The Perfect World - Priya Kumar

Name : The Perfect World
Author: Priya Kumar
Pages : 319
Cost : 275/-

I don't think that the review for this book is going to be easy. I had a perceived notion of this book and this book was completely different from what I had thought about it.

Let me give a short overview of the book. This story revolves around one person Niki, who is not having the best of life, in either personal nor professional life. She then manages to get into a different world, which is apparently the perfect world, called Zedius. The journey from Earth to this planet has been described in a very detailed manner. There the task is to save the perfect world, and the common myth that, when one has no problems in life, is something, one always longs for. This has been proven wrong here and Niki, who has the power to create problem where ever she goes is one of the chosen one to create problems in this perfect world so that a lively atmosphere can start in this world.

Now, having given this short briefing of the overall story in the book, its not the story which makes an impact in Priya's books. Its the thoughts which keep running in, which are detailed in a very intricate manner is what really touches you, and this book is no different. I only wish someone could put all those points in a different book and I would gladly buy that one.
Coming back to the book, its not the easiest of the book to read, unlike her previous ones. Its something which one needs to read slowly to absorb every line. Unlike her last book, this book made me fall asleep.(I don't normally fall asleep while reading). Its not easy to keep reading this book. It took close to a month to finish off this, though initially I thought that, this is not in line with her previous books and not up to the mark, I was proven wrong.
This book is at a very high spiritual level. I am pretty sure, many of you will not be able to appreciate the contents. Since I had quite a bit of knowledge of the soul power, I was able to comprehend it. The more and more pages I turned , I was wondering, how did Priya manage to learn all these concepts and based on that write a story, which is a story and at the same time, talks about highly spiritual stuff. Its not easy for a young person to know about all the contents unless she has read a lot in these areas. Not sure, how did she manage that, or is it that she is just gifted. But at the end of it, its an awesome piece of work.

Now, the million dollar question. Should you buy this book. I am not sure. As mentioned earlier, its not the easiest of the book to read. This book shouldn't be read in a hurry. You should take time and absorb every bit of it into yourself and that's the only way you will benefit from reading this. I can call it a slightly easier version than Shantaram. But its a simple story and very few characters and great insight into one's life.
If I compare my knowledge from learnings in Brahmakumaris and this book, I didn't find anything contradictory. Would definitely recommend all the followers of Brahmakumaris to read this book. It just takes one on a journey, in a virtual reality mode and can really appreciate the teachings.

As for me, I plan to read this book again and take proper notes this time so that I can use a lot of teachings in this book
Great work Priya!! Keep it up. And to be frank, my initial impression while reading the first few chapters was not the same.

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The Sins of the Father - Clifton Chronicles Part 2

Book Name: The Sins of the Father
Author : Jeffrey Archer
Price - 350
Pages - 386

Finally got my hand on the long awaited book yesterday(3rd March 2012), through flipcart and for a book, which I have been waiting for a year.


This books starts from the point where Harry Clifton reaches Newyork, trying to escape from his past life. He gets a new name Tom Bradshaw, only to find out that, he is a bigger problem than the one he was trying to escape with. The next part of the story revolves around how he gets into Prison and his life over there. There seems to a resemblance of the life of Jeffrey Archer when he was in prison. In the prison , he does show a few acts, which earns him respect of the cons but then he chooses to get a job in the prison library. The head of the library reads his daily diaries with his permission and has a good liking to them, so much so that, even when he(Lyold) completes his term in the prison, he asks Harry to send him his diaries at home. Apparently this person, makes a copy of them and writes a book and publishes as his own story and gains lots of readership and is also in the best sellers. What I don't seem to really understand is how could someone like Harry be so dumb to send his personal diaries to a person, whom he didn't really like.

Further the story continues where Emma(Harry's Fiancee) starts to look for a Harry in New York, and coincidences make her read the book. Once she realises that these are indeed Harrys books, she goes on a hunt to find Harry, getting clues from each link she finds.

The later part of the story revolves around the World War II, where Harry is released from the Prison to offer his services and so does Giles (His best friend and Emma's brother). They both excel in their new roles. I would mention anything more, as there wouldn't be any predictable suspense also.

