The Reading List

The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams is a debut novel about the unlikely friendship between Mukesh, a recently widowed man in his sixties, and Aleisha, a sharp-witted teenager working at the local library. When Aleisha hand-selects a stack of books for Mukesh - drawing from her own passions and recommendations - the two forge a connection that transforms both their lives. The novel unfolds through their conversations about literature, family secrets, and the roles books play in shaping identity and belonging.

Adams explores themes of grief, cultural displacement, and intergenerational understanding with warmth and humor. Mukesh is a Gujarati immigrant navigating life after loss; Aleisha is a Black British teenager caught between her mother's expectations and her own ambitions. As they share books and stories, both characters begin to see themselves and each other more clearly. The novel integrates real literary references and celebrates reading as a bridge across difference and time.

Set in contemporary London, this is a quiet, character-driven narrative that celebrates the power of stories and the human connections they create. It's a thoughtful exploration of how literature can offer solace, wisdom, and companionship to those who need it most.

• Debut novel; 2021
• Themes: grief, cultural identity, intergenerational friendship, the power of reading
• Setting: contemporary London
• Ideal for readers of character-focused, literary fiction

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