Little (long) note of goals, achievements and awards

A new Ultimate Blogging Challenge begins today. 31 days, 31 post, one post each day… it took me quite a self-motivation to sign up for it. I remembered July and the nightmare of searching through topics, words and many times time and battery in my phone to do so. However, a round of conversation with my blogger friend Richa and I managed to sign up.

For last couple of days of September, I have been thinking about writing little achievements and goals.

For starters, somewhere in August I challenged myself to write 30 book reviews in 30 days. Though, the 30 days turned out to be 50 but with help of many fellow bloggers, I completed my last post yesterday.

September also bought me two little awards from my blogger friends.

First was Liebster Award shared by Meera of A Rat’s nibble. While sharing her award she asked certain questions…the answers to which go here –

1. What is the best word to describe you?

Talkative

2. Tell me your wildest fantasy.

To sit at northpole

3. What scares you the most?

Lizards

4. What is the best trick you think you have done to impress your crush but turned the other way?

I tried to draw attention by dropping the pen, but the teacher caught thinking I was cheating. It was a mess.

5. One ingredient for happiness.

Smile and let go.

Second award came from Ashish of My umpteen thoughts which was a Creative Blogger Award. I am frankly humbled to be sharing this, because if I ever have to describe my blog, creative will be the last word out of my vocab.

However, I’d love to share these awards with a few blogger friends.

Liebster Award – Preethi of A bit of this and that

Creative blogger Award – Richa Vikas Agrawal of The philospher’s stone and Nabanita of Random Thoughts

Moving on… I am sort of happy that I achieved my target of writing 30 post a month in September and reaching out to a target number of audience. Also, my first ever attempt on poem was appreciated, which made me really happy. Moreover, I resolved to start blogging for cause and encouraging others to do so. I hope I will get to read more posts on the same soon.

I am taking a little more pledge and moving on to explore the fiction writer in me. Starting today, I will write a story (how long I still don’t know) as part of UBC. I will need all the support for this story, and I hope you like it.

For my friends who share my awards… please take out time to answer my little questionnaire.

1. Describe why you blog in one sentence?

2. One place that you want to visit the most?

3. Which color defines you the best?

4. What is one thing that can cheer you up on a blue day?

P.S. This isn't my UBC post. It is just a mark of another begining. More like talking to myself and my friends here. Do come back to read the first post of UBC later today.

Day 30 – Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

For this special day (special because it is the last day of my 30 day project), I searched and searched for a special book and delayed the post by another two days (the 30 day project turned out to be a 50 day project) but in the end my Goodreads list came handy.

Persepolis is the only book I hadn’t reviewed amongst the Top rated books on Goodreads shelf. Also, it is different than any other book that I have read/reviewed.

Persepolis is a memoir of Marjane Satrapi in form of comic-strips when she narrates her growing up years in Iran. It beautifully describes growing up in Iranian Revolution with simple yet powerful strips.

It describes the culture, the child’s views on emperors and impact of war and politics on human life.

Why I love Persepolis is because it managed to tell us so much in so little words. It is engrossing and funny, yet sad and thoughtful. It is one of the best sad stories written light heartedly. I love Persepolis because it is one of a kind. I love it because the comic strips re amazingly cute and powerful.

Persepolis is a must read. 5 out of 5 stars to this book.

Day 29 – The timekeeper by Mitch Albom

“Time and tide wait for none”. A phrase that we have often heard.

Mitch Albom’s latest book – “The Time keeper” is the wonderful reminder for the saying that goes on for generation.

In this story the man who first counted time is punished for counting the most precious gift. At the end of his punishment, he can relieve himself by teaching two people true meaning of his choice. And then begins his quest to save a young girl who wants to end her life and an old man who wants to live forever.

In this wonderful book, Mitch Albom once again has managed to make us introspect, subtly reminded us to not be obsessed with the world and time and live each day beautifully.

In his race against time, the father of time presents us with an engrossing story that leaves us grasping for more.

Another bestseller by my favorite author, The Time Keeper is a must read for the young and the olds. A sure gift for your loved ones. I rate the book 4.5 out of 5.

