Neon Soul by Alexandra Elle

This compilation of poems by Alexandra Elle is a wonderful read for anyone at all, simply due to its very appealing writing style. Here is my experience of reading this poetry book that came out very recently.

Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

After I read Murakami for the first time last year, I gained a renewed interest in magical realism. The hint of magic, the strong emphasis on an unseen power and more such  ideas had me enthralled. I went on to hoard some more books by Murakami, and I also went on to buy some books by Gabriel Garcia as he is considered a master in this genre.

After much contemplation, I picked up Chronicle of death foretold by him as it is the shortest and somehow I was already overwhelmed by his aura – hence, I decided to pick something short to start with.

Ghachar Ghochar by Vivek Shanbhag, translated by Srinath Perur

It is quite natural for joint families to pretend to love what is thrust upon them. It is not only natural it is inevitable. This can be seen as one of their strengths. 

Ghachar Ghochar is a story of one such joint family. The threads of the family are intertwined to form an ugly unbearable mess but they stick together to uphold the sanctity of joint families. Each of them, during the process, losing individual conscience behind the protectiveness of the other members of the family.

Cover page 

The cover page depicts author's past which is an adamant part of his present. The chai stain on the plate and the ants crawling describes the days at the ant infested home of the author before they get rich. The cover is simple and classy, also apt. 

Characters

The story is about a family of six of which every member is an important part. The author is a happy go lucky man. A visit to the nearby coffee shop is a part of his daily ritual. His wife is from a humble background and finds it sorry that her husband does not proactively take part in the running of the family business. She often gets into arguments with her mother-in-law and sister-in-law. The house is a mess. Chikappa is given the most respect since it's his money and business that is running the family even though they are all part owners of the company. The characters are unique in their own way. Each character is bound by the circumstances. 

But what is most noticeable is the volatile relationship existing between each member of the family. 

Content 

The author grew up in a joint family in the suburbs of Bangalore. Due to the upbringing and stringent control over the money the household was not very lavish. Money was spent only on necessities and indulgence was considered to be a sin. 

Like many middle class houses this family was happy too. Then one fine day they were visited by a colony of ants. These ants were found everywhere, especially near food. Initially it was a menace. Everyone in the house was annoyed by the visitors. All the eatables were kept out of reach and soiled vessels were dumped in water right after their use. Slowly it became a part of life. Children started enjoying drowning a spoonful of ants into water and watching them while they struggled to stay afloat. The life went on. 

Then one day Chikkappa proposed a business deal. Sona masala slowly became the lifeline of the family making them rich. And their fates changed. 

'It's true what they say - it's not we who control money, it is money that controls us. When there's only a little, it behaves meekly; when it grows, it becomes brash and has its way with us.' 

It is a story of this family and how money changes their lives for good and bad. The story is like a breeze in which one can smell the authenticity of old Bangalore, rusticity of a joint middle class family the stench of arrogant richness that the money brings along. The content is engrossing till the last page.

Language 

The author has kept the narration quite simple. The no flowery language or fascinating revelations. It is a simple story which hits the psychological heights and keeps one wondering about it even when it is over. The author also paints a rustic Bangalore in front of readers, like a glimpse into the past. 

Good points 

The cover page is beautiful. It describes the ethnicity of a suburban residence like a memory. The characters are interesting to read about. Their morals hiding behind the cover of a joint family can be seen quite clearly. The content strips different aspects of each member of the family and lays it bear for everyone to see. The greed, the misery, the anguish, the unspoken irritation, the insecurities; the author reveals the ugly side of each person like a trail of thought. 

Bad points 

The book is quite a short read. It leaves you thirsty for more. 

Overall 

The ants creeping all over your body and then you are woken up from the dream. This is how the book feels. It is seldom that you get to describe your feelings precisely. Like the ants who crawl up your arms persistently and refuses to shake off, no matter how many times you try to brush them off. The book is one of the best translations I have read in some time. The author and the translator both have earned their due respects via this book. 

Who do I recommend this to 

This book is for those who enjoy short stories and good literature. Those who like to have something to think about once the book is over are also going to enjoy this one. This book is also going to please those who continuously look for translated stories. 

Quotable quotes

The result was that we simply did not desire what we couldn't afford. When you have no choice, you have to discontent either. 

'They're not ants. They're evil spirits come here in disguise.'

Room by Emma Donoghue

Emma Donoghue is considered to be amongst the most influential women authors. Her book, Room, inspired the movie by the same name which went on to win Oscar. The book which is inspired by the real-life cases of kidnapping and captivation; stands out in the book shelf. Especially since the narrator is a five-year-old who believes this is his world. 

Cover page 

I own a kindle copy of the book which is a shot from the movie. Movie-tie in covers are my least favorite types. They are too pictorial and leave no room for imagination. 

Characters 

The book is essentially a story of a boy who has been living in a room since he was born. He now thinks that it is his world, that there is no outside. Jack is good with numbers. He can spell words. He can make word sandwiches too. This is how he whiles away his time in the room.

Jack's mother, who is known as 'ma' throughout the book loves jack as much as any mother loves her child besides their unusual relationship. She tries to keep jack engaged in different activities. Both jack and ma are pillars of support to each other. 

Content 

'Today I'm five. I was four last night going to sleep in wardrobe, but when I wake up in bed in the dark I'm changed to five, abracadabra.' 

It's jack's fifth birthday when 'Ma' decides to tell Jack the real story about the real world and how she got there. It was about seven years before when 'Ma' was kidnapped by Old Nick and put into the room. That is where jack happened. All this is a blow to jack who till now believes that the room is the world and there is nothing outside of the room. It is a painful story of coming in terms with the existence of a new world and the trapping of self in the old, which gets comfortable because of lack of knowledge of the outside.

The story is divided into several parts; presents, undying, dying, after and living. Each part unfolds the story of jack, his mother, and their great escape steadily. The surprise is that the book does not finish at the great escape but reveals how jack copes with the world outside. 

It is a well-structured story told from the point of view of a five-year-old boy. It is difficult to judge a book of this sort which deals with a lot many aspects than just a uni-dimensional story. 

Sadly the story loses interest after the great escape. The life after is just trips to clinic and grandparents. The story loses its pace towards the second half of the book. 

Language 

The story is narrated by a five-year-old boy, therefore there are mispronunciations, misspellings, and general grammatical errors. There is also a stunted understanding of the entire story from the point of view. 

Agreeing to the author's choice of voice, it did not go well with me. The five-year-old was getting annoying by the day. There were other serious happenings in the story which did not come to light due to the narrative style. I would have wanted to know more about the creaks from the bed when Old Nick visited and Jack's elder sister who is not. All this was difficult for a child to comprehend, hence the dislike of narration. 

Good points 

The general subject of the book is quite Interesting. Seldom you get to hear a child's perspective of the story. 

Bad points 

The movie-tie-in cover did not work for me. I would have rather preferred other editions. The story got boring after a while. The narration was single toned which made it monotonous. The book failed to address some grave issues.

Overall 

Overall this book wasn't for me. I will refrain from calling it a bad literature. But it was not what I was expecting from a book of this sort. 

Who do I recommend this to

This book is for those who are interested in different styles of narration. Those who enjoy psychology in their stories are going to love this too.

Quotable quotes 

But when I want something I want it always, like chocolates, I never ate a chocolate too many times. 

Grandma made them a few dinners ago and I just pretended I didn't see them on my plate. Now I'm in the world, I'm never going to eat green beans again. 

There's playgrounds in every town. Lots of the world seems to be a repeat.

The Girl on The Train by Paula Hawkins

I had  no plans of reading this book anytime this year. Even the release of the movie did not have me reaching for the book. But when a dear book buddy announced a read-along, I jumped right into it!! Here is my experience of reading this psychological thriller novel by British author Paula Hawkins, and a short movie review of the same that released this year.

Cover

I got my copy before the movie was shaped, hence I have the black one with the blurred vision that is often experienced while looking out of a train. The title is splayed across the center, and it makes for a decent cover. It is informative about the plot and sits well with the title, but I cannot comment of the aesthetics, as I am neither drawn, nor repelled by it.

