tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43456914966643312082024-03-13T06:17:39.068-04:00Journal of a BookwormMy space for writing about the books I read and get excited about! Feel free to share the love.Ashna http://www.blogger.com/profile/12736664196142668981noreply@blogger.comBlogger177125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345691496664331208.post-55961753071386998962020-04-03T12:00:00.000-04:002020-04-03T12:00:04.623-04:00The Nanny by Gilly MacMillan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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As you may have noticed, I am currently on a murder-mystery reading spree. I find this genre the easiest to get through and also the most exciting. That's how I found <i>The Nanny </i>as a recommendation on Goodreads. I found this to be the perfect thriller for someone like me - a grand mix of English aristocracy, armchair-detective whodunnit set in modern times, mysterious family dynamics and the gradual building of relationships that make your skin crawl.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1XBW-lB9qH8/XoOfLkGliQI/AAAAAAAARtM/GUwWxDiyZs8sfy3vAbPOGi74ANI0Im9NQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/40863437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1XBW-lB9qH8/XoOfLkGliQI/AAAAAAAARtM/GUwWxDiyZs8sfy3vAbPOGi74ANI0Im9NQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/40863437.jpg" width="213" /></a><b>Title</b>: The Nanny</div>
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<b>Author</b>: Gilly MacMillan</div>
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<b>Pages</b>: 400</div>
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<b>Published</b>: 2019</div>
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When I started reading this, it seemed eerily familiar with <i><a href="https://bookwormreviews9.blogspot.com/2020/03/the-family-upstairs-by-lisa-jewell.html" target="_blank">The Family Upstairs</a> </i>in terms of the concept of having strangers enter your family in minute, seemingly innocent ways and ending up ruining your life. Also with <i><a href="https://bookwormreviews9.blogspot.com/2020/03/sharp-objects-by-gillian-flynn.html" target="_blank">Sharp Objects</a></i> with the protagonist dreading to come back to their home because of disturbed childhoods, but apart from the mild similarities there's nothing else common. <i>The Nanny </i>was unique in its concept, its narration from present and past times with different POVs, and it captured my attention grandly.</div>
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Jocelyn had been a seven year old at the Holt house when her beloved nanny Hannah disappeared suddenly. Jo's relationship with her parents remains strained, if not worse. She leaves the house as soon as she could when she grows up, and goes to live in California where she lived with her husband and ten-year old daughter Ruby. After her husband dies, Jo has no option but to take Ruby and return to the Holt house occupied by her mother. The story follows Jo's life in the present time, Lady Holt's increasing love for her grand-daughter Ruby, and Hannah's reappearance in their lives just after Ruby discovers a human skull in the lake on their property. </div>
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<i>The Nanny </i>was absolutely thrilling and mysterious. I loved the suspense that was out there in the open - is the skull really mysterious? Is the woman calling herself Hannah really the Hannah that had disappeared? What happened to Jo's relation with her mother? Why do two grown women have such different opinions about their relationship and are unable to fix it?</div>
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It is a complex story of human ties that go really deep and have been weathered by changing dynamics within the family and society. More than a murder mystery, it is a story of love, revenge and desires. Despite having all this complexity, the writing style is simple, which makes the narration fast-paced and the book easy to read. I loved the way the revelations came slowly but surely, shocking the reader, yet it keeps going and makes us want more. The characterization is also fabulous - I could imagine Lady Holt, Hannah and Jo vividly as they experienced different things and grew throughout the book. I did find certain things as loose ends which would not make much sense in real life, but I did find the story stronger in terms of its holistic nature than only focusing on catching a killer. </div>
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I would go so far as to say that this was my favourite thriller so far in this year - highly recommended with a 5/5 star rating! </div>
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Ashna http://www.blogger.com/profile/12736664196142668981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345691496664331208.post-61054644512745610402020-03-31T12:00:00.000-04:002020-03-31T12:00:04.906-04:00Run Away by Harlan Coben<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's been a while since I last enjoyed a Harlan Coben book, but I have <i>always </i>enjoyed anything Coben writes (<a href="https://bookwormreviews9.blogspot.com/2016/07/review-fool-me-once-by-harlan-coben.html" target="_blank"><i>Fool Me Once</i></a>, for example). Run Away was an absolute thrill to read - exactly what I expect from a gripping mystery to provide.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EE_oOfihe_Y/Xnw44Erh__I/AAAAAAAARso/5gC1vEsnJFAHEqthTSTiXWohlHfTBLlJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/40697540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EE_oOfihe_Y/Xnw44Erh__I/AAAAAAAARso/5gC1vEsnJFAHEqthTSTiXWohlHfTBLlJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/40697540.jpg" width="211" /></a><b>Title</b>: Run Away</div>
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<b>Author</b>: Harlan Coben</div>
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<b>Pages</b>: 371</div>
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<b>Published</b>: 2019</div>
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<b>My Rating</b>: 4/5</div>
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Simon has been looking for his estranged (more like lost) daughter Paige, who had a fairly decent childhood until she left for college and got herself an abusive boyfriend Aaron. When a neighbour lets Simon know he "might" have spotted Paige at Central Park busking for money, Simon is pained and stunned to find out that the frail, poor girl he sees is indeed his daughter. But right before he can confidently get her away to safety, Aaron steps in and Paige runs away with him.</div>
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The story follows Simon's hunt for his daughter as he tracks down her old classmates and tries to piece together things he never knew about Paige. I found <i>Run Away </i>having a mix of murder-mystery and family relationships - the recipe for a compelling read that makes you <b>feel </b>things. I could understand Simon's frustration and helplessness as we learn more about the family, Paige's nature and the little details that shape our relationships and personalities. </div>
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Simon's wife Ingrid is a strong woman with a mind of her own, and I quite liked her from the beginning, even though to Simon she seems to have let Paige run away. There's an air of mystery around her which intensifies when a drug dealer shoots her when they both go looking for Paige in the drug den she was supposed to frequent. We also meet other characters in a side-storyline - paid assassins whose targets make no sense until towards the end. Now that I think about it, the alternative stories going back and forth somewhat broke a momentum as they didn't seem to be linked that much in the beginning. Nevertheless, the writing was gripping and fast-paced, and both storylines were pacing well. </div>
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I'm also not sure what I feel about the supporting character Cornelius - he was there and served a strong purpose but he was also very conveniently coming and going when Simon or us, the readers, needed useful information about Paige. The ending, though!! I liked how the suspense builds up and unravels slowly, not in a rush, putting the pieces of the puzzle together and leads to a shocking ending! It made me whoop and suffer a shock at the same time. I am very happy with the ending, indeed.</div>
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I would surely recommend giving this a read if you're looking for something fast-paced and relatively light. It's not too heavy on the head like some of the recent psychological thrillers I've read lately. It can get quite fun, too. If you've read this already, share your thoughts! What do you think?</div>
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Ashna http://www.blogger.com/profile/12736664196142668981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345691496664331208.post-32326050422829783822020-03-28T12:00:00.000-04:002020-03-28T12:00:00.729-04:00The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Another Goodreads choice awards pick! The Silent Patient follows the story of Alicia Berenson, an artist accused of her husband's murder. Alicia did not speak a single word since she was found with the murder weapon and her husband's body. A psychotherapist, Theo, has been following Alicia's story since the event and feels the need to dig deeper as the years pass, because of his fascination and curiosity about what happened.</div>
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<b>Title</b>: The Silent Patient</div>
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<b>Author</b>: Alex Michaelides</div>
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<b>Pages</b>: 325</div>
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<b>Published</b>: 2019</div>
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The book is narrated from two perspectives, one is Alicia's diary and the other is Theo's point of view. Alicia's diary narrates the story from when her husband gets her the diary to encourage her to write her feelings when she's overwhelmed. We get snapshots of her life and build up of the story along with Theo's POV narrating the current time - Theo finding a job at the institution Alicia stays at, and doing his best to try and get Alicia to talk.</div>
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I found the storyline and writing very engaging. The mystery about Alicia's silence unravels slowly while providing readers a complete backdrop of the past - Alicia's own personal troubles, her relationship with her husband as well as other characters who are linked in her life. As Theo continues trying to elicit a response from his patient, he shares with us his discoveries about things that seem to make Alicia respond, things that matter to her. </div>
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Overall, I found myself flipping through the pages to get to the end and unravel the mystery. I did get a hint of the twist and the killer mid-way through the book, even though I found it exciting and wanted to read to understand how it could be! It was a fresh idea, it wasn't too predictable, and the setting was more contemporary than I've been reading lately. The suspense was built up throughout the book, so I didn't get bored. The little snippets and perspectives from Alicia's art was also something new to be found in this book - references to Greek myths, exploring storytelling through art and reading meanings through painted images. </div>
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As for characterization, I felt like Alicia was the only character the author seemed to focus most on - perhaps because the story demanded it, but a couple of characters didn't seem to add much to the story other than being red herrings, I suppose. Otherwise, the plot and the narration was on-point for me. Also, a well-rounded and well-explained ending is a rarity these days in thrillers, so I was very happy with this one.</div>
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I would definitely say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading it - it was one of my fastest reads this year, and would surely recommend it for today's psychological thriller recommendations. I do feel it's now a bit over-rated, but highly delicious to read anyway!</div>
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PS - The book cover totally drew me in. 5/5 to this cover idea.<br />
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Ashna http://www.blogger.com/profile/12736664196142668981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345691496664331208.post-90881547428064551172020-03-24T22:42:00.000-04:002020-03-26T00:47:53.623-04:00Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Author: Gillian Flynn</div>
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Pages: 254</div>
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Published: 2006</div>
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My Rating: 4/5</div>
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This was my second book by Gillian Flynn after <i>Gone Girl</i>. Flynn's characters seem to have some things in common - a disturbing past that has influenced these women in deep, unnerving ways that turn them into unreliable narrators. </div>
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Camille Preaker is a reporter based in Chicago. She's sent to cover a murder and disappearance of young girls, aged 9 and 10 respectively, in the small town of Wind Gap. She dreads returning to the town she grew up in and seeing her family after eight years - sure enough, as soon as we start reading about Wind Gap, a whole gothic, creepy vibe takes over the book and doesn't go away till the end.</div>
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Reading this story was highly uncomfortable. Everything made me uneasy - the dialogues, the people in Wind Gap, the kids, the police officers. It gives the air of something sinister hiding deep within the town, although to be fair, I can understand that Flynn made this deliberate to create a certain atmosphere, and it works. Right from the beginning as Camille enters her home town, you get the feeling that something is wrong. Camille's mother Adora behaves and talks in a strangely controlling way, her younger sister Amma feels unreliable and scary with her discordant personality, stories of how young kids behave and what they talk about in the town also have a dark tone to them.</div>
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Despite being disturbing, this book absorbed me. It was compulsive and I found myself reading this every free minute, reading late into the night till my eyes screamed shut in protest. I dreamed about it and kept thinking about this strange story where two young girls get murdered and have their teeth removed. As Camille learns more and we get a glimpse of her past, dots begin to join a little. Commonalities in both murders are discovered, leading to the possibility of a serial killer, possibly someone local. </div>
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As we gain different perspectives, including a great (yet dark) view of small town gossip and interactions, things seem to get more sinister. And when we realise we have reached a satisfactory (and disturbing) conclusion, we read on to find there's more. That's what I liked best - tricking me into believing something only to find out there's a lot more to it! Lately I've been finding thrillers to have unsatisfactory endings because there's little explanation, however with Sharp Objects I have no such complaint! It lives true to its promise as a thriller. I would recommend this as a mysterious, fast read. However, it does have gory details related to self-harm (cutting) and psychological issues due to an unconventional and disturbed childhood.</div>
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Did this book have an impact on me? YES</div>
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Did I enjoy reading this book? Hell YES</div>
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Will I recommend it to you? Absolutely!</div>
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Enjoy!<br />
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Ashna http://www.blogger.com/profile/12736664196142668981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345691496664331208.post-14545664790248217632020-03-19T09:00:00.000-04:002020-03-26T00:48:11.499-04:00The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lately I’ve been “curating” my reading list straight from Goodreads choice awards (reduction in reading time, folks. Thank you, life). That’s how I found <i>The Family Upstairs </i>- a creepy thriller disguised as family drama. Libby Jones receives a letter after her 25th birthday stating she has inherited a grand house, which makes her search deeper into her past, revealing mysterious happenings, strange people and sinister occurrences. Going back and forth in the past and the present, this book is a take on dysfunctional dynamics in a family that can alter the way of life for generations to come. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Admittedly, it was my first Lisa Jewell book, despite her being known for popular thrillers for quite some time (read <i>Then She Was Gone</i>, <i>Watching You</i>, etc). Before delving into details I can say for sure I would look out and proactively read more books by this author, because this gothic psychological thriller did not disappoint me when I needed my quick-read fix. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The one thing that struck me as different about this story is that it’s not your typical fast-paced thriller in the traditional sense. It delves deep into family dynamics, psychology, uncomfortable but very real consequences of the tiniest emotions and actions. Perhaps that’s what makes it feel slightly unnerving - we’ve all been helpless in our relationships at some point in our lives, and reading this book can make you feel, “This could have happened to me.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The pacing and storyline was slow, keeping in with developments that happened over the years. The narrative takes on from different POVs which was a bit confusing at first because we don't know how all these people (Libby, Henry and Lucy) are related, but hold your breath... it starts coming together towards the later end and becomes exciting when you start realising how it makes sense. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I also found character development to be decent, especially for Henry, who was a child witnessing the gradual change that came in when some strangers entered their home, and their lives. The story seemed to be focused more from Henry's perspective so he was the only one I could really connect with. The others went along with the events from a secondary viewpoint. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As for the actual plot, I actually was surprised at one point with a major revelation, but that seemed to be the only part mildly ‘shocking’. The rest reads like a slow, unnerving development, so that when you’re at the end and look back, it’s when you see all that has changed. It’s not really fast-paced in that sense. It's enjoyable for its unique narration and pace. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Overall, albeit all the emotions, I enjoyed the thrill from this book. The revelation of the mystery wraps up nicely enough. It gives a satisfying ending and closure, and stays thrilling even towards the end with mysterious occurrences and behaviours. I would rate it a 4/5 and would recommend to readers looking for a mystery recommendation. </span></div>
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Ashna http://www.blogger.com/profile/12736664196142668981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345691496664331208.post-83100797235908984512020-03-18T23:29:00.000-04:002020-03-26T00:48:36.959-04:00Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I remembered having seen this book in the library I used to visit a few years ago. I also remembered that I had wanted to read it back then--just look at the cover! (What? Book covers rule.) Back then, and even now when I finally got around to reading it, I thought it would be a bitter-sweet high school romance, which is something I could totally handle.</div>
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But what actually happened was this:</div>
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Me: Ooh... Hudson (the lead female protagonist) isn't just a damsel in distress. She has dreams and she has guts and she's gonna break through barriers to achieve her goals. The romance part is just going to be a part of it.</div>
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*a few pages into the book* Me: Hudson bakes such amazing cupcakes. I took 2 years to learn how to bake a basic sponge cake. She's a cupcake pro already! Must learn to bake cupcakes.</div>
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*reads some more* Me: Y'know... What happened to Hudson and her family doesn't really seem fair. Why isn't her mom cooperating at all? AND how can she be okay when ill-behaved customers at her diner are teasing Hudson and the other waitress (what's her name?). Ugh.</div>
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Me: Wait... why's Hudson behaving like such a selfish and silly brat when it comes to cute guys? Wh- what is she even doing?!</div>
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Me: Oh-kay. This Hudson is not the one I began the book with. Plus, everyone speaks the same kind of Oh-I'm-cool lingo. What happened to plain ol' English? This is too fast and too boring and doesn't make me FEEL anything. Bye-bye book.</div>
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I don't know what happened in the second half of the book. The premise was so promising. It totally should have been a young girl's rise from the ashes and kicking ass in ice-hockey, but it was too long a story to hold interest and the said young girl started behaving so unlike herself and so much like a typical high school book-girl (who, I don't know why, resembles someone from Mean Girls and the like).</div>
