On a small coffee table, a copy of Shelley Parker-Chan's novel, He who Drowned the World rests on an open notebook next to a croissant, a cup of hot chocolate and a small plant. Photo by Ninay Desai.

DOG-EARED!

He who Drowned the World by Shelley Parker-Chan

A gripping conclusion to The Radiant Emperor series, fuelled by ambition, grief and revenge. Expect ruthlessness, scheming and great writing.

Book Reviews

Ninay Desai

Jan 235 min read

BETWEEN THE BOOKENDS

A copy of Monica Rana's novel The Paths We Choose lies on a wooden table beside a glass of iced tea. A cafe counter with Christmas decorations is seen in the background. Photo by Ninay Desai.

The Paths We Choose by Monica Rana

A compelling coming-of-age story of two sisters and the choices they make during an era of discontent and revolution.

Book Reviews

Ninay Desai

Dec 19, 20253 min read

On a dark brown wicker table lies a copy of Toshikazu Kawaguchi's bestselling novel, Before the Coffee gets Cold with a pair of spectacles propped up against it. Next to the novel is a cup of coffee. In the background of the photograph is a potted plant and the glass wall of the cafe. Photo by Ninay Desai.

Before the Coffee gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

If you could order a coffee and travel back in time to meet someone you've known, who would it be?

Book Reviews

Ninay Desai

Nov 21, 20253 min read

On a white round table in a cafe, lies a copy of Hilary Mantel's historical fiction novel Bring up the Bodies. Beside it are a cup of hot chocolate, a croissant and a small plant. In the background are shelves displaying the cafe's goods. Photo by Ninay Desai

Bring up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel

Certainly brings the goods when it comes to characterization, atmospheric writing and narrative style.

Book Reviews

Ninay Desai

Sep 26, 20255 min read

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa

Too simplistic and lacking in depth to be touching.

Book Reviews

Ninay Desai

Aug 22, 20253 min read

The Enigma of Room 622 by Joel Dicker

Set in the Swiss Alps, this is a murder mystery wrapped in a legacy battle, boardroom intrigue and a love triangle.

Book Reviews

Ninay Desai

Jul 18, 20253 min read

On a teak table, a copy of E Lockhart's novel We were Liars lies open near a blue drink. Tossed near the book is a satin scarf with a paisley pattern. Photo by Ninay Desai

We were Liars by E Lockhart

A private island owned by a privileged family. An accident. Secrets. Forbidden Love. And lies upon lies.

Book Reviews

Ninay Desai

Jun 20, 20254 min read

In a cafe nestled amidst trees and plants, on a glass table lies a frappe, a pair of black sunglasses and a copy of Malcolm Gladwell's David and Goliath. Photo by Ninay Desai.

David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell

Challenging perceptions of strength and weakness, it is interesting in parts but not quite a slay.

Book Reviews

Ninay Desai

May 16, 20253 min read

On a slatted wooden table sit a bunch of pink peonies with some greens arranged in a small teal green watering can. Besides it, lies a copy of Jojo Moyes' novel Me before You and a light brown notebook with a pen drawing of a Paris scene on its cover. Photo by Ninay Desai.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Old-fashioned friendship-turned-romance with a bittersweet ending.

Book Reviews

Ninay Desai

Apr 18, 20253 min read

An Officer and A Spy by Robert Harris

A gripping, impeccably-crafted and poignant historical espionage novel about the Dreyfus Affair.

Book Reviews

Ninay Desai

Mar 14, 20254 min read

A copy of Matt Ridley's The Evolution of Everything with a bright yellow cover lies propped face-down on a wooden table with an iced coffee, a bowl of French fries and pair of sunglasses. Photo by Ninay Desai.

The Evolution of Everything by Matt Ridley

Interesting in the beginning but let down by the clumsy cherry-picking of data.

Book Reviews

Ninay Desai

Jan 17, 20254 min read

A Stain on the Silence by Andrew Taylor

Stuck in the no-man's land between being plot-driven and character-driven, this isn't Taylor's best work by far.

Book Reviews

Ninay Desai

Dec 6, 20242 min read

On a glass coffee table next to a tea light lies a copy of Paula Hawkins' psychological thriller A Slow Fire Burning. On it, is perched a pair of glasses. Photo by Ninay Desai.

A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins

A slow burn murder mystery brimming with a host of unlikeable characters with reasons to kill.

Book Reviews

Ninay Desai

Oct 25, 20243 min read

A copy of Elif Shafak's novel, 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in this Strange World sits near a takeaway frappe on a wooden table. In the background is a bookshelf, customers and baristas of a coffee shop. Photo: Ninay Desai

10 Minutes 38 Seconds in this Strange World by Elif Shafak

Breaks your heart, then mends it in the glorious tradition of bitter-sweet stories.

