The Confession

Title:The Confession

Author: John Grisham 

Pages:456 

Source: Borrowed 

Last Word - An absolute page-turner 

Afazal Guru (convicted for attack on the Indian Parliament in 2001) and Ajmal Kasab(convicted for Mumbai attacks in 2008) were guilty and were hanged. But Donte should have walked off scot- free. Just because he was a black, he was convicted and killed. The color of his skin spelled his doom. 

The Confession makes you cry. I've choked many a times. I've prayed many a times. But my prayers never got heard. Donte Drumm  was never released. Thanks to the Texas authorities who went out of their way to ensure that reprieve eluded him. On the contrary, they coerced him to confess a crime he had never committed. 

Grisham's narration is gripping. The book keeps you hooked all along. Donte Drumm - a young black man is convicted for killing Nicole.Yarber, a highschool cheer leader. Lawyer Robbie Flak is fighting a lost case for Drumm. Whites claim that Drumm killed this white woman. But, blacks are sure of his innocence. The animosity of whites toward the blacks is quite palpable. This helps white police and persecutors to successfully fabricate a case against Drumm and he is found guilty. Though the case is weak,
chancces of reprieve are dim. So much for the color of the skin. Robbie and his team pulls out all stops. His efforts did pay off, finally. But it was too late for Donte. 

You can't fight fate

The author narrates the story from the point of view of young pastor Keith from Kansas. Keith is unwittingly drawn into the story when the real culprit Travis Boyette, suffering from inoperable brain tumor, confesses to him about the crime. How Keith struggles to make the facts known to the world also makes an interesting read. 

Grisham has unabashedly brought out the white-black divide and how political and legal forces shamelessly cash on it. The divide is similar to the divide we face in the city of Ahmedabad. Ghettos in the U.S. seem similar to the Hindu and Muslim ghettos in Ahmedabad and in other major parts of India. The hatred runs in their genes...literally. Back to the Confession, the closing is excellent, when the two communities, irrespective of their color, come together and unite in a common cause - too punish Drumm's culprits.

Thoughtful lines

1] Who, exactly gives us the right to kill. If, killing is wrong, why are we allowed to kill. Donte's killing was similar to killing an old dog, a lame horse, or a laboratory rat. 

2] It's man's nature to strike back, but the second blow leads to the third, and the fourth. 

3] Father, into your hands I commend my spirit

4] He talked about the urge for revenge and how Jesus turned the other cheek.  

"He who lives by the sword dies by the sword"

"LTTE Leader Prabhakaran's 12-year-old son killed in a cold blooded murder in a military bunker", screamed the newspapers today. The headline reminded me of Jeffery Archer's latest book 'The Sins of the Father." Poor kid, he paid for his dad's sins. Whether his father sinned is still a subject of debate. But this cute-looking boy was so innocent and so harmless. Did someone say: he who lives by the sword dies by the sword ?

The Sins of the Father

Author: Jeffery Archer 

Pages: 383 

Genre: Fiction 
Source: Personal Copy

Last Word: Breezy Read 

The court is adjourned- Jeffery Archer's 'The Sins of the Father,' sequel to Only Time Will Tell' ends with yet another interesting cliff hanger. Yes, the wait for the next installment in the Clifton series has already begun. 

This book, of course, is a boatload of surprises. Here's a peek- a-boo: Emma bearing Harry's son, Sebastian, despite the duo sharing a 'shaky sibling status; Harry leading a prisoner's life despite not being Tom Bradshaw - the actual criminal; Maisie's marriage to Mr. Holcombe, despite her promiscuous past; Giles' military medals, despite his portrayal as lily-livered; Hugo Barrington's fortunate death, despite his dirty tricks to stay alive and thrive; the controversy surrounding the Barrington empire, despite Harry giving up his claim on it. Plus, the Giles escape from German POW camp and Henry fooling the Nazi commander into surrender. All this and the war background keeps up the tempo of the story.

 Some thoughtful lines :

1) Britain and America are "two nations divided by a common language."

 2) There are so many ways to skin a cat.

P.S. - It can't get better than this. Or it could have been? Archer walked into my book shelf quite recently. The two books that I recently read are not even a drop in the ocean. Perhaps it's too early to actually form an opinion on his latest works.

