How to live your life

by Ruskin Bond

It's a letter with advice ... it's Ruskin Bond's definition of Life! Be whatever you want to be... Give it your heart and soul, and you will have made something of your life, my friend. You are all my sons and daughters when it comes to telling you -- HOW TO LIVE YOUR LIFE. -- Ruskin Bond A book packed with all the good advice anyone, any age, would love and benefit from because it is sound wisdom distilled from the wonderful life and times of the inimitable Ruskin Bond, unmistakably one of India's most popular authors. Each piece of valuable advice is worth its weight in gold!

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Philosophy, Psychology, Audiobook

124 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 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

[Bandita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine you have a grandpa who is writing letters to you filled with love, quirk, and life advices. This book is what that feels like.

"If I did not have this half hour to myself every morning this half hour with my writing pad in the sun on my shoulder I would be a grumpy and dissatisfied men for the rest of the day. An incomplete person."

This book is a letter which is filled with random but heartwarming and useful advices. Such as having good breakfast, growing plants etc.

The author tells us to focus on our talents and enhance them. Our talents may vary but our talents will take us far in life. His talent was writing and he wrote his entire life. He is asking us the same to follow our talents, whatever it may be.

"I am sure there would be more laugh on this art if we grew flowers instead of guns."

"There is much to celebrate- just being alive, to begin with."

This book was charming, heartfelt, delightful and a very quick read. I cannot recommend this book enough.

[Neha Shehrawat · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful, beautiful book!

It was my first children's book at the age of 30. And trust me, I would recommend it to each of you, irrespective of your age, to grab this little book and gift it to your soul. The warmth and innocence it carries will melt you and rebuild your inner child. And sometimes, it's essential to awaken the kid inside you that has been sleeping for a very long time.

Ruskin Bond has always been among my favorite, most cherished, and admired authors. As his stories always made their way to my heart.

“ A little love makes for a great omelette, a great pudding, a great story, a great film, a great musical, a great invention, a great human being.
Just a little love, my friend, makes all the difference in the end.”

A little love for the book, a little love for the author, a little love for his stories, and a little love for his beautiful advice on how to live a life.

All in all, the book did justify its title. And I will surely reread it soon whenever I feel directionless or a little low, or just for the sake of soul-feeding.

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short book with short chapters that will make you ponder upon your life.

[Dhwani · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Mr. Bond writes a book about how we should live our life, we go buy it and read it except in my case After School Tales were kind enough to send a copy of the same.

Divided in nine chapters, How To Live Your Life by Ruskin Bond is a book that offers Mr. Bond's insights on living life. Combined with sir's experiences and incidences mingled with them, the writing offers you insights on various aspects of life or rather the wheels of life. There's a letter from Mr. Bond attached towards the end of the book that is assigned to us, the readers. It's small things as these that make this book special. Mr. Bond talks about talent, love, nature, how to start the day, time, life, ideas, luck and celebrations in the book. Simple lessons delivered in a very cute format make the book very appealing.

I cannot end this review without mentioning the book illustrator and designer, Shamika Chaves who never disappoints with her illustrations. Her artistic skills give a very 'let me pick this book right away' vibes to the book!

Do read this piece of work, it's bound to bring you joy and end up helping you in one ways or more. Yes, recommended! Shazam!!

[Surabhi Sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I like about this book is no nonsense and unnecessarily lengthy chapters for the sake of writing a book.

The things can be said in few words with effective communication.

I love Ruskin Bond.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to live your life is a riveting and insightful book that focuses on sparking the extraordinary ways of living your life to the fullest. These bite sized nuggets of wisdom and knowledgeable approach will definitely have your full attention.

Things I have learnt from this wise book:

* Talent is to be explored. Focus on honing your talent and not the judgement/ opinions of yourself and worth through someone's eyes.

* Everyday is a chance to celebrate life. It's like every day is the sun's birthday and so is yours.

* Admire the gifts of nature. Your contribution to save the planet no matter have small makes a difference. The concrete jungles are on the rise but don't forget nature needs to thrive for survival in the long run.

* Being worried doesn't decimate your self-worth rather it's an extension of creativity and inspiration. Solutions come with patience and understanding.

* Your success is not just compressed to one facet. Sometimes be the tortoise and sometimes don't hesitate to become a hare. Let the sink in for a moment.

