This lively and empathetic collection, born from the writer's varied experiences, and layered over with her observations and analyses, is a very engrossing read. Their universality makes them relevant to all, especially to people living in societies where tradition and modernity co-exist.

Mitra Phukan (Novelist and Translator)

"In this collection of essays and stories, Monalisa Changkija recounts her life lessons with their twists and turns. Exploring a range of genres, in each story she has something new to offer with a superb mix of emotions and reason. She is rather frank in her critique of certain social pretensions and shallow public life. With humor and pathos, she makes the reader delve into serious reflections of life."

Dr.A.J. sebastian sdb

Professor (Rtd) & Former HoD English

Nagaland Central University

Never a dull moment with Monalisa Changkija. She takes the reader on a whirlwind tour through varied topics. Our vivacious lady has once again come out with her guns blazing~this time through her collection of essays that will surely keep the reader flipping the pages till the last!

Sebastian Zumvu (Writer)

Monalisa Changkija offers a series of anecdotes encompessing her early forays into journalism to neighborlygossip, ranging from the delightful to the amusing to thought-provoking. This is a collection of personal stories that provide us a rare glimpse into the life of one of our most renowned journalists. In unadorned prose that catches your attention and keeps it, Changkija gives us tantalizing insights into the Naga milieu, touching upon the tension that exists between ethnic identity and the broader 'mainland India' identity. Her sense of hypocrisies big and small. Hers is a life fully livid and this is what forms the core appeal of the book.

Mona Zote (Poet)

Written with deep personal conviction Middles is an encounter with a few home truths and the journalist's eye shifting through situations and realities in search of The Human Thing. Embedded in the narratives is a profound cry for introspection to clear the cobwebs of social and individual prejudice in order to appreciate the other side and celebrate life and people beyond barriers. 'If we can't own truths, we cannot claim ownership to life itself.'

Mamang Dai (Poet and Writer)

With an inborn felicity for words and an instinctive courageous reaction to adverse situations, Monalisa Changkija, poet, journalist and short-story writer, has sensitively reflected her vibrant, often tumultuous, region with all its multi-faceted events in this collection. Each story is engrossing, each, an anecdotal experience, encompassing nuggets from everyday life. Monalisa is undoubtedly a brilliant story-teller.

Dhruba Hazarika (Writer)