Book Journal

Book Review - The Game by Diana Wynne Jones

noreply@blogger.com (Shweta) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

In my recent quest to find fiction based on mythology I have been going through posts on my favorite blogs and forums for recommendations. I later realized that twitter would have been a better option but anyways. I found some great books based on these reviews and lists. As this reading phase is going to last for a while, I guess it would go without saying that you will find new reviews from this genre on my blog.

First up is the book by an author I hadn't read so far. I have been living under a rock as far as fantasy genre is concerned. If not, I couldn't have missed reading Diana Wynne Jones's books which are written for an audience consisting of children, teens and adults. Some where at the cross roads of teen and adult literature lies The Game. Relying heavily on Greek mythology and taking some creative liberties with the interpretation and characterization it weaves a tale of modern times. Sounds familiar? Don't come to a conclusion. It is as different from those books as possible. It is small , its fast , its absolute fantasy fun.

Hayley’s parents disappeared when she was a baby. Since then, she has been raised and home schooled by her grandparents. Grandad is overworked and travels a lot; Grandma is much too strict and never lets her meet any children her own age. When Hayley does something wrong—she is not quite sure what—they pack her off to her aunts in Ireland. To Hayley’s shock, her family is much bigger than she thought; to her delight, the children all play what they call “the game,” where they visit a place called “the mythosphere.” And while she plays the game, Hayley learns more about her own place in the world than she had ever expected. This original novella by Diana Wynne Jones is sharply funny, fast-paced, and surprising until its very end—like all of this acclaimed author’s work.

The charm of the novella lies in its ability to integrate all that we know and give it a new twist with a dash of adventure. I loved the concept of mythosphere. A zone where the myths from around the world are scattered in form of threads. A novel idea which works out like charm for the plot. I am still learning about Greek mythology hence at a few places I did feel lost when the author assumed that as a reader I knew about the back stories. I think if you read it just as a fantasy without giving much thought to the back stories and original mythology it won't spoil your reading but knowing the real Greek deal does make it a lot more enjoyable. Being a novella the concentration is more on plot development rather than on the characters but it does not hamper the progress of the story in anyway nor does it make it any less enjoyable. I have a feeling that Diana Wynne Jones's books are going to feature a lot more on my blog :)

A Countess Below Stairs by Eva Ibbotson

noreply@blogger.com (Shweta) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:40:00 +0000

Books I believe are to be read according to your moods. On a chilly winter evening the best way to fight the depressing gloom is to read a book which brings on a smile. I usually prefer Eva Ibbotson's books for such occasions. They are crisp, warm and utterly delicious for the winter blues.

This book belongs to Countess Anna Grazinsky, born in riches but delivered to take up the work as a maid in Marsham in the English countryside, which is awaiting the arrival of it's new master. When Anna's family flees from Russia at the turn of the century, deprived of all their precious possession by an unforeseen turn of luck, Anna decides to work as a maid. With a trusted compendium about housework by her side, Anna sets out to win over her co workers, a motley crew of endearing characters. Each passing day makes Anna indispensable for the household and in the process making her employer Rupert, Earl of Westerholme fall in love with her. Things could have been simple if it just wasn't for a fact that the Earl is all set to marry a heiress who could help bring a financial reprieve to the ailing estate. Saw that one coming. Didn't you?

This story simple in so many ways that you can even guess what might happen eventually but what makes it endearing is the journey you take while getting to the end. Be it the good natured dowager who communicates with the spirits, the best man Tom who knows his mind and is hell bent on convincing the girl he loves that they need to be together no matter what the world thinks, the motley crew below the stairs and the Honorable Olive, each character adds a little bit of life to the story turning it into a pretty picture.If that doesn't convince you then I would have to reveal that the 'baddie' Muriel could give Cruella de vil a run for her money. The charm of country life the beauty and simplicity of it all gave me what I needed the most this dreadful winter. A cozy and heart warming read. As predictable as they come but one of the best books to read when you are in a slump or feeling low.

I would also suggest that you brew yourself a cup of hot coffee, may be a box of chocolates to go along with it.

Source: Personal Copy

© Shweta's Book Journal . No part of this post to be reproduced without express written permission.

Book Review - Two Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt

noreply@blogger.com (Shweta) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:19:00 +0000

The book begins with the preparation for a road trip. The one that will take the protagonists Jordan and Courtney to their college orientation at the Boston University. Jordan and Courtney were a couple, who were very much in love until Jordan broke up. Reason : A girl he met on Myspace. Courtney is still getting over the break up when the road trip that was planned long before comes up. The road trip and the events leading to the beginning of their relationship , the period in between and the eventual break up are told in alternating voices of Jordan and Courtney.

If I had gone in with lots of expectations may be I would have been disappointed.All the hype about the break up didn't hold up for long. It wasn't difficult to figure out what could have been the reason for it. In a bigger scheme of things the reason didn't even look worth the break up. What made it worth reading was Courtney and Jordan's efforts to show each other that they are over the relationship.The dialogues succeed in bringing a smile on your face which only comes from knowing that they are failing miserably while applauding them for trying so hard. I would surely want to try other books by Barnholdt but this one didn't do much for me.

