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The India I Love
New collection of interpretive writings, excellent introduction to India
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
115 people are currently reading
690 people want to read
About the author
Ruskin Bond
681 books3,565 followersRuskin 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
May 24, 2018
After reading his autobiography recently, I was sure most of this book would be repetitive reading. But like always, Mr Bond had another trick up his sleeve and the magical narration did not feel repeated somehow.
"Sometimes I wonder if I have written too much. One gets into the habit of serving up the same ideas over and over again; with a different sauce perhaps, but still the same ideas, themes, memories, characters. Writers are often chided for repeating themselves. Artists and musicians are given more latitude. No one criticized Turner for painting so many sunsets at sea, or Gauguin for giving us all those lovely Tahitian women; or Husain, for treating us to so many horses, or Jamini Roy for giving us so many identical stylized figures."
In fact, many of the pondering questions after reading LFoxD were brought to rest by this one written by him more than a decade back. For instance,
Why is LFD only narrates his life till 35yrs? What about the latter years?
Why not much elaboration of his adopted family which formed a crux of his life?
What I loved:
1. Yet another autobiography.
2. The lovely and lively illustrations
3. Inclusion of poems and Haikus.
4. Some unedited pages coming directly from his personal diary
5. Writings about his family, neighbors, friends and acquaintances
6. Mini mountain travelogues
7. Thoughts on approaching seventy
In retrospect, LFD is an elaborate and polished version, while this one is served raw.
Another must read for Bond fans.
"Sometimes I wonder if I have written too much. One gets into the habit of serving up the same ideas over and over again; with a different sauce perhaps, but still the same ideas, themes, memories, characters. Writers are often chided for repeating themselves. Artists and musicians are given more latitude. No one criticized Turner for painting so many sunsets at sea, or Gauguin for giving us all those lovely Tahitian women; or Husain, for treating us to so many horses, or Jamini Roy for giving us so many identical stylized figures."
In fact, many of the pondering questions after reading LFoxD were brought to rest by this one written by him more than a decade back. For instance,
Why is LFD only narrates his life till 35yrs? What about the latter years?
Why not much elaboration of his adopted family which formed a crux of his life?
What I loved:
1. Yet another autobiography.
2. The lovely and lively illustrations
3. Inclusion of poems and Haikus.
4. Some unedited pages coming directly from his personal diary
5. Writings about his family, neighbors, friends and acquaintances
6. Mini mountain travelogues
7. Thoughts on approaching seventy
In retrospect, LFD is an elaborate and polished version, while this one is served raw.
Another must read for Bond fans.
May 19, 2020
Absolutely heartwarming.
In this book the master storyteller is describing about things which are close to him. The writings delves into his family, friends, love for india and many more personal things.
Ruskin also talks about how fortunate he is able to live his life by doing what loves the most which is writing. Here I think we readers are the fortunate ones to have a companion like bond who brings little joys of life.
In some of the ending chapters bond indeed delves into his love for the nature and tells readers about the inquisitive nature he has.
"As we journey through the world, we must inevitably encounter meanness and selfishness. As we fight for our survival, the higher visions and ideals often fade. It is then that we need ladybirds! Contemplating that tiny creature, or the flower on which it rests, gives one the hope — better, the certainty — that there is more to life than interest rates, dividends, market forces, and infinite technology."
He also beautifully underlines his relevance when it comes to writing -
"We expect our work to influence people, to affect a great many readers, when in fact, its impact is infinitesimal. Those who work on a large scale must feel discouraged by the world's indifference. That is why I am happy to give a little innocent pleasure to a handful of readers. This is a reward worth having."
The last chapter is about his reflections about the later stages of life in which he is. It is actually very insightful to read the chapter. He beautifully summarises about the life and death dilemma in his witty and simplistic manner.
"The presentiment of death is what makes life so appealing; and I can only echo the sentiments of the poet Ralph Hodgson — Time, you old gypsy man, Will you not stay, Put up your caravan Just for one day?"
In this book the master storyteller is describing about things which are close to him. The writings delves into his family, friends, love for india and many more personal things.
Ruskin also talks about how fortunate he is able to live his life by doing what loves the most which is writing. Here I think we readers are the fortunate ones to have a companion like bond who brings little joys of life.
In some of the ending chapters bond indeed delves into his love for the nature and tells readers about the inquisitive nature he has.
"As we journey through the world, we must inevitably encounter meanness and selfishness. As we fight for our survival, the higher visions and ideals often fade. It is then that we need ladybirds! Contemplating that tiny creature, or the flower on which it rests, gives one the hope — better, the certainty — that there is more to life than interest rates, dividends, market forces, and infinite technology."
He also beautifully underlines his relevance when it comes to writing -
"We expect our work to influence people, to affect a great many readers, when in fact, its impact is infinitesimal. Those who work on a large scale must feel discouraged by the world's indifference. That is why I am happy to give a little innocent pleasure to a handful of readers. This is a reward worth having."
The last chapter is about his reflections about the later stages of life in which he is. It is actually very insightful to read the chapter. He beautifully summarises about the life and death dilemma in his witty and simplistic manner.
"The presentiment of death is what makes life so appealing; and I can only echo the sentiments of the poet Ralph Hodgson — Time, you old gypsy man, Will you not stay, Put up your caravan Just for one day?"
July 19, 2020
The book is so adorable and heart whelming. His cogent writing style leaves a lasting impression on the reader's heart.
This is a collection of poems, haikus, unedited pages from his diaries, and short stories.
Just like the title, Mr.Bond shows how much he loves his country and his people. He takes the reader to the magical world of nature and makes him fall in love with it.
He says, he doesn't really focus on the simplification but rather focuses on the clarity of the writing.
And, he proves that point!
This is a collection of poems, haikus, unedited pages from his diaries, and short stories.
