Kashmir nāmā by Karan Anshuman

"Kashmir nāmā" by Karan Anshuman - Doesn't meet expectations!

This book is published by Jaico publishing house in 2017 and has 384 pages. 

1947 Raja Hari Singh signs instrument of Accession. Present day NSG commander Vikram Rathore is sent to Pakistan on an covert mission. Javid, a Kashmiri goatherd makes a decision to save his son. Journalist Aditi Shenoy acquires an explosive secret employing less than decent means. 

What is Vikram's mission? What does Aditi acquire? What does Javid decide? Why was a particular painting bought? What is Kashmir Nama?

The story starts with interesting developments. Encounter with terrorists and Covert Mission into Pakistan are always enticing. But it does not last long. The story takes an inwards turn. Things are different than what they appear. Stories of Vikram, Aditi and Javid run in parallel until they converge independently. 

The stories are bound by the common thread of Kashmir and it being the bone of contention between India and Pakistan. Sometimes, one wonders if the powers really want to resolve the issue. This book addresses exactly this point. 

Author has taken artistic liberty to alter facts to suit the story and create possibilities.  Karan uses real life figures like Pt. Nehru, Jinnah and Mountbatten as characters to augment authenticity. 

Although the story is interesting, the characters don't seem to be profound. The secret document, this story is based on, doesn't really come to light. It appears as if the author has left it for a sequel. But in doing so, he gives an impression of incomplete story and inadequate end. 

Karan Anshuman is well known screen writer and film maker. So I was expecting to read a graphic novel. That it's not. Since this is his debut novel, one can expect a more refined product from him in future.

Why did I read this book? Interesting title.  

What did I like? Idea. 

What I didn't like? Execution. 

Read if you have spare time.

The funny thing is by Ellen DeGeneres

"The funny thing is" by Ellen DeGeneres - Bits and pieces!

This book is published by Simon & Schuster in 2004 and has 192 pages.

Ellen starts the book with her happiness list that includes being nice to everyone, brushing and flossing teeth, getting quiet time to listen to yourself, do exercise, drink water, you are special, key to life is balance, minimize stress, start thinking positively, don't look in the mirror, work but have play time. She creates a lot of expectation at the beginning of the book with this list. 

Thereon, the book is mish mash of hundreds of her observations, opinions, parody and humor about everything. This book is a collection of random thoughts presented in her unique funny style. She touches various topics. Some social, some profound, some trivial, some absurd and some silly. There are instances when you smile, instances when you are amused but you hardly laugh out loud. Some of the humor is natural but some appears fabricated and even stretched. Her style of narration is dry and flat, so some punches are lost.

What the book lacks is flow. It appears like a patchwork quilt rather than a seamless fabric. As a result, it fails to nail the reader down and allows him to be easily distracted. Some of her exaggerations are excessive and sometimes absurd. 

I had a lot of expectations from this book because of the name of author but, regret to say that, the book falls short on all expectations. 

Ellen is a well known TV personality. At times, while reading the book, she reminded me of George Carlin.

Why did I read this book? Author.     

What I didn't like? Lack of flow. 

What did I like? Some observations. 

 Not a must read. 

The tree bears witness by Sharath Komarraju

"The tree bears witness" by Sharath Komarraju - Another Birbal mystery!

This book is published by Westland Ltd in 2017 and has 241 pages. This is Book 2 of Birbal mysteries. 

It's the occasion of Akbar's wedding to the Rajput Princess of Amer. Cousin of the Princess and nephew of King of Amer, Sujjamal, is murdered in an orchard near mango tree in front of the guards, while there's no one else. Birbal is summoned. 

How can Sujjamal be killed by no one? Can the guards be trusted? What will this murder mystery lead to? Can Birbal save the day? Will justice be served?

An invisible killer, lack of illumination, possibility of ghost, legend of Ram-Lakshman-Sita trees, Royal politics, palace intrigue, communal colour; the story has it all.

Although the story happens in a span if two days it's pace is leisurely, owing to old times. Birbal has to walk tight rope. On one side he has to ensure that innocent is not punished and on the other he has to ensure he does not offend royals and courtiers. Birbal is now at Akbar's court for one year. He has now established himself and is in favour of Akbar.

Thr plot is not very complex. The point that occupies the mind of readers is how the murder was done rather than who did it. That is the crux. The old story of mango tree bearing witness is used in modern (well, modern of that era) sense. 

The story is interesting enough to continue reading. There are a number of editorial errors in the book (son called nephew, cousin called son etc). Such errors are definitely avoidable. 

End of story has similarities with first Book, where palace politics reins paramount. 

Why did I read this book? Book 1 was good. 

What I didn't like? Editorial mistakes. 

What did I like? How the murder happened. 

Read if you have time. 

Talon of God by Wesley Snipes and Ray Norman

"Talon of God" by Wesley Snipes and Ray Norman - Modern biblical fiction. 

This book is published by Voyager. This edition was published in 2018 and has 368  pages. 

Doctor Laurene Jefferson has topped Chicago university but works in public hospital, despite precarious finances, because the job is fulfilling. A new drug is turning people into monsters. Talon, bible quoting- sword wielding, self proclaimed soldier of God is trying to convince Laurene that this is a sinister, much bigger plot but she doesn't believe. 

What drug is this? Who is behind it all? What is the ultimate goal? Is this paranormal? Who is Talon? Does Laurene believe in God?

The story is different as compared to other thrillers. This is the battle between the Satan and Humans (assisted by God's soldiers and angles). Laurene, being a doctor, does not believe in God and miracles, her clergy father not withstanding. 

Essentially it's a battle between God and evil. The idea of physical presence of death is ominous. Laurene has only payers, her intelligence, her sword and Talon to fight the evil forces. 

It appears like a biblical fiction. The narration is inspirational. Authors ensure that something is happening all the time. Readers are not allowed to detract. Interest is sustained. 

Authors do not explain why Laurene is the chosen one. Name of the book is a misnomer. Talon does not mean anything other than the name of a character. Though important, this character is not the protagonist. 

The book ends with the world saved. But although the dark forces have lost the battle, they will continue with war. Expect a sequel or even a series.

Wesley Snipes,  yes the same,  is a well known actor. This is his debut fiction novel that he has co-authored. 

Why did I read this book? Curiosity, how the actor writes.

What I didn't like? Some missing info, easy victory. 

What did I like? It's different. 

Recommending reading.