Wednesday, May 28, 2008

All Around The Town - Mary Higgins Clark

I enjoyed reading this book immensely. A must read for any Mary Higgins Clark fans and for anyone who is into psychological thrillers. This one was a page turner and even though I couldn't read it at one stretch due to other obligations, I kept going back to it as and when time permitted. The phenomenon of MPD has always interested me and the more I read about, the more I feel I should have chosen the profession of being a psychologist (Those you you laughing right now may kindly stop laughing:D) . The prospect of being engaged in a science with no certainty seems very challenging especially when it deals with the human psyche. When I was very young, I started off with wanting to be a doctor like most kids but then moved on to the more glamorous professions of genetic engineer (from reading all the Robin Cooks), secretary to a lawyer (from reading all the Perry Mason's), interior designer (from reading one particular M&B), and finally psychiatrist. Sad that I never pursued either of these and ended up being a boring software engineer. Even today I feel like I am total misfit for this job and having pursued my instincts in the culinary arena, I think I might be a better chef than a software engineer. But it pays the bills and gives me a luxurious (by some standards) life. So it will have to do for now. Aaaanywaysss, coming back to the book the characters are etched out well and the pace of the book kept me hooked. The ending, albeit predictable, was intriguing and the many chills and thrills that the book takes you through are a total blessing. I was even scared to read this book while I was alone in the room at some points. Childhood abuse is a grim reality for many and developing MPD due to this is not a new concept but it never gets less interesting or less sad. I admired Sarah's character and was happy with the fact that she develops a romantic interest in Justin. Definitely a recommended read if you are in the mood for a spine chiller.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Arranged Marriage - Chitra Divakaruni


I have been trying to read this book for long now. I tried borrowing it from the the library but had to return it before I got started. I now know that I am not built for borrowing books from the library. I love owning books and reading at my own whims and fancies too much to depend on the library. Unless of course there comes a time where I cannot afford to buy even second hands books. Keeping my future plan in mind (which some of you know by now), I must buy them all:D:D....The book was a good read albeit it had a sad note to some of the stories. As obvious the stories all revolve around arranged marriages and provide an insight into the Indian woman's psyche both in India and abroad. Chitra Bannerjee got me hooked to her books with her previous series "Sister of my heart" and "Vine of Desire"....I didn't appreciate "Mistress of Spices" and I have heard that the movie starring Aishwarya is even worse....
I can't remember the names of the stories as I write this but I liked most of them especially the one about the lady of the house and the maid she hires told from the perspective of her sister. All in all a decent read.

Monday, May 05, 2008

The Undomestic Goddess - Sophie Kinsella



This book was a recommended read by my sister knowing how much I enjoyed "Confessions of a Shopaholic". I enjoyed this book very much as well and the next one by Sophie Kinsella on the radar is "Can You Keep a Secret?".

Samantha like the typical protagonist of Sophie's books is an expert at painting herself into a corner. It is nail biting to read what she commits herself to but there is also an exhilaration in her ability to be a quick learner enabling her to wring herself out of the situation she is in. It was rather frustrating to read the number of times she changes her mind before arriving at the conclusion that she should ditch her life as a high profile lawyer. I did not agree with that wholly either. I feel that there was no need for her to go from being a lawyer to a housekeeper. She could have chosen a life somewhere in between - like becoming a part time lawyer who works in her own time. What a waste all those years of working towards the law degree!! But of course this book is not to be taken too seriously:) It was a fun read and I wouldn't mind reading some thing so illogical if it gives me a few laughs which it did. My hubby caught me laughing out loud in the middle of this one;)