In this episode, we continue to read the book "This is a story of a Happy Marriage" by Ann Patchett which is collection of her essays.

We read and discuss two essays in this episode - Essay 10 - “The Wall”, Essay 11 - “Fact vs. Fiction” and Essay 12 - "My Life in Sales"

In “The Wall,” Ann Patchett describes learning to climb a rock wall, which at first feels impossible. As she gains skill and confidence, the wall becomes a symbol for overcoming life’s bigger challenges. The essay shows that with patience, focus, and courage, we can achieve things that once seemed out of reach.

In “Fact vs. Fiction,” Ann Patchett explains the key differences between writing true stories and making up fictional ones. She shows that while nonfiction demands accuracy, fiction allows imagination and freedom. Both, however, are powerful ways to share meaning and connect with readers.

In “My Life in Sales,” Ann Patchett shares how being a writer also means becoming a salesperson for your own books. She explains that promoting your work is necessary, even if it’s uncomfortable. Mary describes this essay as palate cleanser. Shubhi and Annapurna believe all work is sales work internal or external.

Please do tune in to listen to our very interesting discussion.

In this episode, we continue to read the book "This is a story of a Happy Marriage" by Ann Patchett which is collection of her essays.

We read and discuss two essays in this episode - Essay 8 - “Tennessee” and Essay 9 - “On Responsibility”.

In “Tennessee,” Ann Patchett reflects on her strong connection to her home state, especially Nashville. She shares how the place has shaped her life, values, and writing. The essay also highlights her decision to stay rooted there by opening Parnassus Books, showing her love for her community and commitment to supporting local literature.

In “On Responsibility,” Ann Patchett reflects on caring for her aging grandmother and her sick dog. Through these experiences, she explores what it means to show up for others, even when it’s hard. The essay highlights how responsibility can be both challenging and deeply meaningful.

In this episode we discuss this book The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. It’s a mystery novel told from the perspective of Christopher Boone, a 15-year-old boy with autism, who investigates the mysterious death of a neighbor’s dog.

This book stands out because some of us have close relatives we’ve observed closely. Many authors struggle to depict this accurately, often relying on assumptions, but this book comes remarkably close to reflecting the behaviors we’ve witnessed firsthand.

Autism is often misunderstood and misrepresented, with many assuming it’s just about social difficulties or intellectual disability. In reality, it’s a spectrum with diverse experiences, including unique strengths, sensory sensitivities, and different ways of thinking. Media and stereotypes often oversimplify or exaggerate traits, leading to misconceptions.

Please do tell us if you liked this book and why?

“Mother Pious Lady: Making Sense of Everyday India” by Santosh Desai is a collection of essays that delve into the quirks and nuances of Indian middle-class life. Through a blend of humor and keen observation, Desai explores the everyday experiences, traditions, and cultural shifts that shape the identity of urban India.

In this episode, we discuss sub chapters within Essay 3. These essays talk about the rule of Hierarchies in India and the complexities of the same. It is not one set of rules that applies in all scenarios but an intersection of caste of the people involved, economic status, political status and connections, workplace hierarchy, educational status, traditional family status, etc.

Another essay talks about special status of Bus Drivers Maul in the bus and how daily travellers are aware of the same and daily proceedings adjust around the same. Have you ever been somebody's maul?

Thirs chapter talks about "Power of a slap". The phrase “the power of a slap” can be interpreted in different ways, depending on the context. It can be literal, symbolic, emotional, or even cultural.

Do let us know if you want to share something about these topics with us.

In this episode we read and discuss the book you are free.

All three of us were having a series of hectic weeks and wanted to read something light.

This book is charming, bittersweet novel about loneliness, second chances, and unexpected connections. If you love stories that blend romance, humor, and emotional depth, this one’s for you!

What we discuss:

- What is friendship and how it may be similar in some ways with romantic relationships

- The power of chance encounters to rejuvenate and be yourself

Please do tell us if you liked this book too.

In this episode, we discuss The Fraud. This book is a historical novel set in 19th-century England, revolving around a real-life scandal—the Tichborne Trial, one of the most infamous fraud cases in British history.

t the heart of the novel is Eliza Touchet, a sharp and independent Scottish woman who serves as the housekeeper (and cousin by marriage) of William Harrison Ainsworth, a once-famous but now struggling novelist. Her investigation into Tichborne case leads her to Andrew Bogle and we get to see Britain’s colonial past, slavery, and how race intersects with deception and power.

Written with wit and rich historical detail, The Fraud blends fact and fiction, using real-life events to reflect on modern issues of identity, justice, and historical narratives.

All 3 of us really loved the plot, character development, writing style, pacing of the novel. We also really like how The Fraud presents themselves at various points throughout the novel.

Please do tell us if you liked the book?

In this episode, we continue to read the book "This is a story of a Happy Marriage" by Ann Patchett which is collection of her essays.

We read and discuss two essays in this episode - Essay 6 - “The Best Seat in the House” and Essay 7 - “My Road to Hell Was Paved”.

“The Best Seat in the House” was published in The Wall Street Journal on June 21, 2008. In this piece, Patchett reflects on the transformative experience of watching opera performances broadcast in movie theaters. This essay is a testament to Patchett’s ability to observe and articulate the nuances of cultural experiences, highlighting the evolving ways in which art can be appreciated in the modern world.

“My Road to Hell Was Paved” was published in Outside magazine on May 2, 2004. In this engaging narrative, Patchett recounts her assignment to immerse herself in RV culture by renting a 29-foot Winnebago and traveling through the American West. Initially skeptical and self-conscious about the endeavor, she anticipates confirming her preconceived notions about the drawbacks of RV travel. However, as the journey unfolds, Patchett experiences a change in perspective. She discovers an unexpected sense of freedom and comfort within the confines of the motorhome, challenging her initial biases. The essay delves into themes of preconceived judgments, the allure of the open road, and the surprises that come from stepping outside one’s comfort zone.

In this episode, we read three essays from the book Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris.

David Sedaris’s Santaland Diaries is a hilariously candid essay recounting his experience as a seasonal Christmas elf named “Crumpet” at Macy’s department store in New York City. In this essay he discusses becoming an Elf, elf duties, holiday cynicism, etc. The essay is filled with laugh-out-loud moments, such as Sedaris recounting elf pep talks, sarcastically responding to customer demands, or reflecting on the surreal environment of Santaland.

The second essay - David Sedaris’s Season’s Greetings to Our Friends and Family!!! is one of his darker and more satirical essays. While listening to the episode, you would see how spooked we were by this essay. This essay is a parody and satire on letter writing tradition during christmas.

The third essay - David Sedaris’s Diana the Christmas Whore is a witty and heartwarming story that recounts a humorous and slightly absurd family Christmas memory involving a prostitute named Diana and the unexpected kindness that the holiday season can inspire. This essay has family and holiday generosity as the central theme.

The essays capture the essence of David Sedaris’s storytelling: finding humor in unexpected places. It’s a reminder that the holiday season is about extending kindness and creating connections, even in the most unusual of circumstances.