Posts in Books & Reading

MID YEAR WRAP UP 2018 – Best & Worst Books So Far

Books & Reading

If we are being completely honest with each other, I am not having a very good year in terms of reading. Half way through 2018, it would only be appropriate to execute a mid-yearly, reading wrap-up and shed some light on the hits and the misses.

It is June 18, 2018 today and so far I’ve managed to read 29 books which is my standard average each year. I strive to read at least 30 books by the time June closes and then look forward to another 30 during the colder months.

Summer is in full swing but it has never been my peak-reading-season, partially because it is associated with beach reads, and chick literature and I cannot get my head around the genre. Although one can opt for other genres but I prefer to keep my favorite (Mysteries & Murder Mysteries) for the second half of the year but this year, I did find my preference for the blazing sun, suburban books. Small town – everything is not what it seems kind of stories.

Time to rewind…

Best Books of 2018 so Far

Autumn (Seasonal #1) by Ali Smith

Fist installment of a quartet by Ali Smith, I began my reading year (literally) with Autumn and it was gorgeous with a capital G. If you prefer to read more of a linear plot then look away this one is not for you as it is multi-layered and talks about everything from love to friendship and from art to ageing. This is considered to be one of the first Brexit books and does focus on the geo-political atmosphere of our times – if that isn’t your cup of tea, you might want to skip this entirely.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BdaIKDtlmZL/

The novel moves back and forth between past and present and indulges in the friendship between a little girl, Elisabeth (with an S) Demand (from the French, Du Monde) and elderly gentlemen, Daniel. At first you have no idea what is going on or what you are reading. It took me almost half the book to get a grip on the symbolism and requires a bit patience and perseverance from the reader. But once you are committed, you will be face to face with a potent story of changing times, growing old, art and discovering feminism. If you are into British Pop Art, you will absolutely devour this book!

I gave this book 3.5 stars and at the risk of sounding criminal, I think this is more like Wuthering Heights, one time isn’t enough to understand its true beauty. I think you’ve give it due time to let it sink in while peeling each layer with great sympathy and honor.

Publisher: Penguin
Available in Pakistan

Ghachar Ghochar by Vivek Shanbhag & Translated by Srinath Perur

Up next we’ve a book by Vivek Shanbhag that blew my mind from the word go! I discovered this treasure cove thanks to Ariel Bissett and I am so grateful to have this in my collection. It explores the journey of a close-knit family from nothing to everything and in no time at all.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BedB4j0FOuk/

First published in 2013 in the South Indian language of Kannada and with only 115 pages this book is a powerhouse dealing with money and how it runs through our veins like blood, affecting each and every thread of our very existence.

It’s all Ghachar Ghochar – a tangled mess and as a reader I found the mess quite enthralling. This story is told from one of the family member’s point of view, which remains unnamed throughout the book, and recollects his thoughts in a single day at a local coffee house in modern-day India.

If you are into short but powerful stories, this one is definitely for you. I gave it 5 stars and here’s hoping you’ll be inclined to pick this one as your next read.

Publisher: Harper Perennial
Available in Pakistan

Crazy Rich Asians (Crazy Rich Asians #1) by Kevin Kwan

As I mentioned earlier, I am not into ‘chick literature’, I cannot stand female friendships and the drama that surrounds these relationships, but did Kevin Kwan took me by surprise or what?! This book is addictive and downright dramatic, if you enjoy family dramas and the entire gossip central then this is for you.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BihFPUhnjV7

It was rib-tickling from page 1 and gets you hooked like some aunt at a wedding who just unearthed a filthy secret about the bride. You will find yourself among filthy, rich Asian families in Singapore with priceless jewels, extravagant backdrops and soiled secrets plus a couple of sordid escapades here and there as well. Over 400 pages but you will find yourself hungry for more as soon as you hit the last page. Thank God for squeals, right?

The book-to-movie adaption is ready to hit the theatres in August but I implore you to read the book first, trust me, the trailer says it all, they destroyed the book. How can Kevin stand to see such a disaster? But I guess this is a debate for another day.

I went with 5 stars for this one as well and if you are looking for a funny book and some light literature, make sure this is your seasonal pick. You can thank me later on Twitter perhaps!

Publisher: Corvus
Available in Pakistan

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

OH My Lord! I can finally talk about this book!

When you wait to get your hands on a book for over 12 months there is a certain kind of expectation that grows and this book made sure I was delighted to my very core. In the last year or so, whosoever has read this book has waxed lyrical about it and I am about to do the same.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjMzy_BlCNS/

Small-town plots and politics seem to be my beach reads for the season, Little Fires Everywhere is packed with vibrant and vivid characters that make it very easy to connect with, and quite possibly be horrifying as well. You will find yourself amongst situations that are too close to reality for your own good. With a backdrop of child adoption this books takes you through many upheavals of society and makes you question your choices at each turn. And as a surprise, a small mystery at its heart left me smitten with her words.

The author writes with great empathy making it raw and all the more convincing. If you are looking for a story that delves into the intricacies of love, sacrifice and resolve then this will be surely a treat. I gave this one 5 stars and very much excited to read Ng’s other novel, Everything I Never Told You.

Publisher: Abacus
(Finally) Available in Pakistan

Holding by Graham Norton

Another small-town setting and a village guard who has to plough through heaps, and heaps of gossip to uncover answers that just might save his career and his life.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi9Z_uTFiHG/

I was pleasantly surprised by Graham Norton with this one and did not expect beautiful narration of troubled relationships of this remote, Irish town. If you are looking for a book that is driven entirely by characters then this is the read for you. You will find the suspense to be a little off but nonetheless the characters will ensure your attention throughout.

Although this is an easy, one-sitting book, at times, it does get dark but the brooding atmosphere does not take from the overall enjoyment. Holding makes for an excellent ‘book club’ read as there is plenty to revel about and cook up conjectures along the way. I went with 4 stars.

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Available in Pakistan

One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus

I just finished reading this book and was delighted to see young adult fiction talking more about than just soul mates and coming of age milieu.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkC99U8lAzM/

This is basically a murder mystery set in a high-school with four suspects who are about to discover more than just the truth. The author did something incredible with stereotypical high-school characters and gave them substance. I cannot talk more about the book without ruining the plot but I will say this – considering the turbulent times we are experiencing makes One of Us Is Lying a truly relevant and addictive read.

If this book turns into a TV show, it will be ruling charts and hearts alike. I gave it 4 stars. And also this one is perfect for weekend-binge-reading!

Publisher: Delacorte Press
Available in Pakistan

Unfortunately, other than these mentioned titles, I was left with many good but mediocre books and if you are still reading this, I think it is only wise to talk about a couple others that left me speechless and not in a good way.

Worst Books of 2018 so Far

Parker Pyne Investigates by Agatha Christie

I never thought I’d be alive to see this author under this sub-heading but sadly Christie left me no choice.
I am going to make it short and unpleasant; bland plot-lines, bored characters and a dishonest protagonist makes this for a disappointing read. Period!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Be-yr5VlwUo/

Publisher: Harper Collins and/or Fontana
Available in Pakistan (Mine is a Pre-loved Copy)

Artemis by Andy Weir

I never knew disappointment like Artemis before and that is just sad. After The Martian, I anticipated science and space, and all I found was welding, some more welding and an annoying protagonist. And don’t even get me started on the forced and unnecessary details.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BgL2WURnTI-/

Publisher: Del Rey
Available in Pakistan

And that’s all folks!

Here’s hoping for a more exciting and enlightening second-half of 2018 preferably with some memorable books. Until then…

Happy Reading!

#KHIBookSwap – My Baby Turns 2!

Books & Reading
Dear Readers,

Not long ago, I moved back to my country in search of a new life and a new dream. With my aspirations, traveled my love of the written word as well and I found myself lost amidst of writers, bloggers, photographers, painters and musicians. Not that I had any problems with any of them but what my heart desired was nowhere to be found.

A sanctuary where the written word was adored and perhaps even worshiped! I was in search of a “Book Club” to quench my thirst of like-minded individuals who were as crazy as I was for reading. But none even came close. And then entered Farman Shams, the man who would one day – be the father to my safe haven. Together Farman and I laid the foundation to “KHI Book Swap” as Pakistan’s first ever book swapping book club and promised each other a lifetime of “Doing Books”.



On August 16, 2014, Farman and I hosted our club’s first ever meeting (monthly meet) and let’s just say it did not start on a good note but little did we know that it was the start of something sweet and something luminous. It’s been two (02) exciting years of “KHI Book Swap” where every month we find ourselves surrounded by bookworms, bibliophiles and hardcore readers. I have actually found a few friends for life all thanks to this cozy, little book club of ours. Farman and I have been pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming response from many cities in the country. Often we receive queries in regard to our book club, it’s policies etc.
Allow me to narrate a comprehensive outlook regarding my baby.

If you are still reading this means you are clearly interested in becoming a part of our book club.

So here is the deal, our book club is stationed or in other words has its headquarters in Karachi. We do not have any (yet) branches, associations or affiliations with anyone or any other club/body/organization/group in any other city of the country. 

You can easily find us online including on a number of popular social media networks. We are currently active on three (03) social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. On Facebook you will find an official page to the establishment as well as a Group where you can join from anywhere in the country. The group is open to interested members from all corners of the globe. Each month we announce our “Genre of the Month” or “Selection of the Month” for all our (national and international) members. These titles are then discussed during our upcoming monthly meet. For members in other cities, we usually carry out a number of discussions on the group itself. You are most welcome to join the conversation, and discover new books, meet readers and talk about latest news from the publishing world. 

Once in a month, members available in Karachi get together and vent out on the selection in-question. The meets are usually accompanied with food and a ton of never ending “book talk”. We are more or less cutting each other sentences and that is perhaps the best part of our book club. Each one of us is more than just enthusiastic and just wants to ‘do books’ – which of course is what our motto. The online group is strictly moderated by both of us (Myself and Farman Shams) not to mention membership is only confirmed once you sign up with our online form presented to you when you join. The book club also harbors a WhatsApp presence but the WhatsApp Group is open only to active members. The criterion for entry is attendance of a minimum three (03) monthly meets. There is no such eligibility criterion for club membership itself however participation is highly encouraged for continued association.