Book Review - Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

noreply@blogger.com (Shweta) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 11:56:00 +0000

Book: Ruby Red
Author: Kerstin Gier
Publisher: Henry Holt

Pages: 336

Source: Personal Copy

I Say :

Kerstin Gier's Ruby Red is very engrossing take on time travel and how Gwyneth Shepherd, a destined time traveler gets pulled into the world she isn't prepared for. All of her sixteen years of life, Gwen has seen her cousin Charlotte being prepped for this very purpose.Gwyneth on the other hand has had a care free life involving family , friends and school. Just when the family is eagerly waiting for Charlotte to begin her time travelling, Gwyneth realizes that it isn't her cousin but herself who carries the gene. Guardians - an elite group of people who carry on the work of Count Saint Germain take Gwyneth under their wings. The Count, who among others possessed this gene is that one person her mother has told her not to trust and yet it seems the Guardians have complete trust in him. Simply not prepared for the travel or the job makes her the object of amusement to her male counterpart Gideon, who belongs to the male line of time travelers. Rest of the book introduces the intrigue which I believe will be dealt over the course of this trilogy.

The characters have been sketched well. Gwen for instance is suddenly thrust in the strange environment but does not come out as a whiner. She has spunk and her arguments with seemingly arrogant Gideon are the highlights of this book. The background story regarding the mystery of the Circle of 12 is built up well, which leaves a hint of how important Gwen is going to be for the Guardians and the Count who according to me comes out as a creep in this book.

Time travel has always fascinated readers of all ages and this book is no exception. Ruby Red is one of the best books I read in 2011. It has all that I look for in a good book. A great plot, likable characters and a nice setting. I knew German, I would have read the rest of the books as soon as possible because the wait until Sapphire Blue comes out is very long.

Hunger Games - Movie

noreply@blogger.com (Shweta) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 13:30:00 +0000

Hunger Games books were never reviewed on my blog. I just couldn't bring myself to write about them. Each book was good. Beyond good at times. My writing skills aren't good enough to talk about the themes it showcased. It scared me like every other dystopian novel has. Scared about the kind of future we might gift our coming generations. Hunger Games came very close to what is foreseeable. I just hope it never comes to that.

Once I got to know that they are making a movie, I got thinking about how the director's vision would differ from what I had pictured while reading. This trailer answered my questions. My perception was much gloomier, darker in comparison to what's been shown. Then again some things work out well once you have see it in entirety , hence I am holding off my verdict until I watch the movie.

Here's the trailer

Book Review - The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

noreply@blogger.com (Shweta) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:17:00 +0000

In The Lost Hero, three demigods named Jason, Piper, and Leo made their first visit to Camp Half-Blood, where they inherited a blood-chilling quest:

Seven half-bloods shall answer the call,
To storm or fire the world must fall.
An oath to keep with a final breath,
And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death.

Who are the other four mentioned in the prophesy? The answer may lie in another camp thousands of miles away, where a new camper has shown up and appears to be the son of Neptune, god of the sea. . .

With an ever-expanding cast of brave-hearted heroes and formidable foes, this second book in The Heroes of Olympus series offers all of the action, pathos, and humor that Rick Riordan fans crave.

When it comes to books on mythology, Rick Riordan is my 'go to' author. I have gifted his books especially Percy Jackson Series, to my younger cousins and they have thanked me for introducing them to Percy and the Gang. As a gifting option his books NEVER fail!

After reading the Lost Hero which precedes this book I had to wait for a long time to get my hands on The Son Of Neptune. It was hard to resist after reading Namz's AMAZING FANTABULOUS review. Without any further delay I walked into the book store, picked up my copy and immediately starting reading it in the metro. Oh, did I tell you I can't stop once I have started reading. I read it at the coffee place, at home on dinner table ( I know , Bad manners !) and by 4am in the morning I was a happy happy person. I slept really well :)

Reading about the Roman camp - Camp Jupiter was an eye opener to someone who was used to reading about the Greek ways. These guys function more methodically. Their rules are strict bordering on weird. They seem to be rather up tight but I think so because I love my Roman gang : Annabeth, Percy, Thalia, Grover and Tyson a lil too much. As always 5 pages and I am hooked on to the book like Spiderman to his walls. The book has too much going on and thanks to the interference of the "Gods" the matters turn messy in no time. Percy is at the center of it all with no memory of his past except one. Joining him are Hazel and Frank who are his companions for the quest. With so many new demigods, I had to go back to Lost Hero and one of the Percy Jackson books just to fuel up my memory cells. Technically it's not Percy's quest but who cares ! With each subsequent chapter I was pulled into one adventure after another in order for the trio to free Thanatos - God of Death from the clutches of Alcyoneus.

More troubles ahead for the demi gods as Gaia is waking up and along with her, rising from their resting places are all sorts of ancient evils. Creepy sorts of forces ! OMG this book satisfies and teases you to no end. Just when you think that the problems are solved , something huge happens and that changes the whole situation.

I don't know why Riordan does this but can't say I don't like it. Son of Neptune atleast made one thing clear. I can't stay away from this series. I tried and failed miserably. They are too good to resist. Now I can't wait to read Mark of Athena. As a matter of fact I want to read all the books following this one, asap so that I can avoid the time I spent in anticipation. Dreams !!

Source: Personal Copy

Touch Of Power (Healer Book 1) by Maria V Snyder

noreply@blogger.com (Shweta) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:27:00 +0000

UK Cover of the book

Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted.
Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Territories, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture.

Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people.

As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life....

