Hot Girls Read Podcast

Julia

‘Games at Twilight’ by Anita Desai is an enchanting collection of short stories that take place in modern day Bombay and other cities around India. The stories are like perfect bites of pani puri – entire worlds swirling with vivid characters and simmering tensions that melt into your mouth and leave a hint of mint and spice. I can feel the heat of the city, the exasperation, the longing, all so carefully packaged in each story.

Surprisingly perhaps, compared to other short story collections I have read, many of the main characters are children which I think is fantastic. It is always so much fun to get lost in simpler times. The opening story, also the title of the collection, ‘Games at Twilight’, is told through the perspective of Ravi, a 4 year old boy (i’m guessing) and the youngest of a large family. We are immediately drawn into his little and bright existence, and we witness a moment that changes everything. It is a beautiful debut to the following stories which are similarly light and airy, yet also filled with such moments that make you realise how so much can happen so quickly, and how even the most mundane events can be life changing. 

I am still only half way through this little book, but I am particularly enjoying the diversity of scenes that the author creates and pulls us into. From backyard shenanigans to catholic weddings to the city slums, every setting is a glittering mosaic piece that builds a shimmering picture of modern India and its people so subtly, so beautifully. 

Ayesha

I’ve taken a page out of Julia’s book and I’m reading several different books at the same time! To be honest, some I’ve started and kind of forgotten about…that’s just because I was eager to get started on some others. 

First up, I’m reading an advanced copy of “The Prodigal Son” by Sara Cate. I’m actually a member of her content creator street team (yay) and this is my first read as part of that! So, I haven’t actually read any of the other books in this series but you’ve heard our praise for “Praise” (lol, see what I did there?). I think I need to read some more to see how my thoughts further develop, but at the moment they’re fairly neutral.

I’ve also just started Lemony Snicket’s “Poison For Breakfast.” I bought this in the Strand over the weekend and I was pulled by Snicket’s quirkiness and wanted to see what this was about. It’s certainly a book that I need to pay a bit more attention to as there’s underlying philosophical thoughts but it’s so far left me with some moments to ponder on.

The final read that I will share is “Among the Bros” by Max Marshall. Funny story (but also not so funny), a crush (still debating if this is current or former) had recommended this and crazy enough, I was able to select this as a read from Harper Perennials’ influencer program. I’m a few chapters in and very thankful for the short chapters and quippy storytelling. I wasn’t involved in any Greek life in undergrad so following the story does require a bit of extra thought to understand the nuances of that university culture. Regardless, I am curious to see how this story unfolds and am glad to be back to reading some non-fiction.