Books-2015

17 books in 2014! I feel so happy to have read some really amazing books and introduced to new authors. Let's see if I can beat my 2014 record this year.

1. Elephants can remember: Agatha Christie
2. La's orchestra saves the day: Alexander McCall Smith
3. The Black Prince: Iris Murdoch
4. What Mrs McGillicuddy Saw: Agatha Christie
5. The Full Cupboard Of Life: Alexander McCall Smith
6. The Careful use of compliments: Alexander McCall Smith
7. Catcher in the Rye: J.D. Salinger
8. The Kalahari Typing School for Men: Alexander McCall Smith
9. The Sandcastle: Iris Murdoch
10. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd: Agatha Christie
11. The Mystic Masseur: V.S. Naipaul.

2014 Wrap Up

I'm almost a month late for the 2014 wrap up but better late than never!

2014 to me was wonderful. It brought a lot of cheer, adventure and general happiness. Thinking back, there were some unhappy moments but they do not dilute the awesomeness of the year.

To begin with, I took time off from work and I have never felt happier. It gave me a chance to realize that peace of mind is much more valuable than any salary or title. This lesson was a very important one and put things into perspective. I learnt that doing what you like comes at a price but it feels right. I made a bold decision to not stick to a job that made me miserable every day and I have never once regretted it.

The free time helped me immerse myself in something very enjoyable-yoga! I dedicated time for my practice and sure enough the results were there for the world to see. I didn't lose a whole lot of weight but I got toned and looked and felt healthier. My new and improved appearance added confidence. I became more open to meeting new people and making friends.

I found a good group of girlfriends with whom I developed a nice friendship. Having that kind of support system helped me get from day to day. I also volunteered my time to good causes which gave me a deep sense of satisfaction that I am making a difference however small. Some of the fun events with the seniors were very enjoyable.

A big achievement was getting my driver's license. I overcame the fear that held me back for two years and I managed to get past it. I also started oil painting lessons with a lot of nudge from V and I'm so glad I went for it. I explored a creative side to me which I did not know I had. I surprise myself with each painting I finish and it is a great feeling of accomplishment.

Travel wise, 2014 was great. From the typical city attractions of New York, magnificent Niagara Falls, bioluminescence kayaking, the dry yet majestic Death Valley desert to the snow clad mountains of Tahoe; every trip was breath taking and an absolute pleasure.

The year ended with me going back to work at a place I enjoy working.

Sure, there were some hiccups along the way-knee injury, a not-so-smooth job hunt, untimely expiration of the EAD and some general insecurity. But I don't want to dwell on those and give them power to cast a shadow on the year that I think was amazing in all aspects.

Looking forward to an even more awesome 2015!

Lolita: Book Review

I chanced up on 'Lolita' in the local library and was intrigued by the review blurb at the back of the book which read " Nabakov writes prose the only way it should be written: ecstatically!" and in that instant I knew I had to read it.

From pop cultural references I had already gathered that Lolita is a tale about an older man's obsession with a young girl. This is the premise of the book but there is so much more to it than the moral aspect of it. The prose for one is a literary treasure. I was completely engulfed by the powerful writing and fell in love with the characters. The viciousness, desperation, helplessness, innocence and love won me over and it was hard to put the book down.

There is not much happening by way of story yet I found myself turning the next page with curiosity and interest. The book does not wish to bring morality into question and is simply told from the perspective of one character. Humbert Humbert the narrator of the book feels so real, honest despite his crimes. There is no denying or making excuses-only narration. Lolita is also equally complex-an adolescent who is promiscuous, manipulative and victimized.

We know at the beginning of the book that a murder has been committed and also who committed it but the identity of the victim is revealed only in the end. Each episode and character is brought to life by the magical writing. So influenced was I by the book that I was ready to reread the book as soon as I finished it. I have never felt this way about any other book. Nabokov has instantly moved into my five favorite authors list. I intend to read as much of his works as possible.

Why Volunteering is Awesome!

In the last two years, the most amazing thing that has happened to me is volunteering. After I relocated to the US from India, I had plenty of free time on hand and while searching for things to do, I chanced upon a few volunteering opportunities. Life has never been the same after that. Here are some reasons why I love volunteering:

-It keeps me busy and now I have no time left to sit idle, feeling bored or lonely.

-It gives me a chance to meet some really cool people from different walks of life. I have interacted with scientists, lawyers, park rangers, teachers, students etc during my volunteering stints and need I say how wonderful those interactions were!

-My actions have a direct impact on the causes I support. Be it marketing or manning a booth-I see the results of my efforts bearing fruits which is highly satisfying.

