Sea of Poppies

Title: Sea of Poppies
Author: Amitav Ghosh
Category: Adult Fiction/Historical

I am writing this review within minutes of finishing the novel. I was so much held in sway of this book, that I dint put it down until I finished it (of course, I am a full-time mom.. and my children were rendered motherless - ok that's an exaggeration).

This is a historical novel set in 1800s in and around Calcutta. We have a lot of Bhojpuri thrown in. The setting is atop a ship and hence we are exposed to a lot the Indian nautical slang. It would be revealing for many of us who have never been near a crew. I loved it very much and the ending seemed to be abrupt! Oops, I just did my research and found that this book is the first of a trilogy and it had been nominated for the "Booker prize".

Should I bore you with more details and give out unintended surprises away ? Nay. I will just give my verdict.

Verdict : Must Read (as I am still in the intoxicated state after reading a book. But definitely a Good Read).

Bary the Fish with fingers

Title: Barry the Fish with Fingers

Author/Illustrator: Sue Hendra 

Category: Picture Books

 

 

I picked this book because of the beautiful illustrations. The story dint excite me much. BUT, I read this in one of my story telling sessions and the kids listened with rapt attention.

And at the scene where Puffy (Barry's frenemy) was going to be squashed, all the kids were terrified.

This story conveys that its cool to be different...

 

Verdict: Good-read.

 

Naught little monkeys

Title: Naughty little monkeys

Author: Jim Aylesworth

Illustrator: Henry Cole

Category: Picture Books

 

 

 

What a wonderful rhyme book. I was able to maintain the rhythm well when I read this in a story-telling session. This is an ABC book. Meaning there are couple words introduced for each alphabet. Its a very funny story which the kids loved. It lists all the naughty things the 26 monkeys do.. but I was not uncomfortable reading it to kids.

 

I did Phonics with this story-reading session, asked the kids to tell their names too if we were reading the para with the first letter of their name.

 

Age group of 2 to 6 might enjoy this story.

 

Verdict: Must read

 

 

Relic

Title: Relic
Author/Illustrator: Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child
Category: Adult Fiction - Thriller/Science fiction

This is a book that I just grabbed from the "just returned" section of the library with a "library is closed" announcement on the speakers.
Wow.. I am impressed, guess it will figure in my top favourites. The feeling after finishing the book was somewhat similar to when I finished Dan Brown's "Da Vinci Code" - elated at finding a book that I deeply enjoyed. To get an idea of this book, substitute biology in place of history in Da Vinci code to get an idea of what I mean.
I really don't want to give away any bits of the story for the fear of exposing a suspense.

Verdict: Must-read