Writer’s favorites

Reading, they say, is the creative center of a writer's life. As Stephen King once put it, "You cannot hope to sweep someone else away by the force of your writing until it has been done to you." Thus some Nepali writers talk about their favorite work of literature; the ones that have stayed with them for years.

These books not only struck an inspirational cord but actually had them say (mentally and out loud) – "I wish I had written that!"

Seto Dharti by Amar Neupane
Shashikala Manandhar

When I read the book I could instantly relate to the story. I have become acquainted with many widows through various circumstances and have seen their struggle and sorrow first hand, so when I read Seto Dharti I found myself wondering why I hadn’t thought of capturing their lives. I was well aware of their way of life and emotional turmoil and I wished I could have portrayed them with as much eloquence as Amar Neupane.
I read this book a year ago and I actually called up Amar to congratulate him on his work. I absolutely loved his strong and patient leading lady, Tara. I also adore the way he began his book. The passage where Tara imagines herself in her mother’s womb, that’s beautifully written. Though if I had to critique the book in anyway, there was this part in the book where another female character shares the details of her sexual exploits with Tara. I found that particular exchange unnecessarily long. In fact I had mentioned it to Amar as well and he had burst out laughing. Another than that little niggle, Seto Dharti was a fantastic read and right now that’s the book I wish I had written.

Shirish ko Phool by Parijat
Subin Bhattarai

Books that captivate its reader with every single line are few and far between but Parijat’s Shirish ko phool is definitely one of those rare literary gems. I honestly believe every single passage of this classic is worth underlining and memorizing. I’m a big fan of this book and obviously if I could be the author of any work that I have read this would be my first choice.
Shirish ko phool demonstrates a deep understanding of life through its characters. The dialogues and the scenes reflect many interesting perspectives. Almost 15 years ago, I vividly remember reading this book and categorizing it as intense. The feeling hasn’t changed. Every single time I go through its pages, it’s still an emotional rollercoaster ride. I think everybody who has read this Parijat novel has felt its impact. Initially as I was beginning my writing career, this book certainly served as an inspiration. Today even though I have come to find my own style, I still aspire to accomplish something of this magnitude.

Ama by Maxim Gorky
Nayan Raj Pandey

I would define Ama as a simple, relatable story presented in an extraordinary way. In my opinion, it’s a shining example among all the rest of the classics. Thus, this would be my pick. I came across this novel while I was still studying. What impressed me back then was its easy flow. One event leads to the next and the story takes some profound turns but the reader has no trouble keeping tabs of it all. There are no complications. The book may deal with a lot of passion and emotion but it’s written in a very effortless manner. There is a joy in reading it.
Furthermore, the matter that Maxim Gorky deals with in Ama is very relevant. The book helps its readers understand society and its people. It takes the relationship of a son and his mother and illustrates as well as examines it with a lot of expertise. By the end of it, it’s impossible not to be moved. The writer develops the characters in such a manner that we inevitably get attached to them. Once people start to read Gorky’s famous Ama, they will find themselves completely immersed in it. That’s a guarantee.

Maile Dekheko Nepal by Dr Harka Gurung
Janak Raj Sapkota

The first time I read this book was during my +2 years, and since then I have time and again gone back to it. There is no doubt that of all the books I have come across so far, I wish I had written this classic that is a collection and observation of Dr Gurung’s travel experiences.

In the book, he discusses various aspects such as the ethnical and cultural factors of the numerous places he had visited in his illustrious career. The facts have been presented in great detail and that too in a very philosophical manner. However at the same time, it is a relatively simple read as well.

If anybody wants to really learn about Nepal, I’d recommend this book. It could easily serve as a guide and a reference for exploring our country and its people. I’d even say it is a must read for every journalist. Personally I enjoyed it from start to finish. It’s rich in literature and information that it’s hard not to envy the Late Dr Gurung for penning such a masterpiece.

One hundred years of solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Archana Thapa

This is one book that I can confidently say stretched my imagination as a reader. I so wish I could have come up with a concept like this. If I had to name one work that I wish I had written myself, One hundred years of solitude would be it.
This book presents various layers of meaning. The story itself comes back in a circle, a history of 100 years. There isn’t a dull moment throughout the read. In fact the plot here moves incredibly fast. Even I had to give it a second reading. For me personally the first time was a bit of a blur but the next time around as I grasped the story better, it was immensely pleasurable.

Here, Marquez effortlessly integrates the logical real world with fantasy. The characters and the sequences go beyond the reader’s imagination which I believe makes it very unique. Further, the author’s technique is magnificent. He writes in lyrical prose, that’s his style. It may have been six years ago that I came across this book on a recommendation site but even today I find myself gripped by its
storyline.