books

The growing chasm of BookTok

Are the glory days of BookTok coming to an end?

Are we hardwired for unhappiness?

The sad reality about humans is that we are not wired for happiness. Natural selection prioritises survival and reproduction, which does not necessarily involve being happier. People are now less happy than they ever have been. This is not just an abstract philosophical issue; it is becoming a national concern. 

WORLD BOOK AND COPYRIGHT DAY / A tribute to the written word

'A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies'

We didn’t mean to stop reading

There was a time, maybe not that long ago, when the only thing you needed for a perfect evening was a book

ESSAY / ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’: Fan service and repetitive themes weigh down ‘Hunger Games’ prequel

Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games series has captivated pop culture with its bold take on tyranny, sacrifice, and resistance, spanning Katniss Everdeen’s blazing defiance in The Hunger Games (2008) to her final stand in Mockingjay (2010) against Coriolanus Snow’s cold cruelty.

EVENT REPORT / ‘Bengal Photography’s Reality Quest’: A discourse with Naeem Mohaiemen

Throughout the session, Mohaiemen’s passionate, spontaneous, and engaging demeanour captivated the audience, fostering a deeper understanding of storytelling through images.

The enduring presence of cats in Japanese literature

What’s with all the cats in Japanese literature?

#Perspective / Why I will always love the month of Ramadan

Ramadan holds a special place in the heart, rooted in childhood memories of fasting, reading, and spending time with family. The sacred month provides a chance for reflection, reconnecting with loved ones, and appreciating life's simple, meaningful moments.

#Perspective / Humayun Ahmed: Still captivating Bangladesh, one book at a time

Humayun Ahmed’s legacy remains strong, captivating generations with relatable storytelling. His novels transcend time, making literature accessible to all. Despite criticism, his emotional depth and simplicity keep readers engaged, proving his enduring influence in Bengali literary culture.

May 16, 2023
May 16, 2023

Bigolas Dickolas and the power of a heartfelt ‘Read this NOW’

One random tweet by a fan account has sent a 2019 book flying off the shelves, climbing bestseller charts.

May 14, 2023
May 14, 2023

On mothers and reading

I wonder at how these frugal, accessible pleasures define her daily existence and get elated with the fact that reading takes up a significant space on the shelf

May 11, 2023
May 11, 2023

When BookTok amplifies diversity, who controls the narrative?

When certain types of books are consistently marketed and sold more than others, it can result in a lack of diversity in the types of stories and perspectives that are being shared

May 10, 2023
May 10, 2023

What to make of the diversity in the International Booker shortlist

Several threads of commonality tie the books together just as their origins showcase their differences.

May 9, 2023
May 9, 2023

Public libraries could solve our public space problem

There needs to be a push for a strong public library culture in Dhaka.

May 8, 2023
May 8, 2023

How we romanticise reading books

Books can offer a lot more than relaxation and aesthetic pleasure.

May 7, 2023
May 7, 2023

Gabriel García Márquez’s unseen novel will be published next year

The novel, which will span around 150 pages, tells the story of a woman named Ana Magdalena Bach, who visits a tropical island to lay flowers on her mother’s grave, and ends up having an affair. 

May 5, 2023
May 5, 2023

4 books that explore press freedom

Here are four books that explore the stories of journalists, and the issues surrounding press freedom.

May 4, 2023
May 4, 2023

Language can be the ultimate colonial weapon

Despite these heavy themes, Babel remains inherently readable. It is quick to attract the reader’s attention and then hold it captive, making it a very difficult book to put down.

May 1, 2023
May 1, 2023

What to take away from Amanda Palmer's The Art of Asking

The Art Of Asking shows us how to create a close-knit family of friends and supporters by being honest