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.
Opening Life’s Magic Moments feels like stepping into Ruskin Bond’s quiet world in the hills, a place of sunlight, pine-scented air, and the slow, steady rhythm of a life well-lived. The book itself is a little jewel, prettily bound, softly illustrated, and designed with the warmth and gentleness that define Bond’s writing. The copy begins with a handwritten note (scanned but still in Bond's own hand) by the author, a simple, heartfelt greeting that makes the reading experience feel deeply personal, like a letter from an old friend.
Within its pages, Bond gathers reflections from his 91 years — essays that flow like short conversations about everything that makes life worth loving. He writes about his favourite flowers, Emily Bronte writing Wuthering Heights ( one of my favourite classics!) and other books, his sunroom at Ivy Cottage in Landour, the joy of a sudden rain, the company of birds, and the strange comfort of solitude. To the simple pleasures of a cold glass of water, the scrumptious pleasure of pickles to memories of night in a hospital - you will be able to feel each moment of your life like never before.
But beyond nostalgia, Bond’s musings hold a quiet philosophy. He speaks of dreams that still visit him, of the generosity of nature, and of how happiness lies not in achievement but in awareness, in pausing long enough to watch the light change on the hills. His prose remains characteristically simple, but within that simplicity lies profound clarity. . Life’s Magic Moments is not meant to be read in one sitting. It’s a book to keep close, to open on a lazy afternoon, or when the world feels too hurried. Pretty in form and peaceful in soul, it is Ruskin Bond at his most intimate and illuminating a celebration of the beauty found in small, unremarkable days. . It will enthrall young readers with its simplistic awe and for older readers like me, it will bring out a smile - mostly bitter sweet! .
#Qotd: Which simple moment from your week felt like a little piece of magic?
Some books come your way in the most unexpected of ways. Life's Magic Moments by Ruskin Bond, for instance, was never on my reading list—not for any reason except that there is always so much I want to read that I have to pick and choose what I make time for.
But this beautiful, hardbound book, with its gorgeous pages came to me, and it sat on my shelf for a while unopened. It promised something gentle and lovely. How could it stay unopened for long?
And so, I found myself picking it up. Before I knew it, I was smiling, feeling all those magical moments Ruskin Bond’s words bring to life.
What is it that makes us write? What makes us create art? A sense of yearning, beauty, wonder, and magic.
In little snippets, Bond describes these moments—fresh water when you’re parched, the suddenness of a wildflower growing in a pot in your window, earthworms wriggling in the soil … And of course, I loved Bond’s trademark humour, like when he writes about borrowed books that are never returned and treasured moments with a cup of tea (not my drink of choice, but enjoyable in literature nonetheless)!
Bond talks of having to take on jobs once in a while when his bank balance dipped. He speaks of doing these jobs with patience, a word I love, and a clear understanding that his pen and notebook were his true calling. So much of what he describes touches something within me. With disarming honesty, he confesses that appreciation still matters to him. Life’s Magic Moments is a beautiful book that makes us slow down. It reminds us to pay attention.
As I sit on a rainy day and write about this lovely little book, I look up and know that these are precious, treasured moments—rainy days that change the landscape, pattering rain that makes you dream. And to find each moment expressed so beautifully and simply in literature creates a sense of oneness, of something elusively enchanting.
Happy? No one can be continuously happy. One has to find the right place between too little and too much.
Book: Life's Magic Moments Author: Ruskin Bond Genre: Non-Fiction Age group 12+ Ebook available Published by @penguinbooks Format: Hardcover
In 'Life's Magic Moments', Ruskin Bond invites you into his personal world. He takes you through the quiet alleys of his mind, sharing about his youth days, mother nature, his cat mimi, growing old, gentle musings from his desk etc.
There are 26 stories in this book celebrating life's simplest pleasures - the tiny yellow flower in an abandoned flowerpot, a spring in the wilderness, a quiet afternoon, the old tin roof, the little sunroom where he does most of his writings, his books collections, the view from the window and so much more.
The stories have themes of humour, introspection, impermanence, solitude, nostalgia, nature, inner peace, life lessons etc.
At the starting of the book there is a foreword that feels like a letter for his readers. The stories all feel like a breath of fresh air. They are like diary entries and although simple they hold a lot of depth. Some stories gives out a gentle lesson or you can say a silent inspiration or hope. You will find many quotes in the book. The entire book feels meditative. It brings a sense of calm and will make you see how even simplest things can give you happiness.
The writing is simple and easy to understand. There are also black and white illustrations in the book at some pages.
