Book of the week-1

I have been in the habit of trying to read one book every week. 

Let me introduce this book, A book of simple living, which is a 'gift of beauty and wisdom from India's most loved and understated writer'.

It was the text in the back cover that prompted me to buy this book: "This personal diary records the many small moments that constitute a life of harmony-with the self, the natural world, and friends, family and passersby. In these pages, we see wild plum blossom, and the moon come up between deodar trees; we hear redstart whistle and the rain drum on tin roof; we recognise the aftermath of loss and the consolation of old companions".

Ruskin Bond, while writing this memoirs was past eighty years, and told us in the introduction of the book that ' I know that for the most part I have followed instinct rather than intelligence, and this has resulted in a modicum of happiness.. All that this book can do is to show you that there was fellow traveller'. 

He loved his life passionately, and  he wished that  it 'could go on'. But he referred to his life journey with a sense of ease and freedom, 'But all good things must come to an end, and when the time comes to make my exist, I hope I can do do with grace and humour. But there is time yet, and many small moments to savour'! 

Ruskin, of British descent lived in Landour, Mussoorie, with his Indian adopted family. 

This book is all about his experiences, observations and stories of life events which he watched and became part of during his long years in his cottage. 

There is imagery, facts, fiction, play of language, humour, values, personal reflections on culture and beliefs... no wonder as a writer he distinguished himself and received awards and recognition. 

If you want short stories to let your mind relax and come away with a bagful of insights, this is the book one ought to read slowly over a few days. His pencil sketches would impress you of his artistic skills. Only 150 pages, but it is abundant with life experiences that would awaken our consciousness about the art of observation and imagination! 

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)