One of my favorite authors is back with a new series and I can't help but sing praises. I say this each time and its true that while I am scared that I might not like her new book as much as her earlier ones ,I end up loving them. Maria Snyder has created some of my all time favorite fantasy characters Yelena , Valek (love !) , Kade for starters. How could this book be any different?

This was the first Snyder novel whose protagonist didn't come with so much baggage that I felt compelled to shake some sense into her. I know I have ranted a lot about Opal and even a bit about Yelena initially :) Avry was one of those characters whom I warmed up to early on in the story. One with a good heart and strong will. She had a past but none of it affected the likeability quotient. She is a healer who even in adversities can be counted upon to think straight. One who takes others diseases unto herself to free them of their suffering intrigued me. It is a very well executed plot.

The political intrigue of the realms and the plague at the center of this book are interesting themes that the author deals with. The book lays ground work for what I am expecting is going to be a fascinating series.

I have observed that Maria has perfected the art of making her supporting cast memorable for her readers . When you read this book you will not just root for Avry, you will root for her gang . This being the first book in the series , I will eagerly wait for the second one so that I can immerse myself in Avry's world of Death Lilies, Healers and Magicians.

P.S : I loooove the UK cover. The Australian cover is quiet nice too. US cover is not something I wish to own :)

The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen

noreply@blogger.com (Shweta) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:01:00 +0000

I had another book scheduled for review today but I thought this book deserves to be talked about. The Surgeon deals with a serial killer who hunts down troubled women and cuts them up with the kind of precision which could come only to a man of medicine. When multiple murders lead the investigating team to a surviving victim of an old serial killer case that occurred a couple of years ago they start understanding the pattern. 'The Surgeon' ,the nick name that the killer gains shows a profile and style that matches the murderer who was killed by his victim two years ago. The theory of copy cat murderer or a ghost from past is what forms the rest of the book.

The book is a medical thriller and with its fast pace and attention to details it just about brings on goosebumps. Maybe that is due to my non familiarity with the genre but from what I read about the book it sure had that effect on others too. Though the story revolves around the Surgeon, his obsession with Dr Catherine Cordell and the investigative officer Moore , this also the introductory book for the female lead investigator JaneRizzoli, who goes on to feature in the other books by Gerritsen. The understanding the investigative process , the forensic , the psycho analysis and the mere detailing shows that Gerritsen is an author who knows how to hold her reader's attention.

I have heard good things about the other books in the series where the admirable cop Jane Rizzoli is the central character. I might just pick them up and will also try to catch the series Rizzoli & Isles. If you want to try something in the genre may be this is a good book to start.

Source : Personal Copy.

© Shweta's Book Journal . No part of this post to be reproduced without express written permission.

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe

noreply@blogger.com (Shweta) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 13:34:00 +0000

"While clearing out her grandmother's cottage for sale, Connie Goodwin finds a hidden parchment inscribed with the name Deliverance Dane. And so begins the hunt to uncover the woman behind the name, a hunt that takes her back to Salem in 1692 . . . and the infamous witchcraft trials.

But nothing is entirely as it seems and when Connie unearths the existence of Deliverance's spell book, the Physick Book, the situation takes on a menacing edge as interested parties reveal their desperation to find this precious artefact at any cost.

What secrets does the Physick Book contain? What magic is scrawled across its parchment pages? Connie must race to answer these questions - and reveal the truth about Salem's women - before an ancient family curse once more fulfils its dark and devastating prophecy . . ."

At the outset Physick Book of Deliverance Dane looks like historical fiction with Salem Witch Trials as its central plot (which btw it is) but what makes this book post worthy? I would say it is the narration. The part of book which happen during the actual witch trials is very small when compared to the present day quest to find out the truth . I expected to see a plot where the past would over take the present in narration but it was a pleasant surprise. When you delve into the depth of the plot does it strike you that the book is so much more than Witch Trials.I am in Grad school and the process of research struck a chord instantly. Use of library, archives, the process of finding the source not only added an edge to the story it made the library rat in me go squeeee!! The protagonist Connie's journey from discovering a parchment in the Bible at her granny's place to the final revelation keeps you hooked to the book. Plus the names of the characters ! I loved the way the connection was made.

Reading about the trails, the nature of it, the prejudices that might governed the decisions make it a good read. This book was my Book Fair purchase and I would totally recommend it to any body who loves historical fiction.

Next Review : The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

© Shweta's Book Journal . No part of this post to be reproduced without express written permission.

Delhi Book Fair

noreply@blogger.com (Shweta) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:22:00 +0000

There was a book fair in Delhi a month back. I was so happy that the day before I was supposed to go to this wonderland I couldn't sleep. I was making lists and talking incessantly of all things I would buy at the book fair. I am still wondering how my friends tolerated me that day . Being the great friends that they are, they not only accompanied me to the book fair they also let me do the happy dance (pretty sure they looked the other way round when I was squeeling), clicked my pics when I was ooh aahing around the books and carried my many book bags without making a fuss. True friends , these girls!

What I saw at the book fair was that new books especially by the international publishing houses weren't as well show cased as I had hoped. I saw a copy of Amy Chua's contreversial smart child raising guide hidden somewhere in the back of the booth. The books that were being sold at slashed prices were the ones that have been out for a while and somehow Wimpy Kid was seen every where at the Penguin booth. Also I saw very little of any YA representation. I know it's not very hot scene in India but the booths didn't display any new YA except for Scholastic where I did see some titles.

