““Minutes of our book club meetings are as essential as the extra cookie at tea time – they hold the secret to unlocking the mysteries of our epic debates!””
Pocket Diary Book Club
Minutes of Meetings (MoM) – Edition 17
Are MoMs important? Of course, YES – “Minutes of our book club meetings are as essential as the extra cookie
at tea time – they may seem small, but they hold the secret to unlocking the mysteries of our epic debates and
hilariously heated discussions!”
MoM for Edition 17 written by – Shaurya
Notes supplied by – Ruchi
Books in the Session:
1) A Storm of Swords by George RR Martin
2) The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
3) Jhansi Ki Rani by Subhadra Kumari
4) From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home by Tembi Locke
5) Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K. Jerome
6) Think Like a Monk: Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Every Day by Jay Shetty
7) The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe
8) Raavi Paar and Other Stories by Gulzar <3
9) Dare to Dream: The Life of M.S. Oberoi by Bachi Karkaria
10) Dialogue between Fashion and Death by Giacomo Leopardi <3
11) Wild by Cheryl Strayed
12) A Romance of Two Worlds by Marie Corelli
<3 = MoM writer recommends the book for reading!
Mantram Read – A Storm of Swords by George RR Martin
Ladies and gentlemen of the Pocket Diary Book Club, gather ’round as we solemnly recount the
demise of the indomitable Tywin Lannister, which left us all feeling like a dragon with a
toothache. Picture this: Tywin, the almighty patriarch, sitting upon the porcelain throne,
perhaps pondering battle strategies while on his own, little did he know the true battle was
brewing in his bowels! In a twist of fate, Tyrion, his son, arrived for a family reunion most dire.
Armed not with swords but with a crossbow, he put an end to his father’s reign on the
porcelain throne, giving new meaning to the phrase ‘death by sitting.’ Oh, how it happened,
we dare not share in too much detail, but suffice it to say, it was a storm of swords and
intestines. And thus, we bid farewell to the great Tywin Lannister, reminding ourselves to
never underestimate the power of a well-aimed crossbow or a questionable serving of beans
at dinner. Rest in porcelain peace, dear Tywin!
Jhanvi Read – The Palace of Illusions
This mesmerizing tale, narrated by the enigmatic Panchaali, gives a refreshing twist to
the epic of the Mahabharata, offering us a lens through which we witness not only the
grandeur of ancient India but also the oft-neglected perspective of women in that era.
Panchaali, a fiercely intelligent and resilient protagonist, refuses to be a mere pawn in
the game of thrones, challenging the norms of her time with unyielding determination.
As we delve deeper into this literary marvel, we are reminded of the significance of
gender equity, not just in the context of a distant past, but in our very own present-day
world. Through her struggles and triumphs, Panchaali becomes an emblem of empowerment, urging us to
question societal norms and advocate for equity, so that no one’s voice is silenced, no one’s dreams are
overlooked, and all hearts can embrace the bliss of true equality. So, let us draw inspiration from this tale of
magic and illusions, and together, seek a world where the brilliance of each individual shines like stars in the
dark sky of history.
Quotes & Questions during the discussion of the book:
“War always led to devastation – She (Jhanvi) concludes – I Guess all victory comes with same loss.”
Yogesh added – Mythology has multiple versions. It is a multifaceted narration but isn’t all piece of literature
and what we do know is also lyrical.
I (Shaurya) asked Jhanvi – In what ways does the book challenge traditional gender roles and highlight the
experiences and challenges faced by women?
Now I wonder while writing this can historical narratives or stories be it through lens of Mythology or Fiction
can help world understand the Sustainable Development Goal number 5 i.e., Gender Equality? Can we promote
SDG5 through lens of literature.
Sound of Music Doe A Deer “Do-Re-Mi” Lyrics
Yogesh led amazing group of people for an interactive session on “Sound of Music Doe A
Deer Lyrics” – Take your headphones, sit in silence and listen & watch it HERE.
Fun fact – The activity that was led by Yogesh also had taken inspiration from the Movie – The Sound of Music
(1965) which won five Academy Awards. It covered the Do-Re-Mi in the musical movie.
Nirali Added – We are all out of time. (After Yogesh Energized the room with group activity).
You can read about the history of Do-Re-MI from this book: The First Notes: The Story of Do, Re, Mi by Julie
Andrews; Emma Walton Hamilton and Chiara Fedel.
Mitesh Read – Jhansi Ki Rani
Mistesh transported everyone in the room back to their school days.
(Nostalgia!) When most of the readers were introduced for the first time
a beautiful poem on Jhansi ki Rani.
Just to imitate the experience we had – listen to this beautiful poem
and try to remember your school days where you recited this poem
together: https://youtu.be/OTI4ZpZqAoU?t=101
Shweta Read- From Scratch!
