Me talk pretty one Day- David Sedaris

Author : David Sedaris
Genre:Humor
ISBN:9780613674652
Price: INR 395

Synopsis(As given at the back of the book) :

David Sedaris's fourth book mines poignant comedy from his peculiar childhood in North Carolina, his bizarre career path, and his move with his lover to France. Though his anarchic inclination to digress is his glory, Sedaris does have a theme in these reminiscences: the inability of humans to communicate. 
Every glimpse we get of Sedaris's family and acquaintances delivers laughs and insights. He thwarts his North Carolina speech therapist ("for whom the word pen had two syllables") by cleverly avoiding all words with s sounds, which reveal the lisp she sought to correct. His midget guitar teacher, Mister Mancini, is unaware that Sedaris doesn't share his obsession with breasts, and sings "Light My Fire" all wrong--"as if he were a Webelo scout demanding a match." As a remarkably unqualified teacher at the Art Institute of Chicago, Sedaris had his class watch soap operas and assign "guessays" on what would happen in the next day's episode.

It all adds up to the most distinctively skewed autobiography since Spalding Gray's Swimming to Cambodia. --Tim Appelo

AaishanniA :

This is one book I just couldn't put down.Except when it fell out of my hand, because I was laughing so much. Right from the first person narration that makes one feel that they are having a conversation with the author to the ironic sense of humor that David Sedaris possesses, I loved this book. There have been many many bad reviews about this book, but I absolutely loved it! Its witty, tongue in cheek humor will have you giggling throughout.

'Me talk pretty one day' is a set of personal essays written about the authors real life experiences he had during his childhood as well as while he lived in France. This book is my 'cheer up' book. When I'm low and down, I refer to a funny essay and its a road to short, stupid laughter. I literally stopped reading this book in public, as I always embarrassed myself laughing out loud, sometimes falling off where I was sitting attracting awkward stares.

Some of the funniest essays are about David Sedaris's experiences while learning french.

"I horrify the French every time I open my mouth."

Like any new language it can be particularly confusing and he struggled with gender in the language and his french teacher did not help matters much!

“I hate you' she said to me one afternoon. 'I really, really hate you.' Call me sensitive, but I couldn't help but take it personally.” 

Another thing David Sedaris does it bring out major satire in the book. In a humorous indirect way he criticizes society and how people look at things in todays era.

"Every day we're told that we live in the greatest country on earth. And it's always stated as an undeniable fact: Leos are born between July 23 and August 22, fitted queen-size sheets measure sixty by eighty inches, and America is the greatest country on earth. Having grown up with this in our ears, it's startling to realize that other countries have nationalistic slogans of their own, none of which are "We're number two!""

Sedaris has a knack of telling stories, relating incidents that somewhere you can relate to, and thats what makes one enjoy them.His perfect grammar, flawless timing for catch phrases and jokes makes the book brilliant!It is filled with intellectual sarcasm that is not too loud or out there, but evident enough to entertain you! If you're expecting great literature, then this may disappoint you. But if all you're looking for is a good laugh and a complete stress buster, then a book that can be read and re-read!

I know why the caged bird sings - Maya Angelou

Author: Maya Angelou

Genre: Autobiographical Novel

Price: INR 779 

ISBN: 9780812980028

Synopsis (As given at the back of the book):

A phenomenal #1 bestseller that has appeared on the New York Times bestseller list for nearly three years, this memoir traces Maya Angelou's childhood in a small, rural community during the 1930s. Filled with images and recollections that point to the dignity and courage of black men and women, Angelou paints a sometimes disquieting, but always affecting picture of the people—and the times—that touched her life.

AaishanniA:

I haven't read too many autobiographical novels in my time and out of the ones I have read none of them have made an impact on me as grave as this book.  I went looking for an autobiographical novel just for this blog post and I found a brilliant book. Firstly the author. Such brilliance. She somehow manages to turn black and white words into emotions filled with colour (no pun intended) and exposes the shades of grey. In this book Maya Angelou describes her life as a child till the birth of her first child at the age of 16. Something that makes the book better is its sad reality. The fact that these events actually happened with the author makes you admire her more for her strength during those difficult times.

The author’s mother had recently got divorced, she was three years old. She and her brother were sent to live with her grandmother who although did not treat them with too much love and made them work hard, instilled values in them and gave them a home. This part of the book is described in detail. She talks about the surrounding, the food and the treatment people of her colour of skin got in that time and some of it is just shocking. After about 5 years, they moved to live with their mother and that is when the real tough times set in. Although they loved their mother and admired her, the turn of events changed their lives forever. Maya was raped by her mother’s boyfriend. At any age this is undoubtedly a horrific experience and it traumatised her all the more as she was just a child. She was placed on the witness stand in court but was shaken up by the threats the boyfriend made towards killing her brother if she dared to say anything. Fortunately for her, this problem was solved as the perpetrator was killed soon after. The children were taken away from their mother and placed in the foster system where they jumped from one house to another all their childhood lives. Unfortunately, the children never got the childhood they deserved and were ripped of their innocence too early in life. Maya Angelou is bluntly honest about all the problems she faced in her life including violence, sexual abuse, conflict and an unwanted pregnancy. She is hard in her manner of speaking and sometimes sounds bitter about her experiences. She also shows strength by deciding to write the book in the first place as a autobiography and by relating real events and reliving those appalling times again.