Did the dearth of new books stop me from buying ? No way! I bought loads of books. 25 to be exact .I loved the Puffin book bags . I also loved browsing through the academic publisher booths . I would say these booths had a intellectual air to them which I rather loved experiencing.

© Shweta's Book Journal . No part of this post to be reproduced without express written permission.

I Heart You , You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder

noreply@blogger.com (Shweta) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:13:00 +0000

I am quiet laid back in my reading habits these days (that's why lesser reviews) and surprisingly it's non fiction that has been attracting me lately .Though I should add that I read it at a pace which is totally uncharacteristic of me. That aside, I thought I was going through a YA reading slump until I discovered this book at the Sunday Book Market.

Girl meets boy.

Girl loses boy.

Girl gets boy back...

...sort of.

Ava can't see him or touch him, unless she's dreaming. She can't hear his voice, except for the faint whispers in her mind. Most would think she's crazy, but she knows he's here. Jackson. The boy Ava thought she'd spend the rest of her life with. He's back from the dead, as proof that love truly knows no bounds.

Who knew I would review a novel in verse. That too a YA novel in verse.One which has a dead boy , a mourning guilt ridden girl and a whole lot of pain . Strange as it may be for a reader of all that this happy , I read it and I liked it. Not simply liked it . I LIKED IT. As in staying up late to finish it , wanting the book to go on and on and crying silently as the book drew to a finish. That sort of like. I cry a lot with books which I am sure my blog readers are aware of but it requires the book to strike the right chord to get me all weepy.Surprisingly this little book packed a really powerful punch.Plus it was spooky. Not in a scary way but goosebumps did make an appearance during the reading.

It is a story of young love lost. The pain and frustration of having to be the survivor of a magical relationship lost to death. Lisa Schroeder puts out these feelings in such simple words that feels like a raw wound and it hurts.The part where Ava wishes for Jackson to be with her for ever and not wanting to displease him and the one where she wants to be like any other normal girl is so well written. It would take a heartless person not to shed a tear through this one. Though it's about a teenage relationship it resonates well for all ages. If I knew earlier that a novel in verse could have an effect that other books haven't had on me since long, I wouldn't have waited to get this book.

If you haven't read any verse novel please do read this one .

If you have then , please try this one because it is simply beautiful.

Source: Personal Copy

The Secret Of The Nagas by Amish Tripathi

noreply@blogger.com (Shweta) — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 18:02:00 +0000

Immortals of Meluha was one of the best books I read this year and the fact that I had the second installment of the trilogy right in front of me when I completed book one put me in a dilemma. That happens when the first book is absolutely awesome and you don't want your expectations about the second book to come crashing down . These are the times I wish there was no concept of Book Series. One book and that's it !Wouldn't life be so much simpler ? :) Before I begin my rant on book series , let's get on with the review. As much as I wanted to know what happens with Shiva ,Sati and the rest of the cast I had my doubts about the ability of the plot to hold as much punch as did the first one. No worries. I came out happy , satisfied and wanting for more.

The Secret of the Nagas picks up right where the first book ends.I wish the first book hadn't ended so abruptly with the cliffhanger . I had the second book so it didn't bother me much but I can guess what it must have done to the people who had to wait . Shiva, the savior of the Meluhans , one whom the legend has described as the destroyer of evil has just realized the repercussions of not knowing both the sides of the story. His changed view about the Chandravanshis has also brought forth a sense of something sinister brewing in the backdrop which is hell bent on detracking his mission. The plot moves forward with many new characters being introduced every few pages and the Neelkanth continuing his journey along the lengths and breadths of the nation.

I was expecting some of the twists in the story but some revelations were unpredictable. The Naga characters introduced in this book were the highlight of the story.Just like the previous book , this one too moves forward a good pace but what's different is the ensemble cast of minor characters who have their own stories to tell and the story does full justice to them too. I was expecting Sati and Shiva's story to over shadow a lot of other happenings but to my surprise there was a good balance between the sub plots and the story of the protagonist. This book is exactly what a second book in a trilogy is expecte to be. It carries the story forward while building the stage for the grand finale.

Amish true to his style leaves his readers with a cliffhanger but it was a something I knew was coming. The loose ends in the first book were tied neatly while creating newer puzzles which I am sure author will bring together in the final installment. If these two books are any predictors for the plot , third book- The Oath of The Vayuputras is going to be rocking finish to the trilogy.

All I want to say after finishing this book is 'Gime more' !

Source : Review copy from Blogadda.com

This review is a part of the Book Reviews Program at Blogadda.com .

© Shweta's Book Journal . No part of this post to be reproduced without express written permission.

The Immortals Of Meluha by Amish Tripathi

noreply@blogger.com (Shweta) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 07:35:00 +0000

I grew up consuming large doses of Indian Mythology courtesy Amar Chitra Katha and my parents. Summer vacations were spent reading and re reading ACKs.This was long before I discovered Austen , Bronte and Rowling. Occasional discussion on Indian mythology and my sister's story hours were the only other times when I went back to mythology.Reading Immortals of Meluha brought back every single one of those memories. The elated feeling was partly due to the fact that Indian fiction has finally woken up to realize the potential of retelling of our mythology. If done right, this could be the one thing that appeals to the generation , high on Play Stations and IPads.

