Life is What You Make It - Helan Maria Johnson

        Life is What You Make It

                                              -Preeti Shenoy

It is a fictional novel written by Preeti Shenoy. this book talks about the genuine feelings of a humanbeing. A story  of love, hope and how determination can overcome even destiny. The lead female of the story is Ankita Sharma, a young and smart collage girl. The story starts from her collage life. She is very intelligent and energetic and really enjoyed her collage life.She even got an arts club secretary post in St.Agnes collage. There she adopts a new life style and at last fall into a situation where she becomes  mentally ill and gets lost in herself. Abhi, Ankita's lover doesn't know about the relationship of Vibav and Ankita. She betrays Abhi who cannot accept it and ends his life. This was the first step to her road to depression but she moved on. Works hard and tops the class. But she puts too much pressure on herself. She  lost her control when her parents dug her past, all memories of Abhi comes flooding back. She tries to end her life and was taken to a mental hospital.

                     The story ends with the rebirth of  Ankita into a person who celebrates everyday for being alive.

Book Review -Lakshmi B

                        THE MINISTRY OF UTMOST HAPPINESS-ARUNDHATI ROY


The Ministry of Umost  Happiness  is the second novel written by Arundhati  Roy , Booker Prize winning author of The God Of Small Things , published by Penguin Books.

The novel is set in the backdrop of Delhi and Kashmir and it deals with some of the violent issues of modern India , including the Gujarat riots and Kashmir insurgency. It is an aching love story. Its heroes are people who have been broken by the world they live in and then rescued , mended by love and hope . The novel is revolving around the themes of Hindu nationalism , Kashmir militancy , mob lynchings , transgender community and Hindu -Muslim violence. It is set across the span of many years through the partion of India , Pakistan and Bangladesh .The novel portrays two main characters Anjum , a transgender and Tilo , a trained architect who journeys to the Kashmir region.The story is being told through the eyes of these two characters.

Critically assessing the novel , we can see that there is a mess up of many characters . Pimary , secondary and tertiary characters have given there own identity and it is a bit confusing for the reader to move through the story. There is not really an actual plot . Arundhati Roy’s experiences and her views on the political conditions of India are expressed through the two characters,Anjum and Tilo. The beginning and ending of the novel is  interesting but as we move on new characters emerges which have mere importance in the novel and it becomes difficult for the reader to catch up the story line and makes the middle chapters little dry .Its a highly intellectual piece of Roy’s literature and it demonstrates in every page the miracle of Arundhati Roy’s storytelling magic.

Roy had put twenty years after God of Small Things for this novel. Being  a good critic and observer of Indian political landscape , Roy is criticising the present day social atrocities including cow vigilantism amd mob lynchings . She is making a reference to our Prime Minister ,even though she is not mentioning his name she calls him “Gujarat ka Lalla” in somewhat a mocking tone .

The novel can be seen as an excellent piece of literature worthy of being into 2017 Man Booker Prize  longlist and demands attraction from dedicated readers.

BOOK REVIEW - OLIVER TWIST

              OLIVER TWIST
                               -BY CHARLES DICKENS
   
              A gripping tale told by a master of craft of story telling - Oliver Twist written by Charles Dickens is not just a novel but a social document in which Dickens roused the conscience of his readers of his time to be aware of the vicious world around them. The novel 'Oliver Twist' tells a story of a poor boy named Oliver and many of such youth, criminals and their villainy.
     
                         Orphaned because his mother dies at childbirth and his father disappears, Oliver Twist  was born into a life of poverty and misfortunes in the poorhouse. After spending nine years there the authorities found him too old to remain there and was fetched to another poorhouse where he found a number of children like himself who worked hard just for starving. They were suffering for slow starvation for months and reached it's peak that one of the boys told that he will eat the small boy next to him if he is not provided with enough food. The children among themselves drew lots the next day to find the one who's gonna ask for more. Fate was against Oliver. He asked for more and was severely punished for both  his hunger and his innocent question. The authorities decided to sell him off not to sold him off but they one who takes the boy was rewarded 5$.

                        The miseryful journey of Oliver really begins. He was taken by Mr. Sowerberry a local trader to work for him. Young Oliver passed through a number of sufferings from Mrs Sowerberry and her maids. He was cursed, beaten, fed on scraps which the dogs refuses and made to sleep under the worship bench among the coffins. Insults, sufferingsand illtreatment!! Oliver fleds from Mrs Sowerberry's house to step to a new scene of agony. He fleds to London where meets Jack Dawkens or the Artful Dodger and was taken by him to Fagin a gangster. From there Oliver was taught the art of larceny but due to his innocence his couldn't recognize it's meanings.

           One day while  accompanied by Dodger and Charley Bates, Oliver was mistakenly caught for the theft done by his companion but was declared innocent after the trial. The poor boy Oliver, was then taken  by Mr Brownlow the victim of the theft to his house. There Oliver realised the real meaning of happiness but this too didn't last too long. Oliver was taken back to the wicked gang due to the wicked play by Nancy and Bill Sikes. But yet another important incident took place while he was with Mr Brownlow that one day Mr Brownlow found that Oliver's face looks exactly like the portrait that he used to hang on the wall.

