My blog has not been updated for quite some time, except for the three links and the copied poem that comprise my last four posts. There is a lot to write about, a lot of things happening, light being shed on new things, and most important of all, I have actually started reading books again.
A colleague at work, with whom I regularly have intellectual discussions, suggested that I read Samuel P. Huntington's The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order. The title of the book should suggest the kind of topics we discuss, if it does not, I will - it's mainly politics and sociology. And he even let me borrow his copy of the book. So I started reading it about two weeks ago, and I have not made much progress. It is certainly not the book and its contents that's keeping me away, it is something else, I will describe soon what.
Two months ago, while blog-trotting, I happened to read As'ad Abukhalil's blog - Angry Arab News Service. As I read more and more about him, I came to teh conclusion that, this was one person who truly believed in what he said. He is a socialist, and like me firmly believes that one day, the land of Palestine will return to its rightful people.
Browsing through the list of books by the Angry Arab, I happened to see the title "The Battle for Saudi Arabia - Royalty, Fundamentalism, and Global Power" and some more digging revealed that it dealt with Wahabbism and its hold on the Saudi regime. My interest in West Asian politics apart, I felt this was a book I want to read. Wahabbism has always been a philosophy that frightens me in a way. As a member of the Muslim community in Malabar, growing up in the 1990's, I have seen and experienced the kind of extreme expression of religion that Wahabbism leads its followers to. Think of a brand of Islam, that labels all the beliefs and traditions as blasphemy/heresy and says the one and only true religion is this crazy ideology that sprouted in Najd in the 1800's and grew up in the shade of Saudi petro-dollars. I have seen communities divided and heard about Masjid's being put under Administration because the over-zealous followers of the imported Wahabbism felt that they needed to take over the community in true styles of their original heroes. Wahabbism for me, is a shade of Islam that is so differerent from the Islam that I have been taught, that I grew up surrounded by, I saw people practice and I myself have tried to practice. The aspect of Islam that is distorted the most by Wahabbism is probably its stress on co-existence and tolerance. I knew I had to read this book.
I went to Landmark at The Forum in Bangalore and placed my order. They didn't have a copy in stock, so they told me I will have to wait. They promised to give me a call when the book arrived. Five weeks later, I hadn't yet received the call and I had to call them twice to get the book. Meanwhile my friend had given me Huntington's book and I had started reading it. But I decided to put it away once I had the Angry Arab's book.
So far, it has been a very good experience. As I turn each page, it reinstates in me the belief that I have always held about Wahabbism - that it is a complete contradiction to what Islam teaches and it is plainly wrong. The information that As'ad has put into his book about the nexus between the Wahabbi theology and the House of Saud is huge. I have not yet finished it, but hope to finish it in two days.
Then I plan to read Huntington's book. After that, it will be "Mappila Muslims of Kerala, Society and Anti ColonialStruggles" by Dr. Hussain Randathani. It is published by Other Books, Calicut and although I tried, I could not get a copy in Bangalore. I am still in the hunt for the book, I hope to get a copy when I go home for vacation at the end of this month.
Happened to meet one more socialist. The number of socialists I come across at work amazes me. Maybe, socialism is not all dead and buried, after all.
PS: I also read Chetan Bhagath's 2 States. It was the first Chethan Bhagath book that I was reading, and contrary to my perception, the book turned out to be good.
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Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Saturday, 19 December 2009
Thursday, 2 July 2009
Quotes over the ages
There was a time when I used to study from my notebooks more than any text. All that became a thing of the past when in college. Notebooks became more of a symbol of expression during the lectures (often monotonous). One habit that I caught up was writing down a quote on the first page and omit writing down my name. Due to the fact that I didn't have many notebooks during the four years and cuz I might have lost one or two, I could recover only 4 of them:
S5:
Science is an ongoing process. It never ends. There is no single ultimate truth to be achieved, after which scientists can retire. And because this is so, the world is far more interesting, both for scientists and for millions of people in every nation who, while not professional scientists, are deeply interested in the methods and findings of science.
