Who's reading what,when & the experience

davyd · Apr 1st, 2006, 05:28

I cannot resist to write new letter here.
My sister bought many novels of Dan Brown, Digtal Fortress, Angels and Demons, Deception Point, even bought some explanatory books like Martin Lunn's Da Vinci Code Decoded (total crap!) and History of the Templars by Piers Paul Read.
I would recommend the last part of the last book, though it's boring.

About Elizabeth Kostova's The Historian. Still reading, wonderfully crafted but very stretched.
The Lord Of the Rings by JRR Tolkien. Again, very stretched and not so interesting but it's amazing from time to time - I like atmosphere and telegraph language - like:
...and the young Sun shone like fire on the red metal of their new and greedy swords. There was victory and defeat; and towers fell, fortresses were burned, and flames went up into the sky. Gold was piled on the biers of dead kings and queens; and mounds covered them, and the stone doors were shut, and the grass grew over all. Sheep walked for a while biting the grass, but soon the hills were empty again. A shadow came out of dark places far away, and the bones were stirred in the mounds...

iwanttogoback · Apr 1st, 2006, 11:13

tim winton's 'dirt music' again. and i'll probably read it again and again.
winton, imo, is one of australia's greatest writers - he tells wonderful stories about people who are flawed, struggling and real. and he can tear your heart out with his prose.
if you enjoy a really well written novel look out for his books 'cloudstreet', 'the riders' and 'dirt music'.
and he writes great kids books too - how could you resist a book called 'the bugalugs bum thief?'

Apr 4th, 2006, 11:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by davyd

About Elizabeth Kostova's The Historian. Still reading, wonderfully crafted but very stretched.

i'm intersted to hear what you thought about it davyd - i read this last year as i'm a big fan of any writings and novels of 'the vampire' (don't ask me why as i really don't know, just find it intriguing)

i liked it - yes very stretched but still, i liked it!

bijapuri · Apr 4th, 2006, 12:36

the India book I am currently "reading" is Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan by Col. James Tod, 1802.

Study is more like it, since it's been on my shelf as reference for 20+ years. Am plotting a trip to same using his 2 volume classic as a guide, much as i did with the Baburnama 2 years ago.

Mughals, Brits . . . THEY didn't use LP, and neither do I

davyd · Apr 4th, 2006, 20:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by ambika

i'm intersted to hear what you thought about it davyd - i read this last year as i'm a big fan of any writings and novels of 'the vampire' (don't ask me why as i really don't know, just find it intriguing)

i liked it - yes very stretched but still, i liked it!

I will try to make analysis for sure but I would ask for a bit more time, I have many obligations right now. Sorry.

davyd · Apr 8th, 2006, 00:37

Returning to Elizabeth Kostova's The Historian I would say it's better to divide analysis in two parts, shape and content.

It's wonderfully crafted by form, rare gift these days. No wonder the novel was noticed by many intelligent people that I know. The art of writing beautiful letters has returned. Letters give the book the touch of non fiction.
While reading sometimes there was a feeling that Kostova is carefully restoring old painting giving to reader sensation of watching it through magnifier.

The painting is impressive at first look but it's only portrait without landscape, purely medieval portrait. Then comes disappointement - her excellent skills were applied to restore quite mediocre painting.
After this realization many questions arise.

She said that main protagonist is American, but his letters lack credibility, they are too Eastern European in feeling, writing and background. If he were immigrant from Eastern Europe it would be understandable, but his thinking lacks common American idioms and allusions. I would dare to suspect poor stylization. Of course to turn novel into Hollywood movie it will be easier with American protagonist.

Why I said that the protagonist letters lack credibility? Many reasons, one of them - his letters filled with sorrow and affection towards rambling European heritage. Also I noticed his way of thinking does not recognise short cuts, that for me comes almost as trade mark of American academic thought.

Author's background is transparent from the fact that all heroes and villains are readers and librarians.

But for better understanding of Eastern Europeans and especially Balkanians it's not bad book to begin with, the book is good introduction to this beautiful region. Maybe some even will feel desire to visit the region.

