The GameWorld triolgy

I just love books. And fantasy, dragons, elves, fairies always fascinated me. Always! .. maybe it cause of the Enid Blyton effect. I ‘ve read so many of her works when I was a kid that I thought fairies actually existed. Believed it with all my heart that one day when I was old enough that one would come knockin on my window ( the fact that there wasn’t a window in my room was trivial ) like in the book – The Magic Faraway Tree – and take me to those wonderful lands. Why am I babbling about fairies etc? Cause, I read a book. (WOW! You might say. Can you do that? ) a book that I enjoyed so much, that I had to share it with others. The book is Samit basu’s gameworld trilogy.( though technically its two book I’ve read and the third isn’t out yet.) He’s great. He’s awesome. So much so that I want to marry him (kidding! But if you are. Samit Basu,Call me! My no is………) anyway, back to the book.. its brilliant.. a complex interweaving of mythology of all cultures( ok I confess! I got that of the back of the book.). It’s a well written spoof that surprisingly has a story of its own- beautifully written.(I wrote THAT on my own). Well, It’s hilarious, its entertaining, its thoroughly enjoyable. All in all a great book. A must read for people who appreciate good books or just want to have a good laugh. It’s a true stress buster with its Gods, dragons, Vamanas, Rakshas, pashans . Read!

Fountainhead

I finished Ayn Rand’s Fountain. FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!! But I haven’t been able to decide whether I like it or not. It was my most difficult read. When I started to read it.. I expected to like it. Because everyone I know had. But isn’t it the same with that play or that book – gallant gallstone in fountainhead. Well, the ideas are refreshing if not shocking. But do you actually think people like Roark exist in the world? Is it possible for anyone to be so indifferent to everybody? Well, personally I don’t think so. The characters in the book, Roark, Dominque, Wayland are different from each other but are essentially just the same. People have claimed that the book changed their lives or the way they think. But isn’t that what the book is warning you about-Listening to others, being led by others, not knowing what you want? Well…

We are all born second handers. Everyone I know is. Even the fountainhead cult members. What was the purpose of this book- I wondered for the week after I finished the book( notice the use of the word finished.). Did it change my life. Is my life any different compared to BF(before fountainhead) . Nope. Not at all. Its just the same. Maybe I have a little more confidence in my opinions. See, am not selling my soul. But. Other than that, it’s the same. No moment of clarity. Not light of realization. Just a reality that the book is a work of fiction. I might not be able to decide if I like the book. But I have to give it to the lady. Its quite an unforgettable book.

The empty wall

The world to him –an empty wall

A canvas to paint; to leave his mark

With paintbrush of confidence

And paint of compassion

Set he off on a mission

The canvas that seemed empty before

To paint, to name his own

Jumped to life; filling

Intricate work with colours unknown

A world he knew not shown

As he stood, astounded

The paint along with his confidence ebbed .

As he watched the beautiful cruelty

That the world is. Often we miss

What we mean not to miss.

The world seemed so colourful

So full of life.

But yet so sad. Depressing even.

Wasn’t there anyone who could

Make any difference?

He reached out, the boy.

Through the pain.

And touched a life and spread some joy

So he didn’t own the world

But difference, he did make at least in one life

He wasn’t alone. His friends came

Soon many lives were touched

Many laughs shared.

The wall- the world was as intricate

But with a little less despair.

Meghna Iyengar