Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Right Fit Wrong Shoe - Varsha Dixit


I love to read romantic fiction and this book was recommended to me by my cousin. The title and the genre attracted me and hence I chose to read this book first from my 2012 to-read lot of books.

Nandini Sharma works for an advertising company in Kanpur. Her best friend Sneha Verma too works for the same company. Nandini is a young, bubbly, smart looking girl. The story begins where Nandini comes to know that her company is now a part of Sarin group of industries and her new boss would be Aditya Sarin with whom she had a brief relationship in the past. Due to some unforseen circumstances Nandini breaks up with Aditya (reasons unknown to him) and now he's hell bent on taking revenge for her deed in the past. The rest of the story is about how the lovers realise their true feelings towards each other. The mystery for the break-up unfolds in the last chapter and then a happy ending follows.

Though there's nothing new in the storyline, the fast paced narration and the witty one-liners between Aditya-Nandini and Nandini-Sneha tranforms this book into a page turner. Each chapter is named after a bollywood movie and it reflects the author's penchant for movies which she candidly admits. There are too many acronyms and references to movie dialogues across the novel, thankfully there is a glossary at the end :)

A typical Mills and Boons kind of romantic novel. Also reminded me of Yaddanapoodi Sulochana Rani's romantic novels. A light, breezy read.




బాడీగార్డ్



ఈ సినిమా హిందీ వెర్షన్ చూసాను నేను, అయినా మన తెలుగులో సినిమా ఎలా వుంటుందో అని వెళ్లాను. వెంకటేష్ నాకు emotional , యాక్షన్ ఎపిసోడ్స్ లో నచ్చుతాడు కానీ కామెడీ సన్నివేశాల్లో మాత్రం ఈ మధ్య అస్సలు నచ్చట్లేదు. ఈ సినిమాలో 50  ఏళ్ళ వయసున్న వెంకటేష్ ఆడవేషం వేసుకుని లేడీస్ హాస్టల్ లో దూరే సన్నివేశాన్ని అస్సలు భరించలేకపోయాను.కామెడీ చెయ్యాలంటే వెకిలి వేషాలే వెయ్యాలా? భలే చిరాకొచ్చేసింది. కథ లో దమ్ముందన్న విషయం అందరికీ తెల్సిందే. ఒక పరిణితి చెందిన ప్రేమ కథ ని ఎన్ని భాషల్లో తీసిన ప్రేక్షకులు ఆదరిస్తారన్న విషయం ఈ సినిమా నిరూపించింది. త్రిష, సలోని ఇద్దరూ బాగా చేసారు. వేణు మాధవ్ కామెడీ పర్లేదు, అలీ సో సో గా వున్నాడు. రెండు పాటల్లో locations బాగున్నాయి. తమన్ మ్యూజిక్ ఓకే. ఇంకేముంది చెప్పడానికి? స్టొరీ అదే మక్కి కి మక్కి తీసేశారు. నాకయితే హిందీ లో చూడటం వలన, వెంకి కామెడీ నచ్చకపోడం వలన బోర్ కొట్టింది. అందరికీ అలా ఉండకపోవచ్చు. వేరే భాషల్లో చూసి ఉండకపోతే మాత్రం ఒక సారి తప్పకుండా చూసెయ్యొచ్చు.

అగ్నిపధ్


అమితాబ్ బచ్చన్ నటించిన పాత అగ్నిపధ్ సినిమా నేను చూడలేదు. కనుక ఈ సినిమాకి నేను ఎలాంటి expectations తో వెళ్ళలేదు. కేవలం హ్రితిక్ రోషన్ కోసం ఈ సినిమా చూడాలనుకున్నాను.సినిమా average గా అనిపించింది. 1990 లో వచ్చిన సినిమా లో కథలాగానే అనిపించింది.హీరో చిన్నతనంలో తండ్రి ని పోగొట్టుకోడం, తల్లితో దూరంగా వెళ్ళడం, తండ్రి చావుకి కారణమయిన వాడి మీద పగ పెంచుకోడం, ఈ నేపధ్యంలో తల్లికి దూరం కావడం, చెల్లెలి సెంటిమెంట్ ఇవంతా అప్పటి సినిమాల్లో ఉన్నదే. అయితే నటీనటుల పెర్ఫార్మన్స్, బ్యాక్ గ్రౌండ్ మ్యూజిక్, సినిమాటోగ్రఫీ, స్క్రీన్ ప్లే ఈ పాత కథకి కొత్త ప్రాణం పోశాయి.

