Central Library - Swindon

It took me almost close to a month to realize that this town has a library. But it took me slightly a bit more time to actually locate it and visit it. Mostly due to initial settling worries and jitters. But the moment I stepped onto the building, I fell for it. I did not last a single aisle before I actually made a bee-line to the counter to become a member. And I have not regretted a single day. Of course the library can do better in terms of non-fiction collection, especially management.

I also realized that people here must really enjoy reading. I can see people on the buses, in office during lunchtime, out in public places like tea-shops, common sitting areas in market places, immersed in a book or an e-reader device. It should say something when we get to see 3 very good book shops within 8 to 10 minutes walk away from each other.

I was also stunned to see a post office seated deep in the belly of a multi-purpose, all serving bookshop. I made a conscious decision not to venture too often into these areas as caution as it threatened to pose grave challenge to my financial stability. This, in itself, should say a lot about these shops. What was so long a habit in me, quickly degenerated into a hard-hitting vice and then just as quickly and exponentially transformed into a demoniacal addiction.

And so this library feeds and quenches my addiction. What a blessing!!! As they say, a town should never be without a good bookstore or a decent library. Otherwise it's not worth it to stay there.

A street cat named bob by James Bowen

I am in Swindon now. I was in Town Center to complete some official work like  drop in at the bank, post office etc. I actually loved the post office here. You will get everything here. I accidentally saw this book. It arrested me because it had the photo of a ginger cat on its cover. Now my kunju (pet cat) is a ginger cat. He is feral so no way this beautiful, yet he has an attitude of his own.  That's why i was attracted to this book at first.

Then as I read it I got introduce to couple of amazing beings. A relationship between man and cat that was a saving grace for both. A book worth reading about sheer will to survive. Not all of us are doled out the best opportunities in life. Some of us lose what little life offers due to arrogance, selfishness, negligence or even sheer stupidity. It can happen to the best of us. I read some where that a measure of a human is not at falling, but how he gets up, dusts himself and perseveres again.

I learnt that second chances come to humans and animals alike. This book is about one such second chance for a human and a cat, who grow on to inspire people and change their thought process. Enjoyed it thoroughly. It's worth reading.
B

Meenakshi Srinivasan - Bharatanatyam - A Breath-Taking Performance.

My mother always complains that when I start the television, I have the attention space of a gnat. Your program must have content to hold me. And then one day it happened to me. I accidently caught a bit dance recital by this marvellous artist. I caught the end of one of her 'Varnams'. I am not a 'Bharatnatyam' dancer but she arrested my remote.

 

Her 'Adavus,' 'Jatis' were a treat to watch. What held me to her performance was her 'Abhinaya'. Her ability to emote, communicate the story to her audience - amazing. Her 'Thillana' was graceful yet breath-taking. 'Mudras' - neat, complete, traditional & lovely to watch and experience. Her 'Nritya' was a magnificent confluence of body, mind, heart, soul without compromising the tradition.

 

A graceful performer, a brilliant artist and a joy to watch. Thank you Meenakshi.

The Day I stopped drinking Milk - Sudha Murthy

I love this lady. I don't remember saying that about any author in my life. I will grade this book as a compulsory on every book lover's shelf. Simple language.  Just like the simple life of the people she has tried to characterise. I feel so worthless when I read the tale of such simple souls. Great actions by unsung heroes.  Her Pond series was the best that I loved. Almost all pages in her book deeply touched me. She has ended her book with few lessons that she learnt. Nice read ma'am. Going back to the stores for more of your work. I will need to complete my collection with your full works. Thanks for all that you do & share.

The Shackles of the Warrior - Dr. Durgadoss

This is another book with a continuing tale that readers have to wait for. Quite a complicated work. The writer has definitely done a lot of research on his material before he planned his work. It is good mix of mythology, philosophy & mystery. With more to expect. Wonderful work. You have to read to understand and enjoy this book (never thought I did say this). Thanks Dr. Durgadoss. Waiting eagerly for your book 2 to understand where and what happens to this book.

Secrets of the Dark - Arka Chakrabarti

Enjoyed this book. The thought process and the progress of this work is amazing. Every character is unique. This is an entirely different world created by Arka. At the core of the work its just a murder mystery. it is the story woven around this murder, the journey towards the end of this mystery that is amazing. Some readers like the satisfaction of a complete story - a story ends at the last page. It was good reading but there is nothing more to expect. Some readers wish they had more of to read. this work ends with a promise of another tale, which is sure to please such readers. For some Writers, their tale takes more than a book to tell. This story has more to offer. Let's wait and watch.

OH!! GODS ARE ONLINE - Rashmi Kalsie & George Nixon.

This is a one time read for me, but it was interesting. Gods online. interesting thought process and concept. the trials and tribulations of today's common man and the God in play (here we have Christ, Buddha & Krishna on the good side and our old Nick to complete the negative force). The concept of Heaven & Hell and life after is also interesting. As I said, a good one time read. You will be satisfied but may not try to read this book again.