Meluhans have been followers of the principles laid down by Lord Rama. In their near perfect empire where Rama's rules are followed with utmost sincerity ,people have equal rights and a planned way of life. They are Suryavanshis , followers of the Sun God. But this kingdom has more than what is visible to the eyes. Their troubles majorly due to the terrorist attacks suspected to be the doings of Chandravanshis ,the clan which leads the kind of life which is completely opposite to the Meluhan principles. Amidst all this arrives Shiva . An immigrant from the mountains and he is hailed as the Neelkanth, legendary saviour and destroyer of evil .What follows is Shiva's journey to understand the Meluhans and his destiny as their Neelkanth.

I remember reading a review when this book was released initially. A fellow blogger called Amish's Shiva , a rockstar. I must say I fully agree to that. It is a natural explanation when you try to look at mythology with a logical microscope. Shiva isn't perfect. He is a warrior with a past that haunts him .Leader of the Guna clan who has been suddenly thrust into limelight in this strange land where people think he can solve all their problems. Just as he is trying to get a grip of it , he falls head over heels in love with a woman who appears to be out of his reach. I would have said this sounds very run of mill but what stopped me was the use of Lord Shiva's story to make up the plot line. This made the book X10 times awesome.There were times when the plot wavered on to realms of philosophy right in the middle of action but that did not break the pace of the story.

I finished this installment in a day and was up all night reading the sequel. If you are a reader of fiction and would love to read a book with dollops of adventure , romance and mythology this is your book.

Highly recommended.

Source: Review Copy from Blogadda.com

This review is a part of the Book Reviews Program at Blogadda.com . Participate now to get free books!

Faces In The Water by Ranjit Lal

noreply@blogger.com (Shweta) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 14:57:00 +0000

What do you do when you discover an unspeakable truth about your parents?

The Diwanchand family boasted of having only sons, no daughters. The water from a magical well in their farmhouse was the reason behind this ‘good fortune’, they said. One day, fifteen-year-old Gurmi sets out to look for the well and what he sees changes everyone’s world forever. The faces of three girls look up at him from the water, and draw him into a world of fun, games and cyber magic -and Gurmi has to face up to an unnerving truth as murky as the surreal well.

What terrible crimes have been committed behind the walls of the rambling Diwanchand family home? Will Gurmi and the ghost-girls be able to avenge the evil that has taken place and prevent yet another unspeakable atrocity from occurring?

Funny, yet sensitive and immensely powerful, Faces in the Water is the story of lives lost to appease our society’s insatiable hunger for male children, and the price families pay for its sake.

In about 200 pages Ranjit Lal weaves the story of an atrocious crime which has been existent in Indian society but one which our society sadly refuses to acknowledge. We as an independent nation have seen much progress but the societal maturity has sadly been lacking. Education also seems to have no effect because the sex ratio has seen to be falling since the last few decades with there being about 933 females for every 1000 males ( acc to Census 2001). The son preference scenarios are not all a rarity and this is what Ranjit Lal’s story tries to put forward using magical realism as a tool . I was pulled into this story which makes the realisation of this particular fact a very emotional process.

Gurmi’s family is proud that they only produce sons. Each successive generation has been ‘blessed’ with male offsprings and this according to some people in their family is matter of pride. Yet there seems to be something missing in their lives. When Gurmi’s mom sends him to stay at their farmhouse he has no clue what’s in store for him.His chance encounter with the girls who live at the bottom of the well changes the way he sees his parents . Through the daily meeting with the girls in the well Gurmi’s life begins to get enriched and he also begins to understand the faulty dynamics that are in place in his family although he has no way of explaining how these girls manage to talk to him or be around him. The book draws a very simple ,uncomplicated and understandable picture of female feticide and its repercussions in a way which could make tweens and teens understand the concept while not making it all gory. I thought the author achieved this while not being too preachy thus keeping the plot very interesting.

There were parts of the book when I thought the story was losing focus but luckily I didn’t wander off much.I would definitely recommend this book to readers of Young Adult fiction. We have books talking about evils in the society but very few targeting the young adult readers.These concepts when being introduced to children are much better understood through literary means while conveying the enormity of the situation.I wish there were more books like Faces In The Water which could fill in the lacunae in Indian Young Adult Fiction genre.

This book has been shortlisted for Vodafone Crossword Book Award 2010 in the Children’s Awards category.

Buy this book from Crossword

Source: Sent for review by Crossword Books

The Vodafone Crossword Book Awards 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Shweta) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 06:05:00 +0000

About The Award:

The Vodafone Crossword Book Award is one of the most prestigious and popular literary prizes in India that not only recognizes and rewards the best of Indian writing but also actively promotes the authors and their books.

The Vodafone Crossword Book Awards are given out in the following categories:

1. Vodafone Crossword Fiction Award.

2. Vodafone Crossword Non-Fiction Award.

3. Vodafone Crossword Translation Award.

4. Vodafone Crossword Children’s Award.

5. Vodafone Crossword Popular Award.

Click here to know more about the awards

Click here to see the winners of previous years.

Here's a short list of books for the Children's Award for 2010 :

Faces In The Water by Ranjit Lal
The Fang of Summoning by Gita Chandra
Koni The Story of A Champion by Moti Nandy
Mr. Oliver's Diary by Ruskin Bond
Sahyadri Adventures : Anirudh's Dream by Deepak Dalal
Sahyadri Adventures : Koleshwar's Secret by Deepak Dalal
Atleast A Fish by Anushka Ravishankar

A Long Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan

noreply@blogger.com (Shweta) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 06:49:00 +0000

Rosalinda Fitzroy has been asleep for sixty-two years when she is woken by a kiss.