Only Time Will Tell

Author: Jeffery Archer
Genre: Fiction

Pages: 388
Source: Personal Copy 
Last Word: Thumps Up 


I have not grown on Enid Blyton or Nancy Drew's books. In fact, the book reading bug bit me just a decade back. So, i can't help but wonder, how many amazing authors i might have missed, during my growing years. Anyway, as they say, better late than never.  

 This is my first book on Jeffry Archer and I am glad that I chose 'Clifton Chronicles' to begin with. To give you a small background, Clifton Chronicles is a five book series on Harry Clinton's life. The series is said to be an ambitious endeavor by Archer to capture 100 years of Harry's life - spanning from 1920 to 2020.

 The first book in the series 'Only Time Will Tell' is truly amazing: an apt prelude to the forthcoming books. It's sure to whet your appetite for all the forthcoming books in the series. Yes, my second book 'The Sins of My Father' is already on the way from www.homeshop18.com. Books are priced comparatively cheaper  here.
 
Coming back to the book, Harry, the protagonist's life is a bed of thorns. Born in a poor household that could hardly afford two meals a day, until he comes across the charitable old Jack Tarr- the bearer of glad tidings.  However, this son of the docker father and illiterate mother is a Destiny's Child, destined for greater things in life. He goes on to the best of the schools, reads best of the books, and finds best of the mentor's. When you have all the bests lined up for you, you know what to do with your life and not get sidetracked like the commoners do. Harry's is considered an English scholar in his school. He goes on to win all the top prizes.

But who's is his father? Only his mother Maise Clifton and war hero Captain Tarrant knows. His made-to -believe father Arthur Clifton is dead and gone forever. But if his so called real father Hugo Barrington wanted, he could have saved Arthur's life.

Then there is Emma Barrington; is she Harry's half- sister or lover? Yes, Only Time Will Tell. On their day , Harry and Emma are informed that they are related. Is Emma Harry's step sister. But the poor souls are not ready to accept this fact.  The marriage is put on hold. Oxford degree is put on hold.  As fate would have it, Harry is all set for World II. He trains himself to be a mariner. But his vessel sinks and he finds himself on his way to America. Their he is charged with first degree murder. What's next?  The Sins of the Father, may have an answer.     

The book with all its twists and turns is simply a page turner. All characters are strongly portrayed and strikes a perfect chord. Every chapter ends with a cliffhangerThe flow is effortless and so, less taxing on the brain.

Some thoughtful lines: 

1] Sometimes it's an advantage to be disadvantaged. 

2] Some people stand by you in your darkest hour, while others walk away; only a select few march towards you, and become closer friends. 

3] Old Jack's maxims- Get off your backside and do something positive & I find I don't learn a lot while I'm talking. 

Books Read in 2012

 1] Life of Pi - Yann Martel - a must-read for serious writers - 5/5
2] Songs of Blood and Sword- Fatima Bhutto- you can live without reading this- 2/5
3] Saina Nehwal -T.S. Sudhir - good for sport enthusiasts - 3/5
4]No Easy Day- Mark Owen - warfare is my favourite genre so i'll be a little partial here-Full marks 5/5
5] Connect the dots-Rashmi Bansal- for wannabe entrepreneurs - 3/5
6]  Donovan Legacy -Nora Roberts - 4 books - if romance is your type, all mind-blowing -Go for it- 5/5
7] Man's Search for meaning - Victor Frankl-read it, if you don't have a why in life- 3.5/5
8] Fountainhead- Ayn Rand- persistence is the keyword here- 5/5
9] Dork -Sidin Vadukut-if comedy interests you- 5/5
10] Zoya Factor - Anuja Chauhan- killer concept-5/5
11] The King of torts - John Grisham- must-read for John Grisham fans- 5/5
12] Tiger Mother - Amy Chua - for all mothers- 5/5
 

The list seems so paltry. Hopefully, i will list down more- double the number- in 2013.

Lance Armstrong - How Could You Do This?

You were my role model so long?  Your book, ‘It’s not about bike,’ taught me to see pain, suffering and

sacrifice in new light. Most importantly, your quotes inspired me to fight odds without giving up. 'Give up or fight like hell,' become my life-long mantra.  Now, the disgrace of doping will haunt me as well. Not just you.  I don’t remember, how many times I’ve recommended your books to my friends.