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You could give it a try though. Perhaps I got too influenced by cupcake descriptions at the beginning of each chapter and expected too much out of a young girl. Maybe you have the patience and perspective to understand whatever was happening. Have you read this book? How did you find it? Tell me!<br />
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Ashna http://www.blogger.com/profile/12736664196142668981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345691496664331208.post-58858223055106455022017-03-19T03:16:00.000-04:002020-03-22T22:36:51.246-04:00Review: Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Title: </b>Eleanor and Park</div>
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<b>Author:<a href="http://www.rainbowrowell.com/" target="_blank"> </a></b><a href="http://www.rainbowrowell.com/" target="_blank">Rainbow Rowell</a></div>
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<b>Published: </b>2013 by St. Martin's Press</div>
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<b>Pages: </b>328</div>
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<b>Review Summary: </b>2/5. Did not like it.</div>
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Didn't the entire universe recommend this book? I felt stupid not having read it yet, considering the raving reviews it received. I thought my eyeballs would begin to hurt if I saw another recommendation for<i> Eleanor and Park</i> and still didn't read it. I had no preconceived notions about it--of course it would be a great book because everyone loves it. The cover is minimalist, the new trend for contemporary books, and even though it was <i>romance</i>, I thought I could survive it. </div>
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<b><i>Lesson learned</i></b>: Popular belief can be a LIE. I dived into this book knowing it'll be awesome, but I was terribly disappointed. </div>
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First, I'll mention some positive aspects of it (there were indeed a few) before delving into things that made me give a 2 star rating to <i>Eleanor and Park</i>.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">~Pros~</span></b></div>
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1. <b>Non-typical characters</b>. High school stories generally feature impossibly perfect teenagers (at least in the way they look), but that wasn't the case with this book. Eleanor is the opposite of society's ideal (and it is reflected through the book as people form prejudiced opinions about her) and it stays like that. Park is quiet, cute and Asian (which apparently makes him less-than-perfect, according to the story). </div>
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2. The background of the story that makes you feel <b>the FEELS</b>. I love books that make me FEEL. (You know what I mean, right?) Even though the FEELS here were mostly angst and sadness and anxiety and anger, but still. </div>
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Okay, I've thought enough and there seems to be nothing else that made me like this book. Let's get to the point. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">~Cons~</span></b></div>
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1. <b>Character development</b> (or the lack of it): Eleanor and Park fell in love so swiftly I couldn't catch it. One moment they're hating each other and the next they're holding hands and the next they're declaring their love! For some reason, whatever love-talk they did made me feel NOTHING. It felt like a lie. Which sucks. </div>
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Besides, as quickly as they fell in love, their mental/emotional development was just as slow. It actually didn't even seem to take place, to be frank. I understand that Eleanor's life is upsetting and too hard to cope with. She can't deal with good developments in the same way as her peers. But what about Park? What about Eleanor's family? (I just about HATED Eleanor's mother.)</div>
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2. The focus of the story, or <b>the plot</b>. The book's central idea was about two star-crossed lovers/teens, but I felt the story was heavily populated by Eleanor's family troubles that are not even resolved till the end! And what about the <b>clumsy ending</b>? WHAT WAS THAT? </div>
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3. <b>Characters behaving stupidly</b>. If things are getting intense on the emotional parameter, at least get the characters to be in sync with the emotions they are supposed to be portraying. So many things seemed off balance. For instance, Park 'rescuing' Eleanor and then feeling angry when she's sleeping instead of talking to him (no, the fact that she's scared for her life doesn't count).</div>
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4. <b>The writing style</b>. The alternate narration with some overlaps was successful in displaying different POVs of the same events but it soon became tiring and monotonous, looking like unnecessary additions that made the book longer than it should have been.</div>
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5. <b>Supporting characters</b>. None of them was likeable. They were either too mean, or too weak, or too prejudiced, and then when they had to change to become better, they became the opposite extreme. Subtlety and realism is heavily lacking in this book.</div>
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*sigh* I feel so sad having written this, but it's just the true state of affairs. <b>However</b>, I'm also a very moody reader in the sense that my own mood makes me like or dislike a book even more. Many people have loved this book. You may go check out further reviews on Goodreads if you want some other perspective. Take your call, but if you read the book after reading this review, or if you've read it at all, I'd love to know what you think of it! </div>
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PS-Rainbow Rowell has written more books which have received great ratings (such as <i>Fangirl, Attachments</i> and <i>Carry On. </i>You might want to check those out. I haven't read them yet but from the reviews I've read, it seems like <i>Eleanor & Park</i> isn't her best book.)</div>
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Ashna http://www.blogger.com/profile/12736664196142668981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345691496664331208.post-80630250714989439442017-02-08T11:48:00.000-05:002020-03-22T22:37:11.548-04:00Review: Simon vs The Homosapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Why am I not surprised that I adored this book so much? Because Goodreads can't be wrong. Lately it has become my one-stop-shop for book picks and it rarely disappoints. I had been wanting to read a light, nice contemporary book and <i>Simon vs The Homosapiens Agenda </i>came to my book pile. The cover was intriguing, and I hadn't really read a book relating to sexual identity before.</div>
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Simon is gay, and he has been emailing Blue (identity unknown), a boy attending the same high-school. They keep their real identities hidden from each other, because neither of them has had their 'coming out' moment. Simon's not sure when he'd be ready--he knows that his family would be accepting, but with their annoying tendency to be over-enthusiastic about anything he does beyond their pre-conceived notions of him, it's a bit difficult. Then there's the whole idea of being bullied by school kids. One day, though, Simon's emails to Blue are read by his classmate, who begins to blackmail him. The story moves forward combining Simon toiling for, sometimes avoiding, Martin, fearing that he would spill his secret when he isn't ready. We meet Simon's friends and go through their lives as well, and we feel Simon's pangs to know the real Blue.</div>
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It was quite a refreshing read, actually. The writing is simple and fun, the (almost) typical contemporary narration making it a quick and easy read.
<i>However, </i>the fact that I couldn't put it down unless I had read till the end
proves that, at least for a picky reader like me, the book serves well to break
any reading slump you might be facing. Also, it gives you perspective. How do you feel about being gay and unable to come out with it? Does society or the idea of bullying scare you? Do you get pissed off when straight people find it difficult to admit they like someone of the opposite gender? How do <i>you </i>perceive a friend or schoolmate who's gay?</div>
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<b>Book title</b>: Simon vs The Homosapiens Agenda</div>
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<b>Author: </b><a href="http://www.beckyalbertalli.com/about/" target="_blank">Becky Albertalli</a> (do read. It's unique and fun!)</div>
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<b>Pages: </b>320</div>
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<b>Published: </b>2015 by HarperCollins (Blazer+Bray)</div>
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<b>My rating: </b>4/5!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">~Things I enjoyed~</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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1. The perfect balance of <b>family </b>understanding and discord.
People are there for Simon, but don't exactly make it easy for him to 'come
out' because of their tendency to highlight anything out of the ordinary. <o:p></o:p></div>
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2. <b>Characters</b>. I liked how Alice, Simon's elder sister,
remained in the background for most of the book but still comes across as a
supportive and fun sister. Simon is likeable enough, and he seems realistically
vulnerable when he begins being blackmailed by Martin. He's a fun mix of weird and nice. I liked many more character portrayals, but what I liked more was how they were balanced throughout the book. No overdose of any single character. </div>
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3. The school setting. This is purely personal because I hadn't read a book with a school setting since maybe Vampire Academy? Who knows. I, for one, don't keep a tab on book settings. I have a hard time remembering character names the next day. Anyway, the school setting made it 'refreshing' for me. It has also been realistically done. (I don't know how realistic it is though, to have many people who'd support gay rights when they're teenagers. I hope it is very much real!)</div>
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4. The <b>mystery</b>. All things apart, the constant mystery of Blue's real identity could have been the prime reason I couldn't put the book down! <b><i>Minor spoiler alert: </i></b><i>For a long time I felt I knew who he was, but then I didn't. Tch.</i></div>
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<o:p>5. Ms. Albright, the drama teacher. Particularly towards the ending, she turned into a badass woman who <b>won't tolerate bullying</b>. She was quite likeable from the start, though, as a teacher who makes things funny and comfortable for the students by, say, speaking in their language. </o:p></div>
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<o:p>6. The ultimate meeting of <b>Simon and Blue</b>!!! The revelation of Blue. I was hugely anticipating someone as Blue, though it was also somehow unimaginable, but then it ended up being someone I had also imagined as a possible Blue but it had seemed irrelevant at that time. Looking back, the subtle foreshadowing was CUTE. I don't even know it anything in this para makes sense. Writing without spoilers is no good. *sigh* </o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yw-eyJ-QBlg/WJtKk6mQJdI/AAAAAAAAQWU/fnPwnzCzlZ8MIXLE4WsEQOmBD1kMBlP-wCLcB/s1600/IMG_3515.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yw-eyJ-QBlg/WJtKk6mQJdI/AAAAAAAAQWU/fnPwnzCzlZ8MIXLE4WsEQOmBD1kMBlP-wCLcB/s400/IMG_3515.PNG" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What my ebook copy looked like when I went to the park to read</td></tr>
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<o:p><b><span style="font-size: large;">~Things I did NOT enjoy~</span></b></o:p></div>
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1. <b>Character development </b>when it comes to Simon's friends. Simon's own character development isn't
intense per se, but visible enough for readers to note. <i>However,</i> I did wonder
why Abby and Nick didn't seem to be bothered about Leah. [<b><i>The following text COULD be a character personality spoiler for some, so read at your own risk.</i></b>] They both seemed to
have been self-absorbed. I get that Leah's behaviour wasn't exactly rational, but
Simon handled it way better than the other two. And if I were the choose
between Leah and Abby, it would be Leah because Abby, no matter how friendly and cute, was
ALWAYS oblivious to Leah and sometimes I was all, '<i>Doesn't this girl think before
speaking stuff?'</i> When I read some Goodreads reviews before getting to this book
(not always a great idea. There's always a spoiler), some of them seemed to
think Leah's behaviour as selfish. I expected it to be, but ended up feeling quite
the opposite. <b><i>[end of probable spoiler]</i></b></div>
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2. The play/musical taking up a huge portion of the reader's time, which made me anticipate something AMAZING during the actual play, but things seemed... normal. Sure, there were a couple of things that happened, but nothing worth the hype. What happened with the homecoming was perfectly balanced, in fact.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Overall</span></b>, you should consider three things:</div>
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1. The easy and fun writing style that'll keep you hooked.</div>
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2. Your sensitivity towards people's sexual identities and their dilemmas would be greatly enhanced.</div>
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3. Your weekend wouldn't be boring if you read this book. :)</div>
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Or maybe you could consider a couple of quotes:</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">“People really are like houses with vast rooms and tiny windows. And maybe it's a good thing, the way we never stop surprising each other.”</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">“The way I feel about him is like a heartbeat -- soft and persistent, underlying everything.”</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yeah? Feel warm and woozy? Good.</span></span></div>
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Ashna http://www.blogger.com/profile/12736664196142668981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345691496664331208.post-36350619767286095402016-10-28T13:30:00.000-04:002020-03-22T22:37:21.776-04:00Review: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Book Title: </b>City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1)</div>
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<b>Author: </b>Cassandra Clare</div>
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<b>Pages: </b>485</div>
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<b>Published: </b>2007</div>
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<b>Find it at: </b><a href="http://www.amazon.in/Mortal-Instruments-City-Bones/dp/1406362166/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1477674729&sr=8-1&keywords=city+of+bones" target="_blank">Amazon</a> / <a href="https://www.flipkart.com/mortal-instruments-1-city-bones/p/itme5g8kgxzwafaz?pid=9781406362169&srno=s_1_1&otracker=search&lid=LSTBOK9781406362169WRMSI3&qH=1656f98a9d32ea86" target="_blank">Flipkart</a></div>
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(I got it free from Kindle Unlimited!)</div>
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<b>My Rating: </b>4/5!</div>
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Another book series I didn’t read while the world was going
crazy about it. (I just DON’T know what’s with my aversion to reading books at
the same time as others). I wish I had read it before. <i>City of Bones </i>introduces
us to a new world—dark, mysterious and fascinating—a world that’s closely
intertwined with ours, visible only to those with the Sight. There are humans,
of course (called ‘mundanes’ because we can’t see the real excitement in the
world, I guess) and then there are Shadowhunters, who are part human and part
angel. The Mortal Cup is an instrument that was used to make the first
Shadowhunters (by mixing in blood of humans and angels and getting a
prospective Shadowhunter to drink it. I’d have thought a vampire would like it
more). There are also the Downworlders, creatures that have demonic blood or
tendencies in them (include everything else—vampires, werewolves, faeries,
etc). In <i>City of Bones</i>, we see how all these worlds mix up in the quest to
fight the feared Shadowhunter-gone-wrong called Valentine, who wants the world
full of “pure blood” Shadowhunters and absolutely no demons.</div>
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That’s the <b>background</b>. The story is narrated in third
person, but the central character of the story is Clarissa (Clary) Fray, a
fifteen year old living in Brooklyn with her mother, Jocelyn. She has a best
friend, Simon. One evening when Clary and Simon are visiting the popular
hangout club Pandemonium, Clary witnesses a murder. The baffling thing was, the
victim’s body evaporated and she was the only one who could see the
killers—teenagers just like herself. Clary is drawn into a world she had no
memories of, meets people she should have known but doesn’t, and realizes that
what she knew about herself was barely true.</div>
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<i>City of Bones </i>has a compelling <b>storyline</b>. Though I could
draw some parallels with other books (such as Harry Potter), I do think that this
story stands on its own, particularly in terms of characters and their
motivations. The author lays heavy emphasis on past events, relationships and
emotions of characters to control their behaviour in the present. Every
<b>character </b>has a backstory that validates their actions or thoughts, and it
feels so realistic. That’s probably one of the best things about this book.
Sure, there were some places where the characters seemed to be acting on sudden
impulses or had changed emotions in a jiffy, which felt too rushed to me, but
it wasn’t really bothersome. The characters are memorable, to say the least. </div>
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There is a good amount of <b>action </b>and <b>suspense</b> too, fairly
presented and well-spaced. Because the story focuses on family dynamics too,
one of the major twists pertained to familial ties, and it was indeed so surprising,
I totally did NOT see it coming. Another thing I found different and “fresh”
about a YA novel such as this was that it also touches upon <b>sensitive themes </b>such
as family separation, being an outcast and homosexuality.</div>
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Some parts in the story were quite touching and sad. Needless
to say, I loved the <b>balanced </b>mix of everything. It was appealing in a curious
way… despite all the darkness, the raw discomfort of what was happening, I
couldn’t put the book down. At first, it was interesting but not as gripping as
I thought it would be—I had a feeling it was overrated—but it seemed to pick up
pace after about 40% and then it was hard to put it down. I did read a lot of
it while I should have been working. The writing style is good… pretty normal,
I guess, because I didn’t observe it that much, except that some really good
vocab is used in places and I was just wondering how each character has such a
good repertoire of vocab.</div>
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This book came as a ‘different’ kind of story compared with
the ones I’d been reading the past two years. It relates more to the YA books I
read while in college, and the reading experience felt very good. I’ve begun to
read <i>City of Ashes </i>(The Mortal Instruments #2) and I’m already excited!! Any of
you read these books?</div>
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(Sharing some quotes from the book below):</div>
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<i><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">“The boy never cried again, and he never forgot
what he'd learned: that to love is to destroy, and that to be loved is to be
the one destroyed.”</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">“Where there is love, there is often also hate.
They can exist side by side.”</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">“All knowledge hurts.”<span class="apple-converted-space"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<o:p> PS- I'm not much of a movie person but I just saw that <i>there's a movie on this!!!! </i>I don't like the feel of the characters (in the photographs) though. Books are always so much better. </o:p></div>
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Ashna http://www.blogger.com/profile/12736664196142668981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345691496664331208.post-77387564602519657562016-10-15T02:09:00.000-04:002016-10-15T02:10:59.326-04:00Peril at End House and The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wyh02Bko1q8/WAHG29bPw6I/AAAAAAAAQKs/vamUawPcTAU_XTT9E7qgicoyekQMXJlBQCLcB/s1600/agatha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wyh02Bko1q8/WAHG29bPw6I/AAAAAAAAQKs/vamUawPcTAU_XTT9E7qgicoyekQMXJlBQCLcB/s200/agatha.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Agatha Christie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UcfDg9ugfTI/WAHHGcI5OVI/AAAAAAAAQKw/oPKVvqdZalgf4dnaXW9rVu5xuvt1sqUmgCLcB/s1600/Hercule.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UcfDg9ugfTI/WAHHGcI5OVI/AAAAAAAAQKw/oPKVvqdZalgf4dnaXW9rVu5xuvt1sqUmgCLcB/s200/Hercule.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sketch of Hercule Poirot</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Hercule Poirot is a Belgian detective, a short, sharp man
popularised by Agatha Christie in her many novels. I hadn't read a lot of her
books before. Only a couple of Miss Marple books and a handful of general ones.
