The Boy in the Headlights

Book Review 

Title: The Boy in the Headlights

Author- Samuel Bjork

Genre: Fiction/ Thriller 

I was excited to get this book at a book exchange during Christmas last year. The story line is gripping and has too many twists and turns. At some point, I felt it was not worth keeping up with the twists. The characters are shown to have their own battles to fight as they go about trying to solve the case of the murders. 

I prefer a thriller that is not too complicated for the reader. This book did not make me curious enough to want to find out the murderer. half way through the book I lost interest and kept it aside and picked it up again after reading another book. This was unusual for me. There are two more books in this series but they surely don't lure me.

For me this was an average read. Too many issues, too many plots and too much confusion spoiled it for me. Of course , there may be many who feel differently as all the three books in the series have got good reviews. So do pick it up if you are a lover of thrillers after reading the reviews. For me, this did not live up to my expectations.

Uyare

Movie Review
Film- Uyare
Director- Manu Ashokan

The word Uyare means 'rise' in Malayalam. This movie is a welcome change for viewers as it shows the female lead in the main seat or literally the cock-pit as opposed to have a male hero who lifts the film on his broad shoulders. The story is about fourteen year old Pallavi Raveendran who aspires to become a pilot and soar into the skies. This confident and smart girl is gradually going towards her goal when they show her goals having a hurdle in the form of the love of her life Govind.

The characters are believable and the story line is gripping. It is a story of victory over the challenges that we face in life. It is a story of love, revenge, friendship and bonding.The film takes up the cause of acid attacks and the struggles of the victims of acid attacks. With this as a part of the story line, a comparison with the Hindi film Chhapaak on the same lines is obvious.Both the films are about acid attacks but the similarity ends there. This film Uyare is exemplary. It is much more about the attack It is about hope and bonding, determination and grit.

The film takes us on a journey with the female protagonist who is encouraged by her friends and family to rise against all odds and achieve her goal of flying. The male lead is shown as selfish and  extremely possessive.This leads to differences and Pallavi makes up her mind to break her  relationship with Govind. How he takes her rejection and what the turn of events after that forms the rest of the storyline.It is about the survival of Pallavi in those trying situations.

All the actors have done a commendable job. The film is inspirational without being too preachy. The acid victim is not shown as one who easily gives up on hope. She fights back and comes out victorious. The way is not an easy one yet  the film shows that with the right people to support us like our friends and family members, one can surpass all hurdles.

The songs and the background music is melodious. In all it is a great watch .
Please watch this Netflix original.

Rise.....Uyare

Amazing characters

A love story that is not really a love story

Comparisons are bound to be made

Maska

Movie Review
Film- Maska
Director- Neeraj Udhwani
Genre- Family drama

What a beautiful movie! 
Makes me want to go to an Iranian Cafe and have their bun-maska and chai. I love Iranian cafes, they have such a quaint nostalgic feel to them. Their decor, the tables and chairs, table cloths, their typical menus and menu cards kept under their glass table tops.... all are so unique.

This story is about the tradition and story behind these cafes and what makes them so special. This movie brought back memories of my visit to these cafes.I love the food in these cafes. These cafes are all heart and no showbaazi. 

This movie is about stories that make each one of us special. It's about finding out Ikigai, our true calling. It's about what really matters. It's about bonds that are worth more than any thing superficial. It's about relationships and how we need to nurture them. It's about traditions that need to be kept alive. It's a movie that brings a smile. 

The two senior actors Manisha Koirala and Jaaved Jaaferi steal the show without any doubt. The younger actors fail to impress. Manisha is endearing as the Parsee Bawi and is supported by the  versatile Jaaved Jaaferi who has a small but defining role as her better half.

Do watch this simple but beautiful movie. Then, when things get back to normal again, do go to an Iranian cafe and have their special bun-maska and chai. Remember me when you do. :)

Parasite

Movie Review
 Film- Parasite (2019)
Director- Bong Joon-ho
Genre- Thriller/ dark comedy

Parasite made Oscar history as the first ever foreign language winner of best picture. This film won four Oscars this year,and they were well-deserved. I have always been a fan of Korean drama and television serials. Earlier there was a cable TV channel KBS  that showed amazing episode after episode of family oriented drama that kept me glued. Unfortunately, that channel was not aired after a couple of years. I am looking forward to watching more of Bong Joon-ho's films after this one.

