tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59205141475591675382024-03-12T19:31:59.745-07:00Divya's reading roomA space to remember the books that have livened a habitDivyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780145148697901080noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920514147559167538.post-43097214160362243372014-10-07T00:30:00.000-07:002014-10-07T13:51:43.816-07:00A throwback and a review (Me before you by jojo moyes)<div style="text-align: justify;">
The summer of 2001, I had a whole 2 months to kill in a city, where I knew nobody. I was in Chennai in her toughest months, weather wise. I didnt own a computer or a two-wheeler. Mobile phones weren't around. We were on a waiting-list for a telephone line. ( Not that I could afford making day long phone calls to anybody! ). And we as a family had a general apathy for TV, except news during dinner time. For many years after cable was the norm, we had still stuck to broadcasts via the rickety aluminum antenna.<br /><br />So clearly there was just one logical and everlasting thing to do; To read. My father didnt believe in squandering money on racy novels that teenagers often read. Of course! at 13 I was mad at him whenever a rich friend would let me borrow her rows and rows of Nancy Drews. But he was wise; he taught me the love for libraries by joining me in one and asking me to borrow as often and encouraging to borrow different genres. So when I reveled to him once about "journey to the center of the earth" and how inspiring it had felt, he got me a copy of that and 20,000 leagues under the sea for the keeps from the second-hand market; Unabriged versions. I read those books many times during my teenage years, each time my imagination running wilder than the last!<br /><br />So that's how it had been. And I eventually figured, that if I am to own a book, I must earn it! it must be my real-real-real favorite, a classic; and over time it had come naturally, what my father had tried to imbibe.</div>
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So in the sweltering summer of Madras, I would walk a good 2 miles every other day in the morning to Senthil library in RAPuram. Borrow my companion for the next 24 to 48 hours and head back to read under the whirring fan and beads of perspiration. <br /><br />At 17, in the broiling heat of Chennai, I devoured most Aurthur Hailey, every Sydney Sheldon and every other Danielle Steele. I wouldnt say the plots were the same for Sydney Sheldon, although the motifs were; but Danielle steel was definitely addictive and mediocre (if i may say so) in a way Harris Jayaraj's music is. If you have read a few, you can figure a pattern and predict the next one. And they are all fairly engaging, well written Dramas, again like HJ's music, which doesnt usually come across as bad neither as extraordinary.<br /><br />My tryst with DS had abruptly ended after I discovered Jane Austen. and the JAs I then owned, I read, I re-read. Then there were a few other lone stars like "the painted veil" by somersaut maugham and "god of small things", "the fountainhead" and "the suitable boy" that left painful impacts, books I have re-read, re-read parts, inhabited and exited from time to time. Books I cherished, cried and laughed with.<br /><br />Few books other than Harry Potter have left a mark that strong in recent times for me.<br /><br />And it is true that you discover such true companions by chance, when you least expect it. Hidden and tucked away in a library corner or among the old boxes in the attic. Or something you picked up at the railway station for a journey ahead.<br /><br />So it was on a whim that I asked a group of mothers, if anyone was interested in a book club. And I picked "Me before you", purely based on a 'romance' genre and expecting a dejavu of maudlin treatment like DS books. I knew nothing else about the novel, except that the author had won awards twice for romantic books genre!<br /><br />Thats when this book tossed, tumbled and surprised me. In ways I didnt expect. </div>
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<br /><span style="color: red;"><u><b>Me Before you by Jojo Moyes</b></u></span><br /> </div>
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It is a difficult book in many ways and definitely a difficult one to review. It is also witty and heart-breaking at the same time. A combination I have rarely hit, especially something I didnt expect with a story line as simple as a guy in the wheelchair and his care-giver fall in love.<br /><br />The book treads like it has a heart of its own. Trundling and open. Never trying to trick the reader into something else. Thats what hit the spot for me. The book is honest. It doesnt swivel the unhappiness wheel over and over, as the topic very well can!<br /><br />It is tough to not fall in love with Lousia, who isn't perfect, who like a lot of other British female lead characters of the country-side I have read of in other books like (La in la's orchestra saves the world and the members of the "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" ) charms with her wit and energy. Like a remark in the book somwehere "She truly brightens up the space" holds true for her from the beginning.<br /><br />On the other hand is Will, who takes time to warm up to the reader. the character I am glad the author sketched in a way that expects and creates less sympathy and more intrigue at the beginning. Sometimes you are even mad at him for fighting his circumstances, which could have been worse for someone not as fortunate as him wealth-wise. But as the story moves, you change from that cringing onlooker to meeting the person within, looking beyond the wheelchair and you even start to empathise and thats when it becomes crushing and exhilarating at the same time.<br /><br />And thats how the author renders a story in peals, in layers, beautifully engaging; how the unique relationship of Lou and Will comes about, and organically they grow to help each other in ways that wasnt even fathomable when the story began.<br /><br />There are conversations and quotes that leave your heart beating fast. that i am sure I will re-read someday to enter the warmth and coldness of the space it creates. There is also sarcasm and witty remarks that make you laugh with joy! And somewhere she will flip you back to reality with that quote like ""sorry clark, i cant do witty today"" And you wish like Lou, wish you have at that moment, just once more, one last time to enter that surreal space.<br /><br />The story is predictable, but wise and holds surprises, with your own emotions. Even if you knew how it would end at the very beginning, you still wish to read to plunge to dwell, to support and sail through the waves. There may be moments you will sob with all you have got and yet be mixed about how you feel.<br /><br />It is a beautiful book, that may even leave you to question yourself of choices you made and are making. Of closing your eyes and watching the characters come alive affably. Of still feeling haunted and agog in the paradox of the story for days after you turned the last page. In believing that "happily ever after" is not always like in fairy tales. <br /><br />Romance is but a fragrant breeze that lingers throughout the pages,unwritten, untold never really entering the mawkish. It is truly much more and a deep novel. I wouldnt say it is a book you must read, but it is truly an experience you wouldnt want to miss in this lifetime!<br /><br />-------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br /><i>I am glad I am reader. I am glad that is something I will never regret. I am glad for the world of books my parents and technology-sans childhood drove me to. I am glad there is always a private world of my own I can create when the real one gets claustrophobic. I am glad!</i><br /><br /></div>
Divyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780145148697901080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920514147559167538.post-46672328968093495622011-06-23T17:32:00.000-07:002011-06-23T17:32:48.360-07:00Memoirs of a Geisha<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VxaRpeWvjRhhZjOkxZ3Cd2eW5lsCyq9uF-ZZAEDxc8KWzH2jc2yMXhAV7m9XptzNpfTq7TZCQVSRHDU3vARbS9GB8mSXOQocXfwoQDTjlkjryGR5eJs8BAEak6r1QIhpk0WN8InYoYI/s1600/book-memoirs-of-geisha-review1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VxaRpeWvjRhhZjOkxZ3Cd2eW5lsCyq9uF-ZZAEDxc8KWzH2jc2yMXhAV7m9XptzNpfTq7TZCQVSRHDU3vARbS9GB8mSXOQocXfwoQDTjlkjryGR5eJs8BAEak6r1QIhpk0WN8InYoYI/s200/book-memoirs-of-geisha-review1.jpg" width="127" /></a></div><br />
