Why Paper Towns isn't just another book for me

I've heard people rant about how Paper Towns is just another one of the John Green books, and how strikingly similar it is to Looking for Alaska, or how it is starkly analogous to the plot: boy is obsessed with the girl, and the girl disappears. I will not refute or approve this theory, but for reasons of my own, I beg to differ.

To me, Paper Towns is the book that was made for me, the book that feels me, if you know what I mean. I live by every word of it. And here is my reason: the quotes, the words and the dialogues, not just for what they represent in the plot, but for the deeper meaning they entail. Here's exemplifying a handful of them:

1. What a treacherous thing to believe that a person is more than a person

This quote is a case of been there, done that : I have been one of those people who amaze you with their creative prowess and genius, and I have seen how people viewed me as some deity, who always had magical solutions to all problems, when in reality it took me just as much pains and troubles as it did to them. Now that I look back, I can't figure where it started, but I do realize that it is treacherous to believe that a person is more than a person. Everyone loved the idea of me: the studious nerd who also coupled as a smart quizzer, writer, poet and whatnot. And I kind of hated it.

Update: People will call you superwoman and there will always be a flip side to it. You probably will never be able to explain this to people.

2. May be all the strings inside him broke

If you have ever been shattered or depressed beyond what words can describe, then you might know the feeling of something snapping inside of you. Some shred of hope dying inside, taking you a step apart from your definition of success. From experience I can tell you, that loss of hope is a fate equal to death.

3. “It is so hard to leave—until you leave. And then it is the easiest goddamned thing in the world.” 

Who are we kidding? Goodbyes are always the hardest. They are the worst. But letting go is a great lesson in life. We all do that- leaving high school, leaving hometown, leaving college, leaving workplace. But, there is a certain form of liberation we experience when we detach ourselves. I know it may sound like one of those verses from holy scriptures, but let go of your High school, and you'll know how relieving and easy it is to have something to look forward to- even if it isn't a planned path!

4. Forever is composed of nows.

And this has got to be the lesson of our times. We are all busy planning, laying down a path to follow, worrying about the future, taking less risks. And where does that land us? We are stranded in a complacent place with no regard whatsoever to the gift of present. Plans fail, times change and
the future s uncertain, so, yeah- accept it.

5.  That's always seemed so ridiculous to me, that people want to be around someone because they're pretty. It's like picking your breakfast cereals based on color instead of taste.

Isn't that the truth in it's unaltered and bare form? This is how human beings function. We give a lot of importance to looks, we love/hate depending upon looks. We are hypocrites. Okay, enough said.

6. If you don't imagine, nothing ever happens at all

Here's our very own John Green emphasizing the importance of imagination. The same reason we love fairies, believe in unicorns and love to delve into fiction. Because, if we never believe in something, it might never happen. Belief can make wonders happen, but then undermining the importance of imagination in our life is something we might regret for a long, long time in future.

 7. As much as life can suck, it always beats the alternative.

We may curse life in the bad times, we may hate it all we want: but nothing can compare to the roller-coaster that life is. The ups and downs, the elation and agony, the sorrows and joys- death couldn't be this varied.

I could go on and on, but after this dose of Paper Town-talk, I need to re-read the book. I take leave.

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Mark Zuckerberg, facebook and a year of books

2015 got even more special for books the moment Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg launched his own reading challenge, and made an fb page, A Year of Books
When he posted on his timeline, "My challenge for 2015 is to read a new book every other week -- with an emphasis on learning about different cultures, beliefs, histories and technologies.

Thank you to all 50,000 of you in our community who gave me suggestions for different challenges.

Many of you proposed reading challenges. Cynthia Greco suggested I read one book a month that another person chooses -- and got 1,900 likes on her suggestion. Rachel Brown, Bill Munns, Marlo Kanipe and others suggested I read the Bible. My friend and colleague Amin Zoufonoun suggested I read and learn everything I can about a new country each week.

I'm excited for my reading challenge. I've found reading books very intellectually fulfilling. Books allow you to fully explore a topic and immerse yourself in a deeper way than most media today. I'm looking forward to shifting more of my media diet towards reading books.

