Sunday 30 December 2018

2018 - My Year in Books


Another year has come to an end.  My year in books has been great when it comes to number. 64 is a good number. But its sad when I realise that I don't remember any book that actually wow'ed me.
'The Handmaid's Tale' had been the most intense and I almost cried when I was done with 'Marley Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog'. The Clifton Chronicles was good enough for me to finish the series, except for the last instalment. That was quite slow.  After the Floods was an interesting anthology on the 'Chennai Floods 2015' .  'Come Sundown', 'The Couple Next Door' and 'Echo Park'  were thrilling and intriguing. Surprisingly, Chetan Bhagat's 'The Girl in Room 105' was not bad.

Here are my top 3 books for this year.

1. Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell - Its the usual boy-meets-girl-falls-n in-love high school love story but the unconventional start and end is that feels good. Boy and Girl from different family and financial setting get together and how fate drives their lives. Do they stay together to tell the story. The book fits the standard romance template with cheesy conversations. Comics play the key role as the common interest between the couple which brings them together in-spite of differences and the end definitely will want you to have a sequel.

2. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee - The most popular book of my reads this year, speaks of racial inequality, prejudice, accusations, rumours from the point of a kid in the 1930's. This is one of the bold books published in 1950's feared to be rejected. The writing was simple and it took time for me to understand the social setting of the period. You tend to sympathise with the prejudices going on and realise how perspectives vary between a kid and an adult.

3. Every Breath by Nicholas Sparks - This one from my favourite author was a delight to read. Two protagonists meet unexpectedly and fall in love but the lady cannot be pursued by the guy as she is engaged. The part their ways and after decades how fate brings them back together is the remaining plot. Before the actual novel begins, the author gives us a detail on how he happened to stumble upon this story at a postbox called 'Kindred Spirit'. After reading it, I couldn't stop myself from diving into it. A best read for cold day with a warm drink and a corner of a house to snuggle into.
  
I have some interesting books lined up for 2019 and most of them are out of my usual reading genre and many with raving reviews and suggestions from reading clubs. I have also included the POPSUGAR prompts in addition to the reading challenge from Goodreads. Let's see how I fare next year in books.

Friday 7 September 2018

Siblings - threads in the fabric of family

Recently I was chatting with my friend about how families prefer on having a single child nowadays. She was saying that a second child is not just a choice but can become a financial liability and  parents may not be able to raise a second kid if they are just making the ends meet or sometimes their health might not allow. I totally agree on the point that we need to take only measured risks when it comes to a new living being. But there was something jabbing at the back of my mind.

Unlike the English language, the names given to next of kin in my mother tongue can be very specific. We do not generalize the term uncles and aunts to brothers and sisters of the parents. Or even the cousins and in-laws for that matter.  For example, periyappa(father's elder brother), chithappa (father's younger brother), periyamma(mother's elder sister), chithi (mother's younger sister) and so on. I try to paint a world where everyone has a single child.If that is the case then slowly these relations will be part of the past. From how I was raised, the mama (mother's brother) plays an important role in his niece's or nephew's life, just like a godfather. Right from the birth to every important occasion of the child is honored by the maternal uncle largely and its quite seriously taken in my culture. My uncles were true to that belief and have been more than involved in every phase of my life. Every child should experience such relations. Sometimes it can be reassuring to know you are always surrounded by caring people.

Let us set aside the role of siblings in rituals, responsibilities. Me and my brother are not bosom buddies. We were born 8 years apart and the time I spent with him was very less. When I was in high school he was in kindergarten and when he grew up I was sent away for college. Then I worked in different cities and now married and settled down in a city far away from where my brother is. When I was a kid I was jealous of him for all the attention he got just because he was a boy baby. He would annoy me the most while going out by wearing clothes that earned us strange looks. The fights would go on forever. But slowly the jealousy vanished. We never got to build rapport like most siblings. We don't talk regularly but we have that mutual care and respect for each other. I also feel a little protective of him. The relationship between us is a little weird. I think he still thinks me as the one with loads of pride. There are very few things that interests both of us alike. I wish I could go back and make him my best friend. Yet just knowing that I have a brother makes me feel strong. If I have kids in future, I want that feeling to be experienced by my kids too - the feeling of having a sibling. However annoying they can be, they are there for you.