ముఖ్యంగా సంజయ్ దత్ నటన, ఆహార్యం చాలా ఆకట్టుకున్నాయి. ఇప్పటి సినిమాల్లో విలన్ అంటే హీరో కంటే స్టైల్ గా, అందంగా ఉంటున్నాడు . ఇందులో మాత్రం విలన్ భయంకరంగా వున్నాడు. భీభత్సంగా నటించేసాడు. పండు గాడయితే స్క్రీన్ మీద సంజయ్ దత్ ని చూడగానే అమ్మ బూచి అని చెప్పి నా వేపు తిరిగి పడుకుండిపోయాడు. ఇక హీరో హ్రితిక్ కూడా చాలా బాగున్నాడు ఎప్పటిలాగానే. హీరో మనసులో దాగి ఉన్న బాధ, కసి, కోపం, తపన అన్నీ అతని కళ్ళలో ప్రతిఫలిస్తాయి. కేవలం కళ్ళతోనే నా లాంటి ప్రేక్షకులకి మంత్రం వేసేసాడు :D రిషి కపూర్ గుండు లా వున్నాడు కానీ అతని పోర్షన్ కూడా బాగుంది. ప్రియాంక చోప్రా పర్లేదు. ఇక ఐటెం సాంగ్ నాకేం నచ్చలేదు. దీనికంటే 'తీస్ మార్ ఖాన్' లో 'షీలా కీ జవాని' చాలా బెటర్ అనిపించింది. అయితే పాటలో కత్రినా మాత్రం బాగుంది.

సినిమా మొదటి 20 నిమిషాలు నాకు చాలా నచ్చింది. సెకండ్ హాఫ్ మాత్రం కొంచెం నిడివి ఎక్కువయినట్టనిపించింది. సినిమాలో ముఖ్యమయిన పాత్రలన్నీ చనిపోవడం కొంచెం కష్టంగా తోచింది నాకు :( మొత్తానికి ఒక సారి చూసెయ్యొచ్చు.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

బిజినెస్ (బీప్) మేన్




ఇప్పటి తెలుగు సినిమాల్లో హీరోలంటే సకల అవలక్షణాలు ఉన్నవాళ్ళన్న అభిప్రాయం కలుగుతోంది. ఎన్ని చెత్త, తల తిక్క పనులు చేస్తే అంత గొప్పగా చూపిస్తున్నారు. ఈ సినిమా కూడా ఒక రకంగా అలానే వుంది. ఇక పూరి జగన్నాథ్ గత సినిమాల లాగానే ఇది కూడా మాఫియా - gangsters నేపధ్యంలో నడుస్తుంది. అందులో పెద్ద వింత ఏమీ లేదు కానీ మహేష్ బాబు ఈ సినిమా ఎలా చేసాడా అన్నది నాకిప్పటికీ అర్ధం కాలేదు. ఫ్యామిలీ audience దగ్గర మంచి impression కొట్టేసిన MB  ఇలాంటి సినిమా ఎందుకు చేసాడో. సినిమా అంతా బీప్ లే. ఏమన్నా అంటే మేము బయట ప్రపంచంలో జరిగేదే, మాట్లాడేదే  చూపించాము అంటారు. నిజమే బయట అలానే వుంటున్నారు gangsters , కానీ అలాంటి వాళ్ళని హీరో ని చేసి జనాలకి చూపిస్తే ఎలా అర్ధం చేసుకోవాలి? మనకి అందుబాటులో ఉండి మనల్ని బాగా influence చేసే మాధ్యమాల్లో సినిమా ఒకటి. హీరోలని దేవుళ్ళ లా పూజించే అభిమానులు వున్నారు. సినిమాల ద్వారా మంచిని చెప్పకపోయినా పర్వాలేదు కానీ చెడు ని గొప్పగా చూపించడం తప్పు అనిపిస్తుంది నాకు.

