Monsoon Favourites
My monsoon picks for you
Hi my dear readers,
I hope this monsoon has been as joyous for you all, as it has for me. When I say joyous, I don’t mean that every day has been ecstatic, but that the cloudy weather and steady rains have brought with them a calming comfort that underlines my days. A life of straight-lined calm and contentment, according to me, is more satisfying than one with extreme highs and lows.
There are a bunch of lovely shows, books, dishes and more that I’ve been piling up to recommend to you all. So without further ado…let’s start!
To Read: 4 brilliant female authors
If you like novels that are just the right kind of riveting, disturbing and fast-paced - where you’re left wondering at how someone can even think like this, then The Vegetarian by Han Kang is for you. This is not a new novel, it came out in 2007, but Han Kang won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2024, bringing attention to this book again. After reading this one, it’s difficult to read something else, because it all seems boring in comparison.
I rarely gush about a book, but with Orbital by Samantha Harvey, I wanted to highlight every page, remember every line and savour every section. The way she has examined the smallness, largeness, fragility and strength of humanity and Earth from the vastness of space, via 6 astronauts and their interior and exterior worlds is just brilliant. I don't know what else to say about this book, except just read it - you won't regret it.
Dear friend and super writer Meera Ganapathi’s first book for adults is a soul-satisfying read. Whether you tear through How to Forget like I did, or savour it like many others have, her insightful poems and essays, all woven around the theme of walking, will stay with you for a long time.
Good Material, by Dolly Alderton is another good one. I'm blown away by how well this author has put herself in the shoes of a straight man and written in his voice. Apart from that, the content is sharp, witty and enjoyable. Based on a breakup, the book is relatable on many levels and has a few passages about love and relationships that stay with you.
To Watch:
Many people must think of K-dramas as silly, romantic, mindless escapes for women with stars in their eyes. I can confirm however, after my 45th one, that K-dramas are anything but mindless. When Life Gives You Tangerines on Netflix is yet another one of these that proves this. Beautiful moments, never-before-seen situations, unpredictable, real and heart-wrenching - this show has everything. Mother-daughter relationships, a fantasy love story, warm friendships and life’s highs and lows are all showcased so well. You will laugh, cry and recommend it further.
Culinary Class Wars on Netflix is an absolutely riveting watch (once you get past the first episode) for anyone who likes cooking shows.
If you like thrillers, Dept Q is a good one. Well-written, pacy and gripping. Perfect to be glued to indoors while it’s storming outdoors!
Memoir of a Snail is a film that left me in wonder at how beautifully emotions can be understood and translated onto screen in the form of spell-binding art. All about a lonely misfit who collects snails, this story is both heart-breaking and full of hope.
To Browse:
If you love history, then this game is so much fun. Select the event card shown and place it in the timeline in the order you think it happened. Educational and addictive.
An old but eye-opening article on losing weight and how one sees oneself.
This podcast / video on why young men are lost today makes so much sense. In general, if you don’t follow Diary of A CEO already (chances are you do, it’s the No.1 podcast at the moment), I recommend it.
And if you’re interested in browsing through bookshelves, the Himalayan Writing Retreat has put together a neat little list of book cafes all over India. Check them out here!
To Buy:
For everyone trying to lessen carbs, if you haven’t found these yet, you’re welcome! The wraps make for such easy dinner options.
Out of all the plus-size fitness wear brands out there, I’ve found that Spirit Animal fits best and is truly made for people with curvy and unconventional bodies (read short and plus size and not tall like the usual bodies plus size brands cater to).
Out with those hard Birks and in with these Slash O sandals - so comfortable and they look great too. Plus, they get an extra star for superb customer service.
To Eat:
Out of all the new restaurants doing the rounds in Bandra, Gaijin stands out for its fusion Japanese food that’s innovative as well as tasty. The courtyard at the back also ticks all the right ambience boxes.
I know many of us are on a health trip. But so many people are knocking it out of the park when it comes to desserts! If you haven’t already, you must try these 4:
The Venus Jam Cake & Mixed Berry Sorbet at Bandra Born
The Chocolate Soufflé at La Loca Maria
The Revenge Black Forest Cake by Maska Bakery
Pedro’s Chocolate Mousse at O Pedro
For the next edition of Ask Shai, I would love to include 3 Reader Recommendations. Send me your favourite things to do, read, eat, buy, watch and more and I’ll choose 3 to feature. After all, the more recommendations featured, the better. Don’t forget to include why you’re recommending them! You can either reply to this email or chat with me via the link below.
I hope you’re subscribing to my Insta page too? I try and post unmissable recommendations there quite frequently, so follow me here.
That’s all for now dear readers! Wishing you a brilliant season ahead. Enjoy the last of the rains as you gear up for festive times ahead.
Till next time,
Shai