Book Reviews. 2017. 7

Reviewing books that I read in 2017.

31. When Breath Becomes Air - Paul Kalanithi

What makes life worth living in the face of death? What do you do when the future, no longer a ladder toward your goals in life, flattens out into a perpetual present? What does it mean to have a child, to nurture a new life as another fades away? These are some of the questions Kalanithi wrestles with in this profoundly moving, exquisitely observed memoir. 4/5.

32. Stiff Upper Lip, Jeeves - P.G. Wodehouse

Wondering what Wodehouse smoked before writing books. Pu la Deshpande once mentioned that pg is his guru, after reading this book I would say there is no doubt about it, outrageous, hilarious and the best book in Bertie Jeeves series.

33. The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad - Twinkle Khanna

This was an easy read, a movie is also made on this book. Liked it. 3.5/5

34. Indian Superfoods - Rujuta Diwekar

It is interesting that yoga became cool only when the West embraced it. This book made me realize that billions of Indians are doing the same about food...blindly following trends of the West. I am not saying that everything that comes out of the west is 'evil' (I mean, I'm writing and getting to read an audience because of the West). But sometimes, it is nice to question what we have been taught. In my family I have seen my grandparents, parents living a healthy life with trim figures, how did they manage to do that? they don't follow any trends, dietitians or nutritionists. We already know the science, it is passed on to us from so many generations. Indian food is a superfood, I have always been a believer of that. Loved Loved Loved this book. Highly recommended. 5/5

35. Kosla - Bhalachandra Nemade

(Marathi book) I have the same feeling as I had for Catcher in the Rye (Kosla is 'inspired' by it). WTF did I just read? Nemade has received a Padma Shri and is a well-renowned writer. You can give this book a try if you want, and let me know how it goes :). 2/5.

What I wore in Las Vegas:

Book Reviews. 2017. 6

Reviewing books that I read in 2017.

26. Keys to Great Writing - Stephen Wilbers

From grammar rules to revision strategies, you'll find the crucial information you need in short, easy-to-browse sections that enable you to hone your own signature writing approach. 3/5.

27. Red Rising - Pierce Brown

Gave up halfway, dystopian future... not my genre, otherwise, the book has very good ratings.

28. The Great Escape - Fiona Gibson

Gibson's stories are about really mundane things like in mum on the run - a mother of 3 decides to start running every day and lose some weight, in this book 3 friends meet after a long time and how it changes their lives in small possible ways. I love the way Gibson develops the scenes and the plot, there isn't a moment when I feel bored when reading her books, she has a good writing style. 4/5.

29. The Whistler - John Grisham

Predictable, boring, expected better from Grisham. 2/5.

30. Behind closed doors - B.A. Paris

It is a fast-paced, pulpy read that plays with your emotions without ever making you think too hard. I could not put it down. 4/5.

Book Reviews. 2017. 5

Reviews of books that I read in 2017 -

21. Right Ho, Jeeves - P.G. Wodehouse

P. G. Does it again, situational comedy at its best, I am giving it 4 stars as my man Jeeves does not appear in most scenes, I want more of him. I cannot wait to read the next in this series. 4/5.

22. The Best of Me - Nicholas Sparks

Gave up halfway. That says it all.

23. Bridge to Terabithia - Katherine Peterson

This is more like a kid's book (not like Harry Potter which everyone enjoys). 2/5.

24. An unsuitable boy - Karan Johar

Do not like his movies but loved his autobiography. 4/5.

25. The Colossus Rises - Peter Lerangis

I used to volunteer at a library and the colossus rises was a superhit book amongst the school children, I picked it up out of curiosity. After reading it I am wondering if the school children, especially under 10, really understand this book. There are many elements that are hard to understand. It is a 3 book series, the story doesn't end in this part but I am not too keen on reading the next one, I give it 3 stars.


 

Women: 3. The Martyr

This is the third part in the series. Earlier parts - Part 1. Part 2.

