What am I reading this week?

I finished Rainmaker last week. I started on Lay Her Among The Lillies by James Hadley Chase, this week. I always liked JHC. The local library would cover JHC books with newspaper or brown paper so the cover of the books was not visible. JHC was essentially known for his catchy titles and lurid covers but the books were thrillers and I liked them. I am enjoying returning to JHC after a long long time.  

Re-Reading Classics -- An update

Went back to reading but was re-reading mostly Agatha Christie and other whodunits, as usual. Finally, re-read Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged. Amazing. Liked it a lot but it took me almost two weeks to complete it.

It had 899 pages and there were moments when I wanted to skip a few paras when I found the content a bit repetitive and trying to force a point that was already made. But, the characters were full of life and it was so true even today that made me want to continue reading it. I cannot review a classic but the book made a profound impact on me.

The other classic that had such an impact on me was 451 Fahrenheit. The Author is Ray Bradbury and the book was published in 1953. An office colleague lent me the book last month and I was simply blown away. I could not put the book down and finished it in two sittings. Not a big book but it kept me engrossed for all of it.

Taking a break from reading heavy stuff for a week :)  

May 2015 Update on my Classics Re-Reading Spree -- Not too bad

So, its time for yet another update on the status of my Classics re-reading spree. No waning of interest as yet. So, what have I completed so far? Here you go:

• Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
• The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald 
• Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
•  Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Currently reading The Enchanted Castle by Edith Nesbit. I am as usual picking books at random. I believe that is the reason I am still reading the books :)

Update on my Classics Reading Spree -- So far so good

So, I am still into reading Classics. Maybe because I am reading a book from a different author, each time, I am able to continue doing so. What have I finished reading so far, you ask? Here you go:

• Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
• Five Children and It by Edith Nesbit
• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
• The Railway Children by Edith Nesbit  
• The Legend of the Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving

I am currently reading Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. I don't think I have read this book before. Nothing seems familiar or leaps to my mind as I read. I could not even connect to the title of the book. Hmmm.. thats nice in a way.

I have not taken up a challenge because reading a particular genre or author can get a bit boring after a while - this is more random and I can read as many as I like and go in any order I like. Maybe I should look up other folks's lists to identify the best way to go about this - Lets see. Too soon to talk 'bout it. My interest in Classics may wane anytime :(

Re-reading Classics -- Escape into paradise

Surprisingly, March has been a month of reading. I started with some of the books I loved and then moved on to ones which I could not remember at all. The ones I re-read this month include the following:

• Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery
• Pollyanna by Eleanor H Porter
• Emma by Jane Austen

I am currently reading Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. I am trying to read 1 book from an author and then going back to them again hopefully next month. Unfortunately, Emily Bronte, has written only this book. Though I recall having read it, when I re-read it, I could not remember much. It was quite surprising. I have not yet finished reading it, though. Hopefully, some memory will return.

I have always wanted to read Alice in Wonderland - I remember reading the book when I was a kid and getting lost in the book and being unable to figure out what was going on and getting very confused. I also want to read all the books in the Chronicles of Narnia series, by C S Lewis.

I know I tend to read a particular genre for quite a bit and then drop it like a hot potato. So, let me see how long this interest in classics perseveres. I may not even continue after this month. Fingers Crossed!

Wordless Wednesday -- Both volumes of Sherlock Holmes completed - Finally!

Wordless Wednesdays -- Won the Kimberley Griffiths Little Giveaway!

Life Expectancy -- Dean Koontz

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.

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.  

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) and Enid 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.

Mockingjay -- Book Review

Finished it - finally!! After days of suspense, was happy to see the story end the way it did. There were a few nail-biting elements, a few ohcomeon moments, and a few Egad! moments. While I did not expect the casualty list to be that high - well, who are we kidding - this was a War - so, I guess it was to be expected.

Gale Image Courtesy: http://www.realbeauty.com/makeup/hunger-games-inspired-beauty-gale-hawthorne#slide-9

I wondered who Katniss would ultimately chose, Gale or Peeta.  I also wondered how the series would end as I read Mockingjay. In this book, Katniss is now in District 13 and Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. Katniss spends a lot of time recovering and is unable to shake off the guilt 'bout Peeta's capture. She finds District 13, a very dark, desolate place to live in even though she has her mother, Prim, and Gale for company. After a broadcast from President Snow and Peeta, Katniss agrees to be the mockingjay. 

