Jobless in Chennai – was what I was till a few days ago… when I devoured a book a day…
My most satisfying find during this time was Shashi Tharoor’s Bookless in Baghdad – so titled after those Iraqis who are selling off their priceless collection of books – to fend for their food and other basic needs – on the one hand, and searching the streets of Baghdad on the other looking for bargains – and returning disapppointed at not being able to afford anything…
Through these pieces in the book, Tharoor takes you through a journey through your own memorable reading moments… and among the most loved (and hated too) writers of our time…. savour this – like many of my compatriots, I had discovered Wodehouse young and pursued my delight across the ninety five volumes of the master’s oeuvre, savouring book after book as if the pleasure would never end…
(Of course, he also defends his less engaging books like Show Business tooth and nail and wants us to look for and appreciate its hidden depths – which I found totally lacking – and no amount for regard for Tharoor will make me accept that there are the multiple layers to this book that the author hints at… a pot boiler kind of good read, it is; a deep parallel with Indian society and politics, it is not – Tharoor is very defensive about this bok – and rightly so!)
Bookless in Baghdad is about books, about reading, about writers and wannabe writers… a must-read for all of us who have grown up with books and still thrive on them….
BinB is not one of those thrillers you read at one go at bedtime – it is one of those rare rich chocolates that you want to last forever – so you hoard and hoard and make do with small bites every so often….
agree with you totally. One of the most enjoyable books I have ever read, and I love reading — which is why i guess i loved it! a terrific writer…
Hi,
I love this book too. I have savoured quite a few of his book and I love his take on all things Indian and his artful use of language. I liked the way he has critiqued different authors. I wish I had read those critiques after having read all of them. Now, I want to forget Shashi’s opinions and then read those authors and go back to this book after having made my own opinions about the writers. Also its interesting as it provides a window to peek into Shashi’s mind.
Manzoor, Gaurav, sorry for this late response – didn’t notice your comments till now 🙁
I loved reading bookless in baghdad too – keot opening it at random and reading a few pages at a time!
All:
Yes, I did enjoy the book and did post about it as well. However, the book does have the feel of a quickly compiled assortment of Tharoor’s essays. Also, I found that he skewered quite a few posthumous writers, which kind of makes it difficult for them to defend themselves.
Ram