The best part of the book is that she doesn't only talk about the bad times; she talks about the silver linings, the good times too. I really value that because after all that she has been through I can only imagine how difficult it is to remember the silver linings and appreciate life in general.

I also came across an article that talks about the book being banned for being too explicit, but my opinion on that is that her life was too explicit. She went through things that nobody should ever have to go through, obviously its not all rainbows and unicorns! I mean for God’s sake, I think if this is the criteria that they take into consideration while banning books, I think I’m going to go pick up a few more ‘banned’ books.

This book talks about survival against all odds. This book talks about strength. This book is a must read.

“I know why the caged bird sings — it sings to find its voice, its freedom.”

The sisterhood of travelling pants - Ana Brashares

Author : Ana Brashares

Genre: Pre teen

Price: 200 INR

ISBN:9780784818312

Synopsis (As given at the back of the book):

Carmen got the jeans at a thrift shop. They didn't look all that great: they were worn, dirty, and speckled with bleach. On the night before she and her friends part for the summer, Carmen decides to toss them. But Tibby says they’re great. She'd love to have them. Lena and Bridget also think they’re fabulous. Lena decides that they should all try them on. Whoever they fit best will get them. Nobody knows why, but the pants fit everyone perfectly. Even Carmen (who never thinks she looks good in anything) thinks she looks good in the pants. Over a few bags of cheese puffs, they decide to form a sisterhood and take the vow of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants . . . the next morning, they say good-bye. And then the journey of the pants — and the most memorable summer of their lives — begins.

AaishanniA :

This was one of my favourite books as a pre teen, and still as a teenager. It talks about friendship in the best way possible and bonds between friends that cannot be explained.

The book is so different from the conventional pre teen novels which seem to settle on the fixed stereotypes of to be teenagers in the US; One being the mean chic prom queen whose looks cover up for her disgusting personality , and at the other the nerd who wants and fantasises about her prince charming but who is ignored by the entire school. This book talks about the OTHER personalities in schools. YES, they do exist.

The book is about four best friends, who are different from each other as possible but are still closer than ever. They share everything and can count on each other all the time. Their mothers were together since their pregnant days and that is when they began to be besties. At birth. They have grown up together, and at the beginning of the summer that they are spending apart for the first time, they find a pair of jeans that magically fits them all despite the difference in their sizes.

Lena is off to Greece to meet her grandparents; Carmen to spend some quality time with her divorced dad in South Carolina; Bridget to Baja, California for summer camp and Tibby, the impotent rebel is stuck at home, cutting a minimum wage at Wallman’s. 

They decide to share this magical pair of pants along the summer, passing it from one another at the right time.  As the lengthy summer unravels, the pants become a source and symbol of the generous support to each of the girls of her absentee best friends showing that although they were far apart in distance, never in heart.

This book is filled with tongue in cheek humour, energy and the excitement is the perfect book to read or gift no matter what your age maybe. The books shift perspective from one girl to another as they deal with ‘typical problems’ of a teenager. One of the best coming-of-age books in a long time, it’s a must read for all pre- teens, teens or anyone who just wants to relive those summer days.

It’s a tough world out there, but with friends like these, life becomes slightly easier!

Author: Enid Blyton

Genre: Children’s books

ISBN: 1405224037

PRICE: INR 125

“Midnight feasts. Matron. Dorm fights. Coventry. Horse riding. The view of the Cornish coast. Head girl. Values. Fun. Frolic. Abominable French and Mam’zelle. Tricks.”

I recently re-read this series a few days and it brought back so many memories. After reading this series, I always wanted to go to boarding school. Now that I really live away from home I realise it’s not exactly like the books. Anyways, first reason to read this. It’s written by Enid Blyton. That should be reason enough to read and buy and love these books. She’s brilliant. I don't understand how she does it. She uses such simple stories with simple language and a simple plot seems immortal and fun to read at any age.

The book is based on a boarding school in Cornwall called Mallory towers. It is set overlooking the sea that refreshes the swimming pool every day. ‘Darrell Rivers’ is the main lead who is new to this school but immediately warms up to it as it is so inviting. She enters the school in the first form and becomes head girl when she is in the sixth. But of course it's not all plain sailing for Darrell and her friends.  Malory Towers has six forms, from the first to the sixth, and four house towers—North, South, East and West. There are about forty girls in each form, divided among the four houses. Darrell and Co are in North Tower, where most of the action takes place, and where the girls try not to run foul of strict housemistress Miss Potts. Darell is the type of girl who is going to boarding school not as a punishment for bad behaviour (like in the naughtiest girl) but out of sheer excitement. This is a story of her life at school.

