Tukayachi Awli (तुकयाची आवली) by Manjushree Gokhle

"Tukayachi Awli (तुकयाची आवली)" a Marathi novel by Manjushree Gokhle.

Jijabai, better known as Awli, was Sant Tukaram's (संत तुकाराम) second wife. Very little information is available about her and what kind of a person she was. She is considered as a women opposed to Tukaram, always insulting him without appreciation and a loud mouth. This fictional novel tries to dispel the notion and tries to portray her in a different light.

The book starts from the childhood of Awli, passes through her engagement, marriage, wifehood and motherhood, Tukaram's sadeh waikuntha gaman (सदेह वैकुंठ गमन) and till the end of her life.

Her relationship with Vithoba is presented beautifully. Rather than being that of bhakt / god it is sometime that of a child who has right to complain about the behavior of his parents or that of an outright enemy or envy. Manjushree tries to convey, rather successfully, that general public could not understand the hardships Awli had to go through due to Tukaram's Vitthal bhakti and his general ignorance of wife / children & how a mother can threaten even 'The God' when it comes to the matter of life and death of her children.

Awli loves Tukaram but is livid about his inaction and not carrying out his responsibilities towards his family. Actually Awli makes Vithoba a medium to convey her anger and feelings to Tukaram who has gone beyond earthly pleasures. The world branded her as anti Vithoba, mannerless and a loud mouth but no one tried to understand her feelings, the hardships she went through to make the ends meet.

Vitthal-Rakhumai, the Gods, are important characters in this story, mostly silent observers. Vithoba is shown repenting for taking Tukaram away from her.

Author had spent a third of the book until Awli and Tukaram's marriage. But it was worth it. Awli's outbursts against Vithoba and the words used by author have become repetative and thus become a sour note.

Manjushree has captured all the minute things and behaviors of the rural life of those times in great details, as if she was there during the period.

It's a good book, but at the end I had a feeling that it could have been better.

Read for the novelty.

One amazing thing by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

"One amazing thing", by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. Chitra is an award winning Indian-American writer. She is better known as author of 'Mistress of spice'.

A number of people are waiting in the Consulate of India, in USA, to get their Indian visa. Uma - a second generation Indian-American, Tariq -  a Muslim Indian-American who has turned towards religion after 9/11, Mrs & Mr Pritchett an aged American couple, Jiang an old Chinese lady (who's forefathers had migrated to India and who has inturn migrated to USA) with her grand daughter Lily and a black American ex army officer Cameron; along with embassy staff of receptionist Malathi and  visa officer Mangalam.

While they are waiting for their turn an earthquake strikes. Outer building collapses trapping them in the visa office. There is no electricity, very limited food, no supplies and no tools. A section of ceiling collapses, there are injuries. Water starts seeping. Minor arguments turn into fist fights. Each person forms opinion about others based on their experience, what they have read and preconceived notions.

The situation appears gloomy and desperate. Hope is waning. This is when Uma comes up with idea of each one telling a story from their life. These seemingly normal looking people have a special and amazing stories to tell. Stories of love, betrayal, anguish,  delusion, stupidity, reconciliation and hope.

What are their stories? Who's story is the best? Does this storytelling bring peace between them? Does some one try to help them? Are they rescued?

Chitra is a very good story teller. All the stories are short and sweet, although initial stories are better than later ones. You remain interested in the book till end as it's not a lengthy book. This was first book of Chitra that I read and I would like to read more of her books.

Good book. Recommend reading.

House of Hedes - Heros of Olympus by Rick Riordan

"House of Hedes - Heros of Olympus" by Rick Riordan. This is the fourth book of the Heroes of Olympus series.

In the previous book demigods Percy and Annabeth have fallen into Tartarus, the bottomless pit. This book shows their journey through Tartarus and towards doors of death. The friends, enemies they meet there and challenges they face.

While at the same time other five demigods Leo, Hazel, Frank, Jason and Piper along with Nico are traveling in a flying ship (Argo II) towards House of Hedes, to the other side of doors of death. They too encounter numerous challenges.

