I remember this one time we went shopping with Dad when we were kids (eight years old, I believe). As I passed by the books section, a particular one caught my fancy. It had this bright red cover (hardbound, I think) with golden lettering. And it was a FAT book.
"Buy me that", I insisted. He checked out the book (and the price, of course). No, he said firmly. He still does not understand why I would buy books - fiction, that is. His idea of book-buying is for 'general knowledge' (as he puts it). As kids the few books he did buy us were - an edition of the Encyclopedia, 'More Tell Me Why', Wren & Martin, Oxford English Dictionary and 'Who said What'. That probably explains a lot of things, including my love for quotes.
Anyway, I did not get that book, and had to settle for a couple of Archie comics.
It's funny that years later the one thing that eludes me is precisely that - a suitable boy.
(Of course, I don't mean the book. Also, I am yet to read it.)
8 comments:
A time a place, a image, a person, a memory, a question- all shall be answered.
I couldn't finish reading that book. Even I borrowed it from the library because it was fat and glossy. But couldn't get past the first 100 pages. And those days, I used to be a voracious reader. If I couldn't finish it then, I have no hope I will now. :/
When I was in middle school, I remember learning a Vikram Seth poem for some recitation competition- and from then on, I would eagerly look forward to reading more of his work- A few years later, my mom had borrowed a copy of A Suitable Boy from someone and I would try to read it on the sly. Unfortunately, I never understood much then and my mom got weary after reading the first few pages, so she returned it. Your post reminded me of the times when my dad and I would go 'book shopping' to avoid the boredom of grocery shopping and how I still bug him to buy me books, so I couldn't resist commenting. :) Good luck in your search for a suitable boy!! :D
@ Sam - Here's hoping. :-)
@ Divya - You never know. :-)
@ Krishna (Sruthi?) - Glad that my post triggered some memories. :-)
And yes, I need all the luck I can get!
I quite like the book despite some unnecessary lengthy portions. And love can make any boy suitable :)
Purba - I hope to read it. And about the boy...what can I say. :-)
Tera number zaroor aayega!And gues what, this time round ur dad cannot say no :)
Well, "he" better make it soon. 'Coz I'm tired of waiting!
And yea, Dad won't say no - true! :-D
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