Just like the title, Mr.Bond shows how much he loves his country and his people. He takes the reader to the magical world of nature and makes him fall in love with it.
He says, he doesn't really focus on the simplification but rather focuses on the clarity of the writing.
And, he proves that point!
March 4, 2017
Loved it. Ruskin Bond shares vignettes of his life in Mussoorie, his adopted family in India, some of his notable friends, his writing in general and a bit about life. He comes across as a very lovable person. Simple but beautiful language. It is a slim book else I would rate it 4.5 stars. Highly recommend it to everyone.
Read
September 8, 2012I have a same smell n taste alike author....I wish Ruskin Bond was my grandfather. :)
November 19, 2018
It is a short book made out of his diary pages written over a long period of time .He recounts his life from his early childhood to when he was 70.Every chapter begins with a title and small poem.
His father was a teacher and travelled all his boyhood to various parts of India.His mother remarried a Punjabi from Dehradun.This explained why he always lived in Mussoorie .I haven't read many of his books in the past but now I m looking forward to reading them as he writes in a candid way.
He went to England where he grew up but returned to India.He likes the atmosphere in India where there are no restrictions and he can live his life as he wants . only thing he wanted to do was writing and he never married.
He writes about Prem's (family member) wife ,his children and grandchildren .
He recounts various acquaintances he met and formed relationships with them .He comes out as a very kind and honest person
He describes areas like Nahan and Ganges in a great detail.
This book has inspired me a lot and I will recommend you all to read it.
Thanks for reading my review
Happy Monday:)
His father was a teacher and travelled all his boyhood to various parts of India.His mother remarried a Punjabi from Dehradun.This explained why he always lived in Mussoorie .I haven't read many of his books in the past but now I m looking forward to reading them as he writes in a candid way.
He went to England where he grew up but returned to India.He likes the atmosphere in India where there are no restrictions and he can live his life as he wants . only thing he wanted to do was writing and he never married.
He writes about Prem's (family member) wife ,his children and grandchildren .
He recounts various acquaintances he met and formed relationships with them .He comes out as a very kind and honest person
He describes areas like Nahan and Ganges in a great detail.
This book has inspired me a lot and I will recommend you all to read it.
Thanks for reading my review
Happy Monday:)
July 12, 2020
I’m so amazed seeing how simple Ruskin Bond’s writing is, yet magnificent. It was just like he was talking to me in person , walking me through his life. He is such a simple man, still working on his passion(writing) even when he is in seventies. He is such an inspiration.
In this book, he talks about his life, like how reading at a very young age had influenced him very much that he took up his passion for writing as his profession and he says he is fortunate enough to do what he loves ,though at times he had earned only a meagre amount of money. He also talks about his life in London and what made him come back to India, about his friends,about his grandparents, his neighbours,his extended family.
I liked this passage very much- “As we journey through the world, we must inevitably encounter meanness and selfishness. As we fight for our survival, the higher visions and ideals often fade. It is then that we need ladybirds. Contemplating that tiny creature, or the flower on which it rests, gives one hope- better, the certainty- that there is more to life than interest rates, dividends, market forces and infinite technology”
In this book, he talks about his life, like how reading at a very young age had influenced him very much that he took up his passion for writing as his profession and he says he is fortunate enough to do what he loves ,though at times he had earned only a meagre amount of money. He also talks about his life in London and what made him come back to India, about his friends,about his grandparents, his neighbours,his extended family.
I liked this passage very much- “As we journey through the world, we must inevitably encounter meanness and selfishness. As we fight for our survival, the higher visions and ideals often fade. It is then that we need ladybirds. Contemplating that tiny creature, or the flower on which it rests, gives one hope- better, the certainty- that there is more to life than interest rates, dividends, market forces and infinite technology”
September 10, 2021
The August pick by the Ruskin Bond Book Club, The India I Love was certainly very entertaining.
Being a citizen who loves her country to a great extent, I found The India I Love quite interesting. I got to know a lot about my country geographically and about her people. Bond talks about the people and the places of India of his times which tends to arouse a spark of interest in readers like me who may not probably know a lot about a certain time period. The book not only covers the geographical aspect, rather talks about the humane and nature one as well. RB in his simple but scintillating writing style tell us about Mussoorie, the trees of dehra, book formats, cricket, his unique friends, living and a lot more in this title in the form of prose and poetry. It was quite an interesting pick considering the Independence Day.
Being a citizen who loves her country to a great extent, I found The India I Love quite interesting. I got to know a lot about my country geographically and about her people. Bond talks about the people and the places of India of his times which tends to arouse a spark of interest in readers like me who may not probably know a lot about a certain time period. The book not only covers the geographical aspect, rather talks about the humane and nature one as well. RB in his simple but scintillating writing style tell us about Mussoorie, the trees of dehra, book formats, cricket, his unique friends, living and a lot more in this title in the form of prose and poetry. It was quite an interesting pick considering the Independence Day.
May 27, 2019
Got me back into the reading, such a simple and sweet yet effective book❤️
May 15, 2021
“A merry heart does good like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.”
Ruskin’s Bond, The India I love, is a collection of 19 short stories (with hilarious caricatures of Bond at every title page), written by him during the course of his career. In his stories, he has depicted rural India, children’s and natives of that land, The grandeur of the mountains, the changing colours of the desert, the splendours of the forest, and the riches of the fertile plains; all these he has loved, and have attempted to celebrate over the years.
He wrote about children of India living in small villages in his stories, challenges they face but ultimately working for a better future. He writes in his stories-
I stand at my window, watching some of them pass by — boys and girls, big and small, some scruffy, some smart, some mischievous, some serious, but all going somewhere — hopefully towards a better future.
Stories of his friendship with Sudheer, William, Colonel Wilkie, Suresh and Bibiji (Mrs. Singh – Dehra’s first lady shopkeeper) are included when he used to stay on Rajpur road in Dehra.
