What are the odds? I think in my entire blogging history, this year has the most number of book reviews and we still have ~ 6 months left. I realize that because the Arien is away, having fun at the Himalayan Odyssey, I am reading a lot of books. Maybe he should do this every year so I can make some time for my books (ghahahaha!!)
Kidding aside, I mostly like to re-read Agatha Christie, Michael Connelly, and sometimes, yes sometimes, I pick up Dean Koontz. I read The Darkest Evening of the Year last month but I have not blogged about it. This time I have decided to blog about every book I read (ok almost every book).
Life Expectancy has a nice note to it, some baking delights, some humour, and of course Dean Koontz's dollop of suspense. In my head, the book was written by a pleasantly plump, charming young baker and not Dean Koontz. The book starts with the birth of the pleasantly plump, charming baker, Jimmy Tock. In other aspects, it is a typical old hindi movie. On the stormy night when Jimmy Tock is born, his grandpa is hospitalized. Granpa Tock wakes up from his coma and predicts the birth of Jimmy Tock and 5 days when Jimmy should be very careful, cautious. He asks Jimmy's father, Rudy, to note the dates. Rudy writes down the dates on a free pass, received from his friend, to the circus in town. After sharing the dates, grandpa Tock dies and before Rudy can react, he receives information that his son has been born. At the same time, Konrad Beezo, a clown at the circus in town is also waiting for his wife to deliver their child. Rudy watches Konrad go crazy with grief when he finds out that his wife is dead but his son is alive. Konrad shoots the doctor, the delivery nurse, while claiming that the death of his wife was part of some huge conspiracy. Rudy is aghast at the spectacle in front of him and buys time by agreeing with Beezo and informs him that the rest of his enemies have fled the scene. Beezo is flattered and thanks Rudy, promises never to forget him and leaves with his son. What happens on those five days? Does Beezo come back into their life?
Interesting? You bet it was. I also found out that Life Expectancy is among the top 10 books of Dean Koontz. I have not read a lot of his books to share an opinion but I thought this book was a lot better.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Monday, June 25, 2012
Inkspell by Cornelia Funke -- Book Review
The second book starts off in a very interesting manner -- finding of another silver tongue who had the ability to transport DustFinger and Farid back to Inkworld. Farid does not trust the new silver tongue and he is shocked to realize that he is right when Dustfinger vanishes off the face of the earth while he, Farid is left behind. Farid also realizes that the silvertongue works for Basta and Mortola. Basta wants to avenge his master's death. Farid manages to escape and runs to the original silver tongue, Mortimer or Mo. Mo, Resa, Eleanor, and Meggie are settling down into their own lives. Darius, the other silver tongue, who was last seen in Capricon's court also lives with them. Meggie is unable to forget Inkworld and spends a lot of time asking Resa to re-tell stories from her 10 years at InkWorld. Mo does not like this obsession for a place he considers evil and hurtful.
Farid lands up around this time and convinces Meggie to read him into Inkworld. Meggie plans to accompany him so she can see the Inkworld for herself. She leaves a note and just as everone is re-conciling themselves to the news -- Basta, Mortola, Orpheus (the other silver tongue), and a body guard of sorts land up at Eleanor's house and take them prisoners. Basta orders Mo to read him and Mortola back to InkWorld. Resa clings to Mo and is transported to InkWorld with Mo, Basta, and Mortola. When Mortola realizes that Capricon is dead in InkWorld as well, she shoots Mo fatally, with a gun she brought with her. Resa tends to Mo as Mortola leaves the place.
The story introduces a number of characters in this book. Dustfinger meets his wife Roxanne, his daughter Brianna. He also meets the cloud dancer and other motley folk. He watches his rival sootbird, who still fears fire. He also meets the black prince. It was as interesting as the first book. I got so involved in the story that I was having dreams of InkWorld. That has not happened since I was a kid!
Enjoyed the book.
Farid lands up around this time and convinces Meggie to read him into Inkworld. Meggie plans to accompany him so she can see the Inkworld for herself. She leaves a note and just as everone is re-conciling themselves to the news -- Basta, Mortola, Orpheus (the other silver tongue), and a body guard of sorts land up at Eleanor's house and take them prisoners. Basta orders Mo to read him and Mortola back to InkWorld. Resa clings to Mo and is transported to InkWorld with Mo, Basta, and Mortola. When Mortola realizes that Capricon is dead in InkWorld as well, she shoots Mo fatally, with a gun she brought with her. Resa tends to Mo as Mortola leaves the place.
The story introduces a number of characters in this book. Dustfinger meets his wife Roxanne, his daughter Brianna. He also meets the cloud dancer and other motley folk. He watches his rival sootbird, who still fears fire. He also meets the black prince. It was as interesting as the first book. I got so involved in the story that I was having dreams of InkWorld. That has not happened since I was a kid!
