When we relocated to a new place, we had to leave behind a lot of things that “belonged” to us. Some, that I was fine letting go, some, that I had no choice but to let go and some which I have kept in safe custody. Our entire collection of books fall in the third category. I do miss standing in front of the book shelf and staring at it, not able to decide which book I wanted to read next. I miss all the books that I have not yet finished reading. I miss all those bookmarks which are kept in those unfinished books.
As soon as we moved into a house and got a document of address proof, we got a membership at the nearest library. So now we have our home filled with books. And now,  I stand in front of the pile of books staring at it and deciding which one to read next.
Like I mentioned in the earlier blog The Book Shelf, the type of books I read keep varying from time to time. Now, I am inclined to reading (Auto)biographies of women achievers. So, during my first visit to the library, I picked up ” Her Again : Becoming Meryl Streep”  and “Song of a Captive Bird”.
How do you describe a book which makes you want to hug a good friend and shed a few tears when you finish reading it? It has happened to me a few times earlier. And that is exactly what I felt when I finished reading “SONG of a CAPTIVE BIRD” by Jasmin Darznik. The book is a portrait of the Iranian Poet Forugh Farrokhzhad, who defied Iranian society to find her voice and her destiny. The author has written it so beautifully that I almost thought it was an autobiography. Like one of the writers said, the book is a tragic, but ultimately inspiring act of remembrance.
People do what they are destined to do, irrespective of where they are born and how they are expected to live. They grab the opportunities and make the best of what they have. Negative remarks and oppositions only strengthen their spirits and determination to do what they have to do. Forugh’s life was a long tale of struggles, of rights and wrongs and of gains and losses. The rebel in her fought everything and everyone. Did she win in the end? I am no one to judge. All I know is that my thoughts have been held captive by The Captive Bird’s Song.
What have you been reading recently and how has it had an impact on you?

Please follow and like us: