Bookworm's Choice 1 - Midnight's Children

I began reading Salman Rushdie when I was in college. Despite 'Midnight's Children' being the best of his creations,  I didn't get to read it until after college.  But once I began, there was no keeping it down - literally, until I finished it the first time and even today , the magic that bound me to the book and thereby to it's author are intact.
   I don't intend to summarise it for whoever hasn't read it. But if you are someone who's ready to trust yourself to the narrator and turn a blind eye on the real facts - I assure you that you are in for a really awe-inspiring journey. But to enjoy the experience , you have to let go of any pre-conceived notions or judgements.  You have to believe Salim - the narrator.

And now to my most favourite part - the character I took away from the story.  Salim Sinai. Not because he's the protagonist. But for his famous nose. As a kid ,people have made fun of me for having a nose different from others around me. And if it weren't for Salim and my mother , I would've definitely undergone a rhinoplasty ( nose job) to set it right.

And for Salim's resilience and his ability to put things into perspective.  And most importantly , for prompting me to put my ideas into words/books/papers without fear of being judged.

Bookworm's Choice - introduction

I grew up reading books.  No matter what,  books always held the answers for me.  And they inculcated the habit of writing too. Reading and writing were the twins that helped me steer myself to safety whenever I was in dangerous waters - of loneliness, self- loathing,  friendlessness , depression , quarrels at home and so many other difficult situations that might have made me think of ending this precious life. If there was one name that I never felt bad being called, it was a 'bookworm"

Looking back, I see that some of the books have even shaped me up - in such a way that I sometimes feel like one of the characters. I know that's weird - but weirder is the fact that I'm all the more comfortable feeling that way. In my upcoming posts,  I'm planning to give a summarised account of some of the books that have had a profound impact on me and a brief of that character that I identify myself with. 

New Year Resolutions -2015

I know we are way past the New Year Resolutions Part. But still, I have decided to write this post - more for my benefit as I have a tendency of forgetting or conveniently forgetting my resolutions and hence do not have a reference towards the end of the year to find out if I have actually followed up on any of my resolutions.

Here is my list :

1. I will love myself and will always listen to my intuitions and instincts.

This one is on the top of my list because sometimes I am low on self-esteem. And of all these years in life, this one is very important given the hardships I am going through now. And the second part is meant to block my tendency to seek anyone's advice for even unwanted matters. Not only do I open my mind to a person who has the remotest possibility of turning into a friend, I often tend to base my actions based on the advices I get (some of which are given with a selfish motive).

2. I will try to loose around 10-15kg in this year by exercise and control on food ( I don't like the word 'Diet')

Even though I have been steadily gaining weight in the past 2-3 years, last year was the most devastating one as I gained 10 kg in around 6 months and have not been able to shed even a bit of it. So, now I am obese, looking ugly , can't fit into half of my wardrobe, have gastric problems, and sometimes can't even walk long distances. This is like super-necessary.

3. I will begin and complete a story that has long been on my mind.

I have been an avid reader for almost the last 16 years. And an occasional writer (only in competitions). Now I have a story to tell the world. Even though I am not sure if I would get it published any day, I would definitely like to see it in a notebook.

4. I will gift myself at least 3 books this year.

Over the last 2 years, I did buy some books. But unfortunately for me, those are no longer with me. According to me, being a bibliophile is not only about reading as many books as possible, but also on acquiring a few of them. And if I am to follow any of the indications until now, most of my friends have no idea of buying me a book. So, I do it myself.

I have set only 4 of these because, I want my resolutions to be achievable. And let's hope I do. Have a great year everyone.