Alright, fellow foodies and bookworms, fasten your seatbelts as we dive fork-
first into the delectable world of “From Scratch” by Tembi Locke! This
scrumptious memoir takes us on a wild rollercoaster of emotions and flavors.
And hold on to your aprons, because the quote that left our taste buds tingling
and our hearts giggling is, “Food is the ultimate peace treaty – one bite, and
even your arch-nemesis will turn into a food-loving teddy bear!” Can you
believe it? Who knew that the secret to world peace was hidden in a bowl of
pasta or a mouth-watering pastry? So, let’s put down our weapons and pick up
our spatulas, for the great unifier is none other than the food on our plates. Bon appétit, my fellow peace-
seeking gourmands! Let’s eat, laugh, and live happily ever after – one bite at a time!
Asad Read-Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K. Jerome
“Nothing seems to please a dog so much as to be taken out of doors, and
let to run around for a while.” This delightful quote from “Three Men in a
Boat” by Jerome K. Jerome perfectly captures the whimsical essence of this
timeless classic. As we embark on our meeting’s literary adventure, we find
ourselves relating to our canine companions, eager to escape the mundane
and run free in the world of laughter and camaraderie. Just like the antics of
the three friends and their canine companion in the book, our gathering
promises to be a rollercoaster of laughter and shared moments, where even
the simplest joys, like letting a dog loose, bring immense pleasure. So, let us
all release our inner dogs and savor the joy of being together on this literary escapade!
Dhruv Read – Think Like a Monk: Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Every Day
While “Think Like a Monk” offers some tips for those very new to self-improvement and
mindfulness practices, avid readers will find the content relatively familiar (some cases
boring!) as it draws upon widely popularized concepts from various self-help and spiritual
books (Many of the concepts of self-help are already explored and suggested by your
parents/family/friend on day-to-day basis).
I (Shaurya) would say the book presents “well-worn self-help advice wrapped in monastic
robes,” which does not offer any novelty for experienced readers seeking in-depth exploration.
However, for beginners, approachability of Shetty’s writing style, coupled with his personal anecdotes and few
of the practical exercises, may provide an accessible entry point to self-discovery.
Shetty explored the idea of ‘Method Acting’ as part of self-improvement in one of his chapters in the book.
However, experienced readers from the book club especially the ones with the background of Theater
understood that the author has misunderstood what method acting really is!
So, what is method acting? (Here are some references to explore)
1) Krasner, D. (Ed.). (2000). Method Acting Reconsidered. Palgrave Macmillan US.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-62271-9
2) The Madness of Method Acting. https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2022/03/the-
method-acting-isaac-butler-review/621310/
3) Method Acting.
https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803100153691;jsessionid=B3B
496E5A7B09E694788122ABC5910BA
4) Nashville Film Institute – https://www.nfi.edu/method-acting/
Kusangi Read – The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe
In the midst of its somber verses and eerie atmosphere, we stumble upon a quote about
death that even the Grim Reaper himself might crack a smile at: “Deep into that darkness
peering, long I stood there, wondering… and suddenly a pizza delivery guy arrived, bringing
light to my pizza-less plight!” Oh, how Poe’s dark musings took an unexpected turn! But fear
not, fellow literary adventurers, for even in the shadows of mortality, there’s room for a bit of
levity.
The raven, with its enigmatic presence, symbolizes the ever-watchful observer in our lives.
Much like the raven perched upon the bust in Poe’s poem, it reminds us that our thoughts,
fears, and regrets are always there, lurking in the shadows of our minds. However, just as the raven becomes a
source of introspection for the narrator, we too can use our inner “ravens” as a catalyst for self-discovery and
growth. So, as we navigate the mysterious depths of this literary work, let us embrace our own ravens of
contemplation and use their presence to unlock the secrets of our souls, for in the darkness, there lies the
potential for profound enlightenment.
Sonam Read – Raavi Paar and Other Stories by Gulzar <3
“Raavi Paar and Other Stories” by Gulzar is a captivating tapestry of emotions
woven with the finesse of a master storyteller’s pen. In this literary gem, Gulzar’s
words transcend the boundaries of time and space, transporting readers to a
world where dreams dance with reality and hearts sing with unspoken emotions.
Each story is a delicate melody, resonating with the essence of human
experiences, tenderly painting the hues of love, longing, and life’s myriad
complexities. Like a gentle breeze that caresses the soul, this book whispers its
enchanting tales, leaving an indelible mark on the reader’s heart. “Raavi Paar and
Other Stories” is not just a collection of narratives; it is a symphony of emotions, orchestrated with such grace
that it leaves readers mesmerized, inspired, and yearning for more.
Sonam read the paragraph with a smile on her face at all the right places. (A skill I would say most readers need
to think about consciously and may be apply while reading!)
Yogesh did not Read- ‘Dare to Dream: The Life of M.S. Oberoi by Bachi Karkaria’
Error 404 – The Book was Missing!
