Book Reviews By Tulika

H2G2 - Douglas Adams *****

2007-03-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

What can I say about these books, just read them (with open mind), and then re-read them, and then once more to make any sense out of them, just read them as many times as you can!!

Rama II by Arthur C Clarke

2007-02-28T10:35:00.000-08:00

After a long time I have read a book which made me get back to my blog and write a review for it. Its a really good science fiction book about visitors from outer space. The first book of the series Rendezvous with Rama did not impress me so much, but this book is full of surprises. For me it was a good change after reading lot of Asimov. The two authors are really different in their approach, while Asimov believes in spreading human race everywhere, Clark (at least in this series) confines human race to solar system and created very highly intelligent extra terrestrials. If you are into scifi, its a must read, reading the first book might help understand this, but if you haven't you are not missing much.

Reading List

2006-11-19T11:57:00.000-08:00

Classics: (books which everyone wants to read, but no one does )
War and Peace
Crime and Punishment
Great Expectations
A Tale of two cities

Analog - SciFinFa magazine

2006-09-22T07:48:00.000-07:00

I have always enjoyed SciFi, though till now most of what I have read is Asimov, and I always want to read magazines. So when browsing in the library my eyes fell on this magazine called Analog - Scientific Fiction and Facts, I immediately grabed one. Read a couple of stories from it, very interesting. Short stories are quite different from novels, they have to move fast, and don't drag and usually have one cohesive topic to talk about. I am going to try reading more of them.

The Client - John Grisham

2006-09-20T21:00:00.000-07:00

Read John Grisham after a long time, and it was as thrilling as ever. Though I found this book a little less surprising, I guess after reading so many books from the author, I can kind of guess the twists and turns in his story. Still it was a very pleasant read and I could not put the book down before reading it from cover to cover. Very interesting story of a man who first plots to steal lot of money and then plots even more to free himself of all the charges, does he succeed and then end up living the life of a rich man? Does he get away with it? The story is full of crosses and double crosses.

The Lost World - do i have to tell!!

2006-08-17T21:03:00.000-07:00

Fianlly managed to get my hands on this book and read it. The book is good, interesting, still did not meet my high expectations, maybe I have read just too many. There are some loop holes in it like an Ihindi movie, but like a hindi movie, its totall interesting and worth the read. Since its such a famous book, there is no point telling what its about, only, its worth a read, so if you are looking for older literature, go ahead, read it up!

2001 A space Odysse - Arthur C. Clark

2006-06-16T16:23:00.000-07:00

As ironic as it sounds, the vision of 2001 is good :). I have mostly read Isaac Asimov's books in SciFi and his main theme about space travel is hyperspace etc. This book introduces another concept and its quite interesting, though its still very limiting and does not allow intra-galactic travel. I enjoyed reading the book, it starts out quite slow. You know something is coming, but you turn pages after pages waiting for it, and then there it is with a bang! One thing I found annoying with the book was that it just alludes over the mystery, secret, adventure, without really getting into depths of the mystery. The last few pages are quite action filled though.

A series of unfortunate events

2006-06-04T19:50:00.000-07:00

I don't know why I read this book. Everywhere in the book it says that its not a happy book, no happy ending, no happy beginning and nothing happy in between. But that was ok, its a story and tured out to be somewhat interesting. But the writing style us just awful, with each word there is a detour to explain the meaning of the word, real annoying, made me wonder if I am reading a story book or taking a english lesson. The style of writing really makes you feel that its a adult writing for children, making the assumption that they are dumb and do not know anything. I can see that author wants to use difficult words, and then also give the meaning in case dumb children did not understand what the word means, but then why use the word in first place, just use the simpler word instead. That would be a art for writing children's books which the author clearly lacks. I have read other children's books (Harry Potter for instance) and have really enjoyed them, but this one was just awful.

Morning, noon and night - Sidney Sheldon ***

2006-05-22T13:43:00.000-07:00

This is a average novel by Sydney Sheldon, or maybe now that I have read so many, he has become predictable. Its kind of a thriller, takes twists and turns Sheldon style, there are surprises in every chapter. If you decide to spend time to read this book, it will not disappoint you.
Like most Sheldon's novels, its the story of a very rich businessman, his childen, out of wedlock (fancy word!) children, story of rich people's greed for money, betrayal and contented lives of not so wealthy.

Freakonomics

2006-03-21T13:19:00.000-08:00

Prey - Michael Crichton ****

2006-03-21T13:17:00.000-08:00

no reviews for so long

2006-03-21T13:10:00.000-08:00

I have not written any reviews for so long, not that I am not reading books, but just that get lazy, plus I do not seem to be enjoying the books anymore, I need something different. Lately I have been trying to read a lot of non-fiction, but its just not that much fun. I tried to read (all unsuccessful) -
Various books on Astronomy
Discovery of India
Origin of Life by Darwin

Now reading -
Ann Frank's diary and Crypto. Hopefully will finish one of these. The dairy is nice so far, might become disturbing later.

