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STUMBLING THROUGH LIFE (PB) [Paperback] RUSKIN BOND
BRAND NEW, Exactly same ISBN as listed, Please double check ISBN carefully before ordering.
- GenresAudiobookNonfiction
136 pages, Paperback
Published November 15, 2019
14 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Ruskin Bond
680 books3,557 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 - 17 of 18 reviews
May 23, 2020
It was a delightful read. There was overlap of stories between this one and the recent one I read few days ago. This book also talks about things which are personal to ruskin bond. He brings in that innocence and simplicity which can easily win over hearts.
June 26, 2018
This collection contains 25 essays mostly related to memoir genre.
What enjoyed most
Introduction
On the loss of solitude and my pyjamas
The postman knocks
The power of pen and paper
What enjoyed most
Introduction
On the loss of solitude and my pyjamas
The postman knocks
The power of pen and paper
May 25, 2021
‘’You can tell when a candle is finishing. You can never tell when the lights are going out. To light a candle is better than to curse the darkness.’’
Stumbling through life, is another compilation of 25 short stories by Ruskin Bond, in which the much-loved author talks about passing eighty years, life, writing, treating the planet better, and much more.
Small events day to day have been described in the book ranging from Bonds writing in the lampshades due to extensive power cuts in the 1950s, horns of tourist cars disturbing his afternoon naps, failing to fill ink in a fountain pen every time, a party of ghosts happening at his place every night and leaving him a Christmas pudding in Welcome, Good spirits and Monkeys prancing around with Bonds colored pyjamas everywhere. The events are described comically through his wit and humorous style and all of them will leave you laughing and delighted.
He tells us how important is to find ourselves in this life. ‘’A little solitude now and then is good for the soul and good for the pen. And it is not only writers who need it. We could all do with a few hours of solitary confinement—not in a jail cell but in a room or quiet corner of our own choice.’’
Solitude is a condition appreciated only by a small minority as most people are scared of being left on their own, for almost every human activity is carried out on a crowded scale.
In one of the paragraphs, he describes the intimacy when pen is put on paper for writing. Well, Only Mr. bond can describe such thoughts with so much simplification that left me mentally satisfying.
Some funny excerpts of him are also included of him signing as other authors on books which no one seemed to mind, how he hates going as chief guests at various school annual functions and much more. 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.
Everybody knows his affection for the mountains. He considers the mountains and hills as his mother and feels like living in the hills felt like living in the bosom of a strong, sometimes proud and a comforting mother. When you have received love from people and the freedom, that only mountains can give, then you have come very near the borders of Heaven.
In the story postman knocks, he describes his relationships with postman knocking on the doors, bringing him all sort of information and gossip and how they played important part in his life and continues to do so.
We get to know the struggles the postman faced in earlier life when the mail runners or hirkara were armed with sword or spears and accompanied in night by torchbearers to frighten away wild animals. Passages of early pioneers of postal system or the dak ghari are also given importance in his book.
Through his stories he never fails you to remind you of your first love, a terrible heartbreak, that trip you took with your friends to a hill station, or the friendships that continue to occupy the biggest part of your heart. each time a reader finds a certain freshness in terms of ideas and his storylines.
Try. Fail. Try again. Fail again. Try once more. And Don’t forget to Joie de vivre!
Stumbling through life, is another compilation of 25 short stories by Ruskin Bond, in which the much-loved author talks about passing eighty years, life, writing, treating the planet better, and much more.
Small events day to day have been described in the book ranging from Bonds writing in the lampshades due to extensive power cuts in the 1950s, horns of tourist cars disturbing his afternoon naps, failing to fill ink in a fountain pen every time, a party of ghosts happening at his place every night and leaving him a Christmas pudding in Welcome, Good spirits and Monkeys prancing around with Bonds colored pyjamas everywhere. The events are described comically through his wit and humorous style and all of them will leave you laughing and delighted.
He tells us how important is to find ourselves in this life. ‘’A little solitude now and then is good for the soul and good for the pen. And it is not only writers who need it. We could all do with a few hours of solitary confinement—not in a jail cell but in a room or quiet corner of our own choice.’’
Solitude is a condition appreciated only by a small minority as most people are scared of being left on their own, for almost every human activity is carried out on a crowded scale.
In one of the paragraphs, he describes the intimacy when pen is put on paper for writing. Well, Only Mr. bond can describe such thoughts with so much simplification that left me mentally satisfying.
Some funny excerpts of him are also included of him signing as other authors on books which no one seemed to mind, how he hates going as chief guests at various school annual functions and much more. 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.
Everybody knows his affection for the mountains. He considers the mountains and hills as his mother and feels like living in the hills felt like living in the bosom of a strong, sometimes proud and a comforting mother. When you have received love from people and the freedom, that only mountains can give, then you have come very near the borders of Heaven.
In the story postman knocks, he describes his relationships with postman knocking on the doors, bringing him all sort of information and gossip and how they played important part in his life and continues to do so.
We get to know the struggles the postman faced in earlier life when the mail runners or hirkara were armed with sword or spears and accompanied in night by torchbearers to frighten away wild animals. Passages of early pioneers of postal system or the dak ghari are also given importance in his book.
Through his stories he never fails you to remind you of your first love, a terrible heartbreak, that trip you took with your friends to a hill station, or the friendships that continue to occupy the biggest part of your heart. each time a reader finds a certain freshness in terms of ideas and his storylines.
Try. Fail. Try again. Fail again. Try once more. And Don’t forget to Joie de vivre!