-It allows me to hone my existing skills (online marketing) as well as learn newer ones (interpersonal skills, event management, admin work and even hiking!).

-As I'm working on a cause that is close to my heart, I'm passionate about the job. I get excited by new projects and my mind is constantly buzzing with new ideas. At the end of the day, I don't feel bogged down or exhausted. How often does that happen with our regular jobs?

-Volunteers are treated with respect and their contribution is recognized and appreciated. This particularly is a big motivating factor for me.

-I get to attend fun events while helping organize them. I've got an opportunity to hike at parks which are not yet open to public, watch fun movies, attend interesting lectures all through volunteering.

-Lastly, the warm fuzzy feeling you get in your heart knowing that your actions, however small, have helped make the world a better place to live in, is a reward in its self.

Now that you know how awesome volunteering is, join in the fun! Cheerful Givers has a whole lot of interesting volunteering opportunities. Check them out here: http://www.cheerfulgivers.org/get-involved/volunteer-positions/. Give it a try and I promise you will have a great time.

(A shortened version of this article appeared in the e-newsletter of Cheerful Givers July 2014 issue)

Bombay Time: Thrity Umrigar

I had heard about Thrity Umrigar in a discussion about Indian writers during one of my hikes. Naturally, when I saw a book by this author at the book sale, I picked it up.

Bombay Time is a story based on the lives of a group of middle class Parsis in Wadia Baug, Bombay. During the wedding reception of one of the members' son, everyone gathers and the story unfolds in the form of memories and reflections about the past, their youth and the various incidents that lead to their present circumstances in life. It has several interesting characters like the once ambitious Rusi Bilimoria, Dosamai-the gossip, 'Killer Breath' Tehmi, unhappy Coomi, successful Jimmy Kanga and many others.

I was floored by the strong and powerful writing. Every emotion is portrayed with ease and effectively so. I was impressed particularly by the unique quirks of each character and their interesting back stories. My favorite of all the different stories was Soli Contractor's simultaneous falling in love with Mariam and classical music.

The only gripe I have with this novel is that it has way too much sadness for one book to handle. There is death and frustration in every character's life. A little bit of happiness and fun would have helped to ease out the negativity. That being said, I'm very keen to read other books by Thrity. 

Memories Of My Melancholy Whores-Book Review

Yet another brilliant book by the Novel prize winner Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I finished this novella in two hours straight.

The protagonist of this novella is a 90 year old journalist who decides to celebrate his ninetieth birthday with a virgin prostitute. The book showcases what happens when he falls in love with the girl. It is no ordinary love-a surreal, dream like love expressed in the darkness of the night in a small dingy room rented out for the night with the object of his affection sleeping peacefully. Novels are read, poetry recited, paintings exhibited, gifts showered-all while the girl sleeps and he relishes those precious hours at night.

It is the magic of his writing that brings the entire novel alive. The old man's hopes, desperation, desire, jealousy and passionate love are all portrayed beautifully. I don't have much more to say except that this is yet another literary gem that lingers in the heart long after you've finished reading it. 

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency-Review

This book was recommended by my doctor during my latest India trip.  'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' is a popular series written by Alexander McCall Smith. Based in Botswana, it is a story of a detective agency started by the protagonist Mme Precious Ramotswe.

Mme Ramotwe is a wise woman, proud to be an Africa and loves her country for all its natural beauty, history and traditions. She often comments on how things have changed compared to life during her childhood. Her remarks in the most simple words reflect profound truths and observations about life, living and love which touched my heart and made me wonder what magic the writer has weaved without using any flowery language!

The novel is a collection of the different cases Mme encounters and solves using her sharp mind and common sense. The cases vary from the common place to the sinister-missing husbands, abducted children, cheating doctors, fraud employees etc. It gives the readers an insight into life in Africa, the traditions, social structure, modernization and lifestyle in Botswana.

The novel paints a vivid picture of Mme's personal life starting from her father's experiences as a mine worker in South Africa, her childhood filled with nurture and care by her father's cousin, the unhappy wedding and the setting up and operation of the detective agency. This helps the readers to feel more connected to Mme Ramotswe as opposed to focusing on one single crime until its resolution-the usual style of most detective novels.

My most favorite line in the book is: He looked at her in the darkness, at this woman who was everything to him-mother, Africa, wisdom, understanding, good things to cat, pumpkins, chicken, the smell of sweet cattle breath, the white sky across the endless, endless bush, and the giraffe that cried, giving its tears for women to daub on their baskets; O Botswana, my country, my place.

I have bought a couple more books in the series and I'm very excited to enjoy the adventures of Mme Ramotswe.