Calypso makes a come back after appearing in 'Sea of monsters' from first series of Percy Jackson. Giants and earthborns have awaken and are marching for The feast of hope.

Will Percy and Annabeth cross Tartarus and stay alive? Who is the unexpected friend they meet there? How does Calypso come into the picture? What challenges await demigods on Argo II? Who do they meet at the doors of death? What next?

Rick Riordan has maintained his style and interest in the story. He has milked Greek and Roman mythology to the fullest. The wait for next book begins.

Read if you are a teenager or if you are a teenager at heart.

Taras Bulba and other tales by Nikolai Gogol

"Taras Bulba and other tales" by Nikolai Gogol.

Nikolai Gogol is considered one of the most brilliant Russian writers. My curiosity in Gogol was kindled after reading Jhumpa Lahiri's Namesake and I decided to read this book.

Taras Bulba is the first story (actually it's a novella) and occupies almost half the book. Taras Bulba is a Ukrenian cossack chieftian. The story paints the uninhabited lives of cossacks (Orthodox Christians) vividly. How women had no standing in their society, how they drank, how they waged brutal wars (against Catholics) etc. The story takes turn when one of Taras' son falls in love with a noble girl from enemy camp while in war. How Taras keeps fighting for his land and cause, dispite losing all the beloved ones, one by one. His cruelty and revenge. All for a cause. This story has many racial expletives, but such was the language of that time.

I could not comprehend what the author wanted to say in the second story 'St. John's eve'. 'The cloak' portrays life of a very simple and timid man, 'How two Ivans quarreled' shows how human ego can destroy a friendship, 'The mysterious portrait' is a dark tale and 'The calash' is an attempt at comedy.

In general the book has a very dark mood and there is little optimism in it.

Read if you want to know what Gogol wrote. Otherwise give it a miss.

The hope factory by Lavanya Sankaran

"The hope factory", by Lavanya Sankaran. This is her second book and first novel.

Two story's run more or less parallel in this book mingling frequently. Anand, an entrepreneur, who is on the cusp of acquiring a large order from a Japanese auto company (looking to expand) and Kamala, a cleaner in his house.

Anand's story portrays the upgraded lifestyle, entrepreneurship, high society, cosmopolitan culture, fantasies and politics of Benglore. Kavika is the portrayal of all that is desirable and human, what you long but know is unachievable and dream. Vidya is the  annoying and at times irritating reality that you live with and you also love. Lawanya has been able to tap the pulse of the city and capture it for the readers.

Kamala's story is of a fiercely proud and poor mother who's only ambition is to give good education to her son and make him a good man. She is ready to toil for his better future but would not tolerate accusations.

There are problems in both the stories, that will impact the lives of the concerned, and there are solutions. Though the solutions may not be permanent there is always a hope.

Lawanya has shown two faces of striving city and how they intertwine. She has shown human emotions and tested them  with the yardstick of reality. Lawanya has a very different style of narration. She has shown the cosmopolitan nature of Bangalore while at the same time has shown that Kannada atmosphere is not smothered.

A decent book. One can read.

The Ekkos Clan by Sudipto Das.

"The Ekkos Clan" a debut novel by Sudipto Das.

Story starts in Senpara, a village now in Bangladesh, before partition. How a family is devastated by the inhuman atrocities during partition and how a mother, Kubha, makes ultimate sacrifice to save 2 of her 4 children. This account is riveting.

Then there is a time leap to present time. Protagonist is grand son of Kubha. Kubha's family had migrated from Hindu kush region to Senpara long time ago. Kubha tells stories to her children that have been passed to her orally through generations. The same stories are passed on to the present generation.

There is a deep meaning in these stories. What is it? Are the stories very similar to Rig Ved? What does it mean? Someone is trying to kill Kubha's family and decendants. Why? Who is murdering? Is there a bigger conspiracy? What has Russia or a young and beautiful linguist of Pakistani origin to do with it? Who are Kalash people in Pakistan?