Day 28 – Bel Canto by Ann Patchett

As the last days of this project come closer, I bring to you more of those books from my bookshelf which are kept under a section called special. It maybe the content, narration, my relation to the book or some XYZ random reason…but these books are the ones about which I can launch into an explanation as soon as someone pick them up.

Bel Canto by Ann Patchett is also a book from the same list. It is one of the most engrossing romance/thriller novels I have ever read.

The book was released in 2001 and has won several prizes including the Orange Prize for fiction.

It revolves around the people held as hostages in Vice Presidential house while they were at a party. In this group of people there is a Chairman of large Japanese company and an American singer.

The story is short but detailed, and as a reader I had no problem visualizing the author’s imagination. It is a love story, but not entirely. It is a thriller but not brutal. It has romance but not girly.

It is a very neutral, very beautiful book that concludes without you having to make an effort to try to finish it. My rating – 4 out of 5.

Day 27 – The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

One should not judge a book by its cover, but when the cover itself is so captivating, one can’t help picking up the book for synopsis.

I got this book from someone and a look made me want to read it. A fantasy fiction, the only that I liked ever.

The book starts with – “The circus arrives without warning.

No announcements precede it, no paper notices on downtown posts and billboards, no mentions or advertisements in local newspapers. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not.”

I must say that the book that starts with that sort of anticipation, grabs your attention in first two pages.

A wonderful book written in a spell casting prose, it leads you to a dream world of your own. The book is magical, in writing and in plot and I often wondered at the magnitude of author’s imagination.

It is a must read book. I rate this book a 4.5 out of 5.

Day 26 - Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Here comes another guest post for my project 30 days 30 books (which has now become 60 days 30 books, and is coming to an end with Thanks to wonderful guest bloggers who helpfully contributed to complete the project)

Nikhil shares with us a review of Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury on his blog called “Aficionado”. In his post he says – “I am so glad that I finally read Fahrenheit 451. FYI I read this book sometime back & had this review scribbled down minutes after I finished the book but never got a chance to post it .But now today’s the day. No more delay.”

In addition to the above he praises the book with - “Writing is crisp though. This book never feels as if you are reading a classic(in a “doesn’t bore you” sense) because it is so fresh & way ahead of its time that anybody who prefers staying away from classics can also give it a try.”

Check out rest of Nikhil’s post here - http://aficionadolog.blogspot.in/2013/09/book-review-fahrenheit-451-by-ray.html

A little introduction to the guest – In his new yet notable blog Nikhil is doing wonderful job of writing about books and movies he’d like to read/view or has read/seen. He has his opinions and he puts them across gently. His blog carries a lot of pictures of the book/movie he is talking about.

Introducing his blog he says – “A little insight to things that i feel is worth sharing/reading or let say "Worthwhile reading" as we call it. A Slice of everything is what you tend to find...”

Coming back to the book – Had I not come across this review I would have completely missed out reviewing a wonderful book that I read years ago. One of my first classics, I highly recommend this book to all who think that the classics is not their choice.

Day 25 –Oleander Girl by Chitra Banerjee Devakaruni

Is it wrong to have really high expectation from an author who has delivered some excellent books one after another?

My case of reading Oleander Girl was of high expectations not met. Having read the Palace of Illusion, I was expecting magic in this book too.

Frankly speaking, the book in itself is beautifully written. Each character is well built up, layers and layers of complicated personality wonderfully explained. Confusions, misunderstanding, fear, love, weaknesses beautifully portrayed, displaying the author’s strength in building characters. However, the story is not what could keep one from keeping the book down.

Adventures of the protagonists or the problems of the characters around her, none of the stories were really gripping. Incidents over incidents make it very sad until the last fifty pages. There are hardly any moments when you can smile while reading.

Though I liked reading the book but it wasn’t something that will really stay with me. It could have been more engrossing than it was.

A good book for weekend reading if you don’t let the problems of protagonists affect your mood. A 3 out of 5 for this.

Day 24 – Those pricey Thakur Girls reviewed by Elizabeth

This 30 days 30 books project seems to have as many books that I haven’t read as I have. Of course thanks to my fellow bloggers who have happily contributed their reviews for the blog.