He remembers how he missed India when he left for England, how he missed Dehra Dun, missing his India of close and sentimental friendships; how he spent those lonely years in England and worked on its first novel, The room on the roof which was an ode to all the characters, love and affection of Dehra.
His thoughts and some daily entries are portrayed in story – Simply Living. In the Adventures for reading, His love for small pocket books, intimacy with writing books through hand even at this modern age, favorite places to write - One is under the chestnut tree on the slope above the cottage, another one being in his blanket, and many more strange residencies; his love for early comic strips and how the new superheroes have left him so cold. As I write this review, I have read almost 20 books by Ruskin Bond but didn’t knew he used to write Haikus, my favorite one being –
Bright red
The poinsettia flames,
As autumn and the old year wanes.
Bond’s love for rivers have not been left hidden from us in this book too. He takes us across the channels of Suswa river emerging from the Siwaliks, mysterious Bhagirathi and turbulent Alaknanada meeting at Devprayag, Ganga descending from the Cow’s mouth – gaumukh, nights he spent beside these rivers bathing a feeling of eerie experience, he takes us to his journeys on Uttarkashi, Guptakshi, to the journeys of Panch kedars, how the river Mandakini captured his heart.
Ruskin mentions how he stills feels a seventeen-year-old boy after turning seventy years old in the last chapter mentioning life is to be lived wonderfully. Various poems are also included in the book – my favorite ones being; Boy in a blue pullover, Our Local team and Return to Dehra.
You were laughing and singing an old love song,
Sweet as the whistling-thrush at dawn.
Swift as the running days of November,
Lost like a dream too brief to remember.
Be like the Bhagirathi river, and try to have peace with yourself. And try to find a harmonious balance between your courses of life. The important thing is to keep writing, observing, listening, and paying attention to the beauty of words and their arrangement. And like artists and musicians, the more we work on our art, the better it will be.
How does one keep the passing of time at bay? One can't, really. Ageing is a natural process. But some people age quicker than others. Heredity, lifestyle, one's mental outlook, all play a part. A merry heart makes for a cheerful countenance. That old chestnut still rings true. To take life lightly and in good humour, is to get the most fun out of it. The beauty is around us, and it is on us to seek it out.
Ruskin’s Bond, The India I love, is a collection of 19 short stories (with hilarious caricatures of Bond at every title page), written by him during the course of his career. In his stories, he has depicted rural India, children’s and natives of that land, The grandeur of the mountains, the changing colours of the desert, the splendours of the forest, and the riches of the fertile plains; all these he has loved, and have attempted to celebrate over the years.
He wrote about children of India living in small villages in his stories, challenges they face but ultimately working for a better future. He writes in his stories-
I stand at my window, watching some of them pass by — boys and girls, big and small, some scruffy, some smart, some mischievous, some serious, but all going somewhere — hopefully towards a better future.
Stories of his friendship with Sudheer, William, Colonel Wilkie, Suresh and Bibiji (Mrs. Singh – Dehra’s first lady shopkeeper) are included when he used to stay on Rajpur road in Dehra.
He remembers how he missed India when he left for England, how he missed Dehra Dun, missing his India of close and sentimental friendships; how he spent those lonely years in England and worked on its first novel, The room on the roof which was an ode to all the characters, love and affection of Dehra.
His thoughts and some daily entries are portrayed in story – Simply Living. In the Adventures for reading, His love for small pocket books, intimacy with writing books through hand even at this modern age, favorite places to write - One is under the chestnut tree on the slope above the cottage, another one being in his blanket, and many more strange residencies; his love for early comic strips and how the new superheroes have left him so cold. As I write this review, I have read almost 20 books by Ruskin Bond but didn’t knew he used to write Haikus, my favorite one being –
Bright red
The poinsettia flames,
As autumn and the old year wanes.
Bond’s love for rivers have not been left hidden from us in this book too. He takes us across the channels of Suswa river emerging from the Siwaliks, mysterious Bhagirathi and turbulent Alaknanada meeting at Devprayag, Ganga descending from the Cow’s mouth – gaumukh, nights he spent beside these rivers bathing a feeling of eerie experience, he takes us to his journeys on Uttarkashi, Guptakshi, to the journeys of Panch kedars, how the river Mandakini captured his heart.
Ruskin mentions how he stills feels a seventeen-year-old boy after turning seventy years old in the last chapter mentioning life is to be lived wonderfully. Various poems are also included in the book – my favorite ones being; Boy in a blue pullover, Our Local team and Return to Dehra.
You were laughing and singing an old love song,
Sweet as the whistling-thrush at dawn.
Swift as the running days of November,
Lost like a dream too brief to remember.
Be like the Bhagirathi river, and try to have peace with yourself. And try to find a harmonious balance between your courses of life. The important thing is to keep writing, observing, listening, and paying attention to the beauty of words and their arrangement. And like artists and musicians, the more we work on our art, the better it will be.
How does one keep the passing of time at bay? One can't, really. Ageing is a natural process. But some people age quicker than others. Heredity, lifestyle, one's mental outlook, all play a part. A merry heart makes for a cheerful countenance. That old chestnut still rings true. To take life lightly and in good humour, is to get the most fun out of it. The beauty is around us, and it is on us to seek it out.
February 24, 2020
The book gives us, an insight into the life of Mr Bond. Beautiful memories taking us to back to a bygone era. Many insightful quotes and thoughts One of them is as below.
"We don't have to circle the world in order to find beauty and fulfilment. After all, most of living has to happen in the mind. And, to quote one anonymous sage from my trivet, "The world is only the size of each man's head.""
Simplicity is divinity, innocence flows from each page. You heart shall be touched. Treasure is found in these pages. A treasure of priceless beautiful thoughts.