Scientific name of horse is Equus caballus.
It is said that before the arrival of Aryans (some say they never arrived, they were always here), India did not know the animal called horse. Hence the title of the book.

Sudipto has done a decent job in narration. The expectations and excitement is set high in the first few chapters during partition, but author could not maintain the same tempo in the rest of the book. Story gets boring at times. Sometimes  characters find very old information very easily which is far from reality. Although the seed of this book is brilliant the execution could have been better.

Chetan Bhagat has started trend of IITans writing books and Sudipto had continued the tradition. We can expect more from his next book.

An OK book. Read if you have time and patience or for a change.

The Partner by John Grisham

"The Partner", by John Grisham.

This is the story of Patrick Lanigan, a brilliant attorney and partner in law firm, with a beautiful but unfaithful wife.

Patrick learns about a conspiracy by his partners to get 30 million $ in fees and removing him before the money comes. He hatches a brilliant plan and steals 90 million $ by faking his death and is on a run.

He is captured. Who captures him? How did he plan all this? Does he have any more surprises up his sleeve?  Who is his partner? Do they succed?

The story is set up in US and Brazil. Its a brilliant plan. Execution is flawless but then he is captured. Grisham has kept up the pace and excitement till the end. Book starts with Patrick's capture and flash back is used liberally. This book is not a lengthy one and does not allow you to get bored.

This being a John Grisham book is a legal thriller alright, but there is hardly any court room drama. World of legal settlements is presented well. The social, political, publicity & reputation considerations are shown in detail and without being sarcastic.

Patrick does everthing right, however book ends on a very very sad note and you feel really bad.

Recommend reading.

Hot Ice by Nora Roberts

"Hot Ice", by Nora Roberts.

Doug Lord, a professional thief, is being chased by bad guys who want to double cross him when he aquires important documents for them. He happens to board car of Whitney McAlister, a beautiful heiress.

Both of them form a partnership (strictly professional), Whitney providing finance and Doug the location of treasure, & set off to Madagascar for the search of hidden treasure buried during French revolution, with bad guys on their heels.

Can bad guys catch them? Do they find the treasure? Do they get it? Are they attracted to each other? Does love kindle between them?  How does the story end?

This book is a little 'hat-ke' in style from other books of Nora. She has used action more than romance. The book gets sluggish at times. There are no major twists or surprises in the story. You don't get bored but it also doesn't keep you on the edge.

Relationship between Whitney and Doug is portrayed nicely. A little bit of more  story would have helped the cause.

Not a bad book. Read if you have time, but you will not miss much if you don't.

RIP by Mukul Deva

"RIP" a thriller by Mukul Deva.

A group calling itself RIP, short form of  The Resurgent Indian Patriots, starts killing corrupt politicians, their aids and corrupt businessmen. The group consists of ex army special operatives (read commandos) lead by Colonel Krishna Athavale.

Objectives of RIP quickly catch attention of TV channels and general public. Government assigns the case to Special Director Vinod Bedi and Home minister Karunakaran, representing corrupt politicians, secures services of 'gun for hire', and ex special operative, Captain Raghav Bhagat to track and kill RIP and not let police catch them alive.

The game of cat and mouse begins. How and who does RIP plan to kill?  Who is their high value target? Do they succeed? Does Bhagat get to them? Or is it Bedi who gets to them? To what extent will politicians go? Is there a traitor?

Paths of Krishna and Raghav have crossed in the past. Were they on the same side then? Added to the mix is a love triangle of sorts and pasts of the protagonists.

Too many times the good guys and bad guys fail to identify a tail on them. Strange thing for professionals. A number of characters are based on real life figures like Sonia, Rahul, Raja, Kalmadi, Anna Hazare etc.. And there are numerous references to recent scams. Writer's attempt of making this fiction appear close to reality has succeeded. Although there is one and half lose ends that need to be tied up, they can be ignored.