* Failures are not the end, a little disappointing but never the end. Ideas are limitless and you are gone your way to achieve something good.

* Just be happy. As quoted by the author "No two minds are alike" let stillness teach you the importance of happiness and peace. Just simplify!

* Love is truly a gift. A little bit of love makes all the difference.

The author has explored short personal anecdotes, childhood memories where you, as a reader walk down the memory lane that he is talking about as if your are present there. In those moments of realisations, I could see myself surrounded by a sense of calm like the noise of everything fading away, ebbing into nothingness. I was absolutely intrigued with particular section of the book that talks about "Life and Luck." It's truly a wonderful book that will be cherished by all those who read.

[Soumya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book from kids category. Apt for that category though.
It's more like jist of couple of topics from Ruskin bond's books..
However if you choose to read this book, pick Kindle version or hard copy but NOT audible version as the narration is TERRIBLE.

[Parul Shah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has put the words so naturally, that can make anyone realise how to actually live life and take everything so effortlessly and still can make worth it.

[Poovizhi M P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a letter from Ruskin bond about his "definition of life". In simple words he shares his views on how to live a happy and fulfilling life in this small book.

[Ruchii · Rating 3 out of 5]

In case you are looking for a quick non fiction read then this is the book for you! Finished it in a go!

[Risha Ghosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, simple.
I bought this book from Cambridge, the bookstore he frequented in mussoorie and the 4 stars is MOSTLY attributed because of the fact that I got yelled at by Beena too on a fateful night this trip. Best story ever.

[Romita Mukherjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have ever read any book by Ruskin Sir you may have an idea about how profound and impactful his stories are. So, when I picked up this, I knew it would become an integral part of my reading journey as well as my life.

“How to live your life” as the name suggests is a collection of simple yet fundamental lessons about life and snippets from the author’s life. The book is broadly divided into 9 parts encompassing the themes of love, nature and its beauty, life, celebrations, and much more.

Every time I turned a page and read a few lines, I learned something valuable and something I would like to share with others. For me, this book must be read by anyone and everyone for them to understand the beauty, the simplicity as well as the complexity of life a bit better.

Also, the highlight for me in this book is the letter written by Sir to his readers. It felt so heart-warming and personal. And lastly, I loved the quirky way in which the entire book is designed.

[Jitendra Mulay · Rating 4 out of 5]

In his simple writing, he has explained so many things on which people do overthinking and ultimately messes up. To get motivated, one doesn’t need big books with complicated theories containing heavy words and this book proves it. It’s worth reading.

[Riya Joseph Kaithavanathara · Rating 4 out of 5]

" The race is not to be won, It's to be run ! "

BOOK: How to Live your Life
AUTHOR: @ruskinbondofficial
GENRE: #nonfiction #selfhelp
PUBLISHER:@harpercollinsin
RATING: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

How to live your life is a letter from Ruskin Bond to his young and rnthusiastic readers defining life in thr light of his own life experiences. A lightly packed energy bar to your living, thats what we can call this book, lets say granola bar ! It is not like other self help books, dont expect a self help guru or 12 steps to healthy living or how to be successful in life mantra's from this book. This is a simple book of illustrations, creative enough but not at all complex, so any age group people can read them and take something postive from this book.

PS : Nobody,( any writer or any other person) have the knowledge or power to unlock life and simplify it for us. So if you are expecting a complex self help book where an author is trying to earn a few pounds and fame, with some complex sentences or words that we can hardly translate in our mind, it will yield no good. But simple books like @ikigai or this, or a light authors book can atleast make you understand that there are people who think like you too. Dont run behind or try to decode unnecessary complexities. Granola bars are healthy ! So grab your granola bars in books from time to time.


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[Aparna Prabhu · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You asked me for a letter and I’ve given you an epistle.”

In ‘How to live your Life?’, Ruskin Bond imparts wisdom to his young readers whilst reflecting on how he has lived his life. It is also his way of replying to numerous messages from his young readers. He introspects on his time as a ‘dreamy fellow’ nose buried in his favourite history encyclopedia or pondering over a verse. The book is divided into cohesive chapters which are words or even a small thought. A new one begins with the word ‘Shazam’ which in his own words - ‘is the start of something extraordinary.

