The Novel Cure : An A-Z of Literary Remedies - Ella Berthoud & Susan Elderkin

This book is bursting with lots of lists and suggestions about books. There are books for each and every possible situations in one's life. Its a remarkable work by these authors to compile all these lists. This book is very easy read - one can read it during coffee or lunch break. This is book is fun too.This book is a celebration of books. This book is a reading guide about choosing a book - a book of recommendations.

I loved the book layout and presentation. I never heard of many of the books suggested in this book , need to read all those. The synopsis of the suggested books are very useful. Hundreds of ideas about new books.  Many studies have proved the benefits of reading and this book gives you ammunition to it. Since I have not read much of the books suggested I cannot find any fault with the suggestions.

Some of the lists are :

• The ten best novels to lower your blood pressure.
• The ten best novels to read in hospital.
• The ten best novels for seeming well-read.
• The ten best novels to read on the loo.
• The ten best novels to turn your partner(female) on to fiction.
• The ten best novels to turn your partner(male) on to fiction.

Just reading this book itself a fascinating experience. This book should be kept with religious books in all book lovers home. I believe one day book like this one will come for Tamil books too.

The Underground Railroad - Colson Whitehead

“Freedom was a thing that shifted as you looked at it, the way a forest is dense with trees up close but from outside, the empty meadow, you see its true limits ."

"Small freedom was the worst punishment of all, presenting the bounty of true freedom into painful relief" 

After decided to read this book I searched in Google for "The Underground Railroad".  Very interesting to know how group of people helped slaves through their network of friends.The author beautifully mixes facts and fiction . This story follows the flight of Cora from her cruel master Randall in Georgia cotton plantation.She was born in slavery and her mother Mabel escaped when she was a child and no news of her ever after.Cora never forgave his mother for abandonment. Mable became a legend for slave catchers.

"White man trying to kill you slow every day, and sometimes trying to kill you fast. Why make it easy for him? That was one kind of work you could say no to."

The journey was one unrelenting horror.The initial idea of escape was planned by Casear , another slave who experienced period of freedom before he was bought by Randall. Casear through his acquaintances came to know about underground railroads and he was very sure Cora will join him.  This is where the author departs from the fact , there were no real physical railroads in those days. The author very cleverly creates characters around these railroads, even the conductors of the rails have their own story. The travel was through boxcar. Like magical realism Cora was transported to one state to another. Each state introduce Cora to new evil.

“Who built it?” Caesar asks. “Who builds anything in this country?”

No one believed in Cora as her search for peaceful life continued from state to state. Her stays in different states were brief and painful but she learnt many things including reading. She was followed by notoriously famous Ridgeway , a slave catcher. His only failure in his work was his inability to catch Cora's mother Mable.

No slave had ever keeled over dead at a spinning wheel or been butchered for a tangle. But nobody wanted to speak on the true disposition of the world. And no one wanted to hear it. Certainly not the white monsters on the other side of the exhibit at that very moment, pushing their greasy snouts against the window, sneering and hooting. Truth was a changing display in a shop window, manipulated by hands when you weren’t looking, alluring and ever out of reach.”

All characters are rebellious. The great pain suffered by the plantation slaves were unimaginable. The whites used various ways of punishing the slaves for fun and enjoyment. The chapters are interrupted by actual 19th century advertisement of slave escapes and rewards for hunting them. one particular section was very interesting - events at Museum of Natural Wonders.  The author beautifully used the characters at the museum to show the attitude of Whites towards blacks.

“People always got things wrong,” she thinks, “on purpose as much as by accident.”

“Look outside as you speed through, and you’ll find the true face of America" - I feel this statement is very important in the whole story.  Outside  was darkness. Those slaves experienced darkness everywhere.The author clearly portrays America as a nation built by slaves. This book takes whites history of blacks on its head by showing how history can be changed according to one's needs and wants. Imaginative , Inventive and Interesting.

Like last years "All The Light We Cannot See" , I felt this book surprised me with unexpected reading experience which i fully enjoyed (with sadness). Another must read !!

ராஜீவ்காந்தி சாலை (Rajiv Gandhi Salai) - விநாயக முருகன்

Salute to the author for bringing the reality of IT employees.I think this is the first novel in Tamil to explore the IT employees and employers lives. All the incidents in this story reminds me of "oh , i heard this there or i read it " . Seems like author did lots of research on writing the history of  Rajivgandhi salai. No character is wasted.

