Book Reviews : Worlds I Visit !!!

Absolute Power

2011-05-28T19:24:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm way behind on my reviews but I Am making a note of all the books I'm still reading so some day soon, I'll catch up. Here's a short one on the above.

Read this one last week. David Baldacci doesn't fail to impress but it takes patience upto the 250th or so page to finally realize that the monotony of the thriller is taking a break. Once the action starts flying, you are totally absorbed till the last page.

The story of a career criminal getting caught up in a scandal bigger than anything he's ever seen and finally gaining a conscience long enough to stir of the hornet's nest is worth reading up on.

Now You See Her

2010-08-23T11:23:00.000-07:00

I love supernatural books. But as I read this one, it felt more like a mills and boons than a mystery or supernatural book.

The heroine of the book slowly ( very slowly ) divulges that she has been noticing weird things happening around her. As she discovers what is actually happening to her she finds herself embroilled with an amazing man and a mystery which leads her to race to save an unknown victim's life.

The story is barely decent and very slow paced for a mystery book. But if you're looking for a sexy novel, this is your piece of cake.

Dresden Files : White Night

2010-08-23T11:15:00.000-07:00

Honestly, can't comment on this book since I haven't followed the series from the beginning. Found the characters very well defined and fun to read about. The story was sort of confusing for me since there are many situations which seemed to be based on things which might be mentioned before.

Thus, the jury is out on this one ... Sorry !! :)

The Pretend Wife

2010-08-17T07:01:00.000-07:00

What a refreshing read!! Most of us spend our whole lives figuring out what Love and Marraige is all about. And we never know till we experiment with love and never know till we finally get married. Both can be exclusive and inclusive, depending on the individuals in question.

This book brings forth questions that most of us carry around in our hearts but are too afraid to ask most of the time. Bridget Asher has done a wonderful job of weaving believable charachters who are as dazed with life and it's characteristics as most of us are.

Here, we have Gwen in a perfectly good marriage coming face to face with an old friend whose in need of a pretend wife. How the situation comes about and what happens next, though not totally unpredicatable but is highly intense to go through with the heroine. The only question is how many of us realize any of it or even get a chance to find out ...

A lovely, sweet read for anyone whose philosophical by nature and is always questioning life's little conundrums.

On a side note, had read Asher's " My Husband's Sweethearts " and find found that also highly entertaining and satisfying read, on the whole. Check out both these books ...

About Face

2010-08-11T09:30:00.000-07:00

If you've read enough mystery novels, I guess around time every story becomes predictable. This one is no exception. From the first few pages, you know what the protagonist has been through and will be going through next.

The writing is what surprised me the most. The grammatical and structural errors had me shocked as to how the book finally made it to print. The story of a girl who gets amnesia due to a horrendous accident in her life where no one seems to want to tell her the truth is highly taxing on the reader. I made it through the book only in the hopes that there is Some redeeming quality to the writing, if not the story and was sourly dissappointed. The ending was as expected which was something though.

Pick this one up, ONLY if you have absolutely nothing better to do.

61 Hours

2010-08-11T09:22:00.000-07:00

I am senselessly in love with Jack Reacher. I just love his sense of honour, honesty and all that's wrong with the world. I love the way Lee Child puts across the tale from beginning to end, keeping you tied up in each scene and dialogue.

Didn't enjoy this outing as much as the others though, as the suspense is kinda predictable if you keep your eyes open and the ending is kind of abrubt, not having it's usual panache.

As always here we find Jack Reacher being drawn into others' problems due to other else but his sense of doing what's right at the time. Side by side, we delve into the phsyci of the villain whose full of " short comings ", pun intended. The countdown from the 61 hours is soemthing I didn't quite grasp but maybe it'll make sense in the next contribution of Child.

But all in all, this is a trip worth taking if you love action, drama and all that's good in writing !!

Shopaholic & Sister

2010-08-05T09:41:00.000-07:00

The Shopaholic series is one that I love to hate. On the one hand I cannot believe anyone can be so callous and have such warped way of thinking. On the other hand, the writing is always so humorous and the story always takes a wonderful turn that makes for wonderful story telling.