Few writers have made me think through humor, I was left to ponder on the words which follow:
"Judging from some of the movies I see on television, the Americans are obsessed with aliens, creatures from outer space who are immortal, indestructible. These are really projections of themselves, wishful thinking for they would love to be indestructible, forever young, perpetually in charge, running the show and turning us all into their own burger-eating images."
Many priceless gems of thoughts, from this book I shall treasure, along with what i have read in other books written by Ruskin Bond and those I will read in the future.
"We don't have to circle the world in order to find beauty and fulfilment. After all, most of living has to happen in the mind. And, to quote one anonymous sage from my trivet, "The world is only the size of each man's head.""
Simplicity is divinity, innocence flows from each page. You heart shall be touched. Treasure is found in these pages. A treasure of priceless beautiful thoughts.
Few writers have made me think through humor, I was left to ponder on the words which follow:
"Judging from some of the movies I see on television, the Americans are obsessed with aliens, creatures from outer space who are immortal, indestructible. These are really projections of themselves, wishful thinking for they would love to be indestructible, forever young, perpetually in charge, running the show and turning us all into their own burger-eating images."
Many priceless gems of thoughts, from this book I shall treasure, along with what i have read in other books written by Ruskin Bond and those I will read in the future.
July 11, 2025
A sweet little book from an Indian author I had never heard of. it's just him (nowadays over 70) mediating on his life, India, family, ageing, writing, interspersed with poetry and little drawings. I've never been to India and it was interesting enough reading some of his musings, I guess for many native Indians living abroad the book reminds them of life back home. a nice little book and quick read (144 pages), though it took me six months. I thought I could read this book while reading other books, but then I loved the other books so much that I never read in-between the others and so yeah, I'll stop doing this reading two books at once thing.
January 14, 2025
Bond’s kindness shines through his words, showing a deep love and understanding of India—its people, mountains, and culture. His memories of people he met, places he visited, and thoughts on happiness and aging are warm and heartfelt. The flow of his writing is smooth and engaging. I’m glad I read this.
July 19, 2020
A very good book for beginners!
September 18, 2023
Brilliant ! 👍
August 22, 2016
This review was first published on The Era I Lived In
If you’re a Ruskin Bond fan you’d be well aware how his simple writing has the poignant charm of no two sentences ever being similar. The positive attitude with a gentle yet warming sense of humor makes reading his essays and poems a joyful experience.
The best part of Bond’s poems is that they continue telling the story without ever being a slave of rhyming, effortlessly flowing like a cascading stream down the mountain slopes and always leaving the reader with a wonderful perspective.
At the risk of repeating myself, I have to say that this book is another masterpiece of simplicity at its magnanimous best. Every chapter is filled with pages from author’s personal life and at places also has entries from his personal diary. I couldn’t stop being amazed by how enriching and inspiring it could be to savor the nuggets of life-lessons re-living author’s life in his words.
There are a few chapters, about his adopted family and friends of the youth that have been shared in his other books too. Having read those recently, I was in no way tempted to skip reading them again, because every time they fill me with awe for author’s compassion and power of observation, recollection and reflection.
The lucid narration makes this book a quick read but I (like always) chose to indulge in one chapter at a time, sleeping over, assimilating and cherishing the life lessons I learnt over the course of reading this book.
I could feel a particular connect with the chapter ‘The India I Carried With Me‘. It surprisingly gifted me many answers to the questions posed by similar choices I made not so long ago. Looking into my life in India (though I do not live on a hill station like the author) and comparing it with the choice I made, holds strong ties with the thoughts that ran through author’s mind in his youth, around 50 years ago.
I share with the author in my love for nature, stopping to spend time observing nature at play and most of all the love of having a room with a window with a beautiful view. I also picked up reading recommendations from the book and loved re-visiting the rivers of India in his words.
The joy of reading about river Ganga and many other rivers and streams in Ruskin Bond’s words is unparalleled because it is not limited to the details we all have read in our geography lessons. It had an insight and personal touch from a traveler’s point of view who has a way of noticing some of the easily missed intricate details while pointing out the obvious in a way that’ll stay with me for a long time.
However, the best part of the book is where the author shares a sneak peek into his life as a writer in the chapter ‘Joyfully I Write’. I loved the way he touched upon the subject of how writers are often chided for repeating themselves. He not only acknowledges the existence of this trait in every artist, musician and also writers but beautifully elaborated as to what makes it happen and how it is nothing to be shied from. This particular chapter holds nuggets of wisdom worth their weight in gold for every writer (or an aspiring writer) seeking advise from someone who is passionate about writing. I loved the insight into why a writer’s pen can never run dry because there is inspiration aplenty for everyone, waiting to be observed and etched into a memorable story.
Brief introduction to author’s love for haiku writing in one of the chapters (visible in the picture above), impressed me enough to try my hand on it.
I highly recommend this book if you are a Ruskin Bond fan, are looking for a balmy, autobiographical, quick paced book or are a writer looking for inspiration from the life of a very talented, celebrated, passionate writer like Ruskin Bond. This book offers an insight into life in India from a very positive yet honest point of view inspiring the reader to go back to nature for all his needs.
If you’re a Ruskin Bond fan you’d be well aware how his simple writing has the poignant charm of no two sentences ever being similar. The positive attitude with a gentle yet warming sense of humor makes reading his essays and poems a joyful experience.
The best part of Bond’s poems is that they continue telling the story without ever being a slave of rhyming, effortlessly flowing like a cascading stream down the mountain slopes and always leaving the reader with a wonderful perspective.
At the risk of repeating myself, I have to say that this book is another masterpiece of simplicity at its magnanimous best. Every chapter is filled with pages from author’s personal life and at places also has entries from his personal diary. I couldn’t stop being amazed by how enriching and inspiring it could be to savor the nuggets of life-lessons re-living author’s life in his words.
