New York Times (May 15, 2012)
May 15, 2012, 1:45 AM
Tackling a Hefty Reading List
By GARDINER HARRIS
Ed Alcock for The New York Times
In college, I took a course on Karl Marx that required reading
everything that Marx and Hegel wrote. It was history as boot camp, and
we were overwhelmed by the task.
I feel, Dear Readers, that you have set me a similar task. For
instance, several of you suggested Ramachandra Guha’s “India After
Gandhi.” I’m presently on page 557. Only 250 odd pages to go!
What’s funny about Guha’s book is that while it is huge, I find myself
wanting far more detail about certain events and people. The book is
almost entirely devoted to Center politics and does little to explain
the vast cultural and entrepreneurial changes that have swept Indian
society. Not his fault, of course. There’s just too much to say.
Before I dive into any more history, I’d like to tackle more of India’s
extraordinary literature. Two of you suggested “White Tiger,” which
I’ve heard is terrific. But no one suggested the classic, “A Passage to
India.” Why? Too colonial?
My wife just finished Vikram Seth’s “A Suitable Boy” and loved it. But
it’s as big as Guha’s book, and I fear that my bedside table will
collapse if I have the two of them going at once. I’m bringing it to
our first beach vacation, which I’m hoping will come in November or
December.
I’m also going to get “Teach Yourself Hindi,” which was suggested by
Todd Tarantino. I went out reporting on my own the other day and felt
helpless that I was unable to communicate with so many of those I
wanted to interview. Maybe if I study everyday for some brief period I
will get some rudimentary proficiency. Granted, it will probably take
some time to get to the point where I could conduct interviews in
Hindi, but hope springs eternal.
For those that asked, I’m based in New Delhi. And yes, I’m thrilled at
the idea of playing grass court tennis, although I’m not sure where
that will happen. I promise to avoid smashing the ball directly at my
opponent.
Thank you again for all the advice.
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