I was in college the first time I stepped into a library. Libraries immediately became my favorite places in the world, sanctuaries from all the vicissitudes of life. I’d cut classes and show up at the British Council Library and spend the whole day reading novels.
In hot, humid Kolkata, the air conditioning inside the libraries was a bonus. It didn’t hurt either that libraries were quiet spaces, in a noisy city. They almost felt too good to be true.
Even now in Singapore, I spend at least a few hours each week at a library, browsing, reading, but mostly, writing and editing. My books feature on the library’s shelves. Life has come a full circle.
This morning I was thrilled to note that a library from Kansas, one I don’t think I’ll ever get to visit, has recommended THE BLUE MONSOON to its patrons.
“Biswas’ writing style is atmospheric and propulsive, bringing the reader into the minds of not only the main detective, but several supporting characters, all the while keeping the clues and the action moving forward, so there’s never any dull spots; think of an author like Michael Connelly, just with the volume knob cranked way up.”
The entire review is here, and I love that they appreciated the backdrop of my novel:
“Biswas uses her story to reveal the larger scope of Mumbai where she brilliantly describes a clash of cultures, religions, and caste systems, where some people live in almost medieval poverty while others live in gleaming, well-protected high rises and use their wealth and influence to protect (and further enrich) themselves. This will be a fascinating eye-opener to many readers as they follow a flawed yet noble detective in pursuit of a twisted killer.”
The other day, one of my readers wrote to me saying they loved my work, but why is the India of my novels so complex? That’s because urban India is a layered, nuanced space inhabited by several centuries and belief systems. to have a librarian appreciate it is tremendous.
Another librarian, in a recent Goodreads review says that:
“I cataloged the audiobook and thought it sounded interesting, a fun little police procedural in Mumbai. It turned out to be much darker but also flashier than I’d expected and I really enjoyed it.”
To have the love of readers is wonderful, but to gain the love of librarians from across the world feels divine. And THE BLUE BAR is now in 339 libraries across the world ranging from Australia, Asia, the US and the UK.
And as if this were not enough, I checked Worldcat, which tells you in which libraries a book can be found, and YOU BENEATH YOUR SKIN is in 22 libraries all over the world, in places as far flung as Botswana and Netherlands.I’m pretty sure I’ll be dreaming of libraries tonight.
(If you’d like to support authors and have them featured at your local library, you can do this by recommending them. Here’s how.)
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What about you? Do you patronize libraries? Do you recommend your favorite author to your local library? If you’re an author, have you checked Worldcat to figure out where your books are available?
This entire month, THE BLUE MONSOON is on a Monthly Kindle Deal in the USA, Australia and the UK. If the spirit moves you, please Repost this Tweet or copy the text and graphics to other social media.
My literary crime novels, The Blue Bar and The Blue Monsoon are on Kindle Unlimited now. Add to Goodreads or snag a copy to make my day ! And if you’d like to read a book outside the series, you can check out You Beneath Your Skin. Find all info about my books on my Amazon page or Linktree.
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I do love the library, Damyanti. Unfortunately, Appleton moved it to the other side of the city until they can renovate the existing building downtown. So, I haven’t been there in a long time, although I should probably go and ensure my card still works. I am trying to catch up with the TBR pile that exists and now I have bought another book because of the positive reviews it received. Have to stop doing that and partake in the available and free books at the library.
I’m sorry to hear that! I remember being devastated when I could no longer take a stroll down the street and pop into my local library at any hour of the day. Being able to have such a wide variety of books so nearby is such a privilege. I hope you manage to get through your TBR list — I understand the struggle of being tempted to buy a new book, despite the ginormous pile waiting back at home. And fingers crossed that the one you just bought lives up to your expectations!
I just bought “The Women” by Kristin Hannah, although I have yet to ready her “Firefly” novel. She is becoming one of my favorite authors, after you, of course. 🙂
My family had no toys and few things to amuse us. I’ve spent a great deal of time in libraries and reading books. They are always a home away from home.
I couldn’t agree more. So many of my most treasured memories are set in libraries, surrounded by endless shelves of books and the lovely smell of paper.
Hi Damyanti – I’ve started to … so I don’t build up a library of bought books here waiting to read … I asked for another yesterday on the reservation list – it told me … nope … read some of the others first and then you can add another ?!?!… shows you my way of ‘reading’ get them in sight of my eyes … and at some stage read or return to the library. Brilliant that your books are reaching so many … you deserve it and congratulations …
Yours are here and have been read … making me feel I know Mumbai … cheers Hilary
I know what you mean, I was astonished when I first found out! And I absolutely do the same. I have far too many books waiting to be read. Thank you so much for the kind words, they warm my heart. The love and support means the world to me, and I’m so happy that you chose to step into my writing world!
What a wonderful review, all the way from a library in Kansas. That mean something. Congratulations ! 🏆🥇🥂
Thank you, Thomas! It’s always so nice to see reviews from unexpected places, and this one was such a joy to read!
Been going since childhood, when even a mere whisper could get you expelled…too bad libraries here in the U.S. have become some of the noisiest places…no longer an escape from a too loud world. But I’m still a patron.
That’s such a pity! The peace and quiet is one of the many attractions of a library, and I often go when my much-too-loud brain needs to settle down.
You’re lucky you still can…here the public libraries have become bustling places…no longer a haven… university libraries only option now for quiet 🤫
I used to be a student librarian when I was in college. Three years of having those books around.🥰
Sounds like a dream!
Definitely a library lover and it is indeed a bonus to see one’s book on the shelf. Better yet when it’s not on the shelf which means it’s checked out!
That’s so true! It gives me such a thrill to know that someone willingly walked over to my book, picked it up, and chose to take it home.
Congratulations, Damyanti!
Thank you, Liz!
You’re welcome, Damyanti!
Congratulations! That rec out of Kansas–what a huzzah for the day!
Thank you so much! And yes, that review absolutely made my day!
Yes, I’ve been a library user all my life.
My library addiction started in college, but it’s continued ever since and probably always will!
Hi Damyanti 🙂
you have struck a nerve with the title of this blog post! 😯
LOL, I find the various aspects and meanings which are all related to the word-stem “patron” intriguing.
Patrons seem to be nice folks, but at the same time NO-ONE wants to come across as patronizing.
It appears to be a very odd case of one word / concept meaning something AND ALSO its POLAR OPPOSITE!
And this is what triggered this comment.
Oh, and yes: I am a frequent patron.
🙂 Norbert
I completely agree! The flexibility of the English language never fails to amaze me — and how one word can mean countless things. Thank you for commenting!