ఇక సినిమా లో ఎలాంటి లాజిక్ వుండదు. మనం ఆశించకూడదు కూడా. పాటలు మొదటి మూడు బాగానే వున్నాయి కానీ సెకండ్-హాఫ్ లో వచ్చినవి నాకు నచ్చలేదు. Dialogues కొన్ని బాగున్నాయి. కాజల్ ఏమంత అందంగా లేదు.ఆ మాటకొస్తే నాకు మహేష్ బాబు కూడా అందంగా కనిపించలేదు (దూకుడు లో ఇంకా బాగున్నాడు). ఇందులో రోల్ కి కావాల్సిన లుక్ కోసం అలా కనిపించి ఉంటాడు.

పూరి జగన్నాథ్ రామ్ గోపాల్ వర్మ ని చూసి బాగా inspire అవుతున్నట్టున్నాడు. కానీ ఆయన సినిమాల్లో ఉండే బిగువయిన కధనం (అన్ని సినిమాల్లో కాదు ), artists హావభావాలు (ఒక్క మహేష్ బాబు వి తప్ప ), సన్నివేశాన్ని బాగా elevate చేయగలిగే నేపధ్య సంగీతం ఇవేమీ ఇందులో లేవు. కేవలం సంభాషణలతోనే సినిమా మొత్తం నడిపించాలంటే కష్టం.

సినిమాకి వచ్చిన పాజిటివ్ టాక్ చూసి నేను ఇలా ఉంటుందని అస్సలు ఊహించకపోవడం తో కొంచెం ఎక్కువ నిరాశ చెందాను. మహేష్ బాబు ఫాన్స్, అదీ యూత్ కి అయితేనే నచ్చుతుందేమో ఈ సినిమా. నేనయితే 101 డిగ్రీల జ్వరంతో ఈ సినిమాకి వెళ్లాను, మహేష్ బాబు సినిమా అని. ఏ రవి తేజో అయితే కొంచెం digest చేసుకోగలిగే దాన్నేమో కానీ మహేష్ బాబు ని ఇలా చూడలేకపోయాను. సినిమా నచ్చకపోయినా ఎక్కడా బోర్ కొట్టలేదు. అదొక్కటే ఇందులో నాకు కనిపించిన పాజిటివ్ పాయింట్ :)

Six Suspects – Vikaas Swarup

This crime based fiction is the second book written by the author after his famous debut Q & A.The plot seems to be based on the murder of Jessica Lal, a model in a bar.

Vicky Roy, son of UP’s Home Minister kills a bartender girl Ruby Gill when she refuses to offer him a drink at a party. He gets acquitted by the court through his father’s influence and plans to celebrate a grand party on this occassion at his farmhouse in the outskirts of New Delhi. However, he gets killed in the party. There are six suspects in this case who were present at the party carrying pistols. And then the story takes you to the background of each suspect and their reasons to carry the weapon to the party. Finally the murder mystery unfolds in a surprising way.

Though it appears to be a murder mystery, the narration doesn’t suit to it. This actually is a multi-cultural fictious story. It takes you through different places in India (including the Andamans), the cultures, different classes of people and their mentalities. The narration relates to many  incidents like the Bhopal gas leakage tragedy, Kumbh Mela, Al-quaida blasts etc. Corruption in politics, sex scandals of politicians, bollywood  life and many more issues are described.In short, it gives you a picture of present India.

The story of Larry Page, the American guy seemed to be very unconvincing. Other than this, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The climax reminded me of the film ‘A Wednesday’. A 480 page unputdownable read :)

Yugaaniki Okkadu – Vinayaka Rao

Yugaaniki okkadu – The one and only one name that strikes my mind when I hear this word is none other than our legendary actor NTR. Though he’s equally popular as the founder and leader of TDP, I remember him just as a great actor. I know nothing about his political career and I’m not at all interested in it and may be this’s  the reason why I prefer to be a fan of his acting skills and have no particular impression on his political life. People in my home worship him as a demi-god. I still remember the day he passed away. My uncle cried out like hell and my other relatives were left in deep shock :)


Coming to this book, this is all about NTR’s filmy career – his movies, heroines, cine records, his relation and dealings with technicians, producers, directors and some interesting info about his mannerisms in some movies and all that sort of articles. Some rare photographs have also been included. This’s would be a good library collective for hardcore NTR fans. Otherwise, there’s nothing spl abt it. Just a one-time read may be.