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<em><span style="color: blue;">I had watched snippets of the movie based on this book many years back. It had confounded me to no end, especially since I had watched in bits and pieces and drawing the story from my husband, only emerged a disgruntled “Oh something about high profile prostitutes” and that was that. So a couple of weeks back, I found an old copy of the book at my town’s library sale and decided to grab it, primarily to find out who a Geisha really is!</span></em><br />
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Let me start off my saying that this book is a clear formula of ‘rags-to-riches’ we have read in many novels; but, it is the setting of the story in a little known neighborhood and the effort to unfold the mystery of being a Geisha, that is its selling point.<br />
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The writing is in first person and enraptures the reader enough to burn the reading lamp through the night. The author makes no mistake in taking us to the streets of Gion, the Geisha district, buzzing with tea-house parties and matriarchal okiya houses that run the show; he does this with absolute panache, that mid way through the book, you are more than just a reader, but a spectator, smelling the smells, drinking the tea and watching that world unfold before our eyes.<br />
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In a haunting and wise tone Nitta Sayuri, narrates her life since she was a child and the reader sympathizes easily with her pain and suffering as the story begins. And just like her poetic references and lyricism laden descriptions, her childhood and everything she fought for vanishes as the story twists to offer her a whole new life and even a new name.<br />
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It is in fact fascinating to understand the life of Geishas, who are entertainers and work very hard to master music, dance and even indulge in witty conversations. The painstaking efforts they make to dress, makeup, learn to smile and appease, keep company to men; it is but ironic that all this eventually is to be taken as a mistress to someone worthy. Further confounding is the concept of the danna to whom she offers necessary sexual favors in return for financial independence.<br />
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While all these puzzling details of a Geisha’s life can throw a reader into misunderstanding and wondering the moral and ethical sides of the story, it is often forgotten in the way the tale takes many mellifluous turns and keeps one engaged on what comes next. <br />
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Unfortunately in all its glamorous setting, the book did let me down in a few places. Sayuri’s character takes a setback towards the end of the book, when she comes out as manipulative and deceiving as some Geisha’s are expected to be. It is not clear if the author lost all interest and was in a hurry to end the book. Further the story in the last few pages, tips over to being an absolute fairy tale and one can’t stop but wonder if the ending is all influential of Cinderella! <br />
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Other than these few points that catch the reader off guard, it is definitely a book for the keeps. If you haven’t already read the book, I would highly recommend it, even with its little flaws, it is a beautifully rendered novel and the seductive tone of Sayuri is absolutely alluring!Divyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780145148697901080noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920514147559167538.post-77445164815654320182011-04-29T16:50:00.000-07:002011-04-29T16:50:09.323-07:00Reading Project<div style="text-align: justify;">I can't believe that it has been a year since my last review. I have read books on and off, decided to revive the blog on and off and like a circle I have landed where I left off! Yes, I am on Harry Potter again and just to keep tandem with the final movie release this summer, I am going book 7 to book 1.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Parallely, I have decided to go on a book project, like pick up a clunker 1000+ page book and complete it like a task. Well I am hoping it will put me back into the review mode, for I haven't read a book interesting enough to review in recent times. So here are the two books (clunkers) I am going with for my project -</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Pillars of the earth - Ken Follett</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> (Was my 2009 birthday gift and I haven't flipped it yet!)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The infinite Jest - David Foster </div><div style="text-align: justify;">( which I heard requires a lot of dedication and time. I have borrowed the book and if I make progress beyond half the book, I am thinking of buying it.)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So there you go.. Thats my reading project this summer and I am hoping to post updates as I go!</div>Divyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780145148697901080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920514147559167538.post-42589521271336468652011-01-26T15:47:00.000-08:002011-01-26T15:47:21.702-08:00Library loot and a comeback!<div style="text-align: justify;">It has been ages since I have updated here. Lets just say, I had a lot going on in life that needed a whole lot of attention that I had to set the books aside for a bit. But I am back; I have been reading on and off, completed few books and didnt complete another few. But after the visit to a dear library yesterday, I think I have my mojo back and here is my library loot list --- </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">the silence of splendor - Indu sundereshan</div><div style="text-align: justify;">the weight of heaven - thrity urmigar</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The class - eric segal</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">What I have read in the past few months -</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Maximum city - Suketu Mehta </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> This book literally made me laugh, cry and cringe for most of it. It was one of the most truth-as-is books I have read in my life. I would recommend it to anyone from Bombay or anyone who wants to know about Bombay in its absolute realism.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Eat pray love - Liz ( that's how surreal she seems now )</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> I finished this book as an audio book as I drove and did my running. May I say, its my second favorite to 'god of small things'. there was something so inspiring and free spirited about her flow of words and writing.. I was hooked. I am sure to read the book again and then a lengthy review, i Promise!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> My second fav Austen. S & S being the first. Was reading it for the umpteenth time and this time as an audio book again.. I am loving the whole audio book concept now. Lets me be with the words even when I am doing other things! You must give it a try. Makes exercising and cooking a lot of fun!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And a few more I never completed or got started.. So all that pending ones are going to a make my upcoming reviews and hopefully I am more regular.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Until the next review!</div>Divyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780145148697901080noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920514147559167538.post-82265619580132421602010-05-02T15:35:00.000-07:002010-05-02T15:38:12.908-07:00Harry Potter.. Sticking with him till the end<div style="text-align: justify;">It has been a completely different experience this time ( the second time around HP Series read). Last time, it had long waits and what is termed pottermania, of which I am sure remnants still remain in each of us muggles who have been sucked into J K Rowling's world.