A walk amidst the crisp, chilly autumn air in New York was pure and magical. The winds and the leaves were in a symphony. The leaves were dancing to the tunes of the autumn air, and silence was music. The leaves were rustling beneath my feet. I picked one beautiful red maple leaf and tucked it in my book as a bookmark. I was in a reverie with a good book, tea and a friend. Isn't that ideal for a person who loves to read?
Lucky me, as I was going to get what I so wanted! Good books, a big yes! A friend, yes! But not just one or any, but many and all authors. I was going to the literary festival 2022 at the Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC). At first, I felt alienated as I didn't know anyone. But warm smiles followed the event, and as if I knew everybody, I started enjoying myself while getting absorbed into the literary talents around me. The faces we see at the back of the books were standing right there in front of me. I was in awe of them. There were these strong personalities and literary figures with not just stories to tell but inscribing thoughts and values in their writings.
This literary event took me into an academic space where all the literary talent was there for me to absorb. A place where authors matter. Their thoughts matter. It was a haven for readers and writers alike. One could speak their mind and share their views freely.
The smell of books for me weirdly makes me calm down, the new fresh smell of books! Yes, it's a thing! Reading blurbs and through blurbs, the ideas, the illustrations, the cover pages, the authors signing and smiling, and the stalls where all the books lay exhibited for attention was all so refreshing, evoking the writer in me to share my work in future. Their content was so rich with words and ideas that I couldn't help but buy a few books right there and then, autographed by authors who will soon be a part of my thoughts and life once I begin reading their work.
It was an event that few attended, but many should have. We had Priya Kumari, an author with colorful books and even more colorful descriptions of the festivals of India. A lot of authors speak about Indian festivities and food, and culture, but very few know the art to capture the authenticity behind these cultures. In comes Priya Kumari, a woman, a mother, and an entrepreneur with her own publishing house, Eternal Tree Books, encouraging more authors like her and providing a platform for budding authors. She strikes a chord with children, and my child enjoys reading her books.
Then there was Ananta Ripa Ajmera, The Way of the Goddess writer. She is an Ayurvedic practitioner and a spiritual teacher. In her book, she talks about how some daily rituals can awaken our inner warrior and how we discover our true selves. Her observations and learnings are genuinely insightful. This book will never leave my bedside table. It was a dream and delight to have my favorite Deepti Naval among the authors. Once an artist, always an artist and her art come in various forms. She is an actor and now a writer with her book A Country Called Childhood.
It was my first time meeting Ms Trehan, author of The Very Best House in Town. Her soft voice, learned ways, and unique viewpoints could not be missed. Ms Khoda, too had some learned insights to share with everyone. Her poise and answers spoke about her experience in the publishing field. She was kind enough to have gifted me a book for my son. The book is titled Somnath Hore: Wounds. Through the work of art by Somnath Hore, the story talks about real wounds, the hard-hitting topics such as famine and death conveyed to children through the medium of art. It's beautiful and tearful at the same time. It's interactive and wants parents to talk to kids about these facts in a way they would feel and understand the wounds.
These were the in-person sessions that I attended. However, I missed the virtual sessions of my favorite Barkha Dutt, whose book is on my 'want-to-read' list. It's about the rural life of India during Covid. I was intrigued by another book, "Murder at the Mushaira." I loved the plot. I am sure to look into the reviews of this book.
Please let me know if you have read any of these books and how you like them. I would also like to read detailed reviews.
