Shikshya Upreti, Student, +2
Seto Dharti by Amar Neupane
It's been three days that I have been hooked to Amar Neupane's Seto Dharti. I had read several good reviews so I thought I would give it a try. So far I have only reached the seventh part of the book and there is a lot more to go but it's living up to its expectation. I read fiction but one that aims to raise some social awareness as well is a first for me. It has actually proved to be a pleasant change. The story is centered on a young widow. It tells the story of her struggles after her husband's demise. The unfortunate development brings a lot of rapid and unfortunate changes in the protagonist's life. She feels like her youth is going to waste and Neupane has brilliantly portrayed all these intense feelings. This is actually the first work by Nepaune that I'm reading and I have to say it's impressive.
Maniva Malla, Student, Bachelors
Eleven Minutes by Paulo Coelho
Often people rave about Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist but personally I feel that Eleven Minutes is a lot better. I just recently finished this book and I can actually see it as one of the books I will be going back to again.
In Eleven Minutes, Coelho gives the readers a sneak peek into the shady world of prostitution as well as acquaints us with many colorful characters involved in it. Here the main character is a prostitute who has willingly joined the industry. While reading the book, it was fascinating to discover life through her eyes.
One of the reasons I enjoy Coelho's work is his philosophies. He has a habit of imparting several life lessons in a single chapter. Initially I remember feeling incredibly overwhelmed by it, but as I continued reading his works they have become easier to comprehend. It has helped me gain a new perspective and I believe that's what good books are supposed to do.
Puran Thapa, Store owner
Lato Pahad by Upendra Subba
I always keep myself updated about the latest works in Nepali literature. Recently I noticed a lot of buzz surrounding writer and poet Upendra Subba's Lato Pahad. So I thought I would give it a shot. So far I have been enjoying it.
The book is an anthology. Most of the stories are set in the pristine villages and rural areas of our country. It beautifully portrays the culture of the people living there as well. So along with being entertaining the book proves to be informative too.
Further his choices of stories were very interesting. I just didn't want to put the book down. The plots keep pulling you in. Further, he seems to have an eye for details too. He pays attention to the local dialects, dress codes and such. I thought that was commendable. It's proving to be a nice read.
Udes Pandey, Medical student
The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand
Mind blogging, that's how I would sum up this classic. I just finished reading it and without a doubt, it's one of the most powerful books that I have come across. I have always believed that the main motive of any book should be to make the reader think and The Fountainhead makes you do just that.
Our whole life, we are taught about the virtues of selflessness. We are asked to think about others and act accordingly but Rand goes completely against this notion. She puts forward very compelling arguments as to how life can be truly lived only when we as individuals put our interests in the forefront. It's certainly a controversial perspective but I really enjoyed reading her side of the argument. Rand has a way of getting into your head and really making you to reflect on the matter.
Anjil Adhikari, Engineer
Radha by Krishna Dharabasi
I finished this book in two days and I have already recommended it to many people. Nobody has a bad word to say about it yet. I have been a fan of Krishna Dharabasi for a while now. I had already been following his work when I found out that he would be releasing Radha. After I picked up a copy of the book, I was hooked.
This book is built on the same old love story of Radha and Krishna. We have the tale of the same ancient epic Mahabharat with the same places, scenes, and characters, the one that we have heard time and again but the writer narrates it from a very different perspective. By the end of it, you realize this is not the story of Gods, rather it's about the intricacies in life. Dharabasi shares his philosophies on happiness, sorrow, achievements and loss but in an interesting way. Reading this book has made me realize that there are no random occurrences in life. Everything happens in patterns, we just have to find it.
Anju Pradhan, Social Worker
Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda
Not so long ago, my elder sister recommended the Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda and I'm savoring it at the moment. Before this read, I used to browse through the fiction section only but as turns out, I also enjoy books on spirituality. I understand there are some skeptics out there who believe a book can't possibly convince somebody to change their lifestyle but that's not true. After reading Yogananda's work, I believe that you need to have an open mind about this.
I used to be very restless but now I'm aware of how I can center my energy. In Autobiography of a Yogi, Yogananda gently guides the readers through the realization that all the answers are indeed within us. All the happiness in the world can be found within us. That's the lesson that is already sinking in me. It's certainly proving to be one of those books that can have an immense impact on a reader's life.
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