- Cosmos, Carl Sagan
S5-S6, Still one of my favourite quotes:
It's so easy to run to others. It's hard to stand on one's on record. You can't fake virtue in your own eyes. Your ego is the strictest judge. It's simple to seek substitutes for competence - love, kindness... But there isn't substitute for competence. That precisely is the deadliness of second handers.
- The Fountainhead, Ayn Rand
S6-S7, Very meaningful at that time:
My past life seemed floated away to an immeasurable distance, the present was vague and strange, and for the future I could form no conjecture.
- Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte. ( The irony is that I never completed that book)
S7-S8:
I yearn to define my life
Placing faith in chance to meet me in halfway
Back row to the left, a little to the side,
Slightly out of place
Look beyond the light, where you least expect
There's someone special.
- From the song Someone Special, Poets of the Fall
S5:
Science is an ongoing process. It never ends. There is no single ultimate truth to be achieved, after which scientists can retire. And because this is so, the world is far more interesting, both for scientists and for millions of people in every nation who, while not professional scientists, are deeply interested in the methods and findings of science.
- Cosmos, Carl Sagan
S5-S6, Still one of my favourite quotes:
It's so easy to run to others. It's hard to stand on one's on record. You can't fake virtue in your own eyes. Your ego is the strictest judge. It's simple to seek substitutes for competence - love, kindness... But there isn't substitute for competence. That precisely is the deadliness of second handers.
- The Fountainhead, Ayn Rand
S6-S7, Very meaningful at that time:
My past life seemed floated away to an immeasurable distance, the present was vague and strange, and for the future I could form no conjecture.
- Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte. ( The irony is that I never completed that book)
S7-S8:
I yearn to define my life
Placing faith in chance to meet me in halfway
Back row to the left, a little to the side,
Slightly out of place
Look beyond the light, where you least expect
There's someone special.
- From the song Someone Special, Poets of the Fall
Wednesday, 27 February 2008
Growing up with Potter
In an age in which children preferred the cartoons on television and the plethora of games which keep rolling out month after month and preferred to stay indoors and spent endless hours in front of the TV and computer rather than go out and play, there came a book from an author hitherto unheard of. It was about a young boy, eleven years old and living with his aunt and uncle because he had lost his parents even before he could recall in a car accident. But soon he finds out that he is no ordinary boy, nor did his parents die in a car accident. He was born to wizard parents, who were murdered by the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who was gaining power back then. He was about 1 year old then. Then he had tried to kill him… but something happened, something which made the Dark Lord disappear and helped him survive the killing curse. He was the only known survivor of it and he was a celebrity in the wizard world but he had grown up with his aunt and uncle truly knowing the pinch in the life of an orphan. But now it was time for him to return to the wizarding world, to take up his rightful place there and to have his magical education in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He is Harry Potter. So begins his fantastic journey into the wizarding world, and it is truly in every sense of the word ‘a magical tale’.
This first book ‘Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone’ was released in 1997 and I first read it when I was in 9th standard. Till then I was wandering round reading various hues of Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys Mysteries and truth be told thoroughly enjoying them too. One of my friends recommended it to me. After the first fifty pages I could not put the book down until I had completed it. It was spell binding. It was an altogether different world that the author J.K.Rowling had created. But her craft was so good, it was more than believable. The rare combination of a solid plot, good characters, great settings, brilliant wit and other magical elements meant it was not a book for the children alone. It achieved worldwide appreciation and soon she revealed that there would be 7 books in the series, one for each academic year of the school.
The first four books were pure magic and exceeded expectations on all levels. Each one improved on its predecessor which is a tough ask when you consider the quality of the first book itself. Then she took a break and then published the fifth book ‘The Order Of The Phoenix’. This as some would call it was lackluster and lacked the action packed nature of the previous four. The next one proved to be slightly better and provided some unexpected twists to the story. With the cooling off in the last 2 books, readers feared the 7th book might not fulfill their expectations and provide a deserving completion to the series. Those fears were misplaced and how!!!. In the 7th book she was back in top form and it is now considered one of the best of the series.
