Sonali Bendre Behl’s ‘A Book of Books’ is a welcoming, friendly guide to reading – eShe

By Komal Malhotra

If you’ve ever felt unsure about where to begin your reading journey, A Book of Books (HarperCollins India, INR 599) by Sonali Bendre Behl might just be the nudge you need. Releasing today, the book is written like a conversation with a friend who is sharing their love for books and gently inviting you to experience that same joy. From explaining why reading is important, to helping you find the right books based on your mood, to addressing the common excuses we often make in our reading journey – Behl covers all the essentials.

Known for her successful acting career in films and television, Behl is no stranger to the world of writing either. Her 2015 book, The Modern Gurukul: My Experiments with Parenting (Penguin Random House India), offered heartfelt reflections on mindful parenting. With this new book, she transitions to the world of reading, bringing the same warmth and sincerity to the subject of books.

The author brings in stories, emotions, examples, even a bit of history. I particularly enjoyed the part where Behl compares our emotions to the seven dwarves from Snow White. That was such a refreshing perspective! Her suggestion to match our moods with the right kind of books felt not only clever but also comforting. It’s a reminder that books have the power to cater to our mental and emotional needs in ways we might not often consider.

As a storyteller myself, I found myself nodding along with so much of what she wrote. She speaks about passing on the joy of reading to the next generation, and I couldn’t agree more. Whether it’s through reading rituals, bedtime stories, picture books, or even engaging kids with rhyme, rhythm, and creative activities – she touches on it all. And she does it in a way that doesn’t feel preachy, just encouraging.

I also appreciated her book suggestions for children – titles like The Gruffalo, The Lorax, and many others. These are books that are already part of my little library and ones I deeply cherish.

Another lovely thought she shares is how bookstores and libraries are like sacred spaces – places of peace and wonder, almost like pilgrimages for book lovers. I felt that deeply.

What makes the book especially relatable is the way Behl incorporates her own personal journey – not just as a reader but also as a parent of a son, someone who is still exploring new genres. Her reflections on the challenges and rewards of reading are deeply rooted in personal stories, making it less about telling the reader what to do and more about sharing an honest, lived experience.

In today’s digital age, e-books and audiobooks have become part of our routine, and Behl acknowledges this shift. Yet, there’s a soft nostalgia in how she describes the joy of holding a printed book, the smell of its pages and the peacefulness of a library. Indeed, more and more research is now pointing out the cognitive and psychological benefits of reading from physical books rather than digital interfaces.

For those wondering what gives a film star the authority to write a book about reading, it’s clear that her personal passion and commitment to the subject speak volumes. While she doesn’t claim to be a literary expert, she leads by example. She has successfully built a strong online community on Instagram centred around reading, and her own journey as an avid reader and parent lends her credibility in the realm of promoting reading habits.

While the book is undeniably charming, it reads more like a welcoming, friendly guide for beginners than an in-depth exploration for seasoned readers. This is not necessarily a flaw, but something to keep in mind when picking up the book. Some chapters, while warm and heartfelt, ended just as I was hoping Sonali would delve further into a topic. So, while I believe the book certainly serves as a great starting block, it might not offer much insight for those looking for a deeper dive into the subject.

As for the book’s pacing and overall content, some parts feel a bit repetitive, especially when discussing the basics of reading. However, this might be exactly what beginners need to stay motivated and build lasting reading habits.

One of the key messages Sonali leaves us with is that reading can be transformative for the mind and soul. It got me thinking – if we can proudly take on a 10,000 steps-a-day challenge for our physical health, why not a 10,000 books challenge for our minds and imagination? This was a thought that lingered with me long after I turned the last page.

In conclusion, A Book of Books is more than just a collection of thoughts about reading – it’s an invitation. An invitation to slow down, to reconnect with ourselves, and to rediscover the magic of stories. For anyone just beginning their reading journey, the simplicity and heart behind the book make it a good starting point.

Komal Malhotra is a children’s author, storyteller and educator on a mission to make learning exciting. She is the founder of Magic StoryTime and works as a Curiosity & Excitement Architect at Dreamtime Learning. You can find her on LinkedIn and Instagram.