The Writing Pages

I am not such a big lover of classics but after my friend’s suggestion, I decided to give PG Wodehouse a try and oh boy, it was certainly worth it!

I read Big Money by PG Wodehousee and would suggest it to all those who love the taste of humor in writing.

The story is about two friends Lord Biskerton or Biscuit and Berry Conway and their financial troubles. The twists and turns in the story make it difficult to keep down. The love life tangles of the two friends, the covetousness of their family, the knowledge of bogus shares not being so and so many other tiny parts of the plot make it an awesome read!

Patterson Frisby is the miserly boss of Berry Conway, who is interested in a copper mine held by Conway. He employs his abettor, more of a bawling man who performs any duty a rich man will ask him to perform to be in the rich man’s good books. But Hoke gets a brain wave and spots the money making opportunity of a lifetime in the mine.

And Big Money is not all about money, but equally balanced with a humorous love tale of two friends engaged to the same lady and then one deciding on other.

By the summary I give you, I am certain you find he book interesting. The style of writing is quite modern and well enough for a modern day fiction lover.

The intricacies of the plot have you in splits at quite a few times throughout the book.

A prudent read for all so go……..hurry and catch a copy!!

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It’s been long time since I finished reading T*Witches. But seeing it in my shelf I could not resist taking it out for another read and that’s when I thought I ought to write about it!

T*Witches is a popular young adult fantasy novel series by H.B Gilmour and Randi Reisfeld.

This book is in a series which have a total of ten books. It is also been amde into a popular Disney Channel Movie. The book is the story about identical twin sisters separated at birth, Camryn Barnes and Alexandra Fielding, also known as Apolla and Artemis DuBaer (their names as witches).

The only sign of recognition they have about their real life is a pair of matching amulets of the sun and the moon and also similar powers to said celestial bodies. The twins' guardians are Ileana, a cousin; and Karsh, a mentor.

In the real world, the two live completely different lives, miles away from each other, not knowing of their powers until they met in The Power of Two.

The book has a wonderful plot which goes through an avalanche of emotions, surprises and thrills. It will certainly be a good read for most teenagers. It is about magic, reunion and love- themes which can be enjoyed by one and all.

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I just finished flipping through the last pages of the latest thriller I read, a book called Simple Genius by the impeccable writer David Baldacci. It is a commendable book and a suggested read for all.

I am most thrilled to read such a book, when I had not given it a second look on first chance. It is a sure-shot page turner.

The story revolves around Michelle Maxwell and Sean King doing a private investigation on the U.S Government’s or the CIA’s forbidden property and the physiological problems faced by Michelle.

In the beginning the author adroitly describes the physiological conditions of Michelle and how Horatio Barnes, physiologist and friend of Sean helps Michelle deal with it but unsuccessfully!

Being in a financial crisis, this is how Sean pays for her medical fee by accepting an investigating offer by ex-girlfriend Joan Dillinger. As Seann goes through the puzzling events of death in Babbage Town, Micelle is solving her own set of mystery (which is just a side kick).

Finally Horatio and Michelle and Sean team up to solve the mystery at Babbage Town and the puzzling events at Camp Peary.

The result is spine chilling and much surprising than what you can believe!

So do not waste time, pick up a copy and leave of your praises at the comment box!

I just keep on wondering why I did not review this book earlier.

To Kill A Mocking Bird- by Harper Lee is one of the most brilliant pieces of literary fiction I have ever read.  It was the first and last book published by the author and also won a Pulitzer prize.

It deals with many serious issues like racial discrimination in America, but the style of writing is such, that all will enjoy it!

It is a story about a six-year-old Jean Scout Finch, who also narrates it in her lively and bubbly manner. She lives with her older brother Jem and their widowed father Atticus, a middle-aged lawyer. Jem and Scout become friends with a boy named Dill who visits Maycomb to stay with his aunt for the summer. 

The three children are terrified of, and fascinated with, their neighbor, the solitary "Boo" Radley. The adults of Maycomb are hesitant to talk about Boo and for many years, few have seen him. The children feed each other's imaginations with rumors about his appearance and reasons for remaining hidden.

Soon, the children find that someone is leaving them small gifts in a tree outside the Radley place. 

Atticus, her father, is assigned to defend a black man named Tom Robinson, who has been accused of molesting Mayella Ewell, a young white woman. Although many of Maycomb's citizens disapprove, Atticus agrees to defend Tom to the best of his ability. Other children taunt Jem and Scout for Atticus' actions, calling him a "nigger-lover". Scout is tempted to stand up for her father's honor by fighting, even though he has told her not to. For his part, Atticus faces a group of men intent on lynching Tom.

The book has a serious storyline which deals with aspects of racism, and involves other phases of violence and alienation. To Kill a Mockingbird is Harper Lee's classic novel which one cannot miss reading.

