“Even though my brain was a mess, what kept my soul whole was the warmth of the hands holding mine on both sides”, Almond by  Sohn Won-Pyung This statement stuck with me. It was such a poignant statement yet it said a lot about the protagonist’s personality and his compassion. Almond is a poignant coming-of-age novel by South Korean author Sohn Won-Pyung. The story follows Yunjae, a boy born with alexithymia—a condition that makes it difficult for him to experience emotions like fear, anger, or joy. Raised by his loving yet pragmatic mother and grandmother, Yunjae learns to navigate the …

Sudha Murty’s,The Circle of Life is a heartwarming novel that beautifully explores friendship, relationships, values, and the unexpected twists of life. A tribute to her alma mater, the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, the book delves into the power of lifelong bonds and shared experiences. The story follows Uttara Rao, Janaki Paranjape, Arvind Shah, K. Subba Rao, and Sumitra Iyer, five students who first meet at the Indian Institute of Science in 1999. Despite their diverse backgrounds, they form an unbreakable bond, supporting each other through academic challenges, personal dilemmas, and the uncertainty of the future. As they embark on …