Characters

The girl on the train is about a woman, Rachel, who takes the train to London every day. On her way, she passes by homes along the track, one of which is occupied by a couple who she obsessively observes, and has named them Jason and Jesse. She also peers into her old home which is now home to her ex-husband, and his wife and daughter. Though looking into their lives refreshes the wound of infidelity inflicted by her husband every single time, she can't help but watch their perfect life.

She lives with a friend, and apart from this, there is a strange orange haired man who plays small but significant roles in the story.

Content

Agonized and lost  even after many months of her divorce, Rachel resorts to drinking to run away from the mess that her life is turning into. She loses her job, but hides the fact from her friend, pretending to take the train to work every day. Immersed in sorrow and unable to forgive her husband for cheating on her, Rachel lives a life that is just spiraling downwards.

While on the train she watches a couple, who seem like the epitome of a perfect life to her, until one day, she notices something that soon becomes a crucial evidence in a crime. Rachel is intrigued, and disturbed and believing that what she has seen will help solve the case, she reaches the police.

Other than this, she is constantly harassing her husband in a drunken stupor, and it doesn't help Rachel, that this crime has occurred a few houses away from where her ex-husband lives. She becomes obsessed with the crime, and is determined to help, but how can an absolute stranger, going on a train help? It also doesn't help that she has blank spaces in the place of events that she is sure occurred  again due to her drinking habits.

She has a wound to speak for it, but what really happened? With growing obsession and helplessness, she is further harrowed as crucial incidents that will help solve the case  are now a blur due to her being  drunk. She suddenly finds a purpose to her otherwise miserable life,  but how can she help when she herself in immersed in a sea of uncertainty?

Good Points

Full points to the Author for weaving this intriguing tale around the train. The plot, the cover and title are all impressively interwoven. The events revolve around the train, and the tracks and not it is interesting to see how such a different approach is a breath of fresh air.

Secondly, and more importantly, kudos to the writer for the fantastic character development. Each character is quite interesting, but Rachel takes the cake! She is so real and relatable, it's a little scary. It is a very real, and harsh albeit sad take on how we spiral to unimaginable lows due to the pain inflicted upon us, and how we latch on to the strangest leash of hope to feel alive again. 

Bad Points

The character development is amazing, if only a little more emphasis was laid on the other characters, at least the most significant ones, it would have been a lot better.

Apart from this ,the end was just average. It is simple to deduce who the culprit is, as it somehow feels rushed in the end, with not a lot of  background to it. When read as a crime thriller, it can be an average read.

Overall

I absolutely loved reading this book, mostly due to the characters, or rather, due to Rachel! Though the end was a bit of a disappointment, I still would recommend this book to all you guys who enjoy crazily woven stories!

Who do I recommend this to ??

If you love stories that are more about the characters, this fast-paced book would surely make an enjoyable read.

Quotable Quotes

Hollowness: that I understand. I'm starting to believe that there isn't anything you can do to fix it. That's what I've taken from the therapy sessions: the holes in your life are permanent. You have to grow around them, like tree roots around concrete; you mold yourself through the gaps..

The holes in your life are permanent. You have to grow around them, like tree roots around concrete; you mould yourself through the gaps.

I can’t do this, I can’t just be a wife. I don’t understand how anyone does it—there is literally nothing to do but wait. Wait for a man to come home and love you. Either that or look around for something to distract you.

And I’ve just got to let myself feel the pain, because if I don’t, if I keep numbing it, it’ll never really go away.

I have to find a way of making myself happy, I have to stop looking for happiness elsewhere. It’s true..

Movie Review

Rachel is played by the amazing Emily Blunt, and I think that was the only reason I watched this movie (Na, am kidding, I’d watch it anyway!, just with less enthusiasm). Having said that Emily did a fine job at being Rachel.

The setting is a lot different than I imagined, it was more serene and posh than it was in my head, and it was very very fast!! The events were almost a blur, and a lot of essential parts were omitted- not events, but the build to them!

Like they say, the book was better!

Bitter Sweet Love by Michael Faudet

Thanks to the internet, the world is a much smaller place, and gives us many opportunities to connect with netizens from across the world. It is a wonderful medium to come across amazing talent, which would either never reach us, or would –very late. Having seen the Poet’s writing on his social media, I always wanted to read more by him. So, when I got the review copy of Bitter Sweet Love, I was simply elated to be reading it.

