Adarsh Man Sherchan

Adarsh Man Sherchan is a wildlife genetics program manager at The Centre for Molecular Dynamics, Nepal. An alumnus of RMIT University, Melbourne, Sherchan got into books from an early age. The Post’s Marissa Taylor caught up with Sherchan to talk about his love for books. Excerpts:

How did you first come to love books?
My father, a voracious reader himself, had this old bookshelf full of volumes from world literature that included titles by Chekov and Tagore to Devkota and Bhupi Sherchan. I grew up reading all these writers. However, it had to be reading The Catcher in the Rye that instilled into me this life-long love for books. I also attribute my love for words to the music I listen to. The lyrics of songs in the album Ten by Pearl Jam made me further appreciate words. That’s how my love affair with words started.
What was the last book you read and how did you like it?
It was Walter Isaacson’s biography of Steve Jobs. I liked how it traces Jobs’ personality and his life pretty accurately.
I enjoyed Isaacson’s obsession on fine calliAgraphy and minimalism, also his well-documented obsession with perfectionism. It made me strive for perfection however, the inspiration comes too few and too far between for me.
Which book do you want to read next and why?
Ten years ago, upon the advice of a really close friend, I read 10 pages of Atlas Shrugged, written by Ayn Rand, but later I gave up on it as it was way too heavy for me then. Now, I am ready to read it again; it is one of those books which challenged a lot of postmodern theories that were well ahead of its times.
What is your favourite genre and why?
I am fond of non-fictional social commentary. I believe that honest journalism has the power to change the status quo of any society. Reading pieces written on personalities such as Dr King, Harvey Milk, Gandhi or Ruben Hurricane Carter have greatly influenced me.
Name a book that you would or would not recommend, and why?
Freedom at Midnight, written by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre, is one book that I would like to recommend. The book is about the Indian Independence Movement, which was one of history’s most compelling moments of human revolution against oppression. We are at similar forefronts in our country’s evolution, so I feel a dire need for a selfless leader unlike anyone we have had in our recent history.
How do you select books to read?
There is no certain process. There are instances when I know about books from movies or from eavesdropping discussions. If I find out that they are good books then I instantly hunt them down and read them. However, I closely follow the works by my favourite authors.
Do you prefer fiction or non-fiction? Why?
I like to read non-fiction. Because, my realm of imagination mostly borders between the real and the tangible.
What is good writing for you? What would you say makes a good writer?
Good writing is simple; it may or may not be direct, but the message is always clear. Writing that is easily understandable and honest is what I call good writing. A good writer is someone who is honest about his/her craft.
How have books affected your life?
My genetics handbook has been my bible since past 4-5 years. During my journey from a novice to a professional scientist, the book has been my go to book for all troubleshooting and revisions. I owe a lot to it for where I am today.
One book that inspired you a lot and why?
Recently, I re-read The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai. I am fond of socio-political commentary minus the politics. So, the book, which sheds light on the layers of class structure through subtle prose, was a key learning tool and an organic reading experience. The myriad of complicated stories and lives fused together so nonchalantly—it is a masterclass example of storytelling. 
Your advice for general readers?
Read more. If you are just starting out as a reader, it may take a bit of time to really appreciate the beauty of language. Growth may be slow and imperceptible, but you will certainly be rewarded as you continue the journey.