Author: John Grisham
Genre: Fiction
Just when I thought my fav writer could not give me a book that I would not be able to keep down, he came up with a pretty decent one.
The Asociate is Grisham's latest book and is yet again on what he writes best about - law! The plot revolves around a final year law year student who has planned his life after law school. But just when he thought that everything would end as he wanted, the past catches up and takes him on a roller coaster ride ,albeit unwillingly. He dodges the thin line between the two sides of law with efforts for he knows that a small mistake would put him on the other side of law with no escape.
The book has a great pace but it has a lacklustre climax. It is practical but I always expect stories to have a definite end. This one doesnt and thats the place where it disappointed me. Again its nowhere near Firm or Partner but then if you like his writings you would not find it that bad.
Non grisham fans skip it, others go ahead! Its better than many of his recent books
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Catcher in the Rye
Author: J.D.Salinger
Genre: Fiction
Did you know that this book had quite a controversial launch? It had been banned and disliked for many years because it was considered corny by many. And today its a considered a masterpiece!
It is a rebellious account of a guy named Holden who is thrown out of his latest school and is just own his way to his house to confront his parents. Thats precisely how long this book is! Yet it covers his insecurities, his teenage angst, his dislike of anything that is phony and his 'sick' state as he likes to call it. The book ends on a weird note too with no happy or sad ending. Its abrupt and thats exactly what is its USP.
Its a different book altogether and I am glad to have read it. The book definitely deserves the 'masterpiece' tag that it has got!!!!
Genre: Fiction
Did you know that this book had quite a controversial launch? It had been banned and disliked for many years because it was considered corny by many. And today its a considered a masterpiece!
It is a rebellious account of a guy named Holden who is thrown out of his latest school and is just own his way to his house to confront his parents. Thats precisely how long this book is! Yet it covers his insecurities, his teenage angst, his dislike of anything that is phony and his 'sick' state as he likes to call it. The book ends on a weird note too with no happy or sad ending. Its abrupt and thats exactly what is its USP.
Its a different book altogether and I am glad to have read it. The book definitely deserves the 'masterpiece' tag that it has got!!!!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
A Time to Die
Writer: Wilbur smith
Genre: Fiction
One of the books in the second sequence Courtney series. The story is about Sean Courtney Jnr. and Claudia. Type the name of the book and you will get the details. I mean I didnt like it , so in no mood to review it. It got boring with time and I have an unspoken rule of never ever leaving a book halfway, only that made me finish it.
Although the courtney series it didnt have the adventure spirit that could captivate me. But no issues, it wont stop me from lapping his other books. I Plan to finish every courtney book written by Smith :D
Genre: Fiction
One of the books in the second sequence Courtney series. The story is about Sean Courtney Jnr. and Claudia. Type the name of the book and you will get the details. I mean I didnt like it , so in no mood to review it. It got boring with time and I have an unspoken rule of never ever leaving a book halfway, only that made me finish it.
Although the courtney series it didnt have the adventure spirit that could captivate me. But no issues, it wont stop me from lapping his other books. I Plan to finish every courtney book written by Smith :D
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Joker in the pack
Autors: Ritesh Sharma, Neeraj Pahlajani
Genre: Fiction
What is it with these IIT, IIM folks? Everyday, somebody or the other seems to be writing a book. This is the 3rd one that I read (5 point someone, keep off the grass being the others).
The story of Shekhar Verma, a brilliant chap who gets into the IIM just because the IT bubble has burst and MBA seems to be the only alternative to a high profile, jet-setting job.Yeah! thats how easy it is for him to clear CAT and get calls from 3(?) IIMs. The book then covers his cliched schedule and cliched self doubt at being in one of India's premier institutes.
The book is great in terms of a one time read. I especially like the middle class nuances put forth by the authors. Being a small book, it wouldnt take much efforts to finish it off in one read.My rating though is an average :)
Genre: Fiction
What is it with these IIT, IIM folks? Everyday, somebody or the other seems to be writing a book. This is the 3rd one that I read (5 point someone, keep off the grass being the others).
The story of Shekhar Verma, a brilliant chap who gets into the IIM just because the IT bubble has burst and MBA seems to be the only alternative to a high profile, jet-setting job.Yeah! thats how easy it is for him to clear CAT and get calls from 3(?) IIMs. The book then covers his cliched schedule and cliched self doubt at being in one of India's premier institutes.