There are some moments of self-realization, when Katniss creates a game for Buttercup which has been written very well. Some of her asides are so fundamentally Katniss that instead of saying "Uff - will you stop doing that?" you enjoy them.

The scene where she is unable to shoot one of the District 2 members as he falls off the train is again oh-so-Katniss. She runs to save him but is shocked to notice that he has a gun trained on her - albeit with a shaking hand. After a few words, both of them decide not to shoot each other. However, a sniper shoots Katniss and that scene is watched by everyone including Katniss on national television, later.

Katniss Image Courtesy: http://www.deeranddeerhunting.com/featured/the-hunger-games-bulls-eye-or-dud

I liked the book. I probably liked Katniss the character. She did not feel like a caricature and was quite real. In a moment of brutal honesty, both Gale and Peeta share that her choice would not be based on how much she loves him or how she cannot live without him but more on whom she cannot live or survive without. Katniss is shocked at their very accurate analysis and promptly forgets about it in the morning.

She is a major contrast to Twilight's Bella who forever is so surprised that someone like Edward can fall in love with her. I like Edward's character very much though and Peeta seems more like Edward whereas Gale is a lot like Jacob. Totally understandable that most folks consider Peeta a very goody-goody boy, a wimp even (so unfair) and Gale to be THE guy.

Peeta Image Courtesy:http://hungergamessingapore.wordpress.com/tag/magazine/ 

If I had to guess the sun sign of Katniss, it would be Leo or Aries. The fire element in the character adds to the co-incidence. A fire sign is a natural fire-brand, an independent worker, and a great ally to have in a game, or in a war :) Peeta must be a water sign -- Cancer or Pisces. Gale, I am guessing is another fire sign, Aries or Leo. What do you think? If I had to choose based on the pics of the actors, Gale wins Hands-Down :D I am so mean :P Peeta looks so good-looking, nice, and Gale looks wild, uncontrollable, and absolutely drool-worthy. I sound like a teen -- Egad!! This is what happens when one reads too many young adult novels :) I enjoyed it - Read the series in order when you have the time.

Catching Fire -- Book Review

**Spoiler Alert--If you have not read The Hungry Games, I may unknowingly reveal some of the suspense in this review**

After successfully winning The Hunger Games, both Katniss and Peeta return to District 12, to a Hero's welcome. Katniss is happy that she is still alive and hopes she and Gale can get back to being normal -- easier said than done. They move out of their old home and move into one of the victor's cottage. Haymitch and Peetha live in the other cottages, separately. Gale has started working in the mines and so Katniss hardly sees him and is unsure what she can say to make things ok between them. They finally meet one day in their forest. President Snow makes an appearance and informs her that he knows about the kiss that she shared with Gale and she better make her love story with Peeta look convincing. President Snow is intent on seeing the marriage between Peeta and Katniss happen. This book introduces a number of secondary characters. It starts with the victory parade as the victors of the 74th Hunger Games, Peeta and Katniss, tour the districts. Katniss realizes that most people view her the person who will help them rebel against the Capitol - the mockingjay. All she wants is to keep her family, Gale, and Peeta safe which seems very selfish to her. This is followed by a series of activities that are part of the wedding preparations to mollify President Snow. Katniss sleepwalks through it all.

Just when you are convinced that that is where the story is headed - the writer throws in a twist of gigantic propotions. President Snow is not likely to forgive Katniss and Peeta for embarrassing the Capitol at the Hunger Games and so at the 75th Hunger Games (Quarter Quell) a huge surprise awaits them.

The book is just as interesting as the first and while I was so sure the author was headed the twilight way with the wedding, I was happy that it did not go that way at all. As you reach the end of the book, you gasp and want to kill the author. Seriously. You cannot believe your eyes and you realize you must read the next book to know what happens next. I was so glad I had the third book with me. Katniss seems very believable. 

The Hunger Games -- Book Review

The Arien spoke 'bout the Hunger Games movie a while ago but I was not interested then. Two weekends ago, when I was browsing the library for a book, I opted to re-read one of my ole favorites Atlas Shrugged and also picked up The Hunger Games.

Dare I say anything 'bout Atlas Shrugged? Naaah. This review is about the other women writer, Suzanne Collins.