If you want to follow along on my challenge and read the same books I do, I've created a page, A Year of Books, where I'll post what I'm reading. Please only participate in the discussions if you've actually read the books and have relevant points to add. The group will be moderated to keep it focused.

Our first book of the year will be The End of Power by Moisés Naím. It's a book that explores how the world is shifting to give individual people more power that was traditionally only held by large governments, militaries and other organizations. The trend towards giving people more power is one I believe in deeply, and I'm looking forward to reading this book and exploring this in more detail.

I appreciated all of your other suggestions for possible challenges as well. Many of you suggested I give money to help people in need -- and Priscilla and I fully intend to keep doing that through our philanthropic work. We'll have more to discuss there soon. Some of you suggested that I meet a new person every day. That was actually my challenge in 2013. Others suggested I teach a class. I've done that too, and I'd love to do it again and get more involved in education in the coming year.

Thanks again for all of your suggestions, and I'm looking forward to a year of books!" I almost got delirious with joy. What more could a bibliophile ask for, than a modern-day self-made celebrity with a huge following spreading the love of books?

Post by A Year of Books.

My thoughts on this:

#1. Wow, If Mark Zuckerberg does it, millions on facebook would follow. Now that is called leveraging your "social" networks for a good cause: getting people to read more, learn more, suggest more!

#2 Another book recommendation list. Let me add a few more pages to my to-be-read list.

#3 His first Book club choice:  The End of Power by Moisés Naím is selling well, which is an indication of how good an influence a public personality can be, on people. He will surely ge them to read.

#4 He finds books intellectually fulfilling! *all smiles*

For me, this is all good news, what do you think? Let me know in the comments below!

Which reading challenge will you take?

Another year is here. And while it spells an abundance of resolutions (some of which are never meant to be kept beyond 2 days), a reading challenge is different. You challenge yourself, to read more/ hard/diverse books. You may take one up to discipline your reading, or to increase the speed, add diverse genres to your credit, or to read the book before its movie adaptation comes out.
Reading challenges are always fun, because, oh, well we don't need to elaborate on the pleasures of reading.
Here's a list of my favourite reading challenges.
DISCLAIMER: I am certainly not gonna take all the challenges, but cherry-pick the ones I want to do, from the core of my heart. Because although I like to take up every challenge thrown my way, I have learnt to let go.
Tell me in comments what challenges you would like to take. Maybe you, with all your reading superpowers, decide to take them up all, in which case, I would love to meet you personally. :)

1. The Goodreads Reading Challenge

For most of us, Goodreads is the facebook of books, and by that follows our theory of the Goodreads reading challenge being the God of all challenges.It functions pretty simply: you add the number of books you wish to read in a year, and everytime you read a book and add it to your "read" shelf, it automatically tracks your progress. No complex promises to read a particular genres, author etc.

Best part: You challenge yourself. And you can update the number if you feel you can push a little more, or cannot read much.

2. The Book Riot 2015 Read Harder Challenge

Averaging at two books per month, they have categories like

A book written by someone when they were under the age of 25, A book written by someone when they were over the age of 65, A collection of short stories (either by one person or an anthology by many people), A book published by an indie press, A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ, A book by a person whose gender is different from your own and many more.

Best part: They even have a goodreads group for it!

Check them out here

3. Epic Reads 365 YA challenge

True to their name, they have come out with this EPIC list of 365 YA titles to read: book recommendations for every season, month, week and day of 2015

I have not much to say, I am still reading the infographic below (They also have a very cool gif). More info on their site.

Best Part: We never get tired of YA, do we? So this is our goldmine!

4. Bethany house 2015 Reading Challenge

They have curated a great Bingo-challenge. Hop on!

Best Part: It is so much fun!

5. b00k r3vi3ws Indie Reading challenge:

This is a niche reading challenge, so to say. And the most noble one, so to say.

Rules are simple:  Read and Review as many Indie (Self Published) Books as possible during this year, post a review anywhere, share the link:you know the drill.