November 15, 2021
Another Ruskin Bond book that does not fail to inspire us(me)! The articles are so personal and written in such simple language that it feels like we are reading the author's personal diary. Stories with a touch of truth combined with Mr Bond's natural wits and humor makes the book a delight to read. Some subtle events from his own life (or maybe not) like the time when the author autographs as "Mark Twain" when he is mistaken for him, and all has been nicely written. Also, there are tips to enthusiastic writers to shun the notion of "peaceful place" to write, which I found very useful. A few chapters also serves like a semi-autobiography giving us a peek into the author's adopted family, and his home and around, which makes you fall in love with the mountains, again!
May 29, 2025
Ruskin Bond feels like an old friend, very personal to me, not expecting anything in return and sharing abundant joy, humour and freshness! He never runs out of stories and u didn’t want the book to end.
I heard the audiobook on mornings doing mundane task and I had an absolutely positive start of the day, the narration of this book on audible is really warm.
I am Adan of Ruskin’s such essays and short stories, can never ever get enough of them!
I heard the audiobook on mornings doing mundane task and I had an absolutely positive start of the day, the narration of this book on audible is really warm.
I am Adan of Ruskin’s such essays and short stories, can never ever get enough of them!
July 11, 2021
Who one among my best reads. "Stumbling Through Life" This book weaves together a selection of Ruskin Bond's essays and writings to bring to the reader the rich tapestry of his life, peppered as it is with delightful eccentricities and a geniality rarely found.
He sums up his life by saying
Try. Fail. Try again. Fail again. Try once more! A series of failures leading up to a modicum of success.
He sums up his life by saying
Try. Fail. Try again. Fail again. Try once more! A series of failures leading up to a modicum of success.
September 26, 2019
I love Ruskin Bond for his simple yet enchanting writing and the way he describes people and nature. He seems so full of love! In this book he shares his life experiences, from his childhood to youth, his stay in England, on his being a writer and being a family man inspite of not being married. His description of the beauty of the hills, specially Pari Tibba, wants you to go there and wrote some.
I particularly loved the chapter on Calypso Christmas.
Go read and be filled with delight!!
I particularly loved the chapter on Calypso Christmas.
Go read and be filled with delight!!
June 28, 2018
A wonderful collection of new & old writings of Ruskin Bond. Enjoyed every moment of this book & had loads of laughs. Ruskin Bond's humor is contagious. A must read for every Ruskin Bond fan. A perfect read for a rainy Sunday.
Read
June 22, 2019Light hearted reads for enjoying oneself in the company of Bond!
A book one must read! It takes me close to nature and makes me smile while I am reading it. Reading this book even after multiple breaks kept me connected! I love reading Ruskin Bond, light reading and enjoyable.
A book one must read! It takes me close to nature and makes me smile while I am reading it. Reading this book even after multiple breaks kept me connected! I love reading Ruskin Bond, light reading and enjoyable.
September 25, 2024
A collection of 25 pieces - including short stories and essays, from the delightful Mr. Bond. These will take you on a trip down his memory lane and leave you pining for the mountains which he calls home.
November 28, 2019
Reminds me of RK Narayanans journey. A good time pass for travel
January 22, 2020
Absolutely adorable... Must read.
April 3, 2020
It is a collection of short stories related to real life events in the life of the author. Some stories towards the end are reproduced from Mr Bond's previous books.
July 2, 2025
Reading Ruskin Bond, reading this book particularly is like a meditation. Peaceful, thoughtful and beautiful piece.
October 20, 2025
Stumbling Through Life
Ruskin Bond writes in a light witty insightful style. This book is a nice collection of stories that is enjoyable to read.
Ruskin Bond writes in a light witty insightful style. This book is a nice collection of stories that is enjoyable to read.
December 25, 2025
Good book
April 6, 2020
Dare I call it an autobiography?
Beware because if it is one, it is the most hilariously-wise and honest one.
This book gives us an insight in the author's life and his honest opinions on how his choice of life is constantly struggling with the life he gets due to his popularity.
.
This collection of essays in the words of Ruskin Bond himself, made me laugh and cry all together. The essays play with your heart and leave you asking for more. With all the hearty laughs I had, I could also feel the hint of deep emotions in between the lines which was very beautiful.
.
The author has used simple to understand vocabulary for his memoirs which are very much to the point and crisp.
.
Upon reading this book, I was a big fan(not that I already wasn't😁) and want to get a signed copy for myself but at the same time, I am indirectly cautioned about all the little things that he cherishes which are disturbed by fans, the foremost being his afternoon sleep!😂
Just let the sweet old man live peacefully!
I would recommend this book to everyone!!!!
This is one of my favourites.❤
Beware because if it is one, it is the most hilariously-wise and honest one.
This book gives us an insight in the author's life and his honest opinions on how his choice of life is constantly struggling with the life he gets due to his popularity.
.
This collection of essays in the words of Ruskin Bond himself, made me laugh and cry all together. The essays play with your heart and leave you asking for more. With all the hearty laughs I had, I could also feel the hint of deep emotions in between the lines which was very beautiful.
.
The author has used simple to understand vocabulary for his memoirs which are very much to the point and crisp.
.
Upon reading this book, I was a big fan(not that I already wasn't😁) and want to get a signed copy for myself but at the same time, I am indirectly cautioned about all the little things that he cherishes which are disturbed by fans, the foremost being his afternoon sleep!😂
Just let the sweet old man live peacefully!
I would recommend this book to everyone!!!!
This is one of my favourites.❤
Displaying 1 - 17 of 18 reviews