The series had a lasting effect on all those who read it I am sure, irrespective of any age barriers. It will continue to enthrall future generations as well and guide them into the world of reading where they will get the opportunity to know joy unbound, feel their hearts broken to pieces and travel the whole world from within the confines of their room. But I feel we were the luckiest of the lot. We were of the same age group as Harry, more or less. We felt the intimidation of going to a new school as he did at that age. We sought for friends as well and found some. There were also some not quite to our taste. We also fought for our houses in our own respective fields. Didn’t we feel the pang of separation from our dear friends during the vacations and the longing to get back to our second home? Weren’t we so self assured we knew that we were right about someone or something. We too had to face grief when we were not ready to understand it nor handle it. Who hasn’t longed for their dear lost ones to come back…Loved some teachers, disliked some. Worshipped some. Seen some girls and felt intrigued. At least once in our lives we have walked in the Valley of Love hand in hand with the one we love, where the flowers are always in full bloom, where it is always bright and sunny and everything perfect and everything seems to be there just for you. Felt anger at being left out, at being cheated upon. Felt the frustration grow when others could not understand how you felt. Felt all the world was against you. Felt the drive to prove yourself and glowed in the praise that showered in. Took out our frustrations on our dear ones, gone back to them and apologized. Wished we could change what has already happened. Wished we could conquer all the evil in the world and make it a better place for all who are in it.
We could relate more to him than readers of other ages who were either too grown up to understand the jump of the heart on stepping foot in a new school with no friends or too young to understand the longing to see a girl or the dark desire for vengeance, to hurt back one who has hurt you. But we felt it all. We felt all the little pulsations that he felt. We cheered with him, understood his frustrations, cried with him and stood steadfast by him. Through all. From the beginning till the end. Till the eleven year old boy who stared out at this new world through wonderstruck eyes grew up to be a young man aware of his responsibilities, aware of his limitations and still wishing he could do all he could to change the world for good. Ready to embrace his destiny and make it his own. Thanks a million Rowling, thanks for the lessons, the morals, the trials…and ultimately for giving us such a friend as Potter (not to forget the Weasleys or Hermione)… You have made our lives richer (not counting in galleons).
Thursday, 21 February 2008
JFx's Top Ten (5-2)
5. The God of Small Things - Arundhati Roy
The God of Small Things (1997) is a semi-autobiographical, politically charged novel by Indian author Arundhati Roy. It is a story about the childhood experiences of a pair of fraternal twins who become victims of circumstance. The book is a description of how the small things in life build up, translate into people's behavior and affect their lives. The book won the Booker Prize in 1997. - wiki (Read more)
This was one of the most touching novels I ever read. The initial chapters made me wonder whether it deserved the Booker prize, but towards the end the story really tugged at my heart overflowing wit emotions. It is set in my native place. So the nostalgia added that extra emotional edge to it.
4. A Brief History of Time - Stephen Hawking
A Brief History of Time is a popular science book written by Professor Stephen Hawking and first published in 1988. It rapidly became a best-seller, and had sold 9 million copies by 2002. It was also on the London Sunday Times best-seller list for a record-breaking 237 weeks. - wiki (Read more)
A Brief History of Time is the only non-fiction book in my top ten. Physics have always been my favourite subject, and astronomy my passion. This books describes in layman language how the huge universe ticks. From exploring the quantum mechanics of elementary particles to the theory of relativity of massive bodies, the book leads us to the ultimate aim of scientific research - the theory of everything.