The writing is epistolatory in nature which formed an instant connection with me. The large typography and quirky illustrations alongside Mr Bond narrating how he starts and ends his day along with things that gave him small pleasures in life like the Geranium plant and gorging on a perfect omelette gave me immense joy. The presentation of the entire book with its vibrant cover and eye-catching letters alongside Ruskin’s own handwriting is well done.

Similar to all other non-fiction books by Ruskin Bond, ‘How to Live your Life’ is also Part Self-Help, part memoir. The easy-going and poignant language doesn't make it sound preachy.

‘’Just a little love my friend, makes all the difference in the end’’

And this book had the heart in the right place.

[Enakshi J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the most experienced writers of our times, Sir Ruskin Bond, has immense experience in making the most out of your life even when odds are not in your favour. Hence, when How to Live Your Life came my way, I knew it would have anecdotes that would help me look at the brighter things in life. This book is a treasure to behold, for it has advice, that too handwritten by the author himself. Simple things, yet those things that our fleeting life tends to ignore because we’re so busy choosing what’s difficult and requires too much effort, are the things we should look out for to make our life comfortable and happy.

Read the complete review here: https://www.aliveshadow.com/category-...

[Veda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as a gift when i was morose, so it really will hold a special place in my heart.

About the book it consists of 9 light hearted chapters sure to feed one's soul. Could be finished in one sitting .Some of my favourite lines,
"Life is too serious to be taken seriously. We need a little humour. Sometimes we must see the funny side of things if we are not to lose our sanity.Well its good to laugh and oneself - and safee than laughing at others!"

"Sometimes we have to face the day.Face problems,obstacles, shortages ,enmity, quarrelsome people, leaking roofs, the milkman missing, a mad monkey terrorizing school children, a loud speaker too loud,rats making a nest in the television set and running out of pyjamas.We must face all these calamities and difficulties with equanimity."

And one most precious thing in this book was an handwritten copy of Ruskin bond's letter i felt actually connected to him .

One liner about the book : Refreshing like bathing in a waterfall.

[Rajeshwari Ashar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This simple and sweet book can be completed in less than an hour's time. As a Ruskin Bond fan, the simplicity is not something one will mind, as one can imagine these pearls of wisdom being spoken by the most loved author himself.

From motivation to put your talent to good use, to experiencing loving someone, every little thing that makes one happy, is covered.

After all, it's advice coming from our favourite 90 year old nature loving author, you want to be all ears!

[Shruthi Jothsana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruskin Bond and his words are known to pull me off of any reading rut.

2023 started off for me with a reading slump. I tried to start multiple books but all in vain.

Picked this up in the airport, finished reading even before I boarded the flight.

All he says in this book are probably known to a human of my age already. But there is a sheer magic in getting to hear from the words of my most favourite author. Reading his words in the form of epistle. Some pages the words aren't just printed but has his own handwriting. It makes it more of a refreshing read.

I know I'll pick this book up again when I feel like I'm sinking in a rut. Until then, Shazam!

[Shrishti Varma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read! This was a short and motivating book on how to navigate life. If you are in your early 20ies, this will def give you a sense of direction to keep living life. Ruskin Bond writes from his heart and one can feel that while reading his choice of words.

[Vijay Chengappa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ruskin Bond's writing evokes a happier, simpler time and reading it floods back nostalgia of all his earlier books. This is a tiny book with his ideas of how to life a life full of love and kindness.

Unfortunately, this is also a blatant cash grab by the publisher to squeeze one last revenue stream from Mr Bond, elongating 20 pages of content to a full book using some clever graphics and artwork, and priced at a ludicrous 400Rs.

[Amit · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a typical Bond book , simple impactful and conversational. It’s got life lessons and very simple put . Enjoy the book - Shazam !!!

[M.J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well designed pretty book , very readable but rather casual.

[Papery Petal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful as always ❤️

[sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

waow

[Debalina · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[Surabhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's so pretty and has a handwritten letter at the end🤤🤤

[Saranya Dhandapani · Rating 5 out of 5]

-
Book 26 of 2022- How to live your life
Author- Ruskin Bond

Shazam! (I’m sorry if you don’t get this reference-which means you haven’t read this book yet. Guess what! You should.)

