say but no one could confidently guess what Forster was saying. The book appears to have one reading then quickly appears to have multiple readings. It reminded me of the film Crash. Who’s really racist and who’s not?
15) Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
The mundane side of life as soldiers- a brilliantly-woven, dark witty story.