Rounding forms analysis - the plot was handled unevenly, It's nice beginning, then slowly falling apart.

About content it's too much to say or too less.

One point - Dracula from resurrection by Bram Stocker as reincarnation of evil fell from academic favour and serious consideration because he became puppet in show business.

Second - covered in book region deserves attention if only because of rich traditions of extrasensory activities. Real stories of Balkanian sorcerers and witches - seers are terrifying.

Many of these stories were never translated into English and I don't know when the world will know them, maybe for the world it will be too late.

davyd · Apr 8th, 2006, 14:03

For those who has already read The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova there is a link with full analysis and unveiling the plot:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Historian
For Dracula there are many more links, this is one of them:
http://www.dracula.metsoft.ro/dracula.htm
I wish to all interested - enjoy reading!

amarama · Apr 8th, 2006, 16:13

just read Indian Summer by will Randal, cute story, fast read. I liked it, but I'm a sucker for reading about peoples adventures in Indai. Currently reading, some book about seeing without glasses, by Bates, and Im also in the middle of India mike.

jivan · Apr 11th, 2006, 19:52

in the midst of reading "Sexus" by Henry Miller. Pretty entertaining, melodramatic, makes one think

davyd · Apr 14th, 2006, 23:04

Many days gone since I have been here friends, so much water flowed. But in my commentary to Historian I forgot to emphasise next.

Though I do not revoke my previous statements about flaws of this novel I think it is overall attractive novel by scrupulous attention to details by author. Many times Historian was compared to DVC but it's much better on it.

Then history of great love.

Then the vampire stories are attractive to women and all sensitive people because of hidden erotics (re-read Bram Stoker!). At the same time the novel is not vulgar at all, it's about love.

Still, I do not know much about Indian sources of Bram Stoker's imagination - in one book "The great secrets of past" by Readers Digest I read that Stoker sources were reports about Jack The Ripper and translation of 11 Hindu stories of vampires.

Any ideas which stories were meant?

theyyamdancer · Apr 15th, 2006, 17:01

I agree 100 per cent. Very moving and poetic. Just started reading an oldie but goodie "Road to Katmandu" by Patrick Marnham. Still dreaming about last trip to India and fantasizing about the next one. In the meantime addicted to Indiamike!

Putty · Apr 15th, 2006, 18:06

Just started "An End to Suffering: The Buddha in the World" by Pankaj Mishra. Have just read "Re-enchantment: Tibetan Buddhism Comes to the West: by Jeffery Paine - great book about how Tibetan Buddhism first became popular in America, with stories about Lama Yeshe, Richard Gere and many others. Great read.

fromusawithluv · Apr 22nd, 2006, 17:48

Just finished reading:

Lord of the Rings – Tolkien – Beautiful! Even more beautiful, as I was listening to the movie soundtrack while reading!

The Kite Runner – Khaled Hosseini – Very emotional, touching, funny, devastating, and realistic. Highly recommend it!

The Princess – Jean Sasson – I found this book in the feminist section at the Landmark. There are reasons why it was probably in that section justifiably. This book is the first of (3) in the series about the life (behind the curtains so to speak) of Saudi Arabian women – specially of the Royal Family. Although, it’s a fiction, the facts pertain to real events. There is even a time line in the appendix detailing the history of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It even accounts the relationship between O.B. laden and the royal family. Very chilling to still think about it. Highly recommend this book too! I have yet to read the 2nd and 3rd book: Daughters of Arabia and Desert Royal, respectively.

Iyer Weddings -P.K. Ravindranath - Gorgeous illustrations of a typical Iyer wedding from beginning to end. It goes into depth why certain rituals are still practiced, what the meanings are of each of them. Lovely!

Catcher in the Rye – J.D. Salinger – Classic!!

Currently reading:

May You be the Mother of a Hundred Sons – Elisabeth Bumiller – just started it…it’s about a journalist traveling in India, writing about women in India. a travelogue! So far, so good!

Hindi For Non-Hindi Speaking People – Kavita Kumar – VERY GOOD BOOK! This book is easy to follow. Highly recommend it anyone interested in learning the language, as it teaches grammar, vocabulary, and has different types of literature in the back to practice reading (e.g. recipes to letters)

Meditation: The First and Last Freedom (A Practical Guide to Meditation) – OSHO – just started it.