In today's time where everything feels so chaotic and complex such stories are much needed which make us pause and think about the life's simplest things. These stories will bring you peace and the much needed calm on a hectic day.
”It wasn't the sort of fame I'd fantasized about as a boy, but it was success based on a plentitude of hardwork and my commitment to the muse.”
- Ruskin Bond, Life's Magic Moments
’Life's Magic Moments’ is Ruskin Bond's most personal work yet; it emulates the quiet resilience of Mother Nature inviting readers into his humble abode. He briefly reminisces his early days, the works that have influenced him as a writer, and his writing routine that has churned timeless literary masterpieces. The book primarily focuses on tiny, tender, fleeting moments that one misses to capture due to the rigorous grind of life.
Mr. Bond's words are comforting, instantly putting you at ease. He candidly writes about how his books from his personal library were seldom returned and ends the anecdote in a humorous note. There is a fine balance between humour and vulnerability in the way he describes the sorry state of rare shrubs and disappearance of green patches from the surface of the earth.
”Just go out quietly and plant your seeds, and one day the world will be green again and marigolds will grow from the barrels of guns”
Ruskin Bond has a way of communicating peals of wisdom in a style that doesn't preach but rather gently steers the readers towards heartfelt reflections. Reading this book set in the cosy corners of the snow-capped mountains was a meditative experience, a moment that I'll fondly reminisce for years to come.
Some books feel like a warm hug — comforting, familiar, and just what you need. After returning from a trip, I found myself slowing down, easing back into routine, and searching for the right book to settle into. Nothing felt quite right — until I picked up Life’s Magic Moments by Ruskin Bond, and it turned out to be just what I needed.
Ruskin Bond has always had a gentle way with words, he doesn’t just tell stories, he invites you into a slower, softer world. And in his latest book, he brings his signature warmth and simplicity to stories that celebrate the everyday. Life’s Magic Moments is a reminder to pause and look around — at people, places, memories, and the quiet magic hidden in ordinary things. This book is no exception — it’s filled with reflections on the tiny, tender moments that make life meaningful.
In Life’s Magic Moments, Bond turns his gaze to the ordinary — and in doing so, reveals its quiet beauty. He writes about childhood and old age, the healing power of books, the mountains he calls home, food and solitude, ambition and rest, and the bittersweet lessons tucked into life’s quiet corners. Whether he’s reminiscing about lost books, laughing at the tug-of-war between meditation and a good meal, or simply reflecting on the passing of time, there’s an honesty and ease in his words that instantly comforts.
Life's Magic Moments takes you into the mind of the writer that is Ruskin Bond. He shares thoughts and anecdotes from his life and talks about the observations he has made over the years. Throughout the book, his love for nature is quite evident in the way he talks about flowers, the trees and how humans are destroying all of it for the greed of power and money.
Some interesting points I observed was how the author has talked about a writer's journey. It's a small chapter but an important one where he talks about writing being a lonely profession and writers should be their own audience first by writing for themselves. That was something that deeply resonated with me as I too am a writer.
The book is also peppered with book recommendations of the classics from back in the day that Mr. Bond has enjoyed reading and still loves reading some of them. It makes a great point of reference to come back to these books if you're looking to read good stories or learn something as budding writers. The illustrated text and the caricatures go beautifully with the anecdotes shared by the author. It adds another layer of engagement to the book.
For me it was an insightful read and I am sure the young readers will have lots of takeaways from this book.
ruskin bond's 'life's magic moments', brings us stories from the very hills, valleys and everything mother nature he's grown up with. we see how he observes subtle things around him and weaves these moments into stories that make us appreciate how magical this gift called 'life' is.
we see how he encourages us to embrace gratitude, for we are so privileged to have earth as our mother who selflessly cares for us and bestows us with everything she has without expecting anything in return. we see ourselves realizing how magic prevails in every moment of our lives and how everything and everyone around us has a story to tell - if we just step back and try to listen - as we flip our way through his musings, stream of honest reflections, and happy realizations.
with the background of a constant murmur from a distant mountain stream, a chorus from a choir of cicadas, dragonflies hovering in mellow sunrays, lots of geraniums, poinsettias and cosmos blooming, a three-legged cat, a plate of parathas with just a peck of punjabi shalgam-gajar achaar and a cup of tea, come have a seat with rusty at his beloved window in 'life's magic moments'!
effortlessly soothing and beautifully illustrated, it's a must-have for all those who find solace in his words!
