Books I Read

Books I read in the past year that have inspired me, made me woeful, sit up, think and of course happy!

Thousand Splendid Suns-Khaled Hosseini
Another masterpiece by this prolific writer. I just love his writing-simple, thought provoking, heartwarming and yes, flawless. There are only a few books out there (at least for me) that are very hard to put down. I finished this one in three straight days, reading well into the night after tucking the kids to bed and of course, shedding quite a few tears in the process.

His previous, Kite Runner is also very good. Just the other day ‘60 Minutes’ interviewed him about the cinematic experience of ‘SUNS’ (yes, it is been made into a movie which also drew a lot of controversy, unfortunately) and it was just delightful to hear him talk. And get this, I find him very sexy- especially with his new thin yet immaculate beard.

Eat, Pray and Love –Elizabeth Gilbert
An autobiography – writes about a journey she takes after going through a messy and difficult separation with her husband. Gilbert does have a very good sense of humor. It is an easy ready and provides an interesting summary of her therapeutic and holistic experience.

Infidel- Ayaan Hirsi Ali
Another though-provoking autobiography written by this author, a Somalian Muslim, who questions her religion and the ideologies set by Islam and the Prophet. This controversial book and the short documentary she made on repression and submission of Muslim women led to the grotesque murder of the filmmaker and sent her into hiding. Nevertheless, she is still remains a strong force and voice for religious democracy. An inspiring book on achieving success despite all odds.

One More Day- Mitch Albom
Another well written book that makes you think about your life and that of your loved ones. It is about love, ambition, fears dreams, and mortality. His writing is again quite simple yet expressive. Bittersweet!

However, ‘Tuesdays with Morrie’ is still his best book!

Dispatches from the Edge: A Memoir of War, Disasters and Survival-Anderson Cooper
There are only two male journalists I like. One was Peter Jennings and the other is Anderson Cooper. Hence I picked this book up. And he truly surprised me. Who knew that besides amazing news-reporting, he can write? Anderson talks about how seeing other people suffering around the world helped him deal with his own life sufferings (loss of his father and the tragic suicide of his older brother). A guy who could've lived an awesome life without ever having to do a day's work (yep, he belongs to famous Vanderbilt clan!), but made something of himself. Truly captivating and inspiring. I loved it. And he is such a hottie!

Currently on my book stand:

The Memory Keepers Daughter- Kim Edwards
Am completely immersed in this book right now. It is another heart wrenching novel that makes you think about the extent people can go to protect their loved ones. Engrossing story, hard to put down. I can’t wait to finish it!

Shantaram – Gregory David Roberts
I had bought this book almost a year and half ago. Started with a lot of excitement but found the details boring and endless! So I never finished it. However, with renewed enthusiasm, I intend to pick it up again. Hence this will be the next book to finish on my list. And hopefully I will be able to, at least before the release of the movie starring Johnny Depp (ooo-la-la!)