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The half blood prince is my least favorite of the Harry Potter books. One of course we arent happy to see the most loved wizard depart, but for how she ends it on breach of trust and confoundment. Another thing that baffles me is the SuperHero status she gives Harry towards the end, when he decides that he has to endeavor it all by himself and decides a love interest would only deter him from his goals. It felt like an antithesis... Didnt we hear Dumbeldore harp on and on about the only magic that is deep enough is love? And yet Harry decides to forgo his ability to love which may be the about the only thing that distinguishes him from the dark lord? And then the almost complete lack of hilarity in her writing, which until book 5 holds her writing different from other fantasy authors; for her comedy is a class apart. But here the tone is solemn all the way.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That said, I still love the series and I am on to book 7 now.. the final saga...</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Does anyone else feel the same about the half-blood prince? a little deceived, like Harry himself?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div>Divyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780145148697901080noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920514147559167538.post-23559089908381130142010-04-26T13:27:00.000-07:002010-04-26T15:02:33.099-07:00The Great Gatsby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzZT4J8N7-kg8aBoPiPoGFcOz-85jZLeQYbzUuTRGMI-kOV8MP9I6mTcScGFQ8nUNNFSENNVtHpLSP32Wj9Y3UWMiK2D9MuAKlHgq2peU6jkiOEWr8hvz-ETAhDja-NXhIBUwyB_XnS8/s1600/im.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzZT4J8N7-kg8aBoPiPoGFcOz-85jZLeQYbzUuTRGMI-kOV8MP9I6mTcScGFQ8nUNNFSENNVtHpLSP32Wj9Y3UWMiK2D9MuAKlHgq2peU6jkiOEWr8hvz-ETAhDja-NXhIBUwyB_XnS8/s200/im.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It was recently that I had come across the term '<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_Generation">Lost Generation writers'</a>. I must admit it was a little intimidating to brace myself to read Fitzgerald, for I had expected 'the Great Gatsby' to be a bulky classic requiring months of laboring to complete. And like a pleasant surprise (I run the risk of sounding crude saying this) - the book is small and better still an easy read as well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The narrative is first person and told my Nick Carraway who incidentally was in the first world war, probably like the author himself. The story in itself may not be out of the ordinary, but it is the narration that sticks to 'first-person' that makes it interesting; that is, Carraway only narrates things he knows of, any speculation about someone or something is purely his point of view. The story-teller is not omnipresent, but someone like you and me.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That said, the narration is in most parts satirical. The story is set in the Jazz age and a period when '<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prohibition_in_the_United_States">prohibition</a>' was in effect in America; but this does not stop the protagonists to access to abundant liquor. The general motif seems to be to emphasize the unfairness in the world. He brings it on paper through the references to high-end parties, west-egg and east-egg lifestyles and the classes. It is easy to imagine the cruel undertone of NY which to date remains very familiar. I did indulge in some wikipedia reads to get an understanding about America during this era of 1920s, so that I could figure some of the references in the novel.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Like an immovable force is Gatsby in the book, the rags to riches lad, the stupid lover, the doormat; all of this is known from Carraway's point of view, while Gatsby's real background remains a mystery almost throughout the writing, till the end. The initial tone of sarcasm slowly gives way to disdain and gets darker as the novel progresses. One is left to distrust Carraway also at times, for he is not a reliable narrator as well, with biases, frustrations and everything human.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The end is cruel, but it leaves a piquant after-taste, something you neither pity nor find heart-breaking. And simply like the vile world he projects, close the book and get on with your life. The world that has got no time to care...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Divyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780145148697901080noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920514147559167538.post-25390825642011873392010-04-26T11:10:00.000-07:002010-04-26T11:11:42.415-07:00Embroideries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDHkiqWhE4fBZVvyYd0aCd58gG6QKYG7iavwlg_5iwPOImgU03fznkNINaG5AEmYEOCnME6iM1p_KH_tVDrFLWtkdM-ZZ85XG7OhXgqeamBrG8BFgUH-TLtRmb49Yi-uVcj5ojYBnDVY/s1600/9780375714672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDHkiqWhE4fBZVvyYd0aCd58gG6QKYG7iavwlg_5iwPOImgU03fznkNINaG5AEmYEOCnME6iM1p_KH_tVDrFLWtkdM-ZZ85XG7OhXgqeamBrG8BFgUH-TLtRmb49Yi-uVcj5ojYBnDVY/s200/9780375714672.jpg" width="146" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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This is my first graphic novel of recent works. Having not read Satrapi's more popular Persopolis yet, I wasnt sure what to expect from this terse book. I had assumed embroideries would be in the lines of a quilt-club of women and I was almost right, except for having guessed 'Embroideries' completely wrong!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The setting is a <i>tea-klatsch</i> ; There is the redolence of tea brewing in the samovar, a gaggle of intriguing women and the warm ambiance suited for unending talk. With the motto of "To speak behind others' backs is the ventilator of the heart" this strange clique presided by Marjane's grandmother settles to narrate stories that are even better than gossip, for they are gossip at its best.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The main topic of conversation is surprisingly about sex, experience they have had or known others to have had. the stories flow as easy as conversations and are at the same time heart-breaking and funny. The things common to the stories are obsession to being a virgin when the woman marries and deception of men.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As the samovar warms and many rounds of tea is drunk, the stories turn to many confessions and mishaps that are laugh out funny, but equally tragic. Satrapi's ideas, and drawings are amazingly fresh. It is refreshing to see how much she depicts with the stroke of her hand and limited words. There is no real motif in the entire book but a culmination of dialogues, representing the woman's world in Teheran that is no different from the west.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It is a charming little book, with so much told and yet untold painting a vivid picture in our minds. You will love the characters and caricatures without much effort and may be even find yourself in the party.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Divyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780145148697901080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920514147559167538.post-71729927179134456152010-04-23T09:05:00.000-07:002010-04-23T09:05:41.354-07:00I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.....<div style="text-align: justify;">Married to a HP-series lover, didnt give my hubby much of a choice, but to be coaxed to movies he didnt make sense of or dragged to watch the Harry Potter exhibition or be prepared to hear quotes every now and then from the books....</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So a few weeks back, he finally decided to give in. And we began the one movie per week saga and are down with four and two more to go... until the wait for the 7th one releasing in Nov. Let me confirm that he has turned a fan, but wouldn't admit! :)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Nothing cheers me up more than the HP series ever! Although Rowling started taking many liberties towards the last couple of books and ended up in an incrementally uninspiring writing with the bigger books.... the books are a clever revolution and I thank her for giving us a chance to discuss her world that never fail to take me to my school days and happy place....</div><br />
