Reading Writings

Sometimes pain tends to get masked behind a sense of narcissism, especially when it involves your significant other. Nina's Memento Mori is a kind of self introspection that the author indulges in as he writes about himself remembering his wife. He focuses on himself as he narrates incidents revolving around his wife. This elegy is more of an autobiography as per me. Mathias does write straight from the heart. Some readers might find it hard to relate through the narration, however, those who have lost their spouses to death would very well understand the emotions underlying this piece of writing. There are breaks in the narration but these are like deliberate attempts to both break the monotony in writing as well as to portray the train of thoughts as they happened. The language is not simple but that is a trademark of a writer with vast amount of writing experience behind him. To say that Nina was his inspiration to write would be an understatement. In fact, she is exa...

Every child is unique, a universal truth. However, the moment he or she is able to discover the magic within him or her, it becomes priceless. Unfortunately, the very need to be accepted by peer group might hamper the child's development. The plot revolves around Evie Everyday, a witch who has magical powers within her. But she prefers to change herself and hide her magic so that she is liked by her friends. But does this turn out to be in her favour? Well, to know that please read about Evie in this delightfully wonderful story. Elena Paige is a writer to look out for because she creates magic in this piece of her writing. The language used caters for the reading needs of 9 to 11 years old children. The writer also uses imageries extensively. These imageries are vivid and appealing. The only major issue I found as I read it out to my 6 year old was that the narrative was a bit jerky. There were breaks which could have been avoided. Despite the discontinuity, the story is ...

Near the end of Nabokov's Lolita, Humbert makes an honest admission: "[A]nd it struck me...that I simply did not know a thing about my darling's mind." That line sums up the isolate game of memorializing a deceased loved one, which is the basic tension in Nina's Memento Mori, an elegy to Mathias Freese's lost wife. The profound responsibility of answering the question "Who was Nina?" is left to the lone memoirist: I can say or write anything I want about her...There is much writerly power in that. I am the executor of her probate in all things now. She is mine now in ways she could not be when alive. I am the steward of her memory. Freese ends up analyzing himself, putting the "me" in "memento" and the "i" in "mori," thanks to ever-giving Nina posthumously providing a therapeutic mirror or "Rosebud," which Freese appropriates from  Citizen Kane . But Freese mourns more over the burden of exis...

It’s 1971 and a university art instructor has just been informed that his contract won’t be renewed. His life is spiraling out of control. He decides to set out on a solo hiking trip across the U.S. Two men, offer to pay him $50,000, to set up a drug deal in Mexico. He agrees to do it, with the hopes that he will finally be financially secure. In 4,500 miles, he encounters a 7-day rock festival in the woods, an invitation to a lynching, Mexican drug dealers, near death in the wilderness, a spiritual awakening and a ride with a Hell’s Angel. His exploration covers homelessness in Haight-Ashbury, an urban, mega-warehouse commune, a bizarre New Year’s Eve and a stabbing in a cheap hotel. He learns to cope with vigorous hardships of nature and living off the land; hitchhiking and sleeping in strangers’ homes. After the drug deal fails, his designs for a unique energy-efficient building system score him a collaboration with a prestigious, San Francisco architecture firm. He unsu...

The book promises to do what it aims to do. It helps introduce and bring out facets of a russian tsar, all under 60 minutes. The book is a quick read and gives out glimpses of a man who is considered to be a psychopath in the history books on Russia. The writing is really simple and can be easily understood. The best part of this book is the fact that all possible facets of this fascinatingly despicable Tsar of Russia has been covered. The imageries are vibrant. Though this book offers snippets only, it does kindle the desire to read up more about this tyrannt. A very well written work for sure. The entire theme revolves around Ivan and all possible facets of his characters have been well brought out. To sum up, if you are a history buff and would love to read about russian history then this is a must read for you. It is concise and short, however, it guarantees to inculcate a sense of curiosity in the readers for sure. P.S- Thank you Tyler for an amazing read. This is ...

