Read and remember

Part of the non-detailed course work of class IX and X is a good compilation of short stories. Containing stories which are on serious themes to stories by Leo Tolstoy to satirical comics. I think the book has a good collection to boast about 20 years later as well.

Sita - an illustrated re-telling of the Ramayana - Devdutt Pattanaik (2013)

Pattanaik's a masterful story teller. The book brings out stories from many forms of Ramayan from many regions of India and abroad. Nicely stringed as a single story the book has provided a large set of footnotes giving references from other Ramayan sources.

The Ascent of Money - Niall Ferguson (2008)

A financial history of the world is a great book to make you understand how the money and financial system got developed and reached to the state it's in now. The book starts with how money started its beginning as an exchange. The advent of currency notes, the establishment of corporations, share markets and how insurance came in a big way to mitigate risk in the financial system. The contribution of wars and socio-political changes and their influence on financial systems worldwide. The timing of the book around 2008 also puts the book talk a lot about sub-prime crisis. Since, not all the facts were not established by the time the book was released there are some gaps about that. But the Great Depression and other historical events of fincial significance have been covered in details. Overall a book worth reading.

The Laws of Manu - Translated by Wendy Doniger (1991)

It's always great to know there is a principle which has been defined for a human being to act and live in the society. The family duties and rules. Manu smriti or laws of Manu goes into so much of depth that it makes you feel how detailed can be defined for a man to live in society. But most of text has only got historical or some philosophical significance hard to practice and manage in today's world. Half way through I lost interest in the subject. Cannot really blame the book but the whole topic may not keep your patience for too long. The book is not something you can read in one sitting. Can only suggest unless you are doing research on that period hard to keep focus and interest long enough.

Sai Baba is Still Alive - Jaya Wahi (2013)

This book is a book on faith for people having faith. The author and her surroundings have been graced by Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi in numerous occasions. I think the ability to identify grace also lies in the eyes of the beholder. Everyone sees some level of presence of miracle in his / her life. Some believe them but many of us may not be able to spot them. I guess this book will put you in those two minds. But divine grace is there and there are people who experience it now as well. I guess I will just state that for now about this book. 

A Step Away from Paradise - Thomas K. Shor (2011)

The book is about the partially successful attempt of a Buddhist Lama to open the access to Beyul, a mystic place of immortality and peace. The author's research is great and remarkable. Trying to collect information on a period 50 years back in a most inaccessible area in Himalayas is definitely worth great appreciation. Tulshuk Lingpa the Lama under discussion in this book has shown enormous courage and sacrifices for discovering the passage to the land of immortality. 

Couple of points about the book. The book has it's highs and lows. It's not the most comfortable a read. You need to have faith for Tibetan mysticism and magic to be appreciative of this work. Many practices described in the book do not match well with someone who has inclination to a different spiritual belief system. I did not find the book something that can hold my attention for long.