Enjoyed the book.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Royal Enfield Himalayan Odyssey 2012
From a really loong time now, even before he purchased the phatphatiya, the Arien has been wanting to go on the Himalayan Odyssey. Every year, since puchasing his bullet, he would plan, re-plan, and then drop it. Guess 2012 was the year when he would go.
As soon as it was possible for him to register, he did. When his name came up among the list of participants -- we whooped!! Then came the frenzied preparations. Saddle bags, knee pads, poncho, water-resistant shoes, new lens, etc etc. And before we knew, I was seeing him off at the airport. He was all excited, tense, very very happy, and planned on enjoying every bit of the wonderful ride.
This year marks the 9th year of the Royal Enfield Himalayan Odyssey. He has been calling every day but there may be no network coverage after today. He has also managed to update his FB status!!!
I hope and wish the Arien has a safe trip and enjoys this adventure to the fullest since it has been his long charished dream.
Friday, June 22, 2012
.. and the Arien was off to Delhi
I hate goodbyes in public places and so I opt to say my bye-byes at home rather than at the railway station or airport. I rarely alter this behavior and so when I decided to accompany the arien to the Airport, I think the arien could not believe his ears. After reminding me that I have to get up at 5 am if I planned on accompanying him, he said "Great! I am so glad you are!"
When the arien woke me up at 5 am, I wished I could abandon the plan. Of course, I did not do so. Because the arien gets maha tense on the day of the travel except when he is driving, I thought we should opt to travel to the airport by the volvo bus. We took an auto from our home to the K R Puram Railway station bus-stop (isn't tht the funniest?) and reached in less than 10 mts. And then we waited n waited n waited for the airport-bound volvo bus to turn up. It was a solid 45 mts after we got off the auto when I saw the volvo bus drive past us. I franctically signalled to the driver to stop and as he sped past, I waved to the passengers. The bus did not stop and I was very shocked. Another shock was that the bus was bright green in color. Both of us were on a lookout for the red bus! As I realized that the impossible had jes happened, I noticed that the arien had not even seen the bus or my funny actions!! I signalled that we had jes missed the bus and pointed in the direction of the bus.
And then I saw that the bus had stopped at a distance. I ran pell-mell and as soon as the door opened asked the driver why he had not stopped at the bus-stop. He replied angrily that the airport bus stops at specific locations (a few meters away from the regular bus-stop). "Sorry" was my response as I ran back to help the Arien carry the bags. By then, the Arien was so tense, he yelled that I should get into the bus instead of helping him!! As soon as we got in, the conductor insisted we sit immediately. The arien lost his cool and yelled that if I do not sit, the conductor may not give us tickets. (It is absolutely hilarious when I recall it now -- at tht time, I was ready to punch the arien -- I mean it!!) We spent a tense, unfriendly 10 mts sitting in the back seat of the bus while we ignored each other. The arien apologized and added that he was tense that he would miss the flight. I was not planning on letting him off easy but I dropped it. I know he gets tense when he is late.
The arien asked me to wait while he checked-in. As I stood eyeing the nearby cafe that was serving breakfast and planning the rest of the day, I saw Sarath Kumar, the tamizh actor, at the airport. He was wearing a black jogging suit and looked quite good, considering he must be in his late 50s. He is supposedly a fanatic when it comes to fitness, a former Mr. Madras, and it shows. He gave me a superstar smile which I reciprocated. I then quickly called the arien with the news. The arien said "Oh!! Really? Ok. I have checked-in -- paid extra for the extra baggage -- will call you wen I reach Delhi - ok bye". I walked to the cafe and had pongal to celebrate waking up early to see the arien off and managing to see a celebrity :D
When the arien woke me up at 5 am, I wished I could abandon the plan. Of course, I did not do so. Because the arien gets maha tense on the day of the travel except when he is driving, I thought we should opt to travel to the airport by the volvo bus. We took an auto from our home to the K R Puram Railway station bus-stop (isn't tht the funniest?) and reached in less than 10 mts. And then we waited n waited n waited for the airport-bound volvo bus to turn up. It was a solid 45 mts after we got off the auto when I saw the volvo bus drive past us. I franctically signalled to the driver to stop and as he sped past, I waved to the passengers. The bus did not stop and I was very shocked. Another shock was that the bus was bright green in color. Both of us were on a lookout for the red bus! As I realized that the impossible had jes happened, I noticed that the arien had not even seen the bus or my funny actions!! I signalled that we had jes missed the bus and pointed in the direction of the bus.