Locked away in the chemically induced slumber of a stasis tube in a forgotten sub-basement, sixteen-year-old Rose slept straight through the Dark Times that killed millions and utterly changed the world she knew. Now her parents and her first love are long dead, and Rose -- hailed upon her awakening as the long-lost heir to an interplanetary empire -- is thrust alone into a future in which she is viewed as either a freak or a threat.

Desperate to put the past behind her and adapt to her new world, Rose finds herself drawn to the boy who kissed her awake, hoping that he can help her to start fresh. But when a deadly danger jeopardizes her fragile new existence, Rose must face the ghosts of her past with open eyes -- or be left without any future at all.

If this had been a fairy tale , Rose would have been Sleeping Beauty . A new age variant of the loved princess, whose super rich parents left her stassed while the world around her crumpled of disease , wars , disasters & total destruction. Protected in her cocoon of chemicals for 62 years and let out by sheer act of curiosity by a boy who knew no better, Rose hardly feels like a princess. What she feels is like a mis fit in a world which has nothing she can hold on to. The connection she feels for the life she knew before is still so strong that she hardly feels for anything or anyone in this new world. People around her treat her like she is freak , which Rose thinks she is . Just as she is trying to understand and come to terms with her life , a danger is let loose which could well end Rose’s new found freedom.

The world Sheehan creates is not without flaws. The post Dark Times bleak world may not be all that bleak to an avid dystopian reader but the plot which deals with ethics in various fields especially parenting makes up for any thing lacking. The initial few pages do not give you any hint as to how huge the wrong doings and how sinister the whole set up is but as you delve into Rose’s life both past and present the picture that develops leaves a faint nauseous feeling which comes from knowing the enormity of the acts that lead to Rose’s Stasis and the heart goes out straight to this girl who lost way too much in the process.

I am sure not everybody reads dystopian because it can be too depressing or dark for a readers taste but I would defintely suggest making an exception for this one. A Long , Long Sleep is a book which shouldn’t be missed .

Source: NetGalley

Bumped by Megan McCafferty

noreply@blogger.com (Shweta) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 06:46:00 +0000

Dystopian fiction always succeeds in doing one thing . Scaring me . Even though I know it's the author's imagination , there's always a what if gnawing at the back of my mind. Today's world is a rapidly changing place and the way with which technology is encroaching into our lives , these scary thoughts are not totally baseless.

With Megan McCafferty's 'Bumped' we get to see a world where teenagers are hired to get pregnant as a particular kind of virus affects anybody over 18 and destroys their reproductive ability. It's hip and cool to be signed on as a surrogate . It's fun to sport false baby bumps. Your IQ , EQ and all other talents can get you fatter surrogacy contracts. Scary , isn't it ? In the middle of all this are the identical twins Melody and Harmony . Abandoned by their mother after birth and separated soon after , the girls meet at a time when one of them has decided to take a step in the direction which is completely against the upbringing of the other.It's told in alternating voices of the twins and the difference is evident. Melody's new age outlook is in stark contrast with Harmony's church upbringing. Both are confused about their lives , their decisions and about one another but yet they come out as individuals with strong minds and great central characters. Then there are other characters who are written so that we fall for them . I am talking about you Zen . It's been a while since I instantly liked any YA male character. Zen remedied that. Needless to say I was stuck to the book until I had finished it. Plus the ending. Oh ,the ending! I knew Megan McCafferty is GOOD , we all knew that right ? But with this book I realised she is a genius among the plot creators! The queen of contemporary YA took up dystopian fiction added humor to it and served it to us with such finness that readers are left hoping and praying for more!

Source : Borrowed

Battle Hymn Of The Tiger Mother by Amy Chua

noreply@blogger.com (Shweta) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 05:37:00 +0000

When I started this book 2 days back , I was vaguely aware of all the controversies , adverse reactions and some loyal supporters this book had garnered in the past few months. Book where a parent talks about how she made sure her children were nothing but ultimate scholastic geniuses with extraordinary musical abilities might not be everybody's cup of tea but ask any Indian of my generation and you'll realize that we all have an Amy Chua albeit of lesser scarier proportions in our families .Sometimes more than one !

Having grown up in the 90s I can tell you that most girls my age had to excel in every damn thing . Attending classical music classes , learning classical dance forms ,like Bharatnatyam in my case , learning to use the computer (they were new and we attended summer classes to learn how to use them and also to play that game 'Prince' :D ), striving to get straight A's and participating in numerous quiz competitions . It was a part of life. Wasn't torture of any sorts . That's how we were brought up .Though I did whine and complain ,I loved the way my parents took control of those years . It gave me so many options to choose from when the time came. That's why I fall into the category of readers who while not subscribing to every idea and technique of Amy's ( some of her parenting techniques made me promise myself to never even think of saying something like that to my child ) , knows that this kind of parenting can have it's positive effects.Remember I am not supporting her just saying that there are some good effects when this type of parenting is done in moderation. There were many instances when I thought she was suffocating her children , creating a very tense situation , maybe harming the family dynamics by putting undue pressure on them but then it's her story and all we can do is read. The damage or whatever we might call it ,has already been done. We as readers arguing or blaming her wouldn't change a single thing. That's why after a few initial reactions and outbursts, I just sat back and read it like any other book trying not to feel too much for any of the parties involved .That turned out to be a good decision .