                One day when Oliver was with Fagin, he was taken for a theft operation in which Oliver was deeply wounded and he went to a house for help. This opened the doors of a jovial life for Oliver where he meets Mrs. Maylie, Rose and Dr.Losberne.But on the other side of the story a named Monk wears the costume of the villain. He along with Fagin and Bill Sikes wanted Oliver to come back and wished to make him a master in the art of robbery. Monk even tries to destroy all evidences of Oliver's parentage with his instinct cruelty of a villain. But then God played his own  rolevin the form of Nancy. She disclosed many secrets about the evil plan that the evil men had about Oliver to Rose. But for this act she was rewarded death by Bill Sikes. And finally Oliver along withwith Maylie, Rose and Dr. Losberne meets Mr Brownlow and shares the secrets disclosed by Nancy.

                   Mr Brownlow then got a clear picture about Oliver. The portrait that had resembled Oliver was actually given by Mr Edwin Leeford tell him that it is the picture of her second wife named Agnes. This portrait plays a crucial role in identifing Oliver parentage and understand that Monk was actually the half brother of Oliver. With all these evidences, Mr Brownlow catches Monks and Monk admits his fault that he had done all these only because he wanted his father's wealth all alone. Monk involuntarily gives Oliver his share and was handed over to law for all the cruelty that he had done to Oliver. But then only Oliver receives the greatest gift that time had vouchsaved for him. Rose whom he loved so much as a sister was actually his mother's younger sister.

               The story ends up in joviality but at the same time illuminates our minds that good will always happen for good and bad for bad deeds. Our former deeds reflects our life in future. The author not only portrayed the life of Oliver but the sufferings of many. The author is subtle and gives a precise description of all his characters with rich visual imaginery that stays with the reader. Each chapter ends in such a way that it intensifies the curiosity in the reader.No wonder that this novel was made into movie a number of times

                This novel written by Charles Dickens is one among his best sold works and the first English novel to centre on a child throughout. This novel tells the tale of a child just nine. This is a must buy for our generation who always complains about what we don't have.To understand the value of hard work and to realize that there are people in this world who only prays and wishes for only a loaf of bread, I suggest all readers to read this novel and to recover the real meaning in life.



By,
Jomiya Maria Johnson
                 
               
        

BOOK REVIEW- Aadujeevitham

One of the novels that ever touched my mind is Benyamin's Aadujeevitham. It's English transalated version is Goat Days. The novel is based on a real life incident and it is potrayed through the protagonist Najib. The novel potrays the hard core realities of migrant workers who works hard in a strange land for their family.                                
Najib is a young man hailing from Kerala who dreams to work in Gulf states and earn for his family consisting of his aged mother and pregnant wife. Finally, he got the visa and moved to Riyad, Saudi Arabia as an Indian emigrant worker along with a teenage boy who is also an Indian emigrant worker named Hakim. But they were  dragged to labour in the hot desert for the job of caretaking herd of goats and camels by an aggressive person who later became their 'arbab' (owner). He became the slave of someone whom he doesn't know before and in a place which is completely strange to him. All the roads were miles away from them and this was the time they lost their connection with the outside world. His life was totally under control of the Arbab, he severely punished Najib for even minute mistakes. Arbab tortured Najib to the extreme which a normal human being couldn't bear. He was not given proper food or water and was made to stay with goats. He worked hard under the hot sun. As the days passed Najib's physical appearance got transformed into something that of a strange creature and he lost most of the signs as a human. To him, presence of a human other than his arbab became a rarest of rare incidence. This is clearly evident when he tried to touch a human who came near to him after a long time. The loneliness sadness, atrocities and miseries underwent by Najib were beyond endurance, with nobody to share his pains and emotions. Although he knew that the connectivity to outside world is totally missing, the feelings and emotions within him made write an imaginary letter to his wife explaining the 'extravagant ' life in Riyad which was heartbreaking. In order, to overcome his solitude, he named the goats the names of his dear ones and spent time with them.  There were his wife, friends, a rowdy in his area, schoollife girlfriend and even Mohanlal, among the goats. Out of the burning agony to see his dear ones especially his mother and wife, he made his own attempts to escape from this 'hell' but all in vain. But, he never lost his hope and never stopped believing in God. He believed that one day God will come and save him. He never blamed God, he waited for that moment when God offers his hand to him. And finally, it came but was not an easy one. It was a person named Ibrahim Khadri who rescued and brought back him to regular life(he disappears from Najib's life as soon as Najib reaches outside the desert). After long days of barefoot journey, after overcoming several lifetaking obstructions in the path he reached the main road.                          

The novel points to the hard life of the emigrant workers, who work hard in strange worlds for the well being of their family whose problems are yet to be addressed. Their deep feelings when they were meant to live and work far away from their loved ones is also depicted. This novel is an eye opener to all and it touches all the realities of man in his struggle for life.                             
         
The author has the power to drive the minds of the readers. Whoever reads the novel gets transformed into Najib and can experience the feelings through which Najib has passed through. No-one can complete reading the novel without a heavy heart. God's touch in Najib's life entered through a person named Ibrahim Khadiri whom we can call as an incarnation of God. It appears impossible for us to believe that  these incidents had really occured in the life of this particular person. But the realities of the life are to be accepted. It is a must read novel for everyone.
                                 
