Exploring the Reading Habit: A Jolly Journey in July 2020

The month of July 2020 was filled with a diverse selection of books that captivated my interest and enriched my life in countless ways. Through a blend of memoirs, historical novels, and tales of survival during turbulent times, these books provided a window into different worlds and perspectives.

Traditional Reading: The Joy of Newspapers

Summer 2020 brought a personal shift in my reading habits, as I found myself immersing myself more deeply in the pages of newspapers. Despite the initial concerns about the safety of print media during the ongoing pandemic, the World Health Organization's confirmation that newspapers were safe to read gave me immense relief and joy. This newfound comfort in the traditional method of reading newspapers aligns with an anxiety I have about digital reads, where I miss the tactile experience of turning pages and the physicality of holding a book.

Regular newspaper reading not only keeps one informed but also helps in enriching one's knowledge and perspective. It is a daily ritual that I continue, and I encourage everyone to adopt this habit in their lives.

Diversifying My Reading List

Beyond the familiar and comforting tales of newspapers, I also expanded my reading list to include diverse genres that challenged me in new and exciting ways. This summer, I picked up The Choice by Edith Eva Eger, a New York Times bestseller, and a personal journey of resilience during one of the darkest moments of human history. The book reflects on Eger's experiences as a Holocaust survivor and her journey to heal from the traumas of the past. Simultaneously, I delved into the autobiography Guru Dutt: A Life in Cinema by Kabir Nasreen Munni, exploring the life of a director known for his contributions to the Indian film industry.

Other books that kept me company during this period include:

Discovering New Genres and Authors

My reading experiences were not limited to non-fiction. I also picked up the autobiographical novel The Nazi Officer's Wife by Edith Hahn Beer, an intriguing narrative of survival and resilience during the Second World War. This novel shed light on the author's life as an Austrian Jew who managed to outwit the Nazis and hide in plain sight throughout the war, facing untold hardships while retaining a shred of hope and sanity.

It is such books that offer us a chance to understand the human spirit in times of despair and compel us to reflect on the fragility of life and the indomitable will to survive.

Another book that captured my attention was My Hanuman Chalisa by Devdutt Pattanaik, which offered a fresh perspective on the ancient text. With this book, I immersed myself in the rich cultural heritage of India, learning and understanding the significance of the Hanuman Chalisa in my daily life. Pattanaik's interpretative approach made the text come alive, enhancing my spiritual journey.

Even through such varied books, I found myself deeply appreciative of the stories of resilience, hope, and the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity. Reading has always been more than just a pass time; it is a journey that broadens one's horizons and enriches the soul.