ADVENTURES IN READING

by Ruskin Bond

‘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 children, the strivings of ordinary folk and, of course, the ridiculous situations in which we sometimes find ourselves.’

We often view the daily happenings around us as ignorable; as things that aren’t really worthy of being remembered, cherished or recorded. Little do we realize that these days make us who we are, becoming important milestones in our lives where we form eternal bonds, branch out of our comfort zones, experience our first heartbreaks, dream big dreams as well as get struck by failures. It is these ordinary days that contain things, people and moments, that are perhaps, the most magical entities in our lives.

In Adventures in Reading, Ruskin Bond weaves together personal memories and his turbulent yet uplifting journey as a writer. His own experiences as well as the diverse characters in his tales teach us not just various lessons on human nature and relationships, but also to make the most of our daily lives.

127 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 5, 2022

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Dhwani · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5

Adventures in Reading by Ruskin Bond is a book presenting thirteen stories based on reading, people and experiences.

The first half of the stories in the book are about reading, writing and books. Half of the first six stories are those I haven't read before.
There is also a presence of his classics such as Escape from the Java and The Flute Player in the collection. Another tale is about his old suitcase and there are diary entries titles Simply Living which are very interesting, funny at times and fun to read. Stories with classic Bond style will make the readers indulge it.

I feel the title shouldn't have been Adventures in Reading because it feels as if the stories in the book revolve around reading which is not entirely the case. Half the stories are related to reading and writing but not all. I wish this would be worked upon. If this doesn't bother you, then this book would be enjoyable for you. The stories separately are good but as a collection, this book seemed a bit haywire.

[A_Chirping_Aquarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just good vibes through the book. So many fun engaging stories and the magic is just wow , something I have never seen before !! I am truly inspired , joyed , happy and just living in another world vibes when I read Ruskin Sir’s book and I can’t emphasise enough on how brilliant they are :)

[Aruna Kumar Gadepalli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This anthology consists of 13 writings of Ruskin Bond that portray the narrative style with memories and anecdotes.

[Pranav Kumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

[Ushnav Shroff · Rating 3 out of 5]

After having such a promising start, I wish Mr. Bond had included more adventures within this title.

[Ananya Basak · Rating 5 out of 5]

🍀 "In our imperfect world, there is far too much talk and not enough thought."

🍀 "Every problem has a solution hidden away somewhere, and if only you look hard enough you will find it."

🍀 "He looked as frail as a petunia, but he had the tenacity of a vine."

Just like any Ruskin Bond book, this book will take you on an adventurous reading journey, letting you taste each and every flavour of life. And of course, where there's Nature, there's my Rusty, and vice versa. One can fully connect with nature while reading this book. 💚

Also, I am in love with the cover picture of this book. 💙

#books #ruskinbond #adventuresinreading

[Omega Haruka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it if you are a aspiring author and/or want something lighter to read in-between big books.

[Christeena Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventures in Reading has in store for you Ruskin's personal anecdotes about his reading, his love for books,writing, his philosophy, his success and failures in life. Also there are some beautiful stories about love, friendship, companionship. True flavors of life with its ups and down is portrayed. After reading the book I felt like visiting his library at home, those pocket books mentioned in the anecdotes and rare vintage comic stories that helped in shaping the reader in him. It was a total bliss reading the book. Highly recommended

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book from Ruskin Bond. Something to read when you want something cozy and want to relax and feel comfort. He does bring up things he'd mention in other books, and he mentions that type of mentioning. There may be a story in there from another book. There's also a bit of adventure in regards to him and his father escaping SE Asia in the 1940s.