                                  ABHIRAMI.S

BOOK REVIEW - ATHULYA MARIA JOHNY

                                    THE GUIDE  

                                                            
                                                               The Guide by R.K.Narayan is based on the conflicts of human interest or nature. The story mainly revolves around Rosie, her husband Macro and Raju who enters their life as a guide. It is contrasting but interesting to note that these characters never reach a point of agreement in the book. Raju takes interest in Rosie thus Macro, her husband leaves her. When they fall in love, Rosie becomes an eminent dancer and singer and Raju comes on the terms of exploiting her finances. In a sense,he uses Rosie for his income, which she doesn't like at all and differences begin to throw them apart. It is Rosie who sends Raju in jail for two years as he uses her signature to take hold of her jewellery box. This can be considered as the second main climax of the book, first climax is when Macro discovers her wife in love with Raju.
                                                                First climax brings them together but the second one creates a gap between their relationships. After the imprisonment , Raju finds it hard to return to Malgudi hence he goes to some other village and accidentally becomes a saintly figure for them. However he is aware of sins hence he goes on a fast and dies thinking it as an act of repentance. 
                                                            The book ends on a tragic note.R.K.Narayan through this book tried to explain the complexity of human nature, as a writer he is sure that humans can never live harmoniously by using understanding as an important tool for keeping humanity necessary for lives. No matter what you do or where you go, differences in human are always there to stretch the things apart. It is the bitter truth of human race.

                                                                            *************

BOOK REVIEW - ROSHNI MARIYA BABY

THE SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON
        The Swiss Family Robinson is family classic written by Johann Wyss, a Swiss writer. It was first published in German in 1812.

         The story is about a family which escapes to a deserted Island after getting ship wrecked. The family consisting of a couple and their 4 sons begins a new life of adventure and hard work in the isolated island. The family explored the island, cultivated land, hunted, constructed house, and invented machines. Even though they faced disappointments they moved forward bravely and succeeded in developing a civilized life.

          The story motivates us to face the difficulties of life. It encourages us to overcome the barriers or hurdles that life place in front of us. The story also gives us the message that every thing happens,happens for the best. Facing difficulties in life helps us to realise our strength, makes us confident and also gives us a chance to improve ourselves.

            The story gives importance to family and values such as honesty, unity, love, courage, forgiveness and faith. Eventhough this is a story the positive attitude shown by the family at the time of distress inspired me. The Swiss Family Robinson is a must read.

English Assignment -Book Review

"ഒരു സങ്കീർത്തനം പോലെ "

      -  പെരുമ്പടവം ശ്രീധരൻ

           'ഹൃദയത്തിനു മേൽ ദൈവത്തിന്റെ കൈയൊപ്പുള്ള ഒരെഴുത്തുകാരന്റെ കല '

