5th March, 2026

What am I working on?

At the airport, I overheard someone say 'Feel the Feels'. I thought that should be on a t-shirt. So I made this:

What am I reading?

The last few weeks I was vacationing in Philippines and I read these 3 books.

The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe (Illustrated by Loreto Aroca) is a deceptively simple illustrated book, yet it carries another gripping story from the Holocaust. I am always struck by the courage and resilience people carried within them during those harrowing times. Based on true events, it tells the story of a young girl who becomes the guardian of just eight books in Auschwitz. Read it not for the illustrations, but for the extraordinary story it holds.

Encyclopedia of the Early Earth by Isabel Greenberg was an absolute delight. Mystical, imaginative, and brimming with charm, it felt like stepping into a whimsical bedtime tale. The black-and-white doodles perfectly complement the story, keeping the tone light and playful. I stumbled upon it by chance and devoured it in one sitting. If you’re looking for something fun and enchanting, this is a wonderful pick.

My Grandmother Sends Her Regards and Apologies by Fredrik Backman reaffirmed why I’m such a fan of his work. His stories, character arcs, and the feel-good warmth woven into every book keeps me hooked. This one follows Elsa on a quest her grandmother sets for her after passing away. Backman builds a magical, imaginative world—one that feels like it could only exist between a grandmother and her grandchild. It’s heartfelt, and deeply moving.

What am I watching/watched recently?

I recently watched Paprika, and saying I was wowed would be a gross understatement. From start to finish, it kept me completely absorbed. The film revolves around a dream device that falls into the wrong hands, and the way the dream world begins to collapse into reality is nothing short of mesmerizing. The sequences are wildly imaginative—a true feast for the eyes. Surreal, almost hypnotic.

It’s said that Christopher Nolan’s Inception drew inspiration from Paprika. The only drawback for me was the ending, which felt a bit rushed. You might sense that too when you watch it. Still, the journey there is so extraordinary that it more than makes up for it.

New thing I learnt lately?

I came across an article on circle of influence. What I picked up is this:

Consumers do not weigh all voices equally; they activate different reference groups depending on-

• Perceived Risk (What happens if I get this wrong?)

• Reversibility (Can I undo this decision?)

• Expertise gap (Do I understand this  myself?)

• Social exposure (Will others judge this choice?)