Sonali Bendre Behl—renowned actor, cancer survivor, parenting author, and passionate bibliophile—is back with her second non-fiction work, A Book of Books, published by HarperCollins India on 23 April 2025 . This warm, welcoming guide is structured around 13 reasons to read, accompanied by curated reading suggestions for every stage of life—children, teens, and adults—blended with practical advice on developing sustainable reading habits
1. From Screen to Page: Sonali’s Literary Journey
Sonali Bendre first captured hearts in Bollywood, earning accolades including Filmfare and Screen Awards . In 2015, she published her debut non-fiction, The Modern Gurukul: My Experiment with Parenting, detailing her personal experiences and philosophies as a mother. Now, with A Book of Books, Bendre pivots from parenting to literature—writing less as a guru, more as a guide, friend, and reader-in-arms
2. What the Book Covers: A Deep Dive
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Why Read?
Sonali explores reading’s power to connect, heal, and inspire, backed by emotional memoir-style reflections on her own lifelong relationship with books. -
What to Read?
Organized by mood, age, and purpose, she offers recommendations ranging from picture books to YA fiction and adult literature—classic and contemporary. Favorites include The Lorax and The Gruffalo for kids, with nods to comfort and transformative reads for adults . -
How to Read?
She shares actionable tips—creating ritual spaces, choosing suitable formats, defeating distractions—all in a conversational tone meant to ease readers into habits, not overwhelm them.
In essence, the book is part manifesto, part memoir, and part literary roadmap—a personal and practical handbook for readers at any stage.
3. Tone and Structure: Conversational, Caring, Intentional
Reviewers praise the book’s approachable warmth, likening it to a heartfelt chat with a friend. eShe calls it a “welcoming, friendly guide” meant more for reading beginners than fastidious literary critics. Another blog describes it as “a celebration of reading in its purest form,” enhanced by thoughtful design and colorful illustrations to lure new or younger readers.
Sonali’s storytelling blends self-awareness with gentle humor, such as likening human emotions to the seven dwarfs of Snow White, creating memorable metaphors that humanize and inspire.
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4. A Voice for All: Target Audiences
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New Readers: Ideal for anyone wondering why to pick up a book or unsure where to start.
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Parents & Educators: Sonali, now parenting herself, understands the struggle to cultivate reading habits in young ones—she offers tips, rituals, and book lists tailored for families .
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Seasoned Readers: Though not deeply scholarly, her fresh perspectives and personal anecdotes offer emotional resonance and gentle reminders of the joy and purpose of reading.
5. In the Market: What Makes It Unique
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A Star’s Credibility: Sonali’s authenticity, especially after her public battle with Stage 4 cancer (now cancer-free) , brings emotional weight to her reflections on healing and resilience.
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Community Engagement: Her Sonali’s Book Club on Instagram already gathers people around shared literary conversations—A Book of Books extends that digital fellowship into print.
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Holistic Focus: Unlike dry reading lists, this volume celebrates why reading matters in modern life—mental health, empathy, curiosity—and how to sustain it creatively.
6. Reactions and Reviews
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Metrovaartha/PTI/Tribune: Highlighted her “13 reasons to read” and diverse recommendations spanning age groups.
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eShe: Noted its conversational style, blending history, emotions, and practicality—ideal for parents and casual readers
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Vidhya Thakkar: Described it as “a celebration of reading,” featuring vibrant layouts and expressive illustrations that engage beginners or younger audiences
Reviews consistently praise its warmth, inclusivity, and gentle structure—though seasoned readers may crave deeper literary critique.
7. Author’s Message: Connection, Healing, Lifelong Learning
Sonali emphasizes that books are more than stories—they’re companions through adversity and joy. Having conquered cancer and embraced motherhood, she champions reading as a healing, connecting practice .
Her words echo a mindset: Books connect us—to ideas, emotions, histories, ourselves. And when shared across generations, they become rituals bonding families and building empathy.
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8. Visual and Product Details
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Publisher: HarperCollins India, led by Tina Narang from the children’s division—launching as a guide suitable for readers from young to old.
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Specs: 212 pages, English, dimensions approx. 21.5×14×1.8 cm, priced at ₹599 (approx. USD 7–8)
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Design Highlights: Likely filled with illustrations, mood-themed sections, and a journal-like layout to encourage reader interaction.
9. Beyond the Book: Building a Reading Movement
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Digital Synergy: The Sonali’s Book Club Instagram community lays the groundwork for book discussions, live sessions, and deeper reader engagement.
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Potential Extensions: Possibilities include workshops, school visits, podcasts (she’s already ventured into animal-care podcasting), and partnerships with bookstores—even audio-visual readings.
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Advocacy: Her profile and cause positioning (health, parenting, literature) position Sonali to champion literacy, mental wellness, and family-region reading campaigns.
10. Who Should Read It?
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Young Readers & Teens: To ignite a lifelong habit in a affirming tone.
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Parents & Educators: Looking for tools to build reading routines at home.
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Casual Adult Readers: Rediscovering connection, creativity, and escape through books.
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Fans of Sonali: Who admire her personal journey and wish to support her next chapter.
Although literary purists may seek more analytical depth, many will enjoy her heartfelt, warm, and uplifting style.
Final Thought: A Community, Not Just a Book
A Book of Books is more than a static guide—it’s a spark for a larger literary conversation fueled by Sonali’s voice, community spirit, and personal narrative. In an age of digital noise, it offers a reminder that silence, reflection, and imagination can begin with turning one simple page.
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Top 3 FAQs
Q 1: Who is Sonali Bendre Behl?
A Bollywood actor and cancer survivor, Sonali has previously authored The Modern Gurukul (2015). She’s also built an online reading community and now launches A Book of Books as her second non-fiction work.
Q 2: What does A Book of Books contain?
The book explores why to read, what to read across age groups and moods, and how to build reading habits. It includes 13 reasons, personal anecdotes, practical tips, journal prompts, and reading lists .
Q 3: Who should read this book?
Ideal for beginner readers, parents, educators, and casual adult readers. The conversational tone appeals to those seeking encouragement more than scholarly criticism .
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