New book in the popular How To series! There couldn't be a more perfect person to tell us how to be what we want to be than Ruskin Bond! Ruskin Bond followed his passion for writing, and did he wanted to and became what he wanted to be - a writer!
"I was determined to be a writer. It was the thing I did best. And shouldn't our lives be directed towards doing what we do best?"
After over 70 years of being a successful, celebrated author, he is here with valuable advice and brilliant nuggets of wisdom on how we can also be what we want to be.
- "You know best where you want to go, what you want to do in life."
- "Be a traveller, a citizen of the world. You can't spend all your life in your village or hometown. Experience life to the full. You can always come home again."
This beautiful book is filled with simple truths, practical observations and easy-to-follow advice on finding your passion and being you!
Ruskin Bond's life is a true example of living your dream and he's here to advise you on how to live yours!
Ruskin Bond is an Indian author of British descent. He is considered to be an icon among Indian writers and children's authors and a top novelist. He wrote his first novel, The Room on the Roof, when he was seventeen which won John Llewellyn Rhys Memorial Prize in 1957. Since then he has written several novellas, over 500 short stories, as well as various essays and poems, all of which have established him as one of the best-loved and most admired chroniclers of contemporary India. In 1992 he received the Sahitya Akademi award for English writing, for his short stories collection, "Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra", by the Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters in India. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1999 for contributions to children's literature. He now lives with his adopted family in Landour near Mussoorie.
"Be greedy for the good things of life — for life itself and all that it has to offer.”
"How to Be You by Ruskin Bond" is yet another masterpiece from the legendary author. In this heartwarming book, he shares his journey of following his passion — from having nothing to creating everything through the power of words. With years of experience as a celebrated writer, he gently reminds us to do what we love, to listen to the quiet voice within, and to pursue the life that truly makes us happy.
He opens up about how his parents once dreamed of him becoming a teacher or serving the nation as an army officer. But his heart knew where it belonged — in stories, in solitude, in writing. He chose the path less taken, and through this book, he encourages us to do the same: follow our hearts.
This book is not just a collection of pages — it’s a wellspring of motivation, filled with beautiful words, heartfelt quotes, and deep understanding. I have always loved reading Ruskin Bond’s works because of his simplicity. His writing doesn’t shout; it speaks — gently, profoundly, and truly.
And as if the words weren’t magical enough, the book is adorned with marvellous illustrations by shamikasdoodles , vibrant colours, and an eye-catching design that makes it a visual delight. I truly loved every bit of it.
I don’t just recommend this book — I recommend the entire series. Let his words wrap around you like a warm hug, and experience the quiet magic he brings to life.
On this happiest of occasion, I even wrote a sweet letter to him — you can find it on the 5th and 6th slides. It brought me joy and a deep sense of connection. One day, I believe I’ll meet him. Until then, I’ll keep rereading his works, treasuring his words, and finding comfort in his world.
How to Be You by Ruskin Bond is a warm and thoughtful read that gently reminds you to be comfortable with who you are. It is the first book I have read from the How to series, and now I’m really looking forward to reading the previous ones as well.
I have always liked Ruskin Bond’s books since childhood. His writing has a special way of making you feel calm and connected and this book felt the same. Through short chapters and personal thoughts, he shares small lessons about life, self belief and the importance of following your own path.
The writing feels really light and comforting. It doesn’t try to give you a lot of advice all at once. Instead, it shares small reminders like choosing what makes you happy, staying true to yourself and not stressing too much about what others think or expect.
The illustrations throughout the book add such a warm and thoughtful feel. They make the reading experience even more nicer and enjoyable.
For me, this book was a gentle reminder to pause for a bit, think about where I’m going, and just accept myself as I am. It’s simple, honest, and really calming to read. If you enjoy books that feel peaceful and give you a little quiet push to reflect, this one is definitely worth picking up.
How to Be You by Mr. Bond seems like a book for kids, but it feels more like a collection of gentle reminders for adults. Most of the ideas shared in this book are things we already know, yet we often need to hear them again.
It begins with his journey as a writer, describing how he got started, published his first book, and firmly believed in taking payment for his work.
What follows are beautiful reflections on life, touching on topics like staying true to yourself while living in a world full of differences.
The artwork in this book also deserves a special mention, it is truly pleasing to the eye. Kudos to @shamikasdoodles
Though it is ideal for readers aged 8 to 16, I believe adults will find great value in reading it too. 📚
Thanks to @harpercollinsin @harpercollinsin for the copy ...🫶
How To Be You by Ruskin Bond is the newest book in his ‘How To …’ series. Beautifully doodled, painted and drawn on by Shamika Chaves, this book is a delight to the eyes and the soul.
What is one of the most important yet challenging task in life? Finding oneself and then being that. This book encourages you to do just that.
Spanning across twelve chapters, How To Be You is a gentle reminder to not be anyone else but you. Mr. Bond shared with us what he has learnt through life about happiness and being true to self. This book feels like a soft conversation you would have with your mentor or with someone you look upto, tender pieces of advice mingled with vibrant artwork.
It served to give me a gentle push while I was feeling a little lost and low. It can do the same to the ones who need a reminder that perhaps being lost doesnt mean staying lost.
If you appreciate the simplest advice, love vibrant books and need a little push in life, this book is for you to read and sit with.