What We Read Last Week - July 20

I read a book somewhat different from my usual selection last week (it didn't have dragons, robots or superheroes, basically): Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet by Kashmira Sheth. It had such a great cover that it made me want to read the whole novel.

This is a "girl meets boy" coming-of-age story, but set in modern-day Mumbai, India, and with some complex themes of class, tensions between traditional and modern ways, and changing gender roles. The narrator is Jeeta, the youngest of three sisters, and she's a wonderful character who felt like a good friend by the time I finished the book.

I think one of the important things books do for us is take us within times, places and people different from the ones we're familiar with.  Highly recommended!  Kashmira Sheth has written several other young adult novels that I'm going to try and pick up as well.

Alan H is a web librarian at Toronto Public Library.  He reads all over the place.

What have you read recently?  Let us know by commenting!

Comments

[Sarah]

This book sounds interesting. It might not be a book I would pick up, but I could always try something new. Thanks for the recommendation!

[Tasfia]

nice book...

looks traditional...

[Ruby]

interesting.....

[Shel]

This is the kind of book I would love to read. Thanks! I'm going to give it a shot.

[Edmee]

This book sounds incredibly interesting. I think I might like this more than some of the other books I've been reading. They've been quite shallow recently, so it's nice to hear about one that seems to have a lot of depth!

Those are some cool henna designs on the cover, btw! I'm always so fascinated by how complex and elegant henna patterns look.

[sara]

this book sounds really cultural and traditional...it might be if i try to read it...hope its as good as it soundss

[Julie]

I'm reading a book right now that's also by Kashmira Sheth. It's called "Keeping Corner". It's about a twelve-year old girl from Ghandi-era India. Married at the age of nine, Leela is in the highest class in the Indian caste system and never thought much of education. Then her husband dies and she is quickly thrust in the dark world of a child widow. She must shave her head, never wear jewelery, avoid parties and weddings, and continuously mourn for someone she barely knew. Then Ghandi comes along and a kind teacher helps her learn about his work, how it helps India and may also help her.
This book is realistic, captivating and showed me a world so different from ours. Read it!

[Ayana]

I also love books like these, that tell us something new and bring us into different times and places. And I completely agree with Edmee! It's nice to read something new. The title and cover catch my attention as well. Can't wait to read it!

[Ayana]

I think i'll try other books by this author too. They sound nice.

[kiu]

Wow I really love books like these because we can learn about different cultures.
I'm gonna put this on hold right away.

[Geeththana]

I actually read this book over a year ago.
I found it very interesting. The main character seemed to be rebellious in my view. I love the title of the book because it represents how people treat her.. Her skin is dark as a Koyal bird, but her heart is as sweet as a mango.. I found it too easy to read since it was under 200 pages or something but I would read more books by the author if I found it.

[Fei]

The cover of this book looks so interesting. No wonder it's recommended as a WordOut! novel. I can't wait to read it and see for myself if its contents are as interesting and luring as the cover!

[Fei]

Last week, I read this book entitled "The Letters" which was a novel translated from Japanese. It was really interesting. THe main character meets an old lady who keeps and recieves others' letters to their dead relatives or family in a drawer ready to deliver the letters to those dead ones. It was a relly interesting book.

[cindu]

This book looks a lot like it would have the same tones as in the Cinnanmon Gardens by Shyam Selvadurai. That book was really great and i think i want to really read this book.

[Hamdi]

! I read this book it is GREAT! one of my TOP 10 favourites! i actully read the summary and it was good so i thought, hey why not give it a try and i did and i was reading all night because its about crushes, best friends, marriage,betrayal, and its really unpredictable! so read Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet A MUST READ!!!

[Devi]

I already read this book. and it was
A M A Z I N G.
very touchy...

[Shahla Smith a.k.a Shahla L]

This book is soooo AWESOME!!!!
Especially because we get to learn about many cultures!
It's very attractive to the heart and very touchy!!!!
I "luv" it!!!!!!!!!

[Shahla Smith a.k.a Shahla L.]

I thought judging a book by it's cover was true until I read this book. The title page isn't much appealing, but the story is truly wicked with it's delicate set of words it takes you to a journey you'd never want to leave!

[Shahla Smith a.k.a Shahla L.]

P.S
To all those young readers out thier I would like to let you know you should try reading this book.....IT TOOK ME ON AN ADVENTURE AND WILL TAKE YOU ON ONE TOO...GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR BOOKS!!!!!!!

[D]

I'm readin the 7th Harry Potter book. S'really good. Read all of the books. THey'll take you to a whole new amazing world.

[Sid]

I read this book a little while ago because it related to my own culture and at first I didnt want to read it, but once you get into it its reallly interesting and goood!

[Sid]

Just another note for those who are of Indian or Pakistani culture the book may be very interesting and could relate to your own lives.. so I'd definetly reccomend it to those.

[Theevijah]

ooooooooooooooooooooo this sounds really interesting. I love the Indian culture.

[Theevijah]

Oh I forgot to say that I can't wait to learn more about the culture

[Sid]

The book does teach you a bit about the culture but at the same time dont always believe what you read.. there can be soo many different perceptions of a culture