3. The Fountainhead - Ayn Rand
The Fountainhead is a 1943 novel by Ayn Rand. It was Rand's first major literary success. The book's title is a reference to Rand's statement that "man's ego is the fountainhead of human progress". The Fountainhead examines the life of an individualistic young architect, Howard Roark, who chooses to struggle in obscurity rather than compromise his artistic and personal vision by pandering to the prevailing taste in building design. - wiki (Read more)
This must be one of the most controversial books ever written. It not only questions the world of second handers but inspire people to choose invidualism over collectivism. In this world run by collectivists, people often see this as a threat to their existence. What I've said may seem rubbish.. Honestly I hadn't understood much of the philosophy on finishing the book, but the book has a quality to make us think. The book's a must read - not 'coz I agree with everything said in the book, but 'coz it urges you to frame a philosophy in life.
2. Prelude to Foundation - Isaac Asimov
Prelude to Foundation is a 1988 novel written by Isaac Asimov. It is one of two prequels to the Foundation Series. For the first time, Asimov chronicles the fictional life of Hari Seldon, the man who invented psychohistory and the intellectual hero of the series. - wiki (Read more)
This is the first book in Foundation series. I'm a die-hard fan of the series. There are many reasons why I like this particular book the most. Asimov had written the original trilogy much before this book. Prelude is a much more mature Asimov. He excels not only in his Sci-Fi and unexpected twists, but also gives us a study of human psychology. Beautifully written, excellent ending.. one that you'd never forget.
The God of Small Things (1997) is a semi-autobiographical, politically charged novel by Indian author Arundhati Roy. It is a story about the childhood experiences of a pair of fraternal twins who become victims of circumstance. The book is a description of how the small things in life build up, translate into people's behavior and affect their lives. The book won the Booker Prize in 1997. - wiki (Read more)
This was one of the most touching novels I ever read. The initial chapters made me wonder whether it deserved the Booker prize, but towards the end the story really tugged at my heart overflowing wit emotions. It is set in my native place. So the nostalgia added that extra emotional edge to it.
4. A Brief History of Time - Stephen Hawking
A Brief History of Time is a popular science book written by Professor Stephen Hawking and first published in 1988. It rapidly became a best-seller, and had sold 9 million copies by 2002. It was also on the London Sunday Times best-seller list for a record-breaking 237 weeks. - wiki (Read more)
A Brief History of Time is the only non-fiction book in my top ten. Physics have always been my favourite subject, and astronomy my passion. This books describes in layman language how the huge universe ticks. From exploring the quantum mechanics of elementary particles to the theory of relativity of massive bodies, the book leads us to the ultimate aim of scientific research - the theory of everything.
3. The Fountainhead - Ayn Rand
The Fountainhead is a 1943 novel by Ayn Rand. It was Rand's first major literary success. The book's title is a reference to Rand's statement that "man's ego is the fountainhead of human progress". The Fountainhead examines the life of an individualistic young architect, Howard Roark, who chooses to struggle in obscurity rather than compromise his artistic and personal vision by pandering to the prevailing taste in building design. - wiki (Read more)
This must be one of the most controversial books ever written. It not only questions the world of second handers but inspire people to choose invidualism over collectivism. In this world run by collectivists, people often see this as a threat to their existence. What I've said may seem rubbish.. Honestly I hadn't understood much of the philosophy on finishing the book, but the book has a quality to make us think. The book's a must read - not 'coz I agree with everything said in the book, but 'coz it urges you to frame a philosophy in life.
2. Prelude to Foundation - Isaac Asimov
Prelude to Foundation is a 1988 novel written by Isaac Asimov. It is one of two prequels to the Foundation Series. For the first time, Asimov chronicles the fictional life of Hari Seldon, the man who invented psychohistory and the intellectual hero of the series. - wiki (Read more)
This is the first book in Foundation series. I'm a die-hard fan of the series. There are many reasons why I like this particular book the most. Asimov had written the original trilogy much before this book. Prelude is a much more mature Asimov. He excels not only in his Sci-Fi and unexpected twists, but also gives us a study of human psychology. Beautifully written, excellent ending.. one that you'd never forget.