Mittoorodi Pusthakam – Naamini Subramanyam Naidu




Naamini – Writer of the Masses…this’s how I feel when I read his books…I’ve read this mittoorodi pusthakam long back, but missed to post the review here…Recently re-read it and hence thought of posting..

This book is a collection of 6 of Naamini’s books published earlier,

Pacchanaaku Saakshiga – I guess this one is the writer’s first work…This’s a collection of short stories narrating his childhood spent in a remote village in Chittoor dt. He belongs to a very poor peasant family. I loved the character of his mother Sinakka.She is an Icon of present day rural women…Hardworking, courageous and also helplessly cunning at times to feed her children.

Sinabba Kathalu – This one again is a collection of short stories…All the stories revolve around his high school life, friends and teachers.

Mittoorodi Kathalu – This is also a collection of stories written after his marriage. So most of them revolve around the couple, their fights, family issues etc

Munikannadi Sedyam – This is a short novel which reminded me of Chandralatha’s ‘Regadi Vitthulu’ (my all time favourite novel based on agricultural revolution). Farming issues in rural areas of Chittoor dt, problems faced by lease farmers(koulu raithulu) etc are narrated in a heart-touching manner.

Pala podugu – This is a short novel describing the life of a very poor family who earns livelihood by selling milk.
Sundaramma kodukulu – This is also a short novel depicting the joint family issues in a poor peasant family, their struggle for existence, fights among the co-sisters and all.

All in all, this total book describes the life style of rural Chittoor dt. Written in the most raw slang of rayalaseema area (including some naatu pacchi boothulu :P ). I’m used to hear this kind of slang in our villages. So it was an easy read for me. But for those who are not familiar with the slang might find it difficult to understand some words.

Jeevithame Oka Prayogam – Edited by Volga

This is a collection of autobiographic stories told by 6 different women from different fields in a visual history workshop conducted by Sparrow.

1. Venditera Velugu – Esther Victoria Abraham (Prameela) – Film artist (one of those primitive bollywood/hindi cinema heroines)
2. Raayi – Bangaaram – Kanakamurthy -  A Traditional Sculptor
3. Menaka Maanasa Putrika – Damayanthi Joshi -  Dancer (Kathak dancer)
4.  Patrika rangaanni rangasthalaanni kalipina Sushma Despaande – An investigative journalist and a Theatre atrist
5. Rangasthalam oka Adbhutha Pradesam – Maaya – A Kathakali dancer and a Theatre artist
6. Sampradaaya Varnaalu – Neela – Painter
In this book, each of these women narrate their  experiences, feelings, hardships they’ve faced and struggle to identify themselves in their chosen field of art.

Not a casual read, go for it only if you are interested to know about different forms of art and artists, their experiences and all.

This book was gifted to me by Volga and Kutumbarao garu on my wedding day :) And it took more than 7 years for me to open and go thru it :)

Nigaah – K.Balagopal

This book is  a collection of 115 articles written by Dr K Balagopal for the magazine ‘Prajathanthra’ during the years 1998-2003. This’s the first part and the rest of the articles are yet to be compiled into part-2 of this book.

All these articles are the authors’ comments about various issues ranging from tribals to international affairs. There’s absolutely no subject that’s untouched here. Aadivaasis, Riots, Naxals, Govt policies, Tibetans, India-Pak war, 9/11 in US of A, Telangana, Agriculture, Irrigation projects, Religious affairs etc…everything is discussed in this book. I haven’t got proper knowledge regarding any of these issues, also all the incidents that’ve been quoted in this book occured about a decade ago, so it was a tough read for me.

History of India – Romila Thapar

This book details the history of India in ancient and medieval ages. It starts with the Iron age civilization and ends with the declination of Mughal empire in the 18th century after the arrival of British. In the very first chapter the author describes how man in Iron age transformed from a food gatherer to a food producer.

Indus valley /Sind civilization, Mohenjadaro-Harappa cities and their infrastructure, Aryan civilization are described in the next few chapters. The emergence and declination of some famous empires like Magadha, Mourya, Gupta, Pallava, Chola, Chera, Pandya, Satavaahana, Mughal etc are detailed. The social, cultural, economical, political and geographical conditions prevalent in each era are discussed. Some religious aspects in Buddhism, Jainism and Islam are also presented.

