10 FAVOURITE BOOKS I READ IN 2024

This is a long post so grab your coffee and then read. I wanted to publish this post in January the first week but somehow it delayed. I guess reading is always easy, but documentation is quite tough. 

2024 is the year  where I achieved my reading goal. Reading makes me happy and actually it is a stress buster for me. I never keep any record so this time I decided to write my favourite books I read in 2024 which may be helpful for you too.

10 FAVOURITE BOOKS I READ IN 2024

1. POSITIVE PARENTING by REBECCA EANES: 

GENRE: Parenting 

RATING: 5/5

This is one of the best books I have ever read. Actually, I don't believe that books teach us about parenting. But I learned the psychology of children. It stresses more on how to behave with your partner and kids. Eanes shares her hard-won wisdom for overcoming limiting thought patterns and recognizing emotional triggers, as well as advice for connecting with kids at each stage, from infancy to adolescence. This is one of the books every parent reads who are struggling to connect with their kids.

2. NO DRAMA DISCIPLINE BY DR. DANIEL 

GENRE: Psychology/Parenting 

RATING: 4/5

No-Drama Discipline provides an effective, compassionate road map for dealing with tantrums, tensions, and tears—without causing a scene.

 I like the way the author uses everyday situations to show the parents how it can be handled. Moreover, it is emphasized on the child's brain. The kids behavior is dependent on the working of the child's brain. That is most insightful for me as a parent.

3) SITA: WARRIOR OF MITHILA—BY AMISH 

GENRE: Historical 

RATING: 4.5/5

This is the second book in the Ram Chandra Series. A sequel that takes you back. Thrilling adventure that chronicles the rise of an orphan who became the prime minister. And then, a goddess before the beginning.

Ramayan has a special place in my heart because of my father. He told me a different story that is not shown in any of the epics. And Amish did the same job. His writing style is so simple and intriguing. I always wonder, who is SITA? The great warrior and intelligent princess. Amish changed my whole perspective to see the SITA. 

4. HARRY POTTER 2 : SECRET OF CHAMBER BY J. K. ROWLING 

GENRE: Fantasy/Fiction 

RATING: 5/5

Harry Potter's summer has included the worst birthday ever, doomy warnings from a house-elf called Dobby, and rescue from the Dursleys by his friend Ron Weasley in a magical flying car! Back at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for his second year, Harry hears strange whispers echo through empty corridors - and then the attacks start. Students are found as though turned to stone.

This book is more fascinating, especially the fight between Harry and the giant snake.

5. HARRY POTTER 3 (THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN by J. K. ROLLING) 

GENRE : Fantasy/Fiction 

RATING: 5/5

I love this book because finally he found his godfather. Harry and Hermione time travel, and Dumbledore's attempt to save the lives of innocent people is admirable. 

Some thrilling moments are like Harry's first ever Divination class, where Professor Trelawney sees an omen of death in Harry's tea leaves. But perhaps most terrifying of all are the Dementors patrolling the school grounds with their soul-sucking kiss. That is the most horrible thing I read. 

This book is for everyone. I will suggest first you read the book because your imagination works terrific and then watch the movie it will be more thrilling. 

6. BLUE UMBRELLA by RUSKIN BOND

GENRE: Fiction/Children 

RATING: 4.5/5

This is the first ever book I listened to on audiobook. I love the narrator and am so able to listen to it. Otherwise, my earlier attempt at the audiobook had failed. I put it on speaker so that my kids also enjoyed the book. 

The story of little Biniya and her village members. In exchange for her lucky leopard's claw pendant, Binya acquires a beautiful blue umbrella that makes her the envy of everyone in the village, especially Ram Bharosa, the shopkeeper. 

This story inspired children not to be greedy. Best book for adults as well as for children.

7. THE GREAT TRAIN JOURNEY By RUSKIN BOND: 

Genre: Fiction 

Rating: 4/5

I like these books because they are all about train journeys, which are my favorite. 

Ruskin BOND always loves to travel by train to admire the beauty of India's diverse landscape. The Great Train Journey is a story of a boy who travels from Dehradun to Delhi. The main highlight of the story is the people he meets during his journey. The collection of 14 short stories consists of comedy, thriller, and adventure.

8. FALLING IN LOVE BY RUSKIN BOND 

Genre: Romance

Rating: 3.5/5

It is a collection of short stories mainly concerned with Ruskin Bond's emotions. I like the book because some parts are real stories of Ruskin Bond's life. The story is easy to read—simple language and romantic. This book has other stories also, which are the part of other books of Ruskin Bond.

