General Comment:As mentioned earlier on my April 19 2007 post, I have embarked on writing a few words on all the books that I may read in my retirement. I will reread few books which I read over last few years – this to allow me to capture some good essence from the readings.
Since I read my last book -Eterana Ganesha (see my earlier posting on April 20 ,2008), I have read the following books till now. These books are over and above the 3 separate Bridge (Card Game ) books I have read for my learning about good bridge playing. I follow the Standard American Yellow Card system (SAYC) when playing bridge game. My partner Marcel & myself have done well both in Duplicate & Social bridge in Deep River and Petawawa – though we need to learn much in order to achieve consistent results. The learning continues . The main book of reference (for learning) is : Standard Biddng with SAYC by Ned Downey and Ellen Pomer.
The books I read are listed in the order they were read.
1) Idiots At Work by Leland Gregory.
Paperback book – some 220 pages- its the chronicles of workplace stupidity. Hilarious & a bit disconcerting as we see our and foibles of others in life – especially at workplace. A light book .
2) Watchers by Dean R. Koontz
Paperback book – some 483 pages – its a story about lab work with the creation of two separate genetically altered life forms – who escaped the highly secret Lab – and the chase begins . One is a magnificent dog of immense intelligence and the other was a hybrid monster of a violent nature. A gripping story of chase and devastation in the path and ultimate victory of the good side – i.e the dog lives free with his master.
3) The Only Road to North by Erik Mirandette
Paperback book – some 298 pages. This is a religious book (a sort of spiritual discovery by a young man, Erik). Erik was doing a humanitarian job in Morocco – was out on quest to live the life that he felt he was created to live. This led him to an unforgettable travel a cross Africa with his younger brother and two friends on Road Bikes (motor cycles) . They travelled 9000 miles in the bikes starting in South Afric and ending in Egypt.
However, after that successful trip across Africa, a terrorist’s bomb ripped Erik’s world and faith apart. He lost his brother from this bomb.. An autobiographical & gripping story – a good read to know that all that we plan can go awry with unknown higher plans which can supersede our plans.
4) The Indian Fan by Victoria Holt.
Paperback book – some 448 pages.
This is the story about Britain and class living in Britain in Queen Victoria time with colonial living in India .It does give some colouful description of life in India at the time along with life in England. A very interesting reading – I read the book in a couple of daus as it was difficult to put it down
5) Dreams of Glory by Thomas Fleming.
A paperback book – some 491 pages. This book is set in 1780 when America was fighting war with England – Americans led by George Washington – a gripping story – of life in America at that time with Blacks also playing their part in the war with England.
6) The Spring of Tiger by Victoria Holt
A paperback book – some 371 pages. This is set in England and Shree Lanka during the 8th Century . It revolves around the pearls -the Ashington Pearls (which were given to an ancestral Ashington by a Ceylonese King for saving his son by the Ashington) have been with family for generations . There is a description of tea plantations and such development in Shree Lanka. A good book for light reading.
7) Economics of Lord Mahavira by Acharya Mahaprajna
Note: Lord Mahavira is the 24th (last) Tirthankar of Jains. He propagated the non-violence way of life and consideration for others – with detachment to material things (as opposed to aggrandisement of wealth).
A paperback book – some 174 pages- a very serious book – on morality of commerce and economy .
According to Mahavira , th eprudent principle guiding the limits to consumption is this: any article of use, which does not impinge on physical, mental and emotional health, should be acceptable.
Pravin Shah