This book is just about 178 pages, but it gives you an overall picture of entire history of ancient and medieval India. A delighful read for history lovers :)


Telugu translation was done by Sahavasi. Printed by HBT(Hyderabad Book Trust)

Raathi Poolu – C.Sujatha

This is a novel written in the backdrop of corporate world and cine industry. The story revolves around three women, Samantha, Jamuna and Kinnera who belong to ordinary middle class families. They’ve an urge to develop in their respective careers and become financially sound enough to support their families and get hold of all materialistic possessions in the urban culture. This novel describes the emotional struggle that these three women undergo during the process of their settlement in life. How people now a days get attracted to money and success and in this process how the family,human relations, morals and beliefs tend to vanish are described in a heart-touching manner. Title is aptly chosen.


Nice and quick read. Totally loved it :)

Penkutillu – Kommuri Venugopala Rao

I heard many good reviews about this book, so started with great expectations.


It’s the story of a middle class family in 1960′s (or may be 70′s)….Chidambaram, a lazy n good for nothing fellow lives with his family of 7 including his 4 children. The novel is all about their day-to-day lives,struggle for existence, adjustments and finally ends with a happy note. It reflects the financial and caste discrimination system prevalent at that time.

Good at parts, nothing so great. Just on OK to read.

Naakoo vundi oka kala – Dr Verghese Kurien

This’s the telugu translated version of the book ‘I too had a dream’ , an auto-biographical novel written by Dr.Varghese Kurien. He’s the father of  the White Revolution in India. For even more clearer picture just think of Amul – The Taste of India. Yes, he’s the man behind this brand.

Dr.Varghese Kurien, after finishing his masters in Engineering in the US of A returned to India in 1949 and started working as a dairy engineer in a govt based milk production company in Anand, a small village in Gujarat. He gets attracted to the local milk co-operative society formed by a group of farmers headed by Mr.Tribhuvandas Patel. Due to inefficient collection and distribution systems and interference of middlemen, milk co-operative societies were not producing any profits to the producers. Dr. Kurien determined to change this picture and started building the co-operative society from scratch. Since then, there was no turning back. He dedicated 50 years of his life to pursue his dream of acheiving empowerment to poor farmers in India. Initially he had to fight with private companies, bureaucrats, politicians and some multinational companies like Nestle, but his efforts and strong determination transformed India into number one milk producer in the world.
This  book describes his work, experiences and acheivements. An inspiring read for people who truly want to contribute something to the society and country.

Telugu translation is done by Dr Tummala Padmini and Dr Atthaluri Narasimha Rao.
For his contribution to dairy industry, Dr Kurien received so many awards in India and overseas. Ramon Magsaysay award (1963), Padmasri(1965), Padmabhushan(1966), Padmavibhushan(1999),  Wateler peace prize (1986) are just few among them.

Gadi Lopali Goda – Palamaneru Balaji

A collection of 19 short stories. The author chose a wide variety of topics like farmers’ suicides, corporate education system, problems related to women and many other issues as subjects to these stories. Each story is unique, most of them reflect our day to day lives and we can identify ourselves in few characters. Loved all of them.

Simple, yet thought provoking.

My most loved stories from around the world – Apple books

This’s a collection of famous folk tales from China, Africa, Norway and few other countires. Reading a folk tale had always been a pleasure to me ‘coz through these stories we get an insight into the culture and traditions of the society from which they originated.

Simple, short and sweet tales. They take you away to strange and distant lands. Recommended for bedtime story telling to kids :)

Gaalikondapuram railway gate – Vamsee

I’m a huge fan of writer/director Vamsee. I’ve read his 3 short story complilations (Maa Pasalapudi Kathalu,  Aanaati Vaana chinukulu and Aaku pacchani Gnaapakam) earlier, totally totally loved them. Coming to  novels, this’s my first read.


It’s a suspense thriller written in the backdrop of the beautiful Araku valley and Dandakaaranya forests. Like in all other Vamsee’s writings I’ve read so far, there is no focus on the storyline in this book too. The narration, characters in the story and the wonderful description of the scenic beauty of the locations captivate the reader.
Light n quick read, recommended for Vamsy’s fans :)

The Bachelor of Arts – R.K.Narayan

The is the story of a young man, Chandran who lives with his family in the village of Malgudi during the pre-indepence era. The story describes his journey from adolescence to matured adulthood. It’s a short, simple and thought provoking story. Another delightful read from R.K.Narayan.