Whiteout - Ken Follet *****

2005-12-21T13:56:00.000-08:00

Another master piece by Ken Follet. I think he is my another favourite author. This book is full of adventure, series of unexpected things, enough to keep you hooked and turning pages. A total no-nonsense book.
Must read.
Other similar fiction by Ken Follet - Third Twin

State of Fear - Michael Chrichton ****/

2005-11-03T15:25:00.000-08:00

After a long time I read a book which presents concepts, ideas, which can actually be discussed and I am dying to discuss it!!
Spent the whole weekend reading "State of Fear" by Michael Chrichton, whole day, nothing else. Its quite a interesting book, it started with about being some environmental issues, and huge scale conspiracies and now is drifting towards influence of media on public opinions and stuff, and ended with random ideas by author about how we should 'manage' nature. Of course I have huge problems with the 'manage' concept.
The theme of this book is global warming and other effects of industrialization on global climate. Its a typical thriller by author, measuring up to Jurassic Park. There is also a element of suspense, very well written. Story line is great and proceeds at the exact pace to keep you involved in the book.

The author mentions really interesting facts about effect of media on people in developed worlds. He introduced PLM syndrome (or something) - Politics, Legal and Media. He said that these three things combined create a State of Fear in which most people of developed countries live. The media can create a picture of catastrophe from any smallest of events, and it paints such scary pictures, urging people to be prepared, to be careful, to be scared!! He also mentions the role of legal and politics in continuing that state. I totally agree with that, I can clearly see the difference while watching local news, every news story is amazing, everything is something to be scared of, something to be prepared for. Its these type of stories that keep people's attention and keeps the media profiting.

Towards the end he also throws in lots interesting ideas about what we should do for environment, the ideas I do not agree with. He does not seem to believe in conservation of nature, but in managing the nature. He says that natural balance is all non-sense, and you cannot just leave nature alone and let it recover from any damage that we have done. Though in the beginning he also presented examples on how human beings end up destroying nature by trying to manage it. But later he proposes to create a 'test environemnt', where we can experiment and learn what is the best way to manage nature, something that I totally do not understand.

Its a must must read.

Angels and Deamons - Dan Brown ****/

2005-10-05T22:53:00.000-07:00

Another of the typical Dan Brown novels. A thrilling adventure in middle of unknown facts about christanity. The story line is good, there is not a mystery per say as Da Vinci Code, but unknown adventures in each page. It starts somewhat slow as usual, when the professor is explaining same things again and again about the long lost cult Illuminati. But it gets faster once we have past the beginning and things start moving at great speed. Its hard to put down the book when we reach the core of the plot. I spent the whole sunday just sitting and reading, convincing myself that I am too sick to do anything else. The real thrilling story actually ends 100 pages before end of the book. The last 100 pages were a great disappointment to me, its just a endless drag of same statements repeated infinite number of times, some small things happening in vatican after everything is over. Though author has not failed to hide still more surprises in those pages, but the content around those small surprises gets too boring. I would say a must read, but if you are short of time, you will not miss by skipping though the last 100 pages.

The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul - Douglas Adams

2005-09-13T00:48:00.000-07:00

Just finished another book by Douglas Adams, something about Dark Tea-Time of the Soul. Its hard to remember the title itself. And as expected the book is as absurd as HHGG, but atleast in the first reading it does not seem to contain the humour that HHGG had. Its more full of absurdity. Dirk, the detective character has wierd habits like not opening his fridge ever!! Its something to do with different Gods and what they do. I did not get the story line at all. Guess will need to read it a second time to understand anything. Skipped the last few pages, it was just too much nonsense.

Harry Potter series - audio books *****

2005-08-15T14:54:00.000-07:00

There is only one word that I can saw in the review of Harry Potter series. They are simply great, and if you have not read it, then you are missing something great.
The audio books are great if you want to re-read the books.

The Tristan Betrayal - Robert Ludlum *****

2005-08-08T11:01:00.000-07:00

The main plot of this book takes place in Moscow during Stalin's rule. The times are when Hitler is advancing in Europe with full force.
One of the best plotted spy ring novels. There are surprises at every corner. Its the story of a genius spy, bound to keep your attention till the very last. I do not want to say anything more about the book as it might give away the small surprises hidden in every page.
A must read.