The novel is memorable because of the adventures and personal tumult the character undergoes in her development as a human being. Some characters reach out to millions of hearts with the veracity of cruelty in the world--with war, violence, death, racism, and hatred--while others deal with family, friends, or community issues.

The book is a unique, one of its kind read, that you cannot afford missing! It stands really high in my reading list.

Recently one of my friends presented me with a book called The Deep End Of The Ocean written by Jacquelyn Mitchard.

Frankly, at first sight, I had not heard much about the author nor the book. Searching Wikipedia, I got good reviews and decided to go on reading the book.

And I’m glad I made that decision, for it was certainly a wonderful book. One which leaves an indelible impression on the mind.

It has a strange, enthralling storyline like you’ve never thought before.

The Deep End of the Ocean is a best-selling novel by Jacquelyn Mitchard, published in 1996. It is the wonderful story of a normal American middle class family that is having it’s share of problems in daily life.

But suddenly, their lives are torn apart when the youngest son is kidnapped. Wisconsin photographer and housewife Beth Cappadora is excited about a her high school reunion. She leaves her youngest son, Ben, alone with his older brother for a brief moment in a crowded Chicago hotel lobby. The older brother let go of Ben’s hand and when Beth returns…..her son has disappeared. Just vanished out of the blue!

Mental breakdown leads to shunning of her life and it is left to her husband -owner of a restaurant, Pat, to force his wife to mechanically care for their remaining two children, 7-year-old Vincent and infant daughter Kerry.

The first half of the story is based on Beth and Pat and how they struggle with their lives. Beth loosing all hopes. A mother, who feels that she has failed her lost son and her family. She feels stifled from the sympathy that she receives from people around her, yet without them she could never face the world again and try to move on. Friends and relatives frantically on the lookout for young Ben. The Police force helping as much as  possible. Pat, on the other hand, positive and determined not loose life.

After nine years of struggle, the Cappadora family somehow manages to hold ground and has moved to Chicago. One day a young boy named Sam asks Beth if she needs the lawn mowed. And the unimaginable happens…….Ben lands up to be Sam.

The rest of the story revolves around how Ben adjusts to his new life, his attachment to his guardian father. The scenes between Vincent (and Ben) , who is not ready to accept a new brother, who feels guilty and some feelings that cannot be described…..are the most interesting.

The author has done a really unimaginable commendable job, writing from the thoughts of a teenager and a strangled mother. The book is certainly worth a read and I am sure you’ll praise it too!

“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends;

they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors,

and the most patient of teachers.”

                                               - Charles W. Eliot

Books are the life and soul of a writer, author or even a blogger. Life without books seems unfeasible. And every second person reading a website or blog, needs a good book to read. So why not for a change, review a recent book you read and provide your reader with a chance to learn.

Do not know how to write a book review? Do not worry! Here are 10 tips that might help you out!

1. Read your book thoroughly

One cannot become a doctor without having the particular qualifications. In a similar fashion, it is necessary that you have knowledge about your subject before you are keen to write or share about it.

2. Gather more information

Though you might be knowing all about the book that you thought important, before embarking on writing a review, it is always better to read more about the book from Wikipedia or read another review of the book from the net. This help might prove valuable.

3. Make a rough draft

Write a rough outline of the plot, the flaws or anything that you find worthy of wiring. Only then, should you get to editing it and adding the additional information.

4. Be unique

While writing a book review, it is important that the reader is not reading a review of someone else. Often, reviewers tend to find the easiest way out by just copying down the book information/review at the back cover and camouflaging it ingeniously as their own!

5. Never reveal the whole plot

I have noticed often that writers tend to find it exciting to reveal the major or minor secrets of the plot (This applies to fiction stories, novels etc.). My fun of reading the last Harry Potter book had been spoiled for mostly the readers had leaked the secrets of the novel on the net. Please care about the excitement that a reader experiences so do not reveal the whole plot but as much as you think you would have liked to know if you were reading the review. 

6. Add your own element

The main point of writing a review is letting the reader know what YOU think about it. So remember to write down any improvement in the book you think possible and all flaws or good points about the book.

7. Remember the author

I have read reviews where the plot and everything else about the book is mentioned, but unfortunately the reviewer forgets to tell about the author.Be sure to credit or criticize (as you think likely) the author. Whatever you do, do not leave him out….after all, it is he who created the book and some credit is certainly not denied!

8. Be sure you are catering to the right audience

Do not go writing a book review of Harry potter on a technical blog. Though it would be good, if you pointed out or included about the book in a post but try not to completely linger from your blog content, just to fill in posts!

9. Your Judgement

A final verdict on whether you think the reader should spend money on the book is necessary. If you do not think so, please write that aptly in your post.

10. Rate the Book

I do not do this in my posts but now I too have decided to include that. If you are keen on writing reviews, a wonderful idea is the rate the book on a scale of 5 or 10. The audience might get a better idea!