Best part:  The books can overlap with other reading challenges.  

I have signed up at the Lover level (26-50 new authors)

http://www.b00kr3vi3ws.in/2014/12/FR15.html

6. PopSugar's Ultimate Reading Challenge

This Ultimate reading challenge is THE ultimate challenge. It has already sent the social media on an uproar. We couldn't have asked for more. Get on it only if you dare.

Best Part: It has already created a furore over social media, maybe if you complete it, fame will knock on your door?

7. Kindred’s 2015 Reading Challenge

Kindred Digital Books has created a challenge. If the previous challenge intimidated you, this one will probably restore your faith in your reading prowess!

Best part: Diversity!

8. 2015 TBR Pile Reading Challenge!

Their challenge is perfectly described in their own words:

"We all have those books. We buy them, win them, they're gifted to us. Then we put them up on a bookshelf and there they stay, collecting dust, waiting for the time when we'll finally decide to pick them up.

Join us on a quest to dust off your TBR Pile and read all the books you've been telling yourself you'll read next time you'll get a chance. This is your chance!"

Best part: You get to unburden your TBR, what more can a biblophile ask for?

9. 2015 Nonfiction Reading Challenge hosted by The Introverted Reader

You sign up, and then post the reviews here. I think it is a very simple challenge, with levels, of course, but it will bring the much-needed attention to the genre of Non-fiction titles.

Best Part: Crossovers with other challenges are acceptable, and feel free to read your books in any format you like.

10.   2015 Feminism Reading Challenge 

Read about feminism. Period.

Best part: Sign up anytime. Read any number, no tags. Read any format! Too flexible!

11. 2015 WOMEN CHALLENGE @ Peek a Book

As the name suggests, you read books by women authors. 

Best Part: You Probably don't even know, but you read a LOT of women authors. No kidding, Everybody does. So this one will be easy-peasy.

12.  A no-book buying challenge

This reading challenge comes in the form of a remedy to the disease of us book hoarders. This is a real challenge. You won't buy anymore until you are done with the ones lying unread on your shelf. I have thought about doing this more times than I can count. But i would probably suck at this challenge if I take one!

Best part: A great way to do what is right: save money and caress the hitherto neglected books!

13. 2015 Debut Author Challenge

The challenge is to read 12 or more (or less! It’s up to you!) middle grade, young adult, and new adult debuts this year.

14. 2015 AudioBooks challenge

If you are into audiobooks, this is the place to be!

Best part: Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are allowed. And you can join in anytime.

15. Back to the Classics Challenge 2015

Classic Novella, classic by a woman author and whatnot. Go explore.

Best Part: one lucky winner will receive a $30 gift from Amazon.com or The Book Depository!

16. Banned Books Challenge 2015

For those of you who are as infuriated by the concept of banned books as me, this is the place for revenge. Hop on and get to read banned books, and get another challenge completed to your credit.

Best part: Hey, reading banned books, duh!

17. BrunchBookChallenge

This one is for you all Indians. Tweet your reading progress. with the hashtag #brunchbookchallenge. Aim is to read 24 atleast. Anything and everything. 

I did it last year and won too!

They are awesome, they send you bookish stuff of your fantasies. Go dive right in.

@PoonamSaxena_ So, I say it: Can't thank you enough. @HTBrunch has brought in the next revolution: reading revolution!
— Kritika Narula (@Kritika_n_books) December 28, 2014

There are so many more! Tell me if you are hosting one too!

And I am still deciding which ones to hop on to.

Here's hoping.

You Know you are a book-lover when...(Part 1)

We have all read books at some point of time or another. Here's a checklist to know whether you have qualified fully to be called a bibliophile (or bookaholic, or book-lover, or book-addict). And even if you have done these or felt these just once, we the bibliophiles are more than happy to accord the warmest welcome to you!

