The Valley of Masks Book Review Tarunj Tejpal

I recently purchased The Valley of Masks and got a very good deal with it. Yes, the book was up for sale at a whopping discount and I got it for nearly half the list price. The book diagnoses the various aspects of power, dogma and purity. It offers a frightening but realistic vision of the future. The book may seem disturbing but it offers an analytical angle which is certainly not worth a miss.

I found the book to be imaginative yet disturbing and the novel transcends borders and cultures. This book instills good reading habits in the young, and if you like reading about the dogmas associated with power, this book is a must read. Though of a serious subject line, The Valley of Masks is more of a story with a lesson which you and people around could learn. The Valley Of Masks is thus aptly described as a book with no parallel in Indian literature. The lesson that you learn as a reader will haunt your thought for quite a bit. I recommend this book to all my reader pals.

Collins Improve Your Writing Skills Book Review

Are you a budding writer or wish to be one someday. The Collins Improve Your Writing Skills by Graham King is the ideal guide to all your writing needs. Writing concise sentences in correct English may not necessarily be rocket science. I realized this after I opted for this book. Yes, it has a very structured pattern that allows users to avail the best there is written communication. The book let me learn the basic principles of clear and concise writing, with coherent use of words.

It is essentially a guide to writing English and will help you develop good written communication skills.  Sometimes there are moments when you are drafting a letter or are stuck in between an essay, not knowing how to proceed. If you are one such writer that wishes to hone your written communication skills, Collins Improve Your Writing Skills is apt. I especially liked the planning, preparation and revision part of the book. Though my spoken English has always been good, honing the written English was memorable. This book let me plan, prepare and revise all that I had learnt.

I have certainly built my confidence with this book by Graham King and wish to recommend it to all. Now, be the writer (prolific and confident) that you wish to be, through the simple lessons offered in this book on Writing Skills.

Corporate Nirvana Book story in corporate India

Urbanization has brought with it multiple opportunities for all. It has even changed the way we look at globalization and growth in economic terms. I have been reading quite a lot on corporate management. Corporate Nirvana by Sonali Masih-D'silva, akin to her other books, is a must read. The book is aptly described as a story that would enlighten you.

As a reader I could relate to the various voids which the modern life may pose and stop us from achieving what is destined for us. Corporate Nirvana delves into the actual mantra of successful living offering the secret route to the perfect success mantra, wealth and real joy. I found the book very insightful; as it offers a good solution to come up with the best ideas, the zest to experiment and the need for a ‘never say die’ attitude.

You could also easily relate to the hero`s struggles with a life that is dysfunctional. It will resonate with many of us who have chosen to live a busy life. It doesn’t end only with the corporate world as it has many useful lessons needed to strike a balance between an individual`s personal and professional life.

The Google Guys Book Review Richard Brandt

‘Google it’ is the latest catchphrase which every one of us has used ever so often. Ever wondered what actually drives the Google founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin? This book has the answer to your questions. Yes, The Google Guys by Richard L Brandt is surely something to look forward to.  I was partly confused which book to choose and finally zeroed in on The Google Guys and opted for Pre-Order. The fact that the author is an award winning journalist did influence my decision.

Though one of the most reputed companies in the world, there are many misconceptions surrounding the inception and the manner in which it operates. The book is ideal to demystify the myths surrounding the company. Larry Page is the one who is fuelled by business acumen so special, that it has resulted in a phenomenon called Google.

Sergey Brin, with his technical prowess is the main technologist and idealist. He not only has brilliant ideas but also strong moral positions. However, they work together in cohesion making things work and how? Google is today, one of the most reputed organizations in the world. The author demystifies the mammoth of an organization by bringing to readers interviews with ex employees, affiliates and people from competition. I highly recommend this book to everyone, who like me, are enamored by Google. This should certainly be a must read.

Inheritance Book by Christopher Paolini

Inheritance by Christopher Paolini is aptly described as an authentic work of talent. This story about Eragon a farm boy whose life changes to impact an entire civilization is worth reading. It is on similar lines as work by Tolkien. This is a classical fantasy about dragons and heroes that will appeal to people from different age groups.

Eragon the fifteen something boy, lives an ordinary life, until fate decides to tune his life into an action packed one. His dragon Saphira is constantly by his side. They are about to face the greatest battle wherein they have to fight Galbatorix. When they decide to do that they are required to be strong enough to defeat them and if they are not able to, rest assured no body else can.

Eragon and his faithful dragon have come a long way and have actually drifted farther than anyone else had ever gone. In this book of the phenomenally successful inheritance series, the rider and his dragon have accomplished a major part of their goal. But will they terminate the evil King and restore justice in Alagaesia? Read on to know more. I am eagerly awaiting the release of the book. I am sure Inheritance fans out there are waiting for the book too.

The River Smoke Book Review by Amitav Ghosh

If you wish to study the colonial history of the East through a seafaring tale and the problems of poppy’s product- the opium, go for the river of smoke. In this sequel to the Sea of Popies, Amitav Gosh dives deep in presenting the picture of Opium War of 1830s. Gosh shifts his focus on canton in this book.

Book opens in Mauritius and moves on to chase its storm tossed characters. The ship is caught in the whirlwind and when the seas settle five men- two lascars, two convicts and one passenger have gone missing. As the narration progress you’ll find out whether it was the storm that changed the routes of the ships or were the destiny of passengers meant to coincide. It presents an interesting picture of the network of alleys and harbor through characters from all walks of life; it has tycoons, government officials, journalists, fugitives, smugglers, and a motley collection of others.

The River of Smoke reads like a scholarly paper and provides rich details on opium war and Cantonese society. Highly recommended!

Those in peril book review by Wilbu Smith

‘Those in Peril’ by Wilbur Smith brings you face to face with the barbarian world of 21st century piracy.

“Hazel Bannock is the heir to the Bannock Oil Corp, one of the major oil producers with global reach. While cruising in the Indian Ocean, Hazel’s private yacht is hijacked by African pirates. Hazel is not on board at the time, but her nineteen year old daughter, Cayla, is kidnapped and held to ransom. The pirates demand a crippling twenty billion dollar ransom for her release. Complicated political and diplomatic considerations render the civilized major powers incapable of intervening.”

When Hazel is given evidence of the horrific torture which Cayla is being subjected to, she calls on Hector Cross to help her rescue her daughter. Hector is the owner and operator of Cross Bow Security, the company which is contracted to Bannock Oil to provide all their security. He is a formidable fighting man. Between them Hazel and Hector are determined to take the law into their own hands.”

Wilbur Smith gives a pictorial presentation to the book. It deals with serious topics of piracy and religion. It presents the Muslim religion in great depth, why Muslims have strong dislike for westerners. Book has vivid description of murders and brutal rapes. The narrative is fresh supported by strong characters. It explores in depth the problem of Somali pirates in Indian Ocean. Plot moves in flow and preserves suspense till the end. This thriller will not disappoint you at any level.

The Art Of Stress-Free Living Book Review

Are you unable to cope with work pressure? Is stress building and eating up your peace of mind? If you find it difficult to manage time then you must read The art of stress free living.

In this book Sri Sri Ravi Shanker teaches how to manage stress. With body postures, breathing exercises, meditation and the knowledge of basic spiritual principles one can easily manage stress. It tells you how a clear mind supports your intuitive intelligence. It encourages people to live artful, free and happy life. It helps you to find peace within and bring about the change in your thought process. It will ignite the creativity in you and help you leverage your potential. The timeless works of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar confirm the fact that effective stress management leads to a happy life.