There are parallel short stories of Hugo(Giles dad) and Mrs Masie (Harry's mom), and they kind of run in parallel.
For a change, I was not really impressed with this book. The book was pretty much predictable and the story revolved as one likes to predict.
There is a small court room scene which is in place, to find the actual heir to the Barrington. Though the court room scenes are good, and Jeffrey Archer is always good, somehow this was up to his level. It did lack something.

The story hangs with the Court Room scene and we would need to wait for his next book, for an year. But frankly, I dont see any dramatic change expected further.

Definitely a read if you have read the first part ie 'Only Time Will Tell'.  You can definitely read this book as a stand alone, as some of the earlier part of the story has be narrated so that the link is not missed (considering this book is released after an year, and one tends to forget the characters).

But am a little disappointed with this book,being a big fan of Jeffrey Archer

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Book Review : Urban Shots, Love Life and all that Jazz

I had bought this set of 3 books from India Plaza, ie  Another Chance, Urban Shots  and Love Life and All that Jazz. Have written about Another Chance  in the blog earlier.
As of Urban shots, its a collection of short stories from Indian Authors. They are grouped based on types of stories, but I can sure be saying that this book is really good. I cannot all the stories are great, but majority of them are. Right from the comfort of having a pet to change one's life to that of changing the habits of a husband by an uneducated woman. Its all there in the book. Though the standard of english and the high one gets by reading Jeffrey Archer can't be achieved from this book, but one can connect to these stories and probably use them in your life too, since these are primarily Urban Shots. 
If you read books and need something for a light reading, then just go for this one.


The other book, ie Love Life and all that Jazz, is a story of friends, all from different backgrounds, lifestyles and financially different leagues. Each one having their own priority in life and own set of problems. Probably like the 3 friends in 3 Idiots or Dil Chahta hain.  Each one having their own love story and issues related to them and also their parallel work life and careers. Very well written book and it just takes you to your college days or your early working life, where one does face different challenges in life, right from work to new place and finances.  This book would help you to take those strong steps incase and decide whats the important decision to be taken at the right point of life, and whats the cost of not doing it. I would definitely ask you to go for this book. Probably can finish it off in a couple of days.

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Book Review : License to Live

Licence to Live
Author : Priya Kumar
Cost : 250 INR

This is the 2nd book that I am reading of this Author, Priya Kumar. It was only after reading her first book, that without a single thought I picked up the 2nd one.
Licence to Live is a very fast paced book or rather a fast page turner. You just cant keep the book down and my request is that, if you have an important appointment, please stay away from the book. Its very hard to keep it down

As of the book, its about the Author herself, who, after getting the name and fame of what she has got, has reached a threshold in her like that all this doesn't seem to make her life miserable and thats when she comes across a person Kurt, who is known for his amazing workshops.

The workshop here is no ordinary one, as the cost itself is 25000 USD and nothing more than the cost is mentioned:) Well the first agenda on the workshop is that they need to travel to a different country with no money or anything else. When the plane reached Genting Highlands, they are asked to jump from the plane :)

Now does this make the book interesting ? Through the various tests in the workshop given, the author finds whats the deeper meaning of present, the past and the future.  Though there are certain parts of the book, which I am not sure whether it really true of just an imaginary work, but the meaning behind them is very enlighting. It opens your mind just tells you one final message, Take Life as it comes and face it from the front.  Thats only my interpretation...

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Book Review : The Professional

Book : The Professional
Author : Subroto Bagchi
Cost : 399/-

After reading "High Performance Entrepreneur" and "Go Kiss the World" , it wasnt a tough decision on whether to invest in this or not. Infact, If I hadnt, it would be a loss. With time, its not really about the book, but with the Author, with which a good will is built, and thats primarily due to "Professionalism". This is something which is emphasised in the book, and this professionalism is should be within you.
The difference, is, when a senior comes infront of you, whether you get up due to the respect or due to the power he/she carries. If its power, it will fade away with his/her power or position.

A wonderfully written book, which gives emphasis on various sections of your life, and how one needs to be good in all these respects.
There are some areas where we are thinking we are doing it right, but might actually not be professional. These are the subtle things that are listed in the book, added with appropriate examples to suit the context.
There are couple of instances in the book, whether the Author has bad experiences with the doctor, and a very professional experience with a nurse, who treated his mom. Now, whats important to learn is that, even after so many years, he re-collects both the incidences and writes it into a book, which would be read by hundred's of people, like me. Imagine that, this particular doctor also reads it, can you imagine the uneasyness that he would be going through. Though there is no mention of the name of the doctor nor the hospital. But that doctor will feel that trauma. One never knows , how and what will come into the day of light, which one has done , slightly unprofessionally , as the medium of reporting is becoming easier day by day.
Whats the solution for this issue ?
Be a professional. The probability of such issues coming up becomes less.

Then one take away, I had from the many..This revolves around the meetings which we have in office. Invariably, they are held so that a so called unanimous decsion can be taken. But in practice, not everyone really participates. Even if there are potential issues, its not necessary that it is conveyed. The meetings are a very formal mechanism of protecting a bigger decision, so incase something unpleasant happens, its not a sole person who is held responsible. Not really to find the real problems and sort them out. ( Though I have seen some brilliant managers who actually sort out the problems , rather than just get a consensus).
Various mechanisms are provided in the book, to handle such issues and various examples.

In short, I would say that its a must read for all. For those who are in the IT industry, there are no reasons not to read. More so, because, the author is from IT Industry and so am I. Its a small and great investment.
One wouldnt be able to absorb all the details in the book in one read. As one grows up the ladder, one will learn more and appreciate more what the author is trying to say.

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Book Review: Stay Hungry Stay Foolish

Book : Stay Hungry Stay Foolish

Author : Rashmi Bansal

The last time that I had heard about Rashmi Bansal was during the famous IIPM issue. I am sure every blogger would remember the sad story.

Nevertheless, every incident, makes a person only stronger. I guess an outcome of that is a book so beautifully written.

25 IIMA grads, each of them making a marking somewhere, and just reading their success stories, makes one feel, how important is failure in each one's life. Where would all there people be, had they quit after their failure. I am sure there are thousands of similar kind of individuals, but the only reason, we dont know of them, because, they didnt get up after their failure.

Every story, just makes one get up and wonder, "Why am I doing what I am doing?". What about your dreams and the things that one loves to do. All these great men, only did whatever their heart told them and they are where they are now. One more noticable fact is that none of them went after money. Its was the passion that drove them what they wanted to do, and the money just followed them. Had they followed the money, I guess many would have failed, as rats jump out of the sinking boat, while the captain stays on till the ship is not drowned.

Awesome book. A must read for everyone. No two thoughts about it. And all it costs is Rs 125/-. I guess thats the only part of the book which was not up to its right value.

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Book Review : Prisoner of Birth - Jeffrey Archer

Hmmm, what do I say. Simply awesome and gripping booking, and one just cannot leave it till you finish. A tradition Jeffrey Archer book. Do I need to say more, if you are already a Jeffrey Archer fan?

The story is of a person, who supposedly killed his best friend ( Also his finacee's Brother), and though innocent, he is put behind the bars. He is given a sentence for something which he has not done and then also escapes from there ..( Though I still havent really revealed anything .. you need to read it ) and then plays a game with the actual killer(s).

If you like a murder drama and court room scenes, then this book is a must for you.

If you are a Jeffrey Archer fan, then ofcourse you cant miss it.

Great Book. Looking forward for his new novel which is recently released

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Book Review : The Alchemist

This book would probably wouldn't need much of introduction. This is easily one of the best books ever read by me, and this wouldn't be a subject of debate by many.

This book revolves around following your dreams. There are many book which are on this fact of following your dreams, this one is much more philosophical and much easier to understand.
Now, going by the fact that its a philosophical, doesn't mean that its a boring book. It has a good story line and its about a shepherd, and his journey towards his dreams.
On his journey, he meets many people, good and bad, but at no point doesn't let any of their actions or opinions change his outlook towards his dream. Finally he meets an alchemist, and he teaches him the best knowledge anyone can get. This would be the take away from this book.
In his journey , he also meets up with a merchant, who sells crystals and not quite enterprising and lost the zeal in his life. When this boy asks him as to why is he not very keen on fulfilling his dreams, his reply is simply that, once one achieves one's dream, then what would be the purpose of living and what would one look forward ahead in life. These words do make sense to quite an extent, but at the same time, not necessarily to be followed. The boy did agree with him , but didn't chose to follow that advise.

I would say, its a must read.
This book has already been translated in 67 languages across the world and soon to be a movie.