They were fairly enjoyable, till the time I read <i>The Murder on the Orient Express</i>, and getting introduced to Hercule
Poirot. I began to think of it as the best Agatha Christie book I'd read!
Recently I grabbed <i>Peril at End House</i>
and <i>The Murder of Roger Ackroyd</i>,
wishing to savour some more of Poirot's adventures. I'll talk about these two
books in the paras below:</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Peril at End House:</i></b><i style="font-family: inherit;"> </i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hercule
Poirot is on a holiday with his loyal friend (read sidekick) Hastings when he
meets a young girl called Nick who seems to have had three escapes from death
in the last three days. Poirot is intrigued, especially when a shot is
attempted at Nick right in front of Poirot! Poirot convinces Nick that she is
in danger and she asks him for help. Nick lives in End House, a dilapidated old
house left to her by her grandfather. The story goes on to introduce Nick's
relatives and friends, all of whom are suspected by Poirot. The result is an
intriguing whodunnit that makes a reader's suspicions flow from one character
to the next.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BzfEOI2GYGY/WAHHaDVW0SI/AAAAAAAAQK0/wNuS8WN8UcAK41kE14dkac_JA_Gpo2miACLcB/s1600/Peril-at-End-House.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BzfEOI2GYGY/WAHHaDVW0SI/AAAAAAAAQK0/wNuS8WN8UcAK41kE14dkac_JA_Gpo2miACLcB/s200/Peril-at-End-House.JPG" width="123" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">I enjoyed reading this book and thinking along Hercule
Poirot as developments take place. Sometimes I paused to reflect on the quality
of writing, which didn't seem all that great. Add to it the expressions of
stereotypes on women, and it became a bit of a bother, but the story
nevertheless took over. Perhaps because I had <i>The Murder on the Orient Express</i> to compare with, but I did not
find <i>Peril at End House</i> as good as
expected. The main character, Nick, seemed too unreal in the way she behaved.
Still, I'd give it full points for the OMG factor and the unexpected ending.
The minus point? You feel like you HAVE to read the book again to figure out
how the crime was committed, but you usually don't have the time for it. And
you know this fact.</span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">Buy </span><i style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">Peril at End House</i><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">: </span><a href="http://www.amazon.in/Agatha-Christie-Peril-End-House/dp/0007282656/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1476511263&sr=1-1&keywords=peril+at+end+house" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Amazon</a><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"> / </span><a href="https://www.flipkart.com/peril-end-house/p/itmegmt3rvc8gfwz?pid=9780007282654&srno=s_1_1&otracker=search&lid=LSTBOK9780007282654A190VQ&qH=15f4f8733d3a5457" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Flipkart</a><br />
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Pages: 287</div>
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First published: 1932</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As for <b><i>The Murder of Roger Ackroyd</i></b>, I loved
reading it much more than <i>Peril at End
House</i>. Roger Ackroyd is apparently one of Christie’s masterpieces. Here,
Hercule Poirot has "retired" and gone to live in a small town where
he hopes to hide his identity (and ends up being thought of as a retired
hairdresser, thanks to his fabulous waxy moustache!). Of course, mysteries
follow detectives. Soon, there is a suicide and a murder, and Hercule Poirot is
called to help. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This story was interesting right from the beginning. The
narrator is one of the townspeople, a doctor, who takes the place of Poirot's
friend Hastings (as much as a stranger is capable, that is). The narrator, Dr
Sheppard, had been to dine with Roger Ackroyd, one of the rich men in town.
Ackroyd had been tense and had wanted to share a secret with Dr Sheppard, but
he is prevented from doing so. Later that night the doctor receives a phone
call that Ackroyd has been murdered, and a most intriguing story follows. </span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ScO5HQalIec/WAHHb2PITyI/AAAAAAAAQK4/LBXqMSP57v0p_YTwnVUqs5mB2UH9jKXnwCLcB/s1600/murder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ScO5HQalIec/WAHHb2PITyI/AAAAAAAAQK4/LBXqMSP57v0p_YTwnVUqs5mB2UH9jKXnwCLcB/s200/murder.jpg" width="124" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">What with Poirot’s methods of working and so many clues and
suspects, the readers just can’t get enough of the story. It’s no wonder the
book is considered wonderful. It just is. For a change, I’m quite at a loss for
words to describe the book. Towards the end, I began to feel apprehensive about
the ending, and I dearly wished it to <i>not
</i>be what I thought it would be, and it was a disappointment when it turned
out to be exactly what I dreaded. Again, that feeling of wanting to re-read the
book! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Buy </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">The Murder of Roger Ackroyd</i><span style="font-family: inherit;">:</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.in/Agatha-Christie-Murder-Roger-Ackroyd/dp/0007282540/ref=sr_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1476510850&sr=1-7&keywords=peril+at+end+house" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Amazon</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Pages: 368</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
First published: 1926</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>General comments</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Poirot seemed to resemble Sherlock in the sense of arriving
at the solution by thinking. However, Poirot is a proponent of utilising one's
"little grey cells" (of the brain) and has the habit of arriving at
the solution by taking into consideration every single truth/fact and going by
"method". He is great at human psychology, which makes his
problem-solving all the more alluring! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The best thing about these books is how they are so hard to
put down! I have never had more than a few hours' break while reading a book by
Agatha Christie. It's true even when I find some things tiresome or the writing
'basic'. The story just keeps having interesting developments, which obviously
is testimony to the fact that the stories are real gold. They may seem simple
on the surface, but I just love how the author plays around with it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I <b>recommend </b>these books to fans of mystery and crime novels. Now I’m going to read some more Agatha Christie.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">PS—Poirot is the only fictional character to be honored with
a front page obituary on The New York Times. No wonder!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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PPS—The print and text quality of the books that I bought needs to be commented upon. It was so disappointing to find that the text had clearly not been proofread or looked at even once before the book was sent off for printing. Gross errors that greatly put me off while reading: sentences ending in a comma instead of a full stop, sentences with either beginning or ending quote marks missing, words spelled wrongly (weeek instead of week! The name Ursula written 'Ursual'). I'm sure the publishers wouldn't have bothered with it considering the brands--Agatha Christie and HarperCollins. Who would bother with typos? And I wasn't even surprised that the book was "For sale in the Indian subcontinent only". Who else accepts such books? </div>
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Ashna http://www.blogger.com/profile/12736664196142668981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345691496664331208.post-50080847104637817742016-09-21T06:21:00.001-04:002016-09-21T06:21:50.894-04:00Review: Angels and Demons by Dan Brown<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wpo_X3EoAPo/V-JP0VMSWCI/AAAAAAAAQIc/vgOCT4hGM08til-syMITvwisb4DLdlLAACLcB/s1600/db.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wpo_X3EoAPo/V-JP0VMSWCI/AAAAAAAAQIc/vgOCT4hGM08til-syMITvwisb4DLdlLAACLcB/s200/db.jpg" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan Brown</td></tr>
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<b>Book title:</b> Angels and Demons (Robert Langdon #1)</div>
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<b>Author: </b><a href="http://www.danbrown.com/" target="_blank">Dan Brown</a></div>
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<b>Published: </b>2000 by Corgi Books</div>
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<b>Pages:</b> 620</div>
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<b>Find it at: </b><a href="http://www.amazon.in/Angels-Demons-Novel-Robert-Langdon/dp/074349346X" target="_blank">Amazon</a> / <a href="https://www.flipkart.com/angels-demons-l/p/itmemzgq9rcbegm8?pid=9780552161268&otracker=pp_reco_productRecommendation/similar_0" target="_blank">Flipkart</a></div>
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<b>My Rating:</b> 4/5</div>
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<i>Angels and Demons</i> is the first Robert Langdon
thriller in the amazing series by Dan Brown. I feel silly not having read this
before despite having a copy since ages! Brown's <i>DaVinci Code</i> and <i>The
Lost Symbol</i> had been immensely satisfying reads, and <i>Angels and Demons</i>
was just as enthralling. I love books that demand all your thoughts, emotions
and intellect to be concentrated on it at all times. I've been guilty of
reading <i>Angels</i> <i>and</i> <i>Demons</i> while at work and way past my
bedtime. It is a book that engages one's intellectual curiosity and provides
for thrills, adventure, mystery with scenes that can leave one breathless.</div>
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<b>What's inside?</b></div>
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Robert Langdon is an art historian teaching at Harvard. He
finds himself at CERN, the biggest scientific research organization located in
Switzerland, after the Director shows him an image of a brutally-murdered CERN
scientist. He had been "branded" with a mysterious symbol. Robert
Langdon finds the situation impossible: he had done some research on the
Illuminati and the symbol indicated their resurgence. </div>
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Religion and science have always been at loggerheads with
each other. The fabled intellectual group that called themselves the Illuminati
have resurfaced after decades of hiding, thought to have been extinct by the
world. And they have their target in sight--Vatican City, the holiest church.
Langdon and Vittoria, the murdered scientist's daughter, leave for Rome to
locate the canister of antimatter--that which was stolen after the scientist's
death--to prevent it from vaporizing Vatican City! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VXQqEzisfrs/V-JP6hqxcNI/AAAAAAAAQIg/_1qWHUmM5cAk8h0MJYhaUQZAjDiGHrYSwCLcB/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VXQqEzisfrs/V-JP6hqxcNI/AAAAAAAAQIg/_1qWHUmM5cAk8h0MJYhaUQZAjDiGHrYSwCLcB/s320/index.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the book covers</td></tr>
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<b>How is the book?</b></div>
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Fantastic. The one thing I love about Dan Brown's books is
how the stories are set in such short time spans. <i>Angels and Demons</i>
covers Langdon's day beginning at 5.30 am till a little after midnight--packed
with historical information, action, suspense and a symbologist's quest towards
an impossible answer that could save the world. Readers will inevitably be
drawn to Rome's culture and rich art history apart from the marvellous secrets
buried within the Vatican.</div>
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The story, a race against time as the antimatter countdown
nears zero, is intense and quick-paced, Brown's <b>writing style</b> adding to
the effect. No words are wasted. The words are chosen carefully. The chapters
ending with cliffhangers are the best! I tried to guess the ultimate villain
and failed thrice. The book isn't a literary star, but it is totally absorbing.
There were some things that seemed a bit unbelievable to me, like how so much
could happen within minutes, but I'm not complaining. I was hooked onto the
story and felt as much in Vatican as Robert Langdon, decoding answers in
popular churches and artwork, trying to stay a step ahead of the enemy and
using all possible knowledge to find answers to save the Vatican from being
evaporated.</div>
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The short chapters moving from one scene to the next, in
different areas and different POVs add to the <b>quick-paced</b> nature of the
book. It has also been done seamlessly with no scope for reader disorientation.
I liked the background stories for all <b>characters</b>--they brought about
more depth in the characters. Robert Langdon is a unique character, one of
those whose image you can affix in your mind with just a brief introduction.
He's intelligent, witty and a little bit wacky. He gets into tough situations
because of his curiosity and a sense of responsibility, and it is fun to watch
him deal with the new people and circumstances as they arise. </div>
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Coming to facts, I've seen a lot of readers criticising the
book because it does not include proper facts and is
"anti-Christian". I'm not much aware about those facts, but I do know
that it is a fictional story that uses some pre-existing facts to base itself
upon. Reaching the end, I did feel that it threw a somewhat negative light on
the Catholic Church, but that was because of one of the characters. The book
ended with a clear message (according to the author anyway) of what
religion/Church stands for and how it is to be seen as separate from blind
faith or belief on the basis of fear. This is something I feel a lot of
religions deal with.</div>
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Nevertheless, I would recommend <i>Angels and Demons</i> to
fans of thrillers and to those who enjoyed DaVinci Code. Some language, scenes
and gory descriptions/killings might not be suitable for younger readers. Here
are a few quotes from the book:</div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><i>“Nothing captures human interest more than human
tragedy.”</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><i>“Faith is universal. Our specific methods for
understanding it are arbitrary. Some of us pray to Jesus, some of us go to
Mecca, some of us study subatomic particles. In the end we are all just
searching for truth, that which is greater than ourselves.”</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><i>“Science tells me God must exist. My mind tells me I will
never understand God. And my heart tells me I am not meant to.”</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><i>“Skepticism has become a virtue. Cynicism and demand for
proof has become enlightened thought. Is it any wonder that humans now feel
more depressed and defeated than they have at any point in human history? ”</i>
(This comes from a long speech delivered at the Vatican in the story.)</span></div>
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What do you think? Have you read the book or watched the
movie?</div>
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Ashna http://www.blogger.com/profile/12736664196142668981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345691496664331208.post-61886568255417559112016-09-06T13:08:00.000-04:002016-09-06T13:09:35.370-04:00Book talk: Jurassic Park and The Lost World by Michael Crichton<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>This post is not exactly a review, so I haven't included
even a bit of a storyline. You might find the names codswallop if you haven't
read the books or seen the Jurassic Park movies.</i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m7Pe35MZ9ss/V870jFoIvKI/AAAAAAAAQHE/7Sc7nkI7hrMc83r_a7w08_THVNwmoLhGACLcB/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m7Pe35MZ9ss/V870jFoIvKI/AAAAAAAAQHE/7Sc7nkI7hrMc83r_a7w08_THVNwmoLhGACLcB/s200/download.jpg" width="130" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
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<b>What am I talking about?</b></div>
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<b>Book titles: </b>Jurassic Park and The Lost World</div>
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<b>Author: </b><a href="http://www.michaelcrichton.com/biography/" target="_blank">Michael Crichton</a></div>
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<b>Published: </b>1991 and 1995 respectively</div>
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<b>Find your copy at: </b><a href="http://www.amazon.in/Lost-World-Micheal-Crichton/dp/1784752231/ref=sr_1_4_twi_pap_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473180667&sr=8-4&keywords=the+lost+world" target="_blank">Amazon</a> / <a href="http://www.flipkart.com/jurassic-park/p/itme9xrfgzqygbsh?pid=9781784752224&al=aMuUhmgYYdqyRuj7aEKrZsldugMWZuE7mxWx381qOwSFqLWaVE%2BSv2ujVo49P3EWYciGUnx8VZE%3D&ref=L%3A9417392162424848&srno=p_12&otracker=start&ss=1129375009a5b7ed7d4a9a3b5b046fed" target="_blank">Flipkart</a></div>
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<b>Genre: </b>Science fiction</div>
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<b>My rating: </b>5/5 (expect fangirl moments)</div>
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We're all familiar with the awesome Jurassic Park movies
that generated (or rekindled, in some cases) our interest in dinosaurs--those
majestic, prehistoric beasts. My favourite parts in the movies were to do with
the tyrannosaurus rex. What a huge, terrifying creature! When I picked up the
Michael Crichton novels on which the movies are based upon, I didn't know what
to expect--could the books be better? </div>
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<b>Verdict--</b>The two are awesome in their own place, but if you
are even a teeny weeny bit interested in dinosaurs or the science of evolution,
<i>Jurassic Park </i>and <i>The Lost World </i>are a MUST to read. They're fabulous,
unputdownable, and filled with science info you wouldn't really wish to miss.