It’s just about 160 pages, a quick read :)

The Other Side of Midnight – Sidney Sheldon

The story is about the lives of two women, Noelle Page and Catherine, both from two different parts of the world. Both of them fall in love with the same man, Larry Douglas. Larry betrays Noelle and settles down with Catherine. Noelle plans to take a revenge and in the process she becomes the mistress of Constantin Demeris, a greek business tycoon. The story revolves around these four characters. Very much entertaining and the title is very well chosen. Good timepass read.

But, strictly not for readers under 18 as it has too many steamy lovemaking scenes.

Gattu thegina cheruvu – Aari Seetharamayya

Collection of 14 short stories. Most of the stories are based on NRI lives. One story which I liked the most is ‘Avachaaram’ – a grandmom’s struggle to say no to babystitting responsibilities. Heart-touching one. Rest others are just average. I’ve read so many stories based on the same concepts, nothing new.

The book I got has a misprint. So I missed some connections in few stories.

Ditavu Gundelu – Dmitry Medvedev – Uppala Lakshama Rao

I don’t  know the English title of this original version, this book is written by Russian author Dmitry Medvedev (not sure whether he is the one who’s the current President of Russia) and the telugu translation from English was done by Uppala Lakshmana Rao.


Soviet Russia has a great history for its fight aganist the Naazees. This’s the story of Russian Gourilla war fighters during the second world war. It gives you an insight of the events in the gourilla war that took place in the Saarni forest areas and Ukranian towns during the years 1942-1948.

I am not very good at reading and memorizing the Russian names and this book has too many characters, so it was a tough read for me memorizing the names,places and events and reading further. Otherwise the transalation is good.

Tribal Women in development – Dr Lipi Mukhopadhyay

My interest in the life-style of tribal women began when I was reading some case-studies/fact finding reports published by the Human Rights Commission, regarding the attrocities against the tribal people. I personally feel that tribal women are far more efficient, confident and independent when compared to the women in urban/rural areas. They play a siginificant role in the socio-economic structure of their society. They enjoy more freedom regarding their marriage/personal lives than their counterparts in non-tribal regions.


This book is an analytical study of cultural,social, economic and political life of tribal women in India. Their role in agriculture, forestry, industrial areas, arts and crafts are discussed. Various case studies of tribal women across different regions of India are presented.Their beliefs, traditions and life-styles are detailed. Enviromental degradation and exploitation of non-tribal people are making lives of tribal women difficult now a days. The author finally discussed some measures to be taken for the upliftment of tribal women.

Not a casual,timepass read. Go for it only if you are interested in this particular subject.

Asthaminchani Ravi – Khader Mohiuddin

‘Asthaminchani Ravi’ is the biography of Paritaala Ravi written by Khader Mohiuddin.

This book gives you an insight of Ravi’s life. His father Paritaala Sreeramulu’s involvement in Peoples War Naxalite group, how’s he’s assassinated, Ravi’s interest in agriculture, his undesired entry into naxalite movement and then to politics, his political career, his rivalry with Maddela Cheruvu Suri etc are discussed. The author tried to present Ravi as a revolutionist and not a hardcore factionist as known to the world.
An interesting read for people who love political biographies.

Eeyana gurinchi telusukovaalanna interest naaku Januarylo Guntur vellinappudu kaligindi. Buslo Tenali to Guntur travel cheseppudu daarlo boldanni oorlosthaayi kadaa..konni oorlallo Paritaala Ravi statues, aayana vardhanthi ki pettina cut-outs, banners etc choosaanu…Ekkado Anantapurlo faction godavallo baagaa famous ayina oka politican ki kosthaa jillallo intha fan following enti anukunnaa..ade maata pakkanunna ammulakkani adigithe appudu aayana gurinchi kontha cheppindi…Okappudu Teja koodaa ‘Paritaala yuva sena’ antoo edo antundevaadu, adee gurthocchindi…Ohooo, idedo thelsukovaalsina matter anukuni bookshops lo vethukuthoo vunte ee book dorikindi.

