Sunday, July 22, 2007

A Suitable Boy- Vikram Seth

Hi All,
When i asked my friend to suggest me a book for light reading, nothing philosophical, she suggested A SUITABLE BOY- Vikram Seth. The name sounded interesting, hence ordered for it. I got my first shock to see its weight and volume. I was reminded of my science books of college days. One thing was decided- it cant be a lie down book- one needs to sit erect to read it. When the opened the first pages, the flow charts of various characters with their families gave me the second shock. Never in my life have i been able to enjoy history as a subject. the Muslim rulers also took a place in my RAM after i left school. I still digested that thinking i'l browse through the pages if i forget who's who. Anyways, while reading it, i had my first meeting with those- mami massi type ladies who talk n gossip those unimportant tales. Anyways, i also met so amny others in the family as it was a wedding. Savita was getting married to Pran. Lata seemed to be the heroine.
Its the longest english novel, its written. The author makes you meet Punjabi family, A bengali family and a family from UP. Kolkata description was good- m sure the author was most familiar with it himself. The places of visit- the life style, all, seemed familiar after one visit to Kolkata. The style of writing was good- the vocabulary of course was also very good, and style was pretty simple. One can easily visualize what the author is wanting to say.
Vikram Seth's style of writing is like that of a movie- Bollywood. He makes you meet some many characters who are actually not needed there. We could have done without them. Afterall, its only a story- y did he do it- to increase the length?
During our journey with him, he takes us to different houses, different cultures and lifestyles, university campus, cricket ground, shoe bazar, muslim villages, hindu temples, post partition riots, houses of whores, the historical monuments, the hindu celebrations, the muslim celebrations, the intercast weddings, the child birth, interviews, inter marital relations, generation gaps, political speeches, melas......etc etc.
Anyways, the biggest mistake i did was reading the last chapter before finishing the book, and knowing that Haresh is going to fit in the character of- A SUITABLE BOY.
But, will i recommend others to read it????? I really dont know. Its abook which some will enjoy, and some wont at all, i m sure. When comparing, i still prefer Chetan Bhagat's books......... But, congratulations, Mr Vikram Seth, The Times calls you the best writer of the generation..............

Thursday, July 5, 2007

Thankyou Friend

Hi FRIEND.
Today i am deeply obliged and indebted to you for listening to me. The vibes convey messages. Its not really important that someone answers you back and says goody goody things. Its just important to have someone to hear you. The very feeling- the very knowledge that someone hears you makes a big difference.
We all have to live our own lives- face our own challenges, meet our own fate, take our own store of happiness and sorrows, and we must face it as we are expected to. HE knows what HE has designed for us. And HE does it all with a purpose. But I am thankful that in this finely carved journey by HIM, HE has blessed me with a friend. I am thankful that someone talks to me, someone hears me.
Thankyou Friend
Thankyou God

Sunday, July 1, 2007

Some treasured thoughts!

  1. Life is no brief candle for me. It is a sort of splendid torch which i have got hold of for the moment, and i want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations- G.B.Shaw
  2. Sure i am that this day we are masters of our fate, that the task which has been set before us is not above our strength; that its pangs and toils are not beyond my endurance. As long as we have faith in our cause and an unconquerable will to win, victory will not be denied to us- Churchill
  3. Great dreamers' dreams are never fulfilled, they are always transcended- Whitehead
  4. I am an artist at living- my work of art is my life- Suzuki
  5. Most people live- whether physically, intellectually or morally- in a very restricted circle of their potential being. We all have reservoirs of life to draw upon of which we do not dream- William James
  6. The secret of happiness is simple: find out what you truly love to do and then direct all your energy towards doing it. Once you do this, abundance flows into your life and all your desires are filled with ease and grace.
  7. Trust yourself. Create the kind of life you will be happy to live all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into the flames of achievement- F.C. McClellan
  8. Never forget the importance of living with unbridled exhilaration. never neglect to see the exquisite beauty in all living things. Today, and this very moment, is a gift. Stay focused on your purpose. The Universe will take care of everything else.
  9. Good people strengthen themselves ceaselessly- Confucius
  10. The Universe favors the brave. When you resolve to lift your life to its highest level, the strength of your soul will guide you to a magical place with magnificent treasures.
  11. I am more than i appear to be, all the world's strength and power rests inside me
  12. Wage war against the weaker thoughts that have crept into the palace of your mind. They will see that they are unwanted and leave like unwelcome visitors.
  13. Well arranged time is the surest mark of a well arranged mind- Pitman
  14. Time slips through our hands like grains of sand, never to return again. Those who use time wisely from an early age are rewarded with rich, productive and satisfying lives.
  15. The most noble thing you can do is to give to others. Start focusing on your higher purpose.
  16. We are all here for special reason. Stop being a prisoner of your past. Become the architect of your future.