Today, I bring the review of “Those pricey Thakur Girls” by Anuj Chauhan reviewed by Elizabeth on her blog “The bookish reviews”.

Elizabeth is one of my favorite bloggers when it comes to referring to blogs for searching for books. Her blog is a wonderful collection. She is a wonderful blogger. Her reviews are straight from heart.

She says what she means.

Reviewing this book, she says – “Anuja Chauhan has included just everything to make a funny read. She is not bothered about what is totally appropriate for that 1980-1990s era, but she just want to ensure that the readers do enjoy every bit of it. I should just conclude that this is a book by an Indian author that I enjoyed thoroughly for its humor content.”

Read the full review here - http://www.thebookishreviews.com/2013/09/those-pricey-thakur-girls-by-anuja-chauhan.html

Make sure you read her blog and the entire review.

By the way have you blogged for a cause? Share with us here.

Day 23 – The Krishna’s Key by Ashwin Sanghi

I got this book on the basis of a review I read at couple of blogs. I spent a good part of today morning to find those reviews. After finding the two out of three reviews that I read for the book before I bought, I hereby share their reviews with you.

A review was written by a blogger whom I have already mentioned when I shared his review of The cuckoo’s calling. Yes! Its Rupertt Wind.

He says, “Setting aside these two disappointments the novel is really good and can be easily ranked as one of the few very good Indian authored book that I have read in the last couple of years. I would suggest that the any one who can get your hands one just grab it. Aside from a few glitches I pointed out, the story is fabulous, gripping and very well researched.”

Read more at http://pagesofflife.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-krishna-key-by-ashwin-sanghi-review.html#O7S50zKeBR0y3stc.99

Second review was actually stark opposite. It was by one of my favorite bloggers – Suresh Chandrashekaran.

He concludes – “Thus, for me, it is a grave disappointment to read such a book when I was looking forward to reading a decent fantasy/thriller. After a gripping start the book degenerates into a series of lectures with just enough action thrown in every now and then to get the book to a close.

Ashwin Sanghi, however, is a pleasant surprise in the English he uses since his usage of Hinglish is sparing and restricted mostly to the dialogues of his characters. If he had intended to write a workable novel with all these theories in place, he should have opted for a longer size for the book and paid more attention to his characters.

All in all, it may be an interesting book if you like speculative theories about the myths of the past and you do not read the book expecting it to be a great thriller or fantasy.”

Read more at http://jambudweepam.blogspot.in/2013/06/the-krishna-key-by-ashwin-sanghi-review.html  

Even though they are different, I partially agree to both the reviews. I think authors like Ashwin Sanghi bring a good change to contemporary Indian writing with their thorough researches, and decent English. I liked the book in general with a slight disappointment at the sudden end. I rate the book a 3 out of 5.


Do you want to blog for a cause?

Day 22 – The Sicilian by Mario Puzo

If one has read “The Godfather” the number of times I have, i.e. to a point when you know the next dialogue by Don Corleone, you must read The Sicilian.

The year is 1950. Michael Corleone is nearing the end of his exile in Sicily. The Godfather has commanded Michael to bring a young Sicilian bandit named Salvatore Guiliano back with him to America. But Guiliano is a man entwined in a bloody web of violence and vendettas. In Sicily, Guiliano is a modern day Robin Hood who has defied corruption--and defied the Cosa Nostra. Now, in the land of mist-shrouded mountains and ancient ruins, Michael Corleone's fate is entwined with the dangerous legend of Salvatore Guiliano: warrior, lover, and the ultimate Siciliano.

In this book of love, hatred, betrayal and of course the mafia wars, Mario Puzo has weaved the same magic. Although not as famous as The Godfather, this book is equally gripping. It is as thrilling as it could be, ending each page with a new fold of mystery that one wants unravel. It is a book that cannot be easily kept down.

Critics claim that no work of Puzo could match up to the legendry book, but I humbly put in my point by saying that The Sicilian is the closest.

Let me know what you think of the book if you have read it. I rate the book a full 5 on 5.

Day 21 – We need to talk about Kevin

For the Day 21 of my project 30 days 30 books, I choose to write about an exceptionally gripping book by Lionel Shriver – We need to talk about Kevin.