Here we have the Luke and Becky coming out of their honeymoon phase and into the real world being married. As always, with someone with her head in the clouds Becky does everything to make sure everything ends up a disaster, making all the wrong assumptions in life and love. Finding out she may have a sister to replace her best friend only adds to the chaos but as usual the author raises the a amazing phoenix from the ashes that have you beliving in the goodness of even the stupidest person on earth and cheering for the same keeping you hooked to the end.

I for one, being kind of petty and mean found this book highly entertaining as all along there are people who keep pulling Becky down to earth from her high horse... That's my guilty pleasure ... !!

Satin Doll

2010-08-01T16:48:00.000-07:00

Though the note at the back of the book is kind of misleading in a ' detour sign that fools you ' kind of way , Lillian Lewis from Booklist says " A marvelous tale about not letting the past define one's future. "

That I totally agree with. The story inspite of certain preconcieved notions of my own turned out to be surprisingly fresh. Though by the end, my expecatations had me wanting more. I guess that's each one to his own because when I can't imagine making the choices of the protogonist, I tend to end up feeling the end to be anti climactic.

The writing is amazingly grasping and each turn brings about a surprise. Phrases and words have been used repetetively though which is quite noticeble but all in all a pleasant if not satisfying read about a woman who lives life on her own terms inspite of all that stands between her and her future.

Small Town Odds

2010-07-26T07:34:00.000-07:00

I picked this book up on a whim and what a whim it was. It's incredible how some books can teach you a lot about life without actually preaching about anything. As I stayed up late night and today morning finishing this book, I was continuously amazed by the subtle nuances of life shown and the humor portrayed in the simplest of scenes.

The actual story is not about much except what it says on the jacket. But still the story of a man whose continously haunted by his mistakes and how he copes with his day to day frustrations is one that'll have you swimming in contemplation. Cheers to Jason Headley for an amazing start in writing !! Looking forward to more from him soon.

Dexter by Design

2010-07-21T14:18:00.000-07:00

I'm an unbashed fan of Dexter, the showtime series. The idea of justice for those scum bags tickles me no end. Specially the fact, that Dexter : a person with every reason to be as twister as the " monstors " he hunts tries at Every step in life to do the right thing is very fascinating. The fact that the plot keeps you riveted to you seat every second doesn't hurt either.

Maybe I just expected too much of the book. Though, it's the first time I've been let down by a book whereas have Always found books to be much, much better than the movie or series they inspire.

I found the pace and plot lacking and the conversations between dexter and his 'dark passenger' pretty uninteresting.

But to each his own. Someone whose not a big fan of the series might find all the above quite interesting.

Professor and Pregnant Nanny

2010-07-21T14:10:00.000-07:00

Read a mills and boons kind of book after AGES. And honestly, after almost a decade of break from such light reading, found it very refreshing. The story has decent content with enough cute moments thrown in to keep your attention. Loved the moments with the kids and the interaction between the two. Don't expect too much from it but if mindless reading is what you are looking for that might bring a smile to your face, pick this one up.

Are you there Vodka ? It's me Chelsea

2010-07-21T14:07:00.000-07:00

I picked this book up after hearing about it on tv and reading the rave reviews about it but found it nothing but tasteless and uninteresting drivel. The humor in any situation is totally lost on me. Maybe I'm just getting too I don't know, maybe mature ?! for this kinda humor.

Smashcut

2010-07-21T13:58:00.000-07:00

When I started the book, I didn't have much hopes for it. Took it to be one of those run of the mill mystery books. But as I delved furthre into each page, I found myself intruiged by the mystery and thrill. Another one of Sandra Browns masterpieces. At every step, you think you know what's happening but you are in for surprises at every turn! Pick it up for a good mystery.

The Undomestic Goddess

2010-02-21T14:40:00.000-08:00

Sophie Kinsella has me hooked. I picked up the book yesterday evening and finished it by morning for I just couldn't put it down. There is no great murder mystery, and you even know who the culprit is quarter way into the book.

Yet, yet - the author's colorful scenes and funny twists have you wondering what could possibly happen next in the world of workaholic, never cooked an omelette or made a bed Samantha who is so shocked by the fact that she's made a big boo boo at work that she ends up as a house keeper in the middle of no where.

What follows is a wonderful journey of experience and epiphanies for the heroine and the reader. For someone who might be at loss as to what their life's purpose is, this book has some valuable lessons to offer, should you choose to look for them close enough.

