BOOK REVIEWS

BOOK REVIEWS


A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS


“Learn this now and learn it well. Like a compass facing north, a man’s accusing finger always finds a woman. Always. You remember that, mariam”

A must read written by reputable America based Afghani author Khaled Hosseini. His poignant writing highlights the power of hope and resilience of female solidarity in a volatile war-torn nation. The author draws the picture of a heart wrenching yet unforgettable portrait of Afghanistan through the eyes of Mariam and Laila. These two women coming from different generations, etched together because of the unforgivable course of events, find solace and strength in their unique bond of friendship. This bond blossomed in spite of the backdrop of war and oppression, which palpitates with love, strength and everlasting human spirit. This unlikely bond will stay with the reader even long after they turn the final page. One should be ready to laugh, to cry and to be totally moved by this enchanting tale of hope amidst a thousand tragedies.

“One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs, Or the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls."

Navodita Sharma (XIIK)





‘We are all made of molecules’

‘We are all made of molecules’, a novel by Susin Nielson, is a groundbreaking novel. The main plot of the story revolves around two kids- Stewart and Ashley. They’ve never heard of each other and their worlds collide in the most unexpected way. The author elaborates on their different views on the same situation in a way beyond perfection. In between the novel, the author made use of some graphs and diagrams that elucidate the characters’ feelings flawlessly. Sometimes, the novel sent me into pearls of laughter and sometimes it bought tears to my eyes. This novel not only plays with us emotionally but also highlights certain startling moments. In my opinion, this novel is a must to flick through and it can always be found in the library.
-         Anushka Singh
-         Varu Malhotra










WONDER 
            - By RJ Palacio 

" You can't blend in when you were born to stand out "
Wonder , by the pen of Raquel Jaramillo , under the
pseudonym - RJ Palacio was inspired by a true event and  published on 14 February 2012 .
Living in a world that demands  perfection , it is hard for people to accept one's vices and flaws .
With Wonder we embark on a remarkable journey with August Pullman , "Auggie", who was born with a genetic deformity resulting in severe facial anomaly . In a world that regards itself to be utopian , August is a dystopian creature . Wonder illuminates the cost , one must constantly bear in order to survive with their achilles heel in a world , where it is deemed as unacceptable to be flawed .
Wonder urges it's readers to look behind the petty facade , into what lies beneath . Learning , to fall in love not with people's veils but their souls .
Wonder is one of those rare books which touches every inch within you and fills your heart with more love , empathy and kindness than you thought was possible . A  beautiful and heartfelt write that leaves you laughing at one moment and crying at another . Wonder is a compelling read , engulfing you within it's captivative pages .
Providing you with a deep insight about how people desire to be loved for who they are and not defined by their mortal guise ,
Wonder can be elucidated in a  single word - Powerful ,
Brutally gentle , it holds the power to move hearts . 


                                                                          Review by Antara Basu, IX-G






7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey – Applying the timeless principles of the 7 Habits, this step-by-step book explains to teens how to be more efficient and helps guide their future decisions. The seven habits discussed are:
  1. Be Proactive
  2. Begin with the End in Mind
  3. Put First Things First 
  4. Think Win-Win
  5. Seek First to Understand then be Understood
  6. Synergize
  7. Sharpen the Saw
The book is written in an entertaining style which helps teens improve self-image, build friendships, resist peer pressure, achieve their goals, get along with their parents, and much more. Covey has stuffed the book with cartoons, clever ideas, great quotes, and incredible stories about real teens from all over the world. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens will engage teenagers unlike any other book.

- ANJALI TANEJA
SR. LIBRARIAN










PRINCESS

- by Jean Sasson

A Saudi princess, donned in silk and exquisite jewels, who leads a life upon servitude. But, concealed behind the veils of royalty and grandeur she lies, bound by the chains of her misogynistic world. Viewed as nothing, but a slave to men in this tyrannical regime. For the first time, a Saudi princess-Princess Sultana lifts the veil from this closed society providing a rare onlook into an opressive world of sex slavery, honour killings and brutal violence. A society which proselytizes evils like circumcision.
As she recites her story, anonymously through author Jean Sasson, we concede the presence of a world where the mere purpose of a woman's existence is solely for a man's pleasure and possession. A world with women, who live as captives confined in cages convened with their captors control, dominance and assault, a world which denies women any individual value and strips them of the basic luxury that is, humanity. Living completely, at the mercy of the men in their lives, they have acclimatized to being subjected to abuse that exceeds the line of barbarity.
Jean Sasson captures the life and reality of such Saudi woman in excruciating detail. A heart wrenching book which brings us an essence of the pain suffered by those women simply through it's pages. It is immensely heart breaking to read about such accepted atrocities against women and it is shattering to see such prevailing egregious conditions but alongside it is, an inspirited struggle between oppression and an indomitable spirit for liberation. It is a book that recalls the horrors of a land and unveils it to the entire world. Princess is a encomium to all those women who pursued the courage to break through the chains of a reticent and repressive society. A tribute to the fierce spirit of all Saudi women who upraised their voices to counter such pseudo preconceptions against the female guild. Princess is truly a story that you'll never regret.


                                                Review by Antara Basu, IX-G








2 comments:

  1. The Pursuit Of Happyness
    Chris Garnder
    It is a really inspiring book.It discusses about the relationship between a father and a son.It tells how the family faced so many struggles and tried to overcome all the situations.The story tells about the strength of Gardner that he showed during his life.You guys would be really inspired and connected to this book whole heartedly,but one should have the dedication and desire towards book and know the real meaning of happiness in life.Will Smith will move you with one of his strongest performances and help the readers to bring a good bond with your dad.There is a beautiful quote in the novel i.e."If you have a dream you need to protect it".Everyone should read this book.It also tells about Garnder sincere efforts to his children are heart touching.The book basically reflects about his childhood,happiness and how he was dedicated towards work.It is a quite decent and beautiful book.We should have atleast two goals to achieve something for example Garnder had that was he wanted to be a good father and on other hand to work at Wall Street.Don't ever let somebody tell you that you can't do something.Not even me.All right?"Readers you must have courage all situations be it easy or tough.I would end up by writing If you want to get something go get it.Always be happy and read this book!!😀
    Regards
    Khushi Chaudhary
    10E

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