Cover

The cover is an illustration of portrait of a girl, it is a sketch and a picture morphed together. It is a clever interpretation of the content of the book - which is a mix of magic and reality, it also seems like an evolution of the cover of the previous, and his first book- Dirty Pretty Things which is a really interesting concept and I am quite eager to see how the next cover turns out. Coming to the title – it is self explanatory and talks of love in all its glory ( and the not so glorious side!).

Characters

The poems don't revolve around one person,  but touches upon relationships between various people. It is about life and lovers, love and heartbreak. The emotions captured in the book are the real protagonists of this one.

Content

Talking about love and all sides of it, Bitter Sweet Love is a beautiful compilation of poems long and short, that touch upon the various emotions co-existing with love. The poems are laden with love, heartbreak, lust and are infused with a hint of magic that makes these sensuous musings all the more interesting.

Good Points

The  poems come in varied sizes. Some, a mere two lines, some spanning a few pages- this mix of sizes doesn't make it a monotony of long poems, nor are there just lines that touch and go.

Each poem tells a story in just a few lines in the most concise and appealing manner. The emotions captured really tug at your heart and the writing style does full justice to what the Poet intends to convey.

The poems are sensuous without being vulgar and they are written in very simple language that is very easy to relate to and understand. Lastly, the touch of magic takes these poems to another level.

Bad Points

Though I enjoyed most of the writing, some of them were lengthy and almost prose like, standing out awkwardly in pages of words that flow very poetically.

Overall

A book full of bitter sweet shades of love, this one captures emotions so beautifully without complicating it. Thoroughly enjoyed the magical elements that are sprinkled generously with a heady mix of sensuous writing!

Who do I recommend this to ?

Poems aren't everyone’s cup of tea mostly because the writing is complicated and multi-layered.

So if you have been contemplating on reading some poetry, grab this new release now!

Quotable Quotes

To speak of unconditional love is like building a palace on quicksand..

Each falling leaf, a fallen tear.. the autumn came with winter near. Now all that's left of love is death, a story told with frozen breath...

When we plant weeds in a beautiful garden, it is often tears of regret that water them..

No fond farewell in silence made, just falling tears  in falling rain.

All sunshine gone, no warmth remains, in empty cups, our autumn came.

I think somewhere in a parallel world, we made love in a garden of wilted flowers. Our trembling hands reaching out, trying to grasp the last watery rays of a dying sun . Where our hearts collided and shattered into a   million tiny stars.

Autumn by Ali Smith

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going directly to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way – in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.

The first few sentences of Charles dickens' 'A tale of two cities' was set in a great political time. The countries were fighting for a revolution. A big change was made. It united the common folks. It was autumn. 

Ali smith brings us a book set in a similar time, different era. But everything is falling apart. It is no surprise, though. Because 'That's the thing about things. They fall apart, always have, always will, it's in their nature'. 

Cover page

Ali smith extensively talks about autumn in the book. The leaves fall off slowly and, of course, there is a story of a boy who would pick up the fallen leaves and tie it back to the tree. There are multiple references to the season in the book. Hence, the cover page. 

The cover may not be appealing at first sight but it is a work of art when you finish reading the book and come back to admire the cover. It is the theme of the book that is artistically put on the cover. 

Characters 

The book is primarily about two characters. There is Daniel. He is hundred and one years old. He is the summer brother to his sister. He is the old man who can talk about the origin of words and describe a painting well enough for you to imagine it in your head. Because of course, you seldom get to see the pictures. He is suspected to be gay but talks about love like he and love have been in a melancholic relationship. Daniel is the best friend to Elisabeth Demand. 

Daniel believes that Elisabeth can be a queen someday, like queen Elizabeth. But she has always doubted it. She is Elisabeth with a 'S' and not 'Z'. Elisabeth hardly remembers her father. She remembers the cracks in the pavement better than she can remember her father's face. That makes her sad. 

Now these two characters are not in any physical relationship. No, Elisabeth was never abused by Daniel. She even despises the thought. People ask it in a way that there was something to go wrong here. Like they would have liked it had she been abused. 

