The Reading List

I can not express how much I absolutely loved this story. It totally engrossed me into each of the characters and their lives and connections through books. For a debut novel....I have to say that this is now one of my favorite books and one I will keep and share with others. Funny, I ordered her next book. The Twilight Garden, not even realizing it was also written by her, but the theme of people working together to help in interesting circumstances captivated me. It will be the next book I read and judging by this first book of hers, I already know it will be a wonderful story to get lost in as well. Bravo for a wonderful debut!

I'll start with saying that The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams is a book for readers, and those in their lives. And honestly, if you haven’t read this book, don’t read this review. I want you to go in blind - just like I did.As this book played out, I had no idea where it was going, I just let it do it’s thing. I remember almost thinking I was confused, but then it all started to make complete sense, in the most brilliant way.I was going along happily, but then all of all sudden the writing pivoted, and there was somehow an ominous tone of foreboding. Then my mind started wandering to all the places the book could go, but of course I had no idea. Then I cried; of course I cried. Then I read “I have. I’ve called you.” Then I was sobbing those tears when you hold your breath and don’t even realize that you aren't breathing.This book shows the immediate shock of unbelievable news; shows how you can recognize that look in someone else, when that pain is all too real and familiar to you, so fresh in your mind.This is a book that explains what I adore about reading but also much, much more. It explains how I feel anxious trying new experiences and uncomfortable in unfamiliar settings. I relate so much to how Mukesh felt it’s unbelievable; his character arc was incredible to watch. He has a big part of my heart!This book is one I will re-read. Which is perfect, since “Books always change as the person who reads them changes too.” A book I will annotate on my next read. Because this book is about life, and all the love that surrounds us, if we’re just willing to look for it.Looking at this book as a whole: have you lived, have you loved, have you grieved, have you missed… if so, you need to read this book.

This debut novel is about books and the power of books in influencng the readers mind.Two people from completely different background and age, bond over a series of books listed out in a crumpled note tucked inside another book.A 80 year old widower and a 17 year old girl develops a keen interest in these books and overcome their loneliness and other issues at home.A good concept for a debut novel, however, the pace of the plot/ story is uneven and length should have been kept shorter.

The Reading List; a promising title that would lure any reader towards itself. A story of friendship between a teenager Aleisha and an aging widower Mukesh over a splendid list of books that came their way. The duo have their own set of troubles, demons of the past that make their present melancholic and lonely. The library and the books they read and discuss together become their escape.The blurb primarily speaks about the bond between Aleisha and Mukesh over the reading list but the story has a myriad characters which makes it lengthy and tiresome. The said characters have supposedly gained from the list too (but did we need them in the story? I’m not sure.) I appreciate the idea of portraying mental illness, the extremes of the imbalanced state, stepping out of the comfort zone, but lack of character development and excessive description of the unnecessary disturbed the pace of the story making it difficult for me to empathize with any character mentioned.The story had great potential, had it been stitched together with emphasis on what was emotionally moving, hopeful and uplifting or progressive; to be the atmospheric tale that I thought it would be from all that I read about it. The missing balance, regular writing style made this a one time read for me, something that I count as an experience but not a pleasure.

So I purchased the book and was skeptical at first because of the size and initial start. But i turned out wrong. Being a debut it's really well written and it's a book about books! I would recommend it.