Will read:
The Zahir – Paul Coehlo (loved The Alchemist!!)

Kalki series – Ponniyin Selvan – translated by C.V. Karthik Narayanan

The Red Carpet - Lavanya Sankaran

Freakonomics : A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything – Steven D. Levitt

Women Who Run with the Wolves - Clarissa Pinkola Phd Estes

will have to check out your recommendations too! I love this forum!!

Past Reads that I would recommend:

King of Torts, A Time to Kill - John Grisham: Both good reads! A Time to Kill..literally took a time to kill! That book was a bit boring right after the beginning with emphasis in a lot of details..I wanted to read a “fast” read when I first got it…

Then it got really good in the middle and end! Still haven’t seen the movie!

All of the Alex Cross series of James Patterson (well, except I haven’t read his newest one just out) – his books are fast reads and thrillers!

Memoirs of a Geisha –Arthur Golden- LOVED IT, LOVED IT, LOVED IT!! I read it several years ago, and I wouldn’t mind reading it over again. Highly recommend it! I think the movie just came out.

The Namesake – Jhumpa Lahiri – Very good read!

Fasting, Feasting – Anita Desai – Great Read! Almost makes you want to shake one of the characters to do something to change her destined life!!

You Can Heal Your Life – Louise L. Hay – A great self-help book! A reference to take with you on your travels!

More later…

Nick-H · Apr 22nd, 2006, 18:32

A note of dissent on one of your books: Catcher in the Rye.

If anything could be more tedious than a self-obsessed teenager it is reading a whole book about a self-obsessed teenager!

abracax · Apr 22nd, 2006, 20:55

Just finishing "The Missionary Position" by Christopher Hitchens. That Mother Teresa was some piece of work!

Apr 4th, 2006, 12:36	#64
bijapuri laid traps for troubadours Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Priustan Posts: 2,601	the India book I am currently "reading" is Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan by Col. James Tod, 1802. Study is more like it, since it's been on my shelf as reference for 20+ years. Am plotting a trip to same using his 2 volume classic as a guide, much as i did with the Baburnama 2 years ago. Mughals, Brits . . . THEY didn't use LP, and neither do I __________________ Focusing your life solely on making a buck shows a certain poverty of ambition. It asks too little of yourself. Because it's only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you realize your true potential. Barack Obama lookit me!!!: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bijapuri/ Utube fuzzy logic: http://youtube.com/profile_videos?user=bijapuri&p =r

Apr 8th, 2006, 00:37	#66
davyd just a traveler Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Earth Posts: 315	Returning to Elizabeth Kostova's The Historian I would say it's better to divide analysis in two parts, shape and content. It's wonderfully crafted by form, rare gift these days. No wonder the novel was noticed by many intelligent people that I know. The art of writing beautiful letters has returned. Letters give the book the touch of non fiction. While reading sometimes there was a feeling that Kostova is carefully restoring old painting giving to reader sensation of watching it through magnifier. The painting is impressive at first look but it's only portrait without landscape, purely medieval portrait. Then comes disappointement - her excellent skills were applied to restore quite mediocre painting. After this realization many questions arise. She said that main protagonist is American, but his letters lack credibility, they are too Eastern European in feeling, writing and background. If he were immigrant from Eastern Europe it would be understandable, but his thinking lacks common American idioms and allusions. I would dare to suspect poor stylization. Of course to turn novel into Hollywood movie it will be easier with American protagonist. Why I said that the protagonist letters lack credibility? Many reasons, one of them - his letters filled with sorrow and affection towards rambling European heritage. Also I noticed his way of thinking does not recognise short cuts, that for me comes almost as trade mark of American academic thought. Author's background is transparent from the fact that all heroes and villains are readers and librarians. But for better understanding of Eastern Europeans and especially Balkanians it's not bad book to begin with, the book is good introduction to this beautiful region. Maybe some even will feel desire to visit the region. Rounding forms analysis - the plot was handled unevenly, It's nice beginning, then slowly falling apart. About content it's too much to say or too less. One point - Dracula from resurrection by Bram Stocker as reincarnation of evil fell from academic favour and serious consideration because he became puppet in show business. Second - covered in book region deserves attention if only because of rich traditions of extrasensory activities. Real stories of Balkanian sorcerers and witches - seers are terrifying. Many of these stories were never translated into English and I don't know when the world will know them, maybe for the world it will be too late. Last edited by davyd : Apr 8th, 2006 at 14:16.

