Amit Goes Blogging

I am told wealth meaningfully transforms man’s relationship with things and people around him, placing him in a position of power in the relationship. Of what use is wealth and power if it is not wedded to vision. We are grateful to the wealthy corporates for their role in bringing the much-needed infrastructure and a life of dignity to the populace. But, why aren't bookstores part of that vision!  No, I don’t have a business plan to run a profitable bookstore. Mr. Ambani, you have the wherewithal to think it through. I just need to put my gripe out there. Why isn’t Reliance interested in running a book store or support the ones crumbling under the deep-discounting practices of online stores? No denying that majority Indians live in abject poverty. A small percentage has just begun their aspirational journey. A bookstore doesn’t strike as relevant or urgent considering we have just started on our way to being a prosperous nation. But, from the ultra-rich we expect a vision of w...

For 2022, I set a target of 40 books to mark my fortieth year. I have read books in the past. But this time, I was on a reading spree. I gave myself completely to the satisfying experience of reading. The choice of books turns out to be very eclectic. My mini success. How often do thoughts and deeds of ordinary mortals align? A mediocre that I am, it required some hard self-talk to shake off my indolence: “Won’t you be good at anything? It’s not about coming up in life, but in your own eyes. Forget getting anything done, can’t you get something going?” I needed to have something going. After many years of wallowing in false self-esteem and perceived deservedness for every attainment, I finally faced my mediocrity that wore cloaks of protective lies. Upskilling, personal effectiveness, or anything socially aspirational has never been my strong suit. Reading satisfies me and doesn’t require outside evaluation. That was good enough! Even while reading, a desire to master the subject ...

Every book tarries at some point between its covers. Not every page can sparkle, nor can every description lay claim to reader’s imagination. Some passages beg half-to-no attention. Readers who identify with the author's feelings may consider his writing perfectly intelligible; while, to others he may be an epitome of vagueness. Here, evaluations are subjective. One author speaks to his readers, translating his thoughts into words that readers can easily pick into their mental fork. If the author were to explain the passage to the reader in person, it would not better the written word. This author believes that without a reader, a book is dead weight. He is not anxious to achieve anything beyond making the book enjoyable for the reader. Read George Orwell’s Animal Farm and you would understand what I mean. It’s a rare feat that Leo Tolstoy also accomplishes in War and Peace . From the description of chasing wolves to philosophical reflections on individuals and events, Tolsto...

I hope to stay my course---read the famous classics from the Greeks until the late twentieth century. I have a decent collection of literary classics. But, looking at my dazzling collection, I am at my wit’s end---where to begin! Will I end up being a mere book collector? Forget majoring in literature, won't I even have the satisfaction of calling myself an informal student of literature? Will the money that could have bought immediate joys to my loved ones leave me with only a hope of future joy? I have browsed the net for inspiration and direction, careful not to ignore the two even if they can be found buried in the comment threads and finger-tiring scrolls. I have browsed through the best books voted by Times, Modern Library, and umpteen other blog posts on good reads to prepare myself for that leap. But, I am still nursing my irritation. Just yesterday I went on another buying spree and ended up with six additions to my collection. Now, I have decided to stop...