For all the debate this book generated I think it was a well written and very well presented . You don't have to take sides but you should definitely give this book a try.

Source : Personal Copy

© Shweta's Book Journal . No part of this post to be reproduced without express written permission.

Guardian Of The Gate by Michelle Zink

noreply@blogger.com (Shweta) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 02:01:00 +0000

Looks like it's raining awesome sequels . The second book of Michelle Zink's trilogy revolving around the Milthrope sisters and a prophecy that binds them has everything a YA reader would love.

The first book was full of suspense and as a reader I was sucked into Lia and Alice's world filled with secrets and betrayals . Second book is more of a story builder. It helps fill in gaps about our knowledge regarding Lia and even to certain extent , Alice. Set entirely in Europe , it tells us about Lia's efforts to secure the knowledge which could help her put an end to this Prophecy . Prophecy ,which has made the sisters each others worst enemies while being tied to one another in a way difficult to explain. If you thought the Gothic element in the first book was done wonderfully wait till you read this book.

For those who like their stories with a dash of romance , Zink provides that too. I am so tempted to tell you more about this but if I do what where would the fun be ? I loved it and I am really happy I read this book at a time when I was starting to feel a loss of interest in reading. Put my faith back in place :)

Source: Personal Copy

© Shweta's Book Journal . No part of this post to be reproduced without express written permission.

Peony in Love by Lisa See

noreply@blogger.com (Shweta) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 11:12:00 +0000

A few years back I would have passed on this book . I was a picky reader then, one who was impatient with her literature. I needed the plot to move fast . I needed it to get there and not want the author to play around with words or describe emotions of any sort in detail. Teenagers are not exactly known for their insights and thoughtfulness.[Not all but atleast majority of them are not :)] Teenage me would have been a horrible book reviewer with disastrous consequences. Present day me wants all the things that teenage me hated . Ironic , isn't it ? The beauty of the book would have been lost on me had I picked it up then . Lucky this book and I didn't cross paths at that time !

Peony In Love is a beautiful love story but before you make assumptions as to it being an usual run of mill romance set in ancient China, let me clarify. This is nothing like normal. It's story of a girl in love whom even death couldn't hold back. Young and impressionable Peony falls in love with a handsome poet she meets during the Opera performance of Peony Pavilion at her home . Already betrothed to a man she hasn't met ,Peony has no way of uniting with the man she has hopelessly fallen in love with. At least that's what she thinks. Now you must be thinking , 'What's new with that ? Same old , same old ' That's where you are wrong. Peony's story is an education in the seventeenth century Chinese traditions , their beliefs about life , love , death , repentance and everything in between. Nothing is easy and nothing is without consequences. Peony's story is that of hope of uniting with her one true love and of understanding and acceptance of traditions, those which bind the lives of people in this world and the next.

This was my second Lisa See novel and I knew what to expect from her book. Loved the pace and the writing which was absolutely beautiful. All her characters both good and bad ( though nobody is bad here in the true sense ) are so well sketched that you are transported to 17th century China to see the happenings of the story as you are reading it. Especially the part where she describes the story behind the opera 'Peony Pavilion'.

Historical fiction readers you need to read this book !

Source : Personal Copy

© Shweta's Book Journal . No part of this post to be reproduced without express written permission.

What Happened To Good-Bye by Sarah Dessen

noreply@blogger.com (Shweta) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 09:54:00 +0000

Sarah Dessen's books and me -we have a history . She was my intro to contemporary YA. She is the standard I set for all books YA . She is the standard I set for all books dealing with teenage emotions. She is a standard for pretty much all that I read. No exaggeration here but only those who have read her books would get it .

What Happened To Goodbye is a look into the life of Mclean 'Elizabeth' Sweet .Following her parents divorce and her mother's remarriage to the coach of her favorite basketball team, Mclean has been on the move with her Dad .Her dad hops from town to town reshaping restaurants making them worth the investors money and to Mclean, this means never having to stay long enough in a place ,never having to form lasting bonds of friendship or love.Bonds which could cause pain when they snapped. Creating multiple accounts on social networking sites , taking on new personality traits for different schools and even providing different versions of her middle name is something she has sort of turned into an expert at. When their latest stop, Lakeview seems to have brought out the real Mclean Sweet her 'all packed ready to go at first notice' life is set in to a disarray . Finally my be she wants to wants to STAY .

I love Dessen's world and also how she brings back people and places from her previous works . As minor as they are , to a Dessen fan it's pure gold. I liked the way Mclean's character was sketched but what I loved the most was the rest of the crew. Especially Deb, her friend who is a talented , OCDish , sweet , smart and geeky.Every time she comes up in the story you'll have a smile on your face. trust me on that.

As for the love interest I wasn't a bit interested. There was too many other things going on to pay any attention to the romance track. It was subtle and sweet but not very impressive. May be that was the intention. The guy , Dave is cute and likeable but just doesn't shine enough . Atleast not like Wes.

At it's heart this is a story of a family which is trying to heal and the narration excels at doing just that. Read it !

Source : Personal Copy

© Shweta's Book Journal . No part of this post to be reproduced without express written permission.

