Books and Impressions.

While going on about my childhood bookishness on one hand and being noble about race inclusion on the other, I realized I was merely swinging between the distant past and the promised future, forgetting the present. So, what of the present? What book glories have I achieved in the days of now, of which I can share my pearly wisdom? Turns out, I haven't been half as bad. Counting backwards, I did read at-least five books since the lock-down began. Not speedy enough but not a lull either. So, allow me to spill my bookish beans on the 5 that I've finished successfully.

Five Down, plenty to follow!

1. Dongri To Dubai

by S. Hussain Zaidi

Blown away! Is all I can say about this book. Hussain Zaidi, an ex-investigative journalist was exactly how a 'model journalist' should be; daring, intelligent and alarmingly fearless, quite unlike the swarm of faceless cowards that clamor for their 2 bit headlines today. With his passionate rendition of the Mumbai Mafiosi in a narrative that has been painstakingly brought together, Zaidi writes a book akin to a historical data on the who's, who of the underworld. When it comes to the Mafia, tendencies to glamorize and titillate often skew reality, but not with Zaidi. The stories of Haji Mastan, Karim Lala, Chotta Rajan and of course Dawood Ibrahim are told with as much accuracy as possible. Nevertheless, you cannot deny the dark glamour and the perilous fantasy attached with these infamous thugs, dons and smugglers of Mumbai. The city herself has been outlined in such loving detail that you'll be enthralled and repelled by it in equal measures. This book has set the benchmark for all Mafia books to come.

2. A Song of Ice and Fire

by George R. R. Martin

I jumped notoriously late onto this book-wagon but am still proud that I finished all of the 5 books within a month and am now eagerly waiting for dear Mr. Martin to release the finale books no. 6 & 7! For those who are fans or have heard of 'Game of Thrones', this is the book series that lent itself to the creation of one of Television's most popular shows. The books are a huge feat in themselves, to create a story and give birth to characters that would go on to become so iconic is something that the author himself hadn't anticipated when he first wrote, way back in 1996! From '96 to 2020 George Martin has been dutifully crafting one of the most impressionable and ingenious stories of all time. And to think that his last two books are upcoming gives a major rush to all of his fans out there. A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows and A Dance of Dragons have proved the greatness of this fantasy epic, now it all comes down to The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring to make a glorious ending of the saga.

3. Tuesdays with Morrie

by Mitch Albom

This was the book my friend Jyoti and I had gifted our college professor, on the occasion of his retirement. Back then, I hadn't read the book, I merely trusted Jyoti's taste and agreed with the choice of gift. Weeks later, my professor called me and in an emotionally vulnerable state thanked me profusely for the book, which he claimed was the best gift he ever got! I was startled and rather touched but still did not bother reading the book myself. Two years passed and one day, while I was at my friend Shreya's home, I saw the same book propped up on her bookshelf, this time I was definitely intrigued. I borrowed the book, read it and let's just say if there is a book that everyone, I re-iterate 'everyone' should read it is 'Tuesdays with Morrie'. A short book with a profound message, it will definitely make us re-think the life we lead. Effortless and full of love. Do not skip this one!

4. Devlok

by Devdutt Patnaik

Indian mythology and the genesis of God worship has always fascinated me. In India, superstitions are galore especially with respect to religion, most of us don't even seem to realize what we do and why we do, it is just perfunctory. This raises serious questions in regards to the validity of our acts, for which we never have satisfactory answers except to bleat, "It's been that way for generations etc..", Sure there are many beliefs and stories that do not hold water as day and age progress, still many of the ancient beliefs and practices have been meted out unjust condemnation because they've been shrouded in our ignorant superstition. 'Devlok - God's world', is a book that traces the origin of literature and scared texts of India and in doing so it unravels the reason behind our culture and practices, it analyzes the stories and lays bare the truth in a simple and digestible format. This one is a school-book guide for initiating yourself into the abc's of ancient Indian lore and literature.

5. Only Love is Real

by Brian Weiss

If you are spiritually inclined plus a mushy romantic, then this book is right up your alley. Dr. Brian Weiss, a world renowned psychiatrist has made path-breaking discoveries in the field of spirituality and human lives. His books are an incredible proof of reincarnation and past life regression. Also, they are not your typical info loads, but are simple records of unbelievable experiences which will grip you subtly till the end. This book is an affirmation for all those vainly seeking for love, and might help us broaden our minds to comprehend what the true nature of the word 'love' really is.

As I type, I have managed to begin two new books and have realized that writing about them has got me back my reading mojo.

Special thanks to my little friend Aaliya for her non-stop requests for a blog on Dongri to Dubai, here you go!

Happy Reading.