Book Review: Norwegian Wood

    

    For the first time in a very long time, a book has touched me. As I just finished this book, my mind has been attached to the characters and their impression on me. When I first bought the book, I carried a very minimal expectation. I was hoping the novel would be straightforward and not as gripping as it turned out to be. But to my blissful surprise, the novel proved me wrong. 

    The story is simple, and not complicated to understand at all. The youths especially will develop a liking to the story and some of us can relate to it too. The tale is told by a teenager Watanabe, who has established a peculiar type of relationship with the people around him. Each of the people he associates with has its own story, each has its own philosophies, each has its own personality. 

    Yet, the narrator is never content. Melancholy is a serious thing. He has complicated relations with the ones he adores the most. At times it's difficult for him to choose, what he really wants. The narrator is all over the place. He seems to be drifting around absently without realizing the true essence of his movements. The dilemma is real here. And Mr. Murakami displays that confusion as if it were our own. It puts us at the edge of our seats, hunting to know what might happen next. 

    The tragedy is portrayed in a raw fashion. No detail is sugarcoated and used as a way to somehow glamorize the book. Its intricate turn of events surprises the reader at some point. I, myself have stared at the wall wondering how'd that happen? The story grips you in such a way. The writing/translation is smooth and easy to read. Heavy moments in the story are written with such simplicity that it makes the tale tenser. 

I've read a handful of books this year, but this one certainly tops the list. 

Do give it a read.    

Chapter 1

Part 10 

(End of chapter 1) 

Book Review: The Da Vinci Code

Reader and the book

     

        I have been meaning forever to read this highly anticipated book. Today, I finally succeeded. I finally read “The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown.

    The main reason I picked out this book was because of the man Da Vinci himself. Many months ago, I posted a blog about the man himself. There, I listed some awesome facts about the universal man and why I admire him so much. Well, after this book I’ve gravitated further towards him and the world of arts.

    From the start, this epic piece of writing from Mr. Brown snatches you from your roots and stems. Its amazingly peculiar storyline will keep you wondering. Even more ravishing is the fact that how unpredictable this piece remained throughout its almost 500 pages. You can never guess or assume the events unfolding next. It’s almost like Game of Thrones, the plot you guess is always wrong. From the Louvre (Which by the way falls under one of my bucket lists) to the churches, to Westminster Abbey, to the large chateau, and many more sites where this fast-paced story travels, the writer takes you along with him. You’re the other agent or the other symbologist besides the two protagonists, the writer makes you feel that way. (No spoiler here) 

David and the book cover 

      

     I will never feel the churches of London, or the arts and museums of Paris the same way. Not to miss the most anticipated “The Last Supper” which, absolutely blew my mind. The entire part where I read about it (no spoilers ahead) I kept the painting beside me as the characters kept unfolding the intricate details hidden behind it.

    I cannot imagine the amount of time Mr. Brown has spent researching for this epic novel. Hats off to the creator. Never have I ever read such a detailed and exciting novel. In the end, though, I was a bit disappointed and amazed at the same time. The ending didn’t have the firepower with which the story began. But nonetheless, it provided valuable insight and it was written rather beautifully.

    Mr. Brown made me miss Mr. Da Vinci, the Louvre, and the thrill that comes in decoding ancient codes that are so deeply interconnected with historical art. All in all, it’s a book for the ages. Especially for the art and literature geek like me.           

Chapter 1

Part 9 

Book Review : Atomic Habits

     I first heard about this book in 2018. The ads were running high on Instagram about the book called, and a peculiar name really, “Atomic Habits”. Of course, at that time I didn’t pay much attention. This year, I bought the book and made up my mind to read it. Took me two months to read it, I was a bit lazy and also self–help books are ought to be read slowly. So, here’s what I think about James Clear’s writing.

     The book starts off and ends with a simple point, “Small habits are vital,” No spoilers here. Often, in life, we think, we need some major revolution to turn our life around, but that’s not the case, according to the writer. Atomic habits of ours are very vital because in the long run they compound and become a part of our personality. So, almost, not noticeable traits of ours are shaping our lives and we have no knowledge of it. The writer sticks to this knowledge throughout the book. The writing is simple, understandable, and easy to read. Figurative explanations and chapter summary at the end of every chapter give you further depth to the subject matter. Another thing I found appreciable in this book was, the writer hasn’t bombarded us with examples of people we don’t know about. Unlike the book from Dale Carnegie “How to Stop Worrying and Start Living,” this book provides examples only in the places appropriate and is perfectly brief.

            Some formulas are mentioned throughout the book, to give you an idea of how to apply them in your life. Also, he has provided us with a cheat sheet, which can be printed from his website. These cheats are points from his explanation, which act as a summary of the subject matter.

I can say that I am not disappointed with the book. I wasn’t expecting a lot, to be honest, but it certainly hasn’t let me down. This book gave me so many insights to which I will try to hold on to the end of time. Some of my favorite are:

a)    Success is the product of daily habits, not once in life transformation

b)    You get what you repeat

c)     Achieving a goal only changes your life for the moment

d)    The greatest threat to success is not failure but boredom

e)    Habits + Delicate practice = Mastery

f)      Pick the right habit and progress is easy. Pick the wrong habit and life is a struggle.

     The only thing I found missing from the book was, though it provides valuable insights, but it doesn’t move you from your seat. It just doesn’t push you to get up and get it done. I wished this book would hit a lot closer to home, a feeling that would make me close the book, and stare at the ceiling in awe, wondering about my life and the truth spitted by the book. I’m not saying this wasn’t helpful, it helps a great deal, but still, it lacked a kick in it. Such a kick, that would put me on edge, make me overwhelm, and weigh the happenings of my life.

All in all, a great read and a great book. Will be applying a lot of things mentioned in the book. Do give it a read. You won’t be disappointed!