Some readers might find the mathematical and science theories too integrated in
the books, but it really worked well for me. For one, I understood the story
depicted in the movies a lot better than just watching them. Two, nothing seems
unrealistic when you're reading the books (except perhaps for the dumbness of
some characters). The creation of dinosaurs for the world's most fantastic
theme park, the ideas behind it, the way things go wrong--I enjoyed reading
every.single.word! It was impossible to put down. I've read these books through
nearly everything, including work. I found <i>Jurassic Park </i>more exciting, and <i>The
Lost World</i> a little slow, but they're both worth reading.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QIRRd3n_Tdg/V870_Ihrt4I/AAAAAAAAQHI/cmj9V9dketUKKrKtRKhzvc1Edler01aoACLcB/s1600/download%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QIRRd3n_Tdg/V870_Ihrt4I/AAAAAAAAQHI/cmj9V9dketUKKrKtRKhzvc1Edler01aoACLcB/s1600/download%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s54OevknnSU/V870_ED2x6I/AAAAAAAAQHM/vwA3U0tXngUmLiS8SYeNHCx91A5CJwIkwCLcB/s1600/download%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s54OevknnSU/V870_ED2x6I/AAAAAAAAQHM/vwA3U0tXngUmLiS8SYeNHCx91A5CJwIkwCLcB/s1600/download%2B%25281%2529.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>Literary view-</b>-The writing style might not appeal to all
readers. I found it a bit... 'unpolished' if that's the word. But that's just
it. The mechanics of writing are in place, the text ensures you are immersed in
the story and can imagine everything happening, and you wouldn't stop reading
the story unless you wanted to look too closely into the writing style. I also
sometimes thought that the characters don't develop very well either (except
for the children maybe). The focus is all on the story. I thought about it,
and... well, why not? It's not expected to be a literary genius.</div>
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The book presents a warning to the concept of genetic
engineering, and bases a lot of value on its rationale using the mathematical
'chaos theory' (read it on Wikipedia <b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaos_theory" target="_blank">here</a></b>). It seemed to me that this whole
concept was missing in what I knew of Jurassic Park so far.</div>
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<b>So... what's different in the books from the movies? </b></div>
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The books are 2. The movies are... what? 4? Imagine a stock
of information, action, descriptive scenes without the needless ooh-aahs of the
movies. Quite obviously, there are changes in characters and storylines in the
movies where they've deviated from the books. Examples could be: having an
older girl and younger boy as children in the first movie as opposed to an
older boy very much interested in dinosaurs and his six year old sister.
Another example--<i>The Jurassic Park </i>book begins with the beach scene where a
small girl is attacked by "a" compys, whereas The Lost World <i>movie</i> begins with that scene, with the added spice of lots of compys attacking her.
These are still the minor changes. The third and fourth Jurassic Park movies
use the characters and the backstory from one and two, but there are no books
on which they're based.</div>
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Besides, I also thought about that mighty T-rex. Though it
makes a heavy impression every time it appears on the scene, I felt the real
terrors in the books were the raptors (velociraptors). They're small, they're
strong, they have sharp bites, but most of all, they are <i>intelligent</i> and have a
brain sense more than any other dino, making them truly dangerous. The raptors
ruled the books. It was real fun to learn so much about dinosaurs (their
traits, social behaviour, etc. even though a lot is still not known and it was
based on many assumptions). I mean, I could talk about a T-rex, compys (Procompsognathus),
velociraptors or sauropods without at least stumbling upon their names. I'm
much more interested in not just dinosaurs now, but also about evolution (my
next read is <i>The Sixth Extinction</i>).</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IqJuTMZJFoE/V873hGKzXFI/AAAAAAAAQHY/A4IJaNVWmMIiV2A40lv3KRIyW0nBDp7KACLcB/s1600/Jurassic_bush_raptor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IqJuTMZJFoE/V873hGKzXFI/AAAAAAAAQHY/A4IJaNVWmMIiV2A40lv3KRIyW0nBDp7KACLcB/s320/Jurassic_bush_raptor.jpg" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beware of the raptors!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9NeEbHOED7M/V873UCEaCqI/AAAAAAAAQHU/MKrJhITz9IIMfN4KFpEwvzFWMn7l0UJ3QCLcB/s1600/0F830AC100000578-0-image-a-1_1434015214968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9NeEbHOED7M/V873UCEaCqI/AAAAAAAAQHU/MKrJhITz9IIMfN4KFpEwvzFWMn7l0UJ3QCLcB/s320/0F830AC100000578-0-image-a-1_1434015214968.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This OMG scene was just as (if not more) scary in the book.<br />
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Any of you read the Jurassic Park books? What are you
waiting for? Life’s really short. Get going already! Here are some quotes from the books to inspire you some more:</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: inherit;"><i>“In the information society, nobody thinks. We expected to banish paper, but we actually banished thought.” </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: inherit;"><i>“Living systems are never in equilibrium. They are inherently unstable. They may seem stable, but they’re not. Everything is moving and changing. In a sense, everything is on the edge of collapse.” </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: inherit;"><i>“Because the history of evolution is that life escapes all barriers. Life breaks free. Life expands to new territories. Painfully, perhaps even dangerously. But life finds a way.”</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: inherit;"><i>“Whatever it is you seek, you have to put in the time, the practice, the effort. You must give up a lot to get it. It has to be very important to you. And once you have attained it, it is your power. It can't be given away : it resides in you. It is literally the result of your discipline.” </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: inherit;"><i>“All your life people will tell you things. And most of the time, probably ninety-five percent of the time, what they'll tell you will be wrong.” </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: inherit;"><i>“All your life, other people will try to take your accomplishments away from you. Don't you take it away from yourself.” </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: inherit;"><i>“Life is wonderful. It's a gift to be alive, to see the sun and breathe the air. And there isn't really anything else.” </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Okay, I'll stop. You get the drift. Go get these books now!</span></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-57vq2Tk1NmA/T_8A9jY4zfI/AAAAAAAAEbk/LM_NLQm7yb4Tabo-L_g_NLBitS5q-JBvQCPcB/s1600/Ashna%2Bsign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="55" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-57vq2Tk1NmA/T_8A9jY4zfI/AAAAAAAAEbk/LM_NLQm7yb4Tabo-L_g_NLBitS5q-JBvQCPcB/s200/Ashna%2Bsign.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Ashna http://www.blogger.com/profile/12736664196142668981noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345691496664331208.post-37717137827530547132016-07-17T13:49:00.000-04:002020-03-22T22:37:52.388-04:00Review: The Hundred Names of Darkness by Nilanjana Roy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Title: </b>The Hundred Names of Darkness (The Wildings #2)</div>
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<b>Author: </b><a href="https://nilanjanaroy.com/2016/02/01/about/" target="_blank">Nilanjana S. Roy</a></div>
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<b>Pages: </b>313</div>
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<b>Published: </b>2013 by Aleph Book Company</div>
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<b>Find it at: </b><a href="http://www.amazon.in/Hundred-Names-Darkness-Nilanjana-Roy/dp/9382277773" target="_blank">Amazon</a> / <a href="http://www.flipkart.com/hundred-names-darkness-english/p/itmdpgxv8ktka5tg" target="_blank">Flipkart</a></div>
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<b>My Rating: </b>4.5/5!</div>
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<b>Book Blurb </b></div>
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Nilanjana Roy takes us back to the Delhi neighbourhood of
Nizamuddin and its unforgettable cats - Mara, Southpaw, Katar, Hulo and Beraal.
As they recover slowly from their terrible battle with the feral cats, they
find their beloved locality changing around them. Winter brings an army of
predators - humans, vicious dogs, snakes, bandicoots along with the cold and a
scarcity of food. Unless Mara can help them find a safe haven, their small band
will be wiped out forever. With the assistance of a motley group of
friends--Doginder, a friendly stray; Hatch, a cheel who is afraid of the sky;
Thomas Mor, an affable peacock; Jethro Tail, the mouse who roared; and the
legendary Senders of Delhi - Mara and her band set out on an epic journey to
find a place where they can live free from danger. </div>
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<b>My Thoughts</b></div>
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I'd read the wonderful <i><a href="http://bookwormreviews9.blogspot.in/2012/11/review-wildings.html" target="_blank">the Wildings</a> </i>(click link to read review)<i> </i>some years ago. I've had
this copy for quite some time (an author-signed copy I got at the launch!) but hadn't
got around to reading it till now. I was just as enchanted with the author's <b>writing
</b>as I had been with <i>the Wildings</i>. It's simply engaging, lyrical and creative with
the ability to pull you into a world run by cats, cheels, rats and others we "Bigfeet"
either ignore or mistreat. It's such fun to be reading about the world from the
perspective of these creatures. They're as varied as we are, though perhaps not
as complicated.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't the cover gorgeous?</td></tr>
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The <b>setting </b>is in Nizamuddin, Delhi. In <i>the Hundred Names of
Darkness</i>, we follow Mara, the "sender" of Nizamuddin's cats, as she grows
and learns. Due to Bigfeet activity, the clan is in danger of being wiped out.
It takes Mara a while to realize the level of danger, triggered more so when
one of her favourite companions gets lost. Mara realizes the importance of her
being a sender and having a responsibility towards her clan. She starts leaving
her comfort zone and discovers the world as she never knew it before.</div>
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There a bunch of new <b>characters </b>whom I loved. I want to
particularly mention Doginder Singh, not only because his name made me glad
that I'm not the only one who thinks of such straightforward names, but also
because--what a lively, cheerful character! The unique friendship between Mara
and Doginder serves to break stereotypes in two ways. One is the parallel metaphor
to differences in race and another is Doginder's likes and preferences that represent
the breaking-away-from-the-norm by following one's heart. I also liked Hatch's character,
a young eagle and son of a super-talented flyer, who stubbornly refuses to fly
at all. It's a trying time for Tooth, Hatch's father, to get him up in the sky.
Hatch is the embodiment of the hidden feelings of insecurity, lack of knowledge
about oneself, and under-confidence. It is so easy to lose faith in someone
like that. But sometimes what seems to be at the surface is not what is
actually at work on the inside. There could be reasons we don't know about and
mostly it could be tackled in a new, surprising way. </div>
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Compared with <i>the Wildings</i>, this book was more slow and
deliberate. It lingered more on thoughts than action, and it showed places
other than the Nizamuddin we knew of from the first book. Gone are some
Wildings characters and instead we are introduced to some new ones--both the
good and the mean. I felt that the second half of the book was better paced
than the first, and there were some parts I wished had been described more when
they seemed to get over too quickly or happened in the background. </div>
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As for the <b>story</b>, it is doubtless a wonderful tale with
hidden meanings and references, narrated in a unique way by the langauge of
cats. Artful illustrations at the beginning of each chapter add to the charm.
<i>The Hundred Names of Darkness</i> is more 'dark' and sad than <i>the Wildings</i>, especially
because we get to see the effect human activity has on nature and wildlife. A particular
thing about the ending was just delightful (even though it was predictable)! I
<b>recommend </b>this book (this author, this series) if you're interested in good
Indian writing. </div>
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Ashna http://www.blogger.com/profile/12736664196142668981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345691496664331208.post-70424471080257229592016-07-05T05:44:00.000-04:002020-03-22T22:38:39.652-04:00Review: Fool Me Once by Harlan Coben<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Author</b>: Harlan Coben</div>
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<b>Published</b>: 2016 by Century
(Penguin Random House)</div>
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<b>Pages</b>: 387</div>
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<b>Find it at</b>: <a href="http://www.flipkart.com/fool-me-once-english/p/itmegabkwwjfykxr?pid=9781780894201&al=q65ts%2F8Npt9yo9LjCq3OTcldugMWZuE7mxWx381qOwSFqLWaVE%2BSv%2B8YYSXPLV5kOr9sOlJYRUk%3D&ref=L%3A2380167139693120891&srno=p_1&otracker=from-search" target="_blank">Flipkart</a></div>
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<b>Genre</b>: Psychological
Thriller/Mystery</div>
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<b>My Rating</b>: 4.5/5</div>
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<b>Blurb</b><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 11.0pt;">You think you
know the truth. The truth is you know nothing.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 11.0pt;">If your husband was murdered,</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 11.0pt;">And you were a witness,</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 11.0pt;">How do you explain, seeing him on your nanny cam?</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 11.0pt;">You thought you trusted him.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Now you can't even trust yourself.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Dark secrets
and a terrifying hunt for the truth lie at the heart of this gripping new
thriller.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>My Thoughts~</b></div>
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It was the blurb that had me
inclined to read this book. I hadn't read any book by Harlan Coben before, but
after reading <i>Fool Me Once</i>, I'm sure I'll read some more of Coben. <i>Fool
Me Once</i> is a thrilling read, a book full of suspense, complicated twists
and turns, and mind-boggling answers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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It opens with Joe’s funeral. Maya
was there when Joe died, so how can Maya possibly explain having seen Joe on
the nanny cam she installed <i>after</i> Joe's death? It is one of those freaky
moments when you need to pause and gasp for breath because you can't understand
how it could possibly be! (Even though it wasn't really a "surprise"
twist.) What follows is Maya's search for the truth. She collects all possible
information, follows the leads, manages being questioned by the detectives, and
goes around in search of answers, while trying to make sure her two-year-old
daughter is safe. What complicates matters is her own past in the military,
which looks like a big enough reason to cause catastrophic events and wreaks
havoc in her (and the readers') mind. </div>
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Following Maya's story soon turns
into a chase with many clues but also many assumptions. The <b>narrative</b> is
in third person, written in an easy-to-follow style. The sentences are simple
and short (which is something I've seen is used a lot in thrillers). The <b>characters</b>
used in the story have not been explored in detail, so I couldn't really
connect with anyone much, let alone figure out who could have carried out the
murders. It does become a bit complex in the later half of the book, when I
felt “unintelligent” because it was hard to follow. But that only makes it
guarantee a re-read. The twists and turn follow you to the end. There isn't a
moment when something isn't happening.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CxSdmnIs-xo/V3t_4w3zohI/AAAAAAAAQC0/STctE_XQAjclXf_dXEPhmQvM5xXNSB1AgCLcB/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CxSdmnIs-xo/V3t_4w3zohI/AAAAAAAAQC0/STctE_XQAjclXf_dXEPhmQvM5xXNSB1AgCLcB/s320/images.jpg" width="203" /></a>I liked how the <b>story</b> had
a female lead character with a military past, and who's struggling with a
civilian life. It was good to gain insight about what makes the ex-military
live their lives differently, how, when they look at things with a suspicious
perspective, it's not just paranoia or after-effects of shock or trauma. It
could just be a part of their nature.</div>
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I did feel sometimes that the <b>descriptions</b>
lacked balance—some parts were explained unnecessarily, while some were left
too early. The story has multiple layers of mystery. You could sit back and
think about how one thing led to another, if you went back all the way and
"connected the dots". Like with an unnerving number of books, I
didn't feel enthusiastic about the ending. It wasn't exactly "wrong"
but it also wasn't the only way. </div>
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Some things also made little
sense to me. I won't go into the "why"s of characters' actions,
because it is human to make errors of judgment due to emotions. I'm going to
let those inconsistencies get away. I could write more if I dug deeper for
flaws, but I'm not going to. I liked reading this. It made me feel things. I
read it my way through work, through travelling, and through the night. Not all
books make you do that.</div>
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<i>Fool Me Once</i> is a <b>gripping</b>
and compelling page-turner. It has the ability to turn your head, mostly
because you don't want to stop reading. It just STAYS in your head all the
while you're not reading. It was impossible to keep the book down. I ended up
sneakily reading it while at work. It has a good story, good <b>plot</b> <b>twists</b>,
and good suspense. Though it has some flaws, <i>Fool Me Once</i> is a great fix
for thrills.</div>
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Some quotes that I liked:</div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><i>“When you can see
the stakes, when you realize the true purpose of your mission, it motivates
you. It makes you focus. It makes you push away the distractions. You gain
clarity of purpose. You gain strength.”</i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #741b47;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><i>“Your fellow
soldiers had to know that you had their back. That was rule one, lesson one,
and above all else. If the enemy goes after you, he goes after me too.”</i></span></div>
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Ashna http://www.blogger.com/profile/12736664196142668981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345691496664331208.post-52700056474074627732016-06-29T14:19:00.001-04:002016-06-30T03:56:44.018-04:00Review: Evading the Shadows<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MGmkCIXZKH8/V3QP84s-DvI/AAAAAAAAQCM/w-rrBaD1OuMiXvpeVOH0Zzipa-NoA9wogCLcB/s1600/29964244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MGmkCIXZKH8/V3QP84s-DvI/AAAAAAAAQCM/w-rrBaD1OuMiXvpeVOH0Zzipa-NoA9wogCLcB/s320/29964244.jpg" width="208" /></a><b>Title: </b>Evading the Shadows<br />
<b>Author: </b>Rajesh M. Iyer<br />
<b>Published: </b>2016 by Kriscendo Media LLP<br />
<b>Pages: </b>338<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Spy thriller/Indian mythology<br />
<b>Find it at: </b><a href="http://www.amazon.in/Evading-Shadows-fictional-thriller-Mahabharata/dp/8193235002" target="_blank">Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<b>My Rating: </b>3/5<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Book Blurb</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">India. Circa 3100 B.C. </span></span></div>
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">As the thirteenth year of their exile dawns, the Pandavs realise a dangerous game unfolding, with hundreds of Kaurav spies trying to hunt them down by exposing their secret identities. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">Kedipal, one of the Kaurav spies, has stumbled upon a clue that could spell doom for the Pandavs. </span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">Duryodhan smells blood. It means a world to him; unquestioned domination for thirteen more years. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">Pandavs though aren't completely oblivious to the danger looming large. They know that uncovering their identities means another round of exile, as decided during the game of dice. Will the Pandavs be as lucky as they were in the past? </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">Hush! Don't read so loud. Kaurav spies are everywhere. You don't want the Pandavs to get caught, do you? </span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">Showcasing a little known segment of the much-chronicled epic with taut, edge-of-the-seat narrative, the action-packed spy thriller intends to draw readers into the amazing universe called Mahabharata. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">My</span><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;"> </span>Thoughts</b></div>
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Though I've grown up around stories of Indian epics displayed in various forms, especially on TV, I rarely had much interest in them. Part of it was because I found it confusing (so many characters!), and partly because they weren't a part of my family life. When I came across this book, I wondered if my lack of knowledge about the Mahabharata would hamper my understanding of the story. Nevertheless, I was pretty much intrigued reading the blurb, which promised spies and thrill, that too amongst the royals! I have to give credit to this book--it not only simplified my <b>understanding</b> of the basics, but it did so in an interesting and easy way. </div>