Monday, 26 November 2007
JFx's Top Ten (10-6)
My good friend and fellow blogger divertido had not so long ago suggested to me about writing a blog dedicated to my top ten books. Without much ado, let the countdown begin..
10. ICON - Fredrich Forsyth
Icon is a historical fiction novel by British author Frederick Forsyth. Its plot centers around the politics of the Russian Federation in 1999, with an extremist party close to seizing power. Published by Bantam Books in September 1997. Icon became a New York Times Bestseller. -wiki (Read more)
I haven't thought much about this book after reading it. Read it many years before and loved it at that time. Since then, it has been in my top ten. Thinking back now, I don't think many would say it deserves a place in it. Yet the book had something more than the excellent plot and detective style, it must have been the first book I read in which characters made an impact (Remember it was the time when I was still reading hardy boys just after famous five which were preceded by simpler Enid Blyton novels).
9. Crooked House - Agatha Christie
Crooked House is a work of detective fiction by Agatha Christie first published in the US by Dodd, Mead and Company in 1949 and in the UK by the Collins Crime Club in May of the same year. The action takes place in and near London in the autumn of 1947. Christie has said that this was one of her two favorites of her own works, the other being Ordeal by Innocence. -wiki (Read more)
Crooked House unmistakably is my favourite Agatha Christie novel. It is the quintessence of Christie's style - detailed and calm build up and superb climax, always with a twist in the end. Her knowledge about poisons shines through this one too, which along with other factors makes the plot very believable. The most amazing part in this particular book is it's ending which thrilled me so much, I can still recollect parts of it after 7 years.
8. Kane and Abel - Jeffrey Archer
Kane and Abel is a 1979 novel by British author Jeffrey Archer. The title and story is a play on the Biblical brothers, Cain and Abel. Released in the United Kingdom in 1979 and in the United States in February of 1980, the book was an international success. It reached No. 1 on the New York Times bestseller list and in 1985 was made into a CBS television miniseries titled Kane & Abel starring Peter Strauss as Rosnovski and Sam Neill as Kane. - wiki (Read more)
Jeffrey Archer, the storyteller is at his best in this one. He builds up the story from the time the protogoniasts are born to their death. We feel like living a double-life both of which aren't our own, but are the lives of Kane and Abel. Many of Archer's books are conceptually similar in the fact that they follow the lives of two opposing 'heroes'. But every story brings about a new flair and different characters who grabs our interest till the end.
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - J. K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is the seventh and final book of Harry Potter novels written by British author J. K. Rowling. The book was released on July 21, 2007, ending the series that began in 1997 with the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. This book chronicles the events directly following Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2005), and leads to the long-awaited final confrontation between Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort. - wiki (Read more)
There is a whole generation of children who grew up reading the Harry Potter series, and I do not deny being one among them. Though I've never been an outspoken fan of Harry Potter, I'd always enjoyed reading them. The two books preceding Deathly Hallows failed o thrill me much, but the final book more than made up for it. Maybe it attracted me so much because the style was modelled on LOTR, and while reading the book felt like going through an epic journey over again.
PS. I'm almost through reading my first unabridged romance classic, Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte and it's fast climbing into my Top Ten.
6. The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho
The Alchemist (Portuguese: O Alquimista) is a bestseller that was first published in Brazil in 1988 and is the most famous work of author Paulo Coelho. It is a symbolic story that urges its readers to follow their dreams. - wiki (Read More)
To be honest, I do not have a clue what the story was. Read it long time ago, and just remember that it was something about following your dreams. I've already decided that Wuthering Heights would replace Alchemist at it's position.
10. ICON - Fredrich Forsyth
Icon is a historical fiction novel by British author Frederick Forsyth. Its plot centers around the politics of the Russian Federation in 1999, with an extremist party close to seizing power. Published by Bantam Books in September 1997. Icon became a New York Times Bestseller. -wiki (Read more)
I haven't thought much about this book after reading it. Read it many years before and loved it at that time. Since then, it has been in my top ten. Thinking back now, I don't think many would say it deserves a place in it. Yet the book had something more than the excellent plot and detective style, it must have been the first book I read in which characters made an impact (Remember it was the time when I was still reading hardy boys just after famous five which were preceded by simpler Enid Blyton novels).