// Old readers, new readers, in-between readers // I’m an in-between reader of Ruskin Bond’s books, someone who discovered his writing just 1.5 years ago. And every time I get the chance, I always pick up his latest release. He has written over 500 books, which might be impossible for me to read in a lifetime, but I can certainly read his new ones and find comfort in them.
Lately, I’ve been stuck in a life slump that makes it hard to do anything reading, drawing, annotating, creating, even basic chores. Nothing seems to motivate me these days. So, I knew it was the right time to turn to Ruskin Bond’s words, to give my mind some rest from the chaos of the world and get lost in his lyrical prose that always feels like a balm to a weary soul.
There were so many quotes that hit home, words I truly needed to read. It’s always a joy to read his work. Getting lost in his memories and seeing the world through his eyes brings such peace. I’d definitely recommend his books to everyone!
QOTD: Who is that one author whose books you turn to when life feels a little too heavy?
Some books don’t need a dramatic plot twist — they simply walk beside you like an old friend with a gentle voice. This one felt exactly like that. In his 90s now, Ruskin Bond offers reflections on ageing, nature, dreams, and the beauty of a quiet life. His writing, as always, is warm, witty, and sprinkled with wisdom that doesn’t try too hard to impress.
What I loved was the simplicity of it all — soft insights, personal memories, and lines that made me pause and smile. But if I’m being honest, some parts felt more like loosely strung journal entries than fully formed essays. The book meanders a bit, and certain themes repeat themselves. It's more nostalgic than revelatory.
The cover, illustrated by Kajal Bhojawala, is an absolute win — calming and evocative, much like the book itself. I wouldn’t call it his most compelling work, but it has its quiet magic. If you're a longtime Bond reader or someone in need of something gentle and grounding, this will feel like home.
Life’s Magic Moments is such a heartwarming little book by Ruskin Bond. He wrote it after turning 90, and it’s full of beautiful memories-from the things he loved as a kid to the everyday moments we often miss in our busy lives.
I personally loved editing, the way book is written, the bold quotes on black pages. Overall it’s a short and sweet nostalgic ride that’s sure to take you back to the good old days.
Absolutely loved how sir wrote little magical movement of hosilife’s anecdotes in the book. So many nuggets of wisdom , striking the one where he said I remained loyal to my dream . I have also got postcards from the shop and I am very happy to have read the book. Beautiful book cover, amazing illustrations and beautiful font ! I kept reading and it felt amazing :)
Our favourite author Ruskin Bond, at ninety-one, offers us a book that literally feels like a quiet conversation on a rainy afternoon. In Life’s Magic Moments, he reflects on the past about childhood, aging, solitude, and nature with lots of warmth, wit, and the kind of wisdom that only comes from a life fully lived.
💛 Why I Liked It ? • The writing is simple, beautiful, and calming it feels like sitting and having listening to an old friend. • Every page holds a tiny reminder to slow down and savour life. • His reflections feel personal yet universal because he gives us learning’s from old memories to everyday joys. • It left me with a full heart and a deep breath.
📚 Why You Should Read It ? • If you’re looking for something that is healing, nostalgic, and real then look no further because this is it. • Great for moments when you feel overwhelmed and need grounding. • A beautiful reminder that life’s magic is often found in the small things. • Because come on Ruskin Bond is our treasure, and this book is a gift from him to us so we have to read this book no matter what.
Mr. Bond stepping into his 91st has brought us years of wisdom and teachings in the form of this beautiful treasure called Life’s Magic Moments. Kajal Bhojawala has illustrated the book along with doing the lettering in the book which add to its beauty. The wonderfully done cover will make anyone want to pick the book up and begin gorging on it.
With his signature simplicity and warmth, Mr. Bond captures fleeting moments - the laughter of children, the beauty of a sunset, the plants around him, the companionship of a pet, and the quiet wisdom of nature. Through gentle storytelling, Bond invites readers to slow down, breathe, and notice the world around them.
Each piece in the book feels like a pause that you are offered by life; its comforting, thoughtful, and filled with gratitude. His writing celebrates the ordinary, turning it into something extraordinary through his deep appreciation for life’s little joys. His ability to do so remains as the one to always look up to. The book is a proof that magic doesn’t come from major achievements but from the calm within, kindness, connection and humour. Simple language but rich in content, this is an essential read for the mind and soul.
Basically, a book that teaches us to slow down, unwind and just be in the magical moment that we call routine? Thats Ruskin Bond’s Life’s Magic Moments for you. Its perfect for readers who love nature and life lesson.