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. 

The Kipling file by Sudhir Kakar

"The Kipling file" by Sudhir Kakar - Disappointed in Kipling, the man!

This book was published by Penguin Hamish Hamilton in 2018 and has 256 pages. 

This book is a fiction about and in the times of "Jungle book" fame Rudyard (Ruddy) Kipling. The story is narrated in flash back by Kay Robinson, Ruddy's editor at CMG and friend.

So how is Ruddy? What makes him? Is he opinionated? How is his family? How does he think?

Rudyard Kipling (Ruddy) is described as witty, genius with eccentricities that can cross line of decency, unsympathetic towards naive Indians, contemptuous towards Hindus and Hinduism but frequenting native Hindu prostitutes, fascinated by Muslims and unafraid to ridicule hierarchy. He is a man with many contradictions. 

Story happens more than 50 years before India got independence. This is the time when the British residing in India, Kipling included, treated India as their rightful colony and Indians as second class, uncouth, untrustworthy blacks. The book confirms British opinion that Hindus don't have the ability,  strength of character, moral convictions, education to rule themselves. Well, current India is a tight slap to those who thought so.

The book tells us about Rudyard Kipling, the person. His fears, his pains, his opinions, his secretive nature, his contradictions, his likes and dislikes. It also tells about the life at that time. What was important and what wasn't. How Anglo-Indians (British residing in India) lived, interacted, socialized and ruled. Author has quoted liberally from Kipling's writing and tried to analyse the person through it. Author, through the character that narrates this book, criticises the English way of child upbringing (shaping,  disciplining) and appreciates Indian way of nurturing children.

I had a good impression about Rudyard Kipling (formed mainly from Jungle Book), but after reading this book and other literature about the author, I was disappointed in Kipling, the person. 

Sudhir Kakar is a psychoanalyst and writer and has won many awards. I wonder what prompted the author to write a novel about Rudyard Kipling?

Why did I read this book? Interesting subject. 

What I didn't like?  Dry narration. 

What did I like? Author brings old India to life. 

Read if this review interests you.  

Lethal White by Robert Galbraith a.k.a. J. K. Rowling

"Lethal White" by Robert Galbraith a.k.a. J. K. Rowling - Lengthy!

This book is published by Sphere in 2018 and has 656 pages. This is Book 4 of Cormoran Strike series. 

The book starts a day after previous book ends. Strike has fired Robin before the end of previous case. It's Robin's wedding to Matthew and Strike makes an appearance. A mentally ill youth tells Strike that he has seen a child strangled years ago. Minister for culture has a job for Strike. 

Why was Robin angry at Strike and livid at Matthew? Is Robin's wedding a happy wedding? Is there any substance in the claims of mentally ill youth? Will London Olympics be disturbed? What's bothering Minister for  Culture?

The story is little out of the way. Strike takes a case to find dirt on a possible blackmailer in hope that this will lead to unravelling of the case of kid's murder. The issue of money, rather the lack of it, is still plaguing Strike and his agency. His landlord has asked to vacate the office and accommodation. Things are grim. Then there is a death and the investigation morphs from blackmail to murder investigation.

Strike and Robin are attracted towards each other but don't admit it even to themselves. Robin is stuck in an unhappy marriage with Matthew. She gets anxiety attacks, after-effects of attack from previous book. Strike is in a relationship with a nice lady who he doesn't love. His amputated leg hurts. 

The story ambles along, keeping the audience interested enough to desist from abandoning the book. Eventually the explanation for kid's murder turns out anticlimactic. Too many suppositions are put forth purely based on deduction without proof. 

Every chapter starts with a quote of Henik Ibsen from Rosmersholm.

There are multiple mentions of 'Dodgy doc' case in this book that goes nowhere. There is also a mention of new case and a house with two swans on the door, at the end. Probably these things are background work for the next book. 

Overall, I think, JK Rowling's writings as Robert Galbraith are not as good as Harry Potter series. But Harry Potter Potter is an unparalleled legendary literary work, would it be correct to compare it with anything else? Even herself?

Why did I read this book? Author. 

What I didn't like? Length. Kid's murder. 

What did I like? Deduction.

Read if you have read the series, otherwise give it a miss. 

The 60 second procrastinator by Jeff Davidson

"The 60 second procrastinator" by Jeff Davidson - Tips to overcome!

This book is published by Adams Media in 2003 and has 160 pages. 

Book summary

Procrastination is an act of putting off something for a later time by not starting  the task or not finishing once started. 

Author provides Sixty tips to overcome procrastination.  Some of them are: Approach your task in a different way. Face procrastination head-on. Reframe the challenge. Relate the meaning of your task to something larger. Reflect on past successes. Visualise yourself succeeding gracefully. Feel the fear. Get your thoughts down on paper. Replace limiting language (should, must, ought). Practice creative procrastination. Employ appropriate self talk (most of self talk is negative). Review your priorities and supporting goals. Claim ownership of task or goal. Get organized. Arrange your desk for action. Align your desk for decision. Line up your ducks (make preparations). Stay in the zone. Minimize distractions. Isolate yourself. Stop waiting for the perfect time. Tap the power of scents. Listen to motivation CDs. Break free of too much information. Accept that wanting to start a project is different than deciding to. Find someone who can get you started. Don't wait until you are in the mood. Give yourself a preview. Handle the hard stuff first. 

Begin to choose easily. Build time in for reflection. Establish a reward system. Contract with yourself. Strike a dynamic bargain with yourself. Sleep well and eat healthy. Employ the 3 to 5 method. Set short time limits. Stay fit by making it fun. Go cold Turkey (withdraw from dependency). Record yourself. Find a partner. Look to delegate. Do one thing at a time. Record and listen to your excuses for procrastination. Adopt the heavy half mentality (pause well past the halfway mark). Take off your watch. Put money in escrow. Visit a counsellor. Take byte sized steps. Hide the clock (concentrate on work rather than time). Consider the others affected. Have somebody waiting for your work. Harnessing the power of deadlines. Eliminate multitasking. Post your challenge. Minimize break time. Work in day units. 

End of book summary

Everybody procrastinates. Procrastination can be for minor tasks or major. It can be because of laziness, lack of time management, fear, mental block or other reasons. It's important that the essential tasks are not procrastinated. Author's tips to avoid procrastination are practical, however eventually it's up to the individual to effectively implement them. Moreover, he says that you don't have to go through 60 tips, you just have to find the one to that works for you. 

Most important takeaway from the book, apart from the tips, is to never let bouts of procrastination diminish your self worth or self esteem. If you determine the reason behind procrastination you have a better chance of getting past them.

Some of the suggestions are known, tried and tested. Some are correlated and could have been clubbed. Some of the suggestions are interesting (aroma therapy,  contract with yourself,  record and listen to excuses etc.). It would be worth giving them a try. Some of his points are really important e.g. Intuitive decision is not really intuitive, it comes from everything that you have learned so far. 

This book covers time management, conflict management & resolution, problem solving, motivation and to a certain extent even emotional intelligence. Although the title is The 60 second procrastination, the book is about how to overcome procrastination and it had no relation to 60 seconds. Apparently 60 seconds are added to the title because author has a series of books titled 60 seconds. 

Author quotes various other authors to make his point. Jeff Davidson is a premier thought leader in work- life balance and has written about 65 books. He is also a well known professional speaker. 

Why did I read this book? Interesting title.  

What did I like?  Length. Not to long. 

What I didn't like?  Title is a misnomer. 

Worth a read.