Sonya Dutta Choudhury, a writer and former banker, shares about her three unique book clubs and her desire for more structure in her reading life. They discuss the power of book clubs and the influence of geography on reading choices. They also delve into the joy of discovering hidden gems and off-beat books and the importance of storytelling in both book clubs and the business world. Additionally, they explore a few specific books, including 'Red Notice' by Bill Browder and 'The Center' by Aisha Manizir Siddiki.
Sonya is interested in bringing structure to her reading life and wants to incorporate more rereading into her regular reading rhythm.
Red Notice by Bill Browder is a captivating true story about an American fund manager in post-Soviet Russia.
Black Narcissus by Rumor Godden is a gothic novel that explores themes of faith, identity, and the untamed beauty of the landscape.
Deep dives
A gripping non-fiction thriller about survival and political intrigue
Red Notice by Bill Browder is a captivating true story that follows an American fund manager in post-Soviet Russia as he navigates the dangerous world of Russian oligarchs and clashes with Putin himself. Filled with drama, suspense, and a touch of romance, this book is a thrilling page-turner.
An atmospheric tale of nuns and the Scottish Highlands
Black Narcissus by Rumor Godden is a gothic novel that transports readers to the mysterious world of a convent in the Scottish Highlands. With its brooding atmosphere and vivid descriptions, this book explores themes of faith, identity, and the untamed beauty of the landscape.
A historical fantasy that delves into language and colonialism
Babel by R.F. Kuang is a thought-provoking novel set in Oxford during the opium wars. Blending elements of history and fantasy, it tells the story of scholarship students from colonial backgrounds who must navigate the complex world of empire and identity. With its rich themes and compelling characters, this book offers a unique perspective on language, power, and the search for individuality.
A compelling exploration of the HIV/AIDS crisis
My Own Country: A Doctor's Story of a Town and Its People by Abraham Verghese provides a poignant and firsthand account of the early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in a small town in Tennessee. Through the eyes of the author, a doctor working to care for those affected by the disease, readers gain insight into the devastating impact of the crisis and the resilience of the community. Verghese's storytelling skills and compassionate voice make this book a must-read.
A captivating gothic tale set in Scotland
O Caledonia by Elspeth Barker is an atmospheric coming-of-age story that unfolds in the Scottish landscape. With its lush descriptions and brooding tone, this novel explores themes of loss, betrayal, and the search for identity. A hidden gem, this book will transport readers to a world of rugged beauty and haunting emotions.
Each of Sonya Dutta Choudhury's three book clubs fills a unique space in her reading life, and today she's joining Anne to chat about her home library, what she's looking for in her books these days, and what she calls the DNA of book clubs.
Sonya is a writer, journalist, and former banker who splits her time between Mumbai, India and the Himalayan town of Manali. She's typically reading multiple titles at once, but she doesn't like to feel too regimented in her reading, preferring to keep the door open for something new that will surprise and delight her.
That said, Sonya's interested in bringing some structure to her reading life, especially when it comes to rereading: she often finds herself easily distracted by new to her books that catch her eye, and would love to spend more time with old favorites. Anne offers Sonya some ideas to bring rereading back into her regular reading rhythm.
Find the full list of titles discussed today and leave your recommendations for Sonya on our show notes page, at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/399.