The little sparks of fire of passion or humor that Kinsella throws in are spectacular to revitalize your reading experience.

A Reliable Wife

2010-02-21T14:31:00.000-08:00

I picked this up just because it's on the N.Y Best Seller list. And I still do not have much of an opinion on it.

The story of a man who orders a mail order bride and a bride who had other plans is not out of the ordinary. The whole story was pretty much predictable as each person's charachter unfolded. No big twists or surprises there.

The writing on the other hand, has it's highs and lows. There are points when you empathize with each charachter and picture the scenario with grave vividness and feel the sensuality in a given scene. The morbidity of the setting has you wondering how you could possibly survive in such worlds. Then there are points when you wish the author had more of something to say via the story. So much more could have been done with such complex charachters. Also, the repetition of how people are prone to going mad is kind of irksome.

I got through the whole book solely for the reason that I've read rave reviews about it and it failed to impress. The end had me reeling with loss of words.

The Lost Symbol !

2010-02-17T17:26:00.000-08:00

The Lost Symbol - I picked this book up, inspite of the cool reviews it got from acquaintances. And I must say it deserves the cool reception it's been getting. Dan Brown seems to have lost his touch with building a plot and keeping the reader on edge. Reading the book was like sitting in a histroy class, though personally I think even that is much more fun. The extensive passages about masons and history of symobolgy etc and the constant jump in time line between the present and past had my head reeling. I read half and then due to lack of time ( I had to return the book in two days ) jumped to the end and did Not feel I missed out on anything. The ending was not at all surprising or enlightening in any way. In fact, I felt I could have done without the continuous presentation of listless twists like badly done magic tricks !!

What I personally liked about the book though is the concept that every thought and soul has weight and with enough positivity, both can make a genuine difference in today's world as we all together work towards postive goals, wheather by thought or by action. Truly inspiring idea !! Maybe that is what Brown should have used as the idea of his book, rather than a sub plot.

Here's hoping Mr. Brown sharpens his writing tools and gives us more refreshing writing that brings him on par to his previous outstanding, mind boggling books.

Running Blind

2010-02-14T14:57:00.000-08:00

Well, by now anyone who knows me knows full well that I'm a Lee Child/Jack Reacher die hard fan. So there's not much to say here. This book had me thinking about a lot of things. About how hard it is for women in the armed forces to get through what men usually find comparitively easy. How hard it is for rape victims to live each day after, facing their demons. How difficult it is for a person to understand what they truly want from life and how to get there.

On the other hand, I wasn't very pleased with the ending of the book for personal reasons, so that would depend on the person reading.

Yet in the writing, each page grips you and you can go through the whole book in one sitting if you have the time. All I can say is Go Reacher !!!

The Quickie

2010-02-08T16:20:00.000-08:00

I have been disillusioned of Patterson's writing in a while now. I've been sick of the series' books he's been putting out there. They make reading work somehow, where one has to dredge through the pages. Yet I picked this one up on a whim just to see how Patterson is doing these days. And I have to admit I was eating up my own words.

The book though kind of predictable in the beginning, takes turns one would not expect. The events following had me thinking , " Now what ?? " A fun thriller that had me hooked once I got through the first couple of chapters.

It also had me thinking. It's so natural for a person to make a mistake where emotions and trust are concerned. Most of us just want to believe in the good of the people we love and sometimes, that belief turns into blind faith where we don't really know or maybe even want to know the other shades of those people. We let things slide one after the other, till the point when we have to Stop and choose to do the right thing.

Patterson and his co author ' Michael Ledwidge' have done a wonderful job in putting together a book of a lady whose innocent desire of an eye for eye lead her down a astonishingly twisted path. How far does a person go to save our happiness ?

Only issue I had with the book was the gaps in reality and lack of definition of a few charachters. Don't know what I'm talking about ? Read the book and find out .. :)

Twilight

2010-02-05T08:30:00.000-08:00

I saw the movie last year beginning and found it so so. Read the book and found it relatively the same, yet there is something that has you turning the pages and seeing next scene. Stephenie meyer brings nothing impressive to the actual writing. Yet her conceptualization of a vamipire and their supposed world is interesting enough to hold your attention.

In this book, we find an accident prone girl who considers herself different from her present surroundings and is trying her best to fit in. She comes across a boy who draws her in with his every look and action. She gets so involved in his world that she loses sight of her own, not regarding the dangers present.