The entire series is about their experiences in a boarding school, the kind of people one finds there of all kinds of personalities both good and bad, dealing with problems as well as how leaving home makes one independent and helps them grow as people. The tricks they play on teachers and the way they enjoy their lives. It is also a book that focuses much on values of that time. Respect, determination and honesty being a few of the important ones depicted in the series.  Matron is one of the most warm and helpful people that they can approach but at the same time can be biting to those who require it. I really don’t know how to write a review about this book because I love it. I cannot find any reason to critique it except maybe its slightly chick lit so boys may not like it:P But other than that there is absolutely no reason you shall not love it so go. READ IT.

A favourite quote of mine from this series is what the headmistress tells every student on her first day at school and I think it applies to all of us in life, to do with someone or something. It is “You will get a lot out of your time at Malory Towers. See that you give a lot back.' 

Rating :4/5

If You Could See Me Now- Cecelia Ahern.

Author- Cecelia Ahern
Price – INR 225 (flipkart.com)
ISBN – 9781401383817
Genre- Romance

Synopsis (As given behind the book)- 

Elizabeth Egan's life runs on order: Both her home and her emotions are arranged just so, with little room for spontaneity. It's how she counteracts the chaos of her family -- an alcoholic mother who left when she was young, an emotionally distant father, and a free-spirited sister, who seems to be following in their mother's footsteps, leaving her own six-yearold son, Luke, in Elizabeth's care. When Ivan, Luke's mysterious new grown-up friend, enters the picture, Elizabeth doesnt know quite what to make of him. With his penchant for adventure and colourful take on things large and small, Ivan opens Elizabeth's eyes to a whole new way of living. But is it for real? Is Ivan for real?

If You Could See Me Now is a love story with heart -- and just a touch of magic

AaishanniA-

This is part of a project I'm doing, 10 books, 10 genres, 10 days.

I know what you’re thinking. For a genre like romance, why choose an author like Cecelia Ahern? But don’t. Don’t judge a book by its cover. Read the review. The reason I chose this book is because it is beautiful. It is filled with fantasy and is romance escapism.

Elizabeth is a fastidious interior decorator. She lives a life of monotony and routine. She has always been the responsible one in her family. As a child, her mother abandoned her family leaving her to take care of her younger sister. Her father is still awaiting his wife’s return. Her younger sister is an alcoholic whose child, Luke is left in care with Elizabeth. Elizabeth tries her best to get along with Luke but the burden of responsibility has her tightly wound up and in this she has forgotten how to enjoy herself.

When Ivan from 'Ekam Eveileb' comes to visit Luke, Elizabeth feels Luke is making him up as little children do sometimes. She treats him as Luke’s imaginary friend and ignores the situation most of the time.  After a while, she begins to see him but still treats him as the father of a friend of Luke. As time goes by, the focus of the book shifts from the relationship of Luke and Ivan to Elizabeth and Ivan.  Their relationship graduates from that of friendship to love. He helps her rediscover herself, get rid of all her inhibitions and generally let loose. She starts to believe in fairy tales again, in love again. 

As the relationship blossoms, Ivan goes to his boss Opal for advice. He has fallen in love with her. This is where we find out that he was her imaginary friend. The same person that only she and Luke could see. In that world, imaginary friends can only exist till the person NEEDS them. When they blossom as people even if they still want their imaginary friends they can’t have them as they disappear and throw themselves into helping someone else. Opal tells Ivan that there is no point of pursuing this relationship because unlike him Elizabeth will grow old and eventually stop seeing him (in the literal sense).

Yes, the end is slightly tragic. But don’t all the immortal love stories end tragically? Ivan slowly fades in Elizabeth’s eyes and he visits her in a dream, telling her why he has to leave. They end up together without each other. Thus ends the magical journey back home. Back home to childhood, back home to oneself. Free from everything yet bonded to something.

The best about this book is that although the theme seems childish, it isn’t. It really has quite a deep meaning to it and if you can read between the complexities and layers of the book, you’re sure to enjoy it.

Rating- 4.5/5

Favourite Quotes/excerpts:

·          “She likened it to a childhood crush, such strong almost obsessive feelings, but more, it had depth. She felt attracted to everything about him, the way he talked, the way he dressed, the words he used, his apparent innocence. Yet he was filled with a deep knowledge of wise insights. He always said the right things, even when she didn't want to hear them. The darkness lifted and she could suddenly see beyond. When he breezed into the room, he brought clarity and brightness with him. He was walking hope and she could tell that things for her be… not fantastic or wonderful or happily ever after, but that they could be okay. And that was enough.” 

·          “You've come to give me a piece of your mind, I repeated, looking at her. "You know that phrase is really beautiful. The mind is the most powerful thing in the body, you know, whatever the mind believes, the body can achieve. So to give someone a piece of it...well, thank you, Elizabeth. Funny how people are always intent on giving it to the people they dislike when it really should be for the ones they love. There's another funny thing. But a piece of your mind...what a gift that would be." I looped the last stalk and formed a chain. "I'll give you a daisy chain in return for a piece of your mind." I slid the bracelet onto her arm.
She sat on the grass. Didn't move, didn't say anything, just looked at her daisy chain. Then she smiled and when she spoke her voice was soft. "Has anyone ever been mad at you for more than five minutes."
I looked at my watch. "Yes. You, from the o'clock this morning until now.”