The Power of Now taught me how to clear my mind

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Reading with Madhavi Murthy, a bookworm, teacher and an avid traveller

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Published: Fri 20 Mar 2020, 5:37 PM

Last updated: Fri 27 Mar 2020, 12:59 PM

What are you reading right now?
Just completed The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides and re-reading A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell

A book that changed your life, and why.
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. This book was gifted to me by my uncle, almost 14 years ago. It has taught me how to consciously clear my mind of unnecessary thoughts about the past and future and to enjoy the present. "Wherever you are, be there totally"

Name one underrated book and why you'd recommend it.
Pereira Maintains (translated from the Italian novella - Sostiene Pereira) by Antonio Tabucchi, popular in Italy but not very widely known in its English translation. It is a concisely told story of an apathetic and overweight senior journalist, who overcomes his political inertia with one brilliant act of courage and cunning.

Your favourite literary character and why?
It's definitely Olive Kitteridge from the novel Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout. Olive comes alive as a crusty, unfriendly and bitter woman, who has a surprising instinct for understanding and helping people in pain. Just when you feel she is truly an unlikable woman, she redeems herself with an act of generosity.

A book quote that really stood out and what it means to you.
A quote from A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell - "No matter how dark the tapestry God weaves for us, there's always a thread of grace in all the negativity that seems to surround us these days." This quote reminds me that there always is, and always will be, a bright side to life.


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