My personal take on the subject on teenage love and infatuation not withstanding, the book and movie are fun for someone into the supernatual, who has nothing better to do on a dark night.

One Shot

2010-02-04T14:49:00.001-08:00

By now anyone who knows me, knows I've become a big, Big, BIG fan of Jack Reacher novels. So don't expect anything except high praise.

This book is once started doesn't let one put it down. You can spend the whole day wrapped in the world of Jack Reacher and his logical deductions. It even has you thinking about the complexities of today's world and feeling admiration for the great hero. I hate to admit it but I have a crush on Jack Reacher. ;) Too bad he ain't real !! :p

This book is a thinking man's book for those who love mystery, thrill and action. The best part about Jack Reacher novels is you don't need to have read one to be connected to the other.

In this particular book, we have Jack Reacher coming to the rescue of a man who undoubtedly has massacred people and yet who believes that Reacher can prove that he didn't.

So far, I've finished reading all of the below -

Bad luck and Trouble

Nothing to Lose

The Hard Way

Killing Floor

and am planning to finish all the books in the series.

Remember Me?

2010-01-25T14:18:00.001-08:00

Like every other book by her, Sophie Kinsella doesn't dissappoint in this one either. Charming, amusing and emotional in just the right dose, this book makes for the ideal read on those days when you feel you need a break from the world.

At times you even find yourself identifying with the heroine and her feelings. The best part of the read for me was the ability to put it down or read on through the night. So ladies, have a break, have a Kinsella ! :D

The Last Noel

2010-01-18T15:44:00.000-08:00

I finished this in 4 hours flat. Made for a light read. Nothing spectaculor but nothing boring either. Just a book, that's easy on the eyes and mind and yet, keeps you entertained in it's own way.

The story is pretty predictable like a Mills and Boons, yet it has some wonderful points thrown in about relations and how people take each other for granted, irritate each other and yet family is always there for you, no matter what. Nice one!

Twisted

2010-01-18T15:39:00.000-08:00

For an amazing collection of thrilling short stories, be sure to check out the above.

Gone Tomorrow

2009-08-27T15:57:00.001-07:00

Okay ! I did not get the relation of the title with the story but it hardly matters. My first Lee Child read and wow !!

Every review on the front and back flap hold true with this one. After ages, a new read held me in it's grip and it was absolutely hard to put it down. Jack Reacher, the protagonist has you in awe of him a few pages into the book. The story is actually like a train gathering speed and taking you along for the ride.

It has you thinking about the soldiers and what all they end up doing in the name of duty. It has one aghast at the horrors of torture falling upon unsuspecting souls. It has you amazed with the detail with which each action/ situation is described. It has you wondering about small sacrificies for the greater good !!

All in all, cant' wait to get my hands on earlier Lee Child offerings :D

Digital Fortress

2009-08-27T15:54:00.001-07:00

Another fantaulous piece by Dan Brown. I just love this book. Bought it at the library for 50 cents and was flying in the air. Read it in one day like the old times and it was still as amazing as ever, even though it was the 2nd time I was reading it.

If you like murder, mystery and thrills with a lot of scientific mumbo jumbo thrown in, this is the book for you. It'll keep you hooked to the VERY end !!

Firefly Lane

2009-08-10T08:40:00.000-07:00

After ages, here is a book that I picked up and couldn't put down. Well, only when I absolutely have it. The theme is simple, friendship but the story is Incredible. About two girls and their growth into woman hood and the paths down which their choices lead them.

Kristen Hannah has surpassed herself with this one. The characters, the questions, the lives, the thought of each character take you on the journey of a life time. A true journey of self discovery.

I found myself posing questions to myself and wondering about my friends. I wonder if being with your family is truly lesser than having a career ? I wonder which of the two is truly important. Monetary benefits are always high up on the lists of most people, yet in the end we all live our lives searching for what makes us happy. As long as we are happy living life the way we want it, in the end do we have any regrets truly ?

Well, I hope someone else reads this and gets back to me on what questions their minds posed to them ...