Enough of boring policy-talk!

This book club came into existence because Farman and I love reading, we are obsessed with books and there lies the philosophy to the establishment. I never intended to organize a ‘meet-up’ or a gathering of sorts. My partner and I have always been very clear on how we want our club to function.

We all read.
And we all talk about books.

As simple as that! Period. 

We do not engage in any kind of frivolities outside the reading world. This book club is not a business to me. It’s our baby and we nurture it the same. And two (02) years down the line with over a hundred (100) members we are proud to be known as a “real book club”. 

Farman has been instrumental in the operations of the book club from day one and without him one cannot even imagine #KHIBookSwap.

His patience with my unconventional approach and adrenaline-driven ideas deserves all the gratitude in the world. And I’d like to take this moment to thank the daddy of my baby for being so gracious and cool-headed with me during all this time! 

If you like ‘reading’ then I assure you this is the place for you. Share, talk, vent out, and debate – as long as you read – you are welcome to our paradise.

And guess what? This August 16th, my Baby will turn 2! Farman and I are completely ecstatic and we intend to celebrate this glorious moment with all our active members. A grand celebration is under the wraps right now and will be unveiled shortly.

We hope to see you on our next monthly meet and share your passion of the written word!

P.S. My baby is turning 2 and I have the #MommyFeels 24/7! 

An English Orgasm: British Council Library in Karachi

Books & Reading 4 Comments

I am not a Virgin anymore. And it was GOOD!

Well, I actually had my first time today in the morning at 11:10 AM to be exact right in the middle of the city in broad daylight and I cannot even begin to tell you how magical it was.

Today, I visited a Library for the first time in Pakistan and it was like I was taken, feasted upon, consumed and left for wanting more! True to my form, I did books and it was all just too orgasmic for words.

Did you know fifteen years ago, the British Council in Pakistan closed down the ‘British Council Library’? (Thank God they decided otherwise or else I would still be a Virgin). After a long break, the British Council is re-opening its libraries in Karachi and Lahore. The Library in Karachi will be opened for public from Thursday, July 21, 2016. I was amongst those lucky few who got invited by the team for an exclusive pre-opening tour and boy was it good or what.

 

The first thing you need to do if you wish to visit the ‘Karachi Library’ is reach British Council, Shahrah-e-Iran, Clifton, Karachi. After a very thorough security clearance, you will be escorted inside to a place; I would like to refer to from hereon as ‘Nirvana’. The minute you find yourself enveloped my impeccable lighting, uplifting ottomans and eatable shelves you know you are in the right place. I am not going to talk about the architecture of the building well because am not qualified enough but let me tell you one thing, it was all – what’s that word, I am looking for – I am inclined to say ‘debonair’. Yes, it was ‘that’ smart.

Our tour guide for the day was one of the two Library Managers – Rabeea Arif and together with the Library and Information Services Advisor – Gayle Franklin, we were introduced to this awesome piece of machinery by Bibliotheca which is basically a self-service, one-stop solution. And yes there will be no Librarian behind a desk in the Library, you choose your selections, place the card, follow a simple three step, hassle-free process and voila you get to walk home with literary beauties. Not to mention you get receipts too when you return the books which is just so awesome, I mean come on at the end of the year, you’d know exactly how many books you read from the Library. Now if that isn’t cute, I don’t know what is!

 

Next we were taken on the floor (I mean literally – I was soooooo taken on the floor) where the magic happens (not to mention The ‘Grey’ coloured carpet added to the entire euphoria). The “Karachi Library” currently houses 12,000 books spanning over 20 genres whereby new titles will be curated every single month. You know that every single book that has been going around on ‘Book Tube’ or the book you are dying to read thanks to ‘Bookstagram’, all that and more is now accessible thanks to the British Council Library. The stock in both the cities (Karachi and Lahore) is mirrored and you can find the same book in any region in the country. One can check out up to 6 books and 4 DVDs at a time and even request an additional week using the online portal.

The library is equipped with over 40 iPads and over 15 desktop stations that provide unlimited access to the British Council Digital Library comprising of thousands of e-books, audiobooks, e-magazines and newspapers. One can also access over 15000 academic research journals including JSTOR. And let’s not forget a collection of films and theatre performances available just a click away.

The library at the moment comes with two study halls lovingly named after the two greats: Syed Sadequain Ahmed Naqvi and Road Dahl – I love how they acknowledged both ends of the ocean.

 

The children’s section is too adorable – I was totally tempted to lie down and cuddle with a childhood favourite – Matilda. But please note children under the age of 11 are not permitted inside the library without adult supervision.

 

The library is also equipped with an auditorium that can easily accommodate a hundred people which I am certain will be hosting many future literary events.

 

One awesome feature of the library, almost all the book shelves are on wheels, If I ever decide to plan a library heist, it will be so easy to boost the shelves up the truck! (V, I am talking to you here). Did I mention there was a copy of ‘The Bookshop Book’ by Jen Campbell which I was tempted to snag (The minute the British Council reads this – they are so putting me on their blacklist =P).

