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Okay so I have challenged myself with an impossible target of 100 books, which knowing me I will not complete. But since there isn't a tax on dreams, and maybe aiming high might actually help me complete at least half the challenge, I have dared to create this thread.
:) LOL!!!

I started off the year by re-reading the Harry Potter Series for what might have been the 25th time (I haven't counted but I am sure it is not less than that...) This has been my way of celebrating the New Year for a while now... I first read the series (except Deathly Hallows of course)in January 2006 ( I was in class 11 then)and I remember I completed all the 6 books in exactly 10 days. Ever since I have been reading the series every New Year.
This year I completed in 8 days:)
LOL, no attempts to review any of them, and each of them get a 5 star rating by default.
1.Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
2.Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
3.Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
4.Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
5.Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
6.Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
7.Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

8. The Immortals of Meluha
Stumbled upon this book at my cousin's place
3.5/5
My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I have grown up reading and being fascinated by our mythological stories, and characters. I like to believe that these characters indeed existed, but when you think logically it seems incredible that a character such as Lord Shiva, the Mahadev really might have existed. This book attempts to portray Shiva as a human, who rose to divinity with his actions or Karma-- a more believable explanation to those who like to think about the Hindu mythology in a logical sense. Though I couldn't say that the book changed my way of seeing the mythology in any notable way (lets just say that some stories are deeply rooted in one's self that it takes a lot to influence it), it was a brilliant read nevertheless. The language is simple yet engaging, and the author succeeds in keeping the readers on the edge till the end. And with a cliffhanger of an end, the author ensures that the reader picks up the sequel as soon as he/she can...
Unfortunately I don't have the sequel with me..:(

Good luck Harsha :)

wow, 8 books already. Keep it up, Harsha.

Lol, I am always this good at the start... hope I keep up the spirit this year at least...

glad to see you back. What is your bro doing? His exams over?

He is busy with model exams, revision tests and stuff like that... The boards start on March 1st I believe. And then he will have his entrance tests... I guess he will be free towards the end of May.

convey my "good luck" wishes to him. (Sorry to barge in and distract you from your (im)possible journey.

I will. :)
And you are always welcome to barge in here...:D

9. By William Dalrymple

4.5/5

My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
A book entirely out of my comfort zone, when I picked it up I had great doubts whether I would really complete it. But once I started, I was pleasantly surprised- the book just didn't interest me- it drew me in completely and left me enchanted. In this book, the author magically weaves together nine real life stories of nine different individuals from different parts of the country, in what he calls in the title as the ' search of the sacred in modern India'. 
I had mixed emotions while reading each of these stories. While at an instance they moved me greatly, yet at another they were disturbing or difficult for my mind to come to terms with. Yet, without doubt, each of these stories was an experience in itself. Each an unbelievable yet fascinating glimpse into some strangely contradicting aspect of a culture I am part of. Amazingly fascinating.. 
Recommended to every Indian and non-Indians who are interested in the diverse culture of this country.

Harsha wrote: "9. By William Dalrymple
My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
..."

It seems interesting and there is an Italian edition...it goes in my wishlist!

dely wrote: "Harsha wrote: "9. By William Dalrymple
My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review..."

Yes, when I was reading it I did think you would like it:D

Harsha wrote: "Yes, when I was reading it I did think you would like it:D"

:D

Now, this one slowed me down considerably, but I am still ahead on the challenge acc to GR, so I guess that's ok.

10. by Mary McCarthy

2.5/5

My review- http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Although only a less than 300 pages book, I must say this was one book that tested my patience a lot, and I am feeling quite proud of myself at having made it to the last page. It is less a novel and more a record of thoughts of a boy in his late teens on the various changes that took place in the world in the 1960s, ranging from politics to war to relationships to nature. Some part of it takes place in America, while most of the rest is set in Paris and a little of Italy. Though rich in characters, it is a book with very less movement in it, to the point that one would think there is not much story whatsoever. There was a lot of drag, a lot of philosophy which I found quite hard to digest, nevertheless I found Peter's way of looking at the changes around him interesting at certain points, hence 2.5 stars.

