Category: Books

Title: Life of Pi
Author: Yann Martel

Excellent book. When I started reading the book I had serious doubts if a book based largely on animals would keep me engaged. I was pleasantly surprised. Extremely well written and very creative. Hats off to the author for such a wonderful novel. The level of detail with which he captures the teenager (named “Pi”) growing up in India is impressive. The teenager practicises Hinduism, Islam and Christianity! This leads to some interesting musings about religion. The second half of the book is mostly about Pi escape from a sinking ship in a lifeboat with a Tiger, Hyena and Orangutan.

p.s: I read this book quite a while back and I have been meaning to blog this but never got down to it. Now, I can’t remember all the details unfortunately.

Another example, where I was impressed with one book by an author and almost blindly picked up another by the same author, only to be doubly dissappointed. Albom’s earlier book, (Tuesdays with Morrie) was extremely well-written and deeply moving. This book attempts to achieve the same objectives but fails to do so in my opinion. The story is about a war veteran who eventually dies in a accident while trying to save the life of a little girl. He then goes to heaven where he meets five people one after the other. The idea is that these five people have in some way influenced the path his life has taken. Meeting these folks is meant to give some kind of closure and meaning to his life. The concept of the book is very interesting but somehow as I progressed through the book, I didn’t find it as engaging and gripping as Tuesdays with Morrie. Nevertheless, its an easy read, one that you can easily wrap up on a flight.

I enjoyed reading “Five Point Someone” written by the same author. I thought that was a good debut novel. Most importantly it appeared genuine and had a very personal feel to it. When I heard about the author’ second book I was naturally inclined to read it. Unfortunately, this effort is a dismal attempt to re-create the success of his first book.

Once again, the author chooses a story revolving around friends. Except, this time its friends at the work place, a call center. While the book does a good job of portraying the lives of India’s “flush-with-cash-20-something” call center employees and their relationships, the rest of the book is a desperate attempt by the author to weave a story around it. The supposed turning point of the story is when the group of friends who work at the call center suddenly get a call from God. This happens when the group drives away for a long break in the midst of their workday/night. To put it very bluntly, the story makes no sense whatsoever.

It appears as though the book was written with “Bollywood” in mind. “Pick up today’s hot topic (fast growing call centers, cash rich fresh out of college kids) add some “masala” and anything will sell” seems to be the thinking that went behind the book.

Thankfully, the price of the book is a modest Rs. 95 (like the author’s first book) unlike books by other Indian authors that are usually over Rs. 250.

This a moving true story of the last days of a terminally ill Professor. The Author is a sports writer and a former student of the Professor. Its an easy read that I strongly recommend. The contrast between the author who is leading a fast paced life while constantly interacting with his Professor whose time is limited makes the book that much more interesting and engaging. The writing style is simple yet very effectively captures deeper issues such as relationships, importance of health, friendships, values etc.

Its a must read for anyone who is on a desperate fast-track, professionally focused life. Looking for an easy read that is not very long with deep fundas of life? Certainly, go for this one.

This is a book based on life at IIT. It revolves around three guys who meet at IIT and become great friends through their four years at IIT. They end up as “bottomers” (based on grades) and hence the name “Five point someone” (five point referring to their GPA).

The book is a very easy read, and perfect for a long plane ride. The author has a very casual writing style. He does a wonderful job of story-telling. There are a few filmy sections (like the dream about Prof. Cherian’s speech) but overall a very enjoyable book with plenty of humor.

If you went to IIT then there is no question this book will bring back memories and is one that you can certainly relate to. Even otherwise I think this is a worthwhile read.

I noticed that the book cost Rs. 95 while most other books by Indian authors sold for over Rs. 200. Wonder why?