Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Friday, April 15, 2016
[Book Review] The Old Man and the Sea
It took me ten days to complete this book although it's a short novel of about less than 100 pages only. To let you know that I read the last 40 ish pages on a single day (I read the book everyday) sums up the pace of the book :D For some of you who are unaware of the reason for me to pick this book - this book has won the Nobel Prize in the Literature work category. I must tell you I was really scared when I picked this book from my friend who borrowed it at the Cognizant Siruseri SEZ library!
Before you read the review, I'd like to confirm that I did enjoy reading this novel. But, I missed a lot because a lot of terms were unfamiliar to me - that is related to the fishing. If someone told me that I should have taken a Fishing 101 before reading this novel, I sure would have loved this! But, I just can't keep on googling for a lot of fishing terms were used in this novel. At one point, I stopped looking and with the flow, I could still enjoy the novel. So, if you'd like to really enjoy this, please lookup for the fishing terms like:
Harpoons
Skiff
Mast
Sardines etc. I don't remember most of the other technical terms.
As you have guess it correctly this book is about an old man and the sea. Protagonist is an old and experienced fisherman, Santiago his name. With age, his luck has also ran out as from the beginning of the novel, he'd been to the sea for 84 days and hadn't caught a single fish. Manolin, "the boy" is a good friend of him and used to go with the old man a few times for fishing until his parents decided to send him with different people considering the luck of Santiago. The novel takes us with him to his 85th day into the sea, alone, with him feeling luck on his side.
When my friend and I went to the Siruseri SEZ library, I picked "Carry on, Jeeves" and he "The Old man and the Sea" (He later told me that the reason from him to chose this was because the book was small and had less pages). He couldn't even read more than ten pages in the book as he felt unbelievably sleepy and was ready to return it then and there. I told him to give the book to me so that I could give it a try. I'm telling this to you because, this book is not for everyone. This is for those who have that patience.
Sure, I felt sleepy too on the first few pages, but once Santiago leaves for fishing on the 85th day, I felt as if I was travelling along with that old man. Before this "literature" book, the one other book that I read that fall under the same category is a Tamil book named "Thanneer". Now, I don't know the genre "Literature" nor I was interested in one before "Thanneer". I liked that book very much because, it was, as if, happening somewhere in Tamil Nadu for sure. I still haven't looked up at the Literature genre in google as to what it is, but from my understanding after reading these two books - to write something to be as classified as a literature, one should have a deep, deep knowledge of it. In the case of this book, it's the old man Santiago and the sea itself whereas in that Tamil book it's the water and humanity.
I'd like to think that the same thing that happens to this old man in this novel should be a thing with the fishermen. Because, when I read "Thanneer" (translates to "Water") I know the background - the scarcity of water in Chennai during the time of the novel. Just how I felt the "Water", and characters "Jamuna and Chaya" in the "Thanner" novel, I feel the "Sea", and characters "Santiago and Manolin" in this novel. The novel's ending left a definite impact on me and I sure hope it'll leave the same to you too. Highly recommended, if you are ofcourse, a patient reader :)
PS: There's even a movie with the same name released on 1958. I'm gonna watch it soon :)
Before you read the review, I'd like to confirm that I did enjoy reading this novel. But, I missed a lot because a lot of terms were unfamiliar to me - that is related to the fishing. If someone told me that I should have taken a Fishing 101 before reading this novel, I sure would have loved this! But, I just can't keep on googling for a lot of fishing terms were used in this novel. At one point, I stopped looking and with the flow, I could still enjoy the novel. So, if you'd like to really enjoy this, please lookup for the fishing terms like:
Harpoons
Skiff
Mast
Sardines etc. I don't remember most of the other technical terms.
As you have guess it correctly this book is about an old man and the sea. Protagonist is an old and experienced fisherman, Santiago his name. With age, his luck has also ran out as from the beginning of the novel, he'd been to the sea for 84 days and hadn't caught a single fish. Manolin, "the boy" is a good friend of him and used to go with the old man a few times for fishing until his parents decided to send him with different people considering the luck of Santiago. The novel takes us with him to his 85th day into the sea, alone, with him feeling luck on his side.