9. YOU ARE MY BEST FRIEND by AJAY PANDEY 

Genre: Non fiction 

Rating: 4.5/5 

Ajay is a sad person who did not find any interest in living a life after her wife's death. At his office mate's request, he was ready to attend therapy, where he met Bhawana... How she interacted with him and changed him is impressive. It is like you have a friend with whom you just sit and talk. But she was his best friend in every aspect. 

10. HER LAST WISH by AJAY PANDEY 

Genre : Non Fiction 

Rating: 4/5

Ajay's wife is HIV positive and is going to die in 6 months. Ajay tried every possible way to save her, and he also wanted to fulfill her wish. That wish she actually wrote when she was fully drunk. But still, how an introverted husband fulfills his wife's every wish, which was almost impossible for him. The story covers the perspective point of the husband, and it also has a point of view of closely connected people. All in all, I will say the story is filled with love, trust, emotions, and respect. 

Marathi Books Recommendation for toddlers 

Favourite Books for 7 to 10 years 

CONCLUSION : 

I was avid readers. Since my twins born I hardly got any time to read. Year 2024 where I decided to start my reading journey and yes, I achieved. I found two new genre and also two new platforms of reading - Audiobook and Kindle. But honestly I love to read physical book - to stay away from screen. 

Question of the day 

Do you set any reading goal for the year? Have you read any one book from the above list? 

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SOLO DATE IDEAS FOR MOMS

Things I Want to Do with Myself—Solo Date

I am a mom, and after reaching 40, I recognize the true meaning of "LOVE." Acceptance and compromise is the new love language we moms learned very well. Education, career, marriage, and then kids...our life is a roller coaster, and how often do we love ourselves?

Very little time! I think we realize the value of self-love at this age only. Where we assume we are settled 🤞 in technical words, but actually still struggling, and we convince our mind that it is okay!

It happened to me too. After struggling, crying, and laughing with kids, I realized there are many things that I always wanted to do, and I always tell myself... Ohh...it's okay...will do it next time. And next time never came. So this year I decided to create a bucket list and stick it to my wardrobe. My goal is to tick out as much as possible.

SOLO DATE IDEAS FOR MOMS

We all have many things in our minds that we didn't achieve due to the "mommy" circumstances. So if you are a mom or woman, please do consider this FEBRUARY month as a SELF LOVE month and date with yourself.

1) GO TO THE BEACH:

Yes. I always find calmness at the beach. But now I wanted to go alone all by myself. To walk on the sand barefoot. Play with waves. Sit at bay and watch the sunrise and observe what the sea, sand, and sun are trying to tell.

2) LIBRARY VISIT:

If you are a book nerd, then I am sure you must have your favorite library. I want to spend a whole day reading and learning in a pin-drop silence atmosphere.

Book Review  of SILK ROUTE SPY 

Favourite books - 7 to 10 years old

3) SPA

Yeah...you might have been at SPA, but I am not yet. I want to give this spa a treat for myself. I want to feel that "SPA SESSION."

4) SIP and PAINT PARTY:

I saw these sip and paint parties many times. People are sitting with canvas, color, and drink, and the coach is there to guide them. I want to attend this paint party.

Moms, do you love paintings or you wanted to do it since your childhood and couldn't get the chance. Then book your session with this kind of sip and paint party and enjoy this solo date.

5) SOLO TRAVELING IN HIMALAYA:

I love Himachal, especially for the mountains and cool breeze, rivers, and, of course, pahadi food. I want to explore this place all by myself. I have been here with family, but all I want to do is travel all by myself and have a thrilling experience.

Check out this Beauty of Kashmir 

6) SOLO SHOPPING AT MALLS:

We moms always shop for our kids and often visit malls with our kids. But I really want to go alone and shop peacefully. No cranky kiddo, no picking up, nothing. Just me and my shopping.

7) MEDITATION AT GARDEN:

Moms, you can do this meditation at your society garden early in the morning or else join yourself with a meditation group.

We mom always wanted to do meditation, but with kids, it is almost impossible until your kids become 10 years old. I wanted to attend that meditation class, which is conducted in the garden. With greenery and peace, I want to connect myself with my soul.

8) WANT TO DECORATE A PINTEREST FRIENDLY HOME OFFICE:

Moms, you can decorate your home office the way you want. Any pending wishlist with this office—it is time to complete this.