The Martyr

The Martyr - a woman who thinks people are judging them based on how good a wife/ mother/ daughter/ daughter-in-law/ sister-in-law she is and she cares about the opinions and then tries to be a perfectionist, treats the man of the house as the 'man of the house' who is never asked to (or given an ultimatum to) share his share of responsibilities, she tries to show that she is the best daughter-in-law, mother, and whatnot and then juggles everything and kills herself in the process. 

I am sorry, I have to say this - I pity all those women who take pride in doing a job, taking care of kids, keeping the house spotless, cooking - all on their own.

I respect women who get help, 'ask' men to take care of their share of chores, men have two hands and brains so I bet they can manage to do the dishes, laundry, cooking, and whatnot, it is not rocket science after all.

From what I hear there are crazy men out there who deny to own their share or laugh at men who they see cleaning dishes, I couldn't/wouldn't have survived with such an idiot, I don't know how women do that. But again, being financially independent gives you the flexibility, if you do not want to spend your life with such an idiot then you will always have a choice.

I respect women who do not take pride in sacrificing their dreams and aspirations or do not feel guilty in asking for sharing equal responsibilities.

I would say quit trying to be perfect, it is never going to happen.  As long as you are being yourself and trying your best, it is enough, you do not need to suffice to the expectations defined for the gender role (gender roles are history). Just like all the men in your life, you too have one life and at the end of this, there is no award for being perfect. There is, however, the satisfaction of having lived your life to the fullest, if you accept that you are flawed, just like everyone else and that there is nothing wrong with asking for the fair deal of sharing half responsibilities and speaking up that you will not suffice to gender roles.

To be continued...

Dress: Ann Taylor, Tights: Target, Shoes: Ellen Tracy, Jacket: J crew

Dress also worn here

Busyness

In your recent interactions with people have you answered the simple question “How are you?” with some variation of  “I’m so busy!” What happened to the good old, “I’m fine, thank you. How are you?”. Do we somehow think that being “busy” is a symbol of status and importance?

Busyness serves as a kind of existential reassurance, a hedge against emptiness; it is our way to tell people that our life cannot possibly be silly or trivial or meaningless if we are so busy, completely booked, in demand every hour of the day.

When we say 'I am busy' it sets a wrong tone to the conversation too, because if we are so busy then it creates distance even before one starts the conversation (my opinion), why would anyone want to take our time in small talk if we are so busy.

The truth is that being busy all the time is counterproductive. Our brains need space to think clearly and strategically. If we are caught up in the busy trap then it actually means that we are constantly reacting to tasks, accept whatever the day throws at us, being part of something that we don't even want to do, instead of making purposeful choices about what to do with our time.

We need to stop the glorification of busy and not let the activities/ social events/ tasks choose us, but we choose them. We should make the choice to be less busy and schedule some time to reset, relax and give our mind the space it needs to think creatively, to come up with great ideas and to just rejuvenate. Every time we tell ourselves (or others) that we are too busy, we should stop and think about what we are really saying and think about everything that is cluttering up our calendar and our to-do list and decide to do only what is important. We just might discover the joy of being less busy.

2 combos:

Stripes Dress, Orange Shoes

Dress: J crew, Shoes: Mix No. 6

Orange Shoes

Artist Crop - American Eagle, Top - Ann Taylor, Shoes - Mix No. 6

No repeat value

In the last 8-9 years, I have worn this dress just thrice. These kinds of dresses do not have much of repeat value, after all, you can not wear the same dress to every party that you go to (not that people notice but it's our own fear that they will :-) ). I am not much of a party animal so I avoid buying party dresses.

So, today's recommendations are:

1. Buy stuff that matches your current lifestyle and body type.


2. Spend the minimum on clothes that have no repeat value (for you).

Dress: AND (from India)

Shoes: Me too

Little Black Dress

I have this dress since a long time but I hardly ever used it until I started some  experimentation. In the next few months I will be adding some combinations that can put this kind of a dress to some regular use. Do all girls have a little black dress?

Dress: Ann Taylor

Tights: Hue

Shoes: Ellen Tracy

Fit Bods

Fit body  is the most precious thing one can have and unfortunately money can’t buy it but hard work and self control can.

Dress: Mark & Spencer

Shoes: Ellen Tracy