Sonali Bendre talks about her latest literary offering – A Book of Books

Actress and author Sonali Bendre, known for her grace on screen and resilience off it, is also making waves in the literary space.

In a candid conversation, Bendre reflected on her deeply personal relationship with books and the motivations behind her latest literary offering, A Book of Books.

The book, released in collaboration with her thriving online community, Sonali's Book Club, is not a traditional memoir or novel, as she explains it as a celebration of reading itself.

"It's essentially a book of recommendations -- books that touched me, inspired me, or simply stayed with me," she shared, adding, "It's an extension of the book club I started eight years ago, one of the largest digital book clubs in South Asia."

One of the most striking ideas in A Book of Books is the permission it grants readers, especially those who feel burdened by expectations, to let go of guilt around incomplete books.

"There is no shame in not finishing a book," Bendre said, adding, "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." She drew from personal experiences, even recalling a moment during cancer treatment when she realised some books, despite their literary merit, were emotionally draining.

"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," she said.

A Book of Books is designed for a wide spectrum of readers, from seasoned bibliophiles to children just beginning their literary journey.

"On page 64, I've written about children who struggle to read. It's important for parents not to force reading on them. The joy of reading should come naturally," she said.

The book is packed with inventive ideas, like exploring genres through the lens of Snow White's seven dwarves, or reflecting on how reading can be the "cheapest way to travel," a belief she holds dear from her childhood.

While Bendre modestly claims she's ‘not an amazing writer,’ her book's thoughtful content says otherwise.

In fact, it was HarperCollins who nudged her into the project after seeing the impact of her book club's recommendations.

She said, "I initially said no. But when they suggested a book about the books I love, it felt right." The result is a work that blends memoir, advice, reflection, and recommendations, all rooted in a deep love for literature.