There's a joy in finding great books and not being able to stop talking about it. And that's what generally happens here at Republica where we always seem to be reading and talking about some really good books. Usually, they are books we've been meaning to read for quite a while, or an author we're crazy about, or a random book someone has recommended to us.
So here's a roundup of what some people on the floor are currently reading.
Pramila Rai
Correspondent, GenNext
The Outsider
by Albert Camus
I have always wanted to read Camus and this is the first book I'm reading by the author. When Sachi (Mulmi) was telling me about this book, she mentioned a few things that I now wish she hadn't because I have these preconceived notions about the story now. Though I agree with her impression of the book, I wish I had discovered those things by myself because that's where the pleasure of reading lies. But even then, I'm enjoying the narration and the story. The story basically revolves around an individual who refuses to conform to social norms. Even when his mother dies, he refuses to cry because that's expected of him. His indifference is sometimes appalling but that's also what makes you think about the intricacies and complexities of human behavior and emotions.
Thira L Bhusal
Bureau head, Political
Helping children enjoy reading
The Origin of Species
by Charles Darwin
Recently, I’ve had an urge to read books that take me back to the root of things, and I thought there could be no better book that The Origin of Species, to begin with. But initially, there were a lot of scientific terms that I couldn’t grasp, and I struggled with them. However, this book is written for general readers and in a subtle way combines science literature in the narration. The Origin of Species is an inspirational vision of ecological interrelatedness, revealing the complex mutual interdependencies between animals and plant life, and climate and physical environments. Many people assume that this book, published in 1859, is out of date but I would recommend you to read it with an analytical mind and you’ll get a better understanding of the world that we live in.
Sachi Mulmi
Junior Correspondent, The Week
Brave New World
by Aldous Huxley
Brave New World has been on my reading list for a long time, and I just started reading it. The title fascinated me, and I had heard a lot about this book. But I’m not a science fiction kind of a person, I’m more into fantasies, but even then it’s been a welcome change. I’m not sure I like where the book is headed but it’s too early to tell. The book is set in the future and is about how ‘world controllers’ have created the perfect world through genetic engineering, brainwashing, and recreational sex and drugs. Then there’s this lone person’s desire to break free and return to the old world where ‘imperfect’ life still continues. This book is considered as Huxley’s masterpiece and for that reason alone, I’m looking forward to the rest of it.
Bipulendra Adhikari
Senior Correspondent, Republica Online
1Q84
by Haruki Murakami
I had heard about Murakami quite a bit from quite a few people, so I finally decided to give it a try. 1Q84 is a trilogy and I’ve been told that individually they make little sense. Now I wonder if starting with 1Q84 was the best entry point into the complex, though fascinating, world of Murakami because the book is super long. The book is a love story with a bit of crime thrown in the mix, set in a slightly fantastical setting. The details can sometimes put you off but overall the story will keep you hooked. Murakami is famous for this brand of magical realism and the way he has taken ordinary characters and created something so enchanting is remarkable.
Anjali Subedi
Bureau head, Social
The Memoirs of a Geisha
by Arthur Golden
The Memoirs of a Geisha tells the extraordinary story of a geisha and is very engaging because it’s subtle, honest, and objective. This is the second time I’m reading it and I’m finding it to be even better than the first time I read it. A young girl is sold as a servant to a renowned geisha house and years later she narrates her story. Her experiences seem perfect and ugly at the same time. From learning the arts of geisha, like dancing, singing, wearing the kimono to basic etiquettes like walking and serving tea, the protagonist envelopes you and takes you to a whole different world. It is one of the most powerful novels I have ever read. I would recommend this book to everyone if you want to better understand a culture that’s fascinating and a little bit scary at the same time.
Subhash Ghimire
Editor
Being Mortal
by Atul Gawande
I have always liked Atul Gawande’s writings and for that reason I wanted to read this book too. In Being Mortal, the author tackles perhaps the toughest of all challenges. The book is largely based on how medicine can not only improve life but also the process of how it comes to an end. Gawande illustrates with examples of how quality of life is important for both the patients and their families. Besides that, it’s the authors’ personal experiences that make the book so riveting. Gawande’s Indian origin and the culture he has been exposed to because of his parents play an important part in his writings, especially in this book. I could relate to many things as he grappled to understand the culture of assisted living that is yet to become an acceptable thing in our society.