The author covered all the possible relationship problem, IT management problem and related real estate issues,marriage and sexual issues. Nothing is left  untouched.  May be because of these overwhelming topics , the story did not give the impact as one expected. Through Chandra,Ranga and Menon the author tells the reality of IT management and the effect of joblessness.  These people set unreasonable targets without ever discussing with the team and force them to work 24 X 7 without taking any rest.

கற்பனையைவிட கொடூரமானது நிஜம்.கற்பனையைவிட நிஜம் அதிக சாத்தியக்கூறுகளைக் கொண்டது .

The story of  Pranav and Suja is typical , heard and read in many times. Both working in IT field but at different time zones. The problems faced by this couple is similar to millions of IT couples specially newly married. No time for anything to do together including sex,  When things go on like this for long time result will be a disaster. Thats what exactly happened to Pranav in this story. I was not surprised.

சூழ்ச்சி செய்யத் தெரியாத எளிய மனிதர்களின் கனவுகளை காலத்திற்கு ஏற்ப மாறிக்கொள்ளாத மனிதர்களின் கனவுகளை காலமாகிய நான் ஒருபோதும் நிறைவேற்றுவதே இல்லை.

The story of Kowshik, though cinematic but believable. One cannot understand how young girls falls to guys like him. It happens everywhere. Another interesting story is the stories of taxi drivers of the IT companies. The gossip plays vital role in their communication. The story of Lourde is something unique , he was arrested for doing good and later learnt the tricks of being a cab driver,ultimately marrying a girl in the same IT company where he is working (how many times we heard stories like this!!).

Another important character is Karthick , consultant who travels overseas often. He is sort of examplory character in this novel. He utilizes his time and money efficiently and feel sorry for Pranav. Most of the IT employees want to have life like Karthick but majority falls under Pranav category atleast in terms of working life.  His idea of work from home and do only your own work makes sense.  Through Pranav , the author higlights the problem faced by the hard working and technically strong employee, Pranav do more than asked and he paid the price for his hard work and loyalty - fired. These kind of thing happens everywhere someone do all the thing and some other takes the credit.

புள்ளியில் இருந்து பிரம்மாண்டத்தைப் பார்த்தால் அதிசியமாய் இருக்கும் பிரம்மாண்டத்தில் இருந்து புள்ளியைப் பார்த்தால் என்ன அதிசியம் இருக்கப்போகிறது

The impact of globalization is very clearly explained in this novel. For old people these changes are drastic and they could not understand the pace in which these IT people are moving in their life. They live their live in their memories. The characters like Annama,Thangavelu chettiar,Kasim and Rasu brings those good olden days memories. The author tells the history through them. I heard these kind of stories in Singapore. Many taxi drivers told me how Chennai has changed in these 20 years and how today's youth misses those great days of the past.Some of the things described in this book is shocking but not surprising like whats happening rave parties, gigolos , wife swapping , lesbian sex, Adaiyar dog doctor and onsite sexual acts.  Here after, I think i will always remember these things whenever I hear the name  Rajiv Gandhi salai.

The language and the writing style feels like the author is closer to us (since I too working in IT). Because of his experience in IT industry the author is able to brings the all the details inside a typical software company.

Good read!!

Olympics 2016 : Athletes To Watch

An exciting Olympic starts today. I always get excited about this event.  Technology has changed the way these athletes practise and perform but winning and losing depends on that particular moment of brilliance. That's the magic of these sports events.

1. The one athlete whom I'm very eagerly waiting to watch : SIMON BILES , following her for the last 2 years, I can definitely say this girl is a WONDER. 

 2.One of my favourite runner of this decade ,liked his posture and how he carried himself : DAVID RUDISHA.

3.The man who brought back millions of people to track and field , the evergreen -USAIN BOLT

4.Another evergreen swimmer , without a doubt a legend : MICHAEL PHELPS

5.When there is a question arises who is the greatest athlete right now , may points to Usain Bolt and other 'famous' athletes but one name fits to that title according me is ASHTON EATON, unfortunately many don't know this great athlete.

6.Another gymnast who I love watching and adore him for his consistency , unquestionably for me the greatest male gymnast of all time - KOHEI UCHIMURA

7. The man who surprised many with his last minute push in 5000 & 10000 meters : MO FARAH

8. Singapore's Joseph Schooling, I have seen him swim here in Singapore. He is a very good swimmer and medal contender.

9.I believe LEE CHONG WEI will win gold in badminton single, he is a great player . But  he has to overcome the "Superman" Lin.