How could? How could you do this to ME?

Connect the dots- Handmade For Wannabe Entrepreneurs

If there's an entrepreneurial keeda hiding somewhere within you, then reading this book will definitely kick the keeda out of its slumber- And I tell you, the keeda will roll, riot, and root its way out, until you reckon its presence.

Yes, that's the effect the book will leave on wannabe entrepreneurs. Not to mention the generous  mix of English and Hinglish, that makes 'Connect the dots' a pleasurable read . The author has put in so much jaan into it. There is so much to chew on, specifically for those who wish to start something anew. Loaded with pithy one-liners that linger on your hearts and minds for days together. Honestly, this book has whetted my appetite further, sans any second thoughts.  Yes! Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish, I have a dream, Poor Little Rich Slum, here I am coming. The one line that is going to stay with me eternally is "Kuch Karne hai, tho marna padega." 

Yeah!, I am going to have my hands full with Rashmi Bhansal's books in the coming days.  First Things First. Talking about the book, it has been divided into three categories  - Jugaad, Junoon and Zubaan.

Jugaad - A series of stories on enterprising entrepreneurs with absolutely zero background in business. In fact some of them are rags to riches stories. Say for instance, Prem Ganapathy - a dishwasher to Doza Plaza owner. Today, Doza Plaza has 24 outlets across India. Each story, about nine of them in this category, is exceptional and abundantly inspiring. For once, I too was tempted to take the road less travelled. But isn't business meant for the brave hearts?

Story about Kunwer Sachdev, the founder of Su-kam inverters, is sure to capture your imagination… a non-engineer creating ripples in the engineering industry and making it really big. Then there is Hanmant Gaikwad of BVG (Bharat Vikas Group), a facilities management firm that not only serves India Inc clients, but also holds the fort at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Then of course, of all the stories, the one that pulled my heartstrings was that of Suresh Kamath of Laser Soft Systems. Kamath, strongly believes that social responsibility and sound business can go hand in hand and his company is a testimony to the fact. The company currently employs many physically challenged people helping them climb the corporate ladder. For well-heeled women who wish to something with their 'not-much' happening lives, Sunita Ramnathkar story is sure to fire up your imagination.

Junoon – Literally, a breadth of fresh air. Seven entrepreneurs driven by very distinct dreams, dared to do something, never done before. R. Shiram, a non-graduate, fired by his passion for books, opened the popular chain of bookstores -Crossword; Satyajit Singh commercialized makhana, an unheard of product; Chetan Miani, driven by his passion for electronics, produced an electric car.

Zubaan – All stories in the section are thoroughly inspiring, especially the avatar story.  Had witnessed live Krishna Reddy's unique brand of mythology – inspired choreography on India's Got Talent, so, naturally, I was all excited to see his name appearing in the zubaan list. Having said that, I am not trying to underestimate other's achievements. Kalyan Verma's story, if not more, was equally impressive.

Go ahead, check out this book for many more names.

Seriously, this book is a must-read for wannabe entrepreneurs. MBAs, non-MBA's, anyone and everyone who wish to start a new venture.

Why Midnight Children is Called the Booker of the Bookers

Why Midnight Children is Called the Booker of the Bookers

For those looking for a racy, rousing read, kindly keep your hands off 'Midnight's Children'.

Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children - Winner of Best of the Booker, needless to say is a masterpiece in magical realism, brilliantly unfolded at a snail's pace. However, the novel's beauty lies in its style and not action. Nonetheless, a little familiarity with Indian history will make the novel a tad more interesting, given the allegorical references to India's social-political events strewn all across the story.

Hilarious and heartbreaking in equal measure, the story revolves are two children (in fact midnight's 1001 children) who were born at the precise instance of India's arrival at independence. Little wonder, their destinies were inextricably intertwined forever, thanks to the time of their births.

Saleem Sinai, the protagonist, when tumbled forth into the earth on Aug 15, 1947, was greeted by none other than Mr. Prime Minister's letter. Yes Saleem was destiny's child. Born as an illegitimate son, he got all the good things that life had to offer, thanks to the nurse who without forethought swapped children just after their birth. Baby Saleem, naturally benefited in the process as he was entitled to all the care and riches of Shiva's household, Shiva, one of the 1001 children born at the same time, on the other end was relegated to the darkness of slums.

