Anuradha Sowmyanarayanan (Author of ARTS AND CRAFTS OF INDIA)

Anuradha Sowmyanarayanan wrote a new blog post Custard Apple: The Fruit That Announces Its Season Yesterday, there were so many custard apples in the market that it felt as though a whole farm had been placed right in front of me. The season Read more of this blog post »
6 hours, 36 min ago · like
Anuradha Sowmyanarayanan rated a book really liked it Love, Mismatched: Our love story is on mute ,But the subtitles are hilarious. by Rajani Tewari	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
The author is a corporate warrior by day and a wordsmith by midnight. After penning GUILT TRIP and THE AUDACITY OF BEING ENOUGH, both featuring bold, hilarious and quirky female characters, she now turns the spotlight to love in its messy, mushy and ...more
Sep 27, 2026 01:53AM · like · see review
Anuradha Sowmyanarayanan rated a book really liked it The Bloomsbury Book of Great Indian Love Poems by Abhay K.	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
“Genuine poetry can communicate before it is understood.” — T. S. Eliot That is exactly what The Bloomsbury Book of Great Indian Love Poems does. Before you understand it completely, you will begin enjoying the poem. This book of great Indian love poe ...more
Sep 24, 2026 01:51AM · like · see review
Anuradha Sowmyanarayanan rated a book really liked it The Book Of Bihari Literature by Abhay K.	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
“All languages, large and small, have a lot to contribute to our common humanity.” — Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o Pali, Urdu, Sanskrit, Prakrit, Maithili, Persian, Bhojpuri, Hindi, Bajjika, Magahi, Angika, and English — all these languages and the works in thes ...more
Sep 23, 2026 03:07AM · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of The Book Of Bihari Literature by Abhay K.. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — The Book Of Bihari Literature by Abhay K. <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Anuradha Sowmyanarayanan is now following Niklas Göke Author of The 4 Minute Millionaire: 44 Lessons to Rethink...
Sep 20, 2026 08:44PM · like
Anuradha Sowmyanarayanan rated a book really liked it A BOOK OF BOOKS by Sonali Bendre Behl	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Some books find their way to us unexpectedly. Some remain on our wish list for a long time, waiting for the right moment. A Book of Books by Sonali Bendre Behl belongs to the second category for me. It had been a long-standing dream of mine to own ...more
Aug 09, 2026 09:41PM · like · see review
Anuradha Sowmyanarayanan rated a book really liked it Happy Go Funny: The Lighter Moments of Life by Khyrunnisa A.	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Some books make us think, some inspire us, and a few simply make us laugh. Happy Go Funny – The Lighter Moments of Life by Khyrunnisa A. belongs to the last category, yet it achieves something much deeper. It reminds us that humour is hidden in the ...more
Jul 17, 2026 03:03AM · like · see review
Anuradha Sowmyanarayanan rated a book really liked it Buildit: Building Blinkit in An Evolving India by Albinder Singh Dhindsa	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Buildit, by Albinder Singh Dhindsa and published by HarperCollins, is a book that shares the experiences and journey of a startup founder in India. The book begins from the very beginning and traces the process of building a remarkable business empir ...more
May 19, 2026 09:56PM · 1 like · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Buildit by Albinder Singh Dhindsa. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Buildit by Albinder Singh Dhindsa <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Anuradha Sowmyanarayanan has read Chillies: A Global History (The Edible Series) by Heather Arndt Anderson (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
In every kitchen across the world, chillies add more than heat to food — they add memory, emotion, identity, and affection. Heather Arndt Anderson’s Chillies: A Global History is a delightful and informative exploration of this fiery ingredient that ...more
May 13, 2026 03:33AM · like · see review
Anuradha Sowmyanarayanan rated a book really liked it Slow Living: What You Can Do About Climate Change by Vandana Shiva	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Slow Living by Vandana Shiva and Shreya Jani is a powerful and timely reflection on the ecological crisis facing our planet and the urgent need to restore balance between humans and nature. The book poignantly captures the agony endured by Mother Ea ...more
Apr 05, 2026 04:29AM · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Slow Living by Vandana Shiva. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Slow Living by Vandana Shiva <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">

Anuradha Sowmyanarayanan wrote a new blog post

Custard Apple: The Fruit That Announces Its Season

Yesterday, there were so many custard apples in the market that it felt as though a whole farm had been placed right in front of me. The season Read more of this blog post »

Anuradha Sowmyanarayanan rated a book really liked it

Love, Mismatched: Our love story is on mute ,But the subtitles are hilarious.
by Rajani Tewari

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

The author is a corporate warrior by day and a wordsmith by midnight. After penning GUILT TRIP and THE AUDACITY OF BEING ENOUGH, both featuring bold, hilarious and quirky female characters, she now turns the spotlight to love in its messy, mushy and ...more

Anuradha Sowmyanarayanan rated a book really liked it

The Bloomsbury Book of Great Indian Love Poems
by Abhay K.

