allthatissim's reviews
460 reviews

If books were a warm hug, The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams would be one of them. I first stumbled upon this book upon its release, but it was only recently, when I saw it recommended by Kajree on Instagram, that I was prompted to finally read it. To be honest, I certainly didn't think I would love it this much!

This debut is nothing out of the ordinary, to be honest. A book about books (a reading list specifically), predictable characters, family drama, and a simple plot. But, in its simplicity lies its charm! Its straightforwardness makes you get lost in its pages and feel closer to these characters.

Set in Wembley, London, the story revolves around Mukesh, a widower still grieving the loss of his wife, Naina. Mukesh, who is not a reader, wants to connect to his granddaughter in the way his wife used to and finds that that medium is books. This leads him to the Harrow Road Library, where he meets Aleisha, a young librarian dealing with her own family struggles. The book is not plot-heavy; rather, the narrative unfolds slowly, meandering through the everyday lives of the characters. The typical family drama of Mukesh and his daughters reminded me of almost every Asian household. Aleisha's story, on the other hand, is one of the internal struggles of caretakers of a sick family member and how it changes their relationships. This story is like a slice of life mirroring our experiences.

Adams has beautifully captured the healing and transformative power of books. It highlights the joy of reading and the ways in which stories can bring people together, offering comfort and hope in difficult times. Seeing Mukesh and Aleisha bonding over the books on a mysterious reading list was such a happy experience. There are a bunch of others too who found that reading list at various places, left behind by an unknown benefactor, but that list unknowingly brings together a diverse group of individuals, each finding comfort and healing in the stories they read. I am glad I have read two of the books mentioned in the list but I surely now want to read the rest :)

Another aspect Adams touches in the book is the importance of libraries as community institutions, and advocates for their preservation.

The Reading List is an uplifting read for sure and reminds us the importance of literature in our lives and the connections we can forge through storytelling. If you like books about books and heartwarming stories, or simply are a book lover, I am sure you will find something to resonate with in this novel.

P.S. In case you are interested in knowing what books are mentioned in the reading list in the book:
- The Time Traveler's Wife (not actually in the list but an important part of the story)
- To Kill a Mockingbird
- Rebecca
- The Kite Runner
- Life of Pi
- Pride and Prejudice
- Little Women
- Beloved
- A Suitable Boy

I have to admit, I am not as familiar with Greek mythology as I would like to be. So, I embarked on the adventure that was the first volume of Lore Olympus with a mix of awe and confusion. Despite my unfamiliarity with the subject matter, I thoroughly enjoyed it!

I read the Webtoon (I don't own the copy yet :() and with its 25 chapters, it is a visual masterpiece, showcasing the undeniable talent of Rachel Smythe! The way the characters are drawn is unique, stylish, and perfect, and they, especially Hades and Persephone, are wonderfully depicted, and their interactions are filled with chemistry and charm. The different color palettes are used for different characters and their moods and it is quite appealing.

The story, a modern retelling of the myth of Persephone's abduction by Hades, is set in a world of friendships, lies, and gossip, where the gods are depicted as modern-day figures. I loved Persephone and felt a strong desire to protect her! Hades is the softball with his bad boy vibes and tender heart. The side characters, such as Zeus, Poseidon, Artemis, and Hera, added depth and humor to the story, and I look forward to seeing how they develop in future volumes.

Volume 1 was definitely a captivating read, and I'm excited to see where the story goes in future volumes.