Noses and Knees, Nose and Knees. Saleem with his powerful nose could smell  every damn emotion on this earth, be it the smell of anger or jealousy. Interestingly, he could read other minds and was endowed with the power of telepathy. Shiva on the other end had preternaturally powerful knees, knees that were exclusively used for pushing, shoving and crushing others. Though royal blood ran in his veins, his actions spoke otherwise. He turned out to be a brutish killer. Saleem, however, is portrayed as a nice fellow. His aberrations are shown in lighter vein, while Shiva's aberrations make you feel sick.

The use of the term 'optimism' is anesthetizing. The analogues employed are breathtaking. Numb as ice, clean as a slate, main fresh-water pipes which were city's lifelines began to blow fountains into the air like giant steel whales, tiny grain of grit in the sea of old age and so on. Philosophy dealt in the form of Snakes and Ladders. For every ladder you climb,a snake is just waiting around the corner; and for every snake a ladder will compensate. Very descriptive, simply explains the painstaking efforts put in by Rushdie. The story some time may seem long-winding, the language used may seem incomprehensible, but carry-on is the catchword here.

The political scenario post- Indian independence is nicely interwoven into the story. That's makes you wonder about Rushdie's brilliance. Rushdie dishes out everything history, politics, myth, food, magic, wit and dung all in one book, the partition of India and Pakistan, the power of "The Widow" Indira Gandhi, war and, finally the enforcement of martial law in the country.

A Thousand Splendid Suns - A Soul-Stirring Novel-Unputdownable

A Thousand Splendid Suns - A Soul-Stirring Novel-Unputdownable

Indeed, your heart-strings will be pulled by Khaled Hosseini's first novel, 'The Kite Runner'. While, 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' will squash all your notions on female jealousy. So, obviously women might even find the latter far better.

The book indeed is Soul-stirring and Heart-wrenching, to the core. High on emotions and melodrama, the book brilliantly chronicles the sorrowful saga of the Afghanis, crippled by constant wars waged by the insiders and the outsiders.

A poignant tale of two women on the whole, Mariam and Laila, though not blood-related; nevertheless related by circumstances. Mariam, born a harami- illegitimate child-is married off to a short tempered, bitter Rasheed, 30 years her senior, a man of extremely disagreeable temperament. Two decades later, Laila, born in a highly influential family, is forced to join Rasheed's unhappy household to be his second wife.

Mariam is living a troubled life with Rasheed, and Laila's presence is troubling her a lot more, akin to a salt rubbed on an open, raw wound. However, Laila tries her best to win over Mariam with her friendly gestures, and finally manages to win over her confidence. The bond between them grows so deep that both wives conspire to flee Afghanistan together, and thereby free themselves from the clutches of their abusive husband, Rasheed.

However, their escape attempt flops and conspicuously both wives have to bear Rasheed's wrath. As time passes on, there are other innumerable events, both ugly and lovely, dotting the women's life. Laila and her children become Mariam's only solace when her own womb ditches her time and again. The bond between them the two women grow so deep that on one fateful day, when Rasheed under his fury was suffocating Laila to death; Mariam pulled a shovel from nowhere and hit it right on her husband's head.

Rasheed lay on the floor dead, and Mariam was persecuted for the crime. On Mariam's insistence, Laila fled to Pakistan with her children and lover, but with a heavy heart, constantly reminding herself of the sacrifice Mariam made for her.

The flow of the narrative is mesmerizing; moreover pregnant with metaphors, the book keeps you hooked and goads you to continue reading till the end. Humans' self-sacrificing nature is brought out well in the book.

Quotable Quotes

Like a compass needle that points north, a man's accusing finger always finds a woman. Always.

