Reading has multitudes of benefits. I started reading as a means of escape. When life around me felt a little too real, Hogwarts would open its gates for me...
COVER STORY
‘The lost art of reading’ by Zeeshan Ahsan Khalid hit home. I often get asked this question, ‘Why do you read for entertainment?’ And sometimes it is really hard not to say, ‘Because I don’t want to be dumb?’
Reading has multitudes of benefits. I started reading as a means of escape. When life around me felt a little too real, Hogwarts would open its gates for me, The Naughtiest Girl would take me on adventures with her and Patras k Mazameen made me feel like my life wasn’t that silly after all. The habit later evolved into a means of improving my command on English and Urdu. And trust me, that learning was mostly passive. If I read a word I didn’t know, I wouldn’t bother to find its meaning at the spot as long as the sentence made sense in the context. Now, I comprehend various words without actually knowing their meaning. (I am not actually proud of that, but this helps while taking IELTS!)
I feel like an old lady now, who has lived on this earth a little too long for my own good. And reading now is an activity that helps me see the world outside of my own field of vision. I try to read all kinds of books; from fictional stories labelled for kids 12 and above (The boy who lied! Wonder!) to Non-fictional essays that tackle difficult subjects like Islamophobia and sexuality (It is not about the Burqa!). I always find something new, something different in each book. And so, I recommend this activity, not only as a hobby but also a recipe for healthier neurons.
The year 2020 was the absolute worst. I had lost my will to read (or to live for that matter). I couldn’t finish a page of any book, even if my life depended on it. And I really missed the dissociation that came with being completely engrossed in a book. And so, I decided to re-kindle this year my love for the paperbacks and hard covers.
I have read 6 books so far. (And I forced Mubashir to read some of them too!) And we are going to review them here for the readers without spoiling anything.
By Muhammad Hanif
The 2008 political fiction novel by Muhammad Hanif describes the events surrounding the plane crash of General Zia ul haq that killed him and other high ranking members military junta. The death of General Zia been a matter of discussion among masses, some considering it to be the action of the CIA others ascribing it to RAW-KGB nexus.
We see the events through the eyes of Ali Shigri, a troubled PAF cadet and the captain of silent drill squad whose Father (Colonel Shigri) committed suicide under mysterious circumstances. Ali is especially disturbed by sudden disappearance of his only friend Obaid aka baby O and his involvement in a plot to nobble a fighter jet.
We see cameos of the CIA director, a Saudi prince and OBL. What’s astonishing is the amalgamation of humor and finesse by which the author gives us his take on the personality of General Zia, his desire to be loved by masses (though the reality was otherwise) and to be regarded as the one who brought the Red army to its knees.
To be honest the writing of such a book in country like ours with a powerful security establishment deserves praise. The book feels like a chore in the middle, as there is too much happening and it’s hard to keep track of it all. But the ending is worth the hassle.
Rating 3.5/5
By Holly Jackson
These books honestly broke my reading slump. Holly Jackson knows how to keep the reader intrigued. As all high-school murder mysteries go, you might expect this one to be predictable too. But the author delivers a twist at the end of both these books. Book 1 takes us on a journey with Pip-Fitz Amobi, who becomes annoyingly interested in a murder case that was closed five years ago. Andie Bell was murdered by Sal Singh. The whole town knows it. But Pip’s homework starts hinting towards a new killer. Is the killer still around?
The author explores themes like drug abuse, assault, parental neglect and grief in a delicate and impactful way. Book 2 introduces an entirely new mystery but begins as a continuation of the first. Pip starts a true-crime podcast which goes viral. Despite her mother’s disapproval, Pipa begins investigating yet another mystery; the disappearance of a friend. This book shows us the dangers of social media; the ugly comments and concepts of cat-fishing. Fair warning, the ending will leave you heart-broken!
They make up for a perfect read for an insomniac night.
And there are 3 more books on the way!
Rating: 4/5
By Samantha Irby
I have read two books by this author. And if after having lunch Maya Aneglou I had a chance to have dessert with someone, Irby would be my gal! I enjoyed ‘We are never meeting in real life’ more than this one, but this particular book has some great essays! This lady is too honest, too gross and too good to be true. She lays out her life like an open book which leaves the reader in awe and oftentimes uncomfortable. Irby discusses with the readers the struggles of a troubling childhood, adult depression, chronic diseases, fluid sexuality, body negativity and writing a new book.
Did you know she was a writer for the show, ‘Shrill?’ I didn’t either. Irby also talks about the aepisode she wrote.
If you haven’t seen the show, please do so. And then start reading Samantha Irby if you want to witness how easy it has become to read a curse in a book and not be recoiled by it. Remember, she lives in a different culture than you and I. And an open-minded human must read all kinds of books to understand the world from different perspectives.
Rating: 3.5/5
By Sylvia Plath
I read this tiny collection of poems in an hour or two on the world poetry day and I believe that I am not qualified enough to say anything about it. If I had to describe it in three words, I would use: ‘Beautiful. Raw. Heart-wrenching.’
I cannot rate this piece of art. I feel too small to do that.
If the moon smiled, she would resemble you.
You leave the same impression
Of something beautiful, but annihilating.
Both of you are great light borrowers.
Her O-mouth grieves at the world; yours is unaffected.
By Elena Ferrante
If you love reading non-fictional essays that are teeming with food for thought, this book is for you. Reading her fictional books has been a tedious task for me because the characters take a toll on me, they are so well-constructed! Eyeing the world from Elena’s perspective however was pleasantly refreshing. These essays are a collection of columns she wrote for the Guardian, for an entire year. She dapples with the topic of psychotherapy, the portrayal of women in literature, the complexities of friendships and relationships, the beauty behind jealousy and so much more. Every essay by her in my opinion needs to be celebrated, marked and read during different phases in our lives. There is something for everybody in here. This book can help you break down that reading slump without overwhelming you.
Rating: 5/5
By Usman T. Malik
If you want to read one piece of fiction this year, let this be it! We all grew up reading stories of witches with reversed feet and Jin who capture princess and have their lives stored in a parrot. Every child who once cherished those afsaney must get this book! It is a beautiful tribute to our culture, a tribute that will send a shiver down your spine. I dare you to forget about the characters once you are done with the book! Dr. Malik ensures that your imagination does its exercise and leaves you wanting for more. From star-crossed lovers to the zombie apocalypse, he takes you on haunting rides through the lives of his characters. And to add the perfect red icing to this paranormal fictional cake, there are mesmerizing illustrations in the book by various local talents!
Read this book. For the sake of your sanity.
Rating: 5/5
