Thinking of Winter

by Shantanu Naidu

Genres: Nonfiction

134 pages, Hardcover

Published November 10, 2025

Reviews

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books find you at exactly the right moment in your life, and this was one of them.
Winter’s story unfolds gently, and that softness is what makes it so powerful. It does not rely on loud moments or dramatic twists. Instead, it quietly reminds you of kindness without conditions, love without expectations, and gratitude for the smallest moments that make life meaningful.

What stayed with me the most was how naturally the story teaches you to be kind simply because you can. There is something deeply moving about being on both sides of love, giving it freely and learning how to receive it with grace. Winter’s presence feels pure and grounding, like a reminder to stay human in a world that often asks us to harden ourselves.

The cute illustrations added an extra layer of warmth to the reading experience. They felt comforting and thoughtful, almost like little pauses that let the emotions sink in more deeply.

Reading this book felt like entering a safe, quiet space. Shantanu’s writing carries a calm honesty that does not try to impress, but instead connects. By the time I reached the end, the story did not feel finished. It felt like it had settled somewhere inside me. Winter, Yobo, Sir Charles, Shadow, and the two poodles are characters I know I will carry with me for a long time. Thank you, Shantanu, for sharing Winter's story and a big part of your life with us.

[Kedar Managoli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have finished reading the book today and now I am thinking of WINTER now. 😊
I have enjoyed reading it….was always in the excitement to know what happens next while reading. I loved the way Shantanu has bonded with Winter. It’s more than just the bond between a pet and his owner….its like a father and son relationship. The description about his bonding with Winter is so well written that I could imagine all of it as if I was present there. Him describing tiny details about Winter made me think, what if Winter could also describe how it felt about Shantanu in the same way. I know one can understand it from its behaviour but in a fantasy or imaginary world what if Winter could speak and express its emotions in the same way. 🙂

Also, I loved the illustrations by Sumouli Dutta.

My kid was very excited after receiving the book. Although she can’t read it but the illustrations excited her to know about the story.

I would recommend this book especially to those who are fond of pets and illustrations.

[Khushboo Mehta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thinking of Winter was my first read of 2026.

One of the first things I noticed, right off the bat - CHAPTER NAMES! Such a thoughtful effort behind good chapter titles. And stories are often remembered longer because of them, a wonderful unmissable detail.

Opening line - IMPECCABLE!

There are so many lines that have stayed with me & I will keep thinking about them for a while.

I am not sure what more I can add about the emotions that this book has made us feel which hasn’t already been expressed by so many readers. I wholeheartedly echo them all. The warmth, the wholesomeness & the quite (yet loud) love that flows through the book is truly special.

What I would like to add though is, I was in the never ending reading slump through entire 2025 (life happens). I tried hard to get out of it, but it simply wasn’t a productive reading year. And so, I decided I will pick Thinking of Winter as my first book of 2026 and I am so glad I did.

The book has kept me engaged, thoroughly entertained, emotionally invested & has made me feel so many emotions all at once. This book might finally be the one that pulls me out of my reading slump (and imo that says a great deal about author’s writing - simple yet beautiful enough for the reader to just keep going)

And then, illustrations. These illustrations have added so much life to these stories.

[Pan18 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Shantanu has written this book straight from his heart! He understands the soul of his dog and this is very apparent when he touches on their non verbal communication. Both of them have such a strong bond of love and understanding, as it is with many people who have loved a dog. I cried a lot while reading some of these descriptions.
When u look into the eyes of a dog you see so much wisdom there, so much love and understanding.
To love a dog is to have a large part of your heart , home and life taken over by them- and I for one would not have it any other way. Shantanu in this book describes his own moments of understanding his dog and touchingly promising him everything he can do for him .
And this is how it is . Our dogs live for the moments they can spend with us and we in turn should love and care for them without reserve .
Shantanu you are a wonderful soul! I thank you for reminding me of the love of our pets - as we so often take them for granted.
Having a dog in your life is worth every chewed slipper, every stolen titbit off the dining table , every outburst of loud indignant barking and every sloppy kiss on your face when u are trying to sleep !
God bless you both- Winter and Shantanu !

[Raina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thinking of Winter is a quiet, deeply felt book—one that doesn’t rush you, but asks you to sit with your emotions.

I received my copy at the book launch on Christmas and finished reading it a few days later. Some books stay on the surface; this one gently slips under your skin. A few chapters touched me so deeply that they brought me to tears—not because they were dramatic, but because they were honest.

Shantanu Naidu writes with tenderness and restraint, allowing emotions to exist without forcing them into neat conclusions. The book made me think of my own winters—of people, memories, and feelings that linger softly in the background of our lives.

This is a book for readers who appreciate introspection, emotional sincerity, and writing that stays with you long after the last page.

[Priyanka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book, read it and I’m completely enchanted! 😍🫶🏻

Shantanu has written a story that feels like a warm hug on a winter evening. As a dog lover, this book strengthened my belief in how these little souls can brighten even the darkest days just by being there.

Winter’s story creates an instant connection.. his gentle, pure presence seems to reach right through the pages. What a beautiful, heartwarming tale! ✨

Thank you, Shantanu, for sharing this journey and writing something so comforting and real. Much love to Winter ❣️

Takeaway for readers: A gentle, heartwarming read that reminds you of the joy and unconditional love our furry friends bring into our lives. 🐾

[Ravish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this anecdotal account of Shantanu with his dog/cat relationship and circumstances that lead to different ups & downs in their lives. The memoir is poignant, touching and grounded in real lived experiences. Reading it, I wish I would get a dog for myself if God has a plan somewhere and sometime for me to be blessed. The bundle of pure love and care, teaching presence in real time is a thing to savor. Must read for everyone.

[Vaibhavi Kadam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is heartfelt, gentle, and beautifully written, making it the perfect companion for quiet, reflective moments. The illustrations by Sumouli Dutta are stunning and add so much warmth and depth to the experience. I can already tell this book will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommend it to anyone who loves touching stories with a heartfelt, cozy feel.

[Ruchi Makadia · Rating 5 out of 5]

It literally felt like winter was speaking, I could imagine each and every scenario you have pened down in this book.
I can still feel the warmth of it.
The last chapter- Every second counts made me deeply reflect on things we take for granted not out of negligence but lack of understanding and life has its own way of giving us a second chance.

The best book to end a year with.

[Poonam Shringare · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming compilation by Shantanu about how consistent unconditional love form our pets can transform us in the simplest ways.

A cozy read that will make you smile, cry and definitely hug your fur baby a little tighter.

Definitely recommended for new readers and for gifting to your loved ones.

[Sayli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you just can’t leave a book without finishing it. & some readers make the content so relatable that you just can’t ignore it! This is a great read for all. For dog lovers especially!