Challenges and Giveaway's

I have started a life-long challenge for myself. It is to read all Man-Booker Prize and Pulitzer prize winning books The list is there on the side-bar, if you are interested check it out.
And I have started with the 2007 winner, The Gathering by Anne Enright.

Apart from this, I have also enrolled for the Suspense and Thriller Challenge[click this link to know more and participate] hosed by J Kay's blog. :)

And of course the Orbis Terrarum Challenge [I have read like 2 books for this challenge :) and The Gathering is the third ) :)

Another Note - Sandra from Fresh Ink Books, is hosting a giveaway. She is giving away a brand-new copy of Men and Cartoons by Jonathan Lethem. She asking you 1 very simple question. See if you are eligible [which you are of course :)] and participate :)

Check out my books on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/profile/Veens

24 hour Read-a-thon

Ya! We have a 24 hour Read-a-thon happening on October 18th!

Thanks to B&B ex libris

for letting me know about it~!!

I am not sure if I am participating, but if you guys want to know more about this goto DEWEY's PAGE

And there is a wonderful compilation of books, that can help you do this challenge! Ain't that an awesome effort by Eva from 'A striped Armchair?!

So why don't you showcase your love for reading :)

Have fun... don't stretch yourself too much, this is all for having fun while doing what you do best .... reading :)

Take care!

Check out my books on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/profile/Veens

Mysore

As a tribute to the city which I have made my abode, I will try and share with you guys its spectacular history in bits.

 

Join me in exploring MYSORE, the way I see it. 

 

Mysore is a very beautiful and calm city which is the second largest city in Karnataka [capital -Bangalore],India. 

 

The name Mysore  is an abridged form of "Mahishasuru".  Mahishasur according to Hindu mythology was a demon who ruled Mysore, and uru means home, and hence the name Mahishasuru. It is believed that Goddess Chamundeshwari [goddess from Hindu Mythology] killed the evil Mahishasur and freed Mysore. Her temple is situated atop Chamundi Hills and Mysoreans and I believe that she still protects us all from the evil. 

 

I found a little political history [ which we will explore in detail later on] about Mysore from Wiki [excerpt from Wiki]

 

Until 1947, Mysore was the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore which was ruled by the Wodeyars dynasty, except for a brief period in the late 18th century when Haidar Ali and Tipu Sultan took power. The Wodeyars were patrons of art and culture and have contributed significantly to the cultural growth of the city, which has led to Mysore earning the sobriquet Cultural capital of Karnataka. Mysore is famous for the festivities that take place during the Dasara festival when the city receives a large number of tourists. Mysore also lends its name to the Mysore style of painting, the sweet dish Mysore Pak and the garment, Mysore silk sari.

 

To be continued.

PS- Pics are by Veens.

Brida: A Novel

"But how will I know who my Soulmate is?"
"By taking risks," Wicca said to Brida. "By risking failure, disappointment, disillusion, but never ceasing in your search for Love. As long as you keep looking, you will in the end."



I read these lines at the back of the book, and I knew i was buying this one. Veena, you are actually seconded in saying that this is the second sinful thing i can indulge myself into after "Dark Temptation" (I f you have not tried it yet, you can get it at Barista.).

Its not just Love, its everything that you want and wish for, you need to get out of your cocoon and take risks in your life to achieve what you wish for.

Just finished with 'The Kite Runner' and started off with this one. You will get a review after I finish reading it.

Special note about the Author: What I actually love about Paulo Coelho, is that he can take up any topic in this world and has the art of putiing it with such purity. You will know what I mean after you reah 'Eleven Minutes', loved that one too.


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I even got 'Who will cry, When you die' by Robin Sharma, havn't read it yet.

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Anthony $ Cleopatra

Planning to read next -

Actually I picked this up because I am fascinated with this lady Cleopatra :)

And the language in this book is also different from the novels I have read so far!

I want to try it and see, if I will be able to finish it :)

For the color version of this pic click here

Lists AGAIN

I WANT -




By any chance you want to buy it for me :P

CLICK HERE

I bought --

Thought of given the blogger turned author a chance :)  **Angelic Smile**

Review: Unaccoustomed Earth - Jhumpa Lahiri

I have never in my life reviewed a book, but many people have asked me about Jhumpa Lahiri's Unaccoustomed Earth, so here I am!

The book is a compilation of short stories. Jhumpa Lahiri, herself is a Bengali who was brought up in US, so her stories mostly are based on different genre of Bengalis who came to US for their higher education and then eventually settled there with there kids. There struggle, their necessity to keep the culture alive in their kids.There are a lot of issues, that we don't have to think so much in our personal lives, that really exists in those who immigrate to the western culture. 

All the stories, I have read are about such families/ kids from such families who are taught about Bengali culture but are more Americans than Bengalis. 

Her style of expressing human emotions and the trivial day to day commotion, is amazing. 

The language and style of writing is likable and simple.

The book has it all, I must say!

It is an easy read. The stories are not stretched to fill up the pages.

I recommend this book to my freinds,  Enjoy it with a cup of masala tea :)

Weekend Read

A perfect break from the hullabaloo of the daily life!!

And with a perfect book, to keep you company while you relax.


I like this Author, she is awesome.