There are a few chapters, about his adopted family and friends of the youth that have been shared in his other books too. Having read those recently, I was in no way tempted to skip reading them again, because every time they fill me with awe for author’s compassion and power of observation, recollection and reflection.
The lucid narration makes this book a quick read but I (like always) chose to indulge in one chapter at a time, sleeping over, assimilating and cherishing the life lessons I learnt over the course of reading this book.
I could feel a particular connect with the chapter ‘The India I Carried With Me‘. It surprisingly gifted me many answers to the questions posed by similar choices I made not so long ago. Looking into my life in India (though I do not live on a hill station like the author) and comparing it with the choice I made, holds strong ties with the thoughts that ran through author’s mind in his youth, around 50 years ago.
I share with the author in my love for nature, stopping to spend time observing nature at play and most of all the love of having a room with a window with a beautiful view. I also picked up reading recommendations from the book and loved re-visiting the rivers of India in his words.
The joy of reading about river Ganga and many other rivers and streams in Ruskin Bond’s words is unparalleled because it is not limited to the details we all have read in our geography lessons. It had an insight and personal touch from a traveler’s point of view who has a way of noticing some of the easily missed intricate details while pointing out the obvious in a way that’ll stay with me for a long time.
However, the best part of the book is where the author shares a sneak peek into his life as a writer in the chapter ‘Joyfully I Write’. I loved the way he touched upon the subject of how writers are often chided for repeating themselves. He not only acknowledges the existence of this trait in every artist, musician and also writers but beautifully elaborated as to what makes it happen and how it is nothing to be shied from. This particular chapter holds nuggets of wisdom worth their weight in gold for every writer (or an aspiring writer) seeking advise from someone who is passionate about writing. I loved the insight into why a writer’s pen can never run dry because there is inspiration aplenty for everyone, waiting to be observed and etched into a memorable story.
Brief introduction to author’s love for haiku writing in one of the chapters (visible in the picture above), impressed me enough to try my hand on it.
I highly recommend this book if you are a Ruskin Bond fan, are looking for a balmy, autobiographical, quick paced book or are a writer looking for inspiration from the life of a very talented, celebrated, passionate writer like Ruskin Bond. This book offers an insight into life in India from a very positive yet honest point of view inspiring the reader to go back to nature for all his needs.
June 9, 2022
Frankly saying, I was expecting much out of this book. But I'll say that it's a good one-time read book, especially for those who want to be a writer and lose their hope every now and then when they don't get desired results. Those, who want to write to earn, not to enjoy writing.
In this book, Ruskin Bond has mentioned his experience from his youth in the field of writing and how everybody around him didn't support his decision, and still, he was determined not to leave something he finds peace in.
The best part of the book for me was his poems. The very first poem in this book is something I read over and over again as it's so good. So simple, yet not so simple. And that is what had raised my expectation at the start I guess.
Overall a good, light, and happy read. The thing I love about the author is that he's so genuine with his words and doesn't polish them just to please someone else. I admire him for that and would love to be like him.
In this book, Ruskin Bond has mentioned his experience from his youth in the field of writing and how everybody around him didn't support his decision, and still, he was determined not to leave something he finds peace in.
The best part of the book for me was his poems. The very first poem in this book is something I read over and over again as it's so good. So simple, yet not so simple. And that is what had raised my expectation at the start I guess.
Overall a good, light, and happy read. The thing I love about the author is that he's so genuine with his words and doesn't polish them just to please someone else. I admire him for that and would love to be like him.
February 11, 2024
Its a bunch of short stories from Ruskin Bond's life and his days in Dehra and his purpose for staying in India, he also touches on how life can be beautiful if you can appreciate the small things in life.
September 23, 2018
I thought that the book will give me some socio political economic glimpses of our country but as always Ruskin surprised with a completely different view points. Thought these things were mentioned but the Indian scenery was shown from Ruskin's glasses.
I'm a fan of the simple but magnificent writing style. Keeping the readers minds glued with the fascinating explanations from his own personal life is the most amazing thing about Ruskin.
I'm a fan of the simple but magnificent writing style. Keeping the readers minds glued with the fascinating explanations from his own personal life is the most amazing thing about Ruskin.
August 8, 2021
This book has a wonderful collection of poems and essays by Ruskin Bond which is amazing.
A merry heart does good like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.
- The India I Love
💫 This book contains essays which he had written when he was a struggling writer and a lot of other things.
💫 This book shows Mr. Bonds beautiful relationship with India.
💫 The writing style is amazing. ( what else it could be )
💫 This book is delightful and enjoyable.
A merry heart does good like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.
- The India I Love
💫 This book contains essays which he had written when he was a struggling writer and a lot of other things.
💫 This book shows Mr. Bonds beautiful relationship with India.
💫 The writing style is amazing. ( what else it could be )
💫 This book is delightful and enjoyable.
January 6, 2018
Bond I love
Ruskin Bond as usual, is a great writer. In the end he has become a little philosophical. The words come out straight from his heart. He truly says that an artist, a writer never dies so long his faculties are intact. His message is wherever you are, whatever you are, just enjoy life. Life is a great gift and it should not be wasted.
Ruskin Bond as usual, is a great writer. In the end he has become a little philosophical. The words come out straight from his heart. He truly says that an artist, a writer never dies so long his faculties are intact. His message is wherever you are, whatever you are, just enjoy life. Life is a great gift and it should not be wasted.
November 28, 2020
While his writing is great, this didn't hold my attention for long. I couldn't go beyond page 50. Can someone recommend another Ruskin Bond book?
December 11, 2025
With Ruskin Bond. The Man who gave me so much,,,,
India I Love is Ruskin Bond’s heartfelt tribute to the country that shaped him—emotionally, artistically, and spiritually.