• You love books: Or should I say, you are in love with your books. It might seem like stating the obvious, however a bibliophile's love is a true one, it knows no boundaries, it sees no limits. They love books for not just the printed word, but also for the smell, the feel, the touch. Or, if it is an e-book, they sit glued to their e-device for hours. And they take care of their books like their babies, selfless love, you see!

• You sniff books: Yes, You heard it right, book-lovers love the smell of their books. Many of them are also into the practice of recognizing the publishing house by the smell and/or texture of the paper or the format of their electronic counterpart.

• You make excuses : From not going out on get-togethers, to delaying/cancelling hangouts with friends, you have done it, at least once so as to be able to read and finish the book by your favourite authors. And yes, without any compunction, you devise pretexts to do this, because you feel that it is a sacred ritual that needs to be attended before anything else.

 

• You prefer the company of books to people :The company of people entertains you, but that of books enthralls you beyond measure. And then you are judged: people call you anti-social, introvert. You see, that is the reason you love books. They don't judge you, nor they demand explanation.

• You sneak at work/while studying: It seems like a forbidden sin, and yet when you are in the middle of a good book, you cannot help but read snippets from the book every now and then. Troubled by the inconvenience, at last you give in to the temptation and abandon everything to read the book till the very last.

• You love books as gifts: You love it when people give you books as gifts, or even better,gift cards. There's a litmus test: you always gift books to people according to their tastes, but your friends have a tough time deciding which book to gift you. 

• You sleep with books: Ah! This one is the best. You retire to bed for the day. And inevitably there's the book in your hand, reading which you travel to another world, and without realizing slip into slumber while cuddling with the book. :-) This feeling's like no other.

• You are a book hunter: Yes, wherever you go, You are on the lookout for books. You check out the shelves of your host, you forage and ransack all places for libraries, bookstores or other nooks harbouring books.

• Your visits to bookstores disturb your budget: Each time you resist, first the urge to visit a bookshop and then the itch to buy books. No matter how hard you try,you end up spending a large fortune of your budget on books. In the aftermath of a book-splurge, you barely make your ends meet throughout the month.

• You fall in love with the fictional character: Not just fangirls, even booklovers find the man (or woman) of their dreams in a chapter.

• You cry when a good book ends: By their syntactical function, books with a poignant end make you cry. You are choked when your favorite character dies, you don't feel like talking to anyone for hours and can mourn for days. Yet, no one understands and life goes on, much to your grief.

• You experience book hangover: After having completed the book, It takes you time to make sense of reality. And then, you are incapable of starting another book because you cannot keep your thoughts from the previous one. The journey back into reality is tough. And if you haven't felt such as yet, try reading The Fault In our Stars, without crying for days following that.

• You find it difficult to part with your book: Yes, that practice of lending books. Accustomed to keeping your books like your babies, you cannot afford to get them hurt. 

• You love to get photographed with your books: Oh! yes, you love to get photographed with a book in your hand, by your side, or on the adjacent table, you flaunt your love of books, becuase.....they are the ultimate fashion accessory that never go out of trend. Isn't?

• Your to-do list never seems to diminish: So many books, so little time. But then there is nothing like so many books.

• You are always confused which book to pick next: As much as it is a moment of excitement, it is a moment of confusion.

• Your library card is always issued to the last: Despite telling yourself to keep at least one slot empty for moment of crisis, you end up getting as many books as the limit allows. 

• You despise Bookbreakers: That sadistic clan which attempts to tear pages from the books. Oh Lord! Punish them.There is no greater torment than an unfinished book because some blockhead wanted the page to complete the assignment on the last date of returning the book to library.

• You grab every possible opportunity to give book recommendations: You feel it is your sacred duty to give the best recommendations to budding bibliophiles and welcome them to the party.And you are on a mission to turn the world into a panorama of bibliophiles.

• You always want more bookshelves: The ones at your home never seem to suffice, especially not after a visit to the book fair or bookstore.

I can go on and on to enumerate the traits of a bibliophile. Watch out for the second part with a plethora of other characteristics of bibliophiles. I would love to know what other traits you think you possess. Just leave them in the comments section below, and I will include them in the next part of the series.
Happy Reading!