In this episode, we read the final four essays from the book This is the story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett.
We have had an incredible time reading this book and her essays from various points of time in Ann's life.
The essays so well written, succinct and emotive that we have laughed and cried with Ann.
In this episode we continue to read about Ann Patchett's book This is the story of a Happy Marriage.
Essay 16 'THE BEST AMERICAN SHORT STORIES 2006' is about Ann Patchett's belief that the short stories are relevant, interesting and here to stay. Patchett believes the short stories are here to stay and we agree.
Essay 18 is also related to Essay 16 - The bookshop strikes back. Ann Patchett suddenly found one day that her town, Nashville, Tennessee, no less, had no bookshops (other than a used bookshop and stores like Target). Apparently the last one to go – an independent that had been bought out by a chain – had been profitable “but not profitable enough”. Patchett’s discovery, albeit on a smaller scale, replicates the situation at many cities. She laughs that on the day the bookshop opened in November 2011, the New York Times ran a story with a picture of her on page A1, something that her agent and publisher would never expect to achieve on the basis of her role as a literary novelist. We hope she’s right – but we need more brave (or blithe) booksellers and more readers who want the personal touch, because, after all, we are in this together.
Essay no. 19 is Love sustained is about her love and her relationship with her grandmother. This is very touching essay and strikes home for us. We all love her writing in this essay and emotions it brings out in us while she is simply stating her feelings.
In this episode, we read the book Maybe you should talk to someone.
This remarkable book offers us a rare dual perspective on therapy - Gottlieb writes both as a seasoned therapist treating her own patients and as someone who finds herself in desperate need of therapy after a personal crisis turns her world upside down.
Gottlieb weaves together multiple narratives. throughout the book and we follow her work with four distinct patients, each grappling with their own struggles, while simultaneously experiencing her own vulnerability as she sits across from her therapist, Wendell. The result is an honest, often humorous, and deeply human exploration of what it means to seek help and healing.
As we discuss this book today, we’ll explore themes of denial, growth, relationships, and the courage it takes to examine our own lives honestly. Whether you’ve been in therapy yourself or are simply curious about the human condition, Gottlieb’s narrative offers profound insights into how we connect with others and, ultimately, with ourselves.
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 three essays in this episode - Essay 13 - The Love Between the Two Women Is Not Normal, Essay 14 - The Right to Read and Essay 12 - Do Not Disturb.
In ‘The Love Between the Two Women Is Not Normal,’ Patchett challenges social judgment and prejudice by reflecting on how love—authentic, human, and transformative—often gets labeled and misunderstood. It’s a piece about the courage to stand by what’s true even when society resists.
Then, in ‘The Right to Read,’ she explores the freedom of access to books, the importance of intellectual independence, and why reading is more than just personal enjoyment—it’s a right that shapes democracy and critical thought.
Finally, in ‘Do Not Disturb,’ Patchett gives us a quieter but deeply relatable meditation on solitude, boundaries, and the small yet vital ways we protect our personal space in a noisy, demanding world.
Together, these essays weave a conversation about love, freedom, and the need to guard both our relationships and our inner lives. So, stay with us as we unpack Ann Patchett’s insights—reflecting not just on her words, but on what they mean for us today.
In this episode, we read and discuss the book Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism by Sarah Wynn-Williams.
In Careless People, former Facebook executive Sarah Wynn-Williams shatters the curated veneer of innovation and purpose, exposing the company’s inner workings—from whispered power plays on private jets to decisions that fueled global harm. It’s called Careless People, echoing Fitzgerald’s indictment of moral irresponsibility—Tom and Daisy meet tech-bro excess.
This is more than a memoir—it’s a searing account of how unchecked ambition and carelessness can reshape societies, not just social networks.
So grab your earbuds and steel your heart—it’s time for Careless People.
In this episode, we continue to explore Essay 6: Loosening the Past from Mother Pious Lady, where Santosh Desai reflects on the subtle and striking ways India’s middle class is moving away from tradition—without entirely letting go.
This section delves into how the boundaries of morality, modernity, and identity are shifting under the influence of globalization, aspiration, and self-expression.
From “The Moral of Drinking” to the irony of “Father Amitabh”, Desai holds a mirror to our evolving values—where beach vacations with Sunita, Western clothes, and private rebellion coexist with cultural guilt and inherited conservatism. In “The Death of the Baritone,” Desai mourns the loss of gravitas and restraint in our public voices—replaced now by high-pitched, opinionated noise that mirrors our increasingly restless, reactionary selves.
Do let us which sub-essay is your favorite?