The book is based in the future, in Panem, a place that was North America. The narrator is Katniss Everdeen, who lives in District 12, the district of the coal mines. All the districts live in near poverty, ruled over by the Capitol. Several years ago, District 13 rebelled against the Capitol and was razed to the ground. To prevent other such uprisings, the Capitol comes up with the Hunger Games. 2 participants (1 male and 1 female), between the age group of 12-18, from each district are selected via a lottery to participate in the Hunger Games every year. The participants are placed in an artificial arena and to win they have to kill off the others. While I can understand that that may not be something appropriate for the young adult -- I did not find the book offensive.

Image Courtesy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hunger_Games

Katniss shares information in a very likeable manner -- she shares that she is unsure of her feelings for Gale, her friend of many years. She shares that she is indebted to Peeta when during a really rough winter, Katniss's family was almost dying of starvation, Peeta burns two loaves of bread and throws it out to her amidst his mother's hysterical cries over the burnt bread. Katniss's life changes forever when her sister's name, Prim, is pulled out of the lottery. She immediately offers her name instead. And thus Katniss is pulled into a rollercoaster ride. The other participant is Peeta. While you are sure that Katniss will naturally win, because she is the narrator - the author manages to maintain the suspense. The story couples a triangle love story (Gale-Katniss-Peeta) in a dangerous reality show where you may lose your life. I flipped out for this book. I was reading it late into the night -- and the moment I finished the book, I really wanted to read the other two.

Finally, after a looong time, I am back to reading :)

The Drop -- Michael Connelly

During the second visit to the library, I picked up two books written by Michael Connelly - The Poet, and The Scarecrow. Both of them had Jack McEvoy as the main character. I liked The Poet more than The Scarecrow but I missed Harry Bosch a helluva lot. So, I was real glad that Michael Connelly's The Drop was available online.

Reading this book after Nine Dragons (Did not much like) and The Reversal (Liked), I was looking forward to this book. It brings Irvin Irving back into Bosch's life. Harry is assigned to the Open-Unsolved unit, and works with David Chu. At the express request of Irvin Irving, Harry and Chu are assigned a high jingo case which involves Irvin Irving. Meanwhile, Harry and Chu are also working on the cold case, that they were assigned to before the high jingo case. The two cases do not overlap and the author does a great job of giving the two cases equal importance. The book also showcases the relationship between Harry and his daughter, Maddie. Doesn't get all lovey-dovey and I am really thankful for tht.

Liked the book. However, the idea that Harry could lose his edge is scary. I remember reading the case where Harry and Terry Caleb investigate a case. You instinctively appreciate the edge tht Harry has which Terry did not - having left the police force a while ago. The fact that Harry could lose his edge is painful. Here is hoping thts not where Michael Connelly is going with his other books. Enjoy Harry Bosch too much for tht. Read it and let me know what you think.

A Thousand Splendid Suns -- A book review?

Its hardly fair to the author if I start my book review with "Do not read this book .." but thts exactly how I felt. I have never felt so depressed or drained of all positive energy as I was after I read this book. I am by nature a bit emotional and sensitive, but I did not expect to find myself crying after reading the first few pages. In fact, the unraveling of the relationship between Jalil and Miriam was like a punch in the stomach.

In most stories, there is a lot of hype about a particular scenario and you know for sure that that will soon hit rock bottom. Its more like a Tell. Its like how you know someone is lying. For instance, when the person rubs their nose or when they do not look at you while telling the lie. Authors also have a Tell. They hype-up the scenario into something too huge and almost too good. You know the main character is having all their hopes riding on this one thing - the idea, job, relationship, person, etc. and you know they will not get it.

However, in this story, the author makes you feel sorry for Miriam and the relationship she shares with her mother, and you are lulled into hoping the relationship with the father, Jalil, would somehow make things ok. And thats why when it unravelled, I felt like I had been punched. It was actually a double Tell. Grr..

