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Bookbuzz

NALINI CHETTUR

Book/s that have left a lasting impression: All of R.K. Narayan's works, be it "The Sweet Vendor" or "Swami and Friends." His books have a timeless quality, and I love his simple style and fantastic sense of humour. We can find what I call `the R.K. Narayan situations' even today. Dickens' "David Copperfield" too moved me a lot, especially since I have the habit of putting myself in the character's shoes. Paul Gallico's "Flowers for Mrs. Harris" and "Mrs. Harris Goes to New York." Pandit Nehru's "Letters From Me to My Daughter" has a universal appeal.

Book/s I'd recommend to family and friends: Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning." In fact, I would recommend it to the whole world. It's about a Holocaust survivor and his struggle to keep himself alive. It's a remarkable book that talks about the value of life. Paramahansa Yogananda's "The Autobiography of a Yogi" is a must read, even if one is not spiritually inclined.

Favourite authors: Many. Jane Austen, Tennessee Williams, Alexander McCall Smith, Pandit Nehru, Steinbeck... In recent times, it's Lionel Shriver and her Orange Prize winner, "We Need to talk about Kevin", inspired by the Columbine killings.

Currently reading: Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke. I am enjoying every word of it.

I would love to have dinner with: Pandit Nehru. I think he would have been a great conversationalist. Also Oscar Wilde. With such people all you need to do is listen...

(The owner of Giggles bookshop spoke to SAVITHA GAUTAM)

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