And then I saw that the bus had stopped at a distance. I ran pell-mell and as soon as the door opened asked the driver why he had not stopped at the bus-stop. He replied angrily that the airport bus stops at specific locations (a few meters away from the regular bus-stop). "Sorry" was my response as I ran back to help the Arien carry the bags. By then, the Arien was so tense, he yelled that I should get into the bus instead of helping him!! As soon as we got in, the conductor insisted we sit immediately. The arien lost his cool and yelled that if I do not sit, the conductor may not give us tickets. (It is absolutely hilarious when I recall it now -- at tht time, I was ready to punch the arien -- I mean it!!) We spent a tense, unfriendly 10 mts sitting in the back seat of the bus while we ignored each other. The arien apologized and added that he was tense that he would miss the flight. I was not planning on letting him off easy but I dropped it. I know he gets tense when he is late.
The arien asked me to wait while he checked-in. As I stood eyeing the nearby cafe that was serving breakfast and planning the rest of the day, I saw Sarath Kumar, the tamizh actor, at the airport. He was wearing a black jogging suit and looked quite good, considering he must be in his late 50s. He is supposedly a fanatic when it comes to fitness, a former Mr. Madras, and it shows. He gave me a superstar smile which I reciprocated. I then quickly called the arien with the news. The arien said "Oh!! Really? Ok. I have checked-in -- paid extra for the extra baggage -- will call you wen I reach Delhi - ok bye". I walked to the cafe and had pongal to celebrate waking up early to see the arien off and managing to see a celebrity :D
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Another Book Review -- Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
Unbelievable -- right? I thought so too. I thought after the 3 book reviews, I would slip back to the world of movies - but nope tht did not happen. Why? I blame Cornelia Funke. The premise of InkHeart was very unique and so interesting that I hoped the book lived up to it. It was all that and more. It was a well-written story and I could not put the book down. I had read it a while ago and forgot to blog about it (I know -- so rare). When I got my hands on the second and third part of the trilogy, I went ahead and re-read it.
The author expresses herself very well as Meggie. Meggie, her curiousity, her stubborness, her love for her dad, her rebellious nature, her to-die-for interest in books, all remind me of myself when I was Meggie's age. This book is a treat -- it reminds me of the days before TV was the guest of honour at home. The book should be reserved for rainy days when you can plonk yourself on a nice window seat with cushions and a razai. Lets add a nice cuppa chai, some snacks (naturally) andEnid Blyton or Agatha Christie Cornelia Funke for company. I think that would be just perfect.
While the idea of a book-crazy aunt was pretty neat, book-crazy ppl are not the type who will ever set out on an adventure though they will wish for it with all their might. While she plays pretty true to type initially, cribbing with all her might about the inconveniance, she gradually likes the adventure which is not so easy to believe. Mo is almost every lil gal's dad - his character was also well-etched. Dustfinger, the friend turned foe turned friend again, was believable.
I loved the quotes that start each chapter, I liked the reference to the selfish giant, (a lesson I recall from my school days), I liked, I liked, I liked :)
I am looking forward to reading the other two parts -- I am not sure how she can surpass this book - but wait n watch for my review -- I am re-reading it almost after a year.
On another note, saw Ishqya finally. Vidya Balan was great in this movie as well. Naseeruddin Shah is superb as usual. Arshad Warsi is equally good. Vidya Balan looks quite slim unlike her recent self in The Dirty Picture and Kahani. Not blogging the movie review. But, the movie clearly showcases the saying that script is king. It also showed that good actors are very crucial for a good script to attain SUPER-HIT status.
The author expresses herself very well as Meggie. Meggie, her curiousity, her stubborness, her love for her dad, her rebellious nature, her to-die-for interest in books, all remind me of myself when I was Meggie's age. This book is a treat -- it reminds me of the days before TV was the guest of honour at home. The book should be reserved for rainy days when you can plonk yourself on a nice window seat with cushions and a razai. Lets add a nice cuppa chai, some snacks (naturally) and
While the idea of a book-crazy aunt was pretty neat, book-crazy ppl are not the type who will ever set out on an adventure though they will wish for it with all their might. While she plays pretty true to type initially, cribbing with all her might about the inconveniance, she gradually likes the adventure which is not so easy to believe. Mo is almost every lil gal's dad - his character was also well-etched. Dustfinger, the friend turned foe turned friend again, was believable.
I loved the quotes that start each chapter, I liked the reference to the selfish giant, (a lesson I recall from my school days), I liked, I liked, I liked :)
I am looking forward to reading the other two parts -- I am not sure how she can surpass this book - but wait n watch for my review -- I am re-reading it almost after a year.
On another note, saw Ishqya finally. Vidya Balan was great in this movie as well. Naseeruddin Shah is superb as usual. Arshad Warsi is equally good. Vidya Balan looks quite slim unlike her recent self in The Dirty Picture and Kahani. Not blogging the movie review. But, the movie clearly showcases the saying that script is king. It also showed that good actors are very crucial for a good script to attain SUPER-HIT status.
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