Whether these tips proved to be helpful or not, I would be grateful if you could share through your valuable comments. Any additions or suggestions are welcome.

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I am back again with another review of Dan Brown's book, the widely famous, Digital Fortress. I told you I'm high on Dan Brown fever/craze!!

Digital Fortress, as the name promises, is a science fiction that will leave your mouth gaping as Brown's novels always do. It is another brilliant piece of work by the author.

This time, the story is about NSA's (National Security Agency) top cryptographer, Susan Fletcher, who gets an urgent call from her boss on the weekend, Commander Strathmore, to come to work. She arrives to hear the shocking news that TRANSLTR, the NSA's incredible code-breaking machine which can even turn the best computer encryption software useless, has at long last come face to face with its enemy.

Codenamed the Digital Fortress, it is an unbreakable code created by an ex-NSA cryptographer, Ensei Tankado, who had threatened to make it available for public use if the NSA didn't make TRANSLTR's existence known to the general public. This startling events inculcated terror through the veins of NSA.

As Susan goes on a quest to find Ensei's secret partner, and relief to all of NSA's troubles, she is puzzled, angry and scared that Commander Strathmore has mysteriously sent her boyfriend David, an ordinary university professor, on a dangerous mission to Spain to retrieve this unbreakable code's key.

Will David ever be able to find it and live to bring it back? It's a rapid race as Susan and David fight through a tangle of secrets, lies and unknown mysteries....

Midwest Book Reviwers say it correctly, "Digital Fortress is the best and most realistic techno-thriller to reach the market in years. Dan Brown's ability to paint in living color the gray area between personal freedom vs. national security is awesome. The story line is so good, readers will feel a chilling thrill a minute as the book makes one think who is truly the terrorist and who is actually freedom's guardian."

Since my exams are over, I am now freely indulging myself into new books and have recently finished reading Dan Brown's prequel to The Da Vinci Code- Angels and Demons. And oh my! It certainly was an exhilarating read.

I'm an avid Dan Brown fan now, after reading all four of his books. Though his books are controversial, I tell you....they are certainly worth a read. The science fiction is stupefying as usual and so is the mystery. Angels And Demons is the first adventure of the Harvard Symbiologist (professor of religious iconology and art history at Harvard University), Robert Langdon.

Robert, receives the most peculiar call in the middle of the night from Maximilian Kohler. Kohler is the director of CERN, the world's largest scientific research facility in Geneva, Switzerland. Langdon has a rapid trip to Geneva on his call which he hoped would be over soon....but one knows that a call from the director that too at the dead of the night cannot be just-so-usual!

Reaching CERN's mesmerizing premises, he learns that one of their top physicists had been murdered, with his chest branded with the word "Illuminati." Since Langdon is an expert on the ancient secret society known as the Illuminati, he's asked to help solve the murder. And as the mystery unfold, with unexpected twists and turns, it takes you on the most exciting and blood curdling tour of the modern world.

All packed with loads of action with the antimatter bomb and a lady like Vittoria Vetra, with the Vatican City at stake....there's not time to loose as Langdon and Vetra get head deep into the search of the old unforgettable Satanist cult, Illuminati and unveil an astounding story!

The four cardinals,(the most worthy predecessors of the Pope whose recent death brought forth the conclave to choose a new pope), are kidnapped and missing. The Illuminati phones and tells them that they have four hours until midnight before the antimatter explodes and destroys the City and each cardinal would be branded and killed in the four sacred Illuminati churches and branded with the Illuminati symbols on their chest.

The fate of the Vatican, the cardinals and CERN....all lies in the hands of the two, Robert Langdon and Vittoria Vetra. Will they be able to save the place in time? Will they succeed??

I tell you guys....you should read the book. This is one of the best thrillers I have read, where scientific matters are explained in such a way that even laymen can understand. As Dale Brown says, ANGELS & DEMONS IS ONE HELL OF A BOOK.

A not- to -miss suspense and watch your heart beat grow crazier with every page turned.

But that is what I have found. What about you?

Charlie And The Chocolate Factory is an extraordinary fantasy novel by children's writer, Roald Dahl and had also been made into a motion movie.

This is an awesome novel where Dahl has outshone any fantasy writer. The story is about a poor boy Charlie, who lives in extreme poverty. His favorite birthday gift is the famous Wonka chocolates and he cherishes the single chocolate he receives every year. He eats a bit a day so that it lasts at least for a month.

For the first time in a decade, Willy Wonka, the solitary and eccentric chocolate maker, is opening the doors of his unique chocolate factory for five members of the public. The lucky five who find a Golden Ticket in their Wonka chocolate bars will receive a private tour of the factory, given by Mr. Wonka himself.