                 ജീവിച്ചിരുന്ന ഒരു വ്യക്തിയുടെ, അതും വിശ്വവിഖ്യാതനായ ഒരെഴുത്തുകാരന്റെ ജീവിതം തന്റേതായ ശൈലിയിൽ എഴുതുക എന്നത് തന്നെയാവണം പെരുമ്പടവം ശ്രീധരൻ എന്ന എഴുത്തുകാരൻ നേരിട്ട ഏറ്റവും വലിയവെല്ലുവിളി. ജീവിതത്തിൽ സകല പ്രതീക്ഷകളും നഷ്ടപെട്ട, മരണത്തെ മാത്രം പ്രതീക്ഷിച്ചു കഴിയുന്ന ദസ്തയേവ്സ്കി എന്ന മനുഷ്യ മനസിന്റെ ഉള്ളിലെ സംഘർഷങ്ങൾ ആണ് കഥയുടെ ഗതി നിർണയിക്കുന്നത്.  മനുഷ്യ മനസിലെ സകല വികാര -വിചാരങ്ങളെയും ഒരു കഥാപാത്രത്തിന് പകർന്നു നൽകാൻ പെരുമ്പടവം എന്ന രചനാ സാമ്രാട്ടിന് സാധിച്ചിരിക്കുന്നു.
       മരുഭൂമിയിൽ പെയ്തിറങ്ങുന്ന മഴയെന്നപോലെ ദസ്തയെവ്സ്കിയുടെ വഴിവിട്ട ജീവിതത്തിലേക്ക് കടന്നുവരുന്ന അന്ന എന്ന പെൺകുട്ടി പിന്നീട് അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ജീവിതത്തിൽ ഏറ്റവും കൂടുതൽ സ്വാധീനം ചെലുത്തിയ വ്യക്തിയാവുന്നു. ദസ്തയേവ്സ്കി, അന്ന, ഫെഡോസ്യ, അലോൻകിൻ, പോളിന, മരിയ തുടങ്ങി പച്ചയായ മനുഷ്യരും അവരുടെ ജീവിതവും പ്രശ്നങ്ങളും ആവിഷ്കാര വിധേയമാകുന്നു.
              ജീവിതത്തിൽ സകലതും നഷ്ടപ്പെട്ട അവസ്ഥയിൽ ദസ്തയേവ്സ്കിയുടെ നോവൽ പകർത്തിയെഴുതാൻ എത്തുന്ന പെൺകുട്ടിയാണ് അന്ന. ചുരുക്കെഴുത്തു പഠിച്ചിട്ടുള്ള അവൾ ദൈവത്തിന്റെ എഴുത്തിൽ അദ്ദേഹത്തെ സഹായിക്കുന്നു. എങ്കിലും പ്രത്യേക സ്വഭാവം കാണിക്കുന്ന ദസ്തയേവ്സ്കിയുടെ ജീവിതത്തിലെ പ്രശ്നങ്ങളും അദേഹത്തിന്റെ മനസിലെ ചിന്തയും അപകർഷതാബോധവും അവൾ തിരിച്ചറിയുന്നു. ചൂതുകളിയും അതിലൂടെ ദിവസവും കൂടിവരുന്ന കടബാധ്യതകളും എല്ലാം അവൾ അറിയുന്നു. ഇത്രമേൽ കഷ്ടതകൾക്കിടയിലും കുറ്റവും ശിക്ഷയും പോലെയുള്ള നോവലുകൾ രചിക്കാൻ കഴിയുന്ന ആ മനസിനെ അവൾ ഉൾക്കൊള്ളുന്നു. ദൈവത്തിന്റെ തെറ്റാണു താനെന്നു സ്വയം വിചാരിക്കുന്ന അദേഹത്തിന്റെ മനസ് അവൾ മാറ്റിയെടുക്കുന്നു. പകരം ക്രിസ്തുവിനെപ്പോലെ വിശുദ്ധമായ മനസാണ് അദേഹത്തിന്റേതെന്ന് അവൾ വിശ്വസിക്കുന്നു. ആ തിരിച്ചറിവ് അദ്ദേഹത്തിന് തന്റെ ജീവിതം തിരികെ പിടിക്കാൻ കെൽപ് നൽകുന്നു. പറഞ്ഞ സമയത്തിനുള്ളിൽ നോവൽ എഴുതിയെങ്കിലും അത് പ്രസിദ്ധപ്പെടുത്താനാവാതെ പോകുന്ന നിമിഷത്തിൽ അതേക്കുറിച്ചു ആലോചിക്കാതെ അന്നയുമൊത്തു പുതിയ ജീവിതം തുടങ്ങാൻ അദ്ദേഹം തീരുമാനിക്കുന്നു. അവിടെയാണ് കഥ അവസാനിക്കുന്നത്.
             ലോകം മുഴുവൻ ദുർനടപ്പുകാരനാണെന്നു പറഞ്ഞ വ്യക്തിയെ സ്നേഹം കൊണ്ട് മാറ്റിയെടുക്കുന്ന പെൺകുട്ടിയെ ഇവിടെ കാണാം. എന്ത് പ്രശ്നത്തെയും സ്നേഹത്താൽ പരിഹരിക്കാമെന്ന ഒരു ഉദാഹരണം കൂടിയാവുന്നു ഇത്. ഇതുവരെയുണ്ടായിട്ടുള്ള സാഹിത്യസൃഷ്ടികളിൽ ഏറ്റവും മികച്ച ഒന്നായി ഈ പുസ്തകം നിലനിൽക്കുന്നതിനു കാരണം ഇത് പങ്കുവെയ്ക്കുന്ന സങ്കല്പവും സത്യവും കലർന്ന ജീവിത സാഹചര്യങ്ങൾ മൂലമാവാം.
          'ജീവിത സംഘർഷങ്ങൾക്കിടയിലും തുടർച്ചയായി ഒഴുകുന്ന കാവ്യ നീതി...... മനസിന്റെ അന്തരാളങ്ങളിൽ നിന്നും ദസ്തയേവ്സ്കി എന്ന മനുഷ്യമനസ് സൃഷ്‌ടിച്ച കഥാപാത്രങ്ങൾ ഇന്നും നിലനിൽക്കുന്നു.... ഒരു സങ്കീർത്തനം പോലെ.......

                         സ്വാതി സാബു
          

Book review - Elizabeth soniya

Aadujeevitham                                                                                                                                                     one of my favorite novel is Aadujeevitham by Benyamin.Thus novel creates the real life of a Gulf malayalee who worked in the desert.This is one such book which is full of life and made tears in our eyes.Also this novel gave a message that the sufferings of the normal gulf malayalee(pravasi).This was the state award winning novel.                             
Benyamin,the novelist's hero is Najeeb a common malayali . Najeeb wish to work in a good enviornment send money to home ad also he wish to lead a luxurious life.This is the wish of common people . In gulfĺ Najeeb got trapped.He cheated and reached to the desert where he was assigned to look after the sheep and camals under a cruel man 'arabab'There he does'nt know the language and he is totally far away from human interaction.These days were an extreme safferings to him.He had no proper food,no shelter and no way for human basic needs.Through his utter bas experiences in life he turned him self as one of the goats and his life one like a goat .He started talking to them.He thought that these annimals were better than man.But at these says he had a hope which will brings freedom and  the safe rings with  goat the brutal 'arabab'.He had a hope in life and the god too.