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<i>Evading the Shadows</i> is a quick read, despite its length. It is <b>fast-paced</b>, and the story tends to keep you interested. The beginning few pages offer a quick background narrated in story-style, setting the base for the year during which this particular phase of the story is set. The readers are given a glimpse of the Kauravas and the Pandavas' lineage, and their relationships, so that it becomes easy for the uninitiated to understand the dynamics between characters, as their backgrounds are already (and so popularly) set. <b>Narrations </b>include simultaneous present and past scenes, ranging from a few lines to a few pages in length. This style initially made the story a bit confusing, as I didn't know who all the characters were exactly, but it got pretty much clear in the subsequent pages. The <b>story </b>definitely makes you want to keep reading, and I did. I ended up liking the concept, the storyline, the effort and the writer's attempt. The author seems to have good knowledge of the epic (but again, since I'm no expert, I can only judge according to my own limitations). The storytelling and style followed seemed balanced--you had a glimpse of the Pandavas and the Kauravas and their spies simultaneously. There are rarely any dull moments, and readers are taken into the characters' lives and thought processes as they have been depicted in the Mahabharata. </div>
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Throughout the duration of this book being in my "currently reading" phase, I found myself wanting to go back to it, to know where the Pandavas were trying to disguise themselves, and if they were being successful. To know what Duryodhana and his team were up to. To want to see the Pandavas winning the game with elan and little loss. I really liked Draupadi's character: it seemed the most well-formed of the lot. I found it to be a good story. Something that keeps one asking, "What happens next?" There's also light-hearted humour and a good amount of wit. </div>
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This book has been attempted really well, but I found the implementation somewhat "unfinished". I wouldn't call it an "amazing" book, because a lot of basics--in storyline, character development, grammar, plot points--were underdeveloped. The book could have been helped with some good editing, especially in terms of grammar. The language used was, again, attempted well. I'm a bit disappointed because I really think the book had potential. Perhaps it would work for a number of readers who care more about the story than all these, but to some like me, these points matter a lot. There were inconsistencies and some points that felt too rushed up or left unexplained. The scenes could have been better described (or even lengthened), and some glimpses into the past could have been avoided. Basically, it looked a bit unfinished, but if you're into mythology and mystery, you could give it a read. It is <b>enjoyable</b>, nevertheless! The language used is good (minus the errors), and it feels like an easy read. Whatever else it did, it has certainly made me curious to read more books based on Indian mythology. Just like I understood Greek mythology more with such books, I realise that exploring the fascinating Indian mythology could be fun!</div>
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<b>Recommended for</b>: Indian mythology fans, readers looking for an interesting, quick thriller, fans of mystery stories</div>
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<b>Note: </b><i>This is a requested review. Opinions expressed are personal and honest. </i></div>
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Ashna http://www.blogger.com/profile/12736664196142668981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345691496664331208.post-75166741917991233192016-06-25T14:12:00.002-04:002020-03-22T22:38:58.884-04:00Review: The Girl on the Train<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Author: </b><a href="http://paulahawkinsbooks.com/" target="_blank">Paula Hawkins</a></div>
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<b>Published: </b>2015 by Doubleday</div>
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<b>Pages: </b>316</div>
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<b>Find it at: </b><a href="http://www.amazon.in/Girl-Train-Paula-Hawkins/dp/0857522329/ref=sr_1_1_twi_pap_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466873702&sr=8-1&keywords=the+girl+on+the+train" target="_blank">Amazon</a> </div>
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<b>My Rating: </b>3.5 stars</div>
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<b>Genre: </b>Mystery/Thriller/Psychological thriller</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>My Thoughts!</b></div>
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For a long time, I did not know whether or not I wanted to read this book. When it first became a rage, I did not want to read it. But it became a regular feature in several lists, and I couldn't hold back anymore. Never has a book gone on and off my Amazon cart as many times as this!</div>
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Rachel takes the same train every morning to go to London to work. She is familiar with the landscape outside her window. The train often stops at a red signal near a residential street, and Rachel glimpses the lives of people living there... sometimes with painful longing, because she used to live there once. A few houses down from her old house live a beautiful couple who had come to stay there a little while after Rachel had left. She calls them Jess and Jason, and thinks they're lucky to live the kind of life she had dreamed for herself. Until one day, she sees something that disturbs her, something she can't get off her mind.</div>
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Almost as soon as you begin reading, you can see that there's something about Rachel that's off the mark. Then you realize that she is an alcoholic. Her muddled mind is a cause of concern not just for her, but also for the reader, because she can be what some people refer to as an 'unreliable narrator'. What are you supposed to believe? Unwittingly, Rachel finds herself entangled in a criminal investigation. She knows what she saw, but her own interpretation of it, combined with her own doubts about her actions, makes it difficult to stay focused on facts alone.</div>
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I was hooked onto the book right from the beginning, spending a whole day reading it. That felt nice, especially as it had been quite a while since I'd had that sort of reading engagement. Whatever else it doesn't do, I'd give it a full score for being able to hold my attention throughout. The storyline is <b>fast-paced; </b>you wouldn't find it dull. The book is also about the secrets we all keep. How you cannot really know a person from afar, how there's so much behind closed doors that it becomes essential, and uncomfortable, to go into uncharted territory to really understand what's going on.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_kcuFW24o7Y/V27JZKoq9fI/AAAAAAAAQBs/jWxrMuQJwHgKbc0O_kdQqBQxpSS9DAW7gCLcB/s1600/the-girl-on-the-train.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_kcuFW24o7Y/V27JZKoq9fI/AAAAAAAAQBs/jWxrMuQJwHgKbc0O_kdQqBQxpSS9DAW7gCLcB/s320/the-girl-on-the-train.jpg" width="209" /></a>It was the <b>writing style </b>where I thought it could have been better. Perhaps it was the same format (first person narration in diary-entry style) for different character narrations, but there seemed a slight lack of distinction among the three different narrating characters. They seemed to have the same voice. And then the <b>characters--</b>I'm not sure I liked any of them. Sure, everyone has problems, and the plot needs people to behave in weird ways to keep up the suspense, but the dumbness and sadist pleasure needs to be controlled somewhere! [<b>Spoiler: </b>I haven't been as frustrated with a character as I have been with Anna, wife of Rachel's ex. For a while in the later half of the book, I thought I'd like to really shake her by the shoulders and shout some sense into her ears.] I also felt that the overall impression of women seemed negative. All the women characters in the book are either weak or unreliable or insecure or dependent on some male. None of them can think for themselves. Not really a good thing to show.</div>
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Nevertheless, that's the thing about this book, something I'm having a hard time trying to put into words--No matter how I thought that the writing style was not up to the mark, I still read the book in one sitting. The tight plot was a good idea. I just wish whoever thought of that had also thought of making the characters more interesting. The ending began to feel intriguing, but then it became a mess yet again. I admit to not having guessed the culprit (that could have been because of my general lack of interrogation as a reader), but even then it somehow fell a little flat. </div>
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I would still <b>recommend </b>it to anyone who's looking for a quickie read in the thriller category. Final verdict: A bit overhyped, but can be read if you're craving some quick-paced thriller.</div>
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Anyone who's read it too? What do you think about it?</div>
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Ashna http://www.blogger.com/profile/12736664196142668981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345691496664331208.post-26409714634684726242016-04-17T12:30:00.000-04:002016-04-17T12:30:08.687-04:00Emotional Rescue by Dzogchen Ponlop<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rebelbuddha.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/0006_dpr_smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.rebelbuddha.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/0006_dpr_smile.jpg" height="164" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche</span></td></tr>
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<b>Title:</b> Emotional Rescue: How to Work with Your Emotions to Transform Hurt and Confusion into Energy that Empowers You<br />
<b>Author:</b> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://emotionalrescue.info/book-author/" target="_blank">Dzogchen Ponlop</a></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Published:</b> Tarcher / Penguin</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Release Date:</b> 19 April, 2016</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Pages: </b>180</span></span><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Emotional Rescue</i>, as the detailed title
suggests, deals with the subject of emotions and how one can use emotions to
live meaningfully and happily. So many times we get swayed by emotions and
often wish we hadn’t done what we end up doing. The book looks at emotions in a
very positive way, and explains not only how emotions work and affect us, but
also how one can use them to transform their outlook. <br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The process seems simple, like most important
things are. It has been broadly divided into three phases (or steps) that not
only help you understand your emotions better but also, if you use this
knowledge and practice it, to be more aware of them when they come up, and
being able to work with them effectively (which here means being able to
control your 'reaction', in word, action and thought, to those emotions). The
three steps are:<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. <b>Mindful Gap</b>: Look – The first step
deals with making oneself 'aware' of emotions as they rise. Observing them.
Trying not to react as soon as you feel something. As we pause, it creates a
gap or space, even if it is for a second, which gives time for emotions to run
their course and give one enough breathing room. Being more mindful/watchful of
what we do and what we feel brings clarity and makes one more attentive. The
book tells us how to bring about this 'mindful gap'. It is more about attaining
self-knowledge than anything else, and oh, how that helps! <br />
<br /></div>
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2. <b>Clear Seeing:</b> Explore-- It is about
getting to the big picture once you've seen the individual things in step 1.
You are aware of not only what you feel but also what else is around you and
how you affect them. When you begin seeing the big picture, you form patterns
in your relationships (those formed with the world). You are able to 'see' the
impact of those emotions as and when they rise, and you can respond more
skilfully to what's happening around. It involves a good deal of reflection so
you also see the hidden emotions.<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. <b>Letting Go</b>: Relax-- This is about the
practice of letting go of your negative emotions. It is not about rejecting
your feelings and emotions, or avoiding them, but to welcome them as they are
while being aware of them and knowing what they are (step 1 and 2). How can you
look at so much energy (because that's what it is) as a potential creative one?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4BlCLViNUeQ/VxKAX4oOUPI/AAAAAAAAP-c/IJ320t7SPO46BiS8Cimlci06ETAIob_WgCLcB/s1600/9780399176647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4BlCLViNUeQ/VxKAX4oOUPI/AAAAAAAAP-c/IJ320t7SPO46BiS8Cimlci06ETAIob_WgCLcB/s320/9780399176647.jpg" width="213" /></a>You'll find ideas and steps you can take to avoid unnecessary confrontations--at home or at work. There are tips for dealing with difficult people and with conflicts in relationships. The author encourages you to look at emotions in a healthy way, step back from them in the process, but also to keep them as a creative force.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
The situations described are <b>easy to
understand</b> and universally relatable. When you're in the first phase of the
book, you're drawn into it, nodding your head at nearly every page because you
GET IT. You are shown what you can be, how you can help yourself, what the
ideal situation is, but it takes some more time (and pages) to actually get
down to it. However, that's a pattern. Don't stop reading, but be persistent.
The author is first ensuring that you are made aware of your emotions enough
before spoonfeeding you the correct dose.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But again, I find there is no 'correct dose' for
such things. It mostly depends on how you see it or how you work with it. I'm
glad the author points that out too. There are no views of an ideal situation
without being realistic; it could take a lot of time and practice, because
emotions are such difficult things to deal with (at least that is how we see
them). The author mentions early on how we tend to assume ‘emotions’ as negative.
There are positive ones too, but because the negative ones cause us most distress,
the book talks about those.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The book then goes on to suggest <b>exercises</b>
to get you to follow the three steps. Those exercises are mostly to make you
aware of yourself, but they are very much workable. They are detailed, and not
exactly a step-by-step 'how to' process, but by making you reflect and get in
that mind frame. There's a Part 2 of the book that talks about a Buddhist
approach to emotions, which is similar to what has been described in the book
but talks about it from the perspective of Buddhism.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Emotional Rescue</i> encourages you to think,
reflect, re-read and search for answers within yourself instead of hand-holding
you through the process. It will help you identify your emotions, especially
the ones that disturb you, help you think about them in a useful way, to begin
to see them in a clear light, and tell you what to do with them. That's as much
as a book, text or lecture can do. I'm quite glad that, like a lot of self-help/philosophy books do, it does not loudly proclaim that you can win at life if you do
so-and-so things. In a very real way, it 'helps'. That is what one actually
needs.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The <b>writing style</b> is clear, easy to
understand, and very engaging. There's not much you will find out of your
range. The book is also not too long. There's only so much you can talk about
emotions, and explaining in detail the three steps I mentioned above. It can be
read in a flow without seeming to get boring, which is a rare thing for books
in this category (or maybe I was too keen to know how to be emotionally
rescued, the topic being close to home and all). I thought of it as a positive
coincidence that I got this book just when I could do with some guidance on the
emotions front. I joked, "If this book helps me, it'll get a 5 star
rating." That was a funny idea, but a novice one. Like the author
suggests, transformation cannot happen suddenly. You have to practice these
steps. BUT. Ever since I started reading it (not only when I finished it,
mind), I have been able to pause and reflect before reacting, and thus have had
minor confrontations where otherwise there might have been huge blow-ups. I think
that’s a start. I plan to follow the ideas and exercises mentioned in this
book, and will add later what came out of it!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Recommended for</b>: Anyone looking to learn
more about emotions and how you can regain control of them. Suitable for all
ages—early teens to major adults.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>About the author:</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> </b><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche<b> </b></span></span><span style="background: white; text-align: start;">is a leading Buddhist teacher in North America. Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche was recognized by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and His Holiness the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa as a reincarnate lama of the Nyingma tradition. He is the founder and president of Nalandabodhi, an international network of Buddhist study and meditation centers, and of Nitartha International. Rinpoche is most active at Nalanda West, in Seattle, Washington, which offers public programs by teachers from many traditions that support a meaningful, contemplative life. His previous books include <i>Rebel Buddha: A Guide to a Revolution of Mind</i>.</span></span></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Note: This book was received from the
publisher in exchange for an honest review. </i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cWBPL376jIo/UAKskeBwspI/AAAAAAAAEcQ/fFD1-gGRtSQU0H0NKItankRCqdbRnzlJgCKgB/s1600/Ashna%2Bsign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="55" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cWBPL376jIo/UAKskeBwspI/AAAAAAAAEcQ/fFD1-gGRtSQU0H0NKItankRCqdbRnzlJgCKgB/s200/Ashna%2Bsign.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i></div>
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Ashna http://www.blogger.com/profile/12736664196142668981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345691496664331208.post-21385214607275529202016-04-15T11:13:00.001-04:002016-06-30T06:22:10.175-04:00The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a5V_8517jVs/VxEEJlKhOnI/AAAAAAAAP98/e0pyH7B2Vc8fbLFx1Z-MksMbmVrWyKobwCLcB/s1600/p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a5V_8517jVs/VxEEJlKhOnI/AAAAAAAAP98/e0pyH7B2Vc8fbLFx1Z-MksMbmVrWyKobwCLcB/s200/p.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alice Sebold</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Author:
</b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice_Sebold" target="_blank">Alice Sebold</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Pages: </b>328 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</b>2002, by Little, Brown and Company<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Find it at:
</b><a href="http://www.amazon.in/Lovely-Bones-Picador-Anniversary-Editn/dp/1447202651/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1460733284&sr=8-1&keywords=the+lovely+bones" target="_blank">Amazon</a> / <a href="http://www.flipkart.com/lovely-bones-english/p/itmecfzrepvhgamd?pid=9780330485388&al=jGbDm5gIb5KOIG1y3YM9NcldugMWZuE7mxWx381qOwQ8diGDjv%2Be7HjQspxarmz2wxoxlHzN9rU%3D&ref=L%3A2239038083890562185&srno=p_4&query=the+lovely+bones&otracker=from-search" target="_blank">Flipkart</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Blurb<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>The Lovely
Bones </i>is the story of a family devastated by a gruesome murder -- a murder
recounted by the teenage victim. Upsetting, you say? Remarkably, first-time novelist
Alice Sebold takes this difficult material and delivers a compelling and
accomplished exploration of a fractured family's need for peace and closure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>My Thoughts!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I had
encountered this title in way too many lists (which I keep looking up from time
to time) to feel like reading it. Yes, I'm among those who get wary of a book
when it's being praised too much. Not without good reason, too. Although <i>The
Lovely Bones </i>was not really disappointing, it was surely lower than what I'd
expected out of it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The story is
narrated by a fourteen year old girl who's dead. That's probably one of the
reasons I found this <b>interesting</b>. Susie Salmon ("like the fish", as
she says) is the eldest sibling in the Salmon family. One late evening as she's
returning home, she encounters Mr Harvey, a man in their neighbourhood, who
rapes and then brutally murders her. Susie dies and goes to heaven, which is
different for different people. Susie's is like high school but there are no
teachers and she can do all she wants. There's another girl named Holly and a
mother-figure named Frannie she meets up there, but she can never stop gazing
at her family and friends on Earth. Fair enough, because that is how she will
tell us the story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Soon after Susie's death, we see the
devastated family trying to accept the fact that she's dead, and murdered. The
story revolves around the lives of people after Susie's death. The <b>writing</b> is
good, for the author is able to make a reader feel the intense rawness of
feelings one goes through after a tragedy. Susie's father, who I think is the
best character in this story, meets Mr Harvey and, just because he's too numb
to think of much else, helps him build a tent in his (Harvey's) front yard.
