The boy the mole the fox and the horse

 

The boy the mole the fox and the horse by Charlie Mackesy

This is a small book with lot of pictures/sketches by the author. It took about 30mins to read this book.

It's one of the best book I have read in recent times. I must have read it 5 to 6 times. It's beautifully soothing experience. 

The book is also made into a movie. Equally soothing to watch.

As the author says this book is for everyone... from eight to eighty :)

My rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My favourite quote from the book 

"What's the bravest thing you have ever said?" Asked the boy

"Help" said the horse.

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

 

Just finished reading this book The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde 

It took about a week to finish this book.

What fascinated me about this book?

It was written in 1890, yet I was reading it in 2026.

It's my first book in the Gothic horror genre.

It's also the first classic Victorian English novel I've read.

This book was recommended to me by chatgpt based on my history of reading habits I shared with it. After reading 4 chapters, I replied to chatgpt that I wanted to stop reading. Not because it's a bad book but I was not enjoying the classic Britain English style of writing.  But chatgpt recommended that I read atleast 7 chapters and then decide. 

After 7th chapter I just pushed myself to finish it. 

Concept and storyline are good but I was not liking the slow pace, poetic style of writing and elaborate description of the place or person which at times felt unnecessary. 

I read a book review blog on this book which was very insightful.  The way the blogger mapped today's world to the characters in the book was very interesting. I will add the link to the blog if I can find it again. 

My rating: 3/5 ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

Will I read another classic Victorian English novel.... No. I  personally don't enjoy 

Will I read another Gothic story...most probably No

A Wasted Hour by Jeffrey Archer

 

A wasted hour by Jeffrey Archer: Read this book in an hour or so... It's a small book. Short story. Nothing extraordinary but I didn't get bored. I liked the twist in the end.

My rating: 3/10

Hosa Raga ಹೊಸ ರಾಗ by Usha Navaratnaram

 

Hosa Raga by Usha Navaratnaram is my first Kannada Novel, reading after almost a decade. I remember reading ತಾ.ರ.ಸು novels: the Chitradurga series in the 8th grade summer vacation. 

It took about 4hrs to finish this small book. I am a slow reader in Kannada. It's a simple love story. Simple Kannada. A lot of details about daily life activities. Simple daily life conversations of grandparents and grandchildren who have visited them during the summer vacation. 

You will feel you were part of the family and you witness a cute love story. The love story is not really the centre of the book but it is natural flow that builds in the simple conversations. It has many moments that brings a smile on your face.

What I didn't like:

It feels anti feminist. A woman's rights, feelings, opinions and choice of dress has no importance. Wearing western clothes is represented as immaturity. The main female character becomes acceptable, mature and beautiful only when she wears a saree. The Male character is the decision maker on who he marries and doesn't require the consent of the girl, her parents, his parents or anyone..... Infact he will kiss the girl multiple times without her consent. It is presented as heroic and romantic. He "permits" her to continue her studies,  wear western clothes, play cricket with her cousins and proposes....no... declares that he will marry her ignoring the 10+ years age gap is presented as heroic and romantic. 

Having said that, I think in those days (about 50 years ago) when this book was written, women also considered this character as heroic and romantic. 

My rating

For story: 2/5

For style of writing: 4/5

For simple Kannada: 5/5

Hosa Raga review | Usha Navaratnaram novel | Kannada book reviews | Old Kannada romance novels

The art of purring by David Michie

 

Another super lovely book by David Michie. I finished reading the book The art of purring in 4 days. It's a small book of 200 pages. You can finish it in one day. I was trying to read Friendship with God in parallel. 

This is book 2 of the series of 5 books: The Dalai Lama's Cat.  I read the first book thrice if I am right. I bought the book 2 long ago. I already bought book 3: The power of meow. However to break the pattern, I will temporarily pause and read something else before I come back to book 3.

Just like book 1, The art of purring is beautifully written by David Michie. He is such a good writer. Lovely narration from a cat's view. He makes you walk around like a cat in your mind. The light sense of humour, subtle twists in the story, casual way of including spiritual teachings.....no overdoing of purring just to fit into the title of the book..... yet so relevant. I felt fresh reading this book. Just like book 1, I loved it. My rating: 5/5

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by JK ROWLING

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by JK Rowling. This is the first time I am reading Harry Potter book though I have watched the movie.