Woah!!! You are on a roll here. Keep going, it will become a nice review repository for me :)))))

11. By Donovan Roebert
My Review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

Rating: 4/5
Although I have had this book with me for a few weeks now, I have been putting off reading it for some reason; which I think had much to do with the publisher's description of the book. It seemed so ordinary from the back-cover description. A foreigner with partial Indian roots comes to the country to find the 'hidden Indian boy' in him, and falls deeply in love with a beautiful and talented dancer. It felt plain and familiar, and even a little bollywood-ized to the point that I kept imagining a particular well known actress as the face of the dancer girl in the story at first. But it took less than two chapters into the book for that image to diffuse away into a faceless dancing figure (which I preferred more), and I was left pleasantly surprised as I found myself agreeing with the author about how there was more into the book than just a love story.
The protagonist of the story is Jay Wild, a magazine photographer from South Africa. Being born to an English father and an Indo-German mother (who incidentally strives a bit too hard to wipe out the 'Indian-ness' in her), and brought up in a racist South Africa, Jay's identity crisis is quite understandable. Fascinated by the stories he had heard of India from his late 'nanima', Jay sets out to India in search of the 'hidden Indian boy' in him. His search leads him to Ananya, a beautiful, gifted dancer of Odissi, and is left enchanted by her and her dance. But their budding romance is nipped away by Ananya's guruji, as well as her own passion for the dance. Jay returns to South Africa, broken and hurt, and turns into photographing the sufferings and torments of the people in various war-wrecked regions. Twelve years later, he meets Ananya again at her dance tour in South Africa, by when she is already married and mother of a child.
It is definitely a love story, no doubt, but at the same time it is also about pain and suffering that comes along with the emotion, and of what it takes to discover 'the part of you that's been lost until now.' The language is poetic, and the narrative ripples between the past and present, flowing smoothly like a travelling wave. The descriptions of the dance and the dancer are very beautiful, that I was forced to go back and read them again.
Overall, a very nice read and I feel glad of my decision to finally give it a try.

12. by Amanda Eyre Ward
My review:http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
3.5/5

I quite really enjoyed reading this book. Although the story isn't extraordinary, it is quite well written and makes for a quick read. The narrative is very engrossing, while also quite successfully conveying the warmth that you ought to feel when reading about family and relations. I particularly enjoyed Caroline's flashbacks and her feelings towards her sisters, and also her thoughts about her mother after her death. I thought I would have liked to know Madeline and Ellie a little more. The ending is quite unconventional, making me wonder if it really had ended or my copy had a few missing pages! Nevertheless, it was quite a nice read, and I would give it a 3.5 upon 5.

Harsha wrote: "I started off the year by re-reading the Harry Potter Series for what might have been the 25th time (I haven't counted but I am sure it is not less than that...) This has been my way of celebrating..."


Hey..!! I do the exact same thing. My new year's day has to begin with the Sorcerer's Stone. But I spread my books a little thin and read them over a couple of months so the magic keeps lingering on till its time again in the next year to renew my reading.

Sanskriti wrote: "Harsha wrote: "I started off the year by re-reading the Harry Potter Series for what might have been the 25th time (I haven't counted but I am sure it is not less than that...) This has been my way..."

The magic lingers, always...

13. by Satyajit Ray
5/5

Now, this one slowed my challenge down like anything , but it was worth the effort. I am not exactly a big mystery lover, but still I really enjoyed reading the collection. The fact that I hadn't even known that such a classic character as Feluda existed until recently comes as a shock to me. I really loved each and every one of these stories, and the best part is that since the book arranges it in the chronological order, we get to see the gradual yet steady growth of Felu from being an amateur to a well known professional investigator. Looking forward to laying my hands on the volume 2.

14. by Cecelia Ahern


My rating: 3 of 5 stars


A quick, breezy read.