BUT. In some sort of instinct, he begins to feel something's wrong... the man
knew something about Susie. Of course the clever Harvey denies it and goes back
to claiming his lonely life (no wife, no kids) for having weird hobbies, but
that only cements Mr Salmon's suspicion that Harvey killed his daughter. This part
of the book was really interesting, because I began to feel that he'd do
something rad and would get Harvey caught (Harvey being a psycho and having
killed children and women before as well). However, despite his conviction, Mr
Salmon is not able to prove it. Len Fenerman, a detective, does what he can
(almost) but he has no ground to suspect Harvey. Mr Salmon is left alone.
Lindsey is the only one who believes him, and tries to help him out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are a
bunch of other characters who form a good part of the story. Ray Singh, Susie's
schoolmate who had a crush on her, and Ruth Connors, an artistic person who was
widely considered weird in school. Ruth has been used to depict one form of
'meeting point' between the living and the dead, which was an interesting
element in the story. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMa5r3ol2vQ/VxEE-SzcyyI/AAAAAAAAP-E/t3t7sF758uQt9MO6ac_EjXlBpVH52YipwCLcB/s1600/41d1CReRNYL._SY344_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMa5r3ol2vQ/VxEE-SzcyyI/AAAAAAAAP-E/t3t7sF758uQt9MO6ac_EjXlBpVH52YipwCLcB/s320/41d1CReRNYL._SY344_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>The Lovely
Bones</i> has potential, and I can see why it became popular when it first came
out. It promises so much! I found it <b>emotional</b>, and something that offered a view
of reality--that there could be disappointments and you can be wronged even
when you've done nothing, and it's not necessary you'd get redemption. Some
people can go unpunished even after committing sins. Tragedy can break
families, and it is oh-so-difficult to keep it together. I also found it
heartbreaking. It tells how different people cope with loss in their own ways.
Since it can turn out to be high on the emotional quotient for some, maybe you
wouldn't want to read it if you're anyway feeling sad or low. As for plot... I
don't think there's much to go on. Susie sees her loved ones doing things she
is missing, sees them growing up and learning to live without her, makes some
connections, but it's just that. It could have had some exciting passages about
the killer, but there are few, and not very exciting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The writing
was engaging and gripping, and no matter what you feel while reading, you'd
want to keep reading it. Some characters (read Mr Salmon) are believable and
lovable. Sometimes you read things so utterly beautiful and painful, you can't
help but love the book!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But to be
fair, I did find some things quite disappointing. I did not get some parts
about Ruth and her abstract ideas, connections and thoughts. I think I can
attribute it to some lack of understanding on my part. Second, I did not like
Susie's mother, and it's not only because of what she did (it's a spoiler, so
I'm not mentioning it), but also because--what an escapist! Sure, I can't
imagine a person facing such a tragedy, but woman, you can't do all those
things and not do important things (also a spoiler!). Another thing that seemed
overdone was how almost all characters engaged in physical relationships to
forget their sadness. Like there's nothing else that can make a person feel better.
It really annoyed me. It's not only because I have differing personal views,
but what sort of messages are being sent to the readers? Finally, the ending.
Had it not been for the messed up ending, I might not even have thought of the
other 'disappointments'. WHY did that have to happen? I wouldn't like to
mention it because it'd be a spoiler (bah), but it was not good. </span><br />
</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Still, every
reader experiences a book differently. It is surely worth a read if you're
looking for something emotional or different. Just don't expect too much. If
you don't, you might end up liking it more than I did!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Here are
some quotes from the book for you:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i style="color: #741b47;">“Nothing is
ever certain.” </i>(The most-quoted line in the book)<span style="color: #741b47;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="color: #741b47;">“Murderers
are not monsters, they're men. And that's the most frightening thing about
them.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><i>“Between a
man and a woman there was always one person who was stronger than the other
one. That doesn’t mean the weaker one doesn’t love the stronger.”</i> </span> (What do you think about this one?)<span style="color: #741b47;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“You look
invincible,' my mother said one night.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="color: #741b47;">I loved
these times, when we seemed to feel the same thing. I turned to her, wrapped in
my thin gown, and said:<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="color: #741b47;">I am.” </span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(Honestly, this one broke my heart)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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Ashna http://www.blogger.com/profile/12736664196142668981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345691496664331208.post-29429776153136487702016-02-04T12:22:00.001-05:002016-02-04T12:22:16.488-05:00Review Shots # 2: Imaginative and serious children's books<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OPXFYb9EOLU/VrOGB1OUX5I/AAAAAAAAPjs/_WMbhwYhnfo/s1600/9780143332114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OPXFYb9EOLU/VrOGB1OUX5I/AAAAAAAAPjs/_WMbhwYhnfo/s320/9780143332114.jpg" width="211" /></a><b>Book # 1</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Wisha Wozzariter by Payal Kapadia</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Published: </b>2012, Penguin</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Find it at:</b> <a href="http://www.amazon.in/Wisha-Wozzariter-Payal-Kapadia/dp/0143332112/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1454606018&sr=1-1&keywords=wisha+wozzariter" target="_blank">Amazon</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Pages: </b>77</div>
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<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
I sometimes stalk book lists just for fun, and this one came
up in quite a few lists with key words: children’s books, Indian authors, best
reads, and the like. One of my reading preferences for the past few years has
been children’s books, so it was only a matter of time before I found myself
face to face with this book and picked it up. Now let’s get to the point.</div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
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The book is about a ten year old girl who loves to read. I
loved the way the book started, talking about Wisha’s reading habits (she read
before and after school, dinner, and all the time in between). Such a heroine
for a bookworm kid! (Or an inspiration for a I’m-yet-to-turn-into-a-bookworm-kid)
But she isn’t just a reader. She reads a good book and thinks that she could
have written it too (like err… To Kill a Mockingbird). Then a bookworm
(character Bookworm) pops up from a page and asks, “Why don’t you?” And thus
Wisha is all set for an adventure. It involves Bookworm and other characters
that come along the way as Wisha takes the Thought Express to go to the
Marketplace of Ideas. Basically, the entire book is a personification of the
writing process written from the perspective of a child, for children. </div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>The good parts</i>:</div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. What fun language! It’s sure to have the reader keep
reading. It’s action-packed and does not drone on and on about a single thing.
It’s also quite short at 77 pages. I really liked the writing style.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. Well-created characters for so short a book. Each
character is distinct and so well-described that you’re least likely to forget
any. You’ll even remember the minor characters (perhaps because they’re
reinforced through Wisha’s thoughts in the later part of the story, but still).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. The whole idea of explaining the writing process as a
story. There’s a bottle of inspiration, a room to sit in and think, an imagination
balloon, the marketplace of ideas (where you get all sorts of ideas – new, old,
rotten. You cannot buy any, but you’re free to exchange them!), and a market
where you can get your story’s heroes: brand new ones are costly, but you can
always get some at the thrift shop. And of course, because this story is about
a realistic scenario (what happens to a writer during the writing process), you
also need some luck.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>The not-so-good parts:</i></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There’s only one. Two pages into the book, and I had a
horrible feeling of déjà vu. “This is so like <i>The Phantom Tollbooth,</i>” I
thought. It was with feelings of dread that I resumed reading, but thankfully
it soon became clear that the similarities ended there. The Phantom Tollbooth
by Norton Juster is a book that takes young Milo on an adventure through a
magical tollbooth. It uses places, time and events as characters, and full of
phrases used as real things (Milo sets off on the road to Expectations,
Princesses Rhyme and Reason need to be rescued to return to the Kingdom of
Wisdom, etc). And oh, there’s also a market for words where you can buy and
exchange words. Hmm…</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Still, the author has put her own spice, ideas, and STORY
that makes the book feel like it has influence from another book, but has a
different story in its own right. So that’s good. The imaginative ideas related
to books, reading, and especially the writing process, are well-thought out. </div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Recommended for children who love reading, or think they’d
like to write too! If you’re interested in kids’ books (like me), you could
read it just as well.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Book # 2</b></div>
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<b>When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith
Kerr</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Published: </b>1998, HarperCollins (originally published in 1971)</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Pages: </b>252</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Find it at: </b><a href="http://www.amazon.in/When-Hitler-Stole-Pink-Rabbit/dp/0142414085/ref=sr_1_1_twi_pap_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1454606144&sr=1-1&keywords=when+hitler+stole+pink+rabbit" target="_blank">Amazon</a> / <a href="http://www.flipkart.com/hitler-stole-pink-rabbit/p/itme9tg9h7f2jcge?pid=9780142414088&ref=L%3A718356577784842403&srno=p_1&query=when+hitler+stole+pink+rabbit&otracker=from-search" target="_blank">Flipkart</a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify;">
This was a luckily spotted book in a second-hand book stall at the New
Delhi World Book Fair. I’d read about this book being one of the good
children’s books, and one of the very good books centred around the Holocaust
told as a children’s story. So I felt really lucky to have found it at all,
more so when I read and loved it.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
Anna and Max live a comfortable life in
Berlin, going to school and playing on their games compendium. Their father is
a popular writer, which was part of the problem for them at that time. They
were Jewish, and what their father wrote was not taken well by the Nazis. In a
sudden flight to leave Germany and go to Switzerland, the family leaves
their home and their life behind as they flee to safety. They were lucky. Just
the day after they left, the Nazis had come for their passports.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JStOeLt2mrw/VrOHF9vmrtI/AAAAAAAAPjw/WoPe3fP-eQM/s1600/9780006754008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JStOeLt2mrw/VrOHF9vmrtI/AAAAAAAAPjw/WoPe3fP-eQM/s320/9780006754008.jpg" width="206" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The edition I have *_*</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
Narrated from the perspective of children,
the book brings out Anna and Max’s curiosity for the world, while keeping their
personal life and experiences at the forefront. Anna is actually excited to go
to Switzerland, living in hotels, looking at the fabulous mountains and making
Swiss friends. Gradually, their financial status takes a downturn as Anna’s
father gets a price on his head and the Swiss people are not too keen to get
him to write for their papers. Meanwhile, Anna and Max adjust to their new
school and a life in an inn. When it doesn’t work out in Switzerland, they move to Paris. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
Their new home is tiny as compared to their house in Berlin, and
their mother has to do all sorts of household work which she couldn’t do
before. They keep a tab on all their expenses, and it becomes a subject of
argument between the parents. This tale of a family’s move from their home
to other countries to seek refuge and safety succeeds in bringing out
children’s view of the world, complete with their innocence and hearts full of
wonder and love. It also effectively brings out the fears and struggle faced by
refugees while trying to protect their children.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
It is also simply written, and will hold a reader's interest for the most part. It got a little slow for me somewhere in the middle, but overall it was a very good book. It's not too 'heavy' either, and keeps Hitler and his details to a minimum while showing the effects of what he did in Germany. I greatly enjoyed reading this, and will recommend it to kids and adults alike.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Ashna http://www.blogger.com/profile/12736664196142668981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345691496664331208.post-91646456663890098102016-02-02T10:48:00.001-05:002016-02-04T12:38:06.670-05:00Review Shots... To Kill a Mockingbird and Career of Evil <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've been too much behind schedule to be able to review books regularly, thanks to the new routine that leaves absolutely no time to write, though thankfully lots of time to read! The few books I missed writing about are mentioned in this post with short, quick reviews (in two parts).</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Book # 1</b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee </b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify;">
I am
really not ‘reviewing’ this book, because it doesn’t need one. This is about me
and this book.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eaiqBeFCxWY/VrDJQmRbp4I/AAAAAAAAPjI/BGjowhgs8nk/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eaiqBeFCxWY/VrDJQmRbp4I/AAAAAAAAPjI/BGjowhgs8nk/s320/image.jpg" width="217" /></a>If it hadn’t been a gift on my birthday,
this classic would have stayed unread for a long time. Earlier, I’d thought that
it would be a heavily-written book (like so many prize-winners are), but it
turned out to be such a surprise! (This reminds me that I should do away with
my fears of spotting a spoiler in reviews and go read Goodreads reviews
anyway).</div>
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<br /></div>
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Harper Lee narrates the story of a black
man falsely accused of rape in the town of Alabama. Written from the perspective of
Scout and her brother Jem (first-person narration by Scout), the book revolves around life in a sleepy town in
Alabama, touching upon themes of racial discrimination, societal discrimination
and adult expectations. It is a childhood tale that explores the many facets of
human behaviour—innocence, curiosity, kindness, sympathy and love.</div>
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Scout and Jem are being raised by Atticus
Finch, a lawyer who faces threats and societal pressure for defending the black
man. I can’t decide who I like best in this book—Scout or Atticus.