What an awesome story! I was transported back to my childhood where I grew up reading about fairies, dragons and princesses. The plot revolves around two brothers and a camp. I can't reveal more except that it is a fantasy if that is your genre. On thee whole, the book is a definite must read. The language is simple and the narrative is compelling. There are no breaks in the narration and that is the best part. There are loads of imageries, visual, aural, tactile. These mental pictures when replicated, on the big screen or the television as a series, would create a blockbuster for sure. Writing for children is not an easy task. Victoria writes while retaining the childlike innocence of all its characters. Hence, kudos to her for penning a story that transports the reader to the lands of magic and fantasy. Besides Aiden and his brother, there are many other characters. Thankfully, they support the storyline and enhance the plot. The characters have been etched out clearly...

When you notice a book by one of your favourite authors you can't help but read his writings instantly. I have been reading Karl's stories not only for the sake of reviewing them but also as a mother. My children love to listen to his stories. The fact that they respond positively while hearing them is yet another bonus. This book revolves around the concept of colours and careers. What I loved about this book is the way Karl has presented varied colours to young readers by using careers and cultures as metaphors. You must read it to appreciate what I mean. The writing is really simple. The book is bilingual as in it presents a Spanish translation as well. Though English works for me and my kids, however, Karl's writings are a good way to teach a foreign language. The illustrations are bright, colourful, apt and definitely appeal to the eyes. Each page represents a colour and a career. It would be wonderful to see an animated version of the same for a visual effe...

I have been on a reading spree since past two months though I haven't been able to post reviews as frequently as I wanted to. Notwithstanding this, I begin with one of my favourites on my reading list Mannethorn's Key. This book is the first story in a triology called The Key of Life. It is an epic fantasy, hence the story is set in a world of fantasy with magic, mystical creatures and enchanted lands. The plot revolves around a man transported to a world called Between, a wizard and their travails together. For further details you need to read the entire story, and trust me, you wont regret it one bit if fantasy is your genre. The language is almost lyrical, as in it has the power to transport the reader into an altogether different world. The narration is a bit slow in the beginning but it picks up pace as the story progresses. Kudos to Simon for use of a descriptive narrative that is neither overbearing nor jerky. The writing justifies the plot at every paragraph, e...

Firstly, I loved the concept of 60 minutes learning. The past few months have been busy for me to actually concentrate and read pages and pages. So, when I had the time to read I found two gems, one being this and the other is Ivan the Terrible which I will review separately. Coming back to this nonfiction, it gives a peek into the world of Greek mythology. Now it would be unfair both to the writer and the wondrous world of mythical Greece if I say this book does not give details. Honestly, I am glad it has enough content to pique my interest in greek mythology so that I research upon them at leisure. I think that was precisely the aim of In60Learning. To be honest, I am not an avid historian and have limited knowledge thanks to my exposure to history in my school. Yet, being a student of psychology, I do realise that mythology plays a great role in shaping up personalities and influencing behaviours. And greek mythology has relevance not only for its roots in ancient Greece, ...

It has been a long time since I posted a review. But that hadn't stopped me from reading. I begin with a review of Piece Keeper. This book is definitely not for those who have a weak heart. The book deals with a serious subject and hence is dark. It is about a rape, rather gangrape of a young intern. Her personal space and dignity is violated when she is not in her senses. To add to her woes the entire investigation is done by her ex-lover. Sure its not a happy scenario and does deserve five stars for the seriousness of the subject. However, there were a few issues which I felt affected my rating. First of all, hats off to the writer for a story concept that revolves around an issue that plagues the world in general and women in particular. Rape is not only a heinous crime, it shakes the very belief of goodness in humanity. But what shook me was the graphic details and the violence. The description was too intense for me. Hence, the language leaves no gory details to imagi...

About the Book: Can bitter enemies find love? Haunted by visions, Calypso sets out to find the man who stalks her dreams. Calypso, an ageless fae, is convinced this man will enslave and torment her just like the one who held her long ago. Determined to track him down and kill him, she's prepared for anything, except for what she finds. The mortal male she encounters stirs embers she thought long dead, making her yearn for his touch. Lucien has always believed himself to be a mortal slave. The truth, however, is more than he's ever imagined. Born to a fae mother and a warlock father, he is a falock, a being of mixed blood hated by both races. And he's destined for greatness…if he can survive the Roman gladiators' games long enough to grow into his immortality. When the slim beauty rescues him from the depths of his prison, Lucien comes face to face with the truth of who and what he is. Determined to protect the woman who rescued him, he'll risk everything,...

