Date Archives June 2018

Book Spine Poetry – Origin & First Attempt

Books & Reading Inklings - Poetry & Prose June 21, 2018

Origin of Book Spine Poetry

In the year 1993 artist Nina Katchadourian gave birth to the concept of ‘Book Spine Poetry’ that coupled the art of photography with poetry and was displayed as a stack of books in a particular sequence in order to create a sentence or story. The ‘Sorted Books’ project spread quickly but continued to dominate photography and creative platforms alone. It wasn’t until a decade later when Tumblr showcased the hashtag #BookSpinePoetry that this art grew in its popularity together with contributions from the Book Riot & the Huffington Post. Now that is what many refer to as Internet Legacy and since I am a 90s kids – being part of this movement thrills me.

Discovery & My First Attempt at Book Spine Poetry

The following is a set of random selections that just caught my attention, when I stood in front of my personal library. I did not have a plot or ploy for a specific book spine poem. But what I loved about the experience was it was innate. Meaning of all the books in my collection these are the ones that caught my eye thus elucidating on my inner most thoughts. I think, I can safely say these help express my feelings at-best.

So here goes nothing…

Evidence of Love
City of Lies
Girl Boss
Working to 9 to 5
It’s Kind of a Funny Story
And this is True
Reckless
Voices of the Heart
The Sun & Her Flowers
Fun & Games
Of Mice & Men
Nothing Lasts Forever.

Wouldn’t you like to tryout this unconventional but incredibly creative medium? I’d love to see your constructions, remember the stack can be read from top to bottom or left to right. The end result can be humorous or dramatic but the overall venture is brilliant and engaging. Why should Tumblr have all the fun? Just tag me on Twitter and/or Instagram and I will see you there.

Good Luck!

MID YEAR WRAP UP 2018 – Best & Worst Books So Far

Books & Reading June 18, 2018

If we are being completely honest with each other, I am not having a very good year in terms of reading. Half way through 2018, it would only be appropriate to execute a mid-yearly, reading wrap-up and shed some light on the hits and the misses.

It is June 18, 2018 today and so far I’ve managed to read 29 books which is my standard average each year. I strive to read at least 30 books by the time June closes and then look forward to another 30 during the colder months.

Summer is in full swing but it has never been my peak-reading-season, partially because it is associated with beach reads, and chick literature and I cannot get my head around the genre. Although one can opt for other genres but I prefer to keep my favorite (Mysteries & Murder Mysteries) for the second half of the year but this year, I did find my preference for the blazing sun, suburban books. Small town – everything is not what it seems kind of stories.

Time to rewind…

Best Books of 2018 so Far

Autumn (Seasonal #1) by Ali Smith

Fist installment of a quartet by Ali Smith, I began my reading year (literally) with Autumn and it was gorgeous with a capital G. If you prefer to read more of a linear plot then look away this one is not for you as it is multi-layered and talks about everything from love to friendship and from art to ageing. This is considered to be one of the first Brexit books and does focus on the geo-political atmosphere of our times – if that isn’t your cup of tea, you might want to skip this entirely.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BdaIKDtlmZL/

The novel moves back and forth between past and present and indulges in the friendship between a little girl, Elisabeth (with an S) Demand (from the French, Du Monde) and elderly gentlemen, Daniel. At first you have no idea what is going on or what you are reading. It took me almost half the book to get a grip on the symbolism and requires a bit patience and perseverance from the reader. But once you are committed, you will be face to face with a potent story of changing times, growing old, art and discovering feminism. If you are into British Pop Art, you will absolutely devour this book!

I gave this book 3.5 stars and at the risk of sounding criminal, I think this is more like Wuthering Heights, one time isn’t enough to understand its true beauty. I think you’ve give it due time to let it sink in while peeling each layer with great sympathy and honor.

Publisher: Penguin
Available in Pakistan

Ghachar Ghochar by Vivek Shanbhag & Translated by Srinath Perur

Up next we’ve a book by Vivek Shanbhag that blew my mind from the word go! I discovered this treasure cove thanks to Ariel Bissett and I am so grateful to have this in my collection. It explores the journey of a close-knit family from nothing to everything and in no time at all.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BedB4j0FOuk/

First published in 2013 in the South Indian language of Kannada and with only 115 pages this book is a powerhouse dealing with money and how it runs through our veins like blood, affecting each and every thread of our very existence.

It’s all Ghachar Ghochar – a tangled mess and as a reader I found the mess quite enthralling. This story is told from one of the family member’s point of view, which remains unnamed throughout the book, and recollects his thoughts in a single day at a local coffee house in modern-day India.

If you are into short but powerful stories, this one is definitely for you. I gave it 5 stars and here’s hoping you’ll be inclined to pick this one as your next read.