The two characters share a beautiful friendship. It is made even more pious by the narration of the author here. 

Content 

The book begins with a reference from 'A Tale of Two Cities'.

It was the worst of times. It was the worst of times. 

It serves the dual purpose of shaming the present and comparing it with some golden times in the past, even though it's fiction. 

Daniel is swept on the seashore. He thinks he is dead. He feels like it. He observes that he is not wearing any clothes. He sees girls coming towards him so he runs behind the trees and wears leaves. 

Elisabeth, on the other hand, is waiting inside a post office with a token to be called to the counter but she somehow never hears her number being called out. There are not even too many people but still she doesn't hear it. 

Daniel is later found in a care unit, skipping breaths. 

The book is set in the time of 'now'. It struggles with choices made during 'EU referendum'. Parallel to the present the author shows a glimpse of the past. She is bombarding that fence with people's histories and with the artifacts of less cruel and more philanthropic times. 

The book has no plot but multiple references hitting hard like an apple to the bare body. It makes us think about the choices we make as a collective and as an individual. It begs for a better future which starts from 'now'. It demands respect for the past and the way we see it. Not to be forgotten once and recovered again, and repeating the process. The author makes a point with hard-hitting descriptions of art and references to literature. There are references to race and personal choices hidden behind the simple words, easy to miss but when found are nothing short of literary jewels. 

The book is multilayered. It is one of those books which gives another perspective every time you read it.

Language 

The language is viscous. Every word demands attention as if, if you missed a word , an important part of history is lost. The scenarios fuse into each other giving way to new beginnings only to familiarise us with what has already happened. There is also a nostalgia in the writing. The magical elements in the literature references and diluted stoning of human conscience. As they say, if they possess your conscience they possess everything. 

Good points 

The cover page is beautiful. The characters are very different from each other but they all suffer the same. The content is like a dream, flowing from one to another without the hiccup of transition felt. The language is liquid gold. 

Bad points 

The book is only a short read, but it demands complete attention. Those who do not know the references may miss a few clues but nothing that google can't help with. 

Overall 

This is my new favourite. 

Who do I recommend this to 

This book is for all those who want to read contemporary classic but are too afraid to pick one up. For those who like to treasure hunt are going to enjoy this one too. And generally, everyone. This is a piece of literature which needs to be read by everyone. 

Quotable quotes 

He opens his fingers. The sand drifts down. Now that he's up on his feet he is hungry. Can you be hungry and dead? Course you can, all those hungry ghosts eating people's hearts and minds. 

When he was a boy in the poorhouse for children, the orphanage, when his mother was taken to the asylum, he got given a bag of sweets and an orange at Christmas time, all the kids in the place got the same. But the difference, here's the difference. He made that December bag of the sweets last all the way to October.
He'd shake his head.
Genius, he'd say. 

They're both standing in the pure clean white space. Yes, she says. Now we can sell this space for a for fortune. Only the very rich can afford to be this minimalist these days. 

It happens when things are becoming more (slight pause before she says it) final. The pauses are a precise language, language than actual language is, Elisabeth thinks. 

How do you mean, finally? Elisabeth said. We only moved here six weeks ago. The lifelong friends, he said. We sometimes wait a lifetime for them. 

I'm tired of the way it makes things spectacular that aren't, and deals so simplistically with what what's truly appalling. I'm tired of the vitriol. 

It depends on how you'd define normal, Elisabeth said. Which would be different from how I'd define normal. Since we all live in relativity and mine at the moment is not and I suspect never will be the same as yours.

The ARC was sent by the publishers for review. The opinion here is completely my own, uninfluenced.
Pre-Order your copy Here.

Happy birthday to…

Our second month of the birthday posts , and we have not three but four Authors to talk about . Why ? Because they are amazing!!! Unfortunately we could pick more , but do tell us who did we miss that you love?

Roald Dahl

Born in 1916 on September 16th , if you are a bibliophile and don't know him , you aren’t bibliophile enough!  Though I myself haven’t read any book by him , I have seen quite a few motion pictures adaptations of his stories and loved them( Charlie & the Chocolate Factory , Matilda and more recently BFG) !
Though his books are primarily meant for children , everyone unbarred by age love his writing. Its time you (and I ) picked one book by this legend and indulge some.

