'I love J.R.R. Tolkien's vivid fantasy world'

Discovering new worlds, between the pages, with digital marketing professional Namrata Balwani

Which is your all-time favourite book and why?
It is very difficult to pick just one. In fact, I would pick three - The Lord of the Rings, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and Pride and Prejudice. The fantastical world that The Lord of the Rings creates is vivid and beautiful. On the other hand, I love The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy for its nonsensical world that also offers deep insights into mankind. Pride and Prejudice, I believe, has one of the best opening lines and definitely some very colourful characters.

Is there any particular character in literature that has stayed with you?
I think it's hard not to be in awe of Holden Caulfield (The Catcher in the Rye). He is an iconic character for many youngsters. He is naive but challenges the established order eloquently with his cynicism. I love the complexities J.D. Salinger brings to the character. Also, since I like detective fiction, I have to say Sherlock Holmes is a character that has stayed with me for the longest time.

What sort of non-fiction do you prefer to read?
I often find myself picking up books on marketing, digital, technology and philosophy. An unusual mix, but I like extending the scope of the non-fiction I read.

One overrated and one underrated book according to you?
A History of the World in 10½ Chapters by Julian Barnes, in my eyes, is a monumental work. A collection of short stories, the book is a testament to Barnes' versatility as a storyteller. I highly recommend it. Overrated book? I often tend to find most pulp fiction books quite overrated.