More than a travelogue, more than a memoir, and more than a reflective essay collection, the book is a deeply personal mosaic of impressions, recollections, musings, and affectionate observations about India’s diversity and character.
From the very first pages, Bond’s love for India is not patriotic in the loud, performative sense; it is quiet, rooted, and deeply emotional. He writes not as a commentator, but as someone who has lived, wandered, and grown in India for decades.
The country he describes is not abstract—it is filled with real landscapes, real people, and real stories.
Bond’s India is textured with sensory richness: the smell of rain on Himalayan earth, the colours of bazaars, the sound of temple bells at dusk, the crowded warmth of small-town streets, the serenity of mountain villages, and the lushness of monsoon forests.
These impressions create an India that feels lived rather than narrated. For readers who have experienced these sensations, the book is nostalgic; for those who haven’t, it is evocative and immersive.
One of the book’s strengths is its wide-ranging focus. Bond reflects on history, culture, festivals, landscapes, and everyday life.
He writes about Gandhi and independence, but also about hill monkeys and childhood sweets.
This breadth is not scattered; it reflects the vastness of India itself. Yet Bond’s voice remains steady and intimate throughout, tying the diversity together with the thread of personal experience.
A recurring theme is belonging. Although Bond was born to British parents, his relationship with India is not that of an outsider. His childhood memories, friendships, early struggles, and creative awakening all happened here.
The book often reads like a love letter written by someone who found home rather than inherited it. His affection is genuine, profound, and free of cliché.
Bond’s reflections on Indian people are some of the most touching parts of the book. He admires their resilience, humour, adaptability, and warmth.
Shopkeepers, schoolchildren, farmers, army men, rickshaw pullers, and strangers on trains appear repeatedly—not as exotic characters, but as ordinary heroes who shape the country’s soul. These portraits lend the book emotional depth and social grounding.
The book also touches on India’s contradictions—poverty and prosperity, chaos and peace, ancient traditions and modern change.
But Bond’s tone remains hopeful. He acknowledges difficulties without cynicism. His optimism feels earned, not naive, rooted in decades of witnessing India evolve despite challenges.
Bond’s prose here is lyrical, reflective, and infused with gratitude. He often pauses to appreciate landscapes, remembering how they inspired his stories. In doing so, he also celebrates the profound connection between place and creativity.
Ultimately, India I Love is a portrait of India not as a nation-state, but as a living, breathing experience.
It is a quiet celebration of diversity, humanity, and emotional belonging.
Anyone who loves India—or wants to understand how a writer can belong so deeply to a place—will find this book irresistible.
Most recommended.
India I Love is Ruskin Bond’s heartfelt tribute to the country that shaped him—emotionally, artistically, and spiritually.
More than a travelogue, more than a memoir, and more than a reflective essay collection, the book is a deeply personal mosaic of impressions, recollections, musings, and affectionate observations about India’s diversity and character.
From the very first pages, Bond’s love for India is not patriotic in the loud, performative sense; it is quiet, rooted, and deeply emotional. He writes not as a commentator, but as someone who has lived, wandered, and grown in India for decades.
The country he describes is not abstract—it is filled with real landscapes, real people, and real stories.
Bond’s India is textured with sensory richness: the smell of rain on Himalayan earth, the colours of bazaars, the sound of temple bells at dusk, the crowded warmth of small-town streets, the serenity of mountain villages, and the lushness of monsoon forests.
These impressions create an India that feels lived rather than narrated. For readers who have experienced these sensations, the book is nostalgic; for those who haven’t, it is evocative and immersive.
One of the book’s strengths is its wide-ranging focus. Bond reflects on history, culture, festivals, landscapes, and everyday life.
He writes about Gandhi and independence, but also about hill monkeys and childhood sweets.
This breadth is not scattered; it reflects the vastness of India itself. Yet Bond’s voice remains steady and intimate throughout, tying the diversity together with the thread of personal experience.
A recurring theme is belonging. Although Bond was born to British parents, his relationship with India is not that of an outsider. His childhood memories, friendships, early struggles, and creative awakening all happened here.
The book often reads like a love letter written by someone who found home rather than inherited it. His affection is genuine, profound, and free of cliché.
Bond’s reflections on Indian people are some of the most touching parts of the book. He admires their resilience, humour, adaptability, and warmth.
Shopkeepers, schoolchildren, farmers, army men, rickshaw pullers, and strangers on trains appear repeatedly—not as exotic characters, but as ordinary heroes who shape the country’s soul. These portraits lend the book emotional depth and social grounding.
The book also touches on India’s contradictions—poverty and prosperity, chaos and peace, ancient traditions and modern change.
But Bond’s tone remains hopeful. He acknowledges difficulties without cynicism. His optimism feels earned, not naive, rooted in decades of witnessing India evolve despite challenges.
Bond’s prose here is lyrical, reflective, and infused with gratitude. He often pauses to appreciate landscapes, remembering how they inspired his stories. In doing so, he also celebrates the profound connection between place and creativity.
Ultimately, India I Love is a portrait of India not as a nation-state, but as a living, breathing experience.
It is a quiet celebration of diversity, humanity, and emotional belonging.
Anyone who loves India—or wants to understand how a writer can belong so deeply to a place—will find this book irresistible.
Most recommended.
September 19, 2021
"Not that the ladybird is going to change my life. But by acknowledging its presence, stopping to admire its beauty, I've paid obeisance to the natural scheme of things of which I'm only a small part"
I'm so glad that @ has picked this book for the month of August. When I started reading this book, right after the first five pages..I was completely transported to a different world where life was not perfect, but happier!
This book slowly grew on me, I hated every moment I had to keep this book apart and get back to work. This book is a heartfelt collection of my very own favourite author's Poems, Essays and short stories about his unique and beautiful relationship with the people in our country.