Apr 8th, 2006, 14:03	#67
davyd just a traveler Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Earth Posts: 315	some links For those who has already read The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova there is a link with full analysis and unveiling the plot: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Historian For Dracula there are many more links, this is one of them: http://www.dracula.metsoft.ro/dracula.htm I wish to all interested - enjoy reading!

Apr 14th, 2006, 23:04	#70
davyd just a traveler Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Earth Posts: 315	Adjustment Many days gone since I have been here friends, so much water flowed. But in my commentary to Historian I forgot to emphasise next. Though I do not revoke my previous statements about flaws of this novel I think it is overall attractive novel by scrupulous attention to details by author. Many times Historian was compared to DVC but it's much better on it. Then history of great love. Then the vampire stories are attractive to women and all sensitive people because of hidden erotics (re-read Bram Stoker!). At the same time the novel is not vulgar at all, it's about love. Still, I do not know much about Indian sources of Bram Stoker's imagination - in one book "The great secrets of past" by Readers Digest I read that Stoker sources were reports about Jack The Ripper and translation of 11 Hindu stories of vampires. Any ideas which stories were meant?

Apr 15th, 2006, 17:01	#71
theyyamdancer Maha Guru Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Crete Posts: 567	Tim Winton's "Dirt Music" I agree 100 per cent. Very moving and poetic. Just started reading an oldie but goodie "Road to Katmandu" by Patrick Marnham. Still dreaming about last trip to India and fantasizing about the next one. In the meantime addicted to Indiamike!

Apr 1st, 2006, 05:28	#61
davyd just a traveler Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Earth Posts: 315	I cannot resist to write new letter here. My sister bought many novels of Dan Brown, Digtal Fortress, Angels and Demons, Deception Point, even bought some explanatory books like Martin Lunn's Da Vinci Code Decoded (total crap!) and History of the Templars by Piers Paul Read. I would recommend the last part of the last book, though it's boring. About Elizabeth Kostova's The Historian. Still reading, wonderfully crafted but very stretched. The Lord Of the Rings by JRR Tolkien. Again, very stretched and not so interesting but it's amazing from time to time - I like atmosphere and telegraph language - like: ...and the young Sun shone like fire on the red metal of their new and greedy swords. There was victory and defeat; and towers fell, fortresses were burned, and flames went up into the sky. Gold was piled on the biers of dead kings and queens; and mounds covered them, and the stone doors were shut, and the grass grew over all. Sheep walked for a while biting the grass, but soon the hills were empty again. A shadow came out of dark places far away, and the bones were stirred in the mounds...

Apr 1st, 2006, 11:13	#62
iwanttogoback is sorry Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: perth Posts: 1,500	tim winton's 'dirt music' again. and i'll probably read it again and again. winton, imo, is one of australia's greatest writers - he tells wonderful stories about people who are flawed, struggling and real. and he can tear your heart out with his prose. if you enjoy a really well written novel look out for his books 'cloudstreet', 'the riders' and 'dirt music'. and he writes great kids books too - how could you resist a book called 'the bugalugs bum thief?'

Apr 8th, 2006, 16:13	#68
amarama Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: very near the Mexican border Posts: 161	just read Indian Summer by will Randal, cute story, fast read. I liked it, but I'm a sucker for reading about peoples adventures in Indai. Currently reading, some book about seeing without glasses, by Bates, and Im also in the middle of India mike.