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Book Review :Cashflow Quadrant

Another of Robert Kiyosaki's book. Everytime I read a book from him, it inspires me no end to start investing more. This book added more value than the previous ones which I had read, ie Rich Dad Poor Dad and Guide To Investing. The simple tips of getting rid of your debts and the different levels of Investors was a take away for me, having read the other books. Of course the repeition does occur in the books, but its a welcome refresher , especially for me, who doesnt have the habit of going through the same book again.

I would say its a must read for each and everyone. Its just going to change your perspective of finances and investing.
Priceless!

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Book Review:The White Tiger

Book : The White Tiger
Author : Aravind Adiga

I picked up the book only for the simple reason that it had won the "Man Booker Award" this year. Its the first book I have read which is an award winning. Normally I tend to be away from such books, but for some weird reason I felt like picking it up.

Must say that its a great book to read to learn and know about India. Yes its not the rosy picture which is painted, but one that is of reality. At times it got carried away a bit more and I didnt quite like some descriptions. The last chapter was really good. It was surely a good ending with some good punches. Every book has one chapter which is a meant to be re-read time and again. In this book it is definitely the last chapter.

The protagonist , Balram , who is a person from small village always has big dreams and always in pursue of it. He makes sure that the good in him never dies and does take some calculative risks in life. He makes sure that he learns every trick in the book to become a entrepreneur.

This book in some way reflects the protagonist "Guru" in the movie "Guru".

A book worth read if you want to read about the Indian village cultures, the typical indian entrepreneur , the politics and the Urban culture as it is today.

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Book Review: Go Kiss the World

Author : Subroto Bagchi
Pages : 235
Price :399 INR

The high I get after reading a book like Autobiography of Lee Iacocca, and the High Performance Entrepreneur , it was the same feeling today when I finished through the last pages of "Go Kiss the world". 

If the first book of Sobroto Bagchi, was how to build an ethical profitable company like Mindtree, this book is about how to build you as a person. Initially while reading the book, I thought that this book didnt quite match up to the first book. But then I was proved wrong. As the book reached its end, it just became more and more touching and knowledgeable. I must add that I just love his writing style now, and whats even more important is the simplicity. 

The last few chapters are worth reading again and again in your life, and I am sure that each time you would learn something new or an answer you would be looking for. 

I personally liked the section on Mid Life Crisis. Its something which I havent read anywhere and I could relate to the same very much. Probably most of my questions were answered through that small chapter.

I dont think that anyone should miss reading this book. If you are not a regular reader, atleast the last few chapters in the book are a must for those who want to become a better person.

Thanks a lot for this lovely book.

Though the cost of the book is 399/- its worth a lot lot more.

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Book Review : A Twist in the Tale

Book : A Twist In the Tale
Author : Jeffrey Archer

A wonderful books of short stories. I read each of these stories one day at a time. And I just loved each and every story. The very style of Jeffrey Archer, makes it all the more gripping, and as the name of the book suggests, the last few lines, will change the perspective of the story by a whole 180 degrees.

A must read of nice and enjoyful reading.

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Book Review: Sand To Silicon

Book : Sand to Silicon
Author : Shivanand Kanavi

A book scripting down the history of the Semiconductors from the inception till date to the Information technology days. What I liked the most is the due credit given to the people in shaping this industry, mainly in India. I had no clue that so many Indians are actually instrumental in whatever technology we are enjoying today.
The sad part is that we Indians don't appreciate their contributions and they are known more by the people abroad, especially US.
Apart from this, this book is quite technical in nature. Since I am having the background in Electronics and Communication, it wasn't a heavy reading for me. But for those not having any technical background, would find it boring and not comprehensible.

Good book to read for those interested in knowing the Indians who have had global contributions. Histories and contributions of the whose who are given in detail. The Initiatives done by Tata's to that of Sam Pitroda are worth a read.

I did have a good refresh of what I had learnt in my 4 years of engineering and then comparing to what how exactly I am not using it.

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Book Review: Almost Single

Title : almost single
Author : Advaita Kala
Pages : 284

Its a story of a girl, working in the hotel industry about her life and her friends, who are also almost single like her. The beauty of this book is the way its been written. There isnt a great story to boast about. Its the sheer style of writing and the direct dilse talks which are catching. It was never a boring book. I wouldnt say a must read, but definitely a good read for light casual reading.

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