In every book, I learn something more about Ruskin bond and something more about life! My favorite chapter is "Joyfully I write", If I ever find myself in a writer's block, I'd just go back and read that chapter.
I've read this book twice on the same month itself, because I wanted it to go forever. Am I reviewing this book? I guess Not. This is not a book to be read and reviewed. This is a book to be read, to be felt and re-read.
From Ruskin bond and from this book, I have learnt to embrace life as it goes, not that I don't do that, but my perspective towards people and nature has definitely changed alot because of Bond!
IDK! Everytime I read his book, I want to rent a small house on hills, walk,travel on trains and sit by the windows and watch moon to fade!
Please read this book..will you? 🥺
I'm so glad that @ has picked this book for the month of August. When I started reading this book, right after the first five pages..I was completely transported to a different world where life was not perfect, but happier!
This book slowly grew on me, I hated every moment I had to keep this book apart and get back to work. This book is a heartfelt collection of my very own favourite author's Poems, Essays and short stories about his unique and beautiful relationship with the people in our country.
In every book, I learn something more about Ruskin bond and something more about life! My favorite chapter is "Joyfully I write", If I ever find myself in a writer's block, I'd just go back and read that chapter.
I've read this book twice on the same month itself, because I wanted it to go forever. Am I reviewing this book? I guess Not. This is not a book to be read and reviewed. This is a book to be read, to be felt and re-read.
From Ruskin bond and from this book, I have learnt to embrace life as it goes, not that I don't do that, but my perspective towards people and nature has definitely changed alot because of Bond!
IDK! Everytime I read his book, I want to rent a small house on hills, walk,travel on trains and sit by the windows and watch moon to fade!
Please read this book..will you? 🥺
May 18, 2019
A small book which chronicles Ruskin Bond's love for India. Like always, he focuses more on simple virtues of life rather than discussing about politics or economic policies of a nation.
Most of the stories didn't have a desired effect on me maybe because they were centralized predominantly on the author himself. But the last three stories - Joyfully I Write, His Last Words (Buddha) and Thoughts on Approaching Seventy changed the game!
The part where he talks about his process of writing and natural process of ageing stole away the show. I will quote the author here:
"As a writer, I have difficulty in doing justice to momentous events, the wars of nations, the politics of power; I am more at ease with the dew of the morning, the sensuous delights of the day, the silent blessings of the night, the joys and sorrows of the children, the striving of ordinary fold, and of course, the ridiculous situations we sometimes find ourselves.
We cannot prevent sorrow and pain and tragedy. And yet, when we look around us, we find that the majority of people are actually enjoying life! 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?"
Most of the stories didn't have a desired effect on me maybe because they were centralized predominantly on the author himself. But the last three stories - Joyfully I Write, His Last Words (Buddha) and Thoughts on Approaching Seventy changed the game!
The part where he talks about his process of writing and natural process of ageing stole away the show. I will quote the author here:
"As a writer, I have difficulty in doing justice to momentous events, the wars of nations, the politics of power; I am more at ease with the dew of the morning, the sensuous delights of the day, the silent blessings of the night, the joys and sorrows of the children, the striving of ordinary fold, and of course, the ridiculous situations we sometimes find ourselves.
We cannot prevent sorrow and pain and tragedy. And yet, when we look around us, we find that the majority of people are actually enjoying life! 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?"
July 27, 2024
Book- 5
I have always been so fond of Ruskin Bond since childhood because of his simple style of narration, creating a lot of imagery. The characters of his book appear to be someone from my neighborhood, thus making it very easy for me to connect to them.
This book contains various chapters with prose and poetry and I wasn't bored at reading any of the chapters. It was really nice to get to know about my favorite author through the pages of his diary. Being a write of a diary myself, I understand the experience of confiding the deepest feelings through writing. Ruskin Bond has done it beautifully, sharing everything with the readers as if his life's an open book. Out of all the chapters, I loved the chapter in which he wrote about his love for writing. His reason for staying single is linked to writing as it provided him with more time and independence to invest in writing and resign from his secured job without any regret.
His love for the country is reflected in his writing when he praises the people, culture, society, and environment of India which he missed in England. Words find their flow when you write something out of gratitude. That's what happened in the case of Ruskin Bond. His words have found their perfect place when he recalls incidences of his past.
I have always been so fond of Ruskin Bond since childhood because of his simple style of narration, creating a lot of imagery. The characters of his book appear to be someone from my neighborhood, thus making it very easy for me to connect to them.
This book contains various chapters with prose and poetry and I wasn't bored at reading any of the chapters. It was really nice to get to know about my favorite author through the pages of his diary. Being a write of a diary myself, I understand the experience of confiding the deepest feelings through writing. Ruskin Bond has done it beautifully, sharing everything with the readers as if his life's an open book. Out of all the chapters, I loved the chapter in which he wrote about his love for writing. His reason for staying single is linked to writing as it provided him with more time and independence to invest in writing and resign from his secured job without any regret.
His love for the country is reflected in his writing when he praises the people, culture, society, and environment of India which he missed in England. Words find their flow when you write something out of gratitude. That's what happened in the case of Ruskin Bond. His words have found their perfect place when he recalls incidences of his past.
January 6, 2022
📚 The India I Love
📖 𝐛𝐲 Ruskin Bond
🌟"The world is only the size of each man's head."🌟
🔖 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Cultural literature| Short Stories
🔖 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬: The India Ruskin Bond loves does not make the headlines. But he finds it wherever he goes - in field or forest, town orvill age, mountain or desert-and in the hearts and minds of people who have given him love and affection for the better part of a life-time.
In this collection of prose and poems written specially for this book, Ruskin Bond looks back on his unique relationship with the country and its people, from the time he turned hi back on the Westand came home, still only a boy, to take up the challenge of being a writer in a changing India.
