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At least they have figured out the origin of current humans. We all originated from a single tribe in Africa. It is not a theory, it has been proven using DNA.

Journey Of Man A Genetic Odyssey (PBS) - YouTube

Just finished reading Hells's Corner, David Baldacci's latest offering. Excellent thriller but one needs to go through all the camel club series to read this one!

Now reading Prison diary by Archer. Not too bad but tends to be a little boring.

Agreed! I am a big Maclean fan and have read almost all the books more than once - this being an exception. Took me multiple attempts to finish it.

Finished reading a brilliant book "Behind the beautiful forevers" by Catherine Boo. It's a real-life story about few people living in Annawadi slum located around the periphery of Mumbai airport. Book has already got rave reviews.

Here's my take on the book.

First things first. Boo - I take a bow. Brilliantly written book and it reads like a fiction. Amazed by author's unsentimental narration of such an emotional and heart wrenching story. Her observation, understanding and narration of Indian way of life blew me away. It is packed with information/sub-texts that it will take at least couple of re-reads to appreciate it fully.

Overwhelmed by the indefatigable spirit and never give up attitude of the people living in Annawadi slum. For the people living in undercity, survival of fittest is the ONLY way of life. Day-in and day-out.

After reading the book, one can either feel terribly bad about injustice meted out so many people out there and hate India for being so corrupt, or look beyond all these and appreciate the spirit of people living in such inhuman conditions and still trying to be good. I saw the latter.

Whole book can be quoted, but will share couple of things to keep the review short...

"It is easy from a safe distance, to overlook the fact that in undercities governed by corruption, where exhausted people vie on scant terrain for very little, it is blisteringly hard to be good. The astonishment is that some people are good and that many people try to be."

I am astonished and humbled at the same time to see you boys like Abdul trying to be virtuous while living in sub-human condition. Words fail to express my feeling towards him. Sunil's spirit, Manju's commitment is something to die for.

"The forces of justice finally comes to Annawadi. That the beneficiaries were horses was a source of bemusement to Sunil and the road boys.

They weren't thinking about the univestigated death of Sanjay and Kalu. Annawadi boys broadly accepted the basic truths: that in a modernizing, increasingly prosperous city, their life were embarrassments best confined to small spaces, and their deaths would not matter at all. The boys were simply puzzled by the fuss, since they considered Robert's horses the luckiest and most lovingly tended creatures in the slum."

Page after page, after reading about injustice done to so many people, it was indeed ironic to note that horses of Annawadi were the first to get justice. Couple of paras succinctly reflects the harsh reality of the Annawadis. I am sure it will apply to slums of Washington DC or Rio de Janiro.

Finally...

"For sometime I (Abdul) tried to keep the ice inside me from melting, was how he put it. But now I'm just becoming dirty water, like everyone else. I tell Allah I love him immensely, immensely. But I tell him I cannot be better, because of how the world is."

Abdul - don't become dirty water. People like you are the ultimate hope for mankind.May Allah reciprocate the love and shower HIS benevolence on you.”

I have just started reading, The Second World, Empires and influence in the new global order by Parag Khanna.
Its about the lease understood countries shaping the future of global order.

Between reading "A Game of Thrones" and "A Clash of Kings", I read "Serious Men" by Manu Joseph. Though I've not read much of Indian writers, this was a good find. Interesting story and was written without the usual flowery language. And touching upon our caste divisions, this one took no sides. Kinda funny actually. Nice read.

One series I liked recently is the Empire of the Moghul books by Alex Rutherford. Have now ordered the 4th book in the series, A Kingdom Divided.

All these books are quite well researched on the lives and times of the Moghuls right from the time when Babur invaded Hindustan (Raiders from the North), of the trials and travails of Humyaun (Brothers at War) to Akbar the Great (Ruler of the World). Though pure fiction with lots of imaginary plots and characters thrown in, yet the books do provide great insights into workings of the moghul administration and the consolidation of the empire.

My only complaint is that some parts of the stories are repetitive like the escapades of the emperors in the harems, the description of wars etc. Also, in the Ruler of the World, there is no mention of the nine wise men (Nav Ratna) of Akbars court including Birbal which I feel is a major miss.

However, overall a great effort from a non Indian author about something intimately about India. Also great for us to remember our history classes in school.

Currently reading the Bourne Series and trying to finish, in the 2nd last book called The Bourne Objective

Next one is the Bourne Dominion but i think Mr. Lustbader is writing one more in the series called Bourne Imperative clap:

Just finished the below two:

Meluha - by Amish Tripathi
Norwegian Wood - by Murakami

Both good reads but not exceptional. Try them.

Currently reading "The Fifth Witness" by Michael Connelly. Finished 70 pages and has been good going so far.

Also bought "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pautsch. Read initial few pages and seems to be a good motivational book.

just completed Meluha started Nagas.

Nothing exceptional. But OK

Just completed reading Steve Jobs by Walter Issacson.

Really a good book. The sequence of the book is such that you feel instereted to read the next chapter as soon as possible.

I would recommend this book to everyone. It motivates us to believe in our ideas, no matter how crazy they seem to others.

Thanks,

Finished reading "The Fifth Witness". Very good pace and really detailed courtroom scenes. Enjoyed reading the book. The double bluff in the end is mind blowing.

Also finished reading "The Black Echo" by the same author. That too was well paced though it is a bit dragging in the beginning. Given that this was his first book, the lagging pace in the beginning can be excused.

Currently onto "The Black Ice" by the same guy! Hooked onto his books.

Nice thread !. Saw some posting on Meluha & Nagas.

Apart from Rajeshkumar, Sujatha (regional), have collection of Jeffrey archer, Dan Brown, Sidney Sheldon.

And last collection is 'Ramayana' by Ashok Bankar. Though we have grown up listening stories & watching Ramanand Sagar's version - this one is fresh and more lively.

Anyone read & have a different view ?.

PS - will be starting the read on - Krishna & Mahabharata series soon. Few editions already out on the stall.

Need suggestion to gift one book each to 12 & 16 year old boys.

Both are above average readers

Budget of 250 bucks each.

Any suggestions ?