Although Mukul has written 7 books earlier, this was the first one I read. Now I look forward to reading his previous books.

It's a page turner. Recommend reading.

Lost city by Clive Cussler with Paul Kemprecos

"Lost city" a novel by Clive Cussler with Paul Kemprecos.

This is a Numa Files adventure and the protagonist is Kurt Austin, director of Special Assignments team of NUMA (National Underwater & Marine Agency - underwater equivalent of CIA) alongwith his sidekick Joe Zavala.

A frozen body of an aviator is found entoumbed in a glacier with a strange helmet. Its the body of a person from one of the most powerful families that has thrived on arms business for centuries. Scientists on a deserted island may have reinvented elixer of life and horrible mutants. What links the two? How does Numa get involved? What is the relation of all this with the Lost City (a field of hydrothermal vents in atlantic ocean)?
                    
Clive Cussler thrillers are all centered around the theme of water. I wonder how he can write so many novels. This is 6th in Numa series that I read and I  have read another 16 of Dirk Pitt adventures, Oregon files, Isac Bell adventures & Sam Fargo adventures. And there are more  to be read.
               
Clive Cussler is a master story teller and keeps you transfixed to the book till the end. This book is no exception. This thriller enters into science fiction zone.
                               
If you like Cussler read it. However this is not a book to start reading Cussler.

The witch of portobello by Paulo Coelho.

"The witch of portobello", by Paulo Coelho.

Protagonist of this book is Athena, a girl adopted by Lebanese family who is settled in England; later known as Witch of Portobello. Its the journey of discovery of oneself, discovering that you are part of universe and god is within each of us. Her journey begins when she decids to go to find and visit her birth mother, a gypsy, in Transylvania-Romania.

The book is written between normal and paranormal. There is a blend of philosophy and psycology with sprinkling of religion. There are also some Pagan traditions of celebrating the mother nature.
                   
Love, not lust, is the real theme and soul of the book. Power of mind is the key to real joy in the world. This book puts forth philosophy that is ground breaking (e.g. you dont teach what you know, you teach what you dont know. Love can not be defined, it just is etc.)

Paulo Coelho's writing style is special. You can not just read the book, you have to decipher it.

Character of Athena is an interesting case study. She sometimes reminds me of character of Maya from Gulzar's film Ijaazat. The end, though, seemed out of sync with the book.
                                         
What did I read? Nothing and everything. Hard to catch the soul of book in words.

If you are serious reader and want food for thought read the book. An interesting book.

Shadow Hunter by Jeffery Archer.

"Shadow Hunter", by Jeffery Archer.

The story is set in cold war era. A nuclear submarine captain, whose father is presumed dead in a submarine accident long ago,  learns about multiple infidelities of his wife; latest being a Russian spy. He learns this just before his departure with his submarine for a major NATO exercise near Russian waters, on a special mission.        

Can he cope up with the breach of trust? What can he do about the security breach on top of it? Has he a plan?  What are his intentions? Defect or destroy?  Can his best friend and captain of another nuclear submarine help?

What does it have anything to do with future of Russia and who rules her? What would happen to Peristroika and Glasnost?

The books explores life on a nuclear submarine, cutoff from outside world for weeks. The chain of command, technical details, submarine protocols are explained in detail and give us a sneak peak in another world.

Pace of the story is fairly uniform and you want to read till end, however you can guess the end.  International politics and Russia's internal politics is captured and used aptly. Climax could have been made more interesting.

A good book to read but not a must read.

Understood by Maya Banks

"Understood", a novella by Maya Banks. I happened to get hold of this book by chance.

Ely a beutiful divorcee, now single, enters a bar, drunk & looking to be picked up. She is rescued by Jake, friend of her ex and Ely's admirer.

Jake loves Ely. But does she love him?  Is she capable if loving anyone after suffering at the hands of her 1st husband?  Do they unite?

Maya's writing style is plain. There is little drama. Character of Ely's husband remains undeveloped. End is predictable. This was supposed to be an erotic romance but does not do justice to either.

