all things Love

Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote My rating: 3 of 5 stars Hmm... hard to say whether or not I like it. The story is fine. The protagonist is spectacular. And yet, I cannot seem to whole-heartedly be fond of the novella. Parts of the story are fascinating, for instance, Holly Golightly's apparent unreserve with the budding writer narrator. I also like the opening scene which introduces the mystery of where our heroine can be at the moment. The scene brings the reader into the story and somehow or the other, we are entrapped the fast-paced New York of 1940. I would recommend the book as a tranquil read. However, honestly, with the impeccable performance by Audrey, the film version brings forth Holly's persona a tad bit more effectily. The book is outstanding, no doubt, but couple it with the movie session post reading and there you have it - " a top banana in the shock department". View all my reviews

The Essential Collection for Young Readers by Ruskin Bond My rating: 5 of 5 stars Loved this marvellous collection. Ruskin Bond is one of my favorite authors. I adore his simplicity and the appeal in a rustic life close to the nature. This collection is astutely curated. I especially loved the "Night Train to Deoli" and "The Blue Umbrella", the latter of which has been made into a wonderful film. The first few stories from the author's own life were imaginative too. "Rani" shall be close to my heart. Highly recommended. Audiobook does justice to the book, however prompt with the chapter number when a particular chapter starts would be a great update. View all my reviews

The Art of War by Sun Tzu My rating: 4 of 5 stars Ancient Chinese Philosophy on the Art of War by the master himself. Contains different sections on different kinds of tactics for warfare, how to keep your soldiers subservient and yet disciplined, how and when to engage the enemy, when to flee the scene etc. Not much relevant content for the contemporary world View all my reviews

The Past as Present: Forging Contemporary Identities Through History by Romila Thapar My rating: 4 of 5 stars Loved the details. Highly informative even if some of her ideas have been contested often times. Romila Thapar is without doubt one of the best Historians alive in India today. Her characteristic narrative style with adequate focus on analyzing an issue from all corners, makes one think strongly about the believes they have had since as long as they can remember. How can one say if the tradition that they have been following since decades and centuries isn't something that originally begun with those ideas mind and isn't were simple tactics to gain wealth and suppress the enemies; when the sources themselves that tell us the history of these practices can be found to not withhold under scutiny. The history of India, it seems, is as multi-faceted and ever changing as are the people and it's languages in the contemporary world, a fa...

Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup My rating: 5 of 5 stars "12 years a Slave" is truly a moving account of the arduous journey and experiences of Solomon Northup. Prior to listening to this book, I had been of the opinion that the story was a fictional one. However, published in 1853, the year of the author's extraordinary deliverance from the shackles of Slavery, the harrowing tale is indeed a truth. Reading the book across a passage of close to two centuries, the kind of perils borne by some sections of our society is perfectly stupefying, and yet still today among the remote parts of our world there are some similar instances taking place. I believe writings like "12 years a Slave" pave a way for us to face the atrocious history that a few of our ancestors have lived every day. In having the courage to speak out about his experiences and to publish this singular account, back in mid-19th century, the author played a pivotal role in bringing afresh the...

The Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie My rating: 5 of 5 stars Nice mystery. Quintessential Christie. Loved it. Must have read it before during School days. View all my reviews

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne My rating: 4 of 5 stars Quite a short tale. I liked the philosophical and social dilemma Hester Prim and the Reverend go through throughout the story. The insights on their inner turmoils is what has made this book a classic literature. The retribution sought after by the tale's silent antagonist is appalling and yet, one can but feel a connection with them. Author's poignant account of Hester's life moves the reader's heart to pause a moment and ponder. The ending is what I would have liked it to be. The Audible narration, as usual, was mesmerising. View all my reviews