In this episode, we explore Essay 6: Loosening the Past from Mother Pious Lady, where Santosh Desai reflects on the subtle and striking ways India’s middle class is moving away from tradition—without entirely letting go.
This section delves into how the boundaries of morality, modernity, and identity are shifting under the influence of globalization, aspiration, and self-expression.
From “The Moral of Drinking” to the irony of “Father Amitabh”, Desai holds a mirror to our evolving values—where beach vacations with Sunita, Western clothes, and private rebellion coexist with cultural guilt and inherited conservatism. It’s about a generation that’s trying to loosen its grip on old ideals, while still clinging to what feels safe and familiar.
In this episode, we read the book The Wedding People.
The Wedding People is a dazzling, deeply moving. Set over the course of a single weekend at a luxurious New England inn, this story invites us into the heart of a destination wedding—where not everything is as picture-perfect as it seems.
At the center is Phoebe Stone, a woman at her lowest point who checks into the inn with no intention of making it to Monday. But when a twist of fate pulls her into the chaos of someone else’s wedding, what unfolds is funny, messy, heartfelt—and entirely life-altering.
From controlling brides and grieving grooms to teenage wisdom and coconut-scented absurdities, The Wedding People is both a sharp satire of wedding culture and a tender exploration of grief, connection, and what it really means to choose life.
This is The Wedding People, and it’s not just about saying “I do”—it’s about asking, what if life gives you another chance to begin again?
In this episode we read the book A Bend in the Ganges by Manohar Malgonkar.
It is a powerful novel set against the backdrop of India’s turbulent fight for independence from British rule. First published in 1964, the book explores the years from the 1930s to the partition of India in 1947—a period defined by political upheaval, civil disobedience, and violence.
Through the lives of its three central characters—Gian Talwar, a devout Gandhian; Debi Dayal, a revolutionary who believes in armed resistance; and Shafi Usman, his Muslim friend and comrade—the novel confronts the ideological divides that shaped India’s destiny. Their personal journeys mirror the nation’s moral and political dilemmas as they navigate the tragic irony of seeking freedom through violence and sacrifice.
If you haven’t read it yet, consider it a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the moral conflicts that shaped South Asian history.
“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 dive into Chapter 4 of Santosh Desai’s Mother Pious Lady, a collection of sharp, humorous, and touching reflections on middle-class India. This chapter peels back the layers of familiar routines, traditions, and social quirks, inviting us to look closer at the unspoken rules and hidden meanings in our daily lives.
Join us as we unpack Desai’s insights, laugh at his witty observations, and reflect on how his words resonate with our own experiences. Whether you grew up in India or are curious about its social fabric, this episode offers a thoughtful and entertaining journey into the details that make Indian middle-class life so unique.
So grab your chai, settle in, and let’s explore the ordinary moments that shape who we are.
“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 dive into Chapter 4 of Santosh Desai’s Mother Pious Lady, a collection of sharp, humorous, and touching reflections on middle-class India. This chapter peels back the layers of familiar routines, traditions, and social quirks, inviting us to look closer at the unspoken rules and hidden meanings in our daily lives.
Join us as we unpack Desai’s insights, laugh at his witty observations, and reflect on how his words resonate with our own experiences. Whether you grew up in India or are curious about its social fabric, this episode offers a thoughtful and entertaining journey into the details that make Indian middle-class life so unique.
So grab your chai, settle in, and let’s explore the ordinary moments that shape who we are.
In this episode, we read Perfection, Vincenzo Latronico.
Perfection is an incisive novel that captures the essence of millennial life in the digital age. Set in Berlin, the story follows Anna and Tom, a couple whose meticulously curated lifestyle—complete with Scandinavian furniture, artisanal goods, and an active social media presence—masks a deep-seated sense of dissatisfaction and yearning for authenticity.
Latronico’s narrative offers a sharp critique of contemporary consumer culture and the pursuit of an idealized existence. Through Anna and Tom’s experiences, the novel explores themes of identity, globalization, and the impact of digital culture on our perceptions of self and fulfillment.
Join us as we unpack the layers of Perfection, discussing its relevance to today’s society and the questions it raises about the true cost of chasing an ever-elusive ideal.
In this episode, we read the book Cotillion by Georgette Heyer. Georgette Hayer is Annapurna and Mary's one of the favorite authors and makes them feel at home.
Cotillion is a Georgette Heyer’s charming and witty Regency romance. The book has the delightful twist on romantic tropes, the lovable dandy-turned-hero Freddy Standen, and Kitty Charing’s clever plan to take control of her future.
Shubhi is reading Georgette Hayer for the first time and is new to her world and recommends that this one’s a Regency romp you won’t want to miss.
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.