Why did I complete it? Only because it was a novella and not a full length novel.

Avoid.

Zero Percentile by Neeraj Chhibba

"Zero Percentile", a debut novel by Neeraj Chhibba.

Pankaj, Priya and Motu are childhood friends. Pankaj is destined to go to IIT, expected to achieve 1st rank in JEE i.e. 100 percentile. But fate makes him zero percentile and lands him in Volvograd, USSR whereas Motu goes to IIT.

USSR is a completely different country. Good people, lot of fun, everything in short supply, extreme cold, uncertainties, student groupizm & mafia.
         
Does Pankaj survive? Does he find just girls or love? How does he perform academically?  Is he reunited with his childhood friends?

Novel is narrated in first person by Pankaj. I thought that author has spent too many pages in establishing the story and characters but found himself short of pages for main story.

USSR and the lifestyle is picturized very well. Readers realise that changing Russia after the breakup of USSR, and opportunities presented by change can do wonders.

Neeraj has a different writing style. Its like a breath of fresh air in still atmosphere. Climax and end could not be guessed & leaves you perplexed, but I would have liked it to be elaborated more.

A good read. Recommend.
A sequel of this novel is already published and is on my waiting list.

Taken at the flood by Agatha Christie

"Taken at the flood", a murder mystery by Agatha Christie. A classic whodunit. This is a Hercule Poirot mystery.

Gordon Clod, a rich man supports families of all his brother, sisters and cousins. He marries a young widow (Rosylene) while travelling from South America to England thereby automatically nullifying his previous will, that benifited his relatives. He dies in bombing (war) before making new will, so all money goes to his new wife.

A person appears claiming that 1st husband of  Rosylene is alive. He is murdered. Another person commits suicide. Hercule Poirot thinks that everything is wrong in this case. Then Rosylene is found dead. Is it murder or suicide? Whats wrong? Who has been murdered? Whodunit? Can Poirot find the murderer? There are a number of relatives, 2nd wife, her brother but nobody seems to have motive for all the deaths.

The clues were there scattered all over the book. I even found one clue but could not make the link. I thought, I was able to recognize the culprit (though using different logic than Hercule) untill the last chapter but there is a big twist in the last chapter and Agatha defeats the readers once again.

As always this is a meticulously written book with a lot of details. You need time and patience to read Agatha Christie mystries.

A good mystery. Read if you like Agatha.

Vyomakesh Bakshi mystery stories Part 1 by Sharadindu Bandopadhyay

"Vyomakesh Bakshi mystery stories Part 1", a novel by Sharadindu Bandopadhyay, translated in Marathi by Ashok Jain.

1st story is called 'Prani Sangrahalay'. An ex judge runs a farm and employs a number of questionable characters. He assigns a work to Vyomkesh and removes him from job shortly after. Then he is murdered. Another person on the farm is also murdered. Who is the murderer? Who is the mysterious ex actress, now disappeared?  Has the young widow of owner anything to do with it? Or is it his nephew? You will have to read the book for answers.

2nd story is called 'Chitra chor'. Vyomkesh is on recuperation leave in a small town on west border of Bengal. 3 copies and negative of a group photograph go missing. Is it serious? There is an interesting assembly of characters. An unhappy husband, a bossy wife, a young widow, a wealthy man, a young doctor, a banker, a beurocrat, a DSP, an addict sketch artist and so on. 

There is a theft where nothing of value is stolen and the sketch artist is found dead by drowning. Is it murder? Is there any relation between the three incidents? Is there any other angle? Will Vyomkesh solve the mystery?
     
Setup of the stories is more than 50 yrs ago. Bengal of old times and Vyomkesh's methods of solving crimes is a novelty for todays reader. Things move slowly as was the pace of life in those days. Writer has shown Vyomkesh, his side kick Ajit & other characters smoking too many cigarettes.