In Laila's head, Mammy's voice rang out. "Like a myriad bird in your hands. Slacken your grip and away it flies". (pg. 153)

The 3 Mistakes of My Life - It's No Mistake If You Read The 3 Mistakes of My Life

The 3 Mistakes of My Life - It's No Mistake If You Read The 3 Mistakes of My Life

The book opens with an interesting dialogue by Chetan, the author, "I don't want to be India's most admired writer, I just want to be India's most loved writer. Admiration passes, love endures". And this line of his strikes a chord right away. And interestingly all his novels have done just that. He has become the darling of Indian masses. His simple, lucid language has got the entire nation reading; forget about grammar and punctuation folks, it's the concept that gets you hooked big-time, specifically when it comes to 'The 3 mistakes of my life'.

Yes, the concept used is unabashedly Indian. It talks about young, ambitious and passionate Indians. The backdrop is the city of Ahmedabad (where Chetan took his MBA degree) though urban is no where close to its metro counterparts. The city still retains its small town flavour, which one can find in pols, conventional households and eateries. The story revolves around Govind, Ishaan and Omi. Govind is best known for his acumen for accounts and business. Ishan is insane about cricket while Omi believes in what his friends believe in. He has no opinion of his own. And if at all he has one, he expresses it, but finally gives in to his friends liking.

The story opens on a dramatic note. The author receives an email from Govind saying that he had taken sleeping pills and is waiting for death to embrace him. Chetan was so hit by the mail that he makes it a mission to track down the boy and finally finds him in an Ahmedabad hospital. Fortunately, the boy is still alive to tell the tale. The book revolves around the three mistakes Govind made in his life.

His first when he takes a loan from Omi's uncle to sets up a sports shop and is unable to pay back, as earthquake strikes Gujarat, and ends up losing everything in the process. His second mistake, when he makes love with Ishaan's sis Vidya. The third, when he fails to save Ali's wrist from an attack from Hindu hardliners. Ali had to go through a painful and expensive surgery to get his wrist back in shape and play cricket as usual.

A mix of cricket, religion, business, love and friendship, the story is spell-binding. The melodrama involved gives you goose bumps. However, one cannot stop noticing the regular use of f*** in almost all the pages. Overall, an interesting read. Just hope, he churns out more of such stuff, for his books touches the heart effortlessly.

2 States - Read 2 States, to Develop a Broader Outlook In Life

2 States - Read 2 States, to Develop a Broader Outlook In Life

Interesting read, a book written out-and-out for the Indian audience. Highly melodramatic yet mesmerizing, incredibly comprehensible yet compelling.  So this makes you complete the book in one sitting. The book has two hooks to be very precise. One, it more or less revolves around the IIM-A culture, offers a few insights on the sort of food, the kind of lifestyle students lead within the campus. Second, the book obviously speaks about the two states- Punjab and Tamil Nadu where Krish and Ananya respectively hail from.

Anyone and everyone who reads the book will able to relate with the characters effortlessly, given that every second couple in India has to unfortunately go through the same experiences. Little wonder then a Bollywood film is in the offing based on the book.

The book talks about the struggle, Krish, a north Indian Punjabi boy, had to undergo to convince Ananya (Tamilian Brahmin girl) parents to let them marry. Krish influences future bro-in-law with his charm first, by and by he captures the hearts of Ananya's father and mother as well. Once Krish succeeds, it's his girlfriend's turn to influence her future in-laws. However, Ananya fails miserably, for she is a bad cook. Anaya has never entered a kitchen all her life, let alone do some cooking. Come to think of it, a female who is into cooking and stuff, can she manage the heavy-duty stuff of the IIMs.

The catch is that both don't want to elope and be married, rather the duo wish to solemnize their marriage with the blessings of their parents. As a result, both Krish and Ananya had to go great lengths while convincing not just their parents, but in-laws as well. In addition, the thought that in India, you don't marry the girl or guy, in fact you end up marrying the family is nicely brought out. For instance, Krish gets 4 gold rings to propose girl's entire family. Chetan has taken digs at both the Punjabi and Tamilian culture. When it comes to Punjabi's he speaks about the obese women and their cravings for food. On the contrary, south Indian's are more into classical music and are studious types, who love to keep a study silence more often not.

The premise is realistic and draws your attention to the cultural differences in diverse India. One should read the book once, if only to be reminded of what lovers from diverse communities go through at the hands of their families. How love is invariably at the mercy of societal, familial norms. And how a man perpetually finds himself torn between his girlfriend/wife and mother?