For young Charlie Bucket, this a dream come true when one cold winter night, he retrieves a dollar from the ground and buys two Wonka's Whipple-Scrumptious Fudgemallow, by sheer luck or destiny. As Charlie unwraps the second chocolate bar, he sees the glimmer of gold just under the wrapper! Yes, he was one of the chosen lucky one!

The very next day, Charlie, along with his unworthy fellow winners Mike Teavee, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde, and Augustus Gloop, steps through the factory gates to discover whether or not the rumors surrounding the Chocolate Factory and its mysterious owner are true. What they find is that the local gossip can't compare to the extraordinary truth, and for Charlie, life will never be the same again…

This was an unforgettable masterpiece from the legendary Roald Dahl, for me and it never fails to delight, thrill, and utterly captivate the reader. A full on roller coaster ride for every fantasy lover!

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David Copperfield is a classic novel written by the beloved author, Charles Dickens.

The book unfurls an exuberant rendition of the adventures of David as we face interesting characters and a well developed plot. The story continues with a well balanced blend of comedy, tragedy, treachery, love, honesty and brimming with energy.

The Plot

This is another beautiful rendition of the adventures of a juvenile soul. Deserted by a helpless mother and compelled by an imperious father, David finally decides it is time…time he lived his own life!

It takes you on a a ride through the life of young David, his hatred for his step-father and Aunt, Mr. Edward Murdstone and Jane. They torment him and finally send him to a boarding school where David becomes friends with Tommy Traddles and James Steerforth.

Then the novel returns again with a more matured David, after his mother’s and new-born half brother’s death. He takes work at a factory and the book describes the harsh cruelty of life. When his landlord, Wilkins Micawber goes to prison after bankruptcy, David flees from London as he has nobody.

David Copperfield by Charles Dickens Read more about this book...

My Thoughts

Turning the last page, this book gave me a satisfied smile and a naive sadness that it was over. This is a wonderful recipe of life with all you can ask for. A trifle bit sour but magically unfolds an indelible taste of sweetness and exquisite happiness. I am you all will enjoy it so why not pick a copy now?

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This is a classic novel written by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Stories about sailors and treasures are always a stimulating read! I enjoyed this one too with it's touch of insanity and a streak of madness visible in most of the charachters. The story includes Jim Hawkins, Long John Silver, Ben Gunn, Dr. Livesey, and Captain Smollett. Jim, is a tough guy who is always trying to find a solution for problems.

Once a pirate called Billy Bones comes to stay at the inn belonging to the parents of Jim Hawkins. It's obvious that Bones is hiding from someone and one night he is tracked down by his enemies. A treasure map is subsequently discovered and Hawkins takes it to the local doctor and the local squire. They decide to go to the island in question to get the treasure but little do they know that Bones' enemies are on their trail. Plus the crew they have picked for their voyage have treachery on their mind, thanks to the chief crewmate called Long John Silver....

The story revolves around how Jim and his friends got out of the island before they get captured by the pirates. Dr. Livesey was the person who found the treasure and then gave the map to Long John Silver. Then he hatched a plot for the crew of Long John Silver. Fially Jim, Ben Gunn, Long John Silver, and Dr. Livesey escape the island.

They all did different kinds of things with there money and lived a comfortable life. Jim’s mother died and Jim stayed with the inn, and ended selling it to an English man.

I liked this book and especially the narraiton by Jim Hawkins. It was an exhilarating read and what I call a "true classic!"

This is a murder mystery by renowned author, Agatha Christie.

'Murder Of Roger Ackroyd' is a quite fascinating book. I mean I do not have words to describe the terrible shock I got at end. Actually being an avid Christie reader, I had always expected an unanticipated ending but this one; this was brilliant, better than all the rest!

The main protagonist and detective, Hercules Poirot and his absurdity has always been a hit with me. I’ve always loved the insanity yet intelligence, rudeness yet humor in him. The narrator, Dr. Shepard, also one who knew most about the crime did not let me, for a moment miss Captain Hastings, the curious but interesting man who has always been an accomplice to Poirot in his cases.

This one also had a humorous edge, which made the novel further more interesting. His description of his sister, Caroline, her always so womanly curious soul and intriguing character, which often irritates him, brought spice to the story.

The beginning of it was with the death of Mrs. Ferrars, who is suspected to kill her husband, followed by the murder of Mr. Roger Ackroyd, a wealthy man but with a miserly nature. The intriguing manner of his death and the suspects keep the plot unfurling with every page. The best part is the totally different manner of thought of the Detective, for which all praises must go to Christie. Poirot studies the human nature and pays attention to the most minute of details thus revealing a thrilling twist in the end!

Oh! No, I will not tell you the name of the murderer, although I am tempted to but I would not spoil the fun for all those who are reading it! Personally, as I said before, I have always thought Christie’s novels have been a bit too long, which at times gets on the nerves, nevertheless it was an absolutely thrilling read!

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