So.. now that I have N to discuss HP with... I can say<br />
"<b><i>Mischief Managed</i></b>"Divyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780145148697901080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920514147559167538.post-16328853833869205692010-04-20T16:29:00.000-07:002010-04-20T16:29:46.641-07:00The girl with the dragon tattoo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRfm6HUvHsbAUQt0-FmL-V2xyavEPzmY0FmV1QB4DU26bxd2OseRzxe8pisNJhRm3VFSG3Nd8R0Q7eBiIJdrPIdqs9EkLRG_-UN5C_UYwO89Ug8708ObXp5KflZrdqJnYt0QKiOrspeI/s1600/the-girl-with-the-dragon-tattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRfm6HUvHsbAUQt0-FmL-V2xyavEPzmY0FmV1QB4DU26bxd2OseRzxe8pisNJhRm3VFSG3Nd8R0Q7eBiIJdrPIdqs9EkLRG_-UN5C_UYwO89Ug8708ObXp5KflZrdqJnYt0QKiOrspeI/s200/the-girl-with-the-dragon-tattoo.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>I wanted to read this book as part of Orbis 2009; but the wait at the library extended 7 months and so I finally made it for Orbis 2010!</i> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">With enough good reasons, this book is pretty sought after, although my feelings about it are rather mixed. There were instances I devoured holding-my-breath-gripping, but a few pages that bored me to yawn. All in all, the book makes a great read for someone with a liking for murder/drama/thriller genres very much in the likes of Sidney Sheldon and James Patterson.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Larsson, fills the first and last 40 pages with the the protagonist Blomkovist, the financial journalist, and his quest to oust the fraudulent business tycoon. These details seem more like fillers and are not a fully developed storyline; especially the last 40 pages rant on without structure. I believe they were simply added to give Blomkovist's character shape and purpose. Although he disappoints a tad with the libel/financial journalism side of the book, he more than makes up for it with the murder mystery that brings Blomkovist with the Salander the other protagonist together into a fast-paced, yet gripping suspenseful hunt that covers most of the book. Further the author does take liberties to introduce Salander's past in a nasty sidetrack and projects her entire character with the incident of a lawyer who tries to abuse her.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Larsson generously strews sexual libidos, casual sex and intimacy problems with the characters, never really explaining any nor letting the reader understand. Some of the relationships he spins, like the one between Blomkovist and his business partner Berger is almost fantasist and confounding; but definitely entertaining! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Aside from these intricacies he seems to have missed or didn't care enough about, the murder/missing person hunt of Harriet, the heir to the Vanger clan is a fantastic piece of writing. The way he clubs Salander's photographic mind and natural abilities with Blomkovist's investigative inclinations is a real masterpiece. When Henrik Vanger the octogenarian retired business baron hires Blomkovist for the investigation he explains that his family as - "They are for the most part thieves, misers, bullies and incompetents ", you will eventually realize that is such an understatement! The reader does take a while to warm up to the Vanger family tree and follow the investigation with constant flipping of the page to match names with the family tree; the mystery is truly intriguing, that in the middle, I found myself taking notes to solve it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Even though the book is a work of fiction, it does throw light on the Swedish ethos. Larsson, pins on the fact that women are often ill-treated or abused in Sweden. He doesn't help erase the image of Sweden being a nation of depressed and extremities. For a moment, it almost seems like every man in his book other than Blomkovist, who is under the age of 70 has abused a woman atleast once. Secondly, I had not known of the Nazi uprising that had silently risen and subsided in Sweden during world war 2; the author doesn't harp on this fact but mentions it in passing. Thirdly, the Swedish seem to be ardent coffee lovers; so much so that, there might be atleast as many mentions of Coffee, as the number of conversations in the book. Sometimes it is so addictive, that you might want to brew some yourself before settling down with the book :)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I would definitely recommend reading this book, even though it has its share of gore, depression and extremely dark angles. If you want a fast paced book for your long journey this one fits the bill. As of now, I am not sure, I want to read the second book in the trilogy, for fear of finding it to be on similar lines! But may be I will pick it up on a day, when I want some entertaining read, without wanting a feel-good or literary craving.</div>Divyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780145148697901080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920514147559167538.post-46840386821024696992010-04-12T11:46:00.000-07:002010-04-12T11:46:26.813-07:00Library LoveThis week is apprently the National Libary week in the US.<br />
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I cant but stress more on the importance of libraries for the world in general. And I am a regular at the library in my town. The public libraries are totally well connected and offer many more services than just books. The one in my town has an entire section for children and promotes reading among them by organizing story times and the likes.<br />
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So this week, why not give that book shelf a glance; dust out the books you read once and tossed to the bottom of the pile and would never be motivated to read again. Why not donate them to a library and make someone else's day by getting them to read the book?? Or simply pay the library in town a visit and borrow a couple of books.<br />
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Happy library time everyone!Divyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780145148697901080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920514147559167538.post-84393124312543420312010-03-23T16:00:00.000-07:002010-03-24T07:31:01.154-07:00Couldnt resist this one!<div style="text-align: justify;">I know my plate is more than overflowing for this year and I havent had a head start with the challenges either... But, then how can one resist the urge to read/haunt libraries/swell at the mention of new books or new genres..? So, I am joining this challenge at '<i>CURIOUS</i>' level and trading two books from across challenges -</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Click on picture to participate</i></span> </div><a href="http://theroyalreviews.blogspot.com/2009/11/historical-reading-challenge.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_new"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbiV-d4WrCI-9NNPtEP54lomrQ4x0-9z62f-O1wpaKxbTgmIrWivJTtnrFCjxAxHDlyvptISUVB9G__9lDXXygbBOHuM0ziu0B7hrL-yy0xuKfnGEVzqFvNSDfAfyrhSqJMgwYcHJ6v6g/s200/Historical+Fiction+Challenge.jpg" width="147" /></a>1. Cleopatra's Daughter - Michelle Moran<br />
2. The Splendor of Silence - Indu Sundaresan<br />
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Suggestions are welcome for the third option. I hope I can complete all my challenges this year.<br />
