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uditnair24's review against another edition
5.0
Yet another comforting book amidst the otherwise tumultuous life which we all lead. I could just sit down and listen to ruskin imparting his wisdom all along. At the end of the day it's the simple things which give us contentment and joy. I always find his writing soothing and therapeutic. One can pick this book up and just start reading from any page. Like the name suggests its indeed a book of simple living but with profound life lessons.
_askthebookbug's review against another edition
5.0
// A Book of Simple Living by @ruskinbondofficial
It's almost impossible to not enjoy Mr Bond's books, be it his fictional stories, essays or just his experiences. This gorgeous edition is by @speakingtiger and honestly is the best one in my collection so far. The cover matches what's on the inside, essays that are as beautiful as the flowers he describes, as cool as the breeze that flutters the leaves outside of his window and also like warm mountain sunshine. One of the things that I adore about his books are the simplicity that his words carry. There are no fancy words used nor are there any pretentious tales woven solely to impress the readers. It's just him telling us about the people, places and memories that he so adores. Perhaps this is why he is so cherished amongst the readers.
When he moved into the hills many decades ago, he knew he'd fit in perfectly well and he turned out to be right. With his adopted family to take care of him and the many birds and flowers that keep him company, he has led such a wonderful life. He has little to no regrets and finds happiness in the simplest of things like watching a flower that blooms from the cracks of concrete steps. His essays are so vibrantly written that one can't help but be teleported to the mountains and breathe in the clean fresh air. As he reminisces about his childhood, love both lost and found, people he met over the years, it almost feels like you're sitting with a beloved friend with a cup of hot tea warming your palms. This extraordinary book also makes all the worries seem insignificant, something that can be resolved with a bit of courage and determination. It preaches us to live simply, to give love and also to receive it fully, to derive joy from something as sweet as a tree with new leaves, from squirrels or birds that are chipper around us. A Book of Simple Living is exactly what the title suggests but somehow makes the entire reading journey profound.
Well, that's Mr Bond for you :)
I highly recommend this.
It's almost impossible to not enjoy Mr Bond's books, be it his fictional stories, essays or just his experiences. This gorgeous edition is by @speakingtiger and honestly is the best one in my collection so far. The cover matches what's on the inside, essays that are as beautiful as the flowers he describes, as cool as the breeze that flutters the leaves outside of his window and also like warm mountain sunshine. One of the things that I adore about his books are the simplicity that his words carry. There are no fancy words used nor are there any pretentious tales woven solely to impress the readers. It's just him telling us about the people, places and memories that he so adores. Perhaps this is why he is so cherished amongst the readers.
When he moved into the hills many decades ago, he knew he'd fit in perfectly well and he turned out to be right. With his adopted family to take care of him and the many birds and flowers that keep him company, he has led such a wonderful life. He has little to no regrets and finds happiness in the simplest of things like watching a flower that blooms from the cracks of concrete steps. His essays are so vibrantly written that one can't help but be teleported to the mountains and breathe in the clean fresh air. As he reminisces about his childhood, love both lost and found, people he met over the years, it almost feels like you're sitting with a beloved friend with a cup of hot tea warming your palms. This extraordinary book also makes all the worries seem insignificant, something that can be resolved with a bit of courage and determination. It preaches us to live simply, to give love and also to receive it fully, to derive joy from something as sweet as a tree with new leaves, from squirrels or birds that are chipper around us. A Book of Simple Living is exactly what the title suggests but somehow makes the entire reading journey profound.
Well, that's Mr Bond for you :)
I highly recommend this.
ppratz's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
4.0
findingdori's review against another edition
5.0
Once upon a time I was a little girl. Me and my class went for a 5 days long trip to Bükk National Park, Hungary. Reading this book was like time travelling back there, the way I used to think back then, how everything felt right, the curiosity running through my veins, the innocence, the gentleness. The humble childish excitement for a cool spring just escaping by my feet, rolling joyfully down the mountain. The radiance, the pulsating earth beneath my feet, the throbbing heartbeats of nearby animals holding back their breath for seconds at a time, all observing this group of kids just laughing and making an awful lot of squeaky noise.
How does one even begin to describe what it is to be happy? Because this is my happy.
I have forgotten so much of that adventure, but the feeling has remained. Never before, never after I have felt more alive than in those few days. No one has told me, but I am so grateful that my little mind has preserved it, for I cherish it every day of my life.
I have been wanting to read something from the author for the longest time. A very kind friend of mine offered his works to my attention. I don't believe his work has earned the deserved attention yet, but I am thrilled that his audience is getting broader and broader. He has all the wisdom you need to know, delivering his truth in simple manners for all to understand.