Agatha Christie

September 15th was the birthday of the Queen of Crime. Ms. Marple and Poirot are her brainchild , and are very loved by Crime fiction lovers. 2016 also marks 100 years  since the appearance of Poirot –the second most loved detective after Sherlock.
Do I need to bother explaining as to why you should read this amazing legend’s book ? No , I hope not! The writing is gripping and as one detects and guesses the end ,  the climax by her has you spellbound ! While there may be a small chance you may not like her book , but by and large most of us agree that she is one of the finest Crime fiction writer’s to have ever lived.

Stephen King

This American author was born on September 21st , and writes contemporary horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, science fiction, and fantasy . He is a multi award winner , and the crime fiction lover in me has been eyeing his books for a long time now. I really look forward to reading one of his books that I have with me soon . Do tell us if you have read anything by him , and if you have , which do you recommend we start it ?

“A little talent is a good thing to have if you want to be a writer. But the only real requirement is the ability to remember every scar.”

Cecelia Ahern

You have either watched , or read or watched and read P.S I love you! Written by this young Author , her birthday falls on the 30th of September and we had to include her!
While her books appeal to a wide array of people , they  make sure you shed a tear or two. If you have a soft corner for romances and tear-jerkers , you should try one of her books.
Here are two of the books by her that we reviewed.

“As the rain falls and the sun shines, they grow, grow, grow; minds so open, they go through life aware and accepting, seeing light where there's dark, seeing possibility in dead ends, tasting victory as others spit out failure, questioning where others accept. Just a little less jaded, a little less cynical.”

Sputnik Sweetheart by Haruki Murakami

Written by Haruki Murakami & originally published in Japanese in 1999 and translated by Philip Gabriel in 2001, Sputnik Sweetheart  is my first tryst with this legendary writer who is famous for this unique writing style mostly under the  magical realism category. I do not think it would be fair to call this a review, when we talk about author’s of such repute  because the moment a word like that comes into picture I make myself significant enough to comment on the work of master’s in literature who have set a new milestone that we all reckon with, hence it would be more sensible to call it an experience. So here is my experience, of my first Murakami.

Cover

I received this book as a gift, and it is published by Vintage Books.  It is a simple red jacket, a theme followed by Vintage for most (all?) Murakami titles.It is a graphical representation of a satellite, corresponding to Sputnik- the first satellite to have been placed in the orbit. The title though is interesting, as I reckon it talks about how Sumire’s life revolves around Miu’s, or maybe how K’s life revolves around Sumires, doesn't it intrigue you already?

Characters

The story is all about three characters. Sumire, a young aspiring writer who is oblivious to the world and is engrossed in her odd jobs and her writing attempts to break into the literary world. She has a friend, a companion called K, a young school teacher who is pretty much her only friend and they share the kind of friendship where one can talk about everything at all. K is her go to for answers on life and the like. K is in love with her, Sumire is unaware of it. Miu is a woman Sumire encounters in a wedding, who is 17 years older than her, and Sumire instantly falls in love with her.

Content

The book talks about the bond of friendship shared between K and Sumire. He is her 4 a.m friend, from whom she seeks answers about everything at all. She isn't attracted to anyone in a romantic way but K is in love with her. Sumire is a introvert girl living by herself, oblivious to the fashion, trends and people around her and lost in her own little world that mostly comprises of K and her father. She meets Miu, a Korean woman 17 years older and falls in love with her. As things progress, she is invited by Miu to work for her and Sumire blossoms under her both in terms of professional growth and personally. She soon embarks on a trip with the woman she loves, only to go missing from the remote Greek Island that they head to.

You might just think I’ve revealed it all right here, and what more could be there. Do not be mistaken, this is the mere outline of what the book has in store for you. The deep conversations shared by the friends, the thought process of the author conveyed through the characters and of-course the hint of magic and mystery is so overwhelming that this elaborate description stands to be a mere foundation on which this beautiful story is built.

Language

Written from K’s perspective, the writing is simple and complex just the same. If the translated version is so deep and thought provoking, I can only wonder how much deeper the original book can be.