Book Reviews

Ninay Desai

Sep 27, 20243 min read

On a pale yellow and cream checkered tablecloth lies a copy of Kim Edwards’ The Lake of Dreams propped up on another book next to a small flowering plant and a greyish-blue and off-white throw. Photo by Ninay Desai

The Lake of Dreams by Kim Edwards

The discovery of a packet of letters sets Lucy on a trail to unravel the mystery surrounding the life of an unacknowledged female ancestor.

Book Reviews

Ninay Desai

Aug 30, 20243 min read

A copy of Helen Simonson's Major Pettigrew's Last Stand lies on a dark slatted coffee table with a tall glass of iced coffee. In the background are the streaky reflections of the cafe's indoor lights. Photo by Ninay Desai

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson

A heart-warming golden romance drizzled with a sauce of social satire.

Book Reviews

Ninay Desai

Jul 19, 20243 min read

Less by Andrew Sean Greer

Follows in the footsteps of Eat, Pray, Love without the well-defined goals!

Book Reviews

Ninay Desai

Jun 7, 20243 min read

A copy of Kiley Reid's Such a Fun Age is lies in the grass. A straw hat with a broad multi-coloured ribbon is tossed close to the book. Next to it lies a small bottle with an orange drink. Photo by Ninay Desai.

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

Fresh and pacy on the outside, thought-provoking and wise on the inside. This is a coming of age story with a difference.

Book Reviews

Ninay Desai

Apr 26, 20243 min read

Dollars and Sense by Dan Ariely and Jeff Kreisler

A humourous take on how we think about money matters and why it matters.

Book Reviews

Ninay Desai

Apr 5, 20244 min read

The Scent of Death by Andrew Taylor

A slow-burning historical crime novel set during the American Revolution that will have you turning pages late into the night.

Book Reviews

Ninay Desai

Mar 8, 20244 min read

On a baby blue chunky knitted blanket lie an open book, three pears and a cup of tea.

Book Recommendations to Overcome a Reading Slump

Want to read more but your current book is a snoozefest? Find your next read here.

Book Reviews

Ninay Desai

Feb 9, 20244 min read

A platter of cheesy garlic bread on a table with a mosaic tabletop. Beside the platter lies a copy of Sally Rooney's novel Beautiful World, Where are you and a cafe frappe. Photo by Ninay Desai.

Beautiful World, Where are you by Sally Rooney

Lyrical and seasoned with intellectual and philosophical ideas but sorely lacking in genuine conflict.

Book Reviews

Ninay Desai

Jan 19, 20246 min read

The Best Books I Read this Year

I've had a tough time picking my favourites from the year gone by. I hope you find your favourite in the list.

Book Reviews

Ninay Desai

Dec 22, 20233 min read

A copy of Simon Sinek's Leaders Eat Last lying on a stubbled ground, propped up against a folded red-and-white umbrella. A sugarcane field and an electric transformer are visible in the background. Photo by Ninay Desai.

Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek

Our biology, culture, and values shape effective leadership. Sinek illustrates how true leadership can turn the tables on tough times.

Book Reviews

Ninay Desai

Nov 24, 20234 min read

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

Read this novel for the narrator. #Goenzo

Book Reviews

Ninay Desai

Nov 10, 20234 min read

A copy of Matt Haig's The Midnight Library lies on a midnight blue cloth with its folds catching the light, making it glisten. A string of tiny twinkly lights is strewn around the book. Photo by Ninay Desai.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

If you're looking for an uplifting and easy read, you're in the right place. A bit predictable but engaging, nonetheless.

Book Reviews

Ninay Desai

Oct 13, 20234 min read

She who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan

This historical fantasy novel about a peasant girl's battle to survive and persevere on the path to greatness is an absolute triumph.

Book Reviews

Ninay Desai

Sep 22, 20236 min read

Everything I never told you by Celeste Ng

A moving debut novel about the things we hide to keep the peace in our families while half-hoping that someone will see through the charade.

Book Reviews

Ninay Desai

Sep 1, 20234 min read

Orienting - An Indian in Japan by Pallavi Aiyar

Combining her admiration for Japanese culture with the critical eye of a journalist, Aiyar writes an ode to her years in Japan.

Book Reviews

Ninay Desai

Aug 11, 20234 min read

The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton

A cursed ship. An eight-month long voyage. Several people with reasons to loathe each other. And ominous signs of the Devil's presence.

Book Reviews

Ninay Desai

Jul 28, 20234 min read

The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams

A quick read about the unlikely bond between a teenager and an elderly widower, catalyzed by eight books.

Book Reviews

Ninay Desai

Jul 7, 20233 min read

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