The story narrated in the book was the real life of a man the author said.the story was a real life experience not created .But he mixed lot of thoughts and imagination for the better reading.There are much characters along with the hero that is Hakkim and Hameed.

(English assignment book review) - THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle ~ Rion Reji

Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle (22 May 1859 – 7 July 1930) was a British writer best known for his detective fiction  featuring the character Sherlock Holmes. Originally a physician, in 1887 he published  'A Study in Scarlet' , the first of four novels about Holmes and Dr.Watson. In addition, Doyle wrote over fifty short stories featuring the famous detective. The Sherlock Holmes stories are generally considered milestones in the field of crime fiction.

Sherlock Holmes through a series of his investigations with Watson is really engaging. Most of them always start with some form of peculiar  detail and then turns around to change around just from the little details that he observes.  That is the charm of Sherlock Holmes and it keeps us wondering what his next step is and how each case will end.  Its a very enjoyable read.

This is a book with 12 investigations of the adventures of Sherlock Holmes.  Dr. Watson, his trusted companion, is the narrator of each of these stories.  He documents each one through his eyes and his experience.  When Holmes exits the picture or when certain characters involved in the case leave his field of vision, we jump forward to when he witnesses some more.  This allows us a lot of mystery as we read.  We know that its the most accurate version from Watson's mouth and this is also what pulls us in.  He puts in his initial assessment and then his discussion with Holmes who clarifies his route of action most of the time after the fact.

  The missing parts of where Holmes investigates on his own is where we wonder when he comes back what crazy approach he is going to use next to track down or capture the unknown culprit red handed.  It leaves the readers wondering and often times I found myself trying to figure out what the next move
was or who the next culprit was.  There was maybe 3-4 times that I figured out who was the culprit but I usually would get the twist and details of the actual story wrong.

This is also what makes Sherlock Holmes a very attractive character.  He inspects and sees the little details that we normally would not associate with how he gathers his information.  It takes a lot of general knowledge to be able to pull those links together from the people he observes or the evidence that he finds and inspects.

Overall, I really did find this a very fun novel to read.  I loved the character of Sherlock Holmes and will probably seek out his other novels.  I always like a good mystery and makes me guess throughout reading it.  It allows me to be involved throughout the story and that makes it very recommendable and a great classic to me!

HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE - GEORGE PARAMBI

Harry Potter, an eleven year old boy, lives with his dreadful Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon and their son Dudley. His life isn’t very bright; he has to sleep in the cupboard under the stairs, never gets anything for his birthday and his nephew Dudley constantly bullies him. One day Harry starts receiving strange letters and is rescued by Hagrid. Harry discovers his parents didn’t die in a car crash, but that they were wizards, and that he’s one as well. But that’s not all; he even seems to not just a wizard, but also a famous one. The reason for this is because a Dark Wizard named Voldemort who killed a lot of people, including Harry’s parents, lost his power when he tried to kill Harry. Now Harry also knows where from he got the scar on his forehead. 

He enrols at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry where he meets new friends, but also enemies. In the beginning of the year all the students at Hogwarts are told by Professor Dumbledore not to enter the third floor corridor, unless they wish to “die a very painful death”. As the year proceeds Harry finds that the Philosopher’s Stone, a magical stone which is capable of turning anything into gold and prolonging life, is stored behind this corridor. He also discovers someone is trying to steal it.

Harry enters the forbidden corridor and passes the barriers set by the teachers of Hogwarts to protect the stone. But his Defence against the Dark Arts teacher Professor Quirrell, does as well. It turns out that Voldemort shares the body of Professor Quirrell, as that is the only way he can live in his weakened state. Professor Quirrell, however, doesn’t get past all barriers. He can’t get over the last one, the Mirror of the Erised, placed by Dumbledore himself. In this mirror you will see what you most desire. Quirrell, of course, mostly desires the stone, but the mirror has been bewitched in a way that only someone who wants the Stone for itself, not for the powers it possesses, can see in the mirror where the stone is. Quirrell has the intention of giving the stone to Voldemort when he finds it, so he can’t see where it is. But Harry does meet this need of the mirror and finds the stone in his pocket when he looks into the mirror. In the next moments Harry and Quirrell are fighting about the stone. Just when Harry can’t bear it any longer, Professor Dumbledore comes to help and in the end Harry once again is able to overcome the Dark Wizard and keep the world save from his powers.

BOOK REVIEW -MALAVIKA KRISHNAN

         GENTIY FALLS THE BAKULA
     INTRODUCTION
                          'Gently Falls The Bakula' is a simple but meaningful story authored by Sudha Murthy, a prolific writer in English  and Kannada. This is her first novel in kannada.It is translated in to English by Keerthi Ramachandra and got published by Penguin Books.The story talks about sociological and psychological problems arises in the society where people judge themselves on the basis of money.The author submit the story to "all those women who allowed family commitments and responsibilities to overpower their own aspirations."
         
