The Confidential Agent

This is my first Graham Greene book. And I cannot make up my mind about it. The writing is no doubt very engaging. But something didn't quite work for me. Of course I cannot write Greene off for this, unless I read a couple of more books and still feel indifferent.

I can't rate it because I don't know how to. This post is strictly for the record that I did read this book.

The Fabulous Girl's guide to Decorum

I thought for a very long time about admitting it in public that I have read this book. No there's nothing wrong with the book. Just that people who know me would be surprised about the choice :) I wanted to read something silly but couldn't bring myself to pick up an M&B. I barely managed to read 2 of them when I was 15 and anyway Chick-Lit was a subject that was being talked about...

It is a very practical guide book for those who want to be well what else, fabulous girls. I finished the book in about 3/4 of a day. Not because it was unputdownable but because I didn't find many things in the book worth my time. The book gives gyan on everything from how to handle workplace situations (like biding your time till you get the right job to office romances), How to behave at book launches, movie premieres, funerals, shopping, handling friendships, sex, being couples, weddings and divorces and how to decorate your homes. It is largely in European and American context so most of it doesn't make sense here. I really don't know if "you wanna come over for a cup of coffee" means "wanna have sex" to a larger section of Indians yet.

But it was a fun read nevertheless. It might be helpful guide to young women who are stuck in a rut and have no clue how to get out. I am thinking a book like this in an Indian context (that is well written) will sell really well. And may be the publishers can think about bringing out similar things in regional languages as well. Just because one doesn't know the queen's language doesn't mean one doesn't want to be a fabulous girl isn't it?

My rating 2.5 on 5

The Book Thief stole my heart

This one came with high recommendation. And it was worth all the two days I spent reading the book. I couldn't put book the down even for a minute. Thankfully I didn't have any assignments so I did have the time. But since I wanted to finish the book I had to order in to avoid cooking time :)

The narration is simply the best I have read. The language is exquisite. It is a delight to read the way the author, Markus Zusak has stringed the sentences together. It is like every single syllable in there has been thought about. And no phrase or word is there by accident. The imagery is outstanding. I love the way the colours are described on each occassion.

You cannot help falling in love with the characters of Himmel Street. Liesel, her papa Hans Hubermann (I would give anything to meet a man like this one) or Mama Rosa who swears all the time. But my favourite has to be Rudy. The boy who is forever in love with Liesel and does everything to get a kiss from her.

I am not a big fan of stories set in Nazi period. They are all incredibly grim and reminds me of that side of human nature which I'd rather not know. But this book is full of heart. And is the only one I've read from the german perspective. The book made laugh and it made me cry. (V thought it utterly silly. But what the hell).

It would make an excellent film if someone can get that style of narration right (which I doubt)

And it is a great book if you want to learn the german language. After all swear words are the best first words to learn in any language :)

My rating 5 on 5