Sameer Gudhate presents the Book Review of Common Yet Uncommon by Sudha Murty

You know those days when you're craving something comforting — not a thrill ride, but a book that feels like home? That’s Common Yet Uncommon for you. I picked it up thinking I’d read a story or two before bed, but somewhere between “just one more” and the last page, I realized I’d been smiling, tearing up, and nodding along all night.

Sudha Murty, who honestly needs no introduction if you’re into Indian storytelling, is back after seven years with adult fiction. And she hasn’t lost her magic touch. She’s the literary equivalent of your favorite grandparent — warm, wise, and full of stories that stay with you long after they’re told.

This is not one of those books with a twisting plot or shocking cliffhangers. Instead, it’s a collection of 14 beautiful, real-life-inspired stories that spotlight people you might pass by on the street without a second glance — but who have lived lives that are anything but ordinary.

You’ll meet Bundle Bindu, a compulsive storyteller who you’d love to hear at a local chai tapri, and Jayant the shopkeeper who gives so much credit you wonder how he stays in business. Then there’s “Lunchbox Nalini” — a character so vivid and lovable, you won’t be surprised to learn she’s based on Murty herself. These stories aren’t just about people; they’re about feelings, values, and the kind of quiet strength we often overlook.

Murty doesn’t write to impress — she writes to connect. Her language is simple, but not simplistic. It’s the kind of storytelling that feels like someone pulling up a chair beside you and saying, “Let me tell you something that happened back in the day…”

And honestly? That’s what makes it beautiful. She doesn’t use fancy metaphors or poetic tangents. She uses her heart. And you feel it on every page.

These aren’t characters — they’re people. People who make mistakes, who carry hopes, who do small things that end up meaning a lot. I found myself thinking, “Oh wow, I know someone like this.” And that’s the genius of Murty’s writing. She makes you look at your world a little differently.

The ideas here aren’t loud or flashy. They’re simple — kindness, honesty, generosity — but in today’s noisy world, those values feel like quiet revolutions.

Each story stands alone, so you can read them at your pace — perfect for those who, like me, sometimes get emotionally attached and need to pause before moving on. But if you read them together, there’s this beautiful sense of community that forms, with familiar names and places popping up again. Like you’re part of their little world.

Here’s what stayed with me: greatness isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s in the quiet choices people make — in feeding someone hungry, in refusing to lie, in showing up day after day.

Murty gently reminds us that you don’t have to wear a cape to be a hero. Being good is enough. And wow, isn’t that a message we all need right now?

I laughed out loud more than once. I teared up too, especially when a character’s pain was so raw, it felt personal. But mostly, I finished the book with a full heart. It made me want to call up old friends, do something nice for someone, and just... be a better person.

The biggest strength? The truth in these stories. They feel lived. You can tell they come from someone who’s watched the world closely and found beauty in places most of us miss. Also, the mix of Kannada culture and small-town flavor adds so much richness.

If you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping action or high-stakes drama, this won’t be your jam. But if you’re open to slowing down and listening — really listening — there’s nothing lacking here.

This book felt like a reminder. That no matter how fast the world spins, the things that matter most are still the simplest: kindness, stories, people. As someone raised in a community like the one in these pages, it hit all the right notes. It felt like a visit back home — with a little advice and a lot of love.

Common Yet Uncommon isn’t a book you read and shelve. It’s a book you come back to when you’re feeling lost or tired or just need a little hope. I’d recommend it to anyone — especially those who believe in the quiet magic of everyday life. 🌿

Give it a read. You might just walk away with a softer heart.

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