Happy Reading everyone. :)Divyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780145148697901080noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920514147559167538.post-56702305598772147352010-03-18T17:25:00.000-07:002010-04-29T11:50:24.727-07:00Orbis Terrarum 2010<div style="text-align: justify;">I totally loved this challenge last year. Hence taking part for 2010 as well. It is a great way to understand other nations and I would recommend taking part! And the one for this year even has an option to participate in raising funds for clean water worldwide. Even if you dont participate, please checkout the website by clicking on the picture below -</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">It has a few rules changed. so please read through the link before joining. Last year I chose books based on the country they were set in! And that rule is not valid for this year. I will adding a few books which I have been wanting to read and others borrowed from other challenges as well.. So here goes my list -</div><br />
1. Kafka on the shore - Haruki Marukami ( Japan )<br />
2. I am the Messenger - Markus Zusak (Australia)<br />
3. <a href="http://divyadurgadasbooks.blogspot.com/2010/04/girl-with-dragon-tattoo.html">The girl with the dragon tatoo - Stieg Larsson ( Sweden )</a><br />
4. Night Train to Lisbon - Pascal Mercier (Germany)<br />
5. Salt and Saffron - Kamila Shamsie (Pakistan)<br />
6.The tea house fire - Ellis Avery (England)<br />
7. The Syringa Tree - Pamela Gien (South Africa)<br />
8. English, august - Upamanyu Chatterjee (India)Divyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780145148697901080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920514147559167538.post-15032509627001324842010-03-13T12:54:00.000-08:002010-03-13T18:30:50.897-08:00The god of small things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPiW4_yCYYYrY2bpslxtrImAXBLXHN8IyTgWAG6YDHz-h9moM2whd2z_ErqI3NL_I964_SyFsDKmj7IyD15nDGNhz4qx01bSDRgzVwWH4kllM83K4vzvjecb5DhCRTiBrgpdY8kW11R4/s1600-h/the+god+of+small+things.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPiW4_yCYYYrY2bpslxtrImAXBLXHN8IyTgWAG6YDHz-h9moM2whd2z_ErqI3NL_I964_SyFsDKmj7IyD15nDGNhz4qx01bSDRgzVwWH4kllM83K4vzvjecb5DhCRTiBrgpdY8kW11R4/s200/the+god+of+small+things.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><br />
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<i>It is my Nth read of the book and every time I get to 'naaley.. tomorrow' the last line, it leaves a cold hurting feeling inside much like Pappachi's moth. I read the book for the first time when I was seventeen and I must admit, it took me two reads to follow her pattern of writing. Back then I was more inspired by the Kerala touch to the novel, since I am from there. However over the many reads, I have come to love the book for much beyond that!</i><br />
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</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Since I unquestionably love the book, I will split my review to be as unbiased as possible</i> :</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Why the book may be loved by many</b> -</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1. Roy's writing is a new language in itself. She creates a revolution with the innovative style of using words that paint a clear picture rather than flood it with jarring vocabulary. Some of the writing that comes to mind - house with a river-sense, Christianity came in a boat and seeped in like tea from a tea-bag, fisherman with sea secrets in his eyes, the creeper hung like half-sneeze-coming</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. The story is told through the eyes of the twins and the language is suited to depict the mind of children. Almost all the writing comes directly from the way a child's mind thinks. This adds the element of wit in book and some quips and sarcasm are laugh-out-loud hilarious. This makes it easier and at the same time difficult for the reader to grasp how the little minds can be scarred with a moment's doing or words ( like the orange-drink-man incident )</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. The story in itself is not unique; if not for Roy's shrewd looming of the motif in flashbacks and falsh-forwards, I am sure the novel is but ordinary. This style of writing in itself can make it difficult for a reader who doesn't enjoy complexity. It is more suited for someone who finds clarity in chaos.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4. The story woven like a web, with details and nuances, often strewn with questions in a child's mind (Why dont birds drop dead from the sky?) only makes it more lovable with more reads; for it is like prose, you realize you learn something new every time you read it. Even though the story stays as clear as blue sky in ones mind, a second read doesn't thwart the joy of reading.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Why the book may be loathed by some -</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">1. The writing is rocking continuously backwards-forwards and this can easily put certain readers off if they hate to keep track of the novel and expect the novel to keep track of them!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. The story is like any other booker-prize material, ends in tragedy, and how a single event leads to a complete collapse. For someone looking for a unique storyline you have picked up the wrong book.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. Roy generously uses malayalam in parts, the language spoken in the southern most state of Kerala in India, where the story is set. Although it is no different from many references of hindi words in Indian author books; for a novice reader who has no clue about this southern part of India, this reference can be irksome without a guide.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4. The end of the novel is morbid, it defies all the love-laws, as Roy puts it. And this in itself can make a reader hate the book. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">5. Her ability to create a new language in the writing mostly in jointed-words, may not be appealing to the literary-strict! She tries to bring understanding into the otherwise illogical language..</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you havent read the book, I cannot recommend it more highly; for her writing is brilliant and you will be treating yourself to 300 odd pages of prose-wonder, innocence of children and may be even enjoy the language of joint-words.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Have you read this book? Did you love it or hate it?</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=divsrearoo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&asins=0812979656" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>Divyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780145148697901080noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920514147559167538.post-46282023190475617222010-03-12T13:54:00.000-08:002010-03-12T13:55:12.459-08:00Blog hopIt has been a year since i started this blog and since, it has been great hopping through many wonderful book blogs and learning there are many out there sharing your love for books! It is a great way to find out about books you have never heard of and read new books because of reviews, which you wouldnt have otherwise!<br />
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I found this blog-hop party in <a href="http://sumanam.wordpress.com/">sumana</a>'s blog and decided to get hooked on! Click on the picture to participate!<br />
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Let the party begin! :)Divyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780145148697901080noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920514147559167538.post-10351675234316953942010-03-07T18:13:00.000-08:002010-04-26T13:34:51.585-07:00Classics Challenge 2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://classics2008.blogspot.com/2010/02/classics-challenge-2010-sign-ups.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLijEqqHH0k-PSwWIXJ7cRWmeVUwFC7Nc1OgiBsMOjbCFU_iSV6lSgldKhsem_WPXHfc9mz5t0ZELgPYoYwkhdRbdTWz49uj5l3cNsdunIXo4v1NWZloHmGBduaHQSggq4OB7HV2iba4/s320/Classics2+-+Veens.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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I totally enjoyed doing this challenge last year. So taking part for this year and kick start my reading drive.<br />
