Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts

Sep 22, 2013

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.

Sep 18, 2013

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.”


Make sure you read her blog and the entire review.

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

Sep 17, 2013

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.


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.


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?

Sep 16, 2013

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.

Sep 13, 2013

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.

Sep 12, 2013

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

Sep 11, 2013

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?

Sep 2, 2013

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.

Aug 29, 2013

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

Aug 28, 2013

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

Aug 27, 2013

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”.

Aug 25, 2013

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 30th 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.

Aug 21, 2013

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”.

Aug 20, 2013

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.

Aug 19, 2013

Day 11 - The Last Lecture reviewed by Richa Singh

Today is my lucky day. Actually it is my best luck day. It has just been one of the best. I had an awesome time at work today (which is rare for Mondays).
Second, when post work I opened my blog I had a surprising number of readers and comments.
Then I started reading blogs by others and came across a wonderful review by Jaideep on Love is Vodka. I dropped him a line asking if I could share it for my project 30 days 30 books and he instantly agreed and encouraged by saying that I should make it 30 days 60 books.
Lastly, Richa dropped me a message saying that she had just finished the review of a book.

So Yes! I finally reach Day 11 of the project (which is today) with a wonderful review of The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch reviewed by Richa Singh.

There two special parts of this post is that it is done by my favorite blogger “Richa Singh” and it is a review of one of my favorite books.

Day 10 – Love is Vodka reviewed by Jaideep Khanduja.

While I am so busy celebrating my readers, I am really not getting time to write a post for my project 30 days 30 books. Therefore, I stalk all book reviewers, give them my best smile, a pleading look and a virtual hug and make them agree to contribute to the project.

Well some of them are so sweet that they promptly agree to write or share a post and make up for one day of my project.

One such contributor is Jaideep Khanduja. Today he has graciously allowed me to share his post on “Love Is Vodka by Amit Shankar”

Aug 17, 2013

Day 9 - Shiva Trilogy by Amish

Day 9 of my project 30 days 30 books covers the trend-setter, bestselling, award winning Shiva Trilogy.

The three parts of trilogy are –
1. Immortals of Meluha
2. Secrets of Naga
3. Oath of Vayuputra

I had read these books after much reluctance. It was my sister who kept nudging me and then eventually a friend who got the book, kept it in my hand and requested to read only first 50 pages of the first book.

Aug 16, 2013

Day 8 - Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

Here is the Day 8 post of 30 days 30 books. I am running a day behind so I will try to write two reviews today. I feel at times that I might just give up because of no time or energy.
Once again, I request my co-bloggers to send me your reviews if you have any so that I can share them on some days.

For Day 3 – I shared Shrinidhi’s review of “How I braved Anu aunty” which you can read here.

Most of you would realize that I am not really reviewing the latest books. I review books that I liked, or left an impact on me. Books that I recommend.

So the book today is a very special, my favorite “Tuesdays with Morrie” by “Mitch Albom”.

Day 7 - Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi

Day 7 of my project 30 days 30 books is covering a book that I have read more than once. I find this book to be my support system.

What – Reading Lolita in Tehran
Why – An exceptional tale of courage and determination

I found this book on the counter of full circle while I paid for my purchases and saw a high recommendation note along with it. For those who are regular at full circle for their book supply knows that the full circle recommendations are worth a thought, I bought the book at impulse.

Aug 15, 2013

Day 6 - The other side of human love by Richa Singh

Technically today is the eight day and I am running late by two days. On top of it I am making an exception from the given list and reviewing a book that I have read through the day.

I don’t know if it is supposed to be called a book. But I’d like to call it the same. It’s a story that I read in bits and pieces over a month and then wanted to read the whole of it together. And that’s when the author…our very own co-blogger Richa Singh (yes! It is a story by a blogger) came up with a pdf version.