Ever-curious, smart and sincere, Scout hangs on to the teachings of Atticus
(they call their dad by his name!) and it all comes out so well-formed. She
dislikes school because they teach stuff she already knows, because Atticus
taught her to read way before she began school, but she is encouraged to manage
it anyway. </div>
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I remember reading an article on the best
fictional fathers, and Atticus Finch was among the top. Now I know why. Apart
from the (biased view, perhaps!) fact that I saw so many similarities between
him and my father, he came across as such a well-balanced man. For
traditionalists, he might not seem like an ideal father, but the way he is
presented, everyone seems to want Atticus Finch for dad.</div>
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As far as writing style is concerned, it is
one of the best I’ve read. Dealing with a “serious” and “heavy” theme, one
might suppose (as I had done) that it’d be a difficult read. But the book is
narrated from the POV of children, and those with brains, so it makes for a
witty, funny and engaging read. </div>
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<br /></div>
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And then I read somewhere that its next
book, <i>Go Set a Watchman</i>, shows
Atticus in a negative light and Scout is all grown up, which was such a bummer
because I was also gifted a copy of that book. It will now rest on the shelf
till I feel well enough about having to read something not-so-glam about my
beloved Scout and Atticus. (To be fair, other characters in the book were quite
awesome too. Special mention for Jem, Miss Maudie and Dill, their friend. </div>
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Some quotes from the book I loved:</div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><i>“Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.”</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><i>“People generally see what they look for, and hear what they listen for.” (Hmm...)</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><i>“They're certainly entitled to think that, and they're entitled to full respect for their opinions... but before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience.” </i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Book # 2</b></div>
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<b>Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith</b> (We all
know it’s really J.K. Rowling) </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CBQZ-rCgypc/VrDJaYdOmwI/AAAAAAAAPjQ/QcivXJ6NpsI/s1600/CareerOfEvil_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CBQZ-rCgypc/VrDJaYdOmwI/AAAAAAAAPjQ/QcivXJ6NpsI/s320/CareerOfEvil_large.jpg" width="207" /></a>The third instalment of the Cormoran Strike
series (after <i><a href="http://bookwormreviews9.blogspot.in/2014/08/review-cuckoos-calling-by-robert.html" target="_blank">The Cuckoo’s Calling</a></i>
and <i><a href="http://bookwormreviews9.blogspot.in/2014/09/review-silkworm-by-robert-galbraith.html" target="_blank">The Silkworm</a></i>) is as thrilling as
its predecessors, though even more gruesome and very much for adults. It has
all the elements of the kind of book that I, as a reader, am not comfortable
with, but it’s a universally known fact that I’m in the magical snare of Ms
Rowling and just cannot feel anything but excitement for anything she writes.
Actually, cross that out. It only goes to show how the author can tackle
horrifying themes and include it them in her writing without making the reader
want to stop. This book is so unputdownable! (not an actual word, but just THE
word!)</div>
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<br /></div>
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The book alternates between a third person
account and a first person account of... the killer! In an online article, I
read J.K. Rowling’s statement that she had literal nightmares while she had
been researching for and writing this book. She had to delve deep into the psychology
of a psycho killer, and it couldn’t have been pretty. She used that knowledge
very well, though, in bringing out this killer character with a first-person
account. He really makes you want to get inside the book and stop him, but you
end up biting your nails or your tongue or the insides of your cheeks as the
killer goes around doing psycho stuff.</div>
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<br /></div>
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One of the best things about this series is
just how much like a series it feels, even though it is a thriller series,
which usually keep characters’ personal lives to a bare minimum and focus on
the case. In this series, Strike and Robin’s personal lives not only
intermingle with the case but also depict character development over a period
of time, so that it ends up feeling like a long, ongoing tale. I like how that
feels.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Another thing I noticed was a marked
difference (improvement) in writing style. In some places in <i>The Cuckoo’s Calling</i>, it didn’t seem
well-put but it didn’t feel that way in this book. What I liked less in the previous two books
was a lack of explicit explanation in the end. It was the same problem in this
book, although it was definitely better than in the previous books. It works
for some people, but I need some explaining (not an active thriller reader, I
guess). In any case, if thrillers are your thing, the Cormoran Strike series is
a must-read! </div>
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<br /></div>
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Quotes:</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><i>“You could find beauty nearly anywhere if you stopped to look for it, but the battle to get through the days made it easy to forget that this totally cost-free luxury existed.”</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><i>“Those who did not know the ocean well forgot its solidity, its brutality.” </i></span></div>
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Ashna http://www.blogger.com/profile/12736664196142668981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345691496664331208.post-53556596435298698272015-11-12T08:23:00.001-05:002016-02-17T02:26:46.466-05:00Review: The Footprints of Partition by Anam Zakaria<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Author Anam Zakaria</td></tr>
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<b>Title: </b>The Footprints of Partition: Narratives of Four Generations of Pakistanis and Indians</div>
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<b>Author: </b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14125455.Anam_Zakaria" target="_blank">Anam Zakaria</a></div>
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<b>Published: </b>2015 by HarperCollins Publishers</div>
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<b>Pages: </b>248</div>
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<b>Find it at: </b><a href="http://www.flipkart.com/footprints-partition-narratives-four-generations-pakistanis-indians-english/p/itme7k42bhnhfxkf?pid=9789351365518&ref=L%3A-6860919543544786&srno=p_1&query=the+footprints+of+partition&otracker=from-search" target="_blank">Flipkart</a> / <a href="http://www.amazon.in/Footprints-Partition-Narratives-Generations-Pakistanis/dp/9351365514/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1447333681&sr=1-1&keywords=the+footprints+of+partition" target="_blank">Amazon</a></div>
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<b>What is this book about? </b></div>
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A researcher (and development professional and educationist) based in Pakistan has collected stories from different generations of Pakistanis and Indians on the theme of Partition (of 1947), with the purpose of understanding how people from different generations feel about that defining event. Perhaps one of the most important ideas this book tries to portray is the 'happy' stories related to Partition. The happy aspects of life before and after Partition are often overlooked because for most people, 'Partition' relates to an experience or belief that is not positive; one that brings memories of pain, torture and sadness, so much so that the first thing that occurs to anyone who thinks about Partition is the negativity surrounding it. </div>
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<b>My thoughts</b></div>
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I wanted to read this book as soon as I got wind of its existence. I had never read Partition stories before, but had heard real life stories narrated by my grandma many years ago. She was a Partition survivor, someone who left her home and all belongings to travel in an overstuffed train to a 'safer' land. Reading this book, I realized that the village she lived in was the first where the riots began, which accelerated and acted as a harbinger for Partition. </div>
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Reading <i>The Footprints of Partition </i> was an <b>emotional experience, </b>and also one that widened my perspective. Having been brought up in India with no contact with anyone from the 'other' side, I had learned to perceive Pakistan and Partition in a certain way, not realizing what the people being brought up in Pakistan thought about India. Sure, the two countries have always been at loggerheads with each other, specially during cricket, the sport Indians and Pakistanis literally worship. However, as I grew older and made sense of people and the world, a lot of prejudice and biases came to an end. After all, my grandma did tell me the good stories too, even if they were few. Even then, reading something on a topic we feel so emotional about, written by a person whose thoughts and experiences related to the 'other' side, was a real <b>eye-opener </b>to how little we know of each other.</div>
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To begin with, the book makes you look at Partition in an entirely different way. First, it talks about real people and the <b>effect of Partition</b> on their lives. There's nothing political in it. What did the <i>people </i>want? <i>Why </i>were they rooting (or not) for Partition? We see how millions on both sides of the border lost not just their loved ones or their jobs or their land, but also had their hearts and souls tested severely. Next, we (in India) have mostly looked at Partition that led to a loss - of homes, families, cities. It 'broke' India. We 'lost' something of 'us'. Little do we realize what Partition meant to those who <i>wanted </i>it. That was an entirely new thing for me! </div>
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The author has travelled and met people from <b>four different generations</b>--some popular, some as common as you and I--mostly in Pakistan but also some in India. She probed them with questions about Partition. As you'd expect, the people who had lived to see it had the most heart-warming stories to narrate. It took some time to make them remember the good parts, but once they recalled how happy they had been, it had led to a treasure trove of wonderful, emotional stories. Talking to people who were forced to take an Indian citizenship due to circumstances, to people who left half of their families behind to be in Pakistan, the book talks about them all. We get a glimpse into the multicultural dynamics of the pre-Partition years, the cultural and religious identities which were overlapping instead of being so different.</div>
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<i>Footprints of Partition </i>is divided into four sections, one for each generation. Reading people's stories in this sequence does more than give the book a <b>structure</b>--it subtly shows the changed mindset and <b>development of the Partition idea </b>over the years. Surprisingly, the current generations seem to harbour more hatred for the 'other' nation than the people who actually experienced the horrific time and events. The author has also tried to analyze why it is so. It came to her as she started working with CAP (Citizens Archive of Pakistan) and spearheaded programs to allow the younger generations to exchange their views and become friends. The animosity between many kids was startling. Their perspective mixed with a deep-rooted fear of the others was even more so. The book also talks about certain aspects that facilitate feelings of enmity, including select curriculum taught in schools, sharing of only gruesome stories when it comes to Partition, and the leaders who are quick to reiterate the horrors of the past to justify the one-sided view of the 'enemy'.</div>
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There's a lot more than that which is uncovered, a lot of love that is dying because people carrying that love are dying and the newer ones are just taking forward a narrow perspective. Anam Zakaria, with this book, has tried to <b>immortalize</b> (as much as words can do) some stories that must not die. I'm sure there must be many more such stories that have remained unheard, specially as today we move so fast that we do not really care to listen to those stories, or to find them. Personally, I feel glad and thankful that someone cared enough to write and share those stories. </div>
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I haven't got into details about the stories <i>per se</i>. They're varied, ranging from someone looking across the border hoping to find a loved one, to someone breaking down for not being able to see his hometown except from inside a running bus. I can only imagine the level of emotional connect people have with Partition. Growing up, I wished it had never taken place, that we were all still together, and reading this book made me wish for the same, although it also made me think of the 'whys' which I hadn't thought of before. It's complex, but hugely <b>satisfying </b>if you are interested in Partition stories. The author also talks about traditions that still run and at their minimal best, try to keep something 'common' between the two. One such amazing mention was that of a 'mela' that takes place each year in Sawan season. It happens right on the border, with people coming from <i>both </i>sides to pray and celebrate, together. Such, and other, melas (like one at Baisakhi) take place along the border at different places with people coming in from both sides and happily greeting each other. Doesn't it sound surreal? </div>
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The <b>manner of writing </b>is definitely engaging, where you also see the storytellers' life's direction as it was affected by Partition. The language used is simple and lively. I absolutely love the author's honesty as an observer of what she and others felt and what she came across while working on the project. I only wish the author hadn't put in much of her own experiences of being a part of CAP or other things, because after a point, it seemed repetitive and broke the flow. Also, as the author also mentioned in the book, the stories were brought out not only to share but also to see how people 'chose' to remember. Perhaps it still doesn't offer a very wide view, as the people interviewed were largely from select few places, but it does make a difference. I was left feeling much humbled and with a much wider perspective when it comes to Partition. Like some new generation storytellers mentioned in the book, even I wish to some day travel to my grandparents' home towns to see what became of them, but again, I know almost nothing about those places, and know no people. Still, the desire to walk around and visit the 'other' side stays strong, and I hope to be able to accomplish it some day. Then perhaps I would finally feel like my own Partition story is at a comfortable close.<br />
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(This also makes me think how "important" such stories are, how their preservation is necessary to be able to allow the newer generations to have a wider perspective and not one dictated by propaganda and public opinion. Mutual feelings of distrust only get stronger, and we need something to bridge that gap, or the real history will elude us forever.)</div>
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<b>Recommended for</b>: All Indian and Pakistani readers, anyone interested in history and Partition, readers trying to understand the effects of Partition on the common man.</div>
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Ashna http://www.blogger.com/profile/12736664196142668981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345691496664331208.post-90359351473523914262015-10-04T07:56:00.000-04:002015-10-04T08:52:04.045-04:00Book talk: Moonfleet by J.M. Falkner<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">J.M. Falkner (1858-1932)</td></tr>
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<b><u>Book details</u></b></div>
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<b>Title: </b>Moonfleet</div>
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<b>Author: </b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._Meade_Falkner" target="_blank">John Meade Falkner</a> (English novelist and poet)</div>
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<b>Published: </b>1898</div>
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Find it at: <a href="http://www.amazon.in/Moonfleet-Collins-Classics-Meade-Falkner/dp/0007920709/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1443958079&sr=8-4&keywords=moonfleet" target="_blank">Amazon</a> / <a href="http://www.flipkart.com/moonfleet-english/p/itme9kb9kqgbzdcn?pid=9780140367041&ref=L%3A-7680309978068531863&srno=p_12&query=moonfleet&otracker=from-search" target="_blank">Flipkart</a></div>
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<b>This book is about: </b>a silent countryside, smugglers and contrabandiers, adventure, love and loss, human relationships, pursuit of lost treasure<br />
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<b>Some cool facts around this book</b><br />
1. The village of Moonfleet is inspired from <i>East Fleet </i>in Dorset in England.<br />
2. The author, J.M. Falkner had an affinity for weapons and interest in the supernatural.<br />
3. J.M. Falkner had other interests, but is known for his three novels, the most popular of which is Moonfleet. He wrote a fourth novel but it was lost when he left the only copy on a train and never saw it again (*sigh*)</div>
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<b>How I came to this book</b></div>
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(I really like listing down such things as how I came across particular books. Some books are loved even more because of the way they came to your life, is it not?)</div>
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I had an old, yellow-paged copy of Moonfleet among my first ever book collection, which makes it date back to 2003 (approx.). I forget who gave it to me, with the most probable person being the aunt who has often gifted books in my early years (note to self: be such an aunt to someone!). I <i>think </i>I remember dad telling me how it was my aunt's and how she had enjoyed reading it and thought that I would like it too. </div>
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Honestly, I <i>was </i>intrigued by the book (look at the cover! Plus, it was a battered copy, which is even more alluring) but it has taken me twelve years to get down to read it. I have tried picking it up quite a few times, but either found my way across to another book, or found it difficult to get through more than two pages. A few days back, finally, I picked it up and decided to start reading it during my long metro-train travel to work. I think it was one of those books that you wait to read at the right moment, as I don't think I could have enjoyed it more had I read it somehow on my earlier attempts. It was a delight to read <i>Moonfleet, </i>and I am grateful to whoever made me have this wonderful copy. (Still, I do not forgive the brat who has doodled on some pages. The nerve of some kids!)</div>
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<b>What is Moonfleet about?</b></div>
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There is a fifteen-year-old boy called John Trenchard living in the Moonfleet village in Dorset (south of England) with his aunt. John's aunt is strict, though caring, so that John doesn't learn to love her much, though he was affectionate. Until one day, she deserts him for getting into mischief--when John was only following his curiosity and instinct--and leaves John fending for himself. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TKX3Ubi8LNs/VhETmAX1ypI/AAAAAAAAONQ/E50BVfT9GLk/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TKX3Ubi8LNs/VhETmAX1ypI/AAAAAAAAONQ/E50BVfT9GLk/s320/download.jpg" width="196" /></a>Elzevir Block is a man most respected by some village folk, while some kept well away from him, including young John. He knows that Block's son, David, was shot by a Customs Officer, namely Maskew, after which Block had turned even more formidable. Yet it is Block who shelters John and cares for him as if he were his own David. Mr Glennie is the village priest and admin. head while Master Ratsey is the sexton, involved with the smugglers. </div>
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Then there's the whole mystery of the Mohune vault, where Blackbeard, the last of the Mohunes (who had created Moonfleet) also rested and had cast a curse. Like most villagers, John believes in the story of Blackbeard's spirit digging the cemetery grounds looking for his lost treasure, until the time he discovers the secret, and finds a clue that, at first, leads him nowhere close to the cursed treasure. The story, however, is more about the paths John's life takes as he starts living a life among smugglers (of liquor) and his quest to find the lost treasure.</div>
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<b>Why do I like <i>Moonfleet </i>so much? </b></div>
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<b>Writing style</b>: This book is a classic story for children, teenagers and young adults, written in first person with John being the narrator. There's something of a mystery driven in each sentence, purely because of the sentence structures! Here and there, where something of importance would arrive at a later place in the story, the author stresses on the points by tagging those as things John would be discovering later. The language is beautiful, the characters' distinct voices made for by their tones and individual characteristics, and the descriptions detailed and wonderful. </div>