It's the story of a rich, spoiled 16 year old Tamara Goodwin who has always had everything any girl would ever want. Her life takes a U-Turn as her father commits suicide. Having lost everything she once had, Tamara and her grief stricken mother is sent to live at her uncle and aunt's place at Kilsaney, and Tamara has to deal with a life as different as it could get from what she is used to. Trying hard to cope up, she stumbles upon a mysterious diary that tells her what is going to happen the next day of her life. How does knowing what happens in the tomorrows change her 'today's?

The plot is quite interesting and the narrative is fast-paced, humorous and there are some interesting, mysterious characters. However, I felt the ending was a little rushed, and a bit confusing.

Overall, nothing extraordinary, yet makes for a good lazy afternoon read.

Harsha wrote: "13. by Satyajit Ray

Now, this one slowed my challenge down like anything , but it was worth the effort. I am not exac..."

I have the book with me, will try to read it soon. I am confused what to read next - so many good books waiting to be read.

Smitha wrote: "Harsha wrote: "13. by Satyajit Ray

Now, this one slowed my challenge down like anything , but it was worth the effo..."

Do read it... I am sure you'll love it, being a mystery fan...

15. The Lake of Dreams by Kim Edwards

4/5

I picked up this book from the library because the cover and the title attracted me- not the best way to choose a book to read, but I am glad I did. I wouldn't have read this book otherwise. I had no expectations or presumptions when I set out to read this as I hadn't read the author's celebrated first book- 'The Memory Keeper's Daughter'. Another fact I am glad of, after reading some of the reviews for the book.



I personally really enjoyed reading this book. It was a little difficult to get into it initially- a kind of slow start- but once Lucy first discovered the very first set of evidences that revealed the existence of Rose and Iris, I was hooked. I could entirely relate to Lucy's fascination at discovering a family secret- I think I would be as fascinated if I discovered something of the sort in my family's ancestral home. Each of Rose's letters were very poignant, and I really did feel for the character. All the characters were very relatable- I don't think there is any character I didn't like, well except maybe Wyndham. Despite the slow start, the book turned out to be a nice read. I am now looking forward to reading The Memory Keeper's Daughter some time.

16. by P.G. Wodehouse


My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Now, this is what you call entertainment. My first ever Wodehouse book (and I daresay it will not be the last), and what a delight has it been.

I enjoyed each and every word of it. It had me smiling throughout, and literally laughing out loud at many instants-- making me feel grateful that my roommate is away visiting her parents.

It is the first of the much acclaimed Blandings Castle novels of P.G.Wodehouse. And I haven't seen many authors who have captured the human mind with so much perfection, and to deliver it with such pure unmatched humor! Incredible genius! I honestly cannot wait to lay my hands on other Wodehouse books!

Harsha, I had fallen in love with Wodehouse and his characters when I was barely in my teens. I have read and re-re-read all his books. All my Wodehouses are in tattered conditions due to so much use and abuse (reading while eating etc.) It reminds me I have not read Wodehouse for a long time.
Earl of Blandings is quite an eccentric old man, and I pity him with his myriad of dominating sisters.

17. by Isabel Allende

Rating-4.5/5

This is one of those books that totally sucks you into it, and you dive into the magical depths of the words- experiencing them, breathing them. You don't just read the story, you practically live in it.

The story is set in a Latin American country, where the socialist government has been overthrown by the armed forces. The horrors and lies and violations that come with a totalitarian regime- has all been described in very deep, poignant language that is rich in imagery. The narrative is so poignant and strong- I could feel the life, the terror, the misery, the hate for Lieutenant Ramirez, the love that Irene and Fransisco shared. I fell in love when Irene and Fransisco did. My heart sank when Irene discovered Evangelina's body in the mines. However unrealistic that sounds, I had hoped until then that she had somehow escaped and would emerge alive in the end. I had disliked Captain Gustavo at first, just for being the third angle in the romance I was waiting for to develop. Yet, I felt sorry for him- a rejected lover, who ultimately lost his life, in a sense for the only woman he ever loved.

