Christopher McDougall’s Book Born to Run, among the many other book releases – is simply a testament to the human emotions and the limitations of the human ability. Born to Run at times transforms itself into a running book, a science book, and a downright engrossing story, the book succeeds in all the purest way by explaining how and why human beings were literally “born to run.” (more…)
Archive for the ‘Off-Beat’ Category
KINDLE Amazon Review
Posted by admin on July 25th, 2009
Kindle is not just a book reader. Thanks to its wireless connection, it’s a very convenient reader for many types of content: books, newspapers, magazines and blogs, not to mention Wikipedia and the web in general.
But its main focus is books, and as a book reader, it is superb. Within minutes, you cease to notice the device — what higher praise can be given? Yes, we want more type and layout options for book designers to create beautiful e-books; (more…)
V.S. Naipaul’s “The Suffrage of Elvira”
Posted by resmi on September 17th, 2008
Set in Trinidad, the novel is a description of the comical circumstances surrounding a local election. There are various characters from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds depicted in the story.
The story in short is about Mr. Harbans, who is contesting in an election from Elvira. He comes to the place to win the support of Chittaranjan and Baksh, who are leaders of the Hindu and Muslim groups there, respectively. The character sketch of the people at Elvira, given by Naipaul is simply amazing. The other characters in the story are Foam, Lorkhoor, Preacher, Ramlogan, and so on. We can compare the story with the usual tactics and situations prevailing during elections in the rural areas everywhere. But one point to be noted is that each character here is good at heart, though the appearance is deceptive. Going forward we see the election propagandas and tactics, the supporters of the opposing group, the humane gestures and incidents, and finally how Harbans wins over the elections.
A short, but well-crafted novel with lots of unique characters.
The Walls (Mathilukal) – Vaikom Mohammed Basheer
Posted by resmi on August 24th, 2008
Mathilukal is a Malayalam novella by the veteran Vaikom Muhammed Basheer. Translated into English as The Walls, the story is about Basheer who spends a brief period of his life at the Travancore Jail.
As the story opens we see Basheer, the protagonist, as a man who is spending his life at the prison befriending other prisoners, planting roses, and frequently in conversation with other inmates. He is obviously not happy being in the prison but is rather very unhappy due to the indifference being shown to him. The prisoners who had come in after him also have left the prison, but not he. So he protests by growing roses in the prison and spending his time writing.
The prison is separated from the women’s prison by a high wall. In due course of time, we see Basheer falling in love with Narayani, a prisoner on the other side of the wall. Though they haven’t met, they exchange words and promises of love, standing on the opposite sides of the wall. There are quite a few romantic moments and dialogues involved. (more…)
Jane Eyre
Posted by resmi on August 5th, 2008
This was one of the first novels I read. I had received this book as a prize for a literary competition in my junior school. I was quite happy that I bagged the prize but was not quite happy with the prize received and never intended to read it. It had a lavendar cover with the image of Jane Eyre on it. In those days I had difficulty in pronouncing Charlotte Bronte.
Reading short stories were interesting to me, not big novels. But don’t know why, one day I started reading the book. I don’t remember the pace with which I read the book, but do remember that I was quite fascinated by the story. The language was extremely simple and does prompt a reader to read on. (more…)
She Deserves It…
Posted by admin on June 26th, 2008
J.K. Rowling is top-earning celebrity – I came across this article and believe me there is no doubt that she must be a top-earning celebrity now. Initially when the Harry Potter series was released I wondered what all this hype was about. I just couldn’t understood how a book could be celebrated so much the young and old alike.
It was only after a year after its release that I had a chance to read the first book – Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. And believe me I was so impressed. I kept on wondering how a person could be so creative as well as put it exactly as it was onto paper. It seemed to me as something incredible. Each line of the book made me wonder at her creativitly and capability. I just couldn’t believe that it was her first book. Though the book was aimed at the children, I bet it was a great pick among adults also. (more…)