This book needs no review or rating. It justifies the popularity it owns. Like most books that are converted to movies, this as well has the same impact. The book is superior to the movie. The movie comes very close to the book, however, the book interests me more than the movie experience. 

My rating: 5/5

 

 

Angry river by Ruskin Bond

Angry river by Ruskin Bond. I have read beautiful poems and stories by Ruskin Bond during my school days. This book was gift to my son by his friend. 

It took about half an hour to read this small book. I didn't let my son read this. Simply because it's such a sad story. Its all about a small girl stuck on a small island alone when the river flooded her house, the tree, the animals....She gets saved by a boy on with a boat. Her grandparents are the only family she has who were gone off to the village hospital to save the dying grandmother. 

I have no idea why is this children's book? No moral, no fun, depressing storyline..... I am even more puzzled to see 1500+ people who have rated 4.5/5 to this book on Amazon. 

I totally disliked reading this book. Definitely not for children!!!! I rate 1/5 to this book.
 

Past life regression therapy by P Uma Devi

 This has been a productive week. In past 7 days I have read 2.5 books (I am counting only 2, 4 and 5)

1. Letter to my father by Bhagat Singh. This is just a few pages book. Could be 3 to 4 pages only. Those who have read his most renowned book Why I Am an Atheist can relate to this letter. His conviction and clarity on what he is doing is so profound.

2. Re-read the book The Dalai Lama's Cat. Even though it's my second read, loved and enjoyed every bit just like the first time.

3. Re-read the book The Monad by CWL. Good reading but I had a tendency to rush through the pages. May be because it's the second time.  Not sure.....

4. Past life regression therapy by P. Uma Devi. A friend presented this book. So I literally forced myself to read through it. I didn't like the book at all. There's no connectivity. There's no flow. It's just discrete collection of stories. I could not even relate to the stories. The patient's present condition and past life regressed stories didn't make much sense. I think the author has tried to imitate Brian Weiss. She has not come anywhere close.

Also the author's introduction shows her expertise is with radiation biology. Not sure how she has persuaded a carrier with hypnosis therapy. She has got some training in hypnosis but I am not too sure about her expertise in the subject. The book didn't appeal to me at all. Or may it's just the ineffective writing skills....Whatever may be the case, I didn't enjoy reading this book. 

5. Started reading Ikigai. Next post after I finish that. 

Gerenimo Stilton by Elisabetta Dami

 My son's latest love for the series: Gerenimo Stilton. He reads a page and forces me to read a page. We both have managed to complete 4 out of 17 books we have from the series. I must say it's a interesting read. Kids love the flow of the simple story and the unexpected humor and most of all the customized mousified words used in the book series. 

10/10 for the interest and love of reading triggered in my son by this book series!!! 

Grandma's Bag of Stories by Sudha Murthy

 

I bought this book to read it out for my 6yr old son. I have previously bought some other story books for him....most of them were disappointing. Unfortunately many of the books titled Panchatantra stories/ Jataka stories are these days fake. They are not original. Some clueless person writes meaningless stories and publish them as Panchatantra/Jataka to cash on the market demand.

Here is a beautiful book by Madam Sudha Murthy. Original stories, told to her in her childhood. Very cute stories and they carry a simple moral for children to learn.Very well written...simple stories which keeps my interest and my son's....

Loved it!!!

This is the second book I am reading by the same author. Previously I have posted the review on Wise and Otherwise. She has won my heart and interest once again. I am yet finish reading this book. We are going one story at a time. When ever my son finishes his homework, he gets a bonus story :) :)

The Secrets of Naga by Amish

 I have missed to write about this book. I finished this even before reading wise and otherwise. I just noticed I have not written anything on this.
I will keep it short...this book was as good as Meluha. Loved it. I can't wait to read the last book of the series. I am yet to buy the last book though I already started with the next series on Ramachandra.

P.S These are fictional stories. I have come across some of my friends who think this as another translation of Shiva or Sri Rama. That's incorrect perception. Amish has clearly mentioned in the foreword that these are mere imaginations. The readers should take the responsibility of not getting confused with mythological Shiva or Rama. These stories are not real.

Having said that...those who are very orthodox about mythology, you may avoid reading these books. It may hurt some of your beliefs. If you have the open mind to read it as a story without affiliating it to mythology then these are very interesting books.