Parasite is an amazing film about two families , one of Kim and another of Park that are placed on different ends of the socioeconomic ladder in society. This film is a reminder of the stark disparities that exist in society. It is a film of deception and lies, family bonding or/and lack of it.This film makes us realize that there are so many who are struggling to make ends meet while there are others who are living in the lap of luxury .

The film follows the escapades of Kim's family as it tries to make its way into the Park family to gain their trust and usurp their wealth gradually. They plan and many things go according to plan yet then comes the twist . The film keeps us on the edge of our seats. The  flow of events amazes us and cannot be predicted at all. This suspense keeps us glued to the happenings. The film is fast paced and satirical and scary in a way.

The scenes are well portrayed and stay with us long after the movie. There is absolutely no flaw in the characterization or acting skills. Every character portrayed is natural and effortlessly portrayed. The locations are well selected and play an important role in giving an  upper edge to the characters in question.The film is like a roller coaster ride that is scary and has no particular lane or track . It is eerie and rightly only for adult viewing. It is truly an enjoyable watch.

Notes to Myself

Book Review 

Title: Notes to Myself, My struggle to become a person

Author- Hugh Prather

Genre: Self help 

 I was at my sister's place for the weekend recently and I came across this book among her huge collection of books. The title caught my attention and I started reading this just to see what it was all about.It is rarely that I read self help books . Since my stay was a short one I came back home with that book and the lockdown this March due to the COVID19  pandemic  gave me enough time to read this little book. 

This book does justice to  the saying in Hindi- Chhota packet, badaa dhamakaa.
It means it is small in size but is truly explosive.Really, this book was just apt for this period of lockdown. It is said, when you cannot go outside, go inside.I did just that. This book helps us introspect and try to find answers to questions that are universal. The questions that we keep asking asking at different situations in life. 

Life keeps hurling curve balls at us and at times we are clueless about how to react, if we do react we keep thinking whether we did the right thing or we were wrong to react like that. Over thinking is something we all have become masters at. This book  helps us get a new perspective to all the challenges we have faced, are facing or will be facing. It tells us in a matter of fact manner about things, relationships, attitudes and about life on the whole.

Thankfully there are no lengthy sermons or preachy stories,but simple observations about life as it . Each one who reads the book can relate to some or most of the situations  in the book.It is a book about the emotions we feel and it is a reassurance that its all right to feel like that. The narrative is crisp and in an easy to understand language. Interestingly, all the pages are not fully written or filled in. There are vacant places in most of the pages that make the reading easy on the eyes and mind too. Actually relaxes us in a way, cant say how! The book is like a reminder for us to look inside and see where we stand in this journey called life. It gives us an opportunity to look at our emotions, reactions and gather a sense of understanding of some kind.It makes us introspect and learn whether we are walking on the right track.It clears some doubts about why we think or react like the way we do at times. It tells us that each one of us are basically having similar struggles and they can be overcome.

This is a nice read if you really want to be one with your emotions and gain a better understanding of yourself. Of course , it is not a book that will solve all your problems, but is js an exploration of self.

There were some lovely lines in the book that stayed with me and I would love to share them with you. 

Don't we all!

Being your true self is never easy.

What we desire is not the same as what we get in life.

We want others to accept us as we are, but at the same time we cannot accept others with their flaws.

Janata Curfew

 My experience during the Janata Curfew on  Sunday 22nd March .2020

The whole world was grappling with the Corona Virus. From all around there were reports of deaths and newly affected cases.To tackle this our Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation and declared a day of Janata Curfew to be observed on Sunday 22 nd March from 7 am to 9 pm. In his speech he requested every Indian to observe this by staying indoors, in the safety of their homes and work together to break the chain. Another thing he asked for was for everyone to show their gratitude for all those working tirelessly to fight against the virus by doing their duties assigned like the doctors, nurses, psychiatrists , cleanliness workers, banking staff and all the others. To show  our gratitude he mentioned staying indoors in the balconies or at the windows and clapping or ringing bells or banging a spoon against plates for five minutes at 5 pm. 'Thaali aur taali' was the mantra for showing gratitude.