Publisher: Harper Perennial
Available in Pakistan

Crazy Rich Asians (Crazy Rich Asians #1) by Kevin Kwan

As I mentioned earlier, I am not into ‘chick literature’, I cannot stand female friendships and the drama that surrounds these relationships, but did Kevin Kwan took me by surprise or what?! This book is addictive and downright dramatic, if you enjoy family dramas and the entire gossip central then this is for you.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BihFPUhnjV7

It was rib-tickling from page 1 and gets you hooked like some aunt at a wedding who just unearthed a filthy secret about the bride. You will find yourself among filthy, rich Asian families in Singapore with priceless jewels, extravagant backdrops and soiled secrets plus a couple of sordid escapades here and there as well. Over 400 pages but you will find yourself hungry for more as soon as you hit the last page. Thank God for squeals, right?

The book-to-movie adaption is ready to hit the theatres in August but I implore you to read the book first, trust me, the trailer says it all, they destroyed the book. How can Kevin stand to see such a disaster? But I guess this is a debate for another day.

I went with 5 stars for this one as well and if you are looking for a funny book and some light literature, make sure this is your seasonal pick. You can thank me later on Twitter perhaps!

Publisher: Corvus
Available in Pakistan

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

OH My Lord! I can finally talk about this book!

When you wait to get your hands on a book for over 12 months there is a certain kind of expectation that grows and this book made sure I was delighted to my very core. In the last year or so, whosoever has read this book has waxed lyrical about it and I am about to do the same.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjMzy_BlCNS/

Small-town plots and politics seem to be my beach reads for the season, Little Fires Everywhere is packed with vibrant and vivid characters that make it very easy to connect with, and quite possibly be horrifying as well. You will find yourself amongst situations that are too close to reality for your own good. With a backdrop of child adoption this books takes you through many upheavals of society and makes you question your choices at each turn. And as a surprise, a small mystery at its heart left me smitten with her words.

The author writes with great empathy making it raw and all the more convincing. If you are looking for a story that delves into the intricacies of love, sacrifice and resolve then this will be surely a treat. I gave this one 5 stars and very much excited to read Ng’s other novel, Everything I Never Told You.

Publisher: Abacus
(Finally) Available in Pakistan

Holding by Graham Norton

Another small-town setting and a village guard who has to plough through heaps, and heaps of gossip to uncover answers that just might save his career and his life.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi9Z_uTFiHG/

I was pleasantly surprised by Graham Norton with this one and did not expect beautiful narration of troubled relationships of this remote, Irish town. If you are looking for a book that is driven entirely by characters then this is the read for you. You will find the suspense to be a little off but nonetheless the characters will ensure your attention throughout.

Although this is an easy, one-sitting book, at times, it does get dark but the brooding atmosphere does not take from the overall enjoyment. Holding makes for an excellent ‘book club’ read as there is plenty to revel about and cook up conjectures along the way. I went with 4 stars.

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Available in Pakistan

One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus

I just finished reading this book and was delighted to see young adult fiction talking more about than just soul mates and coming of age milieu.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkC99U8lAzM/

This is basically a murder mystery set in a high-school with four suspects who are about to discover more than just the truth. The author did something incredible with stereotypical high-school characters and gave them substance. I cannot talk more about the book without ruining the plot but I will say this – considering the turbulent times we are experiencing makes One of Us Is Lying a truly relevant and addictive read.

If this book turns into a TV show, it will be ruling charts and hearts alike. I gave it 4 stars. And also this one is perfect for weekend-binge-reading!

Publisher: Delacorte Press
Available in Pakistan

Unfortunately, other than these mentioned titles, I was left with many good but mediocre books and if you are still reading this, I think it is only wise to talk about a couple others that left me speechless and not in a good way.

Worst Books of 2018 so Far

Parker Pyne Investigates by Agatha Christie

I never thought I’d be alive to see this author under this sub-heading but sadly Christie left me no choice.
I am going to make it short and unpleasant; bland plot-lines, bored characters and a dishonest protagonist makes this for a disappointing read. Period!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Be-yr5VlwUo/

Publisher: Harper Collins and/or Fontana
Available in Pakistan (Mine is a Pre-loved Copy)

Artemis by Andy Weir

I never knew disappointment like Artemis before and that is just sad. After The Martian, I anticipated science and space, and all I found was welding, some more welding and an annoying protagonist. And don’t even get me started on the forced and unnecessary details.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BgL2WURnTI-/

Publisher: Del Rey
Available in Pakistan

And that’s all folks!

Here’s hoping for a more exciting and enlightening second-half of 2018 preferably with some memorable books. Until then…

Happy Reading!