I was so very involved in the story that I feel like I have actually known them all- Irene, Fransisco, the Ranquileos and the switched Evangelinas, Hilda, Rosa, Beatriz, Josephina Bianchi, Mario... each character so strong, with a story of their own to tell.

Apart from the engaging story, the book left me with a satisfaction at having discovered an author I would only be too happy to read more of. I wonder if the translation was so good, how it would be like to read Allende in her native Spanish?

will read this one surely, Harsha. I have other books by Allende, but haven't attempted those yet.

Read this first... (well, I shouldn't say that cos I haven't read the others... but anyway, don't miss this one.)

will surely not miss it. I have House of Spirits - a second hand copy (but in good conditiion) which I picked up for Rs. 10 from Calicut old book stores. (lucky me)

That whole area near the stadium is such a blessing for the book lovers of Calicut.. Though, I think the book prices have now gone up to Rs.30...

Oh, its a couple of years since I bought from there. From Athira Books. (Amal books was costlier, with Rs. 40 a book)

Harsha wrote: "9. By William Dalrymple

4.5/5

My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/25..."
Hey Harsha,
I have added this book to my "to-read" list based on your review. Thanks for sharing!

Brent wrote: "Harsha wrote: "9. By William Dalrymple

4.5/5

My review: http://www.goodreads.com..."
Glad to know that. Hope you will enjoy it..:)

Harsha wrote: "11. By Donovan Roebert
My Review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

Rating: 4/5
Although I have had this book with me for a few w..."

You make me want to read it. Marking it up!

Harsha wrote: "15. The Lake of Dreams by Kim Edwards

4/5

I picked up this book from the library because the cover and the title attracted me- not the best way to choose a book to re..."

The Memory Keeper's Daughter is one of the most beautiful books I've read in a while. I must check this one out.

Rasana wrote: "Harsha wrote: "11. By Donovan Roebert
My Review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

Rating: 4/5
Although I have had this book with..."

Do read it. It's good. It's a pity Rupa publications is not promoting this book at all...

18. The Hornet's Nest by Jimmy Carter

Rating 2.5/5

19. by Elizabeth Gilbert


Eat, Pray, LoveEat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I took a lot of time to get through this book, and it was just OK. It just failed to incite any emotion in me. I just couldn't relate to the author at all, and at times I found her even annoying. I do not know if it is just me, but I hardly could find anything 'enlightening' in it. The narrative was witty at times, but I found it very difficult to keep my attention unwavered. I had to force myself to complete it, and I am not sure if it was worth the effort.

I felt pretty much the same about this book. More hype than anything else. Mediocre writing.

20. by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

Rating 3/5

21. by Rasana Atreya

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Firstly, thanks to the author for sending me the free ebook. I might not have read it otherwise, and I am really glad I didn't miss this one out.

It is the story of a 16 year old Pullamma, an orphan who is raised in a village in Andhra by her maternal grandmother. Growing up in a society that thinks of girls as nothing other than 'marriage material', and with two fair-skinned sisters, the dark-skinned Pullamma's prospects for marital bliss seem to be extremely dim. Not helping the matters is the highly corrupt politician Kondal Rao, who doesn't think twice before manipulating and ruling over innocent people's lives in ways that favour him. And then there is the fact that the superstitious villagers have suddenly started believing her to be a Goddess.

True that it took me five days to complete this book, but had I been uninterrupted, I am sure I would have completed it in five hours. Rasana Atreya's Tell A Thousand Lies has it all, that you need to enjoy a novel. An engrossing narrative rich in well-developed characters and a strong, realistic and socially relevant plot with enough twists and turns to keep you interested. The book kept me hooked to it throughout, and during the times I was not reading it, I found myself constantly thinking about the book and its characters. Although a bit dramatic at certain points, the story was relate-able in all. I particularly liked the irony in which the twins Pullamma and Lata were living the lives the other had dreamed of. Much as I hated her for what she did to her twin, I did feel sorry for Lata, and I think I would have liked to know her a little more.

In all, this was a really enjoyable read, and a great first novel. Wish the print edition of the book comes out soon.