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<b>The story</b>: I like how the author somehow makes it not just an adventure story, but a mix of adventure, mystery, thrills of the sea, and human complexity. I love how he uses the perspective of smugglers to describe all the events that take place, which makes you think quite kindly of people in the smuggling business (just because no one wanted to pay excise for good liquor! You can't be too strict about that, specially in 1750s, when the story is set). It makes a lawful person, who might think of those who follow lawlessness as inhuman, look at the other perspective. A hardened man much respected among the contrabandiers because of never being accused of felony taking immense pain to shelter a boy he barely knew anything about. The story is about John's increasing love and respect for 'Master Block', who had saved his life on more than one occasion. It is about greed, love that is incredibly patient, fatherly love, repentance, friendship, luck and perspective on life. All these themes are beautifully integrated in this story of a small village, sailors, prisoners and shipwrecks. </div>
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I have read a few books based around pirates and ships, and though this one was not strictly only about that, I still will keep it in that category because of the sheer importance of the sea in this story. I hope I would read this book again sometime and enjoy it even more! <b>Recommended for: </b>teenagers, young adults, lovers of mystery, adventure, classics, ships and the sea.</div>
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Ashna http://www.blogger.com/profile/12736664196142668981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345691496664331208.post-51274048040876911812015-09-09T14:56:00.000-04:002015-09-10T08:20:55.665-04:00Review: Ptolemy's Gate by Jonathan Stroud<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OP0nyciuP2U/VfB_5KgoY2I/AAAAAAAANZI/w6Ram5zTvAg/s1600/JS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OP0nyciuP2U/VfB_5KgoY2I/AAAAAAAANZI/w6Ram5zTvAg/s200/JS.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Title: </b>Ptolemy's Gate (Bartimaeus #3)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Author: </b><a href="http://www.jonathanstroud.com/about_me.html" target="_blank">Jonathan Stroud</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Published: </b>2006 by Random House</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Pages: </b>515</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Find it at: </b><a href="http://www.amazon.in/Ptolemys-Bartimaeus-Sequence-Jonathan-Stroud/dp/0552562807/ref=sr_1_1_twi_pap_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1441824695&sr=1-1&keywords=ptolemys+gate" target="_blank">Amazon</a> / <a href="http://www.flipkart.com/ptolemy-s-gate-english/p/itme5ffb8gepzmeg?pid=9780552550284&ref=L%3A-5915742777214285976&srno=p_2&query=ptolemy%27s+gate&otracker=from-search" target="_blank">Flipkart</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>My Rating: </b>5/5</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Review Highlights: </i></b>High on fantasy, gripping, perfect ending to trilogy, great writing style, amazing story</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blurb from Goodreads</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.4;">Three years have passed since the magician Nathaniel helped prevent a cataclysmic attack on London. Now an established member of the British Government, he faces unprecedented problems: foreign wars are going badly; Britain's enemies are mounting attacks close to London; and rebellion is fomenting among the commoners. Increasingly imperious and distracted, Nathaniel is treating Bartimaeus worse than ever. The long-suffering djinni is growing weak and vulnerable from too much time in this world and is nearing the end of his patience.</span></div>
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<span id="freeText17368282008734616873"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Meanwhile, Nathaniel's longtime rival Kitty has been stealthily completing her research on magic, demons, and Bartimaeus's past. She has a daring plan that she hopes will break the endless cycle of conflict between djinn and humans. But will anyone listen to what she has to say?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.4;">In this glorious conclusion to the Bartimaeus trilogy, the destinies of Bartimaeus, Nathaniel, and Kitty converge once more. Together the threesome faces treacherous magicians, a complex conspiracy, and a rebellious faction of demons. To survive, they must test the limits of this world and question the deepest parts of themselves. And most difficult of all-they will have to learn to trust one another.</span></div>
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<span id="freeText17368282008734616873"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I love reading books by Jonathan Stroud. Before I picked up this trilogy, the only book by Stroud I'd read was called <i>The Leap</i>, which had intrigued me for many years afterwards. Reading the Bartimaeus trilogy, I'm mighty convinced that Stroud is a writer I greatly admire. Ptolemy's Gate, the final book in the series, brings everything to a satisfying conclusion. Although the book is divided into stories of Bartimaeus and also those of Nathaniel and Kitty, I found the first book to be more of a Nathaniel's book, while the second seemed to focus more on Kitty. The third book focuses more on Bartimaeus--we get to know about the past of this beloved and unique djinn, his favourite master, and how the past relates to the present.</span></span></div>
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<span id="freeText17368282008734616873"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Meanwhile, the story is progressing with Nathaniel finding himself in thick soup in the government ranks. He <i>needs </i>to desperately find out and bring an end to the rebellion among the commoners, and for that, he is using Bartimaeus recklessly, so much so that the djinn's essence is nearly gone doing Nathaniel's bidding. That's not all, the excitement gradually mounts up as Stroud narrates parallel stories in a finely balanced fashion, so that the greatest mystery of the book is unveiled at the time when everything suddenly comes together and makes sense, and it is fantastic! </span></span></div>
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<span id="freeText17368282008734616873"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The book was gripping right from the beginning, which is why I love the author's writing style. Bartimaeus' narrations were fun as usual. I absolutely hated Nathaniel when he was being such a one-sided guy, but his actions were the result of a stressed state of mind, so that somewhat became all right in the end. When it comes to Kitty, though, she absolutely steals the limelight! She has taught herself magic for the purpose of defeating it, she manages to find out secrets no one else could work out, and she plays a major role in bringing an end to the savage destruction being inflicted in London, and which has left even the government in tatters.</span></span></div>
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<span id="freeText17368282008734616873"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I really loved the way the story has been presented in this trilogy. Each book has a certain theme, but the connecting stories and characters grow and develop throughout, which makes the whole story connect and go forward. Even though I didn't prefer the ending to be <i>exactly </i>the way it was, it was still nicely wrapped up. Thank goodness Jonathan Stroud wrote a <i>fourth </i>Bartimaeus book (The Ring of Solomon) that has nothing to do with Nathaniel and this story. I'll be reading that next!</span></span></div>
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<span id="freeText17368282008734616873"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Recommended for: </b>Fantasy lovers, Young Adult readers, Teenagers, anyone looking for a fantasy-trilogy. You will not be disappointed.</span></span></div>
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Ashna http://www.blogger.com/profile/12736664196142668981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345691496664331208.post-9455590790542355872015-07-09T02:01:00.000-04:002015-07-09T02:01:55.069-04:00Review: The Golem's Eye by Jonathan Stroud<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Title</b>: The Golem's Eye (Bartimaeus #2)</div>
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<b>Author</b>: <a href="http://www.jonathanstroud.com/about_me.html" target="_blank">Jonathan Stroud</a></div>
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<b>Published</b>: 2004 by Corgi Children</div>
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<b>Pages</b>: 592</div>
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<b>Find it at</b>: <a href="http://www.amazon.in/Golems-Eye-Jonathan-Stroud/dp/0552552739/ref=sr_1_1_twi_1_pap?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1436421420&sr=1-1&keywords=the+golem%27s+eye" target="_blank">Amazon</a> / <a href="http://www.flipkart.com/golem-s-eye-english/p/itme5ffaxquazp8e" target="_blank">Flipkart</a></div>
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<b>My Rating</b>: 5/5</div>
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<b>My Thoughts</b></div>
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<i>The Golem's Eye</i> is the second book in the Bartimaeus series, after <i><a href="http://bookwormreviews9.blogspot.in/2015/05/review-amulet-of-samarkand-by-jonathan.html" target="_blank">The Amulet of Samarkand</a></i>. Nathaniel has now been in the government job for two years under the guidance of Jessica Whitwell, a high level minister in the Department of Internal Affairs. Nathaniel has become overly ambitious, and detests people in the government who seem to jeer at him for his young age and lack of experience. He hasn't seen Bartimaeus in two years, because of their previous pact to not come across each other again, but when he is assigned the arduous task of finding the mysterious, terribly destructive creature or group roaming around the streets of London, he feels no one but Bartimaeus would be up to the job.</div>
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Popular magical places have been destroyed around London, and the Night Police or any magical security could detect no trace of a djinn or any being of magic. The suspicion goes to The Resistance, a group of youngsters who go around stealing magical artifacts to annoy the magicians. Nathaniel, however, does not think teenagers could have managed destruction of such magnitude. There is something far more sinister, something the magicians have believed to be extinct. </div>
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The London government is run by magicians, and the commoners are grateful to them for providing them security. Well, not everyone is grateful, however. Some 'commoners' have suffered at the hands of magicians, like everyone else, and resent their power to the extent of attempting to overthrow them. Kathleen (Kitty) Jones is a young teenager who appeared briefly in the first book and occupies a large part of <i>The Golem's Eye</i>. She is part of The Resistance, and is slightly disconcerted by the fact that the major attacks are being attributed to them. <i>The Golem's Eye</i> takes us into two parallel worlds - one of Nathaniel and the magicians, and the other of The Resistance and the commoners. The back-story of Kitty and the members of The Resistance comes up in this book, and makes the whole story very, very interesting.</div>
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Bartimaeus is, as usual, his witty, humourous self. It's hard not to smile at his dialogues or footnotes. It's even harder not to be inspired to adopt that kind of attitude in real life situations as well. Bartimaeus is one of my favourite magical characters in literature! As for Nathaniel, I did think he was being a prick in a lot of instances. What <i>happened </i>to his character? He seemed totally influenced by his hunger for power and recognition, and the barely-decent boy in him seemed to have vanished, as Bartimaeus rightly observed. </div>
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The other thing that made me give this book a five-star review is the manner of <b>writing</b>. It's engrossing, gripping, and in one of the crucial scenes, downright scary. In hindsight, it doesn't seem that horrifying, but it nevertheless made me gasp and shudder, and that's what matters. Who cares about reality anyway? I had been thinking that <i>The Amulet of Samarkand</i> would be superior to its sequel books, but Jonathan Stroud is excellent in all his books. I have to admit that the beginning of this book was a little confusing, and not entirely gripping, because of new information of the past in Prague and about Kitty Jones, and also the lack of Bartimaeus, but it soon picked up pace as the background was set in place, and from there on it was a non-stop reading gala. </div>
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I'd highly recommend this series to fans of fantasy and young adult fiction. If you're looking for a mix of old magic and modern taste, this is the book for you! If you've read The Amulet of Samarkand, you <i>have </i>to continue this series. Now I'll be waiting for my copy of Ptolemy's Gate to arrive, and devour it in one go. The quotable quotes from the book are mostly dialogues by Bartimaeus, such as:</div>
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<i><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">“Hey, we've all got problems, chum. I'm overly talkative. You look like a field of buttercups in a suit.”</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"> </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">“I wanted to wake you straightaway, but I knew I had to wait several hours to ensure you were safely recovered."</span></i></div>
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<i style="background-color: transparent;">"What! How long has it been?"</i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">"Five minutes. I got bored.”</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"> </span> </span></i></div>
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Ashna http://www.blogger.com/profile/12736664196142668981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345691496664331208.post-87715253246501505162015-06-03T08:23:00.000-04:002015-06-03T11:08:18.872-04:00Frankenstein by Mary Shelley<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Everyone must have heard of <i>Frankenstein</i>, even if they never knew that it is a book by <b>Mary Shelley</b>, who started writing it at the age of eighteen, and publishing it when she was twenty. Even fewer people would know that the idea for this book came from an evening's pass-time activity when Mary, her fiance and poet Percy Shelley, friend Lord Byron and John Polidori were sitting in Geneva during a tour of Europe, and had to invent a way to spend their evening. They came up with a contest among themselves for the best ghost story, and the idea of Frankenstein was conceived in Mary's dream that night.</div>
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Written nearly 200 years ago, <i>Frankenstein</i> is the story of a young and ambitious man who is taken to the natural sciences at a very young age. Contrary to popular thought (and this is why it is crucial to read books), Frankenstein is the name of that young man rather than that of the creature (or 'monster', 'devil', 'demon', 'fiend') he created. The story has no name for the creature, and probably that's why the cartoon and film versions have named the monster Frankenstein for convenience (and it hurts to know that movie versions would, naturally, differ from the text). Victor Frankenstein belongs to a well-bred family, and his keen curiosity, facilitated by two professors at University, brings him to his doom. He discovers the secret to life, and attempts to create a being to whom he would provide life. The story takes a turn when the creator is appalled by his own creation as soon as it comes to life, and Victor abandons it. </div>
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<i>Frankenstein </i>is not really a story of a monster and his evil deeds. It's more about the side-effects of knowledge, meddling with nature, trying to play God, and how unkindness and being loveless can turn one into a monster. The creature is at first loving, and very much like a new-born (except for the minor defect that he looks like an eight-feet tall and gigantic man). However, he has no one to take care of him, and his creator has abandoned him, so the creature goes out into the world on his own and realizes how man would despise him because of the way he looks. He learns to live in the wilderness, and gradually facing rejection from every kind of being he meets, he turns bitter and seeks revenge against his creator. </div>
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The story follows the acts of the creature and Victor's increasing despondency. Though the creature acts cruelly, one can't help sympathizing with him. When you read about how much the creature craved love, and how frequently he was denied the basic need for existence, you do feel that his acts were justified and, strangely, human.</div>
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<i>Frankenstein </i>is a <b>compelling read</b>. It's written in an <b>epistolary</b> form - that is, in the form of letters. The initial introduction is made by a third observer, a Captain called Walton, who is travelling in the North in his ship. He comes across Victor Frankenstein, lost and barely surviving, and that's how he gets to know his story, and records it in his letters to his sister. </div>
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I found Victor's lamentations to be a bit tiring towards the end and too frequent, but apart from that I couldn't help reading all the way. I was also amazed that the author was so young when she wrote the novel, which, apart from being <b>Gothic</b> in theme, also addresses topics like intolerance, delicateness of human nature, and effects of knowledge and ambition. I'm also listing <b>facts about <i>Frankenstein</i></b> I got to know as a result of reading the book:</div>
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1. Frankenstein is the creator, not the monster. His full name is Victor Frankenstein, and he is not a mad scientist either. He's just an ambitious man driven over the edge.</div>
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2. Mary Shelley's father was the philosopher William Godwin, and her mother was feminist Mary Wollstonecraft. </div>
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3. Frankenstein created the creature in a makeshift laboratory in his hostel room. Unlike the movies, there is no lab on a cliff, nor is there a hunchbacked assistant. </div>
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4. In the book, the creature neither has green skin nor bolts protruding from his neck. The physical description describes him as a gigantic, eight-foot tall man. Frankenstein had chosen handsome features for him, but his eyes were white and his skin stretched across his body in a contorted manner so that it made him look very much like an anomaly. </div>
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5. The creature was never evil from the beginning, nor was it in his nature. It was the circumstances and lack of empathy that led to him being a monster inside.</div>
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6. The novel was originally called: <i>Frankenstein, or, The Modern Prometheus. </i>It was first published anonymously in London in 1818.</div>
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7. There is really a Frankenstein Castle around Germany, where it was known that a scientist (alchemist) was engaged in experiments. Mary Shelley had traveled there with her group, and had thus come across it before writing her novel. </div>
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8. The first theatrical production of Frankenstein was a twelve-minute silent film, in 1910. (Watch on YouTube <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZ-OrfJHHro" target="_blank">here</a>) </div>
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Cool, isn't it? If this is not enough, let me share some <b>quotable quotes</b> too:</div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">“How dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to be greater than his nature will allow.”</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"> </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">“I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend. Make me happy, and I shall again be virtuous.”</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"> </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">“The different accidents of life are not so changeable as the feelings of human nature.”</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"> </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">“What can stop the determined heart <span style="font-family: inherit;">and resolved will of man?”</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">“How many things are we upon the brink of discovering if cowardice or carelessness did not restrain our inquiries?”</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"> </span></span></i></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-28mRe8QT0hI/VW7xPjJhbnI/AAAAAAAAMTo/afaTwIJCALY/s1600/portraitMaryshelley.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-28mRe8QT0hI/VW7xPjJhbnI/AAAAAAAAMTo/afaTwIJCALY/s200/portraitMaryshelley.jpeg" width="161" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Shelley</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Book Title: </b>Frankenstein</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Author: </b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Shelley" target="_blank">Mary Shelley</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Published: </b>1818 (and many subsequent editions)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Pages: </b>273</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Buy it at:</b> <a href="http://www.amazon.in/Frankenstein-Mary-Wollstonecraft-Shelley-ebook/dp/B0084BN44Q/ref=sr_1_2_twi_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1433333719&sr=8-2&keywords=frankenstein" target="_blank">Amazon free e-book</a> / <a href="http://www.amazon.in/Frankenstein-Collins-Classics-Mary-Shelley/dp/0007350961/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1433333719&sr=8-1&keywords=frankenstein" target="_blank">Amazon</a> / <a href="http://www.flipkart.com/search?q=frankenstein&as=off&as-show=off&otracker=start" target="_blank">Flipkart</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Genre: </b>Classics/ Gothic/ Horror</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>My Rating: </b>4.5/5</span></div>
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