Feel like taking a break from your paperback? Air hockey, Fussball, Scrabble, Chess and more all available on this neat Digital Table with a especially designed OS just for British Council:

 

Next to the main floor is a beautiful courtyard which is perfect for performances, gatherings and even movie screenings. I can totally envision an enactment of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ under a starry, September sky. And yes I insist on penning the screenplay and playing ‘Helena’. Across the courtyard is an exclusive branch of N’eco’s Natural Store & Café with an ideal menu to soothe your tummy whilst you soothe your senses with all the scrumptious book-talk.

The management currently offers 3 different membership packages:

– Individual Membership for PKR 6000.00
– Family Membership for PKR 15000.00
– Digital Membership for PKR 3500.00

Upon my query in regard to inviting a guest over – the management hopes to establish a nominal fee for non-members for a one-time visit but noting of this sort is currently operational. Memberships will be open from August 2016 and I have already filled my form for the same.

Throughout the tour the second team of officials Aziz B. – Library Manager and Humera Fatima – Library and Information Services Advisor were extremely helpful. Humyra and I shared a heartfelt conversation regarding Jojo Moyes too (you know what I am talking about) and she has convinced me to give the author a second try with one specific title.

The sight of those books have left me a little ‘useless’ today and thus I am unable to put across my love for this establishment. I am so happy that even if it is on the other side of the bridge, an actual library in my city is now fully functional. A decade after I moved back to my country, I am now able to procure books at an affordable bend and not worry about a pocket dent. And I cannot wait to host my book club – KHI Book Swap’s next monthly meet at this wonderfully enriching abode!

 

Besides they chose to put one of my favourite quotes from Harry Potter up on the wall. And you dare ask me to feel realistically about the place??!!

If my blabber wasn’t enough – you can also contact the team at [email protected] for more.

P.S – The new library website will be launched by the end of this week and I will update my post accordingly. I suggest – Watch this space!

 

My Top Ten Books of 2015

Books & Reading

It is that time of the year folks when I reveal my top reads of the year and keeping with the tradition, I am picking out my 10 favourite titles from my reading year.

And as always the following books are in no particular order. So, let’s get into it! I read a total of 65 books in 2015 accumulating to 18,394 pages (Source: Goodreads) and my first pick from the year is definitely ‘Redshirts’ by John Scalzi. This book was witty, clever and completely unpredictable. You will never know what hit you and I was taken aback by its smart plot. It is basically a science fiction and fantasy combined into a unique format that will leave you shocked but in a good way.

Next is the latest book by one of my favourite authors, ‘Canary’ by Duane Swierczynski. And once again he managed to charm the hell out of me, I was able to get my hands on an advance readers’ copy and I was blown by the sheer simplicity of the plot weaved into complex characters. You will question every move throughout the book and the ‘almost romance’ scenes are just too beautiful for words! An ideal contemporary thriller from Philadelphia!

My next pick was something, I was convinced, I was not going to enjoy but I did and a lot. My days of Chick-Literature ended with my University days and now I am unable to digest them. But ‘Smart Girls Get What They Want’ by Sarah Strohmeyer was a fresh surprise. I was able to immediately relate to the main character because I could understand her teen years’ angst and I will gladly recommend it to any girl of my age because of its brilliant storyline.

Next in line is a spooky book called ‘Your Heart Belong to Me’ by Dean Koontz. This was my first Koontz read and I actually loved it. The book is not to be read alone at night but the genius of it will not let you put the book down. I am actually confused as to why I liked it so much but I am going to stick to my review and recommend it to all suspense lovers.

Up next is ‘Eleanor & Park’ by Rainbow Rowell. I have yet to meet a person who read this book and did not like it. I enjoyed the plot and the story-build myself but its ending just took my heart away. It is a beautiful coming-of-age story with realistic characters you can relate to and at once grow a liking for them.

The next book is a very predictable name in the list and this is ‘The Girl on the Train’ by Paula Hawkins. This was probably the most talked book in 2015 and people termed it as the “Gone Girl of this Year”. I beg to differ, I thoroughly enjoyed it but it stands nowhere near Ms. Flynn’s book. You will enjoy this read to the very last page and it also makes a wonderful present.

‘Death on the Nile’ by Agatha Christie has managed to find a place amongst my all-time favourite reads. If it is a book by the ‘Queen of Crime’, I am bound to enjoy but this one was special owing to its Egypt background and fantastic build up to the climax. I actually knew who was behind it all but Christie makes you question even your strongest instincts. And my beloved Hercule Poirot was as always, simply magnifique!

A great, big thank you to E. L. James for penning Grey! I have always told my best friend that ‘The Fifty Shades of Grey’ was more of a Christian Story than of Ana Steele and James proved me right. Grey was intense, humane and just thoroughly entertaining. Reading Christian’s perspective was far more insightful than Ana’s for sure.

Another Agatha Christie mystery swept me off my feet this year, ‘The Mysterious Affair at Styles’ also happens to be Hercule Poirot’s first appearance as the Belgian Detective. Poirot’s inquest was ingenious as usual and the loveable Hastings was delightfully vivid. If you are in the mood for a quintessential ‘whodunit’ then go for this masterpiece!

My last book of the year is also my last top read of the year, ‘Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm’ by Kate Douglas Wiggin. Everyone who knows me knows my favourite classic is ‘Animal Farm’ and I intend to make the whole word read it but this one has certainly has become the book, I will gift my daughter when she turns 12. It is an exemplary American Literature that every girl needs to read while group up!

