#Review: Tea Cups and Turning Points by Naina More

Naina More’s Tea Cups and Turning Points feels like an intimate evening spent nursing a cup of chai — the kind where silences speak louder than words and reflections linger long after the last sip. Her collection of short stories dives into the quiet storms of everyday lives, especially of women who stand at emotional crossroads — not with dramatic declarations, but with quiet courage.

More’s strength lies in her sensitivity. She captures those fragile, often-overlooked moments of decision and despair with a poet’s restraint. There’s a delicate touch in her prose, and the themes — silence, resilience, and rediscovery — flow naturally without ever feeling forced. The writing is gentle, reflective, and, at times, heartbreakingly real.

However, that same gentleness is also where the book occasionally loses its grip. Some stories end just as they begin to deepen, leaving you with a sense of incompletion — not the haunting kind, but the mildly frustrating one. The pacing can feel uneven, and while the lyrical tone is beautiful, it sometimes comes at the expense of emotional intensity or narrative variety. You may find yourself wishing for a bit more grit amid the grace.

That said, Tea Cups and Turning Points does succeed in doing what its title promises — offering small, contemplative glimpses into turning points that are as relatable as they are quietly revolutionary. It’s a soothing, slow-brewed read best enjoyed when you’re in no rush to get anywhere — though not every sip may linger equally long.

Find this book here.