Finally July is here and Thank God for that! I know atleast in 15 days or so, this parched piece of land in northern India will be awash with Monsoon rains and there will be some drop in the temperature. But the Indian Gods wanted to keep their people humble and realized that Monsoon was too much of a good thing and decided to ensure it increases humidity like nothing; so while the weather will cool, the humidity will make it again nearly impossible to live comfortably. So what’s there to really thank about… One, this ancient land just becomes beautiful during the monsoon, breaking into colors and hues of the most brilliant kind. And finally, if July is here, can October be far??!!
Regardless of weather and such like matters, reading continues and the good part is my Tab is back to the world of living again. One fine day, it stated working again and my Kindle is back up…I am overjoyed! I was not interested in buying a new e-book reader at this point, both due to financial and other concerns and this miracle, for that’s what it is, is much to be thanked for and celebrated. To mark this extremely auspicious occasion, I went on a e-book buying spree (Yes! I know! I will never save money!!!) Most of these are recommendations from Jane and I am really excited about reading them – this spree includes: The Improbability of Love by Hannah Rothschild, Song of the Sea Maid by Rebecca Mascull and The Romance of the Shop by Amy Levy. Also now that my Kindle is back from the dead, there are a couple of books which I had bought but never got around to reading because the self-imposed exile from technical functionality by my Tab. Now I can really begin to pick up those threads again – topping the list are Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim and All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doer. The latter I had bought long back, before it won Pulitzer and all, but had only just started reading it, when the Tab went bust!
In hard copies, I am yet complete Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell as part of Connie’s read along. I know she has taken a hiatus from blogging for a while, but I thought I will plod on. I also have Patrick Leigh Fenmor’s A Time for Gifts and Between Woods and Water. These two titles are a carry-over from last month along with Out of Africa by Karen von Blixen-Finecke; last month as I said was absolutely crazy and got really in way of some solid reading. But I am hoping to complete these three atleast by end of July!
That’s my reading plan for the month! I am really hoping that as things settle down, I will be able to devote more and more time to reading, but I am also cognizant that I am taking on a new job and that will require a lot of effort, to begin with. However I hold on to hope and keep my fingers crossed for some lovely and leisurely hours of uninterrupted reading pleasure!
To end, I leave you with one of my favorite song about Monsoon – it’s in my ethnic language, Bengali. While many of you may not understand the words, the beautiful image of monsoons in this land, transcends language!
Mockingbirds, Looking Glasses & Prejudices... 
I’ve been reading about how hot it has been in India this summer. I hope the rains come soon! I read Out of Africa last month, and I’ll be very curious to see what you think of it.
I will keep you posted!! 🙂
I didn’t know how hot it was in Indi,a but now I’m beginning to wonder if the earth is burning up. We’ve had 36 C temperatures and usually at this time of year it should be anywhere from 22C – 28C. And O in the north of England says it’s the same temperature there. We also received almost no snow on any of the mountains this winter which means we all have to really watch our water consumption. It’s just crazy!
I’m still reading A Time of Gifts. I was so good at the beginning and was even plotting his travels on Google Map but I’ve fallen off in my task. And I’ve kind of lost interest a little in it but I will finish at some point.
I’m glad to hear that all your technology is working again …… I think …… 😉
In any case, all the best with your new job and the new challenges that will come with it!
36C is pleasant for us in India …we hit 50 not too long back!! Did I ever tell you I HATE summers??!! Well..I do!!! Even I have kind of lost interest in Time of Gifts…I had a lot of expectations from this travelogue, but its very monotonous so far…but I will plod on…Thank You for all your wishes…I need them as I move into this new role!!
Enchanted April is sooo good. As is Out of Africa. Enjoy!
I just started on Enchanted April and am loving it!!