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

“Genuine poetry can communicate before it is understood.” — T. S. Eliot

That is exactly what The Bloomsbury Book of Great Indian Love Poems does. Before you understand it completely, you will begin enjoying the poem. This book of great Indian love poe ...more

Anuradha Sowmyanarayanan rated a book really liked it

The Book Of Bihari Literature
by Abhay K.

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

“All languages, large and small, have a lot to contribute to our common humanity.”
— Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o

Pali, Urdu, Sanskrit, Prakrit, Maithili, Persian, Bhojpuri, Hindi, Bajjika, Magahi, Angika, and English — all these languages and the works in thes ...more

Anuradha Sowmyanarayanan is now following

Niklas Göke

Author of The 4 Minute Millionaire: 44 Lessons to Rethink...

Anuradha Sowmyanarayanan rated a book really liked it

A BOOK OF BOOKS
by Sonali Bendre Behl

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Some books find their way to us unexpectedly. Some remain on our wish list for a long time, waiting for the right moment. A Book of Books by Sonali Bendre Behl belongs to the second category for me. It had been a long-standing dream of mine to own
Some books find their way to us unexpectedly. Some remain on our wish list for a long time, waiting for the right moment. A Book of Books by Sonali Bendre Behl belongs to the second category for me. It had been a long-standing dream of mine to own this book, especially after reading so many reviews and recommendations from readers around the world. When I finally got my hands on it, the dream came true—100 per cent!

Published by HarperCollins, this is a book that is impressive in more ways than one. It is literally heavy because of its size and weight, but it is equally heavy in terms of its content and quality.

From the moment you open it, the colourful presentation draws you in. The smooth pages, attractive fonts and delightful illustrations scattered throughout the book make it difficult to put down. Designed by Rohini Thapar, the book is visually inviting and thoughtfully put together. Even adults can become a little crazy about simply holding and turning its pages—and the joy of reading gets doubled.

But this is much more than a beautifully designed book. It takes readers on a fascinating journey through the world of books and reading—from ancient times to the present day. Libraries, books, different formats of reading, book clubs and book recommendations are all explored with enthusiasm and care.

What makes the book particularly special is its larger purpose: to encourage people to read and to help them discover or rediscover the joy of reading. The message is not merely stated; it is supported with information, examples and evidence, making the book a testimony to the wonderful world of books, readers and the reading habit.

The profound joy of reading is presented throughout the book in an accessible and encouraging manner. For someone who is new to reading, it offers a gentle beginning. For those who have drifted away from books for some time, it provides the encouragement to start afresh and continue. That assurance comes through clearly.

The importance of developing the reading habit from a young age is also emphasised, with suggestions for children as well as adults. The recommendations and guidance are presented step by step, making the journey into reading feel achievable rather than overwhelming.

I particularly enjoyed the interactive elements. Some pages are deliberately left blank, inviting readers to pause, reflect and respond to prompts. These exercises encourage us to focus, imagine, set a vision and think about our own relationship with books and reading.

A Book of Books is, therefore, not simply a book about books. It is an invitation to become a reader, to return to reading, and to celebrate the happiness that books can bring.

For anyone who loves books, for those who want to develop a reading habit, and especially for those who have somehow lost touch with reading, this is a must-have addition to the bookshelf. It is the kind of book you can return to whenever you need to strengthen your reading habit or simply remind yourself why you fell in love with books in the first place.

By the time you close the book, you may feel as though you have climbed a mountain—or risen like a great tower—with a sense of pride and happiness at being part of the wonderful world of books and readers.

A book of books, indeed—and a celebration of the profound joy of reading. ...more

Anuradha Sowmyanarayanan rated a book really liked it

Happy Go Funny: The Lighter Moments of Life
by Khyrunnisa A.

