A Latte with Literati – Pallavi Banerjee

Salini: Let’s start with your early days. What are your first memories of reading? What was your favorite book as a child?

Pallavi: I have been a reader for as long as I remember. Books have been my go-to destination. I loved listening to stories by my grandma too. I was very close to her. As a child, I loved the golden books. They were a set of stories for preschoolers and the best!

Salini: How was your transition from a reader to a book reviewer? What was your inspiration to take up this unique role of a book reviewer?

Pallavi: Reading is embedded in my soul. I could never give that up. Even when I was preparing for my exams, reading was still a need. I used to hide books in-between clothes in my wardrobe and read them while preparing for exams, hiding from ma. After having a baby boy at age 30, I finally took a break from my job and was working with Momspresso as a paid blogger. I used to daily visit Instagram and YouTube, just to see the beautiful books, the latest recommendations. Finally, in 2019, that’s after three years of thinking, I decided to try it out. Thanks to the push from my sister-in-law (brother’s wife), Saloni. She helped me a lot.

Salini: What’s the book that’s sitting on your reading desk right now? Or is it a stack of books? 😊

Pallavi: I have a few review copies, This Winter and Another Note.

Salini: What are your favorite genres? Are you a fiction or non-fiction reviewer, or do you do both?

Pallavi: I prefer to read only fiction. My favorite genre is any fiction books! Still, if I narrow it down, it would be Fantasy, Graphics, Animes, Mangas, Crime, Thrillers. 

Salini: Is there any role-model for you when it comes to book reviews/critique?

Pallavi: Yes, many of them. @jessethereader and @thereaderandthechef. They both are my all-time favs. Among friends also many are there.

Salini: Tell me a bit about your reading habits. Which one do you like, eBooks or paperbacks? Do you have any specific reading place/time?

Pallavi: I am a book hoarder. Hardcovers are my weakness. But I am ok with paperbacks, too, as they are easy to hold. Ebooks are my last choice, but nowadays, all I do is read ebooks! My favorite place would be my bed, with a cozy blanket and lots of pillows.

Salini: How do you usually rate a book? Do you have any strict set of rules, or does it vary from book to book?

Pallavi: It varies definitely depends on the writing style and how much I connect with it. I prefer not to give ratings, especially on Instagram, as I don’t want the book to get a no. If we put the rating first, sometimes we judge the book even before reading what the reviewer wrote.  I prefer to express my experience out there. On Goodreads and Amazon, I definitely leave the rating.

Salini: If you are given a chance to meet a writer, dead or alive, who will that be? And Why?

Pallavi: I would love to meet Leigh Bardugo, Tahereh Mafi, SJM, Cassandra Claire, Rainbow Rowell… and the list goes on.

Salini: Being a book reviewer, you might have come across many indie writers. Is there any new writer who astonished you with their talent?

Pallavi: I love Avisek’s book and his writings on Instagram. He was one of the first indie authors I really loved reading. 

Salini: Tell us how a reader could benefit from reading your book review? Do you give any specific pointers?

Pallavi: Not exactly, no such pointers. I prefer reading to be a self-discovery journey. I don’t want my reviews to only help you judge the book but actually experience it. So I give the brief and my experience as a priority other than only the basic review.

Salini: On your journey as a book reviewer, what are the challenges you faced? Was it a smooth ride?

Pallavi: It was a smooth ride I would say, as I rarely look into only to review the book. I love the journey and memories I make through that, and that’s what keeps it easy. I don’t look at it as something I have to do. It’s more like I love to do it. So, it’s been a good experience.

Salini: What was one of the highest points of your journey as a book reviewer? Any unforgettable experiences?

Pallavi: I love book tours. I have done two till now, and the experience is amazing. That’s something I look forward to, always.

Salini:  Which is that one book you think every human being should read? And why?

Pallavi: Ahhh!! There are so many books!! Still, if I narrow it down… I would say, Maus. It’s a masterpiece.

Salini: How do you juggle your day-job and book reviewing? (if you are a part-time reviewer)

Pallavi: I am a full-time mom now, so reviewing and reading comes as the best gift. There was a time when I was struggling to read as I was working and so exhausted. Now, I balance the time better.

Salini: We all like to have a good laugh. Could you please tell me about a book that really made you laugh?

Pallavi: Calvin and Hobbes, for me! Asterix too!

Salini: Are you strictly a reviewer, or do you write too? If yes, where can we read you? (website links/published articles)

Pallavi: I love writing. I have written many blog articles for momspresso, had my first story published in 2001 in Tinkle Holiday Special. You can find my profile on the Momspresso page. Through momspresso I have worked with many children’s Brands like Johnson, Pamper, and Horlicks.

Salini: As a community, do book reviewers have any groups or collaborations? Who is a fellow book reviewer (of your circle) you greatly respect?

Pallavi: We don’t. Yes, once we become friends, we definitely make groups and join some agencies to get review copies, but nothing is fixed. It’s an individual choice.  But I think now that you say we should have. It will help many new reviewers to learn and have the correct approach. There are so many reviewers I love and respect. If I can name a few would be Mridula @ecstatic_yet_chaotic, Harshita @the_indian_girl are among them. There are so many of them; it’s tough to take one or two names!!

Salini:  Please tell me about a common point of improvement you come across in the work of new writers. From a reviewer to a writer, please give me a generic tip to become a better writer.

Pallavi: Good story, newness and seamless writing. Mainly, connecting to the readers.

Thank you Pallavi for letting me into your world of reading! Your answers enlightened me and opened up a lot of new possibilities in reading! – Salini Vineeth.

Pallavi’s Reviews On Instagram