Sunday, January 27, 2008

Citadel

Today’s book is a no brainer. All of you have probably read it or at least heard of it in passing. It is ‘Citadel’ by AJ Cronin. Being of the genre of classic writers I know of no other author that I can take up without having to worry about if it will be worth my time.


I have always been a satisfied reader with Cronin books and this is no different. I read it first from my sister because she had it in her college Syllabus. Then I read it again recently and loved it now as then. The story is about a doctor and his wife struggling in old England with the established medical setup which makes it difficult for practicing doctors where things could only be done a certain way regardless of results or logic. It still is valid in present day medicine especially in this advanced country where doctors are bound by the edicts from insurance companies that have long lost their medical touch.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

A word on this blog

This blog is not really a standalone blog but rather an extension of my food blog. Much to my Mom’s chagrin my hand was pretty much glued to a book regardless of whether I was at the dining table or munching on snacks. I had always combined reading with food which made each activity more interesting. So when I thought of a food blog I couldn’t but put in some book stuff. I don’t intend this to be a full review book blog as I said before. It is just some guidance for books I liked to read for someone who might be looking for word of mouth info on a good book before spending their valuable time getting it from the Library or buying it from a bookstore..



BTW, Vaayanasaala means Library in Malayalam

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

The World is Flat

I am reading ‘The World is Flat’ now. Can’t think of any other book more appropriate to kick start my food and book blogs. It is written by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Thomas Friedman. This book is a truthful and rational treatise on the State of Technology (like the State of the Union) in the present world by an American who seems to have a true grip on the global nature of things. He has put his finger into many personal observations I had when I landed here but put off as something I just fancied and not qualified enough to make. He identifies the strengths and weaknesses of emerging nations as well as that of the US and offers workable solutions which I hope will be heeded. It is an interesting read and makes you think. For those who are in engineering or technology yourselves or through your spouses or kids, this is a must read. Most of the things in it are known to us or we have a vague idea of but it is good to have a reliable reference when in need. I have recommended this to my nephew in India who is on the threshold of making decisions about his future studies. You have to go past the first chapter to get really interested in the book and see its potential. It is rather large but worth it.