The "Top 10" book challenge has been doing the round on FB for some time now. A friend finally tagged me for the challenge nearly two weeks back, though it
took me quite a while to get around to it. Yesterday, at last, I was done with
an attempt to list my "Top 10" books. Its quite a difficult task to make
a selection with such a restriction, but it was a wonderful exercise, recalling all the
beautiful books I have read, and why I loved them.
It took me quite some time to write the post, not merely because of the problem of selecting (which was relatively easier), but putting into words the thoughts that each selection brought, and pruning them down to make it suitable for posting on FB. Even so, it ended up in a rather long post. I thought this write-up deserves to be on my blog [with the additional advantage that I can write as much as I want without a feeling of guilt :)].
1. Devakinandan Khatri - Chandrakanta (and the rest of the series - Chandrakanta Santati, Bhoothnath, Rohtasmath): It has to be the first in my list. My first ever introduction to epic fantasy, and to novels. What an imagination! What a narrative! I'll say that the complexity of plot, geography, characters and locales can easily give a competition to the modern-day Harry Potter and LOTR. The intriguing world of tilisms and aiyyars was responsible for spoiling one particular half-yearly exams when I was in class 6 :) And I do not exaggerate when I say that I must have read it about 20 times since then.
2. The Three Investigators (series): I was introduced to the world of detective fiction by this series. Many of us have a childhood book that we remain very fond of, even as we grow older. For some, its Enid Blyton, for some its Tintin or Asterix; for me it has been, and shall always be, the 'The Three Investigators' Series. Since the books have been out of print for several years (and I havent seen them available in any bookstores in India in my lifetime), I painstakingly built up my collection over years by sifting through second-hand book stalls.
3. Arthur Conan Doyle - Sherlock Holmes: Talking of detective fiction, its a blasphemy not to mention Sherlock Holmes. I'm sure its not just me who, in all their childhood innocence, would not have fantasized to do what Dr Watson could never do - to cultivate and employ the power of observation and produce a startling effect on those around you ... "You know my methods, Watson. Employ them."
4. Alistair MacLean - The Guns of Navarone / Ice Station Zebra: Also early in life (Dad's influence of course), I fell in love with this genre of thrillers (pure, simple, action thrillers) and his style of writing - the impossible odds, the superlatively resourceful hero, and the dialogues laden with quick and ready wit. It is difficult for me to select my favorites amongst his novels, but simply impossible to pick one of these two.
5. Nevil Shute - Requiem For a Wren: The most poignant and heart-breaking war/love story I must have read. To make an honest confession, it left me in tears each of the three times I read it. I loved all the three books by this author that I have read.
6. Harper Lee - To Kill A Mockingbird: There is something about the innocence of childhood, and the deep values of humanity, that I find delightful and inspiring at the same time.
7. Henri Charriere - Papillon: A most inspiring story about the indomitable human spirit. 9 daring escapes in 13 years, each from a prison more treacherous than the previous one, the chain starting from a false accusation the first time - I'm sure never-say-die couldn't be depcited any better by a thriller.
* Presented as an autobiography as it was, I believed that it was the real-life story of the protagoinst; but I recently found out that its not really so, it actually takes from adventures of some of his fellow prison-mates. But that doesn't take away the fact that it is indeed a great story.
8. Ayn Rand - The Fountainhead: It resonated with me, since I read it for the first time at that vulnerable age when we are idealists, and the most valued belief is to remain true to yourself against all odds in the world.
9. Khaled Hosseni - The Kite Runner: In spite of all the pain and suffering it depicts, it leaves an uplifting feeling and a belief in humanity, as it carries alongside, the virtues of sacrifice, unconditional devotion, remorse, and a desire "to be good again".
10. Dushyant Kumar - Saaye Mein Dhoop: To wind up the list, this forever favorite of mine - ever since I first read two of these ghazals. Dushyant Kumar introduced the concept of "Hindi Ghazal" in the Indian literature, and only ever wrote this one compilation that has immortalized him (one compilation of ghazals that is; there are a few more works of poetry and prose). Each single ghazal is hard hitting with its sociopolitical message, and shall be forever relevant.
"Yahan darakhto.n ke saye mei.n dhoop lagti hai, Chalo yaha.n se chalei.n umra bhar ke liye"
Also in contention : some of my particular favorites that I couldn't accommodate into the list ...