P.S – I have a fever and a bad case of dry cough. Pardon if you found this blog piece, extremely boring and hushed.

And as always, Happy Reading to You!

Fifty Shades Deeper: Why I Support A Dirty Book

Books & Reading 6 Comments

Last week, a significant part of the reading world, celebrated the much-loved, Banned Books Week. I did too (This year I read, The Kite Runner by Khalid Hosseini) and involved my entire book club, #KHIBookSwap in support of the movement.

When we speak about banned books, one name seems to particularly surface often than others and not because of the explicit content but its general perception. If I had a penny for everyone I knew who hated the Fifty Shades of Grey Trilogy by E.L. James, well let’s just say, I would have been a self-published author by now.

Since the year (2012) I fell in love with these books, I have faced nothing but criticism and judgment. People, who know me quite well, apparently did not expect me to be this vile to like these books. Seemingly, it is ‘inhumane’ of me to even speak of this trilogy let alone recommend it to others. I have battled in my very own book club to make my fellow members understand the books but alas! All was in vain. Thus I have taken the responsibility to either convince all you critics out there or shush you up for good!

If you are expecting, a decent, dignified and healthy debate, please turn away. I am going to get very graphic here. (You have been warned).

Let’s take this piece by piece, I will answer all the questions and remarks thrown at me over the years concerning the books:

Question/Remark/Comment: This is not Literature. It’s porn! I could not even finish the first book.

My Reply: Oh Really! Well if this is porn, then were all the Sidney Sheldon, Judith McNaught and Julie Garwood Religious Scriptures?! If Sheldon gags a woman with a tie, that’s romance and if James ties a woman with the same bloody tie, its porn? If you had the guts to finish the first book, you would know where the book is leading to. If you spent all your University years, reading Sheldon at night (and messaging your boyfriend simultaneously) then you are no one to call a book indecent without having it read completely!

Question/Remark/Comment: This book is offensive and abusive to women!

My Reply: If you weren’t scared of people judging you, you would have the gourmands to finish the damn book and see how the story depicts the patience of a woman and when it goes against her respect; she stands up and walks out on the man she claims to be in love. The book is not written to degrade women, it is crafted to show how strong women actually are. If you weren’t too caught in the following the damn crowd, you would have read the books yourself and discovered just how strong Ana’s character is!

Question/Remark/Comment: How can you allow yourself to be controlled by a man like this?

My Reply: Ha Ha says the girl who now observes Hijab just cause her boyfriend says so! Know about the concept of “Inner Goddess”. Google it. It’s not porn. It’s human psychology. When you willing submit to your beloved and in turn release your inner power and strength; E L James just portrayed your “Unke Liye” or “Unhoon Ne Kaha Hai” into more of a graphic representation and now you call it controlling? If you think, adorning yourself with his favourite color is love then why the hell can she not express her love but submitting to his desires? You love it when your possessive guy, asks you about your day and all the people you met? When you text message your guy each time you use the loo, would you not consider that controlling? Oh! Wait, according to you, that’s out of love, well she telling him that she is leaving the state to meet her mother is also out of love!!!

Question/Remark/Comment: All they do is have sex. How can someone be so sick?

My Reply: Well it is far better than your boyfriend jerking off to text messages. Grow up! Christian Grey is rich; he has the means to buy a room so they do it in a hotel! And you whine about it because your boyfriend hardly has mobile-credit money. When you have to share one burger and one drink at McDonald’s just so you will have a place to sit, talk and hold hands, isn’t that a little desperate? So please deal with it. When someone who has a job and makes moola will date you, they too will take you on luxurious trysts. There is a line between needs and the means to acquire those needs. You have yet to experience the other side. That’s all! Besides, I think, dressing up for the movies is sick. I mean, what the hell girls, stilettos, red lips and opened tresses for Atrium Mall? Jeezzzzz!!! Attracting stares at the movie complex is the real sickening act.

Question/Remark/Comment: Christian Grey does not love her. He just wants to fuck her!

My Reply: Isn’t that better than your boyfriend of 4 years calling it off because he cannot marry against his mother’s consent? Christian never pretended to be something he is not. (Well you would know that if you had the balls to read the damn book) Ana knew of his intentions from day one. In fact he loved her so much that he completely changed for her. He married her! Girls, are you reading this? Christian Grey fought for Ana Steele, pursued her, convinced her of his love and married her!!! Do you really find FSOG offensive are you just jealous because you never got your ‘Happy Ending’?

Question/Remark/Comment: The book is filled with BDSM [bondage and discipline (B&D), dominance and submission (D&S), and sadism & masochism (S&M)]. It is repulsive and demeaning.

My Reply: I have witnessed a selection of misinterpretations about Ana and Christian’s supposedly abusive relationship as well as the expected criticism of the trilogy’s inherently salacious nature. But I have never come across the same girl, sharing her fantasies or boyfriend’s naughty text messages. Here is a new bulletin for all those girls: Every guy is into BDSM, the only thing that separates them from Christian Grey is the means to actually afford a place and the toys! Every man has deep, dark and dirty fantasies, he is just too much a pansy to actually admit them out loud.