The book is great in terms of a one time read. I especially like the middle class nuances put forth by the authors. Being a small book, it wouldnt take much efforts to finish it off in one read.My rating though is an average :)
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Tough Choices
Writer: Carly Fiorina
Genre: Autobiography
When an Ex-CEO has to say something it is but natural for people to sit down and listen. And thats what you do with this book. As Carly traverses thru' AT&T, Lucent and HP, she takes us along a ride into the the corporate culture. How she overcomes the gender bias, the prejudices associated with being a woman at the top post, the book is a good read.
I dont know, but I expected more form the book. She seems to have concentrated more on her business strategies than on her (which I would have preferred). I mean I was seriously impressed when she became the HP CEO and hence the inquisitiveness to know more about this lady remains :) I had read every written article when she was sacked, read all the untowards comments directed at her and I thought she has carried herself well....I guess she must have learnt it already, being a woman at a top post but, she was good.
Again as usual, I did not form an opinion about anything because its the author's point of view. If you want some inspiring stuff, this one is for you but dont take it up if you arent fond of autobiographies.
Genre: Autobiography
When an Ex-CEO has to say something it is but natural for people to sit down and listen. And thats what you do with this book. As Carly traverses thru' AT&T, Lucent and HP, she takes us along a ride into the the corporate culture. How she overcomes the gender bias, the prejudices associated with being a woman at the top post, the book is a good read.
I dont know, but I expected more form the book. She seems to have concentrated more on her business strategies than on her (which I would have preferred). I mean I was seriously impressed when she became the HP CEO and hence the inquisitiveness to know more about this lady remains :) I had read every written article when she was sacked, read all the untowards comments directed at her and I thought she has carried herself well....I guess she must have learnt it already, being a woman at a top post but, she was good.
Again as usual, I did not form an opinion about anything because its the author's point of view. If you want some inspiring stuff, this one is for you but dont take it up if you arent fond of autobiographies.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Keep off the grass
Writer: Karan Bajaj
Genre: Fiction
An investment banker in manhattan who decides to pursue his MBA in IIM Banglore! A typically confused immigrant who tries to identify his existence and wants to battle his daemons in his own way, by smoking marijuana that is!
If you had liked Five Point someone, chances are you will find this book quite similar. It’s a good read, no doubt but it isn’t exceptional. I mean Chetan Bhagat has already started the trend and Karan Bajaj seems to be following it. But the trajectory journey of Samrat will surely be liked by many. Since it’s a small book, its quite a fast read. Grab a copy but not with too much expectations.
Genre: Fiction
An investment banker in manhattan who decides to pursue his MBA in IIM Banglore! A typically confused immigrant who tries to identify his existence and wants to battle his daemons in his own way, by smoking marijuana that is!
If you had liked Five Point someone, chances are you will find this book quite similar. It’s a good read, no doubt but it isn’t exceptional. I mean Chetan Bhagat has already started the trend and Karan Bajaj seems to be following it. But the trajectory journey of Samrat will surely be liked by many. Since it’s a small book, its quite a fast read. Grab a copy but not with too much expectations.
Mrutunjay
Writer: Shivaji Samant
Genre: Fiction/Classical
If you like the character of Karna in Mahabharata, this book is for you. Translated into more than 5 languages the book tells the story of Karna as he battles destiny humanely.
I do not think there is anything that I could write about the story. Everything about it is known to everyone. So I will just stick to the style of writing.
I read the book in Marathi, and the lucidity in the book had me hooked. The narrative is exemplary and the era is built up in an amazing manner. The book is divided into sub sections and each sub section is dedicated to a central character in Mahabharata. The character takes the story forward in the first person kind of narrative. Possibly the first time that I read this kind of narration! If you know how to read Marathi I would suggest you to pick up the Marathi version rather than any other language.
I am just happy to have it in my collection.
Genre: Fiction/Classical
If you like the character of Karna in Mahabharata, this book is for you. Translated into more than 5 languages the book tells the story of Karna as he battles destiny humanely.
I do not think there is anything that I could write about the story. Everything about it is known to everyone. So I will just stick to the style of writing.
I read the book in Marathi, and the lucidity in the book had me hooked. The narrative is exemplary and the era is built up in an amazing manner. The book is divided into sub sections and each sub section is dedicated to a central character in Mahabharata. The character takes the story forward in the first person kind of narrative. Possibly the first time that I read this kind of narration! If you know how to read Marathi I would suggest you to pick up the Marathi version rather than any other language.