Sailing to Capri

2009-08-06T07:32:00.000-07:00

A most pathetic book that I've persevered through in ages. So much could have been done with the characters and story. And yet it was just Blah ! I thought at least the ending would have been imaginative, yet as the murderer was easily figured out as soon as the character is introduced. I'd stay away from this one as it has nothing to offer. Can make for some light reading for the thinking of the dead guy though, for he has some very sound advice to pass on from the beyond.

Smoke Screen

2009-08-02T14:04:00.000-07:00

After speaking glowingly about Brown in my earlier posts, I was bitterly dissappointed as I went through the pages in the beginning. The book is about a woman falsely ( supposedly ) accused of murdering an ex lover and how her situation bears uncanny resemblance to an incident a couple of years back. The suspect in that episode is the hero and this lady go on to figure out what is the true cause of these smoke screens put up. The story seemed to drag ( even though one can guess much of it ) and there was lot of unnecessary descriptions and twists put in. The trusting nature and lack of common sense of the main characters is unbelievable. But then half way through the book, the story picks up speed and is neatly summarized up in the end. The main culprit can be guessed much earlier on, but the curves put in tend to throw you off track for a few pages. On the whole, the book had a very hardy boys feel to it.

My Sister's Keeper

2009-07-27T07:59:00.000-07:00

An Amazing book. The story about a girl wanting to live her life on her own terms , is totally moving but this is not a story just about the girl. It's a journey of self discovery made by each character and even by the reader. Many of the times, we don't see what's right in front of us, or end up taking someone we love for granted or we just don't listen to what's being said to us. These are just a few of the lessons I learnt. You might learn something else. This is a book one must Not miss !!

The Crush

2009-07-11T05:35:00.001-07:00

Since I read " Breath of a Scandal ", I've become a fan of Sandra Brown. She always guarantees me a decent read no matter what the story. These days, as I plow through books, I often find myself dissappointed or just plain bored after the first few pages. Or I end up having a headache with some of the abstract writing I see around.

That never happens with Brown. Even if the story is not very imaginative, the read not disappointing.

As is with Crush. It's about Dr. Rennie Newton, a strong female adept at her job whose stuck between a rock and a hard place, so to speak :) Then, there's Wick the detective whose pretty much a lose cannon. And these two are pitted against Lozada, a man possessed with the thought of having Rennie all to himself.

Each character has it's own flavor and inner trials to face coming out a renewed person. You find yourself questioning your own values as each one questions theirs. Read this one when you have nothing better to do, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it too.

Sundays at Tiffany's

2009-07-02T20:55:00.000-07:00

An Ok read. The story is about this girl who has an imaginary friend and grows up to find that he's her one true love. The concept is unique and handled well, from two different points of view. Though I feel there is a Lot more that could have been done with the story. At the end you are left wanting as to what the book actually had to say. It's one of those books that one would read, remember the idea behind it and then forget all about it for it had nothing new to offer, I guess. I for one, would have liked to know more about the imaginary friend, their powers and would have preferred more depth to the charachters and the story between the girl and her friend.

I did enjoy the development of the heroine's charachter but it was too much a result of a catalyst rather than defined by her or reason, which was dissappointing.

I wonder what is with patterson coming out with so many books that are co authored. Does he write Any part of it ?? It certainly doesn't seem to be his style At all ... Hmmmmm ???!!!

On Mystic Lake

2009-06-30T07:54:00.001-07:00

This book is a pleasure to read from page 1. Hannah uses lovely play of words to describe things and even the dialogues, feelings of people is very down to earth and Real. Thoroughly enjoyed the every page. It's the story of a woman, who after years of being a wife, and mother finds herself alone again, finding her way hesitantly but surely through life and love. There is some conflict between the character of the heroine from her younger years and later but then I guess people do change over time . It's a truthful book about how people lose themselves in who they Think they should be, as opposed to be, what they really are ...

Specially loved her daughter and the character of Izzy . The description of each character's issues and their recovery from their pain is just beautiful and inspiring. It's so important to know the difference between loving someone and being loved ...

For One More Day

2009-06-21T17:05:00.001-07:00

Just finished this today. An easy read about the life and times on a man, whose given one more day with the one person who cared for him the most. The person he took for granted every step of the way. It's a good book, with a lot of insights into our day to day lives and how we do the same at times, though I can somehow relate more to the mother than him. I just don't know why people find it so easy to give up on themselves, their lives and everything around them when there are so many others who have so much lesser. Sigh !! But worth a read on those cozy days when you want to feel something as you read. Wouldn't call it memorable but it has it's moments ...