In my family we were already working from home . On Sunday too we observed the Janata Curfew and did not venture out.There was hardly any sound around that whole day. All we heard was the distinct chirping of the birds outside and nothing more. I was keen to know how the appreciation part of the days event would work out. We had watched videos posted on social media that showed people in Italy and Spain clapping and playing musical instruments in appreciation for all the doctors, nurses and other personnel working  tirelessly during these trying times. At sharp 5 pm we stood at our windows and started clapping. I played my tambourine while my daughter hit a steel plate with a spoon. 

This was an experience I will not forget easily. I didn't realize that the five minutes would leave me so emotional. When we began we stood at the window and saw the neighbouring high rise. This was the first time I saw so many people at one time at their balconies or windows. At almost every balcony the families were standing together and clapping or beating their plates. A few houses had people blowing the conches and ringing bells. They were smiling and waving at those in the other buildings and like us, they too were enjoying the feat. We moved from one window to the other and watched people at the windows of other adjacent buildings too. Somewhere we also heard a speaker playing some shlokas. Some people took this a little further and chanted OM at 6 pm that evening. Hopefully all this collective clapping, ringing of bells and chanting will spread positive vibes all around and bring back normalcy all around.

It was really beautiful to hear all the different sounds merging together! It seemed like we were all in it together in the fight against Corona and it looked like all our gratitude was pouring out genuinely. As I stood there playing my tambourine with great vigour I actually said a prayer for all the people who were working for us. I remembered the posts and videos that told about the deaths and cases of affected people all around the world and I fervently prayed for this calamity to end. I felt tears streaming down and felt goosebumps. The atmosphere was charged and it did not seem like a simple inconsequential activity anymore, to me at least. It felt like a strong collective prayer reaching out for the calamity to end. It made me realize that we take our life and its other offerings for granted. we fail to recognize how blessed we really are. The importance of freedom can be well gauged when we are bound inside our homes. That small show of appreciation suggested by the PM made me understand so much and see my life in a new perspective.

After five minutes of this we stopped and played an indoor game.We saw many of our friends post videos  and posts telling how they showed their gratitude for our real heroes.
This beautiful day was not without its share of blots.  Later that day we found out through social media posts that many people came out of their houses on the roads in processions to celebrate and show their appreciation. Some actually came out with dhol taasha and even playing garba on the streets and on their terraces! The worst part was that it looked as if India won a match against Pakistan when they came out waving the Indian tricolour and bursting crackers on the roads.  This was unbelievable. I really wondered why they didny realize that the need of the situation was social distancing and not socialising as if to celebrate some victory. Our fight against the deadly virus had just begun and we had to work towards breaking the chain, yet here people were coming out in huge numbers all over the country to show their gratitude. It made me realize that there will always be morons who cannot do what is told. It was clearly mentioned that appreciation had to be shown staying indoors, within the safety of their own homes. This also made the naysayers, those against the PM and his government to come out and ridicule the Janata Curfew and this method of showing gratitude. The less said about them, the better it is. I am glad that these were a minority and most of us followed instructions and stayed indoors. I saw many videos posted that showed the beautiful sounds of bells, claps and conches  reverberating around housing colonies in different cities. What an amazing way to show appreciation!

Just yesterday, our Honourable Prime Minister made another announcement of a lockdown for 21 days beginning from 25th March.  This was naother attempt to break the chain and practice social distancing. Hopefully this time around, people will act sensibly and stay indoors. It was important for each one of us to do our bit to fight this calamity together.

The Kite Runner

I am a HUGE fan of Khaled Hosseini. His novels touch an emotional chord and never fail to impress. I read three of his books- 'The Kite Runner', 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' and "And The Mountains Echoed'. Waiting to read ' Sea Prayer' too.