Good Points

Starting from the title, on the onset it seems absurd, but once you read it the title makes sense – the creativity of the author can be seen right at this point. The number of characters are few, hence you tend to focus your attention on these, and each of them is so well conceived and portrayed, you’d be glad to give your attention to each of them.  Coming to the amazing writing style – you need to read it to know what I mean. The words are simple, the sentences are simple too, but the thought – its not! You delve a little deeper, think some more about it and it opens up a beautiful line of thought. Writing like this needs to be read slowly, sometimes re-reading a few lines a couple of times till your brain can really grasp the depth of what is being conveyed.

Last of all, the plot might just seem ordinary, just another one- sided love story? Just another love triangle kind of thing? Well, again, you need to read it to understand that, that is a mere skeleton to this book. The mystery, the thoughts, the connections are so well conveyed that there is nothing ordinary about this book. The hint of mystery and magic leaves you gaping, it has you ravishing the book real quickly seeking answers to all these questions that have suddenly popped up, and there you are, you almost got to a point where your questions are either answered or leave you disappointed, and just at that moment there is a bang, and you are left wanting more.

Bad Points

None, though I wish it ended differently, I still know that I couldn’t ask for a better termination. Sounds contradicting? That’s exactly what the book does to you.

Overall

I had heard so much about the author, I was elated to have received this amazing book as a gift! How glad I am to have made acquaintance with  a certain Mr. Murakami. The book enslaves its reader, it has you reading it a slow pace, re-reading it and indulging some, and has to hooked to it consuming each page with great urgency, when the author wishes it so. All in all, a very enjoyable and thought provoking read.

Who do I recommend this to ?

Another book that I wish everyone reads  due to its powerful writing. Some one who enjoys books that evoke myriad emotions is sure to like this. An author that I would urge everyone to read.

Quotable Quotes

I dream. Sometimes I think that's the only right thing to do.

So that's how we live our lives. No matter how deep and fatal the loss, no matter how important the thing that's stolen from us--that's snatched right out of our hands--even if we are left completely changed, with only the outer layer of skin from before, we continue to play out our lives this way, in silence. We draw ever nearer to the end of our allotted span of time, bidding it farewell as it trails off behind. Repeating, often adroitly, the endless deeds of the everyday. Leaving behind a feeling of immeasurable emptiness.

In the world we live in, what we know and what we don't know are like Siamese twins, inseparable, existing in a state of confusion.

The world in books seemed so much more alive to me than anything outside. I could see things I'd never seen before. Books and music were my best friends.

Why do people have to be this lonely? What's the point of it all? Millions of people in this world, all of them yearning, looking to others to satisfy them, yet isolating themselves. Why? Was the earth put here just to nourish human loneliness?

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

Bees have power over death. They are understood to be the halo of life in the melancholy of darkness. Albert Einstein rightly predicted that the entire human population would disappear in four years should all the bees in the world decide to die or get killed. A set of creatures this small possessing massive amount of power over the existence of life on earth gives some important lessons of life to Lily too. This book which brought the author 'Sue Monk Kidd' into the limelight is the story of Lily during the great civil rights movement in United States. The book went on to win a number of awards and was made into a film. 

It turned out to be a great book to come around to reading 10 books this year that I have always wanted to but kept procrastinating.

Cover page 

I am lucky enough to come across an ancient edition of this book in a used book store in my city. This is the hardback edition published in hardback by 'Review'. The cover page features the beehive and some objects that feature in the story. The entire book is purple in color which is the color of the honey when bees start ducking in elderberries. The cover page is rich with content and significance. A dust jacket like this one makes the books beautiful outside. 

The words inside are large enough to read. This is what is most appealing about the book. Especially when the story is great you do not want to deal with small fonts that make your reading troublesome.

Characters 

Lily is suffering from ever present guilt. She killed her mother accidentally when she was four and now she lives on wishing things turned out different, namely her mother not dying, T-Ray loving her just a little bit more and her classmates inviting her to parties that they attended. Lily's dreams of being a professor or a writer. 

Lily is the central character in the book. She is surprisingly strong and hopeful. There are other characters in the book who have their own uniqueness. Every new character that you meet is written with the freshness of the raindrop.