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I will joining at the Classics Snacks level. And here is my list -<br />
1. Kim - Rudyard Kipling<br />
2. <a href="http://divyadurgadasbooks.blogspot.com/2010/04/great-gatsby.html">The Great Gatsby - Fitzgerald</a><br />
3. Gone with the wind - Margaret Mitchell<br />
4. Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte<br />
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To participate click on the picture above!Divyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780145148697901080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920514147559167538.post-70412747180665215062010-03-07T16:00:00.000-08:002010-03-11T14:43:34.112-08:00The toss of a lemon<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKAaNPl8FO0Nk_902cH2BNJEBbVqgZsotHv-Eon98ZEn-d5b8kHnz1bHA9OYHYj_yYedkxTpkkOz_rBz5jKH18Z3bG3gC3EoICg5ZlR3ZTNoipw-DHNdkANI7OOHI5sbRKjHDfzIMzKA/s1600-h/toss" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKAaNPl8FO0Nk_902cH2BNJEBbVqgZsotHv-Eon98ZEn-d5b8kHnz1bHA9OYHYj_yYedkxTpkkOz_rBz5jKH18Z3bG3gC3EoICg5ZlR3ZTNoipw-DHNdkANI7OOHI5sbRKjHDfzIMzKA/s200/toss" width="130" /></a></div><br />
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<i>I am in my slow-impatient-reader mode currently. And hence the lack of new reviews.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It so happens that you raise your expectations with certain books and they disappoint you downright! It kind of stalls your reading-spirit and you take a while to recoup. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It has happened to me with "Toss of a lemon". So this novel is set in south India; a difference from usual Indian author books, which are mostly concentrated in Bombay and above. The last book set in south-india which started off well and lost it half way through was "house of blue mangoes" by David Dravidar. Although, in that book I liked most of the parts.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Toss of the lemon had a greater appeal for it seemed to concentrate on the caste system from the angle of the brahmin family. Hailing from one, I was almost certain I will love the book! The story wound around three generations, customs, change of outlook, education giving way to broad-mindedness was all great on paper, but dragged in execution. I have no idea what mindset I should have had while reading this book to like it. Even though all the traditions, festivals and little nuances described were so familiar to me, the author had managed to create a lull throughout the book; a dark shroud over every character, nothing happy about any incident; almost painting a picture that being on top of the caste system means doom to your future generations. The story could have been told in a much gay manner. Although the events weren't catastrophic or sad, the author had managed to confer just the gloomy side of it. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Most of the chapters moved unmemorably from one generation to next. It seemed like she had confused depicting boldness and rebellion spirit with sadness in her writing. By the end of the book, I was pretty vexed; I will not recommend the book if you are looking for a exciting read. The author has a lot of talent with writing. But channelizing it to tell a interesting tale is a whole different thing! Lets see. May be five years from now, I might give it a second read and might end up liking it! I usually don't give up on books. But this one I am surprised I managed to complete!<br />
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<b>Verdict:</b> Read the book if you are interested in being cognizant about south indian brahmin culture.Otherwise brace yourself for a long uneventful silent ride.</div>Divyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780145148697901080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920514147559167538.post-37578058576632221622010-01-25T17:59:00.000-08:002010-03-13T13:21:59.566-08:00The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOIYB7m15JW_ZnltLDQT1NozwSuLFIwnzp7bqjN70gy_KPDhJoL9C3qVYZ4a785lBrpgE7Ue9HaQG0vxRymYWLOyRiTO_FfytxGSv25ccUjzZmluuTTNY-dzzh4_Z5dnut3xSFKN2Q9o/s1600-h/article-0-02304EBB00000578-163_306x423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOIYB7m15JW_ZnltLDQT1NozwSuLFIwnzp7bqjN70gy_KPDhJoL9C3qVYZ4a785lBrpgE7Ue9HaQG0vxRymYWLOyRiTO_FfytxGSv25ccUjzZmluuTTNY-dzzh4_Z5dnut3xSFKN2Q9o/s200/article-0-02304EBB00000578-163_306x423.jpg" width="143" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The next time I visit Europe, I wouldn’t want to miss Channel Islands or Guernsey ever! That’s how lovely this book is! This epistolary novel had me hooked from the very first letter and before I knew I wanted to dole out letters to the many intriguing and affable characters of this book.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Juliet Ashton is the gregarious protagonist, who is an upcoming writer in the post world war II era in London. She, by some bizarre work of fate, gets in touch with the members of an oddly formed book club in Guernsey. Almost like pieces of a puzzle, her quest for a topic for her book and the lives of the book club members falls into place. The friendship thus born, through correspondence of letters leads to an unbreakable bond; And it is these letters that hold the heart of this novel.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Set in a sad time when Europe was strewn in post war trauma, this book is comfortingly sunny! The Nazi occupation of the island and the multitude of stories that encompass those years are told through the writings of various dwellers, as letters to Juliet. The formation of the book club itself was one such episode, invented on spot by the silent heroine of the novel, Elizabeth.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The letters and the impact of books on people of that era is the most wonderful thing to take away from this book. While you can imagine any character simply by their way of writing letters in itself is a warming feeling. Classics and writers like Oscar wilde, Jane austen or Charles Lamb were considered precious. Books weren’t available a plenty back then and owning books and reading them was considered a genial privilege!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The book encompasses a handful of cordial countryside folk. You would love them all the way you might have adored ‘Anne of green Gables’ and you will fall in love with Juliet, almost like one of Austen’s heroines. The appeal of the novel is the genuineness of the letters, the innocence of the lovely people and the sanguinary displayed as hope in grime times!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So go ahead, grab a warm cup of chocolate milk, light a fire, cuddle on the couch with this sweet little book and I can vouch that you will not stop smiling for a long time after you are done!</div>Divyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780145148697901080noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920514147559167538.post-5348730133927895242010-01-17T14:13:00.000-08:002010-01-17T14:14:48.323-08:00Tom Marvolo Riddle returns<div style="text-align: justify;">I had mentioned a few months earlier that I am <a href="http://divyadurgadasbooks.blogspot.com/2009/11/hooked-to-harry-potter.html">re-reading</a> the HP series and signed up a challenge for the same. I had read the books almost eight years ago. I had never got around completing the 7th book, because, I was insistent that I should read them without a huge time gap and in succession.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I just got done with the fourth book and I can't but wait to devour the remaining three!<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Prisoner of Azkaban was my first book at the age of fifteen, and I had picked it up with essay-writing-prize-money (money well spent, I say! ). However, I had picked the book, just to thwart the hype surrounding HP books and half-expecting to hate it! I can't be more glad that I didn't let the prenotion get the better of me.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Harry Potter books are a great revolution in reading and I can't be saying anything more about them than whats already lauded about! But, let me just end it saying that, I cannot but imagine being a reader and not knowing Harry.<br />
