Lounging with Lex

In case you were wondering about the slight decrease in activity in Lex Limbu’s famous blog, he admits, he has been a little more occupied with his graduate course and other responsibilities, though recently the latter had him back tracing Nepal for his annual project. The Week caught up with him over a cup of coffee to discuss his favorite books, controversial matters of recognition in the literary scene and his own writing aspirations too.

Excerpts:

What compels you to take time off your busy schedule to read?

In my experience, the hardest thing to do is to begin a book but once you are a few pages in, it’s difficult to stop reading. I think I enjoy it because even though everything is already written, it is always open for interpretation. How you understand the text, what you choose to take away from it and how you visualize it are all up to you and if we think about it, that’s just amazing.

I especially realized the power of books during my travels to various parts of Nepal. We have so many places where there are very few effective means of communication so it comes down to the books to teach them about the basics as well as the world. Its power is evident in those instances. They played a massive role in shaping the lives and visions of the people and youngsters of the area.

Are there any specific genres that you enjoy?

Normally I prefer biographies and autobiographies. Perhaps it is because I am interested in people and their lives. Also I enjoy a straight forward read. I have never liked books that sort of overwhelm you emotionally. I don’t like that feeling. It’s the reason I seldom read fiction. Also with biographies and autobiographies, you are instantly hooked because you are interested in the person but it can take a chapter or two for fiction to whet your appetite.

You already run a successful blog, so have you ever considered writing a book?

I think about it all the time. I feel like I will probably write at least two books. One would be an autobiography but that would obviously be later on in life. The next would probably be a story. Not a fiction through and through but I think something that explores the concept of identity. It’s something that I have struggled with as a teenager myself. Living abroad made me question whether I was more Nepali or British Nepali. The whole relationship with family, food as well as the identity one associates with when you are outside the house compared to when you are in your home and the consequences of all that. It might be a little dark or boring for some people but I think many will be able to relate to it too. However, I’m sure there will be people who will be exasperated if I release a book as well. So I don’t have plans to come up with one anytime soon.

So what sort of writing makes for a good read?

I have yet to figure this out but while reading, I actually enjoy the formal style of writing more. I like it when a story or narrative is done in third person. It helps maintain a healthy distance so that the entire plot isn’t just around one character. Even in our lives, it helps to review our actions from a third person’s view because it will give you a more rounded perspective. I think that is how my story would go as well.

Many do worry that people are rapidly losing their attention span so we see many websites and blogs trying to be more informal, witty, or entertaining with their write ups. But I think some pieces should not be compromised. The likes of Times Magazine or UK’s Guardian for instance, it’s disappointing to see them opt for tabloid-esque stories and similar style of writing every now and then.

What do you think about our local writer’s and literature’s quality?

A couple of my friends and I were recently discussing about how easy it has become to get recognition in Nepal actually. If you invest some money, pull a few strings or use a couple of your links, then anybody can easily create this hype around their work. This applies for everything from movies and music to literature. The same person would probably have to struggle really hard to earn that kind of accolade elsewhere. A proper benchmark seems to be missing in our markets. It doesn’t help that Nepalis aren’t good with taking criticism or strong opinions either. I have experienced this while running my blog too.

I can only imagine how annoying it might be for people who have worked really hard and put in the time and effort into honing their talents and their crafts. Anybody can call themselves an author. At the moment it’s rather sad that even those works that aren’t up to the mark get a lot of fanfare.

On Limbu’s bookshelf

A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle

This is a book that has had an impact on my life perspectives. It took me nearly eight months to finish it and that was partly because the writer recommends you to take time to reflect after each chapter. It compels you to question your actions and priorities. It was confusing at first but later, I felt calmer.

Animal Farm by George Orwell

I have always been fascinated by George Orwell’s life. Animal Farm is one of his first works that I read and I found it to be a very clever book. He explains the dynamics of politics, structure, hierarchy, and power in society through the story in a tactful way. It is certainly a classic and a masterpiece.

Buddha by Deepak Chopra

I am interested in Buddhism and its interpretations. But along with that, this book touches on some very relatable and important subjects. In a day and age when being nice is actually considered a rare trait, it should help all of us develop some perspective.

Land Where I flee by Prajwal Parajuli

I thought this was a really beautiful story. There is this disconnectedness and loneliness that our society compels us to face. Many still feel the need to hide the truth about themselves so as you read the book, you empathize with the characters and the circumstances.

Land Where I flee by Prajwal Parajuli

This book uses Britney Spear as a product which America and the American economy has used and abused. As it equates the idea of an American sweetheart to American consumer habits, it proves to be an incredibly interesting read. A lot of people tend to go for serious books but books based on frivolous subjects can also be clever.