10. This is "Superman" LIN DAN's last Olympics , I like both Lee and Lin, hope for the best.

Some other notable athletes in this Olympics:

11. LYDIA KO -Golf

12.TIRUNESH DIBABA- Track & Field

13.MEB KEFLEZIGHI - Track & Field

14.KATIE  LEDECKY - Swimming

15.BRADLEY WIGGINGS - Cycling

Teams :

1. US Women's Gymnast

2.Fuji Rugby 7's 

3.Australian Women Hockey

4.Indian Women Hockey

5.US Women Football

Hope  2016 Olympics will showcase the talents of these great athletes and will be remembered for it than other out of field happenings.

 

மிளிர் கல் (Milir Kal) - இரா.முருகவேள்

தமிழ்ல மாணிக்கம் ,மரகதம் ,கோமேதகம்னு சொல்றோம் இல்லையா அதுதான் . ஆங்கிலத்துல சபையர் ,ரூபி ,எமரால்டு, அக்வாமெரைன் .இந்த மாதிரி கர்களுக்குப் பொதுவான பெயர் ரத்தினம் .... நமது இலக்கியங்கள் இந்த வகைக் கற்களை மிளிரமணிகள்னு சொல்லுது.

After reading this novel the first man came to my mind was Dan Brown - a writer who uses historical themes, symbols and conspiracy theories in his thrillers. Murugavel succeeded in writing a good story with historical themes. I think this is the first Tamil book to do so. Another novel which came to my mind was  Sudhagar's 6174 . 6147 was good but failed in many areas and not a memorable one. The author made sure that the facts are correct and his language did not let him down.

I need to acknowledge that I have never read Silappathikaram fully before I start reading this book . As I was reading this book I also started reading the prose of those described in this novel. I think this book will be even more interesting and enjoyable if one knows Silappathikaram fully. Its a shame that our schools and colleges not teaching our epics any more. 

This is the story of Mullai , a Tamil girl born and living in Delhi, who wants to follow the footsteps of Kannagi from Poombugar to Madruai to Chera Kingdom. For Mullai Kannagi is fascinating , through her father's storytelling she imagined a lot about Kannagi which lead her to take a documentary on Kannai . She leaves Delhi and travels to Chennai to fulfil her dream. Naveen her college friend and a leftist helps her in filming. They were joined by Srikumar ,a professor later.  These three characters are very different from each other.  

Through their journey the author beautifully explains the precious stones trade and their history in Tamilnadu. As Mullai and Naveen starts from Chennai , a multinational gem company (JK Diamonds) starts their business of finding gem mining location.Without he himself knowing Professor Srikumar was helping them. The kidnapping of Srikumar , the arrival of Naveen's friend Kannan and the arrest of various activists creates a thriller like feel.  The author beautifully links corporate companies who are thousands of kilometres away to the local goons and farmers and how these people link to Kovalan and Kannagi.

Though Mullai and Naveen started the journey for the documentary they slowly understands the problems faced by the people and the real politics played out. Naveen ,though he is left leaning, this journey made him to see everything first hand.The author answers lots of difficult questions in a simple manner through conversations. The author explains how King Ashoka sent missionaries to bring the tribal people under his rule and how Jainism used the tribal people and later how Dravidian parties specially DMK made Kannagi as role model woman. Both Buddhism and Jainism were dominant religion of traders of those times.

The novel bring back the life of those times with excellent description of places and people. The namesake of Kovalan and the lifestyle of Madhavi and everything related to them were as real as one can get . As a crown to top it all, the authors description of Kannagi festival at Kodunganallur was simply amazing. During this festival the devotees sing songs with full of bad words . The way Dalits defended this festival from the high caste and the politics behind it are very important fact to know. For many communities Kannagi is a semi-god. The different beliefs of different communities regarding Kannagi makes her a mystic and fascinating.

Till I read this novel whenever someone said "kangeyam" I thought only of  bulls and Jallikattu but this book changed that, and its surprising to know Kangeyam's precious stone deposits and business. One thing this novel did to me was to read more about Silappathikkaram and our history. I already order Silappathikkarm and watched the movie "Poombuhar "- i think its better to stick with reading and not to watch that movie. This novel won many awards. The writing is simple and easy to read.

"தம்பி , பக்கத்தில் கோடியக்கரையிலயிருந்து மீன் பிடிக்க போன நம்ம ஆளுங்க இருபது பேர புடிச்சிட்டு போயிட்டாங்க . அதபத்தியும் ஏதாச்சும் படம் எடுங்க உங்களுக்கு புண்ணியமா போகும்." 

A shining light among Tamil historical fictions - must read!!