Harry Potter series: Well, who isn't a fan?
E.R.Braithwaite - To Sir With Love: A beautiful story of persistence and self discovery. Light, amusing, and yet inspiring.
Shivaji Samant - Mrityunjay, Pratibha Ray - Yajnaseni: Mahabharata is a treasure trove of intriguing stories. But these two presentations of the epic, from the perspective of Karna and Draupadi respectively, truly impressed me. Incidentally both were originally written in regional languages (Marathi and Bengali).
* I read yet another retelling, from the perspective of Bhim - Bhima - Lone Warrior, by M. T. Vasudevan Nair (original in Malyalam). It was interesting, though I didn't like it as much, primarily because of the way it portrays Draupadi. And I have in my reading list, and on my bookshelf, yet another version, from the perspective of Draupadi - the highly recommended Palace of Illusions by Chitra Divakurni Bannerji.
Anita Nair - The Mistress: An intense read, which delves deep into human emotions and relationships. The way it interweaves the art of Kathakali with the story of the four main characters, is extremely fascinating, and very captivating. Though there were parts that I didn't like at all, altogether it was a great read, and very different from anything else I have read.
Dan Brown - The DaVinci Code: The puzzles, the codes, the symbols, the mystery and the chase. Feels like it was custom written for a fan of cryptic puzzles and thrillers like me. It was a great story, with an innovative premise and interesting plot. Too bad he kept on reusing the same plot for subsequent works, till it became hard to bear.
Godfather: What a story! Finished in one 9-hour long overnight sitting! (Those were the days! Sigh.)
Amish Tripathi - Shiva Trilogy: A brave and innovative attempt by an Indian author. The portrayal of Shiva as a human, rather than divine, being, and interpretation of the surrounding stories in terms of real events, made for a very interesting read. The low point was the third and the last book of the series, which I awaited with so much anticipation after the build-up of the first two, and which I found to be really an anti-climax to a wonderful story.
And then, there are these authors, whose work I love ...
Hank Ketcham - Dennis the Menace: I think he is cute, and means well, and any mischief on his part is unintentional. And I can see Sid come out with the same kind of wisdom as him :)
Ruskin Bond - An author, who I regret not finding in my childhood. His simple, enchanting writing, that can be wonderfully humorous when he wants, is something I am glad to have found, even if rather late. He makes me feel nostalgic for a time that I have not seen, and for places I have not lived in.
It took me quite some time to write the post, not merely because of the problem of selecting (which was relatively easier), but putting into words the thoughts that each selection brought, and pruning them down to make it suitable for posting on FB. Even so, it ended up in a rather long post. I thought this write-up deserves to be on my blog [with the additional advantage that I can write as much as I want without a feeling of guilt :)].
1. Devakinandan Khatri - Chandrakanta (and the rest of the series - Chandrakanta Santati, Bhoothnath, Rohtasmath): It has to be the first in my list. My first ever introduction to epic fantasy, and to novels. What an imagination! What a narrative! I'll say that the complexity of plot, geography, characters and locales can easily give a competition to the modern-day Harry Potter and LOTR. The intriguing world of tilisms and aiyyars was responsible for spoiling one particular half-yearly exams when I was in class 6 :) And I do not exaggerate when I say that I must have read it about 20 times since then.
2. The Three Investigators (series): I was introduced to the world of detective fiction by this series. Many of us have a childhood book that we remain very fond of, even as we grow older. For some, its Enid Blyton, for some its Tintin or Asterix; for me it has been, and shall always be, the 'The Three Investigators' Series. Since the books have been out of print for several years (and I havent seen them available in any bookstores in India in my lifetime), I painstakingly built up my collection over years by sifting through second-hand book stalls.
3. Arthur Conan Doyle - Sherlock Holmes: Talking of detective fiction, its a blasphemy not to mention Sherlock Holmes. I'm sure its not just me who, in all their childhood innocence, would not have fantasized to do what Dr Watson could never do - to cultivate and employ the power of observation and produce a startling effect on those around you ... "You know my methods, Watson. Employ them."
4. Alistair MacLean - The Guns of Navarone / Ice Station Zebra: Also early in life (Dad's influence of course), I fell in love with this genre of thrillers (pure, simple, action thrillers) and his style of writing - the impossible odds, the superlatively resourceful hero, and the dialogues laden with quick and ready wit. It is difficult for me to select my favorites amongst his novels, but simply impossible to pick one of these two.
