Nine Lives- My Views

Nine Lives by William Dalrymple
It's about 9 different people and their way of living which is-as the name suggests it- nine different ways. By ways I mean religious beliefs which in turn then include society and their interaction with it or their understanding of society.
It's a very good book though the author seems disgusted at the lives that his various protagonists lead.
It was upsetting to see that the author wrote about the men and women of different, sometimes unconventional, religious beliefs with such a narrow minded perspective towards them. It shows through clearly from his language and choice of words.
I do not expect him to understand the lives of his protagonists but I did expect him to be tolerant and respectful towards them, especially since he willingly chose to write about them and their lives.
Anyway, the book by itself is not spectacular but the stories are.
I hope I read more books like this but by better authors.
Give it a read, but do so with an open mind. 

Kane And Abel - My Views

I loved the book. I wasn’t a fan of the author but this book changed that.

To the point, lots of twists and turns, apt attention to detail and a smooth flow makes the book a favorite of all my fiction books yet.

The stories are brought out with dignity that they deserve and with a narrative that leaves you satisfied but wanting more.

This book though it’s longer in text and pages than Midnights Children, is an easier, more satisfying read and seems to be of an author who is more comfortable in his skill.

I may be completely off course here, but that’s the feeling this book gave me.

I have only praises for this book.

The Immortal life of Henrietta Lacks - My Views

The title as intriguing as it was, was perfectly apt as well as ironical. The protagonist died an anonymous, unknown death, in an unmarked grave while her cells live on, famous worldwide and a necessity in science even today.

The author has done a great job in explaining and emphasizing the importance of the protagonist and her cells in the book and the author’s decade of research clearly shows through.  

I loved the simplicity of the way in which the book is written and the various explanation the author provides as and when needed.

The author showed the moral and ethical confusions prevalent at the time of the protagonists and how it affected her life but more importantly the lives of those around her. What her family went through, their struggle for recognition and more importantly their struggle for health insurance which they were too poor to afford. It brings out the inherent irony wherein Henrietta’s cells lead to miraculous discoveries in medicines that cured millions worldwide while her family couldn’t afford to get cured of simple ailments.

The book left me feeling inspired and yet rather embarrassed of how doctors and scientists functioned in the name of “research”. The atrocities that these doctors put their patients through and how callously they claimed that it was for the good and benefit of  future generations while ignoring the pain and discomfort they put their patients through.

Upon reading the book you’ll realize what I’m referring to and maybe feel the same way.

It was only after the introduction of laws that doctors and scientists were compelled to adhere to certain guidelines, which they did rather reluctantly.

It left me wondering whether man was inherently bad? Well whatever was the case, the book is a good read and one I’m glad to have in my first list of books!

MidNights Children - My Views

A wonderful book which I finally managed to finish! I started my summer with this book and that was a big,big mistake. Though the book is well written, curiously thought provoking.  It’s long wound with a story spanning a few rather detailed generations. The book gets exhausting rather easily and since the end of the book seems so far the will to read it dwindles many times during the book.

I’m compelled to think that various reader might disagree with me, but at this stage in my reading career, it was definitely a bad choice to start with.

The book is however interesting and leaves you feeling satisfied. All the characters and their stories have beautifully and creatively been  given their due and there doesn’t seem to be any unnecessary character or story.  

There is very little to say anything else about the book.

It’s a good read but not for a beginner.

Aleph - My Views

It’s difficult to imagine what the author claims to be real. I am a believer, so it’s easy for me and this book is for those who are willing to accept, not necessarily believe, in the possibility of a different way of life and also keep their views open to something they may not believe in.

The book is in many ways a stark contrast to my religion but is very much in sync with my beliefs. I say this because religion to me is between me and my God and my beliefs are not completely as per my religious background. It’s important to bring this out because if your religious views and beliefs overlap with your personal beliefs which do not accept reincarnation then this book may leave you frustrated and annoyed.

Also if you’re skeptical of the idea of a parallel universe and don’t believe in spirits then this book may be a good idea for a light read but i would personally suggest not reading it as it may be a waste of time for you.

If however you are open to the possibility of an alternate spiritual universe and like the idea then this book leaves you feeling happier and more content in your belief and state of mind.

A good book, a quick and easy read with a little emotional side here and there.

Since it’s a true story, it’s more fun to read and imagine if ever you went through the amazing experience the author did!

For all you spiritual believers give it a read. it’s not the best book out there, but it’s a good in between book.