🔖𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬:⭐⭐⭐✨
🔖𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞: 📚A raw autobiography, with lovely and lively illustrations, some beautiful poems and haikus, glimpses from the writer's personal diary (witty and noteworthy), introduction to the authors family and friends, mini travelogues, dedicated 50th and 51st birthday experiences and approaching happily with almost three chins towards 70s!!
That's a sentence summing up with all the variety of flavours in bond's life! A worth reading experience penned down beautifully ✨ with so many quotes making you stop and re-read them till they sink in deeply 🌟 A must read for Ruskin Bond's fans!!🦋🌸
🌸"Destiny is really the strength of our desires''🌸
🌸"Time, you old gypsy man, will not stay,
Put up your caravan, just for one day?"🌸
📖 𝐛𝐲 Ruskin Bond
🌟"The world is only the size of each man's head."🌟
🔖 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Cultural literature| Short Stories
🔖 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬: The India Ruskin Bond loves does not make the headlines. But he finds it wherever he goes - in field or forest, town orvill age, mountain or desert-and in the hearts and minds of people who have given him love and affection for the better part of a life-time.
In this collection of prose and poems written specially for this book, Ruskin Bond looks back on his unique relationship with the country and its people, from the time he turned hi back on the Westand came home, still only a boy, to take up the challenge of being a writer in a changing India.
🔖𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬:⭐⭐⭐✨
🔖𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞: 📚A raw autobiography, with lovely and lively illustrations, some beautiful poems and haikus, glimpses from the writer's personal diary (witty and noteworthy), introduction to the authors family and friends, mini travelogues, dedicated 50th and 51st birthday experiences and approaching happily with almost three chins towards 70s!!
That's a sentence summing up with all the variety of flavours in bond's life! A worth reading experience penned down beautifully ✨ with so many quotes making you stop and re-read them till they sink in deeply 🌟 A must read for Ruskin Bond's fans!!🦋🌸
🌸"Destiny is really the strength of our desires''🌸
🌸"Time, you old gypsy man, will not stay,
Put up your caravan, just for one day?"🌸
February 6, 2025
I love it when ruskin bond writes about nature. I live in a city and am frequently attracted to the mountains and the North in general, but i can't go there. Mr Bond helps. Reading about those rivers and valleys, and descriptions of the littlest marvels of nature-- the small flowers and birds-- is like taking a vacation in the middle of a hectic life.
I've fallen in love with a place that is a world apart from mine. Ruskin Bond's India... There is something about the way he sees this place. Unlike some people nowadays he's not all 'this place is hell CORRUPTION MURDERS RECESSION DEPRESSION.'
Instead he focuses on what is worth celebrating-- the peole, the nature and the life in its grandeur.
Loved, loved, loved the book, even though some accounts have been repeated in many of his other books. It always feels fresh
I've fallen in love with a place that is a world apart from mine. Ruskin Bond's India... There is something about the way he sees this place. Unlike some people nowadays he's not all 'this place is hell CORRUPTION MURDERS RECESSION DEPRESSION.'
Instead he focuses on what is worth celebrating-- the peole, the nature and the life in its grandeur.
Loved, loved, loved the book, even though some accounts have been repeated in many of his other books. It always feels fresh
August 12, 2018
How does Ruskin Bond’s biggest fan judge his book? How does a person who as read over twenty-thirty books of his judge him?
Ruskin Bond is the master of post-colonial Indian literature, beloved my many, this book gives you a chance to hear him on his beloved things and people. His extended family, the scent of flowers in his room, Lush green woods and quaint chestnut trees - this book gives you a stunning insight into a writer’s life. Although written almost 15 years ago, Ruskin Bond remains highly relatable and enjoyable! The master has again succeeded in a somewhat of a masterpiece. There was one part that dragged in the middle where described a village called Guptakashi for very long, but otherwise, Ruskin Saab has authored an almost flawless, easy-to-read classic.
Ruskin Bond is the master of post-colonial Indian literature, beloved my many, this book gives you a chance to hear him on his beloved things and people. His extended family, the scent of flowers in his room, Lush green woods and quaint chestnut trees - this book gives you a stunning insight into a writer’s life. Although written almost 15 years ago, Ruskin Bond remains highly relatable and enjoyable! The master has again succeeded in a somewhat of a masterpiece. There was one part that dragged in the middle where described a village called Guptakashi for very long, but otherwise, Ruskin Saab has authored an almost flawless, easy-to-read classic.
January 4, 2021
As a Ruskin Bond fan after reading his stories and poems in school days, it is now clear as to why he is a favourite children's book author . He presents the picture of a homeless kid featuring his experiences and emotions in a childish way. The book looks like a diary entry wherein he takes us on a ride to his childhood days and back making us feel it as a real life experience of time travel. Loved the way he makes us look at things just the way he saw them.
I especially liked these lines at the end of the book in a chapter named "Thoughts on approaching seventy".
" I do not have to take passage to the moon to experience the moon light. On full moon nights, the moon pours through my windows, throwing my books and papers and desk into relief, carressing me as I lie there bathing in its glow. I do not have to search for the moon. The moon seeks me out.
All this, and more, is precious and we do not wish to lose any of it. As long as our faculties are intact, we do not want to give up everything and everyone we love. The presentiment of death is what makes life so appealing".
I especially liked these lines at the end of the book in a chapter named "Thoughts on approaching seventy".
" I do not have to take passage to the moon to experience the moon light. On full moon nights, the moon pours through my windows, throwing my books and papers and desk into relief, carressing me as I lie there bathing in its glow. I do not have to search for the moon. The moon seeks me out.
All this, and more, is precious and we do not wish to lose any of it. As long as our faculties are intact, we do not want to give up everything and everyone we love. The presentiment of death is what makes life so appealing".
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews