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A Little Book of Serenity

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- 'Why you must pause, look up and out of the window.' - 'Why a geranium flowering on the windowsill and wind soughing in the pines is serenity' - 'How rain drumming on the roof can still the mind as effectively as a night of meditation' - 'How to recognize serenity once you have achieved it' This gorgeous pocketbook collects some of Ruskin Bond's wisest observations-as well as those of the thinkers he most admires-on a life of calm and how to live it. 'A Little Book of Serenity' is perfect to dip into in moments of disquiet and of peace-and to share.

160 pages, Hardcover

Published July 1, 2016

9 people are currently reading
222 people want to read

About the author

Ruskin Bond

673 books3,547 followers
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.

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5 stars
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54 (36%)
3 stars
14 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Shriya.
291 reviews179 followers
March 5, 2017
It's not something that you read and then put back into your shelf forever. It's something you open everyday, pick a quote and then chew at it as the world spins madly around you.
Profile Image for Dhwani.
687 reviews25 followers
September 16, 2020
I felt at peace after reading this collection.
Profile Image for Saranya Dhandapani.
Author 2 books171 followers
July 14, 2023
#202
Book 43 of 2023- A little book of Serenity
Author- Ruskin Bond

“There are so many lovely things to see, there is so much to do, so much fun to be had, and so many charming and interesting people to meet... How can my pen ever run dry?”

Serenity(noun)-the quality of being peaceful & calm. I bought this book three years ago and last week only I got to read because of Ruskin Bond Book Club. I have recently shared in my instagram story as well that I’m not doing good mentally or emotionally, I was stressed and overthinking about everything. That’s when I read this book. I read this book for these two main reasons- 1) It’s book club read 2)It’s a small book.

Honestly, I’ve not been reading much lately and I’ve taken a break from reading anything. But reading this book made me calm. The feeling was serene! I journaled a lot in the empty notes pages given in the book. I enjoyed this journey so much. Ruskin bond never failed to put a smile on me whenever I feel low. Thank you🥺

This isn’t exactly a review..but I hope you are getting what I’m trying to say! You should read this book and you’ll end up finding the calmness in your soul. We all deserve to have a happy and peaceful mind..so you should and must read this book. That’s it..that’s the review!
Profile Image for Shivani Rohella.
128 reviews8 followers
November 10, 2018
A Little Book of Serenity by Ruskin Bond is a collection of poems and quotes. Along with those by the author, there are other memorable quotes in this book by some of the most famous and inspirational personalities.
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We often complicate things, stress ourselves with unnecessary things and go through life without taking a pause. On reading this book, one would realise the importance of being kind, calm and patient. There is an emphasis on simplicity, introspection and humility.
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I was in awe because of the wisdom reflected in each and every line, throughout the book. This book is like a Bible for a simple and happy life. This one is a must read for all.
Profile Image for Vibhor.
54 reviews20 followers
August 29, 2017
Excellent collection of quotes, some by Ruskin Bond himself and some by others. It's wonderful how sometimes you need so little so say so much.
Profile Image for Abhigya.
28 reviews5 followers
June 21, 2018
Refreshing like a cool summer breeze. This little book would take you only about half an hour to finish but the aftereffects will remain, may be forever.
Profile Image for Pushti.
100 reviews11 followers
June 30, 2019
Just as the title suggests ' a book which makes u feel serene and calm amidst our busy and chaotic lives and reminds us to appreciate all the good things in life and be content with whatever we have.
Profile Image for Ekta Kubba.
229 reviews8 followers
November 18, 2020
Ruskin Bond begins the book with,

"Some years ago, on a busy road outside a railway station, I saw a yogi lying on a bed of nails. He was taking a quiet nap, and when he got up he looked very rested, very serene. I suppose that's one form of serenity- looking comfortable where others would find discomfort."

How beautifully he conveyed the meaning of serenity! The book is full of a number of quotes, some of which are written by him, and some are from the wisdom of other great personalities. So it is a treat to read motivating thoughts of writers from all across the world. The quotes are serene and calm. The words sooth your soul. I felt like I was wandering through a dream world where everything is beautiful, and everyone is without any tension. In fact, he has delivered the message to stay calm and contented with whatever life offers, and enjoy the present moment.

"The sunshine beckons- It's been a long hard winter in the hills. But the chestnut trees are coming into new leaf, and that's good enough for me."

Last few pages are so beautifully written that you wish the book to never come to an end. This little book is one to always keep by your side and take a look at the soothing words whenever you feel low.
Profile Image for Suve.
4 reviews
February 22, 2020
A gentle reminder of how we don’t notice the pleasures that we take for granted and pass by without a stop by.

It’s like a cozy warm blanket in a cold winter day where you could roll into and sleep peacefully.

Many times it’s the little things that make our living alive ;this little book too does !

For a moment grab this book take a breathe and get yourself detached from the hurry burry world!!!

P.S This book has notes pages open in between to jot down your personal serene moments and it’s handy extremely portable inside out ☺️
Profile Image for Jeevitha Raj.
9 reviews2 followers
May 7, 2022
A one hour read on how to pause once in a while during our busy lifestyle changes to just take a note on the small bundles of joy then and there happening in our life.. Happiness doesn't have to be grand..It can be in the well rested weekend..A sweet sip of coffee..Watching small birds chirping..And having a hearty meal..So amongst the fantasy, thriller,crime,and grandiose books, we can put a pause and pick up a book like this to remind ourselves on the missed small happiness in the roller coaster of life..
Profile Image for Esha Sangada.
15 reviews8 followers
February 27, 2025
The book is about nature, life, and the small joys we often overlook. The writing encourages readers to stop and enjoy the beauty around them, providing comfort in our busy lives. One of the key quotes, “The best way to find peace is to embrace the present,” captures the main idea of the book. It remind us that peace comes from being aware and thankful. This lovely collection is a great read for anyone looking for a bit of calm in a chaotic world.
Profile Image for Moushmi Radhanpara.
Author 7 books26 followers
May 23, 2021
A short but a very serene book. There are a few adages from age-old various writers and Bond's prolific poetic prose here. It is not just a book that you read it and get it done with, you read it every once in a while, reading quotes and experiences, like sipping warm tea in a cool rainy day. Wise and beautiful.
Profile Image for Sampada Nayak.
26 reviews3 followers
October 20, 2017
a treasure trove for your bedside table.. in this fast paced world i will go back to this book time and again to pause and reflect !
Profile Image for Abhi.
6 reviews6 followers
November 25, 2020
A small gem, one that can be revisited time and again !!
Profile Image for Kanan Virkar.
91 reviews3 followers
April 1, 2021
I would definitely read this book many times. It's so calming ☺️
Profile Image for Pranav.
169 reviews
February 6, 2023
Perfection. Start to finish. I literally couldn't put this book down. It's so so well crafted, compiled and written! Just wholesome vibes to throughout!
Profile Image for Navya Vashisth.
13 reviews
March 24, 2023
It is a short diary filled with snippets one could read over and over again and if you may, you can find serenity. ❤️
Profile Image for Yashika ..
3 reviews
June 7, 2024
It’s an everyday book. It helps you in actually observing things that you usually don’t, and find peace within it. The poems and the quotes are just so on point. It’s just so soothing to your soul.
Profile Image for The Aesthetic Booktrovert.
120 reviews31 followers
July 15, 2024
"There is no harm in sitting in an office and making money, but sometimes you must look out of the window. And look at the changing light."

I read this quote from this book right when I was sitting at my office desk waiting for my laptop to restart. It opened up a new perspective to sometimes unplug and go out.
We've gotten so accustomed to the hustle and grind, we sometimes forget to pause and take in the moment as it is without fretting about the past or future.

This book is perfect for you if you're looking for something peaceful and light. The quotes and lines in this book are something which you will still think about days after reading them.

The space for notes in this book are a cute little aspect for us to jot down our feelings and thoughts as we read.

Do not miss this gem of a collection!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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