5 WAYS YOU CAN ADOPT RIGHT NOW TO GO GREEN (& SAVE MONEY)

Minimalism & Sustainability June 14, 2018

I don’t remember feeling accountable for the amount of trash I produce as an individual before I discovered Minimalism. And during my Minimalism journey, I was introduced to a concept generally known as the Zero Waste Lifestyle.

2 years in my Minimalism approach and I still cannot fathom how one can lead a complete zero waste lifestyle, although, I know a few on the Internet who do it quite successfully (check out Lauren Singer for some hardcore inspiration). But a few concerns still haunt me, I mean, what about the packaging that comes with meat and dairy products? Do only vegans get to live this approach? And how can you possibly avoid pharmaceutical trash? Do I give up on aspirin or ibuprofen for when I have the chums? I’ve yet to find answers for many concerns like so and I am myself just learning the basics of producing less and less trash.

Whether you are a minimalist or not, I sincerely believe that most of us would like to treat Mother Earth a little better. Perhaps you’ve never had a trash audit at your residence but most of us have freaked out a little after having seen those documentaries on Netflix or the Discovery channel. But sometimes, especially in a county like ours where alternatives are hard to find, going green isn’t always the easy choice.

Many of my friends and colleagues believe that an environmentally friendly lifestyle is just too expensive. And while I am not going to refute the stance, I am here with 5 inexpensive and easy ways to go green that will help you from day one in sending less and less trash to the landfills and our oceans. You can adopt most of these right away and I can promise you one thing, going green saves you money along the way, something you will realize when you start on your zero/less waste lifestyle journey.

Avoid Drinking Bottled Water

It doesn’t get more basic than this – when you purchase bottled water, it adds to plastic pollution causing more damage to the environment than one can imagine. Opting for a reusable water bottle will help you save money plus its all the more convenient and let’s admit it makes you look cooler.

Carry a Reusable Water Bottle to Work & Save on Bottled Water

In Pakistan, you’ve plenty of options to choose from including BPA free (a plastic linked to cancer) plastic water bottles, glass water bottler and stainless steel water bottles. One can easily shift to a reusable water bottle especially at the office or during those hot, humid days at the university.

Bonus Tip: While we are on the subject of reusing, wouldn’t it be the easiest thing ever to switch to a reusable cloth bag for your weekly groceries? Mother Earth will thank you for it.

Turn Everything Off

The easiest of them all and saves you plenty of energy and money along the way. When stepping out of a room, simply switch of all the electrical appliances including the ceiling fan, light bulbs and help contribute to the future of the planet.

Even unplugging your laptop or mobile devices once charged saves you energy and much room on monthly utilities.

Use the Cloth Line or a Laundry Drying Rack

Most of us have seen this as growing up as part of our household but many homes have now upgraded to dryers. The amount of energy a dryer takes up is immeasurable and quite frankly unnecessary.

By opting to dry your clothes using a traditional cloth line or even a contemporary laundry drying rack you will save a tremendous amount of energy. And plus the equipment will last you longer!

Say “NO” to Freebies

Everything from promotional pens to decorative party boxes will probably find a way to your rubbish bin even before completing a life cycle. Besides we all have enough mugs, pens, tees, caps and key chains to sustain one lifetime. By simply saying no to an unnecessary freebie, marketing giveaway or even an extravagant party favour, you will directly contribute towards creating less and less trash in the landfills.

You’ve Enough Pens & Notebooks to Last a Lifetime

Bonus Tip: Perhaps you say “no” to a plastic straw at your favourite restaurant next time and just sip away.

Avoid Gift Wrappings or Even Gifts Completely

I understand that half the fun of a gift comes with personalised gift wrappings, ribbons, bows, tags etc. but how about we change things up and chose not to wrap it in additional paper anymore? Perhaps you can present the gift itself in its natural state? Gift wrappings contribute to wastage of paper, say no and help save world’s trees. Or better yet chose to gift an experience instead of a tangible object. Trust me, your special someone will appreciate a day at the spa and your niece/nephew will cherish membership to the library for years to come.

Bonus Tip: Sometimes, it becomes difficult finding the right kind of experience in your local area, create an at-home experience, a baking/cooking day or a movie night in and that special time will prove to be far more valuable.

It would have been easier to suggest – switching to stainless steel straws and a biodegradable bamboo toothbrush. I would have asked all the ladies out there to switch to a menstrual cup and eliminate almost 12,000 pads/tampons per year from ending up in landfills. But I understand that finding these “cleaner” alternatives isn’t always that easy in the country. So, why not opt for easy, green choices we can make in our homes right away without breaking the bank!

And perhaps begin your Zero Waste Lifestyle journey today.