When my friend and I went to the Siruseri SEZ library, I picked "Carry on, Jeeves" and he "The Old man and the Sea" (He later told me that the reason from him to chose this was because the book was small and had less pages). He couldn't even read more than ten pages in the book as he felt unbelievably sleepy and was ready to return it then and there. I told him to give the book to me so that I could give it a try. I'm telling this to you because, this book is not for everyone. This is for those who have that patience.
Sure, I felt sleepy too on the first few pages, but once Santiago leaves for fishing on the 85th day, I felt as if I was travelling along with that old man. Before this "literature" book, the one other book that I read that fall under the same category is a Tamil book named "Thanneer". Now, I don't know the genre "Literature" nor I was interested in one before "Thanneer". I liked that book very much because, it was, as if, happening somewhere in Tamil Nadu for sure. I still haven't looked up at the Literature genre in google as to what it is, but from my understanding after reading these two books - to write something to be as classified as a literature, one should have a deep, deep knowledge of it. In the case of this book, it's the old man Santiago and the sea itself whereas in that Tamil book it's the water and humanity.
I'd like to think that the same thing that happens to this old man in this novel should be a thing with the fishermen. Because, when I read "Thanneer" (translates to "Water") I know the background - the scarcity of water in Chennai during the time of the novel. Just how I felt the "Water", and characters "Jamuna and Chaya" in the "Thanner" novel, I feel the "Sea", and characters "Santiago and Manolin" in this novel. The novel's ending left a definite impact on me and I sure hope it'll leave the same to you too. Highly recommended, if you are ofcourse, a patient reader :)
PS: There's even a movie with the same name released on 1958. I'm gonna watch it soon :)
Thursday, April 7, 2016
[Book Review] The Invisible Man
Thanks to Amazon for giving this book for free – that’s the main reason for me to pick this book up :D Second reason is the author – H. G. Wells. I was told that he’s the father of the Sci-Fi genre, and for me to read the likes of “Contact” in the future, I definitely needed a start. GBK, a friend of mine, said that this book would be childish since it was written in 1897 – that’s exactly what I wanted since I’m zero in Science and would love to read a fiction.
The books that I’m reading from Kindle almost always have a little over 100 pages only, the reason I can wrap ‘em up quickly :D The Invisible Man from H. G. Wells is also just a little over 100 pages only and doesn’t deal mostly with the “Science” stuff of the invisible-ness. Probably one of the reason why I like this book very much. To summarize this book, it’s the life of an Invisible man. You might think that it’ll be very cool and you may kinda think of all the naughtiness that you can expect, courtesy of that “Hollow Man” movie, but you’re in for a big surprise here!
The first question I asked when I was about to pick this book was “Is this the book that inspired Hollow Man movie?” as most of H. G. Wells’ books have been made into a movie. Thankfully, people said no. So if you are also the hater of Hollow Man, please go ahead and order this copy in Amazon for free. What made me like this book is the fact that, there are a lot of downsides to the invisibility. And, this book captures everyone of them.
The book starts with a “stranger” who’s actually invisible, but disguises himself so that he can blend with people, arrives into a town. Since this was written way before our time, I guess the author might have wanted the readers to give a proper “visual” so-to-speak, before we confirm our suspicion – so the initial chapters were a little drag. But once the Invisible Man and Dr. Kemp meet, it shifts into a higher gear!
The book captures the mindset of a normal man when he becomes invisible. How the invisibility changes his character, attitude, even his temper is very well portrayed. More importantly, what I learnt from this book is that when you tamper with what the nature has given you, you always tend to go in the destructive path. I guess the ending of such stories are always predictable, so I wasn’t disappointed to have expected it.
I would recommend this book to any Sci-Fi lovers who won’t expect too much of technicality. Also, for any Sci-Fi beginners like me :) :D
Image Courtesy: Wiki
The books that I’m reading from Kindle almost always have a little over 100 pages only, the reason I can wrap ‘em up quickly :D The Invisible Man from H. G. Wells is also just a little over 100 pages only and doesn’t deal mostly with the “Science” stuff of the invisible-ness. Probably one of the reason why I like this book very much. To summarize this book, it’s the life of an Invisible man. You might think that it’ll be very cool and you may kinda think of all the naughtiness that you can expect, courtesy of that “Hollow Man” movie, but you’re in for a big surprise here!