The debate on nature and nurture is ongoing for several generations. However, little has been concluded on the same.

Bringing that debate alive again, Eva (narrator) talks about story of her almost 18 year old son who is under custody for a school massacre.

Throughout the book Eva is writing letter to her husband describing the relationship they were in to birth of her Kevin’s and Celia, all the way ending at the incident of massacre.

In this gripping book, each page brings a suspense and thrill that stopped me from keeping the book down. The story is fast and travels well over the eighteen years of Kevin's life. It is a book that stays with you for long time after you have read it once.

This was my first book by Lionel Shriver and it made me read two more books by her.

In 2011, the book was adapted into a movie with same title. I am yet to see it. I rate the book a 5 on 5 for being the rarest kind of fiction.

Day 20 - The cuckoo's calling

Day 20 of project 30 days 30 project brings us the review of Robert Galbraith’s “The Cuckoo’s calling” reviewed by Rupertt Wind.

A mystery by Robert Galbraith aka J. K. Rowling was published earlier this year and our reviewer here says –

“I would happily recommend the book as one of the finest mysteries I have ever read and when not viewed in the glitz and glamour of Potter, Mr Strike is a superior detective and a fine example of Miss Rowling Literary and Creative skills. Though slow to catch on the book itself is interesting, captivating and addictive.”

Ruppertt Wind who maintains a wonderful blog under the name of Pages off life proudly mentions that he has read 65 books in year 2013. About himself, he says, “Just someone who is one of a kind. A guy who really is destined for greatness”.

Check out the complete blog and read the book review here - http://pagesofflife.blogspot.in/2013/09/book-review-cuckoos-calling-by-robert.html

Day 19 - Eat Pray Love (30 days 30 books post)

The 30 days 30 books is back. With nothing big in sight, (no contests, festivals or other blogging and non-blogging priority) I believe that I can finish the remaining 12 days of 30 days 30 books at once.

Well, this won’t be done alone of course. There will be a lot of reviews shared by others. Let’s wait and see who all come up with posts for this.

But for today, I review one of my favorite books – Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.

As soon as we mention the book we think Julia Roberts and various news that flashed around her India tour for the movie. But for me it is much more than that.

For starters, I didn’t like the movie. On the other hand I completely agree with Elle which reviewed the book and said that it’s a word of mouth bestseller.

A book that became women’s secret of life has something for everyone. Whether you seek food, man or god (depending on your age and interest) there is a chapter just for you.

This is an autobiography of Liz Gilbert, post her divorce and her unsuccessful rebound. The book is divided into three parts – Eat Pray and Love, in Rome, India and Bali respectively.

My favorite part in the book is in the very beginning – in a particular moment of desperation, Liz writes a petition to God and mentally request and takes signatures from friends and family whom she know will support. I loved the idea.

The book may sound like a travelogue, a reflection, a love story, or random rant. However, more than once you relate to emotions of the author.

I rated the book as a must read – 4.5 out of 5. What re your views about this bestseller?

Day-18 Stephen Hawking's Black Holes And Baby Universes and other essays

I am no longer keeping of number of days I am behind in my project 30 days 30 books. Having read over 500 books in my life, I am surprised that I can’t think of thirty books to review. Shame on me :(

But thank God that the world still has some goodness left. Therefore, I keep meeting bloggers who offer to share their review on my blog.

Here is another one from Adarsh. Through his blog Adarsh posts various reviews – books, movies and other stuff. Personal opinion – his movie reviews are awesome. There are also certain short stories and debates on current issues. All in all it is a nice blog which is worth a visit. Check it out here.

Through that nice wonderful blog, Adarsh has shared with us the review of Stephen Hawking's Black Holes And Baby Universes and other essays.

A collection of Stephen Hawkings interviews and essays is something that I would never be interested to read had I not come across this review.

In Adarsh’s words – “On the whole, "Black Holes and Baby Universes and other essays" is a very good read (at least for a scientifically non-inclined person like me). Hawking's writing is good and to the point, and his sense of mild humour ensures that all is not dull. Regardless of your agreement or disagreement (as in my case) with the statement from the book's Introduction I have quoted above, I would suggest that you go for this one.”

