It was a gift from a caring friend. He gave me a pile of books and a command to “take your time with them.”
In the middle of the pile was “The Reading List” by Sara Nisha Adams. A tribute to the author on the cover said: “This book is an absolute joy. A compelling and finely crafted debut.
Of course, the word “joy” sounded the most. The print size of the paper copy of the book was too small for my aging eyes, but I took the time to download it to my iPad and began reading with the font at full blast and backlighting. I was pretty sure it was good, but I didn’t expect it to give me a life raft to get me through the week.
The title is accurate. A list of handwritten books is available for the reader. It first appears on page 88 of the hardcover version of the book. The sentence at the top of the list reads: “Just in case you need it.”
The list includes “To Kill a Mockingbird”, “Rebecca”, “The Kite Runner”, “Life of Pi”, “Pride and Prejudice”, “Little Women”, “Beloved”, “A Suitable Boy”. That’s a great range of book titles.
I had previously read many of the books listed. Maybe you have too. But I had never read a book like this, a novel about the novels of Grandpa’s grief journey. There are gentle twists and turns and tragedy, but an unexpectedly uplifting ending. I won’t reveal the ending, but you have to trust me: it’s pretty spectacular.
I intend to read the book again to fully absorb all its lessons. As the author describes it: “Some books deserve to be read again the first time.”
One reviewer, who obviously enjoyed the book as much as I did, called it “a love letter to some of our most cherished novels.” Another reader said: “If you like books, read this. If you love people, read this. If you like to cry with sadness, cry with happiness, and feel wrapped in someone else’s blanket, read this.
The author is quoted as saying, “Books find their way into your life when you need them.” Yes, that is absolutely true.
The author is young. Although at this stage of life, everyone seems young. Adams is the daughter of Indian and English parents and lives in London. He was inspired to write about his life experiences by his grandparents and the local library. His characters are of all ages and ethnicities and make observations that are thoughtful and insightful.
He is interviewed at the end of his novel and recognizes realities far beyond his years. To illustrate: the power of intergenerational friendship, the importance of community, and the awareness that food is love.
Sharon Johnson is a retired health educator who lives and teaches on the Columbia River in Oregon. Contact him at sharjohn99@gmail.com.