        ABOUT THE STORY
                          The story is centered mainly on two characters named Srimati and Srikanth,who belongs to two hostile communities.Both of them where brilliant students of their class from childhood.Slowly as the two get know each other,they fall in love.Despite the disagreements from family,they get married and shift to Mumbai for Srikanth's job.Later Srimati decides to give up her career to make way for her husband's progress.But Srikanth wasn't paying any kind of attention to her.Much later,an encounter with her professor results in Srimati analyzing her life and questioning her choices.At last she empowered herself and got independent from all kind of family boundaries which prevent her from going beyond horizon.
           The BAKULA
                The tree Bakula' and it's flowers are used in the story to present the intense emotions.The Bakula' tree stood between the houses of Srimati and Srikanth became the symbol of their love.The author present Bakula',just like neermathalam got presented by Kamala Suriya in her writings.Bakula flowers have a divine fragrance.Srimati always used to wore a string of Bakula' flowers in her hair.Thus Bakula' stands as an expression of love.
         
         CONCLUSION
                  The beauty of Sudha Murthy's writings lies in its simplicity and in her ability to bring her characters to life.Through an epitome of sacrifice,author presents many Indian women,who have without a moment hesitation,given up their dreams for the sake of their family.The story is thought provoking as well as relevant.
         .

Book Review - Akhil Krishnan M

The Fifth Mountain 

The Fifth Moutain is the 4th book in The Complete Coelho series written by Paulo Coelho and published in 1996. This is a Spiritual Book and contains History, Mystery and Love. The story is based on the account of Elijah from the Hebrew Bible (1 Kings, chapters 17-19). The focus is on Elijah's time in  Zarephath (in this book named Akbar). Much has been added to this simple Bible story by Coelho, including Elijah witnessing the sacking of Akbar, by the Assyrians, Elijah's journey up to the Fifth Mountain itself (said to be the dwelling place of God Baal), and Elijah's falling in love with the widow to whom God sent him.

For a considerable portion of the story, Elijah is very compliant, obeying everything God's angels say. Eventually, he realizes that his destiny is not being chosen by him but by God and ultimately he decides to abide by his own desires and will. Elijah is the central character in the story. After escaping from King Ahab and Princess Jezebel's soldiers (as they sent out a proclamation that all prophets are to be executed), he travels to Akbar, where he meets with the widow (Widow of Zarephath) and saves her son from death. Akbar is later attacked by Assyrians and the Widow was killed. He rebuilds it (Akbar) and becomes its prophet. After 3 years, after raising the child, he goes back to Israel.

This story is mainly about Devotion to God as God decides a person's destiny. There is a mixture of adventure, danger, myth, love which tells us that he has skills of a true master of story telling.This story also shows that "If we are in a period of darkness and if we are devoted and trustful to God, he will protect us and shine his light, thus lifting the darkness."

SITA'S SISTER - BOOK REVIEW - SRUTHI KRISHNA G

                          HIS "MILA"

           SITA'S SISTER- KAVITA KANE

       It was just a few months back that I started to develop a flair or curiosity towards understanding epics 

and Puranas from a character's point of view-a character left unnoticed or         

unexplored. Therefore, I started my  

research and soon came across the renowned writer Kavita Kane. One of her books which proved to be much impressive was "Sita's Sister", which portrays Ramayana through the perspective of Urmila, the second daughter of king Janaka and Lakshman's wife. It is a part-fiction part reality rendition of the epic. The character Urmila finds little mention in Valmiki's Ramayana and the various local versions. However, I found her to be one of the strongest characters and a significant contributor to the events in the story.

         The story first revolves around the 

childhood of the four princesses of Mithila- Sita, Urmila, Mandavi and Shrutakirti. Urmila is depicted as "the glue that holds them together". Then followed by their first meeting with the princes of Ayodhya, Urmila falling head over heels for the charming yet arrogant Lakshman, their love which is entirely different from that of Ram and Sita, their marriage and life at Ayodhya and subsequent events including the exile, Sita's Sister, with its compact and engaging narration proves to be a must- read for all myth-lovers. 

       Princess Urmila's life was never a bed of roses. Though a learned scholar and debator, she often had to remain silent, left with no answers or justification to her arguments in front of the patriarchal Ayodhya and its laws.

She took the risk of marrying Lakshman who had no interest in marriage, for his primary duty was to serve and protect his brother. She wanted to remain his "Mila" forever. Though fate left her all alone in the dark, she upheld the very same 'dharma' just like Ram. The pain of separation never wearied her. Instead, she took up the huge responsibility of governing the kingdom. 

         Ayodhya is seen as a patriarchal kingdom where women doesn't question their husbands and doesn't speak against injustice in contrast to the learning- centered Mithila. 

        Urmila, the name denotes the "union of souls" and is presented as outspoken yet respectful, strong, always looking at the brighter side of things and is of a 'forgive-and-forget' nature. She symbolizes the ideal woman, a perfect queen.