9. Crooked House - Agatha Christie
Crooked House is a work of detective fiction by Agatha Christie first published in the US by Dodd, Mead and Company in 1949 and in the UK by the Collins Crime Club in May of the same year. The action takes place in and near London in the autumn of 1947. Christie has said that this was one of her two favorites of her own works, the other being Ordeal by Innocence. -wiki (Read more)
Crooked House unmistakably is my favourite Agatha Christie novel. It is the quintessence of Christie's style - detailed and calm build up and superb climax, always with a twist in the end. Her knowledge about poisons shines through this one too, which along with other factors makes the plot very believable. The most amazing part in this particular book is it's ending which thrilled me so much, I can still recollect parts of it after 7 years.
8. Kane and Abel - Jeffrey Archer
Kane and Abel is a 1979 novel by British author Jeffrey Archer. The title and story is a play on the Biblical brothers, Cain and Abel. Released in the United Kingdom in 1979 and in the United States in February of 1980, the book was an international success. It reached No. 1 on the New York Times bestseller list and in 1985 was made into a CBS television miniseries titled Kane & Abel starring Peter Strauss as Rosnovski and Sam Neill as Kane. - wiki (Read more)
Jeffrey Archer, the storyteller is at his best in this one. He builds up the story from the time the protogoniasts are born to their death. We feel like living a double-life both of which aren't our own, but are the lives of Kane and Abel. Many of Archer's books are conceptually similar in the fact that they follow the lives of two opposing 'heroes'. But every story brings about a new flair and different characters who grabs our interest till the end.
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - J. K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is the seventh and final book of Harry Potter novels written by British author J. K. Rowling. The book was released on July 21, 2007, ending the series that began in 1997 with the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. This book chronicles the events directly following Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2005), and leads to the long-awaited final confrontation between Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort. - wiki (Read more)
There is a whole generation of children who grew up reading the Harry Potter series, and I do not deny being one among them. Though I've never been an outspoken fan of Harry Potter, I'd always enjoyed reading them. The two books preceding Deathly Hallows failed o thrill me much, but the final book more than made up for it. Maybe it attracted me so much because the style was modelled on LOTR, and while reading the book felt like going through an epic journey over again.
PS. I'm almost through reading my first unabridged romance classic, Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte and it's fast climbing into my Top Ten.
6. The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho
The Alchemist (Portuguese: O Alquimista) is a bestseller that was first published in Brazil in 1988 and is the most famous work of author Paulo Coelho. It is a symbolic story that urges its readers to follow their dreams. - wiki (Read More)
To be honest, I do not have a clue what the story was. Read it long time ago, and just remember that it was something about following your dreams. I've already decided that Wuthering Heights would replace Alchemist at it's position.
Wednesday, 21 November 2007
Wuthering Heights, an amateur review by a confused reader
The story began in a busy shop. He was amongst others engrossed in the abundance of beauty around them. But he had eyes only for one thing - Romance.
Days later he asked himself, "Who should I pick from these beauties I met at the shop". He knew this would be a 'landmark' in his life but like so many other times he let his heart decide it on the toss of a coin. The final verdict is out on his choice now...
The real story stages on the backdrop English countryside. I've noticed that most of the modern day classics are similar in that aspect. Like any romantic novel, it began with the history of our main characters. A gal falls in love with guy, but is forced to marry another. Guy knows about it too late and flees the place in disappointment. Later the guy returns. This guy and the one to whom the gal is married enters a cold war. Physical fight results soon which saddens the heroine. She dies due to illness caused by her mental state on seeing her lover and husband fight. The end?
Nahin picture abhi baaki hai..