The first question I asked when I was about to pick this book was “Is this the book that inspired Hollow Man movie?” as most of H. G. Wells’ books have been made into a movie. Thankfully, people said no. So if you are also the hater of Hollow Man, please go ahead and order this copy in Amazon for free. What made me like this book is the fact that, there are a lot of downsides to the invisibility. And, this book captures everyone of them.
The book starts with a “stranger” who’s actually invisible, but disguises himself so that he can blend with people, arrives into a town. Since this was written way before our time, I guess the author might have wanted the readers to give a proper “visual” so-to-speak, before we confirm our suspicion – so the initial chapters were a little drag. But once the Invisible Man and Dr. Kemp meet, it shifts into a higher gear!
The book captures the mindset of a normal man when he becomes invisible. How the invisibility changes his character, attitude, even his temper is very well portrayed. More importantly, what I learnt from this book is that when you tamper with what the nature has given you, you always tend to go in the destructive path. I guess the ending of such stories are always predictable, so I wasn’t disappointed to have expected it.
I would recommend this book to any Sci-Fi lovers who won’t expect too much of technicality. Also, for any Sci-Fi beginners like me :) :D
Image Courtesy: Wiki
Monday, February 22, 2016
[55F] Why Sangre?
Blood was dripping from his fists. He knew it wasn’t his own. The sound proof room made his task easier. “RANGANATHAN” the shout of his name brought him back to reality.
“You’re up next man” said Rajesh, all smiles. He let out a sigh, got up from the chair and headed for the appraisal discussion.
PS: As you have guessed it right, Sangre is blood in Spanish (DaVinci Code anyone? :P ) :D This is the season, you know :D
“You’re up next man” said Rajesh, all smiles. He let out a sigh, got up from the chair and headed for the appraisal discussion.
PS: As you have guessed it right, Sangre is blood in Spanish (DaVinci Code anyone? :P ) :D This is the season, you know :D
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
[55F] Just Missed it!
He saw that. His eyes widened as soon as he saw that. He immediately rushed towards it. Just when his hand was about to touch it, another hand came in and snatched it. With a defeated and disappointed look, he saw her walk with the last piece of “Kurkure Solid Masti” to the billing counter.
PS: Has anyone of you noticed that the “Solid Masti” flavor in Kurkure is hard to get (for a very long time)? It’s my favorite and it’s been evading me for a long time now!
PS: Has anyone of you noticed that the “Solid Masti” flavor in Kurkure is hard to get (for a very long time)? It’s my favorite and it’s been evading me for a long time now!
Thursday, February 4, 2016
[55F] RIPoste
She was tired after the funeral.
‘Ugh, it’s hard to act sad! But, I finally got rid of him’ she thought, ‘How am I going to explain this to my son?’
She entered home, saw her 5 year old son playing alone.
He shouted, “Come on Mom, Dad and I have been playing like crazy!”
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
[Movie Review] The Number 23
This is a spoiler free review of the movie "The Number 23" and I'm attempting to write this review a little different from my usual style, thanks to a friend of mine for that suggestion. Before you get fascinated about the movie (which this movie sure is), there's a strict warning - this movie is for Adults only. There are violence, nudity and psychological things in this movie which might not suit the light hearts. You may skip the movie, but please do read the review. ;)
How often do you obsess on a number? Never, right? Some people, who are interested in Mathematics, for instance, me, obsess a lot. This movie "The Number 23" had been on my watchlist for a very long time. I just didn't have the time. When I found it yesterday, I was in for a treat.
Growing up, I always had the fascination for numbers. The number 9 fascinated me a lot! There are a lot of No. 9 facts and funs in most of the mathematical websites. So, this fascination is OK, but what happens when an obsession starts? First of all, how do an obsession start?
The first time, it was a casual thing. Second time, you give a little attention. Third time you start to ignore it and chose it to be a coincidence. Enough time, you start to observe. You start to observe a lot. You search for it. Eventually as time goes on, you see 'that' in everything. That's an obsession. Similarly, what happens when a number that crosses your path for say, 10 times? If that brings good things, it becomes your lucky number. Otherwise, it's an unlucky number. Give it more time, you see that number in all the good/bad thing that happens around you. True, isn't it?
