Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Book Review of "Payer for the Crown-Shy - Monk & Robot #2"

"You don’t have to have a reason to be tired. You don’t have to earn rest or comfort. You’re allowed to just be. I say that wherever I go.”

Having enjoyed the first book in the Monk & the Robot series, I picked up the second one - “A Prayer for the Crown-Shy” - hoping to get more of the thought-provoking philosophical discussions between a fully sentient robot and a monk, but what I got was less discussions and a whole lot more of a commune-like world building - which I admit was slightly annoying to me. I still enjoyed this book and will pick it up when the 3rd one of the series comes by but not completely sold on the whole narrative of the Crown-Shy.

“So, you see, it’s enough that I’m experientially different; I don’t want to be physically different, too.”

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Book Review of "A Psalm for the Wild-Built - Monk & Robot #1"

“I think there’s something beautiful about being lucky enough to witness a thing on its way out.”


Becky Chambers’ SciFi books are not your typical SciFi stories - they have more heart than expected, the philosophical discussions are deeper & darker than first anticipated and the stories pull you in emotionally without having an iota of melodrama. A unique blend for SciFi books.

“Every living thing causes damage to others, Sibling Dex. You’d all starve otherwise.”

“A Psalm for the Wild-Built” is the first book in the “Monk and Robot” Series. A super-slow & somewhat frustrating start. But the last 2/3rd portion of the book is basically a long discussion between a Tea Monk and a sentient Robot discussing anything and everything. And even though it may not sound great, trust me, it's simply amazing. Even though nothing actually happens in the book, you will be left with a smile on your face and a yearning for more. A definite ⅘.

“That’s immortality. How is that less desirable?” “Because nothing else in the world behaves that way.” 

Sunday, December 31, 2023

Book Review of "Animal Farm"


“Animal Farm” is the best political satire I have read in the last few years! Its short, to-the-point & so humorously allegorical that you are left with both a smile on your face & a sinking feeling in your heart as the stark irony of the communist political ideology is brought forth. Recommended!

"All Animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others."


Sunday, December 10, 2023

Book Review of "Sultan of Delhi - Ascension"

“But then again, the truth is never what really happens. The truth is what we choose to believe.”

When it comes to Arnab Ray’s blogs and podcasts, I have always been a fan; not so much though when it comes to his books. However, his not-so-latest novel, “Sultan of Delhi” (which is recently turned into a Hotstar TV Show) ended up being sufficiently entertaining and enjoyable - in a way that “Bahubali” and “Singham” type of movies are, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing IMO! 

This is a pure “masala” book - there is a plethora of action, sex, cussing, intrigue, double-crossing and whatever else makes a story “click” as per the analytics of today’s streaming-world. What is a definite welcome change though; especially as compared to Arnab Ray’s previous books; is that “Sultan of Delhi” doesn’t try to be anything more than a masala story - there is no underlying philosophy, no metaphor about life or anything like that (yes, I am looking at you “The Mine” and “The Mahabharata Murders”) - just a straightforward action-packed tale. 

A definite 4/5 to the Sultan of Delhi for remaining true to what it wants to be. One gripe though - the ending is ridiculously abrupt. I understand that this is “Part 1” of a 2-part saga and the author purposefully didn’t want a cliffhanger but the way this book ends is super annoying.

"Arjun felt slightly drunk now, swimming in that nice warm buzz you get if you stop drinking at just the right time, when you lose your inhibitions, but you are still all right. "



Thursday, November 30, 2023

Book Review of "Shivaji: India's Great Warrior King"

Author Vaibhav Purandare’s “Shivaji: India’s Great Warrior King” is the kind of historical literature that I thoroughly enjoy. This is a factual, evidence-backed piece of writing with a somewhat dry prose - which might not be everyone’s cup of tea but is right up my alley when it comes to reading history books; especially those focused on the 17th and the 18th century Indian history. What makes this book even better is the complete lack of caste-based jingoism and political undertones. In other words, it tells the history of the great Chhatrapati based on the available verified sources and not a fancily embellished fairytale. Having read quite a few books about the Chhatrapati and the Peshwas, I was pleasantly surprised to still find a few new tidbits here and there about the great king. Definitely recommended if you are a history buff.