Salvation of a Saint

Writer: Keigo Higashino
Genre: Fiction

Yoshitaka is murdered by poisoning in his own house and the prime suspects are his soon-to-be-divorced-wife Ayane and his girfriend Hiromi.
The police are running around in circles trying to establish the source of the poison and are helped by the genius professor Yukawa.
However no amount of brilliance can see through the deceit and planning that the murder has evoked. When the jigsaw pieces finally fit you let out a gasp.

Its more on the lines of Shawshank Redemption and if you have enjoyed the movie you will know what I am trying to convey when I say its slow book but brilliant.


 

A Game of Thrones

Writer: George R. R. Martin
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy

The first book in the 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series.

The sections of the book and hence the story can be divided into 3 parts

1) In the Seven Kingdoms:
The kingdom is ruled by  Robert Baratheon who wants his friend and Lord of Winterfall, Eddard Stark to become his main man. As Eddard or Ned leaves to adhere to the king's request his trueborn children - Robb, Sansa, Arya, Bran and Rickon also get divided with the boys staying back at Winterfall with their mother Catelyn Stark and the girls - Sansa and Arya follow their father. But just before they leave, Bran meets with an accident and is left comatose. However the king's party eventually leave and this movement becomes the basis of big changes throughout the
kingdom.

2) The wall:
The wall shields the seven kingdoms from the north and Ned's bastard son Jon Snow joins 'The Black' (a group of men who defend the wall) after his father leaves with the king.

3) In the east:
Viserys Targaryen and  Daenerys, the prince and the princess of seven kingdom before Robert took over the throne are living an exile and Viserys dreams to become the king after killing Robert. To fulfill his dreams he marries his sister to Khal Drogo who promises him an army.

It’s too difficult to narrate the story but the twists and turns of the book are just too good. What seems to be the most important character at one instance turns dead within a few pages and you are left gaping for 'What next'.
If fantasy books excite you, this one is a must read.

Spoiler:
By the end of the book, Robert, Viserys and Ned are dead. Rob is named the king of the north and Joff takes Robert's place as the king of the whole realm. Jamie Lannister is in Rob's custody, and Sansa is in Cersei's custody. Arya is moving north with strangers after escaping Cersei and Joff's men.

Arjuna: Saga of a Pandava Warrior-Prince

Writer: Anuja Chandramouli
Genre: History


Absolutely nothing new in the book. Its the same story of the Pandavas and their struggle. I expected a different perspective or a new point of view but I got the same stories.

So my take is to skip it!  

Blood Red Sari

Writer: Ashok Banker
Genre: Fiction

 I thought I was not going to like it looking at the synopsis but it eventually surpassed my expectations and I must say it is very well written. The protagonists, who happen to be females, are extremely well carved and practical characters. They are so unlike the general central characters that usually form the center stage in fiction books.

The book is supposed to be the first part in the trilogy named 'Kali Rising' but it’s too small a book to be called the first part of a trilogy. Or so I think!  I disliked the way the book climaxed for the first part has no substantial plot except for the introduction of the characters. And now to satiate my curiosity I have to buy the sequels. Sigh!!

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead

Writer: Sheryl Sandberg

Genre: Management/Non Fiction

 The data points and statistics used to explain the thought process of a woman is really the USP of this book. It’s worth a read and especially if at times you are flustered about the choices you thought you had made :)

The Bankster

Writer: Ravi Subramaniam
Genre: Fiction


Another one of Ravi Subramaniam's banker thrillers; its fast paced but not really intriguing. It offers nothing new and one can skip it without really missing much.

Aunts aren't Gentleman

Writer: P G Wodehouse

Genre: Fiction, Humour

Bertie decides to take a small vacation to the country side as per the advice of his doctor. He decides to go to Maiden Eggesford in Somerset. Maiden Eggesford is in the middle of a horse race and the 2 favourite horses are Simla and Potato Chip. Simla belongs to Jimmy Briscoe, a good friend of Bertie's Aunt Dahlia. Potato Chip belongs to Pop Cook who takes an instant dislike to Bertie when he meets him. After his aunt places some heavy bets on Simla and decides to use her own strategic thinking to make Simla win, Bertie becomes and unwanted accomplice in a theft planned by her. How Bertie wriggles his way out of the situation is what the book is all about.

Being a typical Wodehouse it never leaves you with a dull moment. It has to make you smile.

Devil in Pinstripes

Writer: Ravi Subramaniam

Genre: Fiction

Amit is satisfied with his decision on following his mentor Aditya Bhatnagar and joining the New York International Bank. Satisfied even after 13 years! Life is all set and inspite of a few hiccups things are smooth sailing for him. Amit's wife Chanda gives up her personal ambitions and settles for banking career but not without blaming Amit.

Everything is hunky dory till the police come knocking and arrest Amit. Will his mentor bail him out? Will his relationship with Chanda remain?

Typical Ravi Subramaniam book and clichéd but I loved the ending....somehow I did not expect it. So amongst all his books that I have read, this one takes the cake. A good one time read with a great climax :)

The Incredible Banker

Writer: Ravi Subramaniam
Genre: Fiction

Deepak Sarup is called in into Great Boston Global Bank's Audit department for quick fixing some audit issues. Being a star performer, he takes up the challenge and successfully completes it but not before ruffling too many feathers due to his autocratic and rude behavior. The person most affected is Deepak who ends up quitting the bank.

When Deepak moves into another team and manages to rope in his love interest into the team, things seem to be just perfect for him.  However all hell breaks loose when the CBI come knocking. Deepak has no answers and is dazzled at the accusation of being an enemy of the nation. The bank will not support him nor can his family. It’s only his arch rival, Karan who is now a media reporter who can save him. But will he?

It’s a clichéd storyline but very fast paced. One of my “quick and never again” reads!

The Partner

Writer: John Grisham
Genre: Fiction

My favorite John Grisham book! I remember being bowled over when I read it many years ago. I got a chance to read it again and it managed to thrill me even more this time.

Patrick Lanigan, a junior partner in a law firm is presumed dead but only till millions disappear from the firm. Obviously the owner of the money leaves no stone unturned to trace Patrick and succeeds only after four years. He is tortured by his finders but a call to FBI about his whereabouts saves his life. Patrick is bought back to be tried for fraud and murder. At the same time his wife asks for divorce citing desertion. Patrick, thus, has enough lawsuits to attend to on his return and the way he manages to get out of this legal tangle is beautifully weaved by the writer.
And not to forget the climax! As a teenager, I had not liked it because I thought it wasn't endearing. With time I think it’s probably the masterstroke of the book.

This is one fiction book you should not miss. Very highly recommended!