You would be aware of the book list challenge that was recently doing the rounds on Facebook. For those of you who aren't aware, the challenge is simply this: In a few minutes, without thinking, you have to list the top 10 books that stayed with you in some way, those which you love :) After that you have to tag ten of your friends to continue the chain.
I got a chance to make my list, thanks to my friend Olympia who tagged me. And I decided to blog about the same, just because I want to share it with a wider audience.
Before I list the books, I would like to mention that these books may not be literary masterpieces or impressive books. But they are all personal favourites that have touched my heart and stayed with me in some way. After each book in the list, I have included a description too! Here goes:
1. Harry Potter series by J.K Rowling
Simply the best books I've ever read so far in my life! No description needed. Enough said :)
2. The Witch of Portobello by Paulo Coelho
A thought provoking book that showcases the personality of a woman as described by the perceptions of different people. Loved it.
3. Idle Hours by R.K Laxman
Simple yet heartwarming writing makes this one delightful to read. It is a collection of short stories, anecdotes, travelogues and essays.
4. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
A touching and compelling tale that tugs at my heartstrings for the tragedy of it all.
5. Message in a bottle by Nicholas Sparks
A story that speaks of love and loss, and of fate. I like it because I'm a romantic at heart!
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Oct 4, 2014
Oct 1, 2014
Physical versus digital books- My opinion
“A book, being a physical object, engenders a certain respect that zipping electrons cannot. Because you cannot turn a book off, because you have to hold it in your hands, because a book sits there, waiting for you, whether you think you want it or not, because of all these things, a book is a friend. It’s not just the content, but the physical being of a book that is there for you always and unconditionally.”- Mo Willems
Nothing can quite match the charm of a 'real' book, as opposed to its digital version. Reading physical books is a unique experience, a sensory journey of sorts..
The rustle of pages in the wind, the enticing woody scent of paper, the printed word in all its splendour with the ink glistening in sunlight and the comfy feel of holding the book with both the hands; all these are part of the beautiful trip that you as a reader, take.
When owned and loved, the book physically grows old with you; the much-turned pages are lightly folded at the edges, giving a feeling of familiarity. The paper gradually begins to possess a yellowing tinge, which brings in a touch of sadness. Some food or coffee stains remind you of the earlier times when the book was read.
Sometimes, you tend to mark certain paragraphs in the book, to highlight the segments that you enjoyed, but you may also make notes in the margins, adding your thoughts, thereby personalizing the book.
Nothing can quite match the charm of a 'real' book, as opposed to its digital version. Reading physical books is a unique experience, a sensory journey of sorts..
The rustle of pages in the wind, the enticing woody scent of paper, the printed word in all its splendour with the ink glistening in sunlight and the comfy feel of holding the book with both the hands; all these are part of the beautiful trip that you as a reader, take.
When owned and loved, the book physically grows old with you; the much-turned pages are lightly folded at the edges, giving a feeling of familiarity. The paper gradually begins to possess a yellowing tinge, which brings in a touch of sadness. Some food or coffee stains remind you of the earlier times when the book was read.
Sometimes, you tend to mark certain paragraphs in the book, to highlight the segments that you enjoyed, but you may also make notes in the margins, adding your thoughts, thereby personalizing the book.
Sep 4, 2014
Book review: Private India
Authors: Ashwin Sanghi and James Patterson
Genre: Crime Fiction
What can one expect when two acclaimed authors join hands? A masterpiece that is filled with the best of both their skills. With Private India, James Patterson and Ashwin Sanghi have given us a brilliant story that does not disappoint.
The Plot
A serial killer is on the loose in Mumbai and it is upto Private India, an investigation agency, to try and prevent the murders and nab the culprit.
Apparently unconnected women are killed, strangled with a yellow cloth. Strange objects are placed with the corpses and these puzzle the investigators. As the bodies begin to pile up in quick succession, it is a race against time before the case is cracked.
But it does not end there. Yet another danger is imminent and this time, the lives of thousands of innocent Mumbai citizens are at stake...
Nov 7, 2012
Book Review: The Bankster
Title: The Bankster
Author: Ravi Subramanian
Genre: Crime Fiction
Ravi Subramanian is the author of four successful books about the banking industry and the recipient of the Golden Quill Book award. Being called 'the John Grisham of Banking' by The Wall Street Journal is no mean feat and that raised my expectations about the book.
