Sonali Bendre Turns Literary Advocate with New Book
Actress Celebrates the Joy of Reading, Offers Permission to Ditch Unfinished Books
Sonali Bendre, celebrated for her acting career and inspiring resilience, is now captivating audiences with her literary venture, A Book of Books. The project stems from her popular online community and offers a unique perspective on the reading experience.
A Community-Driven Celebration of Literature
The book isn’t a traditional narrative, but rather a curated collection of recommendations. Bendre explained the genesis of the project, stating “It’s essentially a book of recommendations — books that touched me, inspired me, or simply stayed with me.”
It’s an extension of Sonali’s Book Club, which has grown into one of South Asia’s largest digital book communities over the past eight years.
Bendre’s work arrives at a time when reading habits are evolving. A recent Pew Research Center study found that 27% of Americans read no books in the past year, highlighting the challenges of maintaining a reading culture in a digital age. (Pew Research Center, December 2023)
Permission to Pause—or Stop—Reading
A central theme of A Book of Books is the liberation from the pressure to finish every book. Bendre champions the idea that readers shouldn’t feel guilty about abandoning a book that doesn’t resonate. “There is no shame in not finishing a book,”
she asserts, “You don’t have to read a book just because it won awards. If it doesn’t connect with you, it’s okay to move on.”
This philosophy arose from her own experiences, including a difficult time during cancer treatment.
“I couldn’t finish A Little Life. It’s a brilliant book, but so sad. My book club members gently suggested I step away from it — and they were right.”
—Sonali Bendre
Reading for All Ages and Interests
The book caters to a broad audience, from avid readers to children just beginning their literary journeys. Bendre emphasizes the importance of fostering a love of reading in young people, advising parents “The joy of reading should come naturally.”
She also shares inventive ideas for exploring literature, such as categorizing genres through the characters of Snow White.
Despite her own modesty, claiming she’s ‘not an amazing writer,’ Bendre’s thoughtful approach resonated with HarperCollins, who encouraged her to develop the project after observing the impact of her book club’s recommendations. She initially hesitated, but embraced the idea of a book centered around the books she loves.
A Book of Books blends personal reflection, literary advice, and recommendations, all fueled by a genuine passion for the power of reading. It’s a testament to the transformative impact books can have on our lives, and a gentle reminder that the reading experience should be joyful and personal.