</div>Divyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780145148697901080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920514147559167538.post-40118104700746041882010-01-16T16:24:00.000-08:002010-01-16T16:24:29.900-08:00A few bookish things<div style="text-align: justify;">I have been on a reading dawdle these days. Been spending a lot more time at work, cooking and trying to kindle a fire at the fireplace with friends! I will be returning with few reviews pretty soon (hopefully). Before that here are a few bookish things that relate to my reading habits -<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">* I am very apprehensive about reading new books, especially the fear of creasing them as i turn pages and open it!<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">* I always use a bookmark. I get paranoid whenever i see someone bend the pages of the book as a marking!<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">* I love books borrowed from a library; more coffee-colored and softer the pages the better. It takes me to my comfort zone.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">* I always use two hands to hold a book. I hate bending it with a single hand, again for the fear of aging the book faster.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">* I am not sure how i'd react to audio books or e-reader if i ever owned one. As of now, I am very skeptical.. I belong to the old school.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">* no pen marks in the book please. If at all i'd like to date it, it'd be a light pencil marking in an inconspicuous corner.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">All said and done, i doubt i can find my life complete without books in them!<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">so what are your bookish habits??<br />
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</div>Divyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780145148697901080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920514147559167538.post-5667041923617521302010-01-05T18:09:00.001-08:002010-01-05T18:13:01.029-08:00The wind-up bird chronicle<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnjp_7povkw8Uvr9YoyfynxZ_YI2P3gger2CZ90bbMr3_kpXhSeqm7qeSrVB9F3HtnWlqAG8hoQ-h0arWZMtvWIIZx4ZJbkY7vctfCLJaC33pfE9FWTVCQvS7rmaTb7FsUYItPDS8TTo/s1600-h/the-wind-up-bird-chronicle1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnjp_7povkw8Uvr9YoyfynxZ_YI2P3gger2CZ90bbMr3_kpXhSeqm7qeSrVB9F3HtnWlqAG8hoQ-h0arWZMtvWIIZx4ZJbkY7vctfCLJaC33pfE9FWTVCQvS7rmaTb7FsUYItPDS8TTo/s200/the-wind-up-bird-chronicle1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423443360692041330" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">By Haruki Murakami</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This was my first book by Murakami and it left a pretty strange impact much like the book itself. The book is in no way a feel good one nor easy to get through. It is mostly dark with satire and ironic parts, but absolutely enrapturing!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The story begins with the protagonist making spaghetti and humming the thieving magpie. From such a simple setting, the author spins a labyrinth tale spanning Japan’s forgotten war in Manchuria, mystery women, a lost cat, a waterless well and even a wig making company. In its complicated plot, you can almost feel the breath of a pulp fiction, but the engrossing narration, or should I say the translation, keeps it fresh and moving.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The story unwraps in the words of Okada, the hero of the story. But often the reader is thrown off guard by the bizarre stories of the numerous intriguing characters, told in first person. Sometimes it feels like an unexpected journey to unknown destinations; towards the end, the narrative is so discombobulated that it is difficult to distinguish virtual from real. And by the time the various pieces come together, the reader, like the characters themselves, would have lost all sense of perception, time and events.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Murakami’s writing is often strewn, as if finding lucidity in disorder. And if this very factor does annoy the reader, it must be understood that, if he were to tell the tale in chronological order, then you would end up with a piece of humdrum novel in its place.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Read the book for its uncanny story telling, mystifying details, the concoction of otherwise unrelated events, all making a potpourri of a thrilling read. I am definitely picking up other books by Murakami!</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Divyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780145148697901080noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920514147559167538.post-37772026154838442802010-01-04T08:49:00.000-08:002010-01-04T08:58:24.995-08:00The holidays<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjuNZT4hflBf1ykDksqcxLLdh11i6Zzj6d4G_A7PasfXOAARJZuZYLhrzjZWolmDwDYR1glz5vL6qedJkrE8OVckhwZyvufRuotEndogd4Q43d5ermgUjdiNYyusllivylI9lxfbROkY/s1600-h/snowman.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjuNZT4hflBf1ykDksqcxLLdh11i6Zzj6d4G_A7PasfXOAARJZuZYLhrzjZWolmDwDYR1glz5vL6qedJkrE8OVckhwZyvufRuotEndogd4Q43d5ermgUjdiNYyusllivylI9lxfbROkY/s200/snowman.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422930041705938786" border="0" /></a><br />I had a wonderful ten day break with friends and family. Lots of cooking, chocolates, games and loads of snow! Ended up with a snowman, almost 5LBs fatter and a great many laughs! Hope your new year has begun with many happy moments too!<br />I need to review a couple of books. Will be updating soon...<br /><br />Until then, wish you all a wonderful 2010!Divyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780145148697901080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920514147559167538.post-69664462381697664122009-12-15T07:55:00.000-08:002010-04-26T13:35:23.774-07:00Graphic novels challenge<a href="http://graphicnovelschallenge.blogspot.com/2009/12/graphic-novels-challenge-2010.html" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415496968272348690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVklCHuc4qnFhg_SxD9-q7NL4E3BQI3VVd0ZApGB_VPzTbacTGUn8S-DlgWh7tcN-IhAFNu348XCDoNOLACRKZmQvbRLwS4nJyZz6PwDIz79s6u2RQ7m7t8tkaCiCjDUGfzEQvqvsgNRQ/s200/graph.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 129px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I have a couple of graphic novels i wish to read, so this challenge seemed apt to join.<br />
I will take up the beginner level, since I haven't had a taste of adult graphic novels; Also I want to catch up on the Asterix and Obelix saga, I used to love reading them!</div><br />
1. Watchmen by Alan Moore ( i hated the movie, mostly because it made no sense at all. But the book has rave reviews)<br />
2. <a href="http://divyadurgadasbooks.blogspot.com/2010/04/embroideries.html">Embroideries by Marjane Satrapi</a><br />
3. Asterix and Obelix , whatever big collection I can find at the library.<br />