Timeless.
How does one even begin to describe what it is to be happy? Because this is my happy.
I have forgotten so much of that adventure, but the feeling has remained. Never before, never after I have felt more alive than in those few days. No one has told me, but I am so grateful that my little mind has preserved it, for I cherish it every day of my life.
I have been wanting to read something from the author for the longest time. A very kind friend of mine offered his works to my attention. I don't believe his work has earned the deserved attention yet, but I am thrilled that his audience is getting broader and broader. He has all the wisdom you need to know, delivering his truth in simple manners for all to understand.
Timeless.
pixeldetective's review against another edition
5.0
One of the most beautiful books I've ever listened to. The 2 hour audiobook was a treat and now I want to get the hardcover just so I can go through it again and highlight the lines that spoke to me.
I never got into Ruskin Bond as a kid or as a teenager because I didn't read much back then. But after listening to this books, I've ordered two Bond books and I'm really looking forward to reading them.
The two most meaningful things I took from this are about writing and life.
About writing: It's amazing how Bond can weave a narrative or a story with such a simple language. And it directly hits you in the heart. There's something beautiful about how he constructs words and it's something I want to study and emulate. It goes to show that you don't need to write complicated words or sentences to be a great writer. Ultimately, you're writing to be understood.
About writing and happiness: One thing that stuck out was how Bond was aware of his limitations as a writer and choose to accept them. And he thinks he is better for it. He writers as well as he can and doesn't worry a lot. When he can't write, he takes a walk on the hills or tends to the garden (when he had one). I think as a writer, this is very important. And it's key to peace and happiness. We can't all be great writers or we can't be great writers in every field. Choose what kind of writing you like, accept the ends of you talent and then work within it. Maybe that itself will help you get better (this is something Bond didn't address in the book but I'd like to know more about).
About life: I think Bond has lead one of the most romantic and wholesome lives of any writer or person I know. And he still continues to do so, even at the age of 80. He is single and doesn't have any kids but he's had his fair share of love (both romantic and the other kind). To me it's good proof that living simply, longterm, is the best strategy.
I never got into Ruskin Bond as a kid or as a teenager because I didn't read much back then. But after listening to this books, I've ordered two Bond books and I'm really looking forward to reading them.
The two most meaningful things I took from this are about writing and life.
About writing: It's amazing how Bond can weave a narrative or a story with such a simple language. And it directly hits you in the heart. There's something beautiful about how he constructs words and it's something I want to study and emulate. It goes to show that you don't need to write complicated words or sentences to be a great writer. Ultimately, you're writing to be understood.
About writing and happiness: One thing that stuck out was how Bond was aware of his limitations as a writer and choose to accept them. And he thinks he is better for it. He writers as well as he can and doesn't worry a lot. When he can't write, he takes a walk on the hills or tends to the garden (when he had one). I think as a writer, this is very important. And it's key to peace and happiness. We can't all be great writers or we can't be great writers in every field. Choose what kind of writing you like, accept the ends of you talent and then work within it. Maybe that itself will help you get better (this is something Bond didn't address in the book but I'd like to know more about).
About life: I think Bond has lead one of the most romantic and wholesome lives of any writer or person I know. And he still continues to do so, even at the age of 80. He is single and doesn't have any kids but he's had his fair share of love (both romantic and the other kind). To me it's good proof that living simply, longterm, is the best strategy.
gracetreesa's review against another edition
5.0
Declarations of passionate love or undying friendship are fine in their own
way, and perhaps necessary, but the important thing is to feel comfortable
with someone, and not have to keep proving yourself in one way or another.
this is that book I'm going to keep on my bedside table to hold when I don't feel like a person. this is that book I'm going to read when I need to remind myself that I can exist without constantly consuming everything around me.
so true of ruskin bond to write down exactly the thoughts I've been trying to find content about in the most lovable homely form love him for it. 10/10 THE most beautiful nonfiction I have ever read flew through it but i know i'm going to do so many rereads.
way, and perhaps necessary, but the important thing is to feel comfortable
with someone, and not have to keep proving yourself in one way or another.
this is that book I'm going to keep on my bedside table to hold when I don't feel like a person. this is that book I'm going to read when I need to remind myself that I can exist without constantly consuming everything around me.
so true of ruskin bond to write down exactly the thoughts I've been trying to find content about in the most lovable homely form love him for it. 10/10 THE most beautiful nonfiction I have ever read flew through it but i know i'm going to do so many rereads.