Books are the Biggest Blessing! #AtoZChallenge

Reading a biography of Bollywood veteran actor Shammi Kapoor by Senior film journalist Rauf Ahmed. I’m not big on biographies, but I thoroughly enjoyed exploring a genre outside my comfort zone with this one!

I’m sick. That sounds particularly ominous in these covidian times, and believe me I’m scared. I started coughing a couple of days ago and kept worrying that I had caught the dreaded virus, but the cough is progressing into the seasonal laryngitis that usually happens to me. It begins with a cough and minor congestion and leads to a complete loss of my voice for about a week. Now that I’m at the croaking stage, without any other telltale symptoms like fever or body aches, I think it’s just good ol’ laryngitis after all.

Don’t worry though, if the situation gets worse, I’ll be the first one to get tested for corona- just saying! It’s funny how a cough is now more worrisome than a serious disease.

I’ve been in self-isolation for 17 days, having begun well before the nation’s lockdown. My only outings have been 3 trips to the grocery store/ chemist, with extreme caution being exercised (masks, sanitiser after every transaction, shower and change of clothes after returning home!), so, I’m unsure where I could’ve caught it even if I did. Could it be community transmission, despite our government’s vehement denial of its existence?!! Hmmm… The verdict is out on this one guys.

For now, let’s leave it at laryngitis and I shall keep you posted here with any developments.

As I think of a new tip to beat lockdown blues every day, books often present themselves as a universal solution.

Readers are often introverts and home-bodies, rarely needing entertainment other than books,. Take a lesson from readers and start reading during the lockdown.

There are many benefits to reading books-

1. You improve your knowledge
2. You improve your vocabulary and grammar skills
3. You become a better writer
4. You can express your emotions better
5. You learn to think creatively and out of the box
6. You are never bored as long as you have a good book to read
7. Books stand in for your friends in case you don’t have them around

While juggling jobs with daily lives, it’s hard for people to make time for reading. Hence, the lockdown is the best time to hone this wonderful habit. It has never been easier to access books from around the world – you can choose from e-books and audiobooks! However, if you are already an inveterate reader like I am, I have a different idea for you.

So, my tip to beat the lockdown blues today is:

Find a book in your personal library or your parents/husband/wife/sibling/in-laws collection, that’ doesn’t belong to a genre that you enjoy reading. It’s the best time to move out of your comfort zone and explore a new genre. If you don’t have an extensive collection of books at home, you can download an e-book that you wouldn’t otherwise pick. Who knows, you may discover a new side of your personality?!

I, do however, highly recommend reading reviews of the books before investing in them, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the genre- Goodreads to the rescue!

Talking of books, my recommendation with the alphabet B is:

“Beloved” by Toni Morrison, which is set in the aftermath of the American Civil War in the 19^th century. It’s the fantastic story of a freed former slave who chooses to kill her child rather than have her enslaved again, only to be haunted by her ghost. Through a plot based on paranormal activity, this Pulitzer-prize winning novel, explores important themes of freedom, self-will and love among the African American community. A heavy topic but a must-read.

On a lighter note, here’s the TV show I’ve been thinking of today:

“Bewitched” is an American comedy show from the 1970s that aired on Sony TV in India throughout the 90s and was an essential part of my childhood. The show is about a witch who is married to a human, leading to plenty of hilarious antics in their life. Though it’s not available for streaming, some of the episodes are on Youtube. If you’re a 90s kid who grew up in India, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this enjoyable trip down memory lane.

As for my blogger recommendation with the letter B:

Who else but Blogchatter right? These guys have changed the way India blogs through their innovative community campaigns. Their curated newsletters are some of the only blogging related ones I read regularly, and that’s saying a lot.

That’s it for today folks.

Do check out my daily update videos on Instagram Stories for #LockdownWithTheLadyLawyer and follow me there to stay better connected. Also tell me your favourite TV Shows/ movies/ books/ bloggers with the letter B? I’ll see you every day this month with some random lockdown thoughts and lots of recommendations.

Bye till tomorrow!

This post has been written for the #AtoZChallenge 2020. My theme this year is #LockdownWithTheLadyLawyer, where I’m journaling my thoughts during the coronavirus lockdown, and sharing numerous recommendations that will help keep your spirits up.

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