The Clan Of The Cave Bear by Jean M Auel

noreply@blogger.com (Shweta) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 10:58:00 +0000

An earthquake of tremendous impact miraculously spares a little girl aged around 5 years, as the sole survivor of her tribe. Alone and hungry, with no perception of the loss she has incurred , travels through the thick forests only to be attacked by a cave lion that leaves her half dead .It is in this state that the Clan finds her. The Clan consisting of the survivors of the same earthquake that orphaned the little girl are Neanderthals, very dissimilar in appearance from her. To them she is a disfigured ugly child belonging to 'Others' , a burden if taken along but there are people in the Clan like the Medicine woman Iza ,who see her for what she is . A sick , hungry child who needs medical help and nurturing. Taken in to the Clan, Ayla grows up to be exactly like the Clan children in her thinking and behavior but isn't accepted by all and hence always having to prove herself. Ayla's journey is chronicled in the Earth's Children series.

When I picked up this series I was told that it wasn't YA but the first book was a great start and also sort of a decider, whether you want to get involved in Ayla's journey or not . I liked this book so much that I went on to read all the other books in the series with the exception of Land of Painted Caves.Though it gets explicit in the later books and is soo not YA , this particular book deals with more of Ayla's struggles and her determination to survive each time when the odds are completely against her. A theme which I liked and applauded . Most part of the series you see her fighting against prejudices but this book has a greater effect on the reader because you feel for the little kid who has known the Clan her entire life, has all their mannerisms, their habits , remembers nothing of her family and the life before yet isn't one of the Clan in the true sense. This being one of the very few books I have read with pre historic setting lives up to the expectations.

Give it a try , definitely worth a read !
© Shweta's Book Journal . No part of this post to be reproduced without express written permission.

The one with all buzzzzzzz

noreply@blogger.com (Shweta) — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 06:40:00 +0000

I have of late stopped buying books which come with high praises. Do you know why ? Because when the expectations are too high and the book fails to live up to it , I am put off books for a reeeeallllly long time !
Last time that happened I was off books for a month and that to me is like a lifetime .

Now I only pick books randomly, don't go by the hype. A few which catch my eye at my favorite book store. Definitely not going by the buzz on Twitter , Facebook , NYT reviews , Guardian reviews ,Goodreads or Library Thing etc etc. Not that I don't appreciate a thumbs up on a book. I really do but it makes me feel awful when I don't even remotely like the book which came with so much of praise. Makes me doubt my ability as a reader of good fiction .I don't hope to like every single book I am recommended and I eventually read, but too much of promotion gets to me.Most importantly with that happening my reading curve too starts rocketing downwards which to a compulsive reader like me is painful. Am I making sense here ? May be I am not but then it's my space so I can babble off :)

Has too much of buzz killed your reading appetite ?

© Shweta's Book Journal . No part of this post to be reproduced without express written permission.

The Professors' Wives' Club by Joanne Rendell

noreply@blogger.com (Shweta) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 05:39:00 +0000

Manhattan University's housing facility's garden is the common link which connect the 4 protagonists who have been through heartbreak , abuse , career satisfactions and troubled relationships. These women get a new goal in life when the Dean decides to get rid of this garden midst of much protest. Just when they think it could be a part of the beautification of the campus thing , they realize that the dean's motives might not be as plain as they seem upfront.

This is pure chick lit. Has a feel-good factor which comes from knowing that everything's is going to end well. Though the premise is good, the mystery which is attempted using the 'Poe' factor is very transparent. The individual stories too didn't hold my attention for long. I am not a fan of this genre (that could be one reason why I didn't 'GET' this book) but once in a while I do read one which catches my fancy so I might not be totally off the mark here. Considering it was a second hand book and knowing that there are friends who love reading this genre and to whom I have already passed on this book , I would say it hasn't been a loss .

© Shweta's Book Journal . No part of this post to be reproduced without express written permission.

Five Flavors Of Dumb by Antony John

noreply@blogger.com (Shweta) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 12:44:00 +0000

It's been a while since I reviewed but that doesn't mean I haven't been reading. I have read tons of books but had absolutely no time to review them. Today is the first day where in I have no deadlines to meet or reports to write . So here I am back on my blog to try to infuse a life in to it :)

Of all the books I read recently one book has stayed with me for the sheer originality of the plot . Five Flavors Of Dumb by Antony John ! A quirky rock music themed book told in a witty voice. When the upcoming high school rock band DUMB hires Piper as their manager it definitely doesn't look weird. She is learning the tricks of managing just as they are learning the hardships of functioning as a real band .Her hearing disability isn't as big a hurdle for Piper as it is getting these 5 totally different but equally weird musicians to function as a band . She needs them to do well because her future depends on the success of DUMB .But first she needs them to hear her out . Will she be able to do that ?

This book scores on the plot . Piper may be hearing disabled but she has an attitude and a voice PLUS she is not afraid to showcase either of them. Her anger at her parents for betraying her trust ,her jealousy towards her baby sister Grace who has 'gained' out of Piper's loss and her struggle to carve her identity in a world she just can't hear, is so painfully real. It breaks your heart at times while making you realize how cruel life can be to some of us, while others who have the gifts are blissfully unaware of the blessing. The plot captures every one of these thoughts.

I absolutely loved the characters . They were a eclectic mix who were slowly unraveled by the author to showcase qualities you least expect them to possess. The music references , the studio gimmicks , the gigs made it all a very satisfying reading experience. A hilarious one too :)

Highly recommended to anybody who loves a good book.

Source : Personal Copy

© Shweta's Book Journal . No part of this post to be reproduced without express written permission.