What happens after this is, for me, the confusing part and the part that made it special. You've to read the book to find out. The book opened my eyes to new avenues and side alleys of relationships that I didn't expect to exist. It taught me how far broken relationships can change you. If you start off expecting a calm romantic novel in Wuthering Heights, you might end up disappointed. The book is more than that, it's about strained relationships, hatred, self destruction and intense love.
P.S.- Still debating where to put this book in the Top Ten.
Wuthering Heights is Emily Brontë's only novel. It was first published in 1847 under the pseudonym Ellis Bell, and a posthumous second edition was edited by her sister Charlotte. The name of the novel comes from the Yorkshire manor on the moors on which the story centres. (As an adjective, wuthering is a Yorkshire word referring to turbulent weather.) - wiki (Read more)
Days later he asked himself, "Who should I pick from these beauties I met at the shop". He knew this would be a 'landmark' in his life but like so many other times he let his heart decide it on the toss of a coin. The final verdict is out on his choice now...
The real story stages on the backdrop English countryside. I've noticed that most of the modern day classics are similar in that aspect. Like any romantic novel, it began with the history of our main characters. A gal falls in love with guy, but is forced to marry another. Guy knows about it too late and flees the place in disappointment. Later the guy returns. This guy and the one to whom the gal is married enters a cold war. Physical fight results soon which saddens the heroine. She dies due to illness caused by her mental state on seeing her lover and husband fight. The end?
Nahin picture abhi baaki hai..
What happens after this is, for me, the confusing part and the part that made it special. You've to read the book to find out. The book opened my eyes to new avenues and side alleys of relationships that I didn't expect to exist. It taught me how far broken relationships can change you. If you start off expecting a calm romantic novel in Wuthering Heights, you might end up disappointed. The book is more than that, it's about strained relationships, hatred, self destruction and intense love.
P.S.- Still debating where to put this book in the Top Ten.
Wuthering Heights is Emily Brontë's only novel. It was first published in 1847 under the pseudonym Ellis Bell, and a posthumous second edition was edited by her sister Charlotte. The name of the novel comes from the Yorkshire manor on the moors on which the story centres. (As an adjective, wuthering is a Yorkshire word referring to turbulent weather.) - wiki (Read more)
Saturday, 13 October 2007
Forward the Foundation: A Tribute to Asimov
I could not have written this book forty- or thirty, twenty or even ten- years ago. That is because, piece by piece, over the years, I have been working back to Foundation's source: Hari Seldon. You see over time, Hari Seldon has evolved into my alter ego. In my Earlier books Hari Seldon was the stuff of legend- with Forward the Foundation I have made him real.
- Isaac Asimov.
As you might have guessed, I've completed the book just now. This might not be the best book in the Foundation Series (which is 'Prelude to Foundation' in my opinion), but it truly is the book that is closest to my heart. The book is more autobiographical than other and the effects are evident throughout the story. We see Asimov/Seldon ageing not too gracefully, always feeling that his work to the World/Empire would remain uncompleted. Ultimately he succeeds in conquering the summit. Asimov/Seldon left a void in humanity's present, but left us with a path to the future- A path of hope, of resurgence and the eventual glory.
Can't give away more of the story, but reading this final chapter of the Foundation series will confirm that this is the best Sci-Fi novel series ever written.
- Isaac Asimov.
As you might have guessed, I've completed the book just now. This might not be the best book in the Foundation Series (which is 'Prelude to Foundation' in my opinion), but it truly is the book that is closest to my heart. The book is more autobiographical than other and the effects are evident throughout the story. We see Asimov/Seldon ageing not too gracefully, always feeling that his work to the World/Empire would remain uncompleted. Ultimately he succeeds in conquering the summit. Asimov/Seldon left a void in humanity's present, but left us with a path to the future- A path of hope, of resurgence and the eventual glory.
Can't give away more of the story, but reading this final chapter of the Foundation series will confirm that this is the best Sci-Fi novel series ever written.
Thursday, 2 August 2007
Err....
Hmmmmm........no posts??? Damn!!!
