How I Taught My Grandmother to Read and Other Stories

How I Taught My Grandmother to Read and Other Stories is a collection of autobiographical tales by Indian author and philanthropist Sudha Murthy. The stories capture moments and experiences from Murthy's life, from her childhood in Karnataka to her work with Infosys Foundation. The book contains twenty-five short narratives, with the title story focusing on Murthy's relationship with her grandmother. Other stories explore her encounters with people across India's social spectrum and her experiences as a teacher and engineer in the 1970s and 1980s. The stories highlight ordinary people Murthy has met during her travels and work throughout India. The narratives span rural and urban settings, examining traditions, education, family bonds, and societal changes in post-independence India. These personal accounts address themes of empowerment, dignity of labor, and the impact of education on individual lives. The collection offers insights into Indian society while emphasizing the value of compassion and determination in creating positive change.

Readers describe the book as a collection of simple, relatable stories that showcase Indian values and family relationships. Many note that the short length and straightforward writing style make it accessible for young readers. Liked: - Personal anecdotes that connect with readers' own experiences - Focus on education, determination, and helping others - Clear moral messages without being preachy - Stories about relationships between grandparents and grandchildren Disliked: - Some stories feel repetitive in theme - Writing style too basic for adult readers - Translation from Kannada loses some cultural nuances - Limited depth in character development Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon India: 4.5/5 (1,000+ ratings) Amazon US: 4.3/5 (100+ ratings) One reader noted: "Perfect for middle school students learning about Indian culture." Another mentioned: "The stories are heartwarming but could use more complexity in the narrative structure."

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🔖 Sudha Murthy wrote this book based on real experiences from her life in rural Karnataka and her work with Infosys Foundation 📚 The title story was inspired by Murthy's actual grandmother, who was motivated to learn reading at age 62 after feeling left out when she couldn't read a popular serial story in a magazine 💫 Beyond being an author, Sudha Murthy was the first female engineer hired at TATA Engineering and Locomotive Company (TELCO) after writing a postcard to the company chairman about their "men only" hiring policy 🌟 The book has been translated into 15 Indian languages and has become part of school curricula in several states 📖 Many stories in the collection focus on the value of education, particularly for rural women and girls, reflecting Murthy's lifelong commitment to social causes and literacy