Murdet at Nob Hill ***/

2005-08-01T21:41:00.000-07:00

The title of this book attracted me because it was related to San Francisco, lately I have been feeling that I miss living in that windy foggy city. Anyway, so I started listening to this book thinking that if nothing else, it will be like remembering San Francisco again. But I was totally surprised by the story, what a great mystery it turned out to be. Its one great adventurous book, and the reader has done a great job of immitating various characters. The book is fast moving, events after events happening, and its hard to put down after you have overcome the first few pages. Its just in the beginning that it goes on and on about problem a women lawyer faces in getting herself taken seriously in a man's workd of 1800. But once you are past that, it becomes quite interesting. A enjoyable investment of time according to me.

reading many books

2005-05-11T13:19:00.000-07:00

These days I am reading a lot of books. I started Pebbles in the Sky by Isaac Asimov some time back, in the middle was reading a book on Hawaiian volcanos, and yesterday I started Da Vinci Code. In between that I am reading, rahter listening to books on CD in my car. I heard Hidden Jewels and now listening to Innocent Deception or something. As soon as I am done with any of these books, I will post my reviews.

Multiple Choices

2005-03-24T16:50:00.000-08:00

This book is very different from any book I have read so far. This one
is about real life, about a mother with a teenager daughter (american
of course). Not that I had anything to gain from this book, but it was
an interestingly different reading after all those fantacy, adventure
books which tell stories which happen in some far far away world. Its
the story of a very average american family, no millionairs making
everday trips to london and paris. A nice no brainer bed time read.

Are You Afraid of the Dark - Sidney Sheldon

2005-03-10T18:44:00.000-08:00

I am confused about how to write a review for this book. I found it a interesting reading in general. The end is pretty much expected. It will fit very well into a hindi movie story. The way all the dramatic things happen, a lot, really lot is left to chance in the story line. There are lot of places where you wonder, why would someone do that (if not just to move the story forward). Like why would someone keep their passport in the safety vault of a bank? Overall, its time worth spending for casual bed time reading, but do not make it your priority. Do not skip any pages when reading, there is not too much of fillers in this book.

Digital Fortress - Dan Brown

2005-03-01T14:32:00.000-08:00

While I was waiting for DaVinci Code, I came upon this book, actually
suring my short stay at mountain view. Overall its a interesting book,
nothing misleading about the book, its got something to do with
digital security world. There is no mystery to solve here as such, but
its interesting, a book full of plots, pland and surprises, which is
exactly what makes book interesting according to me. Writing is good,
and tastefully different from most of the other popular books. There
are ofcourse weak points, like story unnecessarily stretched at
places, where you just feel like shouting, enough!!! Cannot compare it
with the more popular DaVinci Code as I have not read that.

Kane and Abel - Jeffery Archer

2004-12-21T15:30:00.000-08:00

I read this book long back, but my last book reminded me about this one and so the review. This is definately one of the most interesting book that I have read, I would say Archer's best. Story line is great, exciting, very interesting and its again full of surprises. Not too long and I practically read each word with interest.
A must read I would say.

Sons of Fortune - Jeffery Archer

2004-12-21T15:22:00.000-08:00

One more of Archer's high profile life stories. The story line is strong and interesting. There are surprises in every corner, typical Archer style. Its a story of twin brothers and has everything in it from making of successful people, to banking, politics, drama, emotion. I won't say that its another Kane and Abel but somwhere not far behind from it.
Weak point: The story seems to be reeeeeeeeeally stretched in the middle, you can skip lot of pages without loosing track of what is happening. That accounts for the 500+ pages. At some point you feel like enough!!, and want to discard it as a boring book, but things get really exciting towards the end and if you have the book in hand, I would say do not give up, read it till the end, very last page.

Harry Potter Series - J. K. Rowling

2004-09-22T15:40:00.000-07:00

Today is the review day, since I just wrote review to HHGG, its also time to write long pending review to one of our (yes, rahul and I) all time favourite books. These are few books in which you get so much involved that its hard to put it down without reading untill the last page. Some people would say that these are for kids (also from the fact that in the library you get them in the Teen section), but those 'adults' are just denying themselves the pleasure of a ride into the fascinating world of Witches and Wizards. (!poor muggles!), rest you can find after reading the books.
A MUST MUST read.

The HitchHiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams

2004-09-22T13:19:00.000-07:00

Today I was going through this site and realized that I still have not written the review to one of the most interesting books I have ever read, The HitchHiker's Guide!! Not that its been very long since I have read the books, but I have been its fan since I first read the first few pages of the first book in the series, and that was back in India, in late 2001, when the book used to be available free to read online. I never found the online edition again. But thanks to the public library, I can read all the five books once again. For those of you who have not heard about the books, let me tell you that HHGG is of course sci-fi, one of the most creative sci-fi, it is so creative that it actaully sits at the border of being creative and being insane, bizarre. While reading the book, if at any point you start feeling that you have understood what's happening, my advice would be - read again, u probably misread something. If still you think that you understood the book, you are a creative genius.
Literally speaking, Douglas Adams is a great satirist (did i get that right?). You will see him mocking everything from current face of Sci-Fi to different cultures on earth. But everything is said in such a funny way that you cannot help laughing out loud even in a crowded bus. (ya that's where i did most of my reading)
A MUST read.