Content 

Lily lives at her farmhouse with Rosaleen and T-Ray.

T-Ray is her family but he hardly feels like it. In the entire book Lily is chasing the ghost of her mother. She is constantly driven by a guilt. The only thing that she thinks about is the hope of an alternate reality. She wants to live in peace and make something out of her life but before that she has to clarify few things. 

So one fine day when she can no longer be with T-Ray she runs away from the house. The story that follows is the series of events that happen to her on the run and living with three African American sisters who may have know her mother in the past. She feels at home with them, but forgets it's hardly so. T-Ray is searching for her. And them comes the real revelation. It may not help Lily but she now for sure knows what her next step is going to be. 

The story is beautiful. Lily is a brave girl and so are others in the story. The tale of bees is interesting too. There is a revolution happening in the background which adds flavor to the saga. 

Language

The story is narrated by Lily. It is a little childish but still too deep. The perspective is quite interesting. The slow transformation of the characters is notable too. 

Good points

The book cover is beautiful. I own a worn out copy but I plan to gift it to a couple of friends who might like it. I am surely going to try and get this edition. The characters are way too deep and there evolution is well seen during the course of the story. 

Bad points 

I was not fully satisfied with the ending. I was expecting something drastic like a bang! But I guess I was wrong in expecting it altogether. The language itself is very calm and surreal. An end with a bang would be out of place. But still….. 

Overall

Overall, I am elated to have reviewed the first book that I have finished in my TBR shelf. I am happy to have read it this year. 

Who do I recommend it to

This books of for literary fiction readers. Those who love strong characters will find it interesting.

Quotable quotes

Someone who thinks death is the scariest thing doesn't know a thing about life.

Knowing can be a curse on a person's life. I'd traded in a pack of lies for a pack of truth, and I didn't know which one was heavier. Which one took the most strength to carry around? It was a ridiculous question, though, because once you know the truth, you can't ever go back and pick up your suitcase of lies. Heavier or not, the truth is yours now.

It is the peculiar nature of the world to go on spinning no matter what sort of heartbreak is happening.

There is nothing perfect...only life.

Sunset is the saddest light there is.

And when you get down to it, Lily, that is the only purpose grand enough for a human life. Not just to love but to persist in love.

There's nothing like a song about lost love to remind you how everything precious can slip from the hinges where you've hung it so careful.

June Book Box from The Biblio Box

I had never been a part of any book box earlier. This was the first time I subscribed for one. And it did not disappoint me at all! Here are the things I received in the box.

 

A Hardback copy of 'In other words' by the amazing Jhumpa Lahiri. I had read some passages by the author but never a book. This is going to be my first book. Can't wait to read this!

A hardback copy of 'Ghachar Ghochar '. This is a bestselling book by Vivek Shanbhag. I have already started reading the book. Such beautiful writing. It has got a certain vernacular whiff. Let me tell you more once I finish this. 😊

A coffee mug which says 'books be BAE'. We can't get enough of bookish mugs, can we? This one is a beautiful white one with black writing and little hearts! Good one to start my collection with!💕💕

Two book marks by the amazing doodler friend. I plan to Color these with pop colors! Such joy!

A card with some amazing colorful graphics by 'the biblio box'. It's also designed keeping in mind the theme 'India'. It goes directly on my tac board.😊

A peacock feather! Yes a beautiful long peacock feature to go with the theme! I use it as a book mark. It's gorgeous! ❤️❤️

And finally a note from TBB. It says 'We hope you enjoy your biblio box! Team TBB.'

Well, thank you TBB! I absolutely love the box!

Don't forget to check out July box. It revolves around the theme 'magical realism'.

Bidding adieu: Harper Lee

This Pulitzer Prize-winning author bid us her final goodbye, and we are a little heartbroken ( No , make that VERY!). Harper Lee shot to fame with her book ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ which was written in 1960. She very recently published her second book ‘Go Set a Watchman’ which reader world over welcomed with open arms.

Shaking the world with just one book, Lee gave to us a book, a thought process and very lovable characters who will, I am sure, be cherished for a long time.

Here are ten quotes from two of her books that give us a little more to think about, a little more to get inspired from and a little more to remember her by.