Being such a huge fan of his novels, it came as a surprise that Khaled Hosseini's novel had been adapted as a play and it was to be performed in Mumbai. I could not miss this chance. The shows were during the weekend so a cousin and I booked the tickets and watched it on Saturday 28th September, 2019 at Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir, Bandra. The play was arranged by Aadyam Theatre.

This novel has also been adapted into a motion film and I have watched it. I wanted to see how they could manage to portray the vivid emotions on the stage.It was a huge challenge but the play came out with flying colours! My cousin and I were mesmerized by the way the story came alive on the stage. They took only the most pertinent scenes and dialogues from the novel and weaved a tale that kept us hooked even after the last scene.The stage went through some changes as per the situation and the costumes were apt.

What can I say about the dialogue delivery and the acting!It was truly amazing! There were so many moments that I had goosebumps! Some moments brought on the tears too. So many beautiful moments from the novel captured so perfectly on stage, that I never thought it would be possible. On many occasions I looked at my cousin and she looked at me questioningly, how did they manage to do that? I never thought that the play could do justice to the beautiful novel but I was wrong. The characterization, dialogues, use of stage and lighting was all excellent. The show ran houseful on both the days. It was evident that the rest of the audience was as spell bound by the play as we were. For a few minutes after the play all just sat in our seats to soak it in. The effect of the play was exceptional.After the play, the director and all the actors came on the stage. They got a much deserved standing ovation too.

I am so fortunate to have watched this play. Do watch this one if you get the opportunity,especially if you are a lover of Khaled Hosseini novels.

Grandma's Bag of Stories

Title- Grandma's Bag of Stories

Author- Sudha Murthy

Genre- Short stories for children

As a teacher of the Elementary section I am in close contact with children . I need to know how they think, know what they like and also be able to suggest good reads for them. Many times I read children's books in order to rewind and bring out my inner child. Sudha Murthy's books live up to my expectations time and again and this time it was no different.

Who does not like stories? Everyone from a toddler to an adult loves stories.Stories do more than entertain, they educate and improve vocabulary. They are the best means to tell stories to a generation that has little or no contact with their grandparents.In this competitive world , stories like the ones in this book take us closer to our roots, traditions and make us feel one with our native land.In this world of gadgets, books like these are like a breath of fresh air for young readers.

The stories are narrated in simple language and are interesting and vividly presently. Each story has a value that encourages the young reader to become a better person. The stories teach us to appreciate the little things in life through instances in day to day life. All the stories are based in the village and they acquaint the readers with village life in a matter of fact manner.For the city bred readers, this is an added bonus, to learn about the simplicity and calm of life in the village as compared to the hustle and bustle of a city.

To conclude , I would say that this book of short stories is great for young readers but adults too can pick this one for a simple read.

The Greatest Bengali Stories Ever Told

Book Review 

Title: The Greatest Bengali Stories Ever Told 

Selected and translated by- Arunava Sinha

Genre:Short stories

 I received this book at a gift Christmas book exchange and was excited to read it.Arunava Sinha has compiled and translated twenty-one stories that were originally in Bengali. 

The authors of the stories are exceptional story writers and the stories are a slice of life and bring out the flavour of Calcutta. 

The authors include literary greats like Rabindranath Tagore, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak and Mahasweta Devi. The language is simple and each story is about day today life. The line up begins with Rabindranath Tagore's masterpiece 'The Kabuliwallah' so naturally it sets a bench mark of sorts.

The rest of the stories fall to live up to my expectations. Sadly,I found most of the stories long drawn and uninteresting. In fact I lost interest midway and it was a task to complete reading the rest of the stories. 

I think a Bengali reader will be able to relate better to these stories and enjoy them more.It's not that the stories are not good or not well-translated, it just fails to appeal due to different geographic location and lack of connection to the local flavour present in the stories. The read was long drawn as the stories failed to create a spark of interest. For me, this book was disappointing, but maybe for a Bengali these stories are more relatable.