The Plot
A CIA agent exchanges weapons for diamonds - in Angola, South Africa.
An old man protests against the commissioning of a nuclear plant - in Devikulam, Kerala
A series of employee deaths shatter the peace in an international bank - in Mumbai
What is the link between these three seemingly unrelated events? That is what 'The Bankster' is all about.
Jul 7, 2012
Book Review : Poor Little Rich Slum
Title: Poor Little Rich Slum
Authors: Rashmi Bansal, Deepak Gandhi
Photos: Dee Gandhi
Genre: Non fiction - Entrepreneurship
"Why would anyone write a book about a slum?," was the first thought that popped into my head when I came across this book in BlogAdda's book reviews program. I was hardly interested in reading the book. But sometime later, it was out of sheer curiosity that I Googled Rashmi Bansal. I learnt that she is the author of three bestsellers, with 'Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish' being the most popular of them all.Critics were all praise for her and I was intrigued. I was eager to know what all the fuss was about. I immediately applied for the book in BlogAdda.
And after reading it, I am happy to say that I've become a fan of Rashmi Bansal! I've also learnt two lessons:
- Never judge a book based on its genre
- Do not be prejudiced
This is how 'Poor Little Rich Slum' begins. It is Rashmi Bansal's fourth book- an extraordinary take on an extraordinary slum!
May 10, 2012
Book Review : The Devotion of Suspect X
Title: The Devotion of Suspect X
Author: Keigo Higashino
Translated by : Alexander O. Smith
Genre: Crime Fiction
How far would you go to protect your love? Suspect X (Ishigami) proves that one can go to any lengths for the sake of love.
The Plot
"Which is harder:devising an unsolvable problem, or solving
that problem?". This quote from the book pretty much summarizes the plot.
Ishigami, a genius mathematician, is a teacher at a local school and harbors a secret love for his neighbour Yasuko Hanaoka, a single mother. She works in a Japanese lunch box shop and raises her teenage daughter Misato with the income. On day, her violent ex-husband Shinji Togashi turns up at her door and harasses her for money. A struggle follows, during which Yasuko and Misato end up killing Togashi.
Nov 30, 2010
The Joy of Reading
" Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers."
-Charles W. Eliot
There are some things in life that I enjoy doing and one of them is 'reading'.
Reading is an activity that can offer both information and pleasure. But it depends entirely on what you read.
If you read useless and trashy stuff, then you wouldn't benefit from reading.
However, if you read books of value, it is an entirely different story altogether.
If you have been reading for a long time now, you would know that benefits would always come to those who read, as long as they read the right stuff. In some cases the person may not be consciously aware of the advantages, but he/she will definitely realize them in the long run.
"The art of reading is in great part that of acquiring a better understanding of life from one's encounter with it in a book."
-André Maurois
For those of you who are averse to reading, I'm now going to list a few (out of many) benefits of reading. This is a small attempt on my part to get you folks to join the reading bandwagon.
Here goes:
Aug 22, 2010
A Bookworm Speaks..
I was introduced to the habit of reading during my primary school days.
I began by reading those small books full of colours and large letters. By the time I was 11, I had become a voracious reader with a huge appetite for books.(non academic only!) I had finished reading most of the books by Enid Blyton. ‘Famous Five’, ‘Secret Seven’ ‘Mallory Towers’ were my favourites.I loved ‘Nancy Drew’, ‘Hardy Boys’ and adored Agatha Christie’s books.
During the next few years, I entered the magical world created by J.K Rowling. Harry Potter and his adventures were a major source of my entertainment and I became a die hard fan. I was totally addicted to the ‘Harry Potter’ series for several years. Due to this I missed out on many other good books.
Next came the Chicken Soup books. This phase was followed by a sudden interest in books by Indian authors. I read books by R.K Narayan and R.K Laxman. Then came Chetan Bhagat. ‘Five Point Someone’ was a really fun read.
Later I moved to Robin Cook and his medical thrillers. I alternated them with Sidney Sheldon’s masterpieces. Dan Brown captured my interest with ‘Angels and Demons’ and ‘Digital Fortress’.
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