Francis Itty Cora by T D RAMAKRISHNAN

Well, this is a review, I am not sure I should be writing, for two reasons.

The first reason, I cannot honestly say I have read the book whole-heartedly because of the frequent distractions in the novel itself. I am not a huge fan of nudity/violence, and I don't usually get excited by the cooking-recipe of human meat pie. So I had to keep skipping few lines every now and then, which made me lose the story-thread many times. Second, the book has been recommended by a friend I adore too much, that I began to wonder what have I missed.

That being said, I shall try to be as honest as possible. The book might be a gem (as many claims it to be) but you have to be very patient, focused and determined to find that gem among all the stones with which it is filled. If it hasn't been for all the positive reviews (& recommendations), I wouldn't have gone past the second chapter. Many reviews compare this book with Dan Brown's Da Vince Code, maybe because it tries to connect many historical characters and events drawing a thin line between the history and fiction. But that is where the similarity ends. If Da Vince Code mesmerised you, this book leaves you disturbed as you have been thrown into a world of black magic, violence, rape, cannibalism, live burning, drugs, war, physical torture, adultery, nudity, prostitution and few more for which I don't have exact words in my vocabulary. Do you really need to fit all of these in a single novel? Couldn't it have been better if some details were left to reader's imagination, rather than forcing it down their throat?

If three women (with well-paid jobs) running a brothel deciding to welcome a cannibal, war-veteran, rapist from USA to their "School",and putting their life at risk to inquire about his ancestor (till one of them get burned alive) is not strange enough, everything else is stranger than that. But after all, this isn't meant to be a biography but just a fantasy thriller, so I guess all that is acceptable. What the author actually wished to convey to his readers, is what that isn't clear. May be I missed the actual message (if any) somewhere. Not a book that you did pick to relax, for sure

If you can tolerate these strangeness& violence, than the book could be a good read. The author brings a new angle to the history you might have known. Most of the events are real, and you might be lucky enough to meet some of your favourite heroes on the way. If history hasn't been your subject, make sure you have google access too. If this is the first of the kind you are reading, you might turn into a fan of TDR, the author. That is too much "might" out there. The book does have an element that makes you finish it in one go. But to get a thorough grasp you need to read it the second time.

The only intention of this review is to warn you so that you know what to expect. Don't get discouraged. The book apparently has more supporters than criticisers so it might be worth a try.  Not the same reading glasses, not the same veiw!

The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari - by Robin Sharma

Okay...so this book has been in my to-read list for quite a long time until i decided to strike it out recently. To write a fair review , i felt like drinking the old wine from yet another bottle. Well the bottle was not probably that new. This could even be the original bottle of the wine i have had from many other newer bottles. The story remains the same, the power of universe to be channeled by positive thinking, Learning to control mind and thereby the whole universe. But if you are totally new to this concept, the book is worth a read. It gives you clear instructions , enough motivation and good reasoning. The monk, once a well-established lawyer, financially very sound, with a unbeatable reputation suffers from a massive heart-attack.  This makes him rethink about his life after which he decides to go to Himalayas in India. There he meets a group of saints, from whom he learns the "secret". The story begins when this "monk" teaches this secret to his favorite junior advocate (the narrator).
 Well, the most poorly kept secret it should be. Being born and bought up in India, in a Hindu community, let me tell you, this is not a secret at all among Hindus. Everyone knows this, but no one really cares to follow. It is not about knowing, it is all about seeking. To begin with, one really need to have a deep desire to "seek this knowledge" . I agree a heart-attack and broken marriage would have been enough to fuel that desire in the monk. But will his students benefit from it if he comes knocking at their door and offering it to them over a cup of tea. And what about the readers. I sincerely have my doubts.
To harness the universal potential, one has to be truly convinced that he and the universe are one and the same (I think that is what Hindutva is all about, pardon me if i'm wrong). But once this happens you no longer would want to possess those earthly wealth. Spiritually you would have over-come all those desires of mind. So it is like you need the power to gain something, but once you have the power you no longer have the desire to gain that "something". I hope the readers don't get a wrong message that this is an easy way to make some money or a dream career or love. Well, I'm not a religious person to say these with certainty. But if anyone out there succeeds, you would let me know, wont you?

A Rich Man's Secret - a novel by Ken Roberts

If you are that sort of person with the ever lasting quest for that "secret" hidden in the Universe...if you cannot just convince yourself everything as "God's doing" and sit back to wait for the fate...this book is a good read. Unlike the name, it does not have anything to do with riches. I would say the book's title is very misleading.
     The books helps you in realizing that it is very much normal to be abnormal. There is nothing wrong with you, if you are not able to fit yourself into the society's so called normal life of having a highly paid job, luxurious home and forgotten dreams. You need not be guilty for being a seeker.
    The book not just highlights the need to live in the present but also on how to do so. Probably after reading this book, you too will realize 99% of the people around you are time-traveling without even they knowing that they are. The center character Victor in the novel is in search of something not knowing what it is. In a deeper sense, it symbolizes the search within each of us. In this search, he comes across some interesting characters who has one or two lessons for him. Finally he finds the hidden treasure, which is a letter written by a very rich man on secret of success. The real message is not in the letter, but in the plight to find it. Yes, this storyline is quiet similar to many other inspirational books like "The Alchemist". But unlike the shepherd searching for gold, Victor is more real and you will find it easier to relate to his search.
    There are some good takeaway messages like "Coincidence is not very coincident" , " Your thoughts are not really yours and they are not you", " No one can put you down unless you allow them to" , " Success does not need to be appreciated by others, there is more joy in silently enjoying it yourself" , "When someone says impossible, it just means they don't know how to do it" and many more.
 The book can leave you smiling at yourself when you recognize the universe's signal. It might make you wonder, why you never noticed it before. If you are reading this blog, just go and get a copy and read it. Who knows, this blog might be signal!!!

Success Is Not An Accident - By Tom Newberry

I was searching for something when i came across an electronic copy of this book in the Internet. Somehow the name struck me, because all my life i have felt that i have been a very lucky person. I believed, that whatever i have achieved till today ( not much in the eyes of my parents though), has come to me automatically.

No I'm not talking about fate.  It's "LUCK". It's like one morning your friend calls up and says "Hey! I'm applying for this exam/post. Will you come with me to get an application form? By the by, why don't you too apply?" . Finally, i end up not only applying but also winning in that exam in flying colors (without any preparation).  It may sound stupid, but all my life i have been experiencing such miracles. I never had any plan to reach where I'm now.

This book seems to explain or i did rather say question my life ? I feel myself as successful, because when i look back i don't see anything that i had wished for  and not achieved. I have a good job, good family, good education and above all the strength to follow my heart in all occasions. Am i missing something ??? Something that i wanted really badly ? Nothing that i can remember. Ok! So that is my idea of success.

Now comes the tougher part, am i happy ? What a stupid question to ask!! Can someone be "happy forever" ? If yes, than i would have become pretty bored with that happiness. I enjoy my meals better when i'm really hungry. I would prefer to get happiness, when i really feel down. As Simple as That! Since i'm not "unhappy forever", i guess i'm getting enough of happiness.

The book tells me "Success is the deliberate, measurable pursuit of prayerfully chosen, written goals." . Did i do something deliberately to reach here ... i can't honestly say a "yes".  "Measurable???" No idea... "Prayerfully chosen, written goals ?" That can be partially true, i too have prayed for a happy family and a good job.

The book triggers lot of emotions , questions and thoughts. I may not 100% agree to the book, but its worth reading. It has the power to make you explore the inner you... to bring out the questions that you have been afraid to ask yourself... and to leave you wondering what was it that i have been living till now...