Some brothers and sisters have big fights and grow apart but I am sure that they have a corner in their heart that yearns for their togetherness. With Rakshabandan that just passed by, I remembered that I have tied rakhi to my brother only twice or thrice. It was never a practice in my household to celebrate rakhi. I dont think he would mind it that I didn't tie one religiously. Somehow that practice doesn't seem necessary to express that I pray for their well being. I have friends who are brother-like/sister-like and I wish I could have also had them as my own. I share the same love and affection with them and hope to be their sister till death do us part.

Personally having two kids is not just raising two individuals but can develop empathy and care, teaches sharing and accommodation to the future generation and also helps to build a closely knit family and support system for generations to come. No, I do not say that you must but its better if you do. Single kid - too less ; three kids - over the top; two kids - just right.

I pray that the world does not dwindle down to single kid system.



Tuesday 1 May 2018

Book Review: The Fragile Thread of Hope

Author: Pankaj Giri
Type: Fiction

Thanks to Pankaj, the author of the book for sending me a free copy of the ebook in exchange for honest review.

The story is of two individuals Fiona and Soham who are scarred with tragedy right from their childhood. Life keeps throwing them curveballs and they get hurt everytime. What happens when they two meet and does life becomes any better forms the remaining plot.

Fiona is a rebellious girl who hides her scar in her anger and Soham is guy who has lost all meaningful relationships in life and looking for a soul to get rid of his loneliness. Both their mind-chatters paints a glum mood to the story. There are several others characters who have played vital roles in the flow of the story. Every character and scene blended well with the story and did not break the natural flow. I would even go further and say the sorrow was an overflow every now and then. 

About two-thirds of the book is filled with almost all sorts of sorrows you can think of. After every incident there would be a tiny ray of hope but soon you will feel cheated. The major part of the story travels in an emotional tunnel of sorrow, anger, hatred, loneliness etc. Although I do love novels which brings us to tears, this was a bit exhausting for me. But I liked the way the author has concluded the novel in a positive note. 

The author has a very beautiful way of describing the city of Gangtok portraying its entire panorama. I also observed there had been many brand names like Nescafe, Woodlands, Wagon R and so on. Except in a few scenes, they did not add much value to the plot. 

This book is all about never giving up when we face some really big problems in life and keep holding onto life with hope. It is ofcourse, a fragile thread as the name suggests but it is what also makes us move on in life. 

Verdict: I would suggest this book to readers who like slow and steady paced story with some motivations and inspirations at the end.








Tuesday 13 February 2018

The One with Valentine’s Day


Adhering to the customary special day post, here is the one with Valentine’s day.  Love is in the air and everyone is hunting special gifts for their special ones. Though I don't have any plans I am amusing myself in the memories of this day..
Valentine’s day is supposed to be most romantic day of the year. I found some interesting history behind the Valentine’s day here.

It is that time of the year where every restaurant, gift shop, malls are drowned in theme red and hearts. This reminds me of something I used to do. I had a queer habit during my college days where I used to gather collectibles that was heart-shaped. I went way beyond control that my friends had to hide anything heart-shaped from my reach. They ranged from small pendants, key-rings, earrings to heavy paper weights.



There was some funny dress code for the day circulated in my school and college days. Each color would be assigned a meaning to let your loved ones and others what in your mind. This list used to change every year. Everyone was very cautious in getting the color right and not convey the wrong message to the other gender. Funny, I took this shit seriously then. I found the color code for this year too!!

Dress Color                      Meaning

Blue                       Love Applicants Invited

Green                           I am waiting

Red                       Already in Love, Two side

Black                         Proposal Rejected

White                    Sorry, I am already reserved

Orange                       Going to Propose

Pink Color                  Proposal accepted

Purple/Grey        Not interested, Better luck next time

Yellow                              Broke Up

Brown                           Broken Hearts



Now I was thinking how would I want to spend the day with the current mindset. These are my idea of V-Day picks that I would indulge in for a perfect enjoyable day.

The Book - A thing beyond forever by Novoneel Chakraborty


I am sucker for romantic stories with cheesy and disgustingly sweet romance. And if there is a sad ending, it is more likely to be in my favorites.

I have not found a romantic novel that trumps this book in my favorites. This is a sort of unusual fantasy-like novel where the protagonist finds bizarre similarities between her child patient and her dead boyfriend. She has not yet recovered from her past relationship but life throws her haunting puzzles. What she does forms the climax. I was never convinced that this was a debut novel of an Indian author. I read this book overnight and still could not come out of the story. The story is woven around the sweet and innocent love at adolescent and the sting and pain when you lose. The intensity of the story made me forget the flimsy adult racy scene. This is must read for those who want to melt away in romance.