Ee book lo bhooporaataala gurinchi, naxals udyamamlo Ravi vaalla nannagaaru poshinchina paatra gurinchi cheppaaru..prapanchamanthaa oka factionistgaa mudra vesina Paritaala Ravi mentality, aayana aasayaalu, balaheenathalu, satruthvaalu ilaa anni konaalanu visleshinchaaru. Aayanni oka udyamakaarudi laa aavishkarinchaaru. Manchi pusthakam.

Bhooporaatam ane padaanni englishlo emantaaro evarikayinaa thelisthe cheppandi…ekkado vinnatte, chadivinatte vundi..kaanee gurthu raavatamledu :(

2 States – Chetan Bhagat

I haven’t read Chetan Bhagat’s books so far and ’2 States’ is the first one.

It’s the love story of two IIMA graduates, Krish from Punjab and Ananya from Tamilnadu. It’s all about how they convince each other’s parents to get them married. The cross-state cultural differences lead to some hilarious incidents. I’m impressed with CB’s simple writing style. Though the plot is much predictable with no surprise elements, the narration is pretty good. It’s an enjoyable one time read.

I’ve read in yesterday’s newspaper that this script is going to the Bollywood sets with Shahrukh and Asin as the main leads :) Would love to watch it on big screen.

Anuhya – Balabhadhrapaathruni Ramani

Anuhya is a smart, beautiful and innocent girl born and brought up in an orthodox family in a village. She’s her grandmom’s pet. She gets married to a foreign returned doctor,Vivek. . This novel deals with Anuhya’s post marriage adjustment blues and her exploration of life to realise what freedom,self-respect and individuality means to a woman. Takes you back to memoirs of your newly married life. Simple and easy to read. I’ve finished it in one go.

Ramani novels lo naaku baagaa nachhindi “Aalinganam”. Appudeppudo Swathi magazinelo anukuntaa serialgaa vacchindi. Aa book kosam vethukuthunte adi kanipinchaledu kaanee ee “Anuhya” kanipinchindi. Aavida writing style naaku nacchuthundi kadaa ani konukkochhaa…maa cousin sister daggara Ramani short stories book vunte adi koodaa chadivaanu. Avi koodaa chaalaa baagaa raasaaru eevida.

Nirnayaaniki atoo itoo – Indraganti Janaki Bala

This book is a collection of 26 short stories written by Mrs.Indraganti Janaki Bala (Film director Indraganti Mohana Krishna’s mom). Most of the stories focus on various aspects like dowry, family relations, independence, domination etc concerning women in middle class families of our generation. Each story is unique and is a master piece. I cannot select one or two favourites among these. Liked all the stories. Simple, yet thought provoking.

Few years back I’ve read an award winning novel ‘Kanipinche gatham’ written by the same author. It’s one of my favourites.

Papillon – Rekkalu chaachina panjaram (Part 1)

Papillon is a french autobiographic novel written by Henry Charriere. It has been translated to telugu in two parts by Dr M.V.Ramana Reddy.

Henry, at the age of 25, is sentenced wrongly for a murder he didn’t commit. He plans to take revenge on the people responsible for his imprisonment, the judge, prosecutor and the police officers involved. He’s moved to a prison in French Guiana from where he escapes with a couple of his friends. They travel across the Atlantic to Trinidad and Cuaraco seeking asylum. But the immigration authorities deny their request and advise them to go to either Columbia or Venezuela. They get sighted near Columbian coastline by the coastal police and land in the prison once again. He escapes from this prison again and reaches an island in Guajira Peninsula where he meets the local native americans. They provide him shelter and he lives there for about 6 months regaining his mental and physical health.  During his stay, he gets married to two native american women Laali and Joraija.
But his plan for revenge remains unexecuted. So he leaves the island and soon gets caught and imprisoned in Santa Marta and from there he’s moved to Baranquilla where he meets his former friends. He makes nurmerous attempts to escape, but fails. He’s finally taken back to French Guiana and handed over to the authorities. Here ends the first part.

The brutal French penal system during 1930s, Henry’s suffering and anguish during his period of captivation are narrated very well. You’ll get impressed by Henry’s will power to secure freedom and his courage to fight against the odds. In short, this book can be described as a struggle of a wrongly convicted innocent victim for freedom. And the French, Spanish and native american backdrop is refreshing.

I was told that the second part describes how Henry gets free from prison and settle down in Venezuela.Did not find it in local book shops. Have to search in online stores.