Something Blue

2009-06-14T16:09:00.001-07:00

Just finished this book day before yesterday and what fun it had been reading it. I just loved the concept that they've gone down to the core of those drama queens out there who are so all about themselves. It's not just the concept, but the whole journey which is thoroughly entertaining. The book is about a girl who is so full of herself , her desires, her beauty that she sees nothing but that . And when time shows her the mirror, she willingly works at accepting the consequences. Very touching. On my wish list next . I'd suggest this book to all women who would love to live a drama free life and are proud of themselves for being who they are for others !!!

Some Shopping and Light Reading

2009-05-31T17:47:00.000-07:00

Now the proud owner of my all time favorites -

The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand

This book really rocked my world. The concepts described by Ayn Rand, touched within me a core and instilled within me the importance of standing by what you believe in and doing the best in every job that's handed to you. Playing the blame game is easy, but when you are passionate about every single action that you do, is when you can attain perfection. Every character in the book can be found in today's world but the colors of each one and the depths are rare to be found in any other book that I've ever come across. The naked truth of humanity and it's flaws can be found in each of them and when we compare ourselves to each one, is when you realize you can be much better than you are.

What the book is about according to Wikipedia - The Fountainhead's protagonist, Howard Roark, is an idealistic young architect who chooses to struggle in obscurity rather than compromise his artistic and personal vision. The book follows his battle to practice modern architecture, which he believes to be superior, despite an establishment centered on tradition-worship. How others in the novel relate to Roark demonstrate Rand's various archetypes of human character, all of which are variants between Roark, her ideal man of independent-mindedness and integrity, and what she described as the "second-handers." The complex relationships between Roark and the various kinds of individuals who assist or hinder his progress, or both, allows the novel to be at once a romantic drama and a philosophical work.

Labels - Literary Fiction

Angels and Demons by Dan Brown

Another book whose twists and turns are like no other. I personally feel that the first book in which Robert Langdon is introduced is far better than the much acclaimed Da Vinci Code in the manner that it's more in depth. Ofcourse, the two are very different conceptually and that is debatable on many levels.

I wouldn't like to tell you what it's about for the book is a journey I would prefer you taking blind. :D

Labels - Thriller, Mystery

Runaway Jury by John Grisham

I just love this book for the quick wit and smartness of each of the charachter involved. The court room drama, the plot of good versus evil, the ploys used by both the defendent and plaintiffs' lawyers are totally unique and unsurpassed. John Grisham's imagination takes a wild turns as we feel like a fly on the wall of the drama that takes place. The book is essentially about ae plaintiff, Celeste Wood who goes up against a large, fictional tobacco company on the grounds that her husband's premature death was because of the company's cigarettes...

What happens as the Jury deliberates during and after the trial is what one has to look out for. The motives of each jury member and the subsequent result still leave me whooping me joy whenever I read this yarn !!

Labels - Thriller, Crime

He's Just Not That Into You

Also, read " He's Just Not That Into You " at Barnes and Noble. Made for some light reading and it was so to the point, that it was hilarious. I wish I'd read that book back when, but no worries. I just enjoyed the read !!! I encourage Every single girl to do yourself a favor and read this book !!!!! Will blog about it on my Musings soon.

Labels - Light Reading, Chick Lit, Self Help

Silent Witness

2009-05-30T14:31:00.000-07:00

Silent Witness by Rebecca Forster

Finished reading it today. It's a story about actual cause of the death of a mentally challenged kid, who died in an amusement park. Was pretty slow in the beginning but what I enjoyed was the thought process of each person and their changing motives.

What I did not like was how the story drags at times with unnecessary descriptions. By the end of it, I knew who the culprit actually was, but the cause and effect described in the end was intriguing. How is it that someone's indifference towards a child or a parent's selfish, manipulative love can be justified ?? In the end it comes down to the fact that people can be vindictive without reason or rhyme, seeing no further than their own point of view. And that is just not right. If you truly love someone you'll do everything to make sure you respect all their desires and they are taken care of, by whatever means necessary.

Also, I don't believe someone can be helped unless they want to be helped, so in Wilson's case the kindness shown to him by Jude is sweet, but behavior that is self destructive should Never be encouraged.

