V5R5: Arati Kumar-Rao

Readathon 2025 Week 5, also featuring Michelle Obama, Isaac Asimov, Nilanjana Roy and Gavin Aung Than

Dear Reader,

Welcome back after a short break. It’s been an eventful week at the Jaipur Literature Festival. More on that in another letter.

For now, here's another eclectic menu of 5 handpicked pieces of writing for your reading pleasure. Happy reading :)

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Read #1 - ‘Consuming Cats’

Stumble upon a ton of feline knowledge in this long essay about cats of all sizes by Nat Geo Explorer Arati Kumar-Rao.

Also watch:

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Read #2 - ‘Becoming’

Dip into an excerpt from Michelle Obama’s memoir.

Also watch:

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Read #3 - ‘The New Teachers + Whatever You Wish’

Get your mind blown by two essays written by Isaac Asimov in the 70s.

Also watch:

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Read #4 - ‘Why a generation of Indian writers, publishers and booklovers grew up reading Russian books’

Words from Nilanjana Roy’s excellent book about The Girl Who Ate Books.

Also watch:

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Read #5 - ‘Gavin’s Favourite Zen Pencils’

Gavin Aung Than shares his picks from his outstanding archive of cartoon quotes.

Also watch:

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Enjoyed this week's edition?

Cheers! - N&N