Apr 11th, 2006, 19:52	#69
jivan Maha Guru Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Pune, India Posts: 822	in the midst of reading "Sexus" by Henry Miller. Pretty entertaining, melodramatic, makes one think

Apr 15th, 2006, 18:06	#72
Putty Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 72	Just started "An End to Suffering: The Buddha in the World" by Pankaj Mishra. Have just read "Re-enchantment: Tibetan Buddhism Comes to the West: by Jeffery Paine - great book about how Tibetan Buddhism first became popular in America, with stories about Lama Yeshe, Richard Gere and many others. Great read. __________________ "If you can read my mind, then why must I speak?" - Bob Dylan

Apr 22nd, 2006, 17:48	#73
fromusawithluv desi_chic Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: US, but daydreaming in India Posts: 206	Another favorite past-time of mine! Just finished reading: Lord of the Rings – Tolkien – Beautiful! Even more beautiful, as I was listening to the movie soundtrack while reading! The Kite Runner – Khaled Hosseini – Very emotional, touching, funny, devastating, and realistic. Highly recommend it! The Princess – Jean Sasson – I found this book in the feminist section at the Landmark. There are reasons why it was probably in that section justifiably. This book is the first of (3) in the series about the life (behind the curtains so to speak) of Saudi Arabian women – specially of the Royal Family. Although, it’s a fiction, the facts pertain to real events. There is even a time line in the appendix detailing the history of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It even accounts the relationship between O.B. laden and the royal family. Very chilling to still think about it. Highly recommend this book too! I have yet to read the 2nd and 3rd book: Daughters of Arabia and Desert Royal, respectively. Iyer Weddings -P.K. Ravindranath - Gorgeous illustrations of a typical Iyer wedding from beginning to end. It goes into depth why certain rituals are still practiced, what the meanings are of each of them. Lovely! Catcher in the Rye – J.D. Salinger – Classic!! Currently reading: May You be the Mother of a Hundred Sons – Elisabeth Bumiller – just started it…it’s about a journalist traveling in India, writing about women in India. a travelogue! So far, so good! Hindi For Non-Hindi Speaking People – Kavita Kumar – VERY GOOD BOOK! This book is easy to follow. Highly recommend it anyone interested in learning the language, as it teaches grammar, vocabulary, and has different types of literature in the back to practice reading (e.g. recipes to letters) Meditation: The First and Last Freedom (A Practical Guide to Meditation) – OSHO – just started it. Will read: The Zahir – Paul Coehlo (loved The Alchemist!!) Kalki series – Ponniyin Selvan – translated by C.V. Karthik Narayanan The Red Carpet - Lavanya Sankaran Freakonomics : A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything – Steven D. Levitt Women Who Run with the Wolves - Clarissa Pinkola Phd Estes will have to check out your recommendations too! I love this forum!! Past Reads that I would recommend: King of Torts, A Time to Kill - John Grisham: Both good reads! A Time to Kill..literally took a time to kill! That book was a bit boring right after the beginning with emphasis in a lot of details..I wanted to read a “fast” read when I first got it… Then it got really good in the middle and end! Still haven’t seen the movie! All of the Alex Cross series of James Patterson (well, except I haven’t read his newest one just out) – his books are fast reads and thrillers! Memoirs of a Geisha –Arthur Golden- LOVED IT, LOVED IT, LOVED IT!! I read it several years ago, and I wouldn’t mind reading it over again. Highly recommend it! I think the movie just came out. The Namesake – Jhumpa Lahiri – Very good read! Fasting, Feasting – Anita Desai – Great Read! Almost makes you want to shake one of the characters to do something to change her destined life!! You Can Heal Your Life – Louise L. Hay – A great self-help book! A reference to take with you on your travels! More later… __________________ Om Shanti

Apr 22nd, 2006, 18:32	#74
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 24,219	A note of dissent on one of your books: Catcher in the Rye. If anything could be more tedious than a self-obsessed teenager it is reading a whole book about a self-obsessed teenager! __________________ . IndiaMike Mod Team (The Grumpy One)

Apr 22nd, 2006, 20:55	#75
abracax Mahaguru Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Canada Posts: 431	Just finishing "The Missionary Position" by Christopher Hitchens. That Mother Teresa was some piece of work! __________________ Fuck the Chilympics - I'm goin' to Goa!

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