It is amazing that widow remarriage and plastic surgery are used in the stories years ago by the author. Those who like murder mystries and those who liked the serial on Doordarshan can read this book. You can read it because it is different.

Dongar Mhatara Zala (डोंगर म्हातारा झाला) by Anil Barve.

"Dongar Mhatara Zala" (डोंगर म्हातारा झाला), a Marathi novel by Anil Barve.

Story starts with Retired Major Kama deciding to leave Mumbai forever and going to spend rest of his life quietly on 'Malkarnicha Dongar'. He meets Kamrad (derivation of comrade) Mhatara (old man), a communist, who has spent all his life for upliftment of Thakar community. They gel slowly, a curious pair. Kamrad Mhatara is a samaj sudharak and Kama has nothing to do with the society.

Kamrad Mhatara calls Kama sojir, not soldier because he follows command and does not do what is required for the good of society. 
There is a classic conflict between the established / wealthy and Thakars. Kamrad Mhatara fights for them and takes heavy losses. There is a lot of politiking of wealthy to grab Thakar lands. Will Kama do anything? Or will he remain aloof and detached as usual?

The book is writren exceptionally well. The focus is not on the issues of Thakars but on how everyone looks at them differently. Characters like Mhatara, Kama, D'souza, Boy D'souza, two seths etc are very well developed. Malkarnicha dongar is also a very important character. Developing characters was a very difficult taks considering that this book is about 110 pages long.

Intelligent readres can guess the climax. After climax the book ends logically as it should end. The end might have been more effective if the last 3-4 pages were not there.

Recommend reading. Since the book is small, even those who are not avid readers can read.

Astitva (अस्तित्व) by Sudha Murthy

"Astitva" (अस्तित्व), a Marathi translation of original kannad novel 'Tumula' of Sudha Murthy, by Prof A R Yardi. (Narayan Murthy happens to be Sudha Murthy's husband) This is a novella, 97 pages long.

Mukesh Rao is a son of rich Raosaheb and stays  in London with his wife. His wife meets an accident and he recieves a message of his fathers death at the same time. So he leaves for India alone. His parents have made him a good human being and a good son. He misses his father and consoles his mother and sister.

After reading of his fathers will everything changes for ever. He does not understand what to do and who he is. He goes on journey to discover himself. His search takes him to Amritsar, UK and USA.

What happens next? Does his search end? How does the book end?

First half of the book is gripping. In second half a twist takes the story tangential. There was a possibility of story going out of control.  But Sudha manages to bring it back on track and ends it agreeably.

Not a bad read.

The Taj Conspiracy by Manreet Sodhi Someshwar

"The Taj Conspiracy", by Manreet Sodhi Someshwar.

Mehrunisa (Persian mother and Sikh father, now dead) lives with her godfather and Taj historian Mr. Kaul. She is fluent in 6 languages and a historian herself.

She goes to meet the curator of Taj Mahal, Arun Toor, & finds him dead between tombs of Mumtaz and Shahjahan. He is in a peculiar position and has written something in his blood. (Did this remind you of Da Vinci Code?). She finds that the caligraphy on tomb of Mumtaz is altered, thereby declaring it fake. A Pakistani terrorist is plotting to attack Taj. Mehrunisa is attacked but escapes miraculously. Mr. Kaul is loosing his mind to an illness.

What is the Taj conspiracy? Who is behind it? Hindu political party? Pakistani terrorist? Home grown terrorist? Someone else? Can Meherunisa solve the case? Does she get any help from the government agencies or the bald officer assigned for the case? Who is the real culprit?

Character of Shri Kriplani is a fusion of MM Joshi and LK Advani. All characters are properly developed. Almost everyone seems to be the culprit.  Story is gripping and keeps you interested. Mehrunisa and Pamposh, new age ladies are constructed in interesting manner. All the conspiracy theories and legends about Taj are used to create suspense and confusion.

Manreet seems to be India's answer to Dan Brown. She has heightned the expectations.

A good read.

Pacific Vortex by Clive Cussler.

