World of Wonders : Book Review

 

 

Book Review


Title: World of Wonders

Author: Aimee Nezhukumatathil

Genre: Non-Fiction/ Essays/Nature

 

 

This book piqued by interest especially since Barnes & Noble rated this as book of the year 2020. 

 

World of Wonders is a collection of beautifully weaved essays by poet Aimee Nezhukumatathil who is born to a South Indian Father and a Filipino mother. In these essays, the author illustrates the exotic elements of nature and drawing parallels to her own life. She takes us to the world of Catalpa trees, fireflies, whale sharks, peacocks, dancing frogs and vampire squids. In each of these essays, she blends the learnings with her own life and the perils of growing up as a girl with brown skin. 


She addresses the racial prejudices, unsavory remarks about her artwork, fear of being kidnapped, wanting to belong, experiencing loneliness to more pleasant moments of meeting her husband and being blessed with two sons. 

 

Written in a lyrical style, these essays are informative and provide interesting trivia about nature and several species.  Through her eloquent prose, we are compelled to look around, observe and understand the wonderful things around us. While some essays carry an underlying and powerful message while others evoke a chuckle and bring a smile to your face. My personal favorites were Peacock, Octopus, and the Bonnet Macaque. 

 

World of Wonders is a must read as it exposes readers to a parallel community that is a vital part of the eco system.  Its sure to make you go wow (as per the first letters of the title). 

 

 

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