The Inscrutable Americans – Anurag Mathur

Gopal, son of a hair oil tycoon in MP lands in the US of A to pursue a degree in Chemical Engineering. He’s a rural boy and is totally unaware of the American culture, slang etc. His ignorance leads to many hilarious incidents during his stay in America. This novel is a description of America through Gopal’s eyes. It’s out n out a comical entertainer. Quick and easy read.

I couldn’t stop remembering the book ‘Baristaru Paarvatheesam’ in Telugu while reading this.

Vanaseemalalo – Maheedhara Nalini Mohan (telugu translator)

‘Vanaseemalalo’ is the telugu translated version of the book ‘Bambi – A Life in woods’ written by Felix Jalten in 1924.

Bambi is the story of a roe deer who lives in the forest with his mom. It’s all about his exploration of life in woods. It’s an animal story told in the perspective of animals. All the animals in this story can speak and in one chapter, two leaves speak too before their peril. Of all the animal stories I read so far, this one is a total contrast. The description is so real and there’s no silly talking at all. The relationship between man, animals and nature told from the perspective of a deer is very well written.

This book seems to be a child’s read from its look, but it is not just for children. So many issues like life,death,relationships etc are dealt in a truly inspiring manner.

It’s a delightful read for me :)

Pather Paanchaali – Bibhuthibhushan Bandhopaadhyaaya

‘Pather Paanchaali’ which means ‘Song of the Road’ is a Bengaali novel written by Bibhuthibhushan Bandhopaadhyaaya during 1928-1929. This novel has been picturized by Sathyajithray in 1955 with the same name, which will always remain as a classic in the Indian film industry.

The story revolves around a poor Brahmin family in the village of Nischindapur in Bengal state. Harihara Roy, a priest lives in his ancestral home with his wife Sarbojaya, daugther Durga, son Apu(the main character in this novel) and a distant relative Indira. Sarbojaya and Indira doesn’t get along well and Indira faces a tragic death. Apu and Durga share an affectionate brother-sister relationship. Despite of their poverty the children derive joy from simple treasures in their village life.

Most of the story is about Apu. His growth from an infant to a young man discovering the world around him is narrated in a heart-touching way. The rural Bengal life is depicted wonderfully and this book takes you back to your childhood memories.

I’ve also read a couple of other books written by this author – Vanavaasi and Chander Pahaar. This book Pather Paanchaali has been transalated to telugu by Maddipatla Suri.

State & Welfare – Speeches by Dr.K.Balagopal



This book is a compilation of speeches delivered by Late Dr.K.Balagopal, who’s a well known human rights activist in AP. There are totally 9 topics including the Aalmetti dam issue, Naxalite movement, SEZs in AP, Economic development in China, US war policy in Afghanisthan and Iraq.

This book provides an insight into the AP state/Indian polit(r)ics relating to the above topics. The author has an extensive knowledge of the social, economic and political scenarios in AP. He analyzed each and every topic after thorough investigation through his fact finding programmes in the respective areas.

If you are interested in politics, national and international affairs, then this book is a must read.

BG pedanaanna gaari book gurinchi review raase saahasam chesthe naa kallu pelipothaayani naaku thelsu, kaanee reading marathon kosam aa rendu mukkalu rayaka thappaledu.

Indulo YSR gaaru chesina Jala raajakeeyala gurinchi, SEZ kumbhakonaala gurinchi  naa laanti common personki ardhamayyelaa chaalaa baagaa cheppaaru. America war policy gurinchi chepthoo oka maata annaaru.
‘Prapanchamlo ye desamlo ayinaa votu hakku manishiki oka laage vuntundi. Bicchagaadiki okate votu, lakshaadhikaariki okate votu, Pradhaanamantriki okate votu. Mari United Nations lo votes vishayaanikosthe agraraajyaalaki enduku Veto power kalpinchaali. Balaheenamayina desaaniki elaanti votu hakku vuntundo alaane agraraajyaanikee vudaali kadaa. Chinna chinna desaale prapancha santhi patla ekkuva badhyathagaa vyavaharisthunnappudu vaallaki enduku thakkuva praadhaanaytha isthunnaaru’ ani.

Ilaantive enno vishayaalu discuss chesaaru. Aayana cheppina prathi vishyam manalni alochimpachesthundi. Thappaka chadavaalsina pusthakam.