Yes! This is my long-pending list, which I want to do solely. My desk sometimes looks like a dumping station of our house. I want to have dedicated office space, which I decorate with all Pinterest-friendly aesthetic decor items.

9) SELF - CARE ROUTINE: 

As a mom or wife, I literally forgot to take care of myself. My hair, my face, and my skin were constantly staring at me, and I ignored them like a pro. 😐

If you are in the same boat, then please take out time at least once a week and take care of your hair, skin, and nails.

10) VISIT A CAFE WITH SUNFLOWER BOUQUET :

I love flowers. But since I became a mom, I forgot these things. I tend to avoid bring anything like this, which will be broken in a few hours 😞 by kids.

But if your kids are grown up, you can visit a beautiful flower shop and buy a customized flower bouquet for yourself. Don't wait for your husband to bring it for you. Do it by yourself and see the magic.

18 fun love date ideas to keep your marriage fresh 

There are many things that are practically possible to do as a mom for our solo date.

• Take yourself to the movies.
• Visit the park and observe the people.
• Visit your favorite bookstore.
• Paint your nails the way you want.
• Take away your favorite food and watch Netflix for hours on the couch.
• Go for an evening walk.
• Do some painting/crocheting/threading work that you learned at school.
• Treat yourself at an ice cream shop.
• Take yourself to watch plays.
• Enjoy rides at Essel World or Imagica.
• Create a vision board.
• Learn sketching or calligraphy.
• Do yoga.

I hope you like all the solo date ideas. Mark it on the calendar.  Start picking at least one for a month and have a lovely date with yourself. Love yourself, then only you can love your family.

Question of the day

Have you been on a solo date? Share the experience?

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This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.

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MARATHI POEMS

21st February was declared International Mother Language Day by UNESCO. I am Maharashtrian, and my mother tongue is Marathi. I am participating in this blog hop where I can share about my MARATHI and some Marathi Poems.

Yes. मी मराठी. 

There are around 140 million people who are Marathi speakers. Nowadays, due to social media, most of the celebrities are pushing to talk in Marathi. And I think that is quite good. Otherwise people use mixture of language (half english - half hindi and half marathi) Yes, there are some apps for marathi stories and kadambari but very few which give quality literature. Nothing beats the Marathi Legends litrature work.

THINGS  I DISCOVER ABOUT MY MARATHI

I was surprised to see the status of MY Marathi language until I researched for this blog post.

"Marathi is the language of the Indo-European languages family."

"Marathi is one of the 22 official languages in India."

"Marathi is the tenth most spoken language in the world and the third most spoken language in India."

Okay. It is all about MARATHI. 

From school life, my favorite poet was Shanta Shelke. 

Shanta Shelke was an Indian Poet and Writer in Marathi language. Her work involved poems, stories, composition, translation and children literature. 

Though I didn't understand anything at that time, now as a woman I can understand and relate to every word of her poem. Sharing some of my personal favorite treasures of Shanta Shelke. Trying to translate it in English, not exactly, but yes, nearby.

What is the birth time of flowers?

When the buds are blooming

Or when the petals are falling,

Looking at the vast blue sky

or mixing with the soil below?

Marathi blog post : Marathi Corner

2) झाड ( TREE)

This is one tree that is related to me.

A single breeze passes over it and me.

I like the smell of its flowers.

Can sense the moist illusion.

Places the infant song

At first when it blossomed,

The tree is made from the soil; 

I belong to the tree, and 

then I will end up in the soil.

The lines on the leaves are on my palm.

The roots of the tree become loose.

And the tree is rooted in my blood.

Someday, I will be the tree.

And sing the familiar song 

through the leaves.

3) आठवण ( MEMORIES) 

Sometimes memory is hidden in the close compartment of the heart.

Sometimes memory is hidden in the spring flowers.

Sometimes memory is hidden in the bottom of the blue ocean.

Sometimes it is hidden in the blossom of Chaitra months.

And the breath is moving all around them like a thick, moist fog.

And from this the smell of memories is spreading like cherry blossom.

4)  शोध  (SHODHA)

As the outer realm is shrinking 

As the inner unknown realm is being explored,

And I realized I am unknown to myself.

I don't know my strength, my weakness, or my cowardice; 

constantly surrounded me and my quarrels with myself.

My loneliness in my closed company,

Unable to understand anything,

Only unbearable suffocating in the vast.