“Be whatever you want to be. Give it your heart and soul, you’ll have made something of your life”

We belong to the generation where we don’t take advices or even listen to them unless it comes in the format of meme. Here is our India’s favourite author-Ruskin Bond sharing his insights and advices for the readers of all age groups. The cover and the illustrations would attract you even if you haven’t heard anything about Bond.

His book always has this little humour, Joy of little things, and the joy of living. In this book, he shares his words of wisdom and insights on “How to live your life”.

It’s a letter
It’s a advice
It’s a letter with advice
It is his definition of life
It’s a warm hug from the man who absolutely lived his life to the fullest

The best thing about this book is anyone irrespective of age can read and benefit from it. It’s not boring at any point..till the very end, it was interesting. Only Ruskin bond can make a book full of advices this fun and interesting.

There’s so much to celebrate in life..
Just being alive is one of them♥️

Do yourself a favour and read this book please!
Shazam🥳🫶♥️

#tamizhkirukki #tamilbooks #tamilbookstagram#tamilbooklovers #tamilbook #tamilbookstore #tamilbookreaders #tamilbooksreview #tamilbooks #tamilbookstagrammer #tamilmeme #bookstagram #bookpage #tamilbookreviewer #vaasippainesippom #ruskinbondbookclub #ruskinbond #ruskinbondbirthday #howtoliveyourlife #harpercollinsindia

[Njkinny (Njkinny's Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read the complete Book Review and Book Quotes on Njkinny's Blog

How To Live Your Life by Ruskin Bond is a letter of advice from the author to all readers. A book full of wisdom, and life’s lessons leaned by the author through his experiences, this book is applicable to people of all age groups.

Ruskin Bond is a writer who has won readers’ hearts through his honest, relatable, and entertaining stories. He has written children’s books, books for teens, as well as adults. So, a talented writer with books across genres, and across age groups under his belt, I was so excited for his latest book that is his heartfelt advice for his readers on how to live life to the fullest.

In this book that includes beautiful quotes, sage advice, motivational snippets from his life, photos from his childhood, and a hand written letter for his readers, I found new inspiration, and guidance to live a fruitful life.

Ruskin Bond doesn’t wax poetry but is his simple and honest self when he urges everyone to follow a routine, take stock of their strengths, and follow our dreams. Then he says with persistence and discipline every dream is achievable. And you will feel everything he preaches so real when he indulges in self-deprecatory humour to share his own limitations, and shares his many learning experiences in life.

"If you have a talent, put it to some use..."

I absolutely adored reading this book that is so impactful without resorting to frills and will motivate you to live a better and more rewarding life. Then it is divided in short chapters dealing with different facets of life from love, dreams, luck, friends, time etc.

So, in this book every reader will find something or the other that resonates with their present situation. Be it heartbreak, a dream that seems impossible, a challenging life situation, or a personal hurdle.

All in all, this book is must read for everyone and a great book gift too! Njkinny Recommends this gorgeous book!

[Anushka Reddy Marri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has found a place by my bedside so it’s at arms reach when I need a pick-me-upper or just a reminder that I GOT THIS!!!

‘How to live your life’ is a letter filled with the warmest advice from Ruskin Bond sir to all of us, his sons and daughters. It’s something that you just have to read.

‘No, it is the worriers who achieve something in this life. They worry and do something about it. And they celebrate.’

SHAZAM, says Ruskin Bond every once in a while making us smile in awe. He emphasises the need to find what’s left of Mother Nature, feel attached to it and contribute in every little way possible to preserve it.

He is India’s Grand papa in the cutest way possible, really. He shares his experiences and extracts advice from them. I experienced a surge of nostalgia as I was reading. I just felt as though he was sitting by me, sipping chai or eating egg burji, discussing life.

‘Theres is much to celebrate - just being alive, to begin with.’

The book is more of a long letter which will make you realise the importance of breakfast, alone-time with nature and the need to focus on the future leaving the worries and regrets of the past behind.

The illustrations add a high value to his words. They make the entire reading experience feel like a tight hug. Shamika Chavez did a brilliant job in this regard.

‘Treat everyday as though it’s the most important day of your life.’

The book ends with the most heart warming pictures of Mr. Bond. Can I find a home by the country side and live far far away from technology for a while??? Is that too much to ask?

Thank you Harper Collins india for the gifted copy.