Ekta | wisdomekta

I have read this book before, but I now appreciate it in a deeper way. With adding up of days in my livings and as I reflect on reality (my version of it…of course), while obligations at home and work keep me engaged, I wonder. I find myself questioning the value in my daily life, reminding me that life is a journey of exploration. Each day brings unique experiences and decisions and this re-read brought a reminder to discover what truly matters and what my priorities are. Franz Kafka’s “ The Metamorphosis” is an important modern literary work, published in 1915. The novella tells the story of Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman. One morning, he wakes up and discovers that he has turned into a giant insect. At first, he worries more about missing work than about his transformation, showing how deeply he feels responsible. As Gregor’s situation gets worse, the emotions in his family change, leading readers to think about similarities between his world and their own. Gregor’s ...

Disclaimer- This post is part of the trait-series-for-kids, which I began to search and write for my kids in 2019. With this series of blog posts containing knowledge-slash-experience, I pray from the almighty that our kids have a simple and magical life. The contents of the series are the outcome of some research, readings, first-hand experiences, and self-reflection. Dear Söhne (Sons in German), Life is wonderfully simple, and yet sometimes we make it a bit more complex than it needs to be! I recently had an intense experience where I fainted. It felt like my world was spinning, followed by a wave of numbness and some intense vomiting. Throughout it all, my mind was stubbornly focused on the commitment I had made for the day, even though my body was clearly telling me to slow down. It might seem easy for you to say, " Mumma, you should rest! " but I tangled myself up with the importance of my promises. That experience encouraged me to hit the reset button on my goals and ...

“Everything is not black and white; the world is grey.” The lawyer turned author Simran Dhir, presents her debut novel, which incorporates all the elements that an elite Delhiite might encounter: politics, love, marriage, vandalism, history, and intellect. This narrative revolves around four main characters: Gayatri, Akshay, Nandini, and Amar. Gayatri is a 32-year-old self-aware, independent, and lovable bachelorette who fights for her beliefs, all while facing constant pressure from her family. Her younger sister, Nandini, has recently married Amar, a man from a well-respected business and politician family, and is a younger brother of Akshay. While Gayatri has always been a free spirit, having left her corporate law firm to pursue a career as a historian, Akshay holds completely different views. Without revealing the intricate details of this drama reminiscent of OTT series, I want to commend the author for the delicate way in which she addresses domestic issues and house...

“The feeling that she had never really lived in this world caught her by surprise. It was a fact. She had never lived. Even as a child, as far back as she could remember, she had done nothing but endure. She had believed in her own inherent goodness, her humanity, and lived accordingly, never causing anyone harm. Her devotion to doing things the right way had been un-flagging, all her success had depended on it, and she would have gone on like that indefinitely. She didn’t understand why, but faced with those decaying buildings and straggling grasses, she was nothing but a child who had never lived.” This tragic gem begins with a dream. Let me begin this review with the conclusion : This dark allegorical novel, winner of the 2024 Nobel Prize, is not for the faint-hearted. It carries a trigger warning due to its intense themes of trauma, violence, and repression while providing valuable insights into societal structures and personal struggles. The Vegetarian is a story in th...

And the story continues to flow smoothly like water. The charm and emotions follow Days at the Morisaki Bookshop . In this novel, we find a deepening of the relationship between Takako, her uncle Satoru, and the people in their lives. The book roams around themes of family, love, grief, healing, and personal growth, as well as the magical power of books and bookstores. Takako, the protagonist from the first book, is in a much better place. No longer the heartbroken, directionless young woman seeking refuge above her uncle's shop, she's now confidently pursuing a career in design while still lending a hand at the Morisaki Bookshop. Her relationship with books has deepened, and it's a joy to see her enthusiasm for literature blossom. But the real heart of this story belongs to Takako's aunt and uncle, Momoko and Satoru. Their reunion at the end of the previous book hinted at unresolved tensions and doesn't shy away from exploring the complexities of their ...

This book, given to me by one of my favourite people, is titled “Strong Mothers, Strong Sons: Lessons Mothers Need to Raise Extraordinary Men." It led me to explore the insights of Meg Meeker on raising boys. The bond between a mother and her son is truly fascinating! Since mothers have never been boys themselves, they often find it a bit tricky to navigate this journey . Every caring mom wishes to raise her son into a responsible and successful man, but figuring out how to do that can sometimes feel overwhelming. This book aims to offer helpful insights and guidance along the way! Before you read it further, let me make a disclaimer that kids are kids, irrespective of gender . However, it is up to us how we groom them, and it is upon them how they receive, perceive, and implement the lessons from their upbringing. The book is dense in the sense that Dr. Meeker presents a clinical perspective in a tone that feels more like words. She shares what she’s learned from man...