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Now that's a nice genre to add to your bout of reading, isnt it?? To join click on the picture above.Divyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780145148697901080noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920514147559167538.post-70720990629724331632009-12-13T15:08:00.000-08:002009-12-14T08:17:22.719-08:00A year older...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWD__TIy3Yr1UTVg5AZnBAVkdi1WPBekZGYP2z78e509dntkl0t5JAk6JijKbqrc8W_SDi16NTe8dQMY4l0Ir_VWX8KYC3iLandaQbkyh0LEyrNRRiO1Hk68_pHMgV0XPqOGdhUxq6m-I/s1600-h/photo.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWD__TIy3Yr1UTVg5AZnBAVkdi1WPBekZGYP2z78e509dntkl0t5JAk6JijKbqrc8W_SDi16NTe8dQMY4l0Ir_VWX8KYC3iLandaQbkyh0LEyrNRRiO1Hk68_pHMgV0XPqOGdhUxq6m-I/s200/photo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415125665172226754" border="0" /></a><br />.....and three books happier!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Was also surprised with a wii fit and wii active! Excited!Benefits of marrying someone who supports the reading-drive! :P<br /><br />On another note, I have lots of reading left to do. Though I am loving the Murakami book, I am not finding the time to pace my reading. Have fun reading everyone!<br /></div>Divyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780145148697901080noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920514147559167538.post-23571098213757560292009-12-11T07:22:00.000-08:002009-12-11T07:35:56.367-08:00Reading is sexy!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://rorygilmorebooksproject.blogspot.com/"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 171px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuBTK6YzstjbiNtMAfwJgO7FQK2vd3RW68VB-V2kYZ7qcUU714Jajtz4vF3u_yxjo1TdpfUzdkkJkxUOzwuFXNOPOLIItxb8iPqz5fuXN1z42sD2hfj2qb9Fm4e-0gLbDG3a9l953738/s200/rory56.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414001836881875458" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">So, when I read about this wonderful reading project at <a href="http://nidhiveens-loveforbooks.blogspot.com/2009/12/rory-gilmore-books-project.html">Veens</a> and the corresponding link to <a href="http://shonasbookshelves.wordpress.com/">Shona's</a> laborious effort at creating this <a href="http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Aj5OPOyPA2BFdDR3MHh4NFBvZWxtQ09JMUVnOHQ1NUE&hl=en">book list</a>.. I couldnt help but join.. And what is even better.. Its a perpetual project, suits my overflowing stack for the coming year!<br /><br />So go ahead <a href="http://rorygilmorebooksproject.blogspot.com/2009/11/sign-up-post.html">join</a>!<br /></div><br />Happy reading all!Divyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780145148697901080noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5920514147559167538.post-30761340010810906662009-12-08T11:29:00.000-08:002010-05-05T14:25:45.860-07:00Short Story love<a href="http://robaroundbooks.com/robs-reading-challenges/100-shots-of-short-reading-challenge/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412952762911240162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaU-yYwibXopqlrKFJkD2hz2vF12NblkMspl1zxejRf01Z8oo0dy_95hciM6QBwv_iKqnHdQQXXvZigtC-80nruH7jnr0klSSmhe8GjIWd3XxO4oCSjsA9wOkQGj_qxdJnhht2g1sYaQ8/s200/100shot-logo1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
<div><a href="http://robaroundbooks.com/robs-reading-challenges/100-shots-of-short-reading-challenge/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;">5th May 2010</span><br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><b>(9) In the south by Sulman Rushdie</b><br />
It is/was one of the most popular stories in the NewYorker last year. And no one can spin words like this man. I totally loved the writing. For one the descriptions of that "southern" city so described was poignantly familiar and Rushdie's prose like writing only made me smell the smells and feel the feels. That said, the story is very powerful. It can be cause for introspection, I must warn. And very atypical of his writing, he sprinkles humor just enough to warm to the otherwise serious narration.<br />
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Dont miss it. Read it <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/fiction/features/2009/05/18/090518fi_fiction_rushdie?currentPage=1">here</a>.<span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">14th Dec 2009</span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">(8) Royalty by Anita Desai</span><br />
This is from the collection Diamond dust:stories by Anita Desai<br />
<br />
I have always been a lover of her writing style. This story had a strange irony which only struck me after I started thinking about the story when it ended. The old friends meet again; the swami among them expects to be fed and housed. Not an easy read, but when it ends, leaves you wanting to know more!<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">(7) The time of the peacock by Mena Abdullah</span><br />
This is from the collection <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Story-Wallah-Short-Fiction-South-Writers/dp/0618576800">Story-wallah: Short Fiction from South Asian Writers</a><br />
<br />
A very poignant tale of faiths, childhood, beliefs and simple happiness of life. The writing style was very novelistic and hence it felt incomplete.<br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;">11th Dec 2009</span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">(6) A sandshore wooing by Lucy Maud Montgomery</span><br />
You can find the story <a href="http://www.classicreader.com/book/3573/1/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
A sweet love story as the name suggests; no ironies, twists. Simple. short and feel-good. And yes, you can feel a tinge of 'Anne' Maud's best creation in the protagonist.<br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;">10th Dec 2009<br />
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</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">(5) Curious case of Benjamin Button by F Scott Fitzgerald<br />
</span>You can find the story <a href="http://www.readbookonline.net/read/690/10628/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Having loved the movie, for its bizarre innovation, I found the short story even more intriguing! Its such a make-you-think piece about how at old age one actually starts living backwards. Also Fitzgerald's style of writing has a tinge of satiric humor, it makes the read a pleasurable one<i>.</i></div><div></div><div><i>9th Dec 2009</i></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>(4)The evening gift by R K Narayan</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This story is from the collection "under the banyan tree and other stories"</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Typical Malgudi scene. A man living hand to mouth, does bizarre work for a rich drunkard. And in Narayan's style ends the tale in sad irony.</div><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">8th Dec 2009</span><br />
<div><i><br />
</i><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I am a huge fan of short stories, especially after my all time favorite author RK Narayanan's Malgudi days. I feel they tell you a lot more than a bulky book would.<br />
I have completed 3 shots so far -</div><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">(1)The child's story by Charles Dickens </span><br />
You can find it <a href="http://www.classicreader.com/book/879/1/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">A typical dickens to harp on the Scrooge like exemplary of a human being, who forgets, remembers, loves and lets go. The ending of the story was the best part of the read. A feel good read</div><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">(2)The overcoat by Nikolai Gogol</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Inspired by the reference to the book in 'the Namesake', I fished the book <a href="http://www.horrormasters.com/Text/a0857.pdf">online</a>. In fact its a small book and hence can pass off for a short story. The protagonist is rather intriguing, even in the whole aura of simplicity and boredom surrounding him. He is also a plural for Gogol's definition of a living being of that era, a silent spectator of corrupt revolution and the common man. I am still figuring my interpretation of the end.</div><br />
Did you read the overcoat? what do you draw from the end?<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">(3)The Cabuliwallah by Rabindranath Tagore</span><br />
You can find the story and other short stories by Tagore <a href="http://www.readbookonline.net/readOnLine/980/">here</a>.<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Poignant. Subtle. Lovely.<br />
I love reading stories in and around the british raj; it almost beatifies me to understand a nation that once was and how it would have been if it weren't partitioned to bits today. Though cabuliwallah is not a direct indicator of british india, its somewhere there emanating the smell of fear, love and discrimination.</div></div></div>Divyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780145148697901080noreply@blogger.com4