           - Sruthi Krishna G

THE MONK WHO SOLD HIS FERRARI (Book Review) - Anjana Dev

The monk who sold his ferrari  is a fable about fulfilling your dreams and reaching  your destiny.Authored by ROBIN SHARMA a writer and a motivational speaker the book has been derived from his personal experiences after leaving his career as a lawyer at the young age of 25.Published in 1997, the book develops through the conversations between two lawyers,Julian Mantle and his best friend John.

  

     Julian Mantle , a successful lawyer suffers a heart attack in between a trial in the court room.  After which, he quits from his profession, sells all his belongings and disappears. Three years later, John is surprised by the unexpected visit of his old best friend Julian. But what surprises him the most is the change. The baggy tired eyes has been replaced by peaceful ones and julian looks like a more physically fit man. All in all  julian looks like a man in mid twenties rather than a middle aged guy.  

      Julian later on explains to john his visit to the great himalayas in India in search of inner peace, happiness and satisfaction. During his visit he happens to hear about the mysterious sages of sivana and goes in search of them. The sages teach Julian the ways for transformation with the promise of spreading the idea and methods with as

many people as he can. The sages explain that there are 7 steps for acheiving eternal happiness .This is explained through the simple tale about a garden and a sumo wrestler.There are 7 elements in this  story and each element represents each step in the process of transformation.

 The book is more of a philosophical genre rather than fiction.But as human beings all that we need at the end of the day is

happiness.This book is  guide to happiness provided ,we apply the simple and practical steps given , in our life. This book is a breath of fresh air if you are tired by all the fictional ones and is very helpful to those in dire need of  inspiration. All together the book is worth one's time.

"I AM MALALA" - Book Review by Rohini S.

"I Am Malala"

             "I am Malala" is the true story of a fourteen years old girl's campaign for women's right to education. In 2011 Malala was shot by the Taliban in a bus on her way home from school. Two men boarded the schoolbus -"who is Malala" they asked and fired gun shots; two lodged in Malala's voice, are remarkable-the politics, the madia frenzy and her recovery.The shooting triggered a complex of series of negotiations involving prominent political figures from Pakistan and England. It's a powerful book. Malala's story is remarkable in light of women's role in her culture and the groups fighting to oppress women - in this case the Taliban.It was the Taliban that claimed responsibility for shooting Malala calling her crusade for education rights an "obscenity".

                                                                  

                         The first half of the  book Malala describes Pakistan's history including the history  of her ancestors and the northern region of Pakistan,Swat where she lives.Malala also shares stories of her family, giving the reader a glimpse in to the culture of Pakistan from a young women's perspective. Many of the stories involve Malala’s father Ziauddin Yousafzai. She describes his involvement in local politics, in the community and his vocal support of education for boys and girls. There’s no doubt Malala’s passion and courage to stand-up for women’s rights stems from her father’s actions and character. Malala’s story emphasizes education’s value. Looking deeper it challenges readers to examine the role of education, its purpose and function within a society.

Book Review - Sruthy Antony

Percy Jackson and the sea of monsters

Percy Jackson and the sea of monsters is the 2nd book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series written by Rick Riordan and published in May 2006.This is a young adult fiction story. In this book Percy teams up with Annabeth, Clarissa and Tyson on a journey across the sea of monsters to retrieve the legendary golden fleece and rescue his best friend Grover from the clutches of an evil cyclop.
                 Percy Jackson is the central character.  The relationship between PercyJackson and Annebeth intensified in this book. Grover as being kidnapped,  provide much comic relief after the waves of action.  Tyson, a cyclop and Percy's half brother, helps to get book's main message of accepting other people no matter who /what they are.
                 The story is all about exploring the sea of monsters where Riordan weaves  Greek mythology into our world in fantastically yet completely believable way. There is mixture of action, danger,myth,comedy where Riordan shows his skills as a true master of story telling.
                  In this story we can witness bravery and a willingness to sacrifice for others.

Book Review- Riya Antony

Last Leaf
Last Leaf is a children's book written  by William Baldwin and illustrated by Lisel Bell.On the first day of spring each year .New buds and leaves sprout on the branches of the Great Oak Tree. As the buds blossom into shiny green leaves,one bud named crinkle has problems sprouting. With gentle encouragement,crinkle finally sprouts.But he is small and pink instead of being large and green like the other leaves.The other leaves laugh and crinkle and make fun of him,except for old gus who is the biggest leaf on the tree.Crinkle fears the upcoming autumn afer hearing that all of the leaves will fall to the ground and die.Old Gus explains to Crinkle that the leaves do not die.but are re-absorbed by the tree's roots in the winter before sprouting  once more in the spring.
                       As he watches all of the other leaves fall,crinkle hangs on tightly  refusing to let go of the branch which supports him.The Great Oak Tree is impressed by crinkle's determination. Finally,unable to hold on any longer crinkle  falls to the ground. The following spring the leaves who had teased crinkle were worried when they could not find him. Suddenly,a stunning  new branch grows on as can be.Crinkle had evolved and was now a magnificent branch sprouting  leaves of his own.The Great Oak Tree and all of the crinkle's amazing transformation  strength and durability.
              My mind is blown by the strong and powerful  messages contained  within this book.Not only does William Baldwin's tale about a leaf that is different teach empowerment against bullies but also shows that regardless of your  differences  to those around you,all of us have inner strengths which can take as to great places.the last leaf's tale comes complete with stunning illustrations which are bright and bold just like crinkle and carry a theme to show that in nature nothing ends if it is nurtured. The encouragement given to crinkle from both The Great Oak Tree and old gus .was all that crinkle needed to hold on and find his inner strength. Although the story is aimed at children,I found myself smiling throughout each and every page of the Last Leaf,and recommend this book be stocked in school home and kindergarten libraries in order to teach self-empowerment at an early age.