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Some books make us think, some inspire us, and a few simply make us laugh. Happy Go Funny – The Lighter Moments of Life by Khyrunnisa A. belongs to the last category, yet it achieves something much deeper. It reminds us that humour is hidden in the ...more

Anuradha Sowmyanarayanan rated a book really liked it

Buildit: Building Blinkit in An Evolving India
by Albinder Singh Dhindsa

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Buildit, by Albinder Singh Dhindsa and published by HarperCollins, is a book that shares the experiences and journey of a startup founder in India. The book begins from the very beginning and traces the process of building a remarkable business empir Buildit, by Albinder Singh Dhindsa and published by HarperCollins, is a book that shares the experiences and journey of a startup founder in India. The book begins from the very beginning and traces the process of building a remarkable business empire through hardships, struggles, and perseverance. It offers a broad perspective on the startup ecosystem in India and presents valuable insights into entrepreneurship and business development.

The author, who is also the founder of the startup, explains the focus and mindset required to build a business in India and how the Indian market differs from many other parts of the world. He discusses what truly matters in India and how businesses evolve as they grow and move forward. The book emphasizes that progress in business is not solely connected to talent and hard work, but also to understanding the environment, adapting to workplace culture, and responding effectively to changing circumstances.

The book explains the uniqueness of the startup, the vision behind it, how it evolved over time, and the support system that contributed to its growth. It covers every stage of the journey: from the initial idea, startup formation, innovation, and implementation to the challenges of finding workers, especially unskilled labor, and the difficulties associated with managing and developing human resources.

As the company expanded, new challenges emerged, including warehouses, dark stores, venture capital, competition, and customer service. Throughout these stages, technology remained central, along with a strong desire to create a service that would genuinely benefit customers. The development of an app capable of providing quick and efficient delivery became one of the major milestones in the company’s journey.

The author also discusses the influence of culture and socio-economic backgrounds on startups in India, as well as customers’ fixed perceptions and expectations regarding businesses and startups. These factors create a wide range of challenges. The book explains how one can overcome such difficulties without losing sight of goals, values, ethics, and a moral compass. It serves as an important source of learning for aspiring entrepreneurs and startup planners.

The discussion extends further to the roles of social media, government policies, urban landscapes, and infrastructure. The author highlights the everyday realities that startups must face while trying to establish themselves and explains the importance of cooperation, adaptation, and educating people. The book also introduces concepts such as the “pigeon poop problem” (explained on page 87), demonstrating how even unexpected and seemingly small challenges can influence business operations and growth.

The author describes how he addressed these obstacles one by one and gradually climbed the ladder of success through determination and sustained effort while maintaining enthusiasm and focus. The saying, “Rome was not built in a day,” accurately reflects the time, patience, and commitment required to achieve what the company has become today.

The book also raises an interesting question: does a name really matter? Shakespeare wrote, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose / By any other name would smell as sweet.” However, the transition from Grofers to Blinkit demonstrates that names can carry significant meaning in business because they reflect identity and communicate the service being offered.

Apart from rebranding, the author also discusses important aspects of business growth, including ESOPs, strategic pivots, customer feedback, and strengthening the startup ecosystem.

Overall, Buildit is more than a story of building a successful startup; it is an account of vision, resilience, innovation, and execution in the Indian entrepreneurial landscape. The book provides practical lessons and inspiration for readers interested in startups and business development, showing that success requires patience, adaptability, determination, and a clear sense of purpose.

As a personal reflection inspired by the ideas and experiences presented in the book:

“Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent execution, and the vision to see obstacles as opportunities; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives—choice, not chance, determines your destiny.”

This thought captures the spirit of perseverance and continuous effort reflected throughout the journey described in the book. ...more

Anuradha Sowmyanarayanan has read

Chillies: A Global History (The Edible Series)
by Heather Arndt Anderson (Goodreads Author)

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

In every kitchen across the world, chillies add more than heat to food — they add memory, emotion, identity, and affection. Heather Arndt Anderson’s Chillies: A Global History is a delightful and informative exploration of this fiery ingredient that In every kitchen across the world, chillies add more than heat to food — they add memory, emotion, identity, and affection. Heather Arndt Anderson’s Chillies: A Global History is a delightful and informative exploration of this fiery ingredient that has shaped cuisines, cultures, trade, and traditions across continents. Slim in size yet rich in content, this book is a quick and engaging read filled with fresh insights about chillies from around the globe.