When my fascination for the number begun, I just didn't stop with the numbers. I converted the alphabets into numbers, like A as 1 and B as 2 etc and Z as 26. You see a new world when you are in obsession. Some are pleasant while some becomes nightmares.
So this film "The Number 23" is something like that. A nightmare for a man who's obsessed with 23. Although I've watched the "The Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind" and saw a different Jim Carrey there, he tops with respect to performance in this movie. An absolute gem of a screenplay, leaves you clueless as to what happens next and how things fall in place. Following are the facts shown during the opening credits of the movie. Yes, I've had the patience to note it down.
There are 23 letters in the Latin Alphabet.
Hiroshima Tragedy, August 6, 1945. 08/06/1945. 8 + 6 + 1 + 9 + 4 - 5 = 23. They dropped the bomb at 8:15 AM, 8+15=23!
King Charles I was Beheaded on Jan 30, 1649. 01/30/1649. 1+3+1+6+4+9=24 - I (one) = 23.
The Knight Templars had 23 grand masters. (Something Dan Brown didn't tell us huh?)
The Witches Sabbath is June 23rd.
Shakespeare was born and died on April 23rd.
Shakespeare was also first published in 1623.
The Titanic sank the morning of April 15th, 1912. 04/15/1912. 4+1+5+1+9+1+2=23.
TWA Flight 800: 230 people dead. Explosion Occurred in Seats 23J and 23K.
George Herbert Walker Bush (George H.W. Bush) = 23 letters.
William Jefferson Clinton (Bill Clinton) = 23 letters.
Franklin Delano Rosevelt = 23 letters.
December 11, 1941 US declared war on Germany. 12+11 = 23.
Hitler killed himself April 1945. 4+1+9+4+5 = 23.
October 23 1983 - Marine Barracks bombing. 241 soldiers killed. 24-1 = 23.
Julius Ceaser was stabbed a total of 23 times.
The Mayans believed the world would end in December 23rd of the year 2012. 2012 = 20+1+2=23. (I remember it to be 21st and Wiki concurs)
Charles Manson was born on Nov 12. 11+12 = 23.
Illuminatti 1723 AD (Although Wiki says 1776).
Barbarians invaded Rome - Aug 23, 410 (Wiki says Aug 24)
There are more reported UFO sightings on July 23rd than any other day.
How often do you obsess on a number? Never, right? Some people, who are interested in Mathematics, for instance, me, obsess a lot. This movie "The Number 23" had been on my watchlist for a very long time. I just didn't have the time. When I found it yesterday, I was in for a treat.
Growing up, I always had the fascination for numbers. The number 9 fascinated me a lot! There are a lot of No. 9 facts and funs in most of the mathematical websites. So, this fascination is OK, but what happens when an obsession starts? First of all, how do an obsession start?
The first time, it was a casual thing. Second time, you give a little attention. Third time you start to ignore it and chose it to be a coincidence. Enough time, you start to observe. You start to observe a lot. You search for it. Eventually as time goes on, you see 'that' in everything. That's an obsession. Similarly, what happens when a number that crosses your path for say, 10 times? If that brings good things, it becomes your lucky number. Otherwise, it's an unlucky number. Give it more time, you see that number in all the good/bad thing that happens around you. True, isn't it?
When my fascination for the number begun, I just didn't stop with the numbers. I converted the alphabets into numbers, like A as 1 and B as 2 etc and Z as 26. You see a new world when you are in obsession. Some are pleasant while some becomes nightmares.
So this film "The Number 23" is something like that. A nightmare for a man who's obsessed with 23. Although I've watched the "The Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind" and saw a different Jim Carrey there, he tops with respect to performance in this movie. An absolute gem of a screenplay, leaves you clueless as to what happens next and how things fall in place. Following are the facts shown during the opening credits of the movie. Yes, I've had the patience to note it down.
Pffffft! That's something, right? After watching the movie (even during the movie), my obsession for 23 also got started! The link part in the facts above were taken by me (hehehe). I couldn't find any links for the July 23 UFO sightings. Following are some of my own 23s:
And these were just the observations I made in the last one hour after watching the movie!
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