I am unfolding inside,

Expanding moment by moment,

Reaching the corner of the inner being,

And with that I am amazed, excited, hurt, and happy.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Every Maharashtrian knows Shanta Shelke and her poems, and I wanted to introduce them to the non-Maharashtrian people. Hope you all liked it.

 

Reading this poem in Marathi hits differently, but translating it into English is quite difficult. I am glad that I shared it with you all, the Great Shanta Shelke poems. This is my small attempt to introduce one-fourth part of my Marathi literature to you all. 

Question of the day

Which poem touches your heart? Have you read Shanta Shelke poems earlier?

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Reference : Wikipedia and Google.

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This post is a part of ‘Embrace the Native Blog Hop’ hosted by Manali Desai and Sukaina Majeed under #EveryConversationMatters

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5 WINTER FRIENDLY SOUP RECIPES FOR BABIES

It's February, and winter is still in the air. Winter cold breeze and hot steaming soup, yummy combination 😋. Everyone loves to have soup, especially in winter because hot soup always boosts up energy and gives warmth.

Soups are nutritious, healthy, and easily digestible for babies, toddlers, and big children. Soup is one form of meal where you can feed many vegetables to your kids as well as adults.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF SOUP: 

In traditional Indian baby-led weaning, the first food is always soup because it has many benefits.

1. INTRODUCTION OF VEGETABLES:

We moms find it very easy to introduce vegetables in pureed form or in a soup form. We can  introduce one vegetables at a time to our babies. Once they taste in puree form slowly, we can add small, soft chunks of vegetables in soup. It minimizes picky eating habits too.

2. EASILY DIGESTED : 

As a mom the main concern is whatever we are feeding them it should be easily digestible. And SOUPS are the meal which is highly nutritious and digested in tiny tummies.  

3. FULL OF NUTRITIOUS: 

Soups are generally made with rice, lentils, pulses, vegetables, and meat. We boil it in water so it has more nutrition. Soup has lots of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

4. HYDRATION: 

The liquid soup helps baby or toddler with hydration. Babies who don't like to drink plain water soup are extremely helpful and keep them hydrated throughout the day.

5. CURE COUGH AND COLD : 

Soup provides relief from cold, cough, congestion in the chest, and fever. Soups made from garlic, ginger, and turmeric can cure cough and cold. When our baby is sick and they don't want to eat any solid food we mom stick to the soup only. This highly nutritious soup keep them tummy full and give relief from the sickness.

Today I am sharing 5 easy and simple SOUP recipe which I have fed my twins in these last 3 years.

5 WINTER FRIENDLY SOUP RECIPES FOR BABIES 🥘

1) CARROT -BEETROOT SOUP: (6 months+)

This one was our first baby-led weaning recipe.

Ingredients :

Beetroot - 1/2

Carrot - 1🥕

Direction:

• Boil both of them in a pressure cooker for 3 whistles.
• Grind it after it becomes cool.
• Ready to serve. 

For 6 months, baby, you do not need to add any spices and salt.

2. MOONG DAL SOUP : 

Ingredients:

Moong dal: 3 tsp

Carrots: 1 no

Tomatoes: 1 small

Black pepper: 1/8 tsp (8 months onwards)

Salt (12 months onwards)

Ghee 1 tsp 

Water 1 cup

Direction:

• Wash and soak moong dal for 30 minutes in tap water.
• Wash the carrot and tomato very well.
• Grate the carrot or you can cut it into small chunks.
• Remove seeds from tomato and cut into small cubes.
• Mix everything together with a little bit of turmeric powder and 1/4 tsp of ghee.
• Pressure cook for 4 whistles.
• Blend it once it gets cold.
• Heat ghee and give tadka of jeera and black pepper.
• Ready to serve.

3) CHICKEN SOUP (10 months onwards):

Ingredients:

Chicken: 2, 3 big pieces

Onion: 1/2 cup

Ginger- garlic paste: 1/2 tsp

Black pepper: 1 no

Dalchini: small piece 1

Ghee: 1 tsp

Water 1 cup 

Salt: a pinch (12 months onwards)

Direction 

• Wash and clean chicken and rub turmeric on it. Keep it for 5 minutes.
• In the pressure cooker, add ghee. Once it is hot add black pepper, dalchini and fry it little bit till raw smell goes.
• Add chopped onion and fry till it changes color to pinkish.
• Then go to ginger garlic paste and fry for a minute.
• Add chicken pieces and fry till they are coated to the pieces.
• Now add 1 cup of water and stir it. Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook for 3 whistles.

Your delicious chicken soup is ready. 