Read the full review by Adarsh here - http://adarsh89.blogspot.in/2013/08/stephen-hawkings-black-holes-and-baby.html  

Day 17 – “Keys” Book Review by Nandiki Deka

In my previous post there was a mistake, there isn’t just one angel, there are many. Another one, Nandini Deka has agreed to share some of her review with us too.

Nandini Deka is a professional musician and an author based out of Mumbai in India. She has a wonderful blog named Nandini Speaks.

Under her blog “Nandini reviews” she has several interesting reviews. I choose to share her latest review. Review of “Keys”. I haven’t read this book. Keys by Santosh Joshi is a non-fiction published in 2013 by Santosh Joshi Foundation.

The book summary is as follows – “You will realize that no matter what experiences you had in the past or what your present circumstances are, you still have immense potential to achieve your life goals. It is never too late to begin. This book introduces the HLP principle which will launch you towards them. It will help you heal and resolve your past memories which are pulling you back most of the time. It will encourage you to find your true calling and work towards it. It will also motivate you to plan your journey towards the ultimate destination, your dreams. KEYS is for all those who have lost their true self in today’s rat race, those who have faced failures or gone through traumas, those in search of their purpose and those looking for inspiration to excel in life. This book is an opportunity to become the change you wish to see in yourself.”

Read Nandini’s review of the book here - http://nandinireviews.blogspot.in/2013/08/keys-book-review.html

Read Day 16 review of Man's search for meaning here

Day 16 – “Man’s Search for meaning” Book Review by Jini Fernandez

I was almost on the verge of giving up my project after 15th day while I planned to write 30 reviews under my project 30 days 30 books.

But this world still has it’s set of angels. I just got one. Jini Fernandez, stumbled upon my blog for the first time and was more than kind to share some of her reviews with me and other readers here.

I pick Jini’s review of “Man’s search for meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl because that one made me want to read this book as soon as possible.

A straight from heart review, crisp and informative, Jini presents the book to us. I have never come across the book but in her words “No wonder the book is popular. And its popularity made me browse it in a jiffy.”

Her review of this book has given me a to-read book on my shelf, I hope you like it too. Read the full review of “Man’s Search for Meaning” here - http://jini-fernandez.blogspot.in/2013/08/mans-search-for-meaning.html

Read Day 15 review of Chanakya's Chant here

Day 15 – Chanakya’s chant by Ashwin Sanghi

We have read, seen and understood Chanakya’s political lessons for generations. Aspiring kings and kingpins want to follow his principles and lessons. But that was more than 2300 years ago. We do not have the arthveda or Chanakya.

Think of comparing Chanakya’s notes with modern day politics – read Ashwin Sanghi’s “Chanakya’s Chant”.

Day 14 - The fault in our stars by John Green

Although I am once again three days late with my project 30 days 30 books and already running out of suggestions for reviews, I am hoping that I’ll be able to finally complete the project on 30^th day.

For Day 14 of my project, I am reviewing a book that I just read. “The Fault in our Stars” by John Green was published in 2012.

Day 13 - Calvin and Hobbes - Reviewing the best comic strips ever

Did you read Calvin and Hobbes ever? Well! I have. And not only read it but read it like bible. I have read Calvin and Hobbes at least five times and can still read more. That’s why I decided to bring you my review of C&H for Day 13 of my project 30 days 30 books.

Over 3000 comic strips illustrated daily by genius Bill Watterson which revolved around the craziest eight year old “Calvin” and his stuffed tiger “Hobbes”.

Day 12 - Review of "The Hungry Tide" by Amitav Ghosh

Think of a story set with Sunderbans in backdrop. Enchanting, magical, captivating…

Amitav Ghosh’s sixth writing “The Hungry tide” published in 2005 can be called all of the above and more.

The story revolves around Piyali Roy, a young marine biologist who lands in Sunderbans with a series of bad incidents to search for Dolphins in Bay of Bengal, Fokir, a local fisherman who saves her and Kanai Dutt, the acting translator and the narrator of most art of the story.