Scion of Ikshvaku by Amish Tripathi

       Another book by Amish Tripathi. The first of Ramachandra series: Rama The Scion of Ikshvaku.
The expectations are naturally set if you have read the Shiva Trilogy series. Same with me.... I started with a high expectation. But I must say it didn't equate to Shiva Trilogy series. It wasn't boring but didn't hold my attention either..... The contradictions with the original Ramayana story that we have grown up with was a bit disturbing for me. For example it was a bit hard to ignore that this book depicts Rama as inauspicious especially by Dasharatha. Having said that I like the way Sita has been described as a strong woman with not just strong values but a capable warrior.
The book became interesting after the introduction of Vishwamitra maharishi. I also liked the descriptions of the war. Nicely depicted.
Overall it was a good read. I enjoyed it.

The Immortals of Meluha. Shiva trilogy l by Amish

Today I finished reading the first book of the series of Shiva Trilogy: The Immortals of Meluha.
It's not even close to the mythology. Just the same names are being used. Totally a different interpretation of the characters.
The story holds the attention throughout the book. It will provoke you to buy the next book of the series.
Overall I liked the book. I enjoyed the reading.

Richest man in Babylon by George S Clason

I completed reading this book on 1 May 2017. It was a good read. The stories are good. The advises of increasing your wealth are worth knowing. I did pick up some worthy points from the suggestions.

Having said that, the book didn't hold my attention with much enthu. If you have already read books like Rich Dad Poor Dad....I think the inputs from this book are not much. I have already trained myself to save reasonably from my earnings. I have also trained myself to budget and follow it stringently. So I gained less inputs from this book. However this is very personal opinion.

If you are someone having financial suffocation, unable to save, unable to understand where the money leaks out.....THIS BOOK IS A MUST. I know some of my friends who spend on obligations. They lend money to friends and relatives though they know it won't be returned. I also know of people who invest the money in wrong places and burn their purse. This book can open their eyes on many corrective measures.

The Great Indian MBA dream by Shiva Prakash Arya

March/29/2011:
Done reading...Excellent sense of humor. Loved the sarcasm in the tone. Awesome command on the language...The description and details in the book got me carried away, like I was very much present there. I almost experienced all the stress, high spirits, ambitions and all sorts of high and low emotions the author takes us through. I can go on with all that I liked about the book. Can't believe this is his debut book. He has done a much better job than the famous books..... not to mention Chetan Bhagath's Five point someone. Wish Amir Khan found this one earlier. We could have had a even better movie than 3 Idiots. Well 3 Idiots didnt meet my expectation, you see...
Its a super jovial book and a good stress buster. I just adored  all the songs quoted in the beginning of each chapter.... very innovative expressions....This is my first novel reading after a long long long time now. It was good break for me from the routine serious reading...:)

07-Mar-2017
How did I forget to mention that the language used in the book has many bad words.... At times I felt like saying...its a bit too much. I know the guys in the college are used to using a lot of such words...but a bit of editing and polish on that would have helped.

The Dalai Lama's Cat By David Michie

Meow Meow!!!!
An amazing read after a long time. I feel like a meow in the monastery.
David Michie has done a splendid job in the description of the cat's perspective and yet imparting the glimpses of the immense compassion of His Holiness Dalai Lama.
For those who carry interest in spiritual read with a tinge of a light story line, this is an AWESOME book. I loved every page of this book. Didn't fall asleep even once :). Most of all....this book made me loose count of time...... Loved it!!!!

The Alchemist by Paul Coelho

I read this book "The Alchemist" many years back. Written by Paulo Coelho. On the first read it was just a story. The second day the way the climax looped to the beginning of the book felt amazing. After a few days the book had a deeper thinking impact. Triggered a series of thoughts on how it links to the series of incidents in life. How the present actually links to a past incident!!!!

This book had skipped my mind...thought of adding this to my list. Better late than never!! :P

A study In Scarlet by Canon Doyle

This is my first Sherlock Holmes book. I guess this is also the first Sherlock Holmes book by Canon Doyle.
I enjoyed reading through every page. The details, the suspense, the logics and strategies of Holmes kept my attention tight to the book.
Will I be reading another Sherlock Holmes book....Well yes of course but not in the near future. I have many important books to be read. I target to read a good deal of books this year.