4) BROCCOLI SOUP: 

This is not my recipe. I learned it from Instagram.  It is a very simple and delicious recipe. Even we adults can also have this soup.

Ingredients:

Broccoli: 4 to 5 florets 

Onion: 1/2 small cuts

Black pepper powder: 1/8 tsp 

Salt (12 months onwards)

Water 1 cup

Ghee: 1 tsp

Direction:

• Wash onion and broccoli very well under tap water.
• Put it in a plate and steam it. Do not boil.
• After 10 to 15 minutes, remove it from the gas stove.
• Once it cools down, grind it into a paste.
• Put another pan on gas stove. Heat ghee and pour this mixture on it. Add water and black pepper powder.
• Adjust the consistency of water as per your choice.
• Serve hot with a little bit of fresh malai.

5) MUTTON SOUP  (12 months onwards):

It is also called alani in Maharashtra. It tastes delicious with spices. But I am sharing baby recipes that have no or minimum spices.

Ingredients 

Mutton pieces: 4 to 5

Ginger garlic and coriander leaves paste: 1 tsp.

Onion: 1/2 cup chopped 

Black pepper: 1 no

Tejpatta: small piece

Cinnamon: 1/2 inch 

Lemon juice: 1/2 tsp

Turmeric : 1/4 tsp

Direction:

• Wash and clean the mutton pieces.
• Marinate with ginger, garlic, coriander leaves paste, turmeric powder, and squeeze lemon juice.
• Keeps cover for 10 minutes.
• Put the pressure cooker on the stove and heat ghee.
• Add black pepper, cinnamon and tejpatta. Fry it till raw smell goes.
• Add onion and fry till it changed colour to pinkish.
• Then add marinate mutton and fry for 5 minutes. Add water, stir well and close the lid. Pressure cook for 5 whistles.
• Once pressure cooker cool, serve it in a bowl. 
• Mutton Soup or Alani is ready to serve.

These are common soup but every religion has their own way of cooking. I am Maharashtrian and these is the way I fed my babies. Share it with new moms. 

Question of the day 

Which one is your favourite soup ? 

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This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.

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BOOK REVIEW : THE SILK ROUTE SPY

Name : The Silk Route Spy : The True Story of An Indian Double Agent 

Author : Dr. Enakashi Sengupta 

Pages : 209

Publisher : Harper Collins Publisher India

Genre : Historical/Non-fiction 

BOOK BLURB

A true story of an Indian Double Agent Spy. Nandlal Kapur was working with the British Government as a spy. They trained him as a silk merchant for cover and he learnt the tricks of the trade on how to be a good spy. As he travels across the land on mission and meets revolutionaries demanding freedom, he decides to do his bit for the country. The extraordinary journey of Nandlal is marked with unpredictablity and danger

ABOUT THE BOOK : 

This is the first time I am reading a non fiction historical book. I was attracted towards the true story of the Indian Spy and how he puts his life in danger by doing double agent work.

This book has 22 chapters and each chapter has a captivating plot. You can feel the sensation of the burning revolution of India and the dilemma of Nandu to do something for his motherland. 

WHAT I LIKE : 

The writing is evocative, conjuring the sight, sound and emotions of the bygone era.

Though it was 1920 and the flames of revolt against colonial rule engulf the country, Nandu was very clear about his career goals. 

I salute his bravery for doing double agent work by risking his and families life. He is the true patriot and master mind behind the major revolution work.

From Firozpur, delhi, calcutta to Japan his curiosity and the way he evolved was tremendous. Nandlal transformation from the spy to double agent was masterful depiction. It keeps me engrossed with each chapters.

I love the flow of each chapter with the depth description of character and situation. The connection of Nandu with these well developed characters like Asit, Vimal , Ramcharan is impressive. 

MY RATING : 4.5/5 

Grab Your copy here : The Silk Route Spy: The True Story of an Indian Double Agent 

Price : Rs. 194 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dr. Enakashi Sengupta is a prolific researcher and academician. She has twenty five years of experience working in both the corporate world and in academia. She has a PhD from University of Nottingham and has completed her MBS with merit from the same university. 

FINAL THOUGHTS :

The Silk Route Spy is mesmerizing portrayal of courage and sacrifice. All I said , if you love historical fiction then you must read. It is admirable that the author managed to put the story in an engaging plot after only listening from his Husband in a story form . The simple language and engaging story of the Nandlal journey keep you captivated till the end. 

This review is powered by Blogchatter Book Review Program 

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