"Pacific Vortex", by Clive Cussler. A Dirk Pitt adventure.  Actually this was Cussler's first Pitt adventure but was published much later.

A nuclear submarine goes missing in an area, notorious for ship disappearances, known as pacific vortex, and is presumed drowned & lost.       

Dirk is on vacation in Hawai and finds a message capsule from this submarine. An attempt is made on his life by beautiful red head. Dirk expresses doubt about the veracity of capsule message. He eventually becomes part of navy expedition to search & salvage the sub.

Do they find her? Has she drowned naturally or is there a conspiracy? Has it anything to do with missing scientists? Is there any relation with Canoli, an island civilization drowned centuries ago or kidnap of Admirals daughter? What daredevil adventures does Dirk do? What is Pacific Vortex & the truth behind pacific vortex? Can Dirk unravell the mystery with his intelligence, wits and fertile  imagination?

Pace of the story is steady. If this was the 1st novel written by Cussler it has come pretty well. Character of Summer should have been given more space.

An OK read.

The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri

"The  Namesake", by Pulitzer prize winning writer Jhumpa Lahiri (Not for this book).

It is the story of a bengali couple, living in US, and their son, named Gogol, after Nikolai Gogol (a Russian writer); under strange circumstances. Gogol grows up, has relationships, works, marries in America. All the time hating his name and namesake Nikolai Gogol, who was considered brilliant but eccentric and who had commited suicide at 43. Gogol even changes his name legally. He marries Moushami an Indian-American like him. Do they love each other? Does this marriage succeed? Is Gogol Indian or American? Does he forgive his father for naming him Gogol?
                    
Difference of thinking between 1st and 2nd generation NRIs/PIOs is the central theme. How children born to Indian parents abroad feel American. How they can not connect with india.

There is some interesting philosophy "being a foreigner is a sort of life long pregnancy -a perpetual wait, a constant burden, a continuous feeling out of sorts".
Entire novel is narrated in present tense rather than past tence. Jumpa, herself born and braught up in UK, US respectively, has captured the Indianness, culture and traditions very well.

Although the book is ok,  you can't help thinking that she could have given the same message in a long story or novella.

Not bad. Read, if you have time.

Is Gandhi out of date? by Dr. Vishwanath Tondon.

"Is Gandhi out of date?" a booklet by Dr. Vishwanath Tondon. This consists of two parts, an award winning essay by author written in 1969 and his thoughts today.

Author has covered Gandhi's principles one by one.
Philosophy: His religiousness consisted of an abiding faith in absolute values of truth, love & justice. There are chords in every human heart. If we only know how to strike the right chord, we bring out the music.
Ethical ideas: Truth is highest law, nonviolence is highest duty.
Brahmacharya however is not well defended by the writer.
Swadeshi is defined as that spirit in us which restricts us to the use and service of immediate surroundings to the exclusion of more remote.
Economic: Urbanization harms both cities and villages. He was not opposed to machinery but the craze for it and it's dominance over humans.
Political: That government is best which governs the least.
Education: Education must be woven around craft.
Satyagraha: Moral equivalent of war.
Non stealing, trusteeship, life, sarvoday are also covered.

In second section author says following in today's context:
There is enough in world for everyone's need but not everyone's greed.
There is increasing need of acceptance of nonviolence due to danger of nuclear annihilation.
Deal with terrorism by removing their economic and political greviances.

Author states the obivious, in the end, that his ideas have relevance today and would prove relevant in future. He also states that there is greater realization in west than in India.

This booklet is a crash course in Gandhian philosophy. I have tried to give you a gist of it. The quotes in this booklet can be used effectively in any speech, Gandhian or otherwise.

I had a feeling that the author has tried to show that there are similarities in Gandhi's philosophies and those of various western scholers, in order to justify or validate Gandhi. This seemed unnecessary and artificial.

Gandhiji was great and his greatness lies in the massive support he mobilized and his simple living and high thinking.

Those interested in quotations can read it.