#2. Love among the bookshelves — Ruskin Bond
As with most other Ruskin Bond’s books — this is a light read. This book not only gave me a peek into what encouraged Ruskin Bond to become a voracious reader and a successful writer, but also gave me an insight into some of the authors whom he admired. The latter helped me identify and pick up hidden gems in my library and make note of the authors whom I should go after in the days to come.
Excerpts from the works of P.G.Wodehouse, H.E.Bates, Richard Jefferies & Charles Dickens are provided. H.E.Bates’ short story, Great Uncle Crow, impressed me the most. This was the part of the book I enjoyed the most. As I have already forged an acquaintance with Ukridge (P.G.Wodehouse), it was not a huge surprise to find out that Ruskin Bond takes a big liking to him. Nevertheless, for the purpose of those unfortunate men and women who are yet to explore Wodehouse (and especially Ukridge), I strongly urge you to take it up. I lose the privilege to comment on Richard Jefferies, as I skimmed through the excerpt from Story of My Heart at the rate of knots. But if you are a nature lover and an ambassador of patience, this is definitely for you.
As for Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens (who is highly revered by Ruskin Bond and so many others around the world), it was hunted down from the bookshelf and given a hasty dusting to escape the eyes of those who value cleanliness above all and made to hibernate beside me on the bed, when not read sparingly.
Love among the bookshelves is more about other authors, I would say.