Only Love - Erich Segal

2004-08-12T10:16:00.000-07:00

Finally there is a story which is not nostalgic, not overly modern and futuristic. This book resembels a regular hindi movie story, love, passion, betrayal etc. etc. Its a nice bed time reading. Nothing thrilling or chilling about the book, no surprises, you can almost guess the story. But what makes this book good is the author, the way he presents such a normal story that it looks interesting and refreshing. According to me (like most other Erich Segal books) this is a worth reading.

Timeline - Michael Crichton

2004-08-10T10:26:00.000-07:00

One of the classical sci-fi books about time travel (ooops, there is nothing like 'timetravel'). It does not take a IQ of 100 to guess that this book talks about people going back in time, visiting history. You will learn a lot (a lot, more than you would care to) about history of france, england, while you can also revise your fundas of quantum computing, relativity and some other modern things. Its a typical thriller, no mystery, but people fighting againt a deadline. Worth a look I would say. If history bores you, then it would be enough to just read first few chapters, before people actually go back and last few chapters.

The Best Laid Plans - Sidney Sheldon

2004-08-02T15:21:00.000-07:00

This book is somewhat a disappointment. I would have expected something more subtle and intelligent from Sidney Sheldon. I just kept waiting for that one moment in the book when u go, "wow! that's brilliant", especially since the title of the book itself talks about best laid plan. There does not seem to be any plan in the book and even after finishing the book, I could not decide who the main character in the book is. There are surprises, but they surprise you in a stupid way, its just too obvious. I would say if you want exciting, suspense novel, then do not waste your time on this one.

The Long Road Home - Danielle Steel

2004-08-02T15:15:00.000-07:00

This is definately not a happy book to read, full of tragedies which even sound real. Makes you think a lot of things about life (atleast made me think). Made me somewhat gloomy too. Like most of her novels, this is also well written, no fancy stuff, its easy to get involve in the book. Still I would not say that its the kind of book you cannot put down before finishing.

Foundation's Edge - Isaac Asimov

2004-07-26T08:48:00.000-07:00

This is the 4th book in foundation series. This book is filled with even more bizzare concepts than the first three, and there are few things which are just beyond understanding or explaination. If you try to understand the book and why some things happen they way they do, you have to really stretch your imagination to the point where it can break and everything look like a hallucination. For the prople who loved the first three foundations books, I would say that if you have not read this one, you are surely missing something. If you want to start the foundation series with this book, then I would say, give it a second thought. Whatever the author says, according to me, to fully appreciate the book, you need the background. (unless ofcourse you have a out of the world imagination :))

The Foundation Triology - Isaac Asimov

2004-07-19T13:00:00.000-07:00

This series of three books consists of Foundation, Foundation and Empire and Second Foundation. I am writing the review for all the three together as its hard to see these books separately. The official claim (which is I guess true) is that each book is complete in itself and you do not have to read the earlier ones to understand the later ones. But for me, I would say that it was hard to be satisfied with reading just one. I actually started the series with Foundation and Empire, but halfway through the book, I realized that I want to read the first book first. So I went to Foundation and then read all the three in order. These are one of the best Sci-fi books I have read. The books are written well, author gives you enough time to grasp all the concepts of space settlements, millions of world, gazillions of people, space travel, hyper-jump and what not. Though I was surprised by the absense of robots in these books, but maybe that was because I had been reading only the robot books of Asimov earlier. I would say that this is a must read for anyone interested in spreading humanity on other planets.

What's to come!

2004-07-16T16:40:00.000-07:00

Banker to the Poor: Micro-Lending and the Battle Against World Povertyby Muhammad Yunus, Alan Jolis

Dune Series -- Frank Herbet

Books on Globalization

People's History of America

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

Lord of the Ring Series

Books on NVC (Non-Violent Communication)

Tell Me Your Dreams - Sidney Sheldon

2004-07-14T10:02:00.000-07:00

Just finished this one. An interesting reading, plot not very original, but there are definately surprises in the book. The main character suffers from multiple personality disorder, you can guess that after reading first few pages, though the author wanted it to come as a surprise at the end of first part. There is little dramatization which feels very unreal. In all a nice reading.

Prelude to Foundation - Isaac Asimov

2004-07-13T17:14:00.000-07:00

Completed this book few days back and to be frank, it was a disappointment. I have read the first three books in the series, Foundation, Foundation and Empire and Second Foundation. I loved all the three books, but after them, Prelude to Foundation appeared pretty boring. The book seems to spend pages on small unnecessary details. As we say 'kheencha hua hai'. The end was indeed a happy surprise (especially for those who also like Asimov's robot novels), but for length of the book, there was not much matter.