The Book Nook

A Life-Changing List “The Reading List” by Sara Nisha Adams is a fictional work inspired by real-life events in the author’s life.  This character-driven novel has appeal for those seeking a gentle contemporary read about loneliness and an unlikely friendship.  The premise is that something as inconsequential as a reading list found in a library book has the power to bring meaningful change to a community. Mukesh is a widower living a quiet life in West London.  After two years he still misses his wife and continues resisting advice to be more social.  Weekly trips to the grocery store are all he can manage and the thought of leaving home for anything else seems impossible. One thing he would like is a closer relationship with his granddaughter, but they have nothing in common.  He likes watching television documentaries, which don’t interest her.  She’d rather read and Mukesh doesn’t understand the attraction.  His wife was a huge reader and he envies how books helped her bond with their granddaughter. When he finds a long overdue library book his wife must have forgotten, he intends to return it but finds himself procrastinating.  It’s called “The Time Traveler’s Wife” and just holding it makes him feel closer to his beloved.  It also triggers regrets that he never thought to ask her about her the many novels she obviously enjoyed.  He decides to read it and, after a few failed attempts, is captivated by the love story, which he feels mirrors what he and his wife shared. This simple act gives him the courage to venture out and return the book to his local library.  He’s even decided to ask for help finding another novel.  Unfortunately, the person on duty is Aleisha, a bored teenager who dislikes reading and her job.  What she hates most is helping patrons, especially those who expect her to give reading suggestions.  Their encounter goes badly and Mukesh storms out. Aleisha regrets her handling of the situation but is so frustrated.  She’s unable to keep a problematic home life from affecting her work.  As much as she dislikes her job, she can’t afford to lose it.  The incident with Mukesh prompts an ultimatum from her boss – improve her service to patrons or find another job.  That means reading books, and as horrible as that seems, she knows it’s her only option. Luck favors her when she discovers someone’s reading list at the library.  She makes an impromptu decision to try the first book and is surprised to find it’s more interesting than she expected, providing a wonderful escape from her problems. Understandably wary about returning to the library, Mukesh is relieved when his second visit goes much better and he leaves with a recommended novel.  After finishing it, he finds himself thinking about the characters, realizing they can provide guidance for dealing with life.  He’s curious whether another book will be as wonderful, warmed by the thought that he now knows why they were so important to his wife. As Aleisha makes her way through the list, she also finds the books helpful in multiple ways.  As the list if found by more readers, it impacts them differently, providing opportunities to connect with others.  While some will be touched by tragedy, strangers will be united for a common cause. The author uses her characters to propel a plot that emphasizes the many benefits of reading.  Darker issues such as depression and suicide play a role, but are not used gratuitously.  While the origin of the reading list remains a mystery for much of the tale, the source is revealed at the end.  The author’s love of books radiates throughout the story.  Adams is a fiction editor who received praise from several arenas for this work, her first published novel.   She notes that books provided a springboard for forging a connection with her own grandfather, which inspired this heartwarming story. Interestingly, she favored hard copy books over electronic versions in her story, and her partiality is echoed by the many readers who note their love for the tactile feel of a book.  They may be onto something, as studies show our overall comprehension is higher when reading something on paper compared to a screen.  Also, we blink less frequently when reading online as opposed to paper, which can contributes to eye strain.  Regardless of your personal preference, the author makes a good case for fiction’s role as a coping mechanism. That could be a good discussion point for book clubs, although this novel contains several topics to fuel conversation, such as love or dysfunctional families.  Other angles could be a discussion of the power of reading or what fiction can teach us about life.  The reading list itself is an interesting mix of older and contemporary novels that will be familiar to many.  Or club members might be inspired to create their own list to share. If you’re seeking an uplifting read, give this one a try.  It’s a warm tribute to reading and custom made for those who love books about books.  One reader commented that this sweet story might prompt some to leave their own anonymous lists of their favorites for others to find.  Time will tell, but what a lovely thought.