I know I am talking in riddles. You'll understand wen you read the book. I think I should say If you read the book. At this point, I would like to say that there is no doubt tht the author is a fantastic writer, and extremely talented. Inspite of the punch, I felt compelled to read on. Maybe I needed to know if Miriam would ever be happy. For a reader like me, who keeps an eye out for the Tell, he lulled me and my eye before he punched me - quite a few times, I must say. Having said that, I must state that it is not a book for the faint-hearted or for the ppl who are looking for something light to read to pass the time. If you have read "The Kite Runner" and feel you can manage another book by the same author - go ahead and try it.

the winner

Beginning of July we visited Chennai. The trip was hectic and at the same time quite relaxed. As I was leaving, I picked up the camel club by David Baldacci from my cousin's bookshelf. My SIL offered me another book, the winner, by the same author and so I was all smiles. However, it was only last week when I actually started on the winner because I was keen on finishing The Reversal. I have not read any other book by this author and the fact that the book was recommended by my SIL was an added plus.

The winner is interesting. The story is about an evil genius, Jackson, who carefully chooses 12 people who will ultimately win the government-sponsored lottery for a particular year. He plans to use their money to get what he wants. He fixes the lottery so that his chosen 12 win. Of the 12 people he chooses, LuAnn is the weakest link as well as his nemesis. LuAnn and her baby, Lisa, stay away from the US of A for 10 long years, as instructed by Jackson. This is easy for LuAnn because she is wanted for murder in the US of A. Meanwhile, a reporter is writing a story on how lottery winners usually end up bankrupt and he finds that 12 winners (Jackson's 12) have surprisingly kept bankruptcy at bay and are quite wealthy. This makes him wonder if they had some help. Amidst all this, LuAnn returns to the US of A under an assumed name, Catherine Savage, and purchases a huge property to settle down after years of looking over her shoulder. The reporter makes the connection and realizes that Catherine Savage and LuAnn Tyler are one and the same.

The premise is interesting but it ends quite tamely. Some portions defy logic and no effort has been taken to develop the secondary characters and so mid-way, it gets to be a general rom-com with some action thrown in. Otherwise, it is a good read.

The Reversal

A visit to the bookstore and I saw the new book from Michael Connelly. As usual, I picked it up without thinking. After I billed it, I remembered that I had not liked his previous one, the one in Hong Kong, 9 Dragons. Kinda late realization but then I have always had a soft spot for his books and so I hoped for the best. I was not disappointed.

The Story:

When Mickey Haller is invited to prosecute a case for the LA District Attorney, he knows something strange is going on. Mickey's a defence lawyer, and to switch sides like this would be akin to asking a fox to guard the hen-house. But the high-profile case of a convicted child-killer who spent almost 25 years on death row before DNA evidence freed him is an intriguing one....

What do I think of the book:

This feels like the first book where Mickey Haller and Harry Bosch work together, while in fact, it is not. The story is quite interesting. Mickey Haller is pulled into this case by the DA's office and for the first time, Mickey is prosecuting for the people instead of for his client. His first ex-wife is his co-counsel, in this daunting case. Mickey Haller chooses Harry Bosch as his investigator to investigate the missing links. The story consists of individuals who are good at what they do and believe they do not need any assistance but are forced to work together for a common good. This book enabled me to view the case from both their perspectives.

I always preferred Harry's approach to a case. He was somewhat like a dog following a scent. I always felt like cheering him on, encouraging him to find that elusive clue that would help him break the case. I frankly, did not like Mickey Haller all that much. However, in this book, I realized how Harry's attitude can be detrimental to the case.

One of the big pluses for me was that I was reading this book right after watching Lincoln Lawyer. So whenever I am reading about Mickey, I am in fact, imagining Mathew McConaughey saying those things. Of course, I was also wondering who would play Harry Bosch. Back to the book, I enjoyed it. I was quite surprised with the ending but again I felt that Michael Connelly did not shy away from stating the facts. Read it and let me know what you think.

What am I reading nowadays?

I do not like vampire stories.. I did not even watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer when it was aired, like a zillion years ago.

So, when my SIL handed me her copy of the first book of the Twilight series, I was not so sure if I wanted it. That was until my cousin(her hubby) started groaning in the background and yelled: "How can you ppl read such trash?" His putting the book down was enough encouragement for me to accept the book and begin reading it :D I had watched a few scenes of this movie everytime it was aired on televison but I never got to see the whole movie. So, this was kinda like the Golden Compass. I can only hope that I like the other books.

I am yet to finish reading the book -- it even has a poster of the two actors which means this is another young adult book. I mean, who would stick a poster of the movie inside the book - movie promoters who are sure gals would go ga-ga over it. And I am reading it :( More in my review... coming up shortly.