Question/Remark/Comment: A book of such nature should not even get published!

My Reply: So you are saying, “Breathing Underwater” by Alex Flinn to “A Child Called ‘It’” by Dave Pelzer to “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky, all of these should have never been published either? But no – to you people all of these titles are literary masterpieces!

I can literally go on and on, I have been bombarded by such critique for years and all I request the knockers is to allow yourself a chance to read the bloody books before you make an opinion. After having read the books, if you still do not like them that is when I will respect your verdict but please do not judge the book just because you heard someone telling you, he beats her with a crop in it.

I too myself have one problem with the entire series, if I ever meet James in person; I will surely tell her that all the books and just not “Grey” should have been told by Christian’s perfective because yes I support feminism but this was in reality the transformation of an autocratic billionaire who soon was on his knees to be with the woman he loved.

I always say this and will continue to utter: This is a modern-day love story. A love story of a man and a woman fighting for an unrealistic relationship, a story with cars, mobile phones and laptops, a story of a man falling in love against his basic instincts and a story of a woman who had to choose between her love and her self-respect.

What is so horrible about that?
Believe it or not, we experience the same every single day! (May be just with less money and without a red room) When he does not take time out for your special day because he has a Boys-Night-Out, believe me girls that is more degrading then him sharing his sexual desires with you inside his-self-paid-hotel-room! Whether you wish to join him in his fantasies or not is entirely your decision but at least learn to have an opinion and not follow the crowd blindly.

“I am a Rebel Reader”

Books & Reading

I live in a free country.

Most of us do.

And that is something that should never be taken for granted. However at times we come across certain occurrences that leave you to question freedom itself.

I am not here to talk to about issues like freedom of speech or the freedom to choose your government but something even more grave and that my folks is the ‘Freedom to Read’. I mean if I cannot read what I want then what the hell am I to do in life?

The national book community in the United States of America decided to recognize ‘challenged books’ and created the initiative to support the ‘Freedom to Read’ under the name of ‘Banned Books Week’.

Banned Books Week is a nationwide promotion by the American Library Association (ALA) in collaboration with many other sponsors like AAP, ABFE, NCTE who have tried to draw attention to such censorship, and condemn it. I have always taken part of this movement whilst sitting in Pakistan and read banned books during the term designated each year. This year I involved my book club, #KHIBookSwap to join in and celebrate the banned books week.

Now let’s get personal people, I for one have had a very strong relationship with banned books. And yes, I consider myself, a rebel reader.

You see Mousier, Le fruit défendu est le doux!
And by that I mean: The forbidden fruit tastes the sweetest my friend!

Some of my all-time favorite books have been banned since their publication including Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, Animal Farm, The Scarlet Letter and the Fifty Shades of Grey.

Yeah, I read about SEX and liked it, get over it! (I am going to write a whole another post as to why girls pretend to hate FSOG and exactly why these are the girls who doll up for the theatre.! Ohhh Yes I will!!!)

Well getting back to our topic of discussion today. Banned Books!

Some of us would definitely like to see FSOG banned for good but why on earth would someone ban Harry Potter? Am I right? Well today, I am here to explain to you the grounds on which some of our beloved titles were banned upon their release. I am going to make this easy by enlisting the latest list of challenged books that the ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) created based on reports from libraries, schools, and the media on attempts to ban books in communities across the country. (And yes the following list is authentic!)

It’s not always sex or obscene language that leads to a ban, many times, traditions, customs and even something as valuable as viewpoints that cause such an uproar.

The top ten most frequently challenged books of 2014 include:

1) The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Reasons: anti-family, cultural insensitivity, drugs/alcohol/smoking, gambling, offensive language, sex education, sexually explicit, unsuited for age group, violence. Additional reasons: “depictions of bullying”.

2) Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
Reasons: gambling, offensive language, political viewpoint. Additional reasons: “politically, racially, and socially offensive,” “graphic depictions”.

3) And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
Reasons: Anti-family, homosexuality, political viewpoint, religious viewpoint, unsuited for age group. Additional reasons: “promotes the homosexual agenda”.

4) The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Reasons: Sexually explicit, unsuited for age group. Additional reasons: “contains controversial issues”.

5) It’s Perfectly Normal by Robie Harris
Reasons: Nudity, sex education, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group. Additional reasons: “alleges it child pornography”.

6) Saga by Brian Vaughan and Fiona Staples
Reasons: Anti-Family, nudity, offensive language, sexually explicit, and unsuited for age group. Additional reasons: unsolicited.

7) The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Reasons: Offensive language, unsuited to age group, violence.

8) The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Reasons: drugs/alcohol/smoking, homosexuality, offensive language, sexually explicit, unsuited for age group. Additional reasons: “date rape and masturbation”.

9) A Stolen Life by Jaycee Dugard
Reasons: drugs/alcohol/smoking, offensive language, sexually explicit, and unsuited for age group.

10) Drama by Raina Telgemeier
Reasons: sexually explicit.

Well, I guess SEX and NUDITY make most of the list, ehhh?
Ban the books will you?
Why not ban the multi-billion dollar porn industry first???

