Roads to Mussoorie - Ruskin Bond

Ruskin Bond ! He looks like the English- version of my uncle Kunjukunju. Bond is a chronic  bachelor with an unbeatable witty tongue - so is my uncle. This is my first of Bond books. It describes the writer's surroundings and his many journeys to,from and around Mussoorie with a delectable sense of humor. He is our friendly  neighborhood writer with an uncanny eye and ear for the ordinary and most often unnoticed trifles of daily life. The best part is the introduction in which he urges the reader to read the book backwards. Yes, read this book from the last chapter for a change.

Not A Penny More, Not A Penny Less - Jeffrey Archer

The first novel of Archer , also my first Archer novel.

This is a revenge tale without blood-shed , violence and murder. Published while I was a toddler , it's a fast moving,  entertaining mystery with smooth twists and turns , easy and hearty dialogues, sprinkled with razz and romance. The last page is the best, an unexpected delight.

The Life Tree - APJ Abdul Kalam

A collection of 26 poems,with a foreword by the then Prime Minister of India- Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, endorses APJ's musings over life, nature, nation, peace, mother, god, creation etc. These poems reflects his simple and humble origin, achievements and aspirations. You can't help but smile and wonder at the child-like innocence of the 'People's  President'.

Some poems are in the form of story in verses. APJ's version of genesis is totally interesting. God spends millions and millions of years to design and create man. But He creates Satan instantly from fire and asks him to serve the man but Satan refuses. God's first ever impasse ! So He merges both the creations and commands man to defeat Satanic temptations and come out pure and join Him. Of course He equalizes man with brain and other stuff and blesses him indeed ! This explains a lot. But, what about Eve/ woman? Where is she? What's her place in creation? 


'O Almighty, Light the Lamp of Knowledge', written after his visit to Central Institute of Mental Retardation,Trivandrum is very touching,though, it's hard to accept mentally handicapped children as gifts from heaven. Oh , they may be pure without Satanic part and so, no need of defense mechanisms. Some relief...


'Ancestor's Desire' updates his solo status.He is not barren ! Agni, the ballistic missile is his son !! No wonder he speaks at length and writes volumes about Agni. That explains the worries and anxieties regarding his scientific achievements. 'Tumult' bares his mutinous thoughts. The rocket man only 'wanted just a place in the hallowed portals for his homeland' but at times he fears  it's destructive power too. As usual nature brings him back to the brighter side.


'My National Prayer' is included in both his poetry books. We already have enough national stuff to recite and remember. You have left thousands of footprints in our soil to be remembered and cherished.And is still walking..... With due respect Sir , spare us from a national prayer. Grrr....

The Joy Luck Club- Amy Tan

The debut novel of Amy Tan tells the enchanting story of 4 Chinese immigrant mothers and their 4 American- born daughters. It takes the reader to 1916 China and back to 1990 California. The theme is mother-daughter relationship. Brilliant plot, simple language and vocabulary. The autobiographical element is quite shocking. It's her story-of her mother, aunts and relatives.

Its a long time since I read anything Chinese. Yummy !! This novel seems to be a sequel to Pearl S Buck's books. It's deeply disturbing too. From time to time I had to pause and ponder about me and my mother. Love you, Amma.

The Devil And Miss Prym- Paulo Coelho

The small yet gripping moralistic tale is set in an ordinary village. A stranger comes with an extraordinary purpose. His tormented soul screams for vengeance but first he intends to find out some answers about basic human nature. He tempts the entire villagers to commit murder to solve his quest. His past experiences prove that people are bad by nature. But again he wants to find out whether humans are basically evil.  Of course deep in his mind he wants to be proven wrong . The sub- plot tells the story of 2 women- a young maiden stuck in the village afraid to change her life and that of an old woman who lives in constant vigil. Both fulfills their destiny by listening to their hearts. 


Hmm. People are basically good for sure. Does that belief make your life any better? Listen to your heart? What about head?