Read an Excerpt: “Good aim! But that sorry-looking insult to all weapons is not going to take you very far.” Mauri jumped out of her skin. The man who had found her out was a complete stranger. A closer look at him told her he was a Rakshasa. Her first instinct was to make a run towards the exit. It would be only a matter of time before this Rakshasa would go and tell Ghatotkacha. Then it struck her that she had never seen this man in Ghatotkacha’s team! Who was he? “Your secret is safe with me, little one!” He beamed. The broken canine on his upper jaw could not be missed. He took her arm but she shook him off. “Alright! Remember girl, I am your well-wisher.” “I don’t even know who you are!” Mauri backed away. “Someone who can protect you from…,” he smirked and pointed to the gap between the two ornate pillars close to where she was hiding, “them” Mauri peered through the gap. She could count up to six guards furiously searching for the culprit who had dared st...

About the Book: India's rich diversity, both in its physical and natural aspects, is widely known. India has had a great past with achievements in literature, the arts, medicine and mathematics. Indians were sea-faring and they spread their influence through their philosophy, religion and military conquest too. But Like a cosmic phenomenon, decline is every civilization is inevitable. Indian civilization too declined. When a civilization rises, people are driven by idealism; when people are possessed of greed, it declines and falls. Indians today are possessed of excessive, abominable, putrefying greed. The author tells it all in an honest, engaging manner. He holds a mirror unto ourselves. Book Link: Amazon About the Author: I hail from a middle class family. Son of a soldier, I did my studies in Bengaluru obtaining a Bachelor’s degree (from St. Joseph’s College) in Science and then in Law from a different college.  Though not very serious about studi...

About the Book: WHAT IF THE EARTH YOU KNEW WAS JUST THE BEGINNING? A New York banker is descending into madness.  A being from an advanced civilization is racing to stay alive.  A dead man must unlock the secrets of an unknown dimension to save his loved ones.  From the visions of Socrates in ancient Athens, to the birth of free will aboard a spaceship headed to Earth, The Unity Game tells a story of hope and redemption in a universe more ingenious and surprising than you ever thought possible.  Metaphysical thriller and interstellar mystery, this is a 'complex, ambitious and thought-provoking novel' from an exciting and original new voice in fiction. Book Links: Goodreads * Amazon Meet the Characters: The Setting: Earth New York City. The 1990s. One of the world’s leading investment banks. The Setting: Space A distant planet. A dry surface orbited by three red moons and circling a distant sun. An advanced civilization living in und...

Sometimes one single book has the power to get you thinking for a long time. I picked up this book for the sheer personal interest I have in the subject it dealt with. Be it the term Fighter Pilot or Art of War, both are topics close to my heart. So it was but natural that I put aside all other books and read this one on top priority. The book deals with the professional and personal life of John Boyd, a man who is revered by the Military fraternity around the world. It gives a peek into the life of a military strategist whose profound thoughts were way ahead of the times and era he lived in. Robert Coram, as a biographist, has brought out the facts as accurately as he could. In fact, this is one biography that is gripping from beginning till the end. His language is simple. The military jargons used have been explained in a manner that can be comprehended even by people from the civvy street. As a military history enthusiast, this book definitely intrigued me since the very f...

Daughter of the Sun ~ Cult of the Cat Series Book 1 ~ About the Book: Title: Daughter of the Sun Series: Cult of the Cat Series, Book 1 Author: Zoe Kalo Genre: YA Contemporary Fantasy / Paranormal Word Count: 93,000 words No. of Pages: 330 Mystery, adventure, a hint of romance, and the delicious sweep of magic... Sixteen-year-old Trinity was born during a solar eclipse and left at the doorsteps of a convent along with a torn piece of papyrus covered with ancient symbols. Raised by nuns in the English countryside, she leads a quiet life until she’s whisked away to the Island of Cats and a grandmother she never knew.  But before they can get to know each other, her grandmother dies. All that Trinity has left is a mysterious eye-shaped ring. And a thousand grieving cats. As Trinity tries to solve the enigma of the torn papyrus, she discovers a world of bloody sacrifices and evil curses, and a prophecy that points to her and her new feline abilities...