What is justice at the end of the day but the knowledge of truth ? There are always many sides to the same story, but there's only one side that can be held true.

Archive 8

2009-05-22T23:30:00.000-07:00

22 May 2009

Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Some Kind of Miracle by Iris Rainer Dart
Silent Witness by Rebecca Forster
Kiss Them Goodbye by Stell Cameron
The Appeal by John Grisham
How to be Funny by Steve Allen
Something Blue by Emiy Griffin
Something I've Been Meaning to Tell you by Alice Munro

The Beginning !

2009-05-22T23:12:00.000-07:00

Lot of people read books, and lot of people don't. Many a times when I'm seen with my current interest, I hear the comment similar to," How is it that you can read so much? "or the more common, " I could never read that way.". I wonder why people forget that going through newspapers, and surfing the net also is just reading. :)

I love disappearing into the make believe worlds my imagination creates. Love the smell of old and new books, though Some books plain stink these days :). I still say movies can't live up to the charm of the book. I love the feel of each page passing through my fingers. Don't get me wrong. I surf the net as much as the next person, yet the thought of cozying up into a blanket on my bed under my bedside lamp, specially on a rainy day is a piece of heaven to me.

I started when I was young. Then, there was little for kid to do, other than stay at home and study, watch television or read. My cousins gave me their Archies and I was addicted. Then came Richie Rich, Tinkle, Chandamama, Amar Chitra Katha. Moving onto Famous Five, Secret Seven, Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew. Then came the eternal murder mysteries courtesy Agatha Cristie, Perry Mason. Then came the Danielle Steeles and Sydney Sheldons. How can I not mention, the evergreen Readers Digest as a source of information on most walks of life ( Sadly, they and all other magazines have gotten monotonous in their list of articles with time ). And then, being a romantic, the Mills and Boons types were a staple diet. One day after picking up a book my elder cousin back from college, left behind [ As the crow flies ] , I was hooked on Jeffry Archer. Something actually shifted inside me. Am only two three books away from completing my collection of Jeffrey Archer's books but then he too is getting increasingly dissappointing. Soon came the tide of the series - Harry Potter, Bourne and Dan Brown though my thought process further grew with the readings of, Ayn Rand, Wilbur Smith, James Patterson, Jackie Collins even. I mention all the above for even after all these years, I have not outgrown Any of the above ... The characters, their life, their statements.

When younger, we used to vist our Aunt every year, in Goa. Our uncle, and His sisters were avid readers when they were young and had a library to die for. My bro and I would run for That room as soon as we could, to go through as many books as we could get our greedy little hands on, specially to sit in the balcony by the sea and get lost in the piles next to us.. Come to think of it, it was like candy to us. Even if it meant reading slyly, at the cost of our studies or getting scolded. If given an option, we always asked for books as gifts. They gave us soothing company through long journeys, boring moments, lonely times or when seeking alone time. Till date, even though he's 10 years younger to me, we discuss all sorts of books we've come across. He's heavily into Manga and Stephen King these days, and I just don't get it ( generation gap finally hitting I guess ?! ) .

I still say movies can't live up to the charm of the book. There is never a dull moment, when I have a book close at hand. I believe, most books influence the way we think and in some or the other way affect our lives by touching a part of us, we never knew existed. Though I try to widen my net of authors and subjects, often I find myself wishing I was as diligent a student. :D

Still books will always remain a passion. Early in life, I developed a habit of always having a book close to my pillow to help soothe me to sleep, on restless days thus I'm always in company of vivid characters or esteemed authors.

The one thing I love the most about living in the United States, that is that it allows me to read as much as I can devour. I have the luxury of going to the library and picking up my own " leaning tower of piza " to keep myself occupied throughout the month. I think my husband is still amazed at the number of books I make him carry home. I even find myself collecting every book that has left an impression, so that some day I might pass on the a legacy, hopefully !! Following that line, I've read almost 200 between 2007 - 2009 and yet to my utter dismay I've realized now that there is no log of the same.

This Blog is in dedication to the Hours I spend weekly, pouring over pages that lead me to fantastic worlds of murder, mystery, romance, horror, humor or fantasy !!!

If you're an avid reader, share your story, the love you have for books and the ones that will be your favorites eternally. Keep visiting to talk some more about new worlds ....