Jealousy I tell you. Jealousy.
They know.
Readers rule the world.

So to show them that we will not be played to their ruse, let’s pick up a banned book this week, and read all the dirty scenes over and over and over and overrrrrr! 😉 *seductive voice*

5 Books by Paulo Coelho that should be on your Booklist

Books & Reading

Paulo Coelho is a celebrated author of some of the most inspiring tales. He was born in Brazil on 24th, August, 1947. He had a very turbulent childhood and was a defiant teenager so his parents sent him to an asylum thrice. As Coelho reached the age of 38, he experienced a spiritual awakening while journeying through Spain. However, one book that created a frenzy in the literature circles was The Alchemist. The book nearly sold thirty five million copies worldwide.

Here, we have compiled a list of top 5 most inspiring and poignant books penned by Paulo Coelho. If you are interested to purchase these books, they are available exclusively at a trusted online marketplace.

1) Eleven Minutes

Eleven Minutes is based on the story of a youthful prostitute called Maria, whose first encounter with love leaves her brokenhearted. At a very tender age, she realizes that she will never be able to find love that will last forever. Then a stroke of luck takes her to Geneva, where she dreams of making a fortune and becoming famous yet she ends up as a prostitute. The protagonist then faces a dilemma, she has to choose between following a destructive path of sexual pleasure, or risking everything she has for the mere possibility of a type of sacred sex.

2) By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept

This is a heart wrenching story about a woman and her voyage to find herself. Pilar is the name of the protagonist who reunites with her childhood friend who has spent the last decade of his life journeying around the world, where he learns about different cultures and religions. He tries to enlighten Pilar with the knowledge he has acquired over the years. It is a poetic story of transformation of Pilar. This journey that Pilar and her friend undertake is filled with resentment, difficulties and demon of blame.

3) The Fifth Mountain

For a truly electrifying reading experience, The Fifth Mountain should definitely be on your reading list. In this book Coelho retells the tale of Prophet Elijah who had to flee from Israel. He falls in love with a widow in Zarephath. As the story unfolds, Elijah’s new found love and dreams are cut short. It is an incredible work of historical fiction where Paulo Coelho discovers the issues of faith that are relevant in the present century as well as in the 9th century B.C.

4) Inspirations by Paulo Coelho

There is no doubt that Paulo Coelho is the most loved story teller. In this book he has selected some of his personal favorite pieces from the literary classics. The author displays amazing skill in formatting the collection into four distinct substances that are eternal and uncreated: Water, Air, Fire and Earth. This books includes classics from inspiring authors including, Oscar Wilde, Mary Shelley, Christian Andersen and D.H. Lawrence.

5) Manual of the Warrior of the Light

Paulo Coelho is the most distinguished storyteller of our time. With Manual of the Warrior of Light, he has presented a unique selection of philosophical tales that will excite the true readers everywhere. Every passage that the author has penned down invites the reader to embrace the life with all its uncertainties, to fulfill their destiny and to live out their dreams.

Disclaimer: The above article is not penned by Ifrah Waqar. It is a collaboration between kaymu.pk and the blog in-question.

Top Ten Books for 2014

Books & Reading

I read a total of 55 books this year and some of them were absolutely remarkable so in line with tradition and without any further delay, presenting my top ten titles for 2014. These are not in any specific order, so here goes!

Oh! One more thing: These have not necessarily published this year just the ones I read this year.

My book year certainly started on a high note, and one of my first books has made it to my top list: The Case of the Deadly Butter Chicken by Tarquin Hall. A Vish Puri mystery number three packed with references from PCB, BCCI, IPL, Pakistani and Indian Cricket players etc which made it all the more interesting for me as I work in the Athlete Management Industry. And please, who would not want to read a book with Butter Chicken in the title, I mean, right? This was an accidental find and I am so glad I did. If you know me at all then you know mystery is my favorite genre to read. I would love to read the remaining Vish Puri mysteries and hopefully soon.

Paper Towns by John Green gained the status of my favorite Green Novel this year. Did I mention the movie adaption production just got complete? I know, I know, TFiOS fans are going mad at the moment, well to be honest, it was a wonderfully heart-wrenching book but for me, Paper Towns did it. And don’t worry; nobody dies in this book, well not technically. And no, I did not spoil the book for you!

Fans of Cormoran Strike will surely include The Silkworm (Cormoran Strike, #2) by Robert Galbraith (J. K. Rowling) in their top favorite books from this year and I am no different. I thoroughly enjoyed The Cuckoo’s Calling but this one tops it all. A much more hard-core murder mystery with Rowling’s impeccable writing style made this one a definite keeper.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn was a psychological roller-coaster and deserves all the acclaim it received. You will not be able to put this one done. And I am glad, Flynn penned the screenplay for the movie adaption, it made all the right difference. The book is surely going to take you to your ‘dark places’ (which by the way is another novel by the same author). If you are looking for a fast-paced thriller to curl up on New Year’s Eve, make it this one.

