It is time for the second checkpoint in the Mount TBR challenge hosted by Bev @ My Reader’s Block. I find to my delight that I have made some progress. From April to June, I read three more books from my shelves: Alexander McCall Smith’s Espresso Tales, Donna Tartt’s The Secret History, and Tarashankar Bandopadhya’s Aarogyaniketan. Combined with the two books read in Jan-March, this means I have read five books in all, which is almost halfway to my ultimate goal of 12 books. Of course, I am woefully behind in my reviews, having managed to review just two of them.
Of the books read so far the one on my shelves longest was Aarogyaniketan (since 2006). It is also the one I enjoyed the most. It was a book that I wasn’t too enthused about and yet it turned out to be such a gripping read. Perhaps this year was the right time to read it because for all I know I might not have enjoyed it this much had I read it earlier.
a hot cup of pleasure 
Neer, I don't think I have read anything by Alexander McCall Smith but I'm aiming to set that right. I also plan to read more Indian fiction and I have made a beginning with \”Tales From Firosha Baag\” by Rohinton Mistry. Tarasankar Bandyopadhyay is, of course, a big name in South Asian literature. Were you happy with the translation?
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Neeru – It's good to hear that you've made some progress. My own TBR is tottering… You've reminded me that I must read some of McCall Smith's 44 Scotland Street series. I very much like his Precious Ramotswe series, and I've read some of his Isabel Dalhousie series, but not the third. Thanks for the reminder.
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I am waaaaaaay behind on this challenge. Even my checkpoint post is still to come.
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Nice group of books. I went and read the review for Espresso Tales. That was interesting. I look forward to the reviews of the other books.
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I read The Secret History too! Although, unfortunately, it wasn't from my own shelves so it doesn't count for this challenge. You're doing great! Good luck with the second half of your climb–and thanks for checking in.
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Sounds like you're on a steady course for this challenge, way to go!
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Well, McCall Smith didn't impress me much but he is an extremely popular and translated writer so obviously people do like him a lot. I look forward to reading your views on him. I read TALES FROM FIROSHA BAAG a decade back and found it an okay read. How did you find it?Tarashankar Bandyopadhyay was a revelation. For some reason, I like to read books from Indian languages translated into Hindi rather than English. But this was an English translation and despite a few typos a pretty good one. I am looking forward to reading more of his work.
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Margot, the books on the shelves now threaten to take over the whole of the home. 🙂 Not too fond of either Precious or Isabel but this I enjoyed. Looking forward to your views on it.
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Best of luck Freda. Hope you are able to make substantial progress soon.
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Thank you so much Tracy K. I am way behind in reviews but hope to remedy that soon.
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Thanks Bev. I read your review of THE SECRET HISTORY. To tell you the truth, I didn't enjoy it much but then I am in the minority.
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Thanks for having a look Monika. I am happy with my reading but the reviewing part leaves a lot to be desired.
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Well done Neer – I initially signed up but I'm afriad I got somewhat buried under a (not so metaphorical) avalanche of books!
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