Divya Manian

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Book Reviews for October 2010

October was a month of traveling and being nervous about my talk at Web Directions South, which meant I managed to read very little. But, it was the first time I read Kindle books — Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest — both on the train from Darwin to Adelaide. A review of the Kindle is pending, and hopefully I should put it out soon!

Meanwhile, here are the reviews!

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

I find it so annoying that most books on Kindle cost at least USD10. Luckily, there is a list of popular free books and deservedly Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is listed among the top books. I am amazed this book was popular at the time it was written. I suspect it became so because it was catalogued as a “Children’s book”. It certainly is not just for kids! It is written so well, and Lewis Carroll had a very lively imagination.

The Fourth Bear: A Nursery Crime

I loved Jasper Fforde’s first Thursday Next novel, and The Fourth Bear: A Nursery Crime is adorable too! It is quite silly a story, but has lots of word play and metaphors that delight. If you love funny puns, and metaphors, you should read Jasper Fforde’s books!

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest was the first (and so far the only) book I have purchased on the Kindle. I don’t know why, but the idea of reading Steig Larsson on the train crossing the Australian desert seemed irresistable. I enjoyed reading the first two, this was no different. It all ends quite happily much to my satisfaction. I only wish he was alive to write more books!

Tailor of Panama

Moral of the story for The Tailor of Panama is, Secret Service agents always look for an excuse for conspiracy even when there is none. It is a riveting read, mainly because most of the book rings true (especially when you read declassified information from U.S. or U.K.)

My productivity went for a toss after I discovered Quora, and especially this question. Now I have more books to read — but that should not stop you from suggesting books you found interesting this month in the comments!

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