Ruskin Bond

When did I read his first book? What made me a big fan?

Going back in time, my memory serves me to the days in school when I must have been in the 9th or the 10th standard and I picked up a copy of "Panther's Moon" from my school library. I guess that was my first Ruskin Bond. But I completely fail to recollect if that was the reason for me to become a Bond fan.

From recent years, just a few years back, in a II hand book shop, I chanced upon the compilation of all Ruskin Bond's works (which Penguin had brought out). That led to many a satisfied afternoons of reading. And undoubtedly since then, the passion for his works has continued and even increased.

Last month, one of my friends, C presented me with an autographed Ruskin Bond book!!! Ruskin Bond had written my name on it!!! Its a prized possession of mine.

Sadly now, when I find myself short of time to read his books and more sadly out of reach of his books, I will surely miss him, perhaps forget him for sometime in the hustle and bustle of daily life. But then, on some glad holiday afternoon, I shall remember him again, remember the hills, the forests, the trees and the drama unfolding there again, long to read another book of his again, yes, that I am sure of !!!

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