'Criti....que not Criti....cize'

Six Stories and An Essay by Andrea Levy My rating: 4 of 5 stars Never before has an abruption felt so perfect, so needful. The best part about this book is her lucid and honest writing that leaves you wanting more and yet leaves you with a strange sense of calm and a sense of revolt at the same time. It is a lethal combination but probably the only sensible thing for us as humans. For how else can one justify the anger of being subjected to racism and yet being happy with 'one's own'? The book provides an interesting, thought-provoking and firsthand account of someone subjected to racism and the trials and tribulations that need to be overcome in order to 'try and fit-in' in a place that one always considered 'home'. Brutally honest and immensely touching, it is a must read for all those who have always thought that racism is not a very draining issue and that it happens to 'others'. It is also an important read for a generatio...

Bookless in Baghdad and Other Writings on Reading by Shashi Tharoor My rating: 4 of 5 stars Only a well-read and well-travelled person could have written this book. As a public figure, there have been quite a lot of criticism about him and his personal as well as political life. But this book has been a refreshing change, offering a glimpse into the working of mind of an intellectual so often judged upon his 'Indian-ness' on the basis of where he resides and what he has to say about certain issues. What an awesome way of answering his so- called 'critics'! His writing is fluid,witty and tongue-in-cheek at many instances. After reading it, it somehow strengthens my belief that books are really an important part of our lives for 'in order to survive, we eat. But why do we live if it is just to eat more and survive? There must be a purpose'. Books do provide a sense and purpose to our existence. Thanks Mr. Tharoor for offering a glimpse...