Sandeep Read- Dialogue between Fashion and Death by Giacomo Leopardi <3
In this hilariously thought-provoking masterpiece, “Dialogue Between Fashion and Death” by Giacomo
Leopardi, we witness a curious tête-à-tête between two unlikely siblings – the capricious Fashion and the ever-
ominous Death. Like two gossiping relatives, they discuss their roles in the lives of humanity, with Fashion
bragging about her power to influence trends and cause a fair share of discomfort, from tight corsets to
fashionable but painful piercings. But Death, with a wry sense of humor, counters her claims with an offer to
bequeath all of his belongings to Fashion when he eventually “dies” – a New Year’s gift with an eternal twist! If
you ever wondered how death and fashion could be in cahoots, this witty dialogue will not disappoint! As we
giggle our way through this entertaining conversation, we can’t help but marvel at Leopardi’s ability to infuse
even the darkest subjects with humor and wisdom, leaving us pondering the profound connection between our
mortal desires and the inevitable embrace of eternity. It’s a whimsical reminder that even in the face of
fashion’s frivolity, life’s impermanence is an eternal truth, a truth we can’t help but laugh at and embrace.
Fashion: Oh, darling Death, you look positively dreadful in that ancient robe! Let me spruce
you up with some stylish skulls and crossbones accessories!
Death: Ha! As if I need your fashion advice, Fashion! I’m timeless, and my style is deathly chic
without your gimmicks.
Fashion: Death, darling, you should try embracing color! Maybe a touch of neon green for
that extra “undead” vibe?
Death: Neon green? Are you trying to blind my victims before I claim them?
Fashion: Oh, relax, Death! It’s just a suggestion. But I must say, those empty eye sockets of
yours could really use some mascara to pop!
Death: Mascara? For a skull? How absurd!
Fashion: Well, it’s all about reinventing yourself, even in the afterlife. Plus, smoky eyes never go out of
style!
Death: I’ll stick to my classic monochrome look, thank you very much. Black is eternally in vogue,
unlike those fleeting fashion trends you come up with.
Fashion: Oh, Death, you’re such a killjoy! But hey, if you ever want to update your grim reaper image,
you know who to call.
Death: I don’t need your trendy tricks, Fashion. My cold touch and haunting presence are enough to
keep everyone in line.
Fashion: Suit yourself, Death. But remember, even you can’t escape the fashion police!
Death: And you can’t escape my icy grip! Let’s see who outlasts whom, shall we?
Fashion: It’s a date, Death, but I must warn you – I’ll go out in style!
At the end of Sandeep’s reading of Fashion and Death, Nirali remarks – “Shaurya is a Son
of Curiosity!”
Me (Shaurya) in my mind:
Founders Read! (But what do they read?)
Priya Read- Wild by Cheryl Strayed
“Wild” by Cheryl Strayed is a captivating memoir that chronicles the author’s transformative journey of self-
discovery through hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. With raw honesty and vulnerability, Strayed bares her soul as
she confronts her past mistakes, grief, and personal demons while traversing the rugged wilderness.
The book is a poignant exploration of human resilience, determination, and the
healing power of nature. Strayed’s evocative writing immerses readers in the
beauty and challenges of the trail, making them feel like they are walking alongside
her. One of the standout quotes from the book is, “I was amazed that what I
needed to survive could be carried on my back. And, most surprising of all, that I
could carry it.” This quote encapsulates the essence of the book, as Strayed learns
to shed the weight of her past and embrace her inner strength to conquer the
physical and emotional hurdles on her solo adventure.
As per Priya – “Wild” is a remarkable read that inspires and empowers, reminding us that sometimes, the most
profound healing and growth occur when we venture into the unknown, both externally and within ourselves.
Nirali Read- A Romance of Two Worlds by Marie Corelli
Nirali explains while introducing the book – “A Romance of Two Worlds”
by Marie Corelli is a mesmerizing novel that blends elements of romance,
mystery, and the supernatural. Published in 1886, the book follows the
story of Theos Alwyn, a young artist who falls critically ill and is
miraculously cured by the enigmatic spiritual healer, Heliobas. The
encounter opens Theos’ eyes to a world beyond the material, where
spiritual forces and higher dimensions intertwine with our everyday
existence.
Corelli’s vivid prose and imaginative storytelling transport readers into a
realm of mysticism and metaphysical exploration. One of the captivating
quotes from the book is, ” “No one is contented in this world, I believe.
There is always something left to desire, and the last thing longed for
always seems the most necessary to happiness.” This quote encapsulates the central theme of the novel, as it
delves into profound questions about life, death, and the mysteries of the universe.
Nirali convinces other that – “A Romance of Two Worlds” is a thought-provoking and evocative read, offering a
unique perspective on spirituality and the interconnectedness of all things. It appeals to those with a
fascination for the mystical and the unknown, inviting readers to contemplate the deeper meanings of life’s
experiences and the potential for transcendence.
We are Sons and Daughters of Curiosity!
The End