The smooth narrative flow makes the book highly accessible even to readers unfamiliar with culinary history. What stands out immediately is the author’s ability to combine botany, anthropology, food history, folklore, and everyday culture into one fascinating account. The final pages, dedicated to references, bibliography, index, and rare traditional recipes, add scholarly depth to this compact volume.

One of the most interesting aspects of the book is its focus on ethnic communities, ethnographers, traders, and travellers whose contributions helped transform chilli from a local crop into a global spice. Anderson vividly explains how birds helped spread chilli plants naturally across regions, while human trade routes and empires carried chilli into kitchens worldwide. The discussion of chilli colours, varieties, and botanical and scientific names enriches the reader’s understanding of this everyday ingredient.

The book is filled with striking historical details. Chillies were once considered precious commodities and even gifted as treasures. The role of chilli merchants in ancient trade networks and the influence of the Ottoman Empire in popularising chillies are particularly noteworthy. Equally fascinating is the description of how the intense heat of chillies was once used as a form of punishment for unruly children, revealing how deeply intertwined spices were with social customs and parenting practices.

The sections dealing with India are especially engaging for Indian readers. The author explains how the Portuguese introduced chillies to Goa, permanently changing Indian cuisine. References to Guntur Sannam chillies and the creation of vindaloo highlight how regional food traditions evolved through cultural exchange. Equally memorable are the discussions on Hungarian chilli agriculture, the pepper festivals of southern Italy, and the tragic decline of Aleppo pepper cultivation during the Syrian conflict.

Anderson also successfully connects the history of chilli with music, literature, and medicine. Particularly charming are the references to Purandara Dasa’s compositions, Thai royal boat songs, and the spread of chillies through Buddhist trade networks along the Silk Route. The introduction of chilli oil in China and the medicinal use of chillies in pain management demonstrate how this spice became essential not only in food but also in survival and healing.

Reading this book also evokes personal memories for many readers. It reminded me of my grandmother, who often prepared a paste of green chillies or black pepper by pounding them in a traditional stone mortar and applying it to the forehead to relieve headaches and colds. What once sounded like old household wisdom now finds scientific validation in the book’s discussion of the medicinal properties of capsaicin. I was also reminded of a relative who developed an allergy to green chillies in a household that mainly used dried red chillies — an example of how varied human responses to spice can be.

While the book mainly focuses on the historical and cultural journey of chillies, it also made me reflect on how our relationship with spice has changed over time. In earlier days, chilli pepper eating competitions were often associated with machismo and displays of endurance. Today, however, chillies have become part of everyday leisure and popular food culture. We happily sprinkle extra chilli flakes on pizza toppings, enjoy spicy devilled cashew nuts while watching late-night IPL matches, and seek out fiery flavours for comfort and excitement.

The references in the book to ancient Thai boat songs and Purandara Dasa’s kirtis also reminded me that the fascination with mirchi continues even in modern entertainment. Bollywood too has celebrated the playful and fiery symbolism of chillies in songs like “Uff Uff Mirchi” and “Tujhko Mirchi Lagi Toh Main Kya Karoon,” showing how deeply embedded chillies remain in Indian cultural imagination.

Among the volumes in the Edible Series, Chillies: A Global History stands out for its lively storytelling and remarkable range of information. Heather Arndt Anderson has succeeded in documenting not just the history of a spice, but also the emotions, migrations, economies, and memories associated with it. This book deserves appreciation for preserving knowledge that future generations may otherwise lose. It encourages readers to value, preserve, and celebrate what nature has bestowed upon humanity.

Insightful, entertaining, and culturally rich, this book is highly recommended for food lovers, historians, culinary enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the extraordinary journey of the humble chilli. ...more

Anuradha Sowmyanarayanan rated a book really liked it

Slow Living: What You Can Do About Climate Change
by Vandana Shiva

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Slow Living by Vandana Shiva and Shreya Jani is a powerful and timely reflection on the ecological crisis facing our planet and the urgent need to restore balance between humans and nature. The book poignantly captures the agony endured by Mother Ea Slow Living by Vandana Shiva and Shreya Jani is a powerful and timely reflection on the ecological crisis facing our planet and the urgent need to restore balance between humans and nature. The book poignantly captures the agony endured by Mother Earth due to unsustainable human activities, while simultaneously offering practical and philosophical solutions for a greener and more harmonious world.