The next three books make up the Charlie Hardie Trilogy by Duane Swierczynski and can I just say, Wow!!! Fun and Games, Hell and Gone, and Point and Shoot together make up this pulp-fiction extravaganza, perfect if you are into cult-crime fiction. I was lucky enough to marathon through the three books back-to-back over a long holiday here in Pakistan and boy did Mr. Swierczynski sweep me off my feet or what! *fans herself* He now sits comfortably with my other favorite authors (Orwell, Coelho and James). You must, must get your hands on these books and you must, must like them or you and I can have some serious problems. Also each chapter starts with a quote from a movie, you must have grown up watching and it will surely set the tone for the entire chapter.

I know there are many fans of The Bastard of Istanbul and Forty Rule of Love by Elif Shafak out there and I also praise these works of literature but Shafak never connected to me until this year. I was not planning to read The Architect’s Apprentice, I picked it up because my late brother wanted to be an Architect and the book reminded of me him. I was delightfully surprised; the book totally spoke to me. If you are into the whole loyalty-business then this book is for you. It also comes with these magnificent epigraphs that took my breath away. Lots of exotic characters and a spell-binding plot will make this for a warm-read this and many future winters.

Mad Women: The Other Side of Life on Madison Avenue in the ’60s and Beyond by Jane Maas certainly knew how to get me emotional and laugh-out-loud at the same time. This book is special to me professionally as well, as it reminds me of many anecdotes of my life as a Copy Writer. If you are a fan of the popular TV show, Mad Men and if you are a Woman then this book is for you. If you are into advertising then this book is for you. In a nut shell, if you are working woman in this wicked world of men then this book is for you!

Hold on a second, folks!

Are you under the impression that my list will not be containing a book by Paulo Coelho?

Silly. That is so silly. (Pardon my FRIENDS reference. Some of you will not find this funny at all).

Adultery by Paulo Coelho continued to augment my love for his writing. It was like by some strange, magical miracle, Coelho understood what women want and how they feel about love. As a woman, you will not deny a single word in this book and you will be forced to reconsider your ways. This book has managed to enchant millions worldwide, don’t hold back, let it go, enter this realm and stay.

I hope my list gave you a few suggestions for the New Year. I am not at all into conventional book reviews and serious, literary type of articles, pardon me if my nonsense humor did not tickle your funny bone.

Wait. I take that back.

Am not actually sorry. =P

I hope my ‘silly’ review was able to make you at least read one of the 10. I’ll consider my job, done.

Follow me on Twitter and Instagram for more Book Magic.

BOOK REVIEW – Dont Lose Out, Work Out!

Books & Reading

The brains behind Kareena Kapoor’s size-zero figure; Rujuta Diwekar is back in the news with her third book, Don’t Lose Out, Work Out! And boy was it a read or what especially when I spent half of my life ‘assuming’ I don’t need to work out owing to my slim and slender body shape. *clears throat*

The book starts with the ‘Maut aur tatti kabhi bhi aa sakti hai’ punch and leads to a fitness journey filled with much of Indo-Pak lingo reeling you in even if you have no previous knowledge on the subject. The Mumbaiya-language in a book based on an international subject was surprisingly refreshing and provided a one-on-one experience to the reader. I felt I was talking to my instructor before starting a gym/yoga/swimming/running regime throughout the book.

In the book, Diwekar basically decodes the science behind fitness, health and nutrition. 15 years of knowledge and experience has come together in one publication and is aimed at making people understand the difference between going to the gym and leading a healthy lifestyle. The book is divided into 6 chapters starting with a prologue necessary to bring yourself into a position where you can not only motivate but also commit yourself to a serious work out.

Diwekar simplifies terminologies and helps a common man understand what really goes inside one’s body when you opt to wait for your car to come to the door or wait for the elevator in your chair. The book is filled with secrets and anecdotes that will leave you smiling to yourself and perhaps connecting to your personal experiences as well.

As the book proceeds, the author attempts to unravel myths and fads related to exercise including: walking is the best exercise, more time in gym = better body and Cardio on an empty stomach (my personal favorite). Each chapter is aided with tables and charts helping the reader not only understand the discipline behind it all but also use as references to devise up one’s own system. Rujuta Diwekar establishes her credence that science has the potential to combat many of today’s lifestyle disorders including diabetes and obesity in way that is believable and practical. Her writing is levelheaded and does not over-promise anything when it comes to matters of your body and mind.

The ‘what to eat pre and post workout’ tables are particularly notable and I am seriously contemplating on forwarding them to my boss who is somewhat of a fitness freak. I was however a little disappointed when I did not find any photographic content to aid work out sets explained primarily in the chapter dedicated entirely to Yoga titled shrewdly as Yoga – Rethink and Relearn.

I will suggest this book to anyone who is dealing with a demanding boss, a difficult partner, heartbreak or even a failed business venture. I give Don’t Lose Out, Work Out! 3.5 out of 5 stars, I am holding back half a star because it would have been nice to have images alongside the charts. And I am thankful to Liberty Books for sending me a title that I am certain I would have never picked out myself believing I am already healthy.

If you are interested in reading a book that does not promise you weight loss but a healthy heart, order you copy today. You can find the book at:

Liberty Books
Website: www.libertybooks.com
Twitter: @LibertyBooks_

And keep up with the pioneer in the field of nutrition, Rujuta Diwekar at:
Website: www.rujutadiwekar.com
Twitter: @RujutaDiwekar