The Movie – Titanic by James Cameron


I think this would be the world’s popular choice for a romantic movie. The ever-praised epic love story wins hands down. The love between Jack and Rose, though short lived has the enchanted the entire world. The amazing visuals and mesmerizing music adds to the effect. This movie also speaks about the class discrimination and social preconception. Every time I watch the movie I hope there is a way Jack was saved. Drown yourself this valentine in the most acclaimed romantic movie.

The Chocolate – Ferrero Rocher

What is a celebration without devouring the silky smooth chocolate? I am not a big chocolate person. I prefer candies and gummy bears to the chocolates. But if you are offering me Ferrero Rocher, I become like the Gollum of the Lord of the Rings. It doesn't flood you with the gooey chocolate but nevertheless leaves you the satisfaction is of having a huge block.



The Destination – Paris, France



Being born and bred in a country where the sun dominates most part of the year. So I always dream of a place where I could enjoy a moderate climate. Paris, it is! There is a reason this city is called ‘the city of love’ and it boasts being the top spot for Valentine's getaways and proposals. The cobbled streets, heritage buildings, elegant and cosy restaurants, comforting croissants and the sexy language adds flavor to the romance. It is my loooong term dream destination and tops my bucket list for tours.

Whew! This listicle is long than I intended. I shall discover more such to-do picks for the V-day magic. May the Valentine's day shower upon us all the love in the world(and gifts!!).

Tuesday 6 February 2018

Book Review: The Handmaid's Tale

Author: Margaret Atwood
Genre: Dystopian
Type: Fiction

I have been reading so many dystopian novels recently that I have started to fear the future with so many what ifs. I could not dismiss this novel as unrealistic because the story begins similar to the present world if you sequence them in chronological order. 

Overthrowing the previous government by force, a military rule is established in the Republic of Gilead. Women are stripped of basic rights such as choice of clothes, reading, writing, working to earn money and so on. They are divided into different groups based on their purpose. The fertile women (those who could bear children) are made into Handmaids; the Wives take care of the household of the higher ranking men like Commanders; Marthas are domestic servants of the household; Aunts train the handmaids at the Red Centre; Econowives who are wives of lower ranking men like the Guardians and also perform the activities of a Martha and if fertile, a handmaid too; Jezebels are rebellious women who chose to work as prostitutes in secrets sex clubs rather become an Unwoman to work at fields or clean radioactive wastes in the Colonies.

The handmaids are assigned to a Commander with infertile Wives for 3 years to bear a child for them( similar to surrogate mother). They are named after the Commander for the period. The plot revolves around the handmaid Offred who is assigned to Commander Fred. The Wife Serena Joy despises Offred while the Marthas Rita and Cora are not very friendly. Offred lives through the period reliving the 'before' time where she had a family with husband Luke and a daughter. The daughter is taken away from her and her husband is killed when she tried escaping to Canada. She hopes to find her daughter and escape again. In the meantime the Commander starts an illegal and inconclusive relationship with her while she starts liking Nick, the driver of the Commander.  Did she escape from here? Did she find her daughter? Did she get together with Nick? Was she caught having relationship with the Commander? - The answers form the remaining story.

When I came to know this book was from way back in 1980's I couldn't be more surprised. Even today you can relate yourself with the oppression of women. With more awareness created everyday, women are enjoying their basic rights learning, choice of what to wear, reading writing, what to choose as a career. It made me think what if we are taking everything for granted. The handmaids are not given the choice if she should have a child with a man she barely knows and furthermore, she can't own a baby she gives birth to. The commander says 'Better never means better for everyone. It always means worse, for some' The society formed here screams that the women are protected by the laws yet they are made do things which do not respect their wishes or their feelings. The hypocrisy of the laws are similar to laws of the present. I am in a secular country but I can see huge intolerance towards other religions, the liberty of expression is at jeopardy and if we are not careful we could end up being another Republic of Gilead. 

The book deeply affected me that I sometimes I felt like taking a jab at Aunt Lydia during her training sessions. I couldn't overcome the angst I felt and that is how I was affected. If you are a person who are looking for a fantasy dystopian story, this is not for you. The story shuttles between 3 different period of time and it takes several chapters to understand the schema. The vocabulary is simple and natural. The pace is slow and makes you hover over the story for a while.

Verdict: Suits readers who appreciate dystopian story with overwhelming treatment, especially hypocrisy at its best.