At its core, the book addresses a question many readers often have: Why should I read this, and what will I gain from it? The authors respond by presenting a perspective that transcends individual benefit. Reading this book is not merely a personal intellectual exercise; it is an act that contributes to a broader collective consciousness. The insights gained have implications not just for the reader but for the well-being of the entire planet, emphasising the deep interdependence between humans and nature.

The concept of “slow living” is central to the book and is explored with clarity and depth. The authors stress that understanding the true meaning of “slow” is essential before engaging with the text. Contrary to common misconceptions, slow living is not about inactivity, but about mindful, holistic, and sustainable ways of being. The book itself embodies this philosophy, aligning its message with its method, thereby standing as a true representation of its title.

The book comprehensively addresses every aspect of human life through the lens of slow living, including health, clothing, democracy, and the economy. It leaves readers in a state of thoughtful reflection, often wondering how our ancestors practiced such a balanced and sustainable way of life. By drawing on both traditional wisdom and insights from contemporary experts, the authors guide readers toward collectively overcoming the present ecological crisis. While acknowledging that the situation is critical and that much damage has already been done, the book maintains that recovery is not impossible. It expresses a deep faith in Mother Earth’s enduring qualities of compassion, resilience, and nurturing care. At the same time, it calls for conscious and courageous action, urging individuals and communities to stand united in protecting the commons and challenging exploitative systems driven by patents and large corporate interests that often work against ecological and human well-being.

One of the strengths of the book lies in its structured presentation of ideas. It clearly contrasts destructive modern practices with sustainable alternatives, often presenting differences and their impacts in an accessible, point-wise manner. The authors trace the roots of the ecological rupture created by human actions, examining its causes and consequences, while also highlighting global campaigns, movements, and initiatives aimed at environmental restoration.

A recurring theme throughout the book is hope. The authors assert that there is indeed a remedy to the environmental crisis caused by fast-paced, consumption-driven lifestyles—biodiversity. They emphasise that addressing climate change requires awareness and responsibility in every aspect of daily life, particularly in relation to shared resources or “commons.” The book advocates for a shift in mindset: from individualistic thinking to a collective, interconnected approach.

Enriching the narrative are quotes from diverse voices worldwide, reinforcing the universal nature of the message. Additionally, the book offers practical guidance through wisdom traditions, sustainable recipes, “grandmother universities,” and community-level initiatives. These elements ground the philosophy of slow living in actionable steps, demonstrating that meaningful change begins with small, consistent efforts—where every drop truly counts.

In conclusion, Slow Living is not just a book but a call to action. It challenges readers to rethink their lifestyles and adopt practices that nurture both humanity and the Earth. By emphasising unity, sustainability, and mindfulness, the authors present a compelling vision for a prosperous and ecologically balanced future. ...more

Anuradha Sowmyanarayanan’s Followers (3)

Anuradha’s Bookshelves

Anuradha’s Friends (1)

Anuradha Sowmyanarayanan

Goodreads Author

20 posts
Anuradha Sowmyanarayanan's Blog

Custard Apple: The Fruit That Announces Its Season

Combine Editions
Anuradha Sowmyanarayanan’s books

rss
Anuradha’s Recent Updates

Custard Apple: The Fruit That Announces Its Season

See a Problem?

Preview — The Book Of Bihari Literature by Abhay K.

See a Problem?

Preview — Buildit by Albinder Singh Dhindsa

See a Problem?

Preview — Slow Living by Vandana Shiva

Anuradha’s Friend Comments

Anuradha Sowmyanarayanan’s Followers (3)

Anuradha’s Bookshelves

Anuradha’s Friends (1)

Anuradha Sowmyanarayanan

Goodreads Author

20 postsAnuradha Sowmyanarayanan's Blog

Custard Apple: The Fruit That Announces Its Season

Combine EditionsAnuradha Sowmyanarayanan’s books

rssAnuradha’s Recent Updates

Custard Apple: The Fruit That Announces Its Season

See a Problem?

Preview — The Book Of Bihari Literature by Abhay K.

See a Problem?

Preview — Buildit by Albinder Singh Dhindsa

See a Problem?

Preview — Slow Living by Vandana Shiva

Anuradha’s Friend Comments

20 posts
Anuradha Sowmyanarayanan's Blog

Combine Editions
Anuradha Sowmyanarayanan’s books

rss
Anuradha’s Recent Updates