I am just happy to have it in my collection.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
The Ployester Prince
Writer: Hamish McDonald
Genre: Biography
The book is a fabulous collection of statistics as India tried to establish herself in the post independence era. The controversial rise of Dhirubhai Ambani and his Reliance industries forms the crux of the book. The book covers his meteoric rise from the small village of Chorwad to the spunky office at Nariman Point.
Being a biography, as usual I read it with a detached sense of belonging for I usually never form an opinion or comment on a second person's view about a third person :)
Read the book, do not let tthe statistics scare you. The book has some big names like Ramanth Goenka, Gurumurthy, Rajiv Gandhi, Pranab mukherjee, etc being mentioned quite often. You will really find it quite accurate if you manage to google the facts. A good read whatsoever
Genre: Biography
The book is a fabulous collection of statistics as India tried to establish herself in the post independence era. The controversial rise of Dhirubhai Ambani and his Reliance industries forms the crux of the book. The book covers his meteoric rise from the small village of Chorwad to the spunky office at Nariman Point.
Being a biography, as usual I read it with a detached sense of belonging for I usually never form an opinion or comment on a second person's view about a third person :)
Read the book, do not let tthe statistics scare you. The book has some big names like Ramanth Goenka, Gurumurthy, Rajiv Gandhi, Pranab mukherjee, etc being mentioned quite often. You will really find it quite accurate if you manage to google the facts. A good read whatsoever
Mahashweta
Writer: Sudha Murthy
Genre: Fiction
Many years ago there was this Marathi serial that used to be telecast on Doordarshan titled ‘Mahashweta’. It had the lovely Aishwarya Narkar playing the lead and she had hooked me to this serial. As it happens with all the serials, it got boring with time and I stopped watching it. Later I came to know that it was based on some book and that search lead me to buy this book. Now, let me clarify that it was actually based on a Marathi novel by Sumati Kshetramade (which I would lap up soon).
Anyways, reasons apart, this is a small book and deals with much of the bias set in the society against luekodermic people. Anupama, a beautiful and talented small village girl gets married to the extremely handsome Dr. Anand in what one would call a Cinderella like wedding. Everything seems to be just perfect for the couple when all of a sudden Anupama’s world crashes as she is diagnosed with luekoderma, a skin ailment which completely disfigures her and mars her beauty.
As she deals with her family, the society and more importantly with herself, identifying her strengths and giving up her weaknesses for a calm and composed existence is what the book is all about.
Definitely a good buy if you want a quick read.
Genre: Fiction
Many years ago there was this Marathi serial that used to be telecast on Doordarshan titled ‘Mahashweta’. It had the lovely Aishwarya Narkar playing the lead and she had hooked me to this serial. As it happens with all the serials, it got boring with time and I stopped watching it. Later I came to know that it was based on some book and that search lead me to buy this book. Now, let me clarify that it was actually based on a Marathi novel by Sumati Kshetramade (which I would lap up soon).
Anyways, reasons apart, this is a small book and deals with much of the bias set in the society against luekodermic people. Anupama, a beautiful and talented small village girl gets married to the extremely handsome Dr. Anand in what one would call a Cinderella like wedding. Everything seems to be just perfect for the couple when all of a sudden Anupama’s world crashes as she is diagnosed with luekoderma, a skin ailment which completely disfigures her and mars her beauty.
As she deals with her family, the society and more importantly with herself, identifying her strengths and giving up her weaknesses for a calm and composed existence is what the book is all about.
Definitely a good buy if you want a quick read.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
The Ugly Duckling
Writer: Amita Mukherjee
Genre: Fiction
A complete I-Me-Myself book which narrates the story of Mia Makarand, an Interpreter in France. As she copes with everyday problems and tries to become more practical and social, it dawns upon her that nothing is more important in life than self-respect.
No drama, no climaxes, it is just an everyday account of a woman’s life. Don’t think anyone would enjoy it but I appreciated it for the exact reason. No frills and fancies is its USP for a big-time drama and chase sequences fan like me ;)
Genre: Fiction
A complete I-Me-Myself book which narrates the story of Mia Makarand, an Interpreter in France. As she copes with everyday problems and tries to become more practical and social, it dawns upon her that nothing is more important in life than self-respect.
No drama, no climaxes, it is just an everyday account of a woman’s life. Don’t think anyone would enjoy it but I appreciated it for the exact reason. No frills and fancies is its USP for a big-time drama and chase sequences fan like me ;)
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