Book Review - Nesiya Josephine

                          I Too Had a Love Story

                    Ravinder Singh's ' I too had a love story' is the author's real-life love story that seems to have struck in the hearts of the readers across the country ,making it a national bestseller. This book is so simple but yet became bestseller. And it is full of honesty.The book was an instant success and even today tops the chart of bestsellers. It is written in a diary-writing form that is innocent,touching and honest.

                    Coming to the core story,it is a love story between two young people :Ravin and Khushi. They decided to get married. The beautiful thimg about them is that they haven't met yet -they chat online , talk on phone,also exchanged their photos ,but face-to-face is pending.Because Ravin works and lives in Bhuvaneshwar and Khusi in Noida,Delhi.Things go ahead ,they,their families agree on them.But just before the engagement,Khushi has been hospitalized owing a deadly road accident and after some days she passes away.

                   The story ends here but the pain sticks with the narrator and readers for long time . Many people including me cried after reading this book and wrote to author to see the image of Khushi.It is the first and the best book of Ravinder Singh which made him the darling of the millions and established him as India's most popular romance writer.

                   The book shows the fact that life isn't always pleasant and if you love someone ,love him/her truly;as love stories are meant to stay for generations to come and for them to read.I would recommend that everyone read the book as it will surely fill you up with positive attitude towards life and it may also give you courage to fight back the tough and unpleasant circumstances in life.Above all,I loved this book.

                        - Nesiya Josephine A.J.

Book review

    "Hello Buster" is one among the most controversial books that had ever published in the Indian political scenario. The book is all about the untold story of the Maoist movement in India. It's author is yet an other controversial man in India who had became very notable by his significant observations in the issues of the Kashmir valley, northeastern states, Maoist encounters etc. Mr Rahul Panditha who is one of the most promising young journalist in India is behind the 'Hello Buster'. Rather than a peace of literature Rahul Pandithas hello Buster could be explained as participant observation which is an important tool of study that is used in social sciences like sociology, social anthropology etc.
             
                   Rahul Panditha being an young journalist had taken a lot of efforts to gather informations regarding the topic that is discussed in his book. He had spent several months with the Maoists in their camps in the Buster district of  chattisgarh. This had helped him to interact directly with the Maoist leaders like kishen jee and other leader of the central committee of the party.

                   The book being with a short history of the Maoist movement of India and later on it talks completely regarding the different perspectives of the maoism of the present India. Through 'Hello Buster' Rahul Panditha criticize the approach of the government and government machineries towards the Maoist activities. He also criticize the fake Maoist encounters that is being staged all around  the nation. As a result hello Buster could be explained as a mirror of humanism that is held towards the military strategies of India against the so called Maoist guerilla's. The book vividly explains the contributions of the Maoist activists in the field of art, literature, culture, health services in the remote areas of India. The stories of the prominent Maoist leaders like Anuradha Ghadhi and Cobert Ghadhi had got due representation in the book.

                         The present Democratic system in which the basic rights of a few are undermined is heavily criticized by Rahul Panditha in his book. This entire book could be seen as a suggestion that asks to rethink to the authorities to withdraw it's present approach towards the issue of maoism. In total the entire book provides a good reading experience and it's really helpful in gathering informations regarding the Indian Maoist movement. All credit goes to the commitment of the author Rahul Panditha.

                           -dennisejs13@gmail.com

കാലം

                      കാലം

കാലം ഒരു പെരുമ്പാമ്പിൻ ഗർഭപാത്രത്തിൽ ഉടലെടുത്തു.....
    ജനനവും മരണവും കാലത്തിൻ
കൈയും കാലുമായി ഉടലെടുത്തു....
     നന്മയും തിന്മയും മനുഷ്യൻ തൻ
                   കരങ്ങളിൽ ഉടലെടുത്തു...
   അങ്ങനെ മനുഷ്യൻ കാലിടറി
           വീഴുബോൾ മരണവും ഉടലെടുത്തു.....
               "വരും കലകൾക്ക് വേണ്ടി
      മാത്രം വിത്ത് വിതകത്തെ നീ
             ആയിരിക്കുന്ന അവസ്ഥയ്ക്കു വേണ്ടി വിതയ്ക്കുക "

                                              സീന 😃