5. Nevil Shute - Requiem For a Wren: The most poignant and heart-breaking war/love story I must have read. To make an honest confession, it left me in tears each of the three times I read it. I loved all the three books by this author that I have read.
6. Harper Lee - To Kill A Mockingbird: There is something about the innocence of childhood, and the deep values of humanity, that I find delightful and inspiring at the same time.
7. Henri Charriere - Papillon: A most inspiring story about the indomitable human spirit. 9 daring escapes in 13 years, each from a prison more treacherous than the previous one, the chain starting from a false accusation the first time - I'm sure never-say-die couldn't be depcited any better by a thriller.
* Presented as an autobiography as it was, I believed that it was the real-life story of the protagoinst; but I recently found out that its not really so, it actually takes from adventures of some of his fellow prison-mates. But that doesn't take away the fact that it is indeed a great story.
8. Ayn Rand - The Fountainhead: It resonated with me, since I read it for the first time at that vulnerable age when we are idealists, and the most valued belief is to remain true to yourself against all odds in the world.
9. Khaled Hosseni - The Kite Runner: In spite of all the pain and suffering it depicts, it leaves an uplifting feeling and a belief in humanity, as it carries alongside, the virtues of sacrifice, unconditional devotion, remorse, and a desire "to be good again".
10. Dushyant Kumar - Saaye Mein Dhoop: To wind up the list, this forever favorite of mine - ever since I first read two of these ghazals. Dushyant Kumar introduced the concept of "Hindi Ghazal" in the Indian literature, and only ever wrote this one compilation that has immortalized him (one compilation of ghazals that is; there are a few more works of poetry and prose). Each single ghazal is hard hitting with its sociopolitical message, and shall be forever relevant.
"Yahan darakhto.n ke saye mei.n dhoop lagti hai, Chalo yaha.n se chalei.n umra bhar ke liye"
Also in contention : some of my particular favorites that I couldn't accommodate into the list ...
Harry Potter series: Well, who isn't a fan?
E.R.Braithwaite - To Sir With Love: A beautiful story of persistence and self discovery. Light, amusing, and yet inspiring.
Shivaji Samant - Mrityunjay, Pratibha Ray - Yajnaseni: Mahabharata is a treasure trove of intriguing stories. But these two presentations of the epic, from the perspective of Karna and Draupadi respectively, truly impressed me. Incidentally both were originally written in regional languages (Marathi and Bengali).
* I read yet another retelling, from the perspective of Bhim - Bhima - Lone Warrior, by M. T. Vasudevan Nair (original in Malyalam). It was interesting, though I didn't like it as much, primarily because of the way it portrays Draupadi. And I have in my reading list, and on my bookshelf, yet another version, from the perspective of Draupadi - the highly recommended Palace of Illusions by Chitra Divakurni Bannerji.
Anita Nair - The Mistress: An intense read, which delves deep into human emotions and relationships. The way it interweaves the art of Kathakali with the story of the four main characters, is extremely fascinating, and very captivating. Though there were parts that I didn't like at all, altogether it was a great read, and very different from anything else I have read.
Dan Brown - The DaVinci Code: The puzzles, the codes, the symbols, the mystery and the chase. Feels like it was custom written for a fan of cryptic puzzles and thrillers like me. It was a great story, with an innovative premise and interesting plot. Too bad he kept on reusing the same plot for subsequent works, till it became hard to bear.
Godfather: What a story! Finished in one 9-hour long overnight sitting! (Those were the days! Sigh.)
Amish Tripathi - Shiva Trilogy: A brave and innovative attempt by an Indian author. The portrayal of Shiva as a human, rather than divine, being, and interpretation of the surrounding stories in terms of real events, made for a very interesting read. The low point was the third and the last book of the series, which I awaited with so much anticipation after the build-up of the first two, and which I found to be really an anti-climax to a wonderful story.
And then, there are these authors, whose work I love ...
Hank Ketcham - Dennis the Menace: I think he is cute, and means well, and any mischief on his part is unintentional. And I can see Sid come out with the same kind of wisdom as him :)
Ruskin Bond - An author, who I regret not finding in my childhood. His simple, enchanting writing, that can be wonderfully humorous when he wants, is something I am glad to have found, even if rather late. He makes me feel nostalgic for a time that I have not seen, and for places I have not lived in.
