Ruskin Bond's 92nd birthday: Indian readers talk about their favourite books by the author

Ruskin Bond shows a photo of his younger self with his vast library in the background at his Landour home. PIC/FIONA FERNANDEZ

The Rusty Series

Bond's Rusty is a misfit among misfits, much like Rudyard Kipling's Kim. That makes him appreciate the country in a way only an outsider can - with an inside access, of course. While the books are surprisingly introspective and show how Rusty comes into his own, they are also hilarious throughout. From Keaton-esque sketches to Wodehousian escapades, the humour edges on believably, but remains firmly and cleverly cheerful.
Srijan Dubey, screenwriter

Crazy Times with Uncle Ken

Ruskin Bond is my go-to. In the book, the grandfather and Uncle Ken are the best characters. Uncle Ken keeps changing professions, and they are all funny. He drives into the house of the Maharaja in the neighbourhood, loses his way to Kempty Falls as a tour guide, and puts Ruskin on the wrong train. Everything about him is mischievous.
Vidhi Joshi, educator

Rusty: The Boy from the Hills

I remember picking up a copy of the book at the scholastic book fair in school before our term ended, and finishing it a couple of days after the summer break began. I would imagine myself as Rusty, spending my time in Pune climbing trees and being playful like he was in Dehradun. I loved how real and vivid Bond's writing was.
Amitoj Singh Chandiok, brand strategist

The Blue Umbrella

I've really enjoyed his works. I love how Bond makes the place come alive. This one is my favourite. I could feel that I was part of the village in Garhwal, and was able to visualise all the characters and their personalities.
Shimli Basu, theatre practitioner

The Night Train at Deoli and Other Stories

I read his short stories in our English class for the first time. As someone who was starting to look at reading as a recreation activity, the simplicity of his writing made it so approachable for me. I read this book about 15 years ago for the first time, but revisit it every year. It's a sad coming-of-age story, but there is something comforting about it too. His writing made me look at male characters while putting my guard down - they were almost inherently safe.
Kajol Hinduja, psychotherapist

Bond's Top 10

Pic Courtesy/Instagram

1. The India I Love
2. The Room on the Roof
3. A Face in the Dark and Other Hauntings
4. The Ghosts of Indian Small Towns
5. Laugh with me
6. A Flight of Pigeons
7. The Eyes Have It
8. The Trouble with Jinns
9. All Creatures Great and Small
10. Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright