To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story touches upon on a very sensitive and socially relevant topic of its time - racial discrimination. What makes it really different is that the story is told from the point of view of little kids which brings in their innocent thoughts and the element of humour to the story. It makes one wonder - we should probably learn something from little children - to think with an open mind with no prejudices. We realise that the world could be a better place if we could keep the child in us alive.
Atticus Finch is an ideal parent who teaches his children by example and not by mere teachings.
It brings us face to face with the reality that sometimes people are so much biased by what they have seen for years that they can't keep aside their prejudices even in the light of strong evidence.
The novel touches the heart and brings the reader close to tears at times. I did find though that the the story develops too slowly in the beginning and the huge build up around the Radleys doesn't seem to be justified in the end. Nevertheless - a very good piece of work specially for the sensitivity shown in handling a burning issue.

"Shoot all the Bluejays you want, if you can hit them, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird"



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LOSER: Life Of a Software EngineeR by Dipen Ambalia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Being in the IT industry for almost 7 years now, I maybe a bit partial in rating this book a full five - but that can be excused because I loved it so much because I could absolutely relate to each word I read!
Right from the title of the book to every observation that Dipen explains is so true! The book is hilarious yet not exaggerated and I'm sure most of my fellow IT walas will agree. Such a wonderful and apt description of the IT industry can only come from an insider and so it is! For people outside the industry,I'm sure it will burst many myths about the IT sector and people working in it.
If you are feeling low, or in mood for a hearty laugh, do pick up this book and I guarantee your jaws will pain in no time!

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Dollar Bahu by Sudha Murty
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Dollar Bahu is a story about the 'Big American Dream' and its impact on Indian families. It could be the story of any average Indian middle class family and hence many people can relate to it. Sudha Murthy's simplistic presentation makes it even more relatable to the ordinary or occasional reader. All the characters are real and no wonder the story comes from Mrs. Murty, who, being associated with one of the big IT firms in India, must have closely observed numerous instances of the power of the dollar and how it attracts and affects people.

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Mottled Dawn; Fifty Sketches and Stories of Partition by Saadat Hasan Manto
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Manto's heart wrenching tales of the gory partition era make one shudder at the kind of cruelty humankind is capable of. At the same time, it gives a glimpse of some touching characters - Mozail who sacrificed her life to save her ex-lover's girlfriend or Sehai- the pimp who cared for his girls like his own daughters - who bring one's faith back to humanity. However much we may argue on who or what was responsible for the partition and the events that followed, the fact remains that it changed the human race in the subcontinent like nothing else.
Although some of the sketches towards the end are too subtle and sometimes difficult to interpret in their complete sense,it is a book which depicts the trials and tribulations of partition very realistically.
This being a translation, I can imagine to some extent how much of emotion and sentiments the original would have carried. It is sad to know that an author as great as Manto died in oblivion shattered by the turmoil of partition. It is perhaps the deep pain he carried in his heart that gave such feeling to each tale that pierces the reader's heart.

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