Operation Karakoram

Operation Karakoram is the debut novel by Arvind Nayar. Though Chetan Bhagat has written a testimony that it’s a nice novel to begin with, but I don’t think it comes even closer to what Chetan’s debut novel was.

Anyways, the story is about another fictional Indo-Pak tussle where Pakistan wins, for a change. There is an Indian politician who is about to become the Prime Minister, but is dreaded by Pakistan because of his hard stand on Pakistan. So, the most secret body of ISI, Pakistan’s intelligence agency, hires a professional assassin to kill this politician. Then the novel is all about irrelevant things like this assassin’s Spanish mission and a murder in Oman, which bear no relevance to the story, but just showcase that Arvind has been to these places. A lot of loopholes are obvious in the story. For instance, Pakistani intelligence hires an assassin to kill the Indian Prime Minister, without knowing that he’s an Indian, even after they met him in person. But nevertheless, the guy was professional and completed his task of killing the to-be Prime Minister.

I would say that the concept was fine, but the articulation was extremely poor. Boy, you need to work a lot more for your new piece. If I had to rate it on a 5-point scale, I’d rate it at 1.5.

-Arun Sharma

(Originally published at www.whynothavefun.wordpress.com by Arun Sharma)

The Lost Symbol: A Review

I know it’s been quite a while since the book was out, but I read it just now and thought it’ll be great to give you guys a head start on it, in case you plan to read it.

If I rate Dan Brown’s other fictions, namely The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons at 5, I’ll rate The Lost Symbol at 4, or maybe even 3.5 due to some reasons. The Lost Symbol is another Robert Langdon stunner with the usual Dan Brown beginning that he wakes up in the morning not knowing where he’s going to end up in the evening. This plot has been followed in all his novels without exception. And I think Dan Brown is obsessed with three things - Europe, America and Christianity.

The plot of the story rotates about a mad man trying to find a Masonic Pyramid which is believed to be hiding the secret of some secret Word that leads to apotheosis of the man. And obviously, there’s only one man on earth who can find and decipher this pyramid and this word – Dr Robert Langdon. And out of nowhere, he finds himself trying to save his mentor and his own life from this madman who’s also being followed by none other than the CIA chief. The end, of course, you’ll have to find it yourself.

Though the story is intriguing and the thought process has been great, but I think Dan Brown is getting caught into his own web. During most of the novel, it looks like he has written it just to show-off his intellect and knowledge. He has gone into so detail about the specification of events, even the ones that don’t have any impact on the story, that it starts getting boring and sometimes irritating. The description of Italian marble and 16^th century bible etc etc were some parts which were not at all required, but were there in the story. Such parts were enough to distract the attention away from the main plot.

Apart from this, I think the novel has been written very well and is a usual Dan Brown thriller with unexpected turns and twists. Though I’ve rated it below his other masterpieces, it’s definitely way above some of the other well-known authors.

Arun Sharma

(Originally published @ www.whynothavefun.wordpress.com by Arun Sharma)

It's Not About Bike: by Lance Armstrong

I was going through the rough patch in my life and this book was gifted to me by my close friend.

After reading this, I am unable to believe that what Mr. Armstrong is saying is true. Infact, I don't believe its humanly possible.

Since then I am trying to find the personal id of Lance, to ask this question directly.

But, if its true, then nothing seems to be impossible. A must read for anybody who wants inspiration in life

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

This is my third reading of Dan Brown. The other two ones were 'Da Vinci Code' and 'Angels and Demons' .

I was really fascinated by these novels of him. And I expected the latest novel to even better. But, now the style of Dan Brown is getting stale. Its only treasure hunt stories he is spinning. And this particular novel is having anticlimax at the end.

Utterly Disappointing novel as per me. I will think 10 times before reading Dan Brown again.

Rising Sun by Michael Crichton

This is the fourth novel by Michael Crichton, which I read.

Actually, it was suggested by one of my friend. And the topic was intriguing. So I picked it asap.

The novel is about, different management styles of Americans and Japanese. The front end of the story is about a murder, but backend is pure management.

Though I worked with Japanese joint venture company for 4 years and thought I knew a lot about their management style. But reading this I felt, there is lot more to learn, digest and understand.

I recommend this novel to anybody and everybody, who is interested in Japanese Management Style.

Many Lives Many Masters

I was recently tempted to read this book, because of one recently launched serial in India viz 'Raaz Pichhle Janam Ka' (Secret of past life).

This book is about reincarnation. It narrates experience of Dr. Brian Weiss with his patient Catherine.

After reading this book I was as confused as ever. There is no proof till now, whether actually there is reincarnation or not.

But, it was interesting and an entertaining read.

2 States by Chetan Bhagat

It is indeed a master piece by Chetan Bhagat after Five Point Someone. The other two novels i.e. One Night @ Call Center & Three Mistakes of My Life, were relatively junk.

First hour of reading, I kept on laughing holding my tummy. Its indeed a hilarious one.

I think that Chetan's real life has more spice than his imagination. So Chetan, dont try to imagine anymore :), just share your real life incidents with readers.

Trinity by Leon Uris

This is the fourth book of Leon Uris, I have read. The other three were Exodus, Mila 18 and Angry Hills.

This book is about the freedom struggle of Ireland against England. It carries the classic style of Leon Uris, as was reflected in his legendary novel Exodus.

After reading this book, I came to understand what is the whole problem in Ireland i.e. between North Ireland and Britain. Between IRA and government.

Its indeed a masterpeice by master. I recommend it to anybody who is interested in history of Ireland.

Aol.com by Kara Swisher

I read this book almost after the decade, it was published. I was apprehensive, whether should I or shouldn't I read this book. But, i went ahead.

This book gives us a snapshot of internet industry in its infancy stage. More over it tells us about the AOL-America On Line- its birth and rise.

I recommend this book to all the netizens as well as to all the brand managers. It gives us a classic case of brand management.

The Ascent of Money by Niall Ferguson

I came to know about this author Niall Ferguson, when one of my close friends told me about the concept 'Chimerica',which is the term indicating the symbiotic relationship between Chinese and American Economy. According to author, this was one of the main drivers behind the recent recession.

Anyway coming back to the book 'The Ascent of Money', it reminded me of the works of Alvin Toffler, especially the 'Third Wave' and 'Future Shock'. This book tells you the financial history of the world, especially about the currency,banking system, bond markets, stock markets, insurance and real estate. I will not be ashamed to claim that I was more than scared after reading this book. I am enlightened as well as confused about money now.

And at the same time, I will say today's schools should include this book in the course, because nobody can't remain untouched by financial market at least in the civilized world today.

A must read.

More articles on author's work can be found here http://www.niallferguson.com/site/FERG/Templates/Home.aspx?pageid=1