I'm using my power of trash stacking for posting this blog. Oh!!! f**k.....
Yeah!! i finished LOTR recently. Quite a stunning book i must say...(Eh...I'm not starting out with another review.. ;-) ) I finished the movies too... But not very satisfactory i must say..One thing i realized on seeing the movies that my own imagination is better than using another man's perspective. Here are some of the disputes and concurrence i found between me and Mr.Peter Jackson.
I'm using my power of trash stacking for posting this blog. Oh!!! f**k.....
Yeah!! i finished LOTR recently. Quite a stunning book i must say...(Eh...I'm not starting out with another review.. ;-) ) I finished the movies too... But not very satisfactory i must say..One thing i realized on seeing the movies that my own imagination is better than using another man's perspective. Here are some of the disputes and concurrence i found between me and Mr.Peter Jackson.
- I never thought the dwarf would be that aged, never thought he would have a beard. The notion of dwarfs having 3 feet heights got me thinking w.r.t the small kids, so had a feeling he would be a young fellow.
- And most of you might disagree with me in this regard- I believe Aragorn's casting could have been a little more better.On reading the book i was inclined to expect a lot off kingliness from the actor,but i must say i like my king better than Viggo.May be they wanted an actor who looks good on a steed and of course he had the reputation from Hidalgo(which i must say was quite impressive...).
- But all credit to the movies for the splendid landscaping of middle earth, wah!! beautiful shire, the enormous black gate and the elvish cities of Rivendell and Lothllorien really remarkable work, the one area i believe my imagination couldn't quite catch up...
- The modification of real story at some places made me feel let down as a real fan of LOTR. The most infuriating thing was that they silently accuse Faramir to be like ordinary men getting corrupted for the power of the ring. From the book my impression about him was like steward worthy enough to be born in the race of the great kings, very just and very true.
- Also they show shire as a trouble free, 'cheerful as ever' place even when the rest of the middle-earth is under the shadow.
F**k again.. Donno wat the hell i was writing and why the hell i made the post...I'm listening now to a Linkin Park song which goes like
When my time comesTo all of you i wanna say the same........
Forget the wrong that I've done
Help me leave behind some
Reasons to be missed
And don't resent meSomething's driving me insane for sure...perhaps its the primordial seeds of sanity left dormant deep inside my guts popping up....
And when you're feeling empty
Keep me in your memory
Leave out all the rest
Wednesday, 27 June 2007
Finally forward
Read the title first. It is not about any emails though.....
Today i went to eloor library on a friend's card. Went straight fiction. straight to asimov. straight to "forward the foundation". Ah! Finally!! After months of waiting i finally got my hands on the book.
Some 4-5 people in my class have read the prelude. inquisitivo was so much in love with the book that he wrote this blog about it. all of us have been waiting for the second book.
the quest was made all the more intresting by the fact that we had the 3rd 4th and 5th book amongst us. if only we could get the forward...........
we searched for the book in second hand book stalls throughout the city. messages flew to the nooks and corner of CET in search of the book. inquisitivo even went to a book store to actually buy a copy. but alas! there was none left.
I am holding THE book. Why hadn't i thought about it before??? So simple.... YET!!!
finally. finally .. I left the library with some other book.
Today i went to eloor library on a friend's card. Went straight fiction. straight to asimov. straight to "forward the foundation". Ah! Finally!! After months of waiting i finally got my hands on the book.
Some 4-5 people in my class have read the prelude. inquisitivo was so much in love with the book that he wrote this blog about it. all of us have been waiting for the second book.
the quest was made all the more intresting by the fact that we had the 3rd 4th and 5th book amongst us. if only we could get the forward...........
we searched for the book in second hand book stalls throughout the city. messages flew to the nooks and corner of CET in search of the book. inquisitivo even went to a book store to actually buy a copy. but alas! there was none left.
I am holding THE book. Why hadn't i thought about it before??? So simple.... YET!!!
finally. finally .. I left the library with some other book.
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