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21st out of 437 books
—
434 voters
Evolution of Insanity
by
Haresh Daswani (Goodreads Author)
An author having a conversation with his fictional character, or losing control of his character, mind numbing points leading one twists and turns spinning the mind of the reader with hallucinogenic colors, concepts, and eurekas.
The short stories begin simplified, and walks together with the author as he takes a personal journey deep within the universe of his own conscio...more
The short stories begin simplified, and walks together with the author as he takes a personal journey deep within the universe of his own conscio...more
Paperback, 159 pages
Published
January 9th 2011
by Lulu
(first published December 13th 2010)
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The Evolution of Insanity is a collection of tales, stories, and fables about a variety of beings. Imagine for a moment you are able to stop and listen, see, witness and understand a segment of the lives of a collection of beings - Gods, godlike, god hating and god wannabes, the dead, the living, the fictional, the alien, male, female, the young and the old.
Stories that would have you believe that Santa was killed, "tongue in cheek" stories, stories intermingled with intellectual descriptions of...more
Stories that would have you believe that Santa was killed, "tongue in cheek" stories, stories intermingled with intellectual descriptions of...more
To read Evolution of Insanity is to admit that the world is not perfect, to learn to adapt to the reality of the world and to see just where your own behaviour could be construed as insane, or even offensive to someone with a perspective necessarily different from your own.
I thought Evolution of Insanity would be a novel, or at least a set of linked stories with an overall arc, but it seems to be a collection of the Haresh Daswani's storeis, essays and poems. While there is no story link, the in...more
I thought Evolution of Insanity would be a novel, or at least a set of linked stories with an overall arc, but it seems to be a collection of the Haresh Daswani's storeis, essays and poems. While there is no story link, the in...more
Haresh Daswani has a fascinating story-telling style that engages the reader from the very first page. He shows quite a gift for creating rather ordinary people in somewhat odd situations. It's that twist of just a bit odd that brings a unique, life-like quality to each story. His descriptions of both the character and the environment are impeccable. You don't just read the story, you experience the story. That takes talent. I'd love to have his talent for description.
Most fascinating of all is...more
Most fascinating of all is...more
Kaleidoscope.
A kaleidoscope is made up of small colored pieces. And when they are turned and given a different angle, they jell into one beautiful scene.
That is what I would associate Haresh’s book with.
Like a kaleidoscope, Evolution of Insanity is made up of different pieces, each a unique reflection of the author’s wild imagination. Each story piece has an exceptional storyline that would simply leave the reader in questioning awe, wondering where in this world could Haresh have possibly pi...more
A kaleidoscope is made up of small colored pieces. And when they are turned and given a different angle, they jell into one beautiful scene.
That is what I would associate Haresh’s book with.
Like a kaleidoscope, Evolution of Insanity is made up of different pieces, each a unique reflection of the author’s wild imagination. Each story piece has an exceptional storyline that would simply leave the reader in questioning awe, wondering where in this world could Haresh have possibly pi...more
Now for a review from a self diagnosed reader with ADD. I like that this book has a bunch of short stories, so I read a chapter a day like a bedtime story. Thats all I can take. A person with ADD needs to know what it is he's reading and with each short story being different it makes it easy to get through the book. Easy, but harder if that makes sense!
A touch of humor is added to this book which is great. A good book for those who struggle with reading books, a chapter a day is a great way to g...more
A touch of humor is added to this book which is great. A good book for those who struggle with reading books, a chapter a day is a great way to g...more
As is indicated from the offset, Evolution of Insanity is more focused on the whole of the work rather than its individual parts. While each story works well on its own, it’s when they’re brought together under the same umbrella that the cohesion is apparent.
London in the Mind calls, “Beauty, could only exist, if its creator has put effort to make it beautiful.” Which seems to be a call to the creator himself. A call that is emphasized by Robert’s frustrations in the following story. A writer t...more
"True curiosity comes forth in further pursuit of understanding and knowledge. Go ahead, take the first sip."
The above line, written by Daswani himself from the short story Kripaal, offers a great teaser to the consciously written prose, Evolution of Insanity. In his book, Daswani offers a compilation of short stories, though more essay format, writings and, often times, ramblings of a writer that took painstaking care to use his words to interpret, rather sculpt, an intricate description of str...more
The above line, written by Daswani himself from the short story Kripaal, offers a great teaser to the consciously written prose, Evolution of Insanity. In his book, Daswani offers a compilation of short stories, though more essay format, writings and, often times, ramblings of a writer that took painstaking care to use his words to interpret, rather sculpt, an intricate description of str...more
I don't know author Haresh Daswani; I've never met him. But I bet that among his friends he's the storyteller, the one they wait for to liven up their nights, the one that can make any story seem interesting - from a trip to the grocery to a night out at the clubs.
This collection of short stories runs the gamut, from poignant to poetic to darkly humorous.
Daswani plays with words like a child plays with toys - each story is different, each character a surprise. He takes small moments and puts the...more
This collection of short stories runs the gamut, from poignant to poetic to darkly humorous.
Daswani plays with words like a child plays with toys - each story is different, each character a surprise. He takes small moments and puts the...more
Evolution of Insanity is a book consisting of a great number of short stories, which, on a first look, don't seem to have much in common. Some are darker than others, some are funny and some are sad, like my favourite one, the protagonist who commits suicide because they cannot live up to their own expectations and would rather sink into their own despair than allow themselves to be as they are. As the reader progresses through the book, they'll start to realise the stories are all interlinked,...more
Reading this book is a horrible mistake.
It made me insane.
Overall, I think this book has one humongous mistake. A very huge irredeemable mistake.
We are fooled thinking that this book is about how insanity evolved. "Do not judge the book by its title", that is more aptly appropriate than the original quotation. We expect to read about insanity and maybe read what author has to say about it and about all its possible forms and appearances throughout time, of how it grows and instills itself to one...more
It made me insane.
Overall, I think this book has one humongous mistake. A very huge irredeemable mistake.
We are fooled thinking that this book is about how insanity evolved. "Do not judge the book by its title", that is more aptly appropriate than the original quotation. We expect to read about insanity and maybe read what author has to say about it and about all its possible forms and appearances throughout time, of how it grows and instills itself to one...more
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Haresh Daswani has put together a very intimate novel that begins with an insight into the struggle of creativity. For those of us who have ever stared at a door hinge, or out a window, trying to come up with original thought, this book is for you.
Daswani took a risk in the undertaking of this novel. To delve so completely into the psyche of a character is a task that is not undertaken much in today’s literary scene. However, Daswani does this ably. Through a collection of short stories, the rea...more
Daswani took a risk in the undertaking of this novel. To delve so completely into the psyche of a character is a task that is not undertaken much in today’s literary scene. However, Daswani does this ably. Through a collection of short stories, the rea...more
This is a fascinating book. The author circumvents traditional word usages and grammar to convey particular meanings into a series of short stories and reflections.
There is an excellent darkly comic sense running throughout. It is highly original; I haven’t read much experimental writing recently, and I found it intriguing and challenging.
Having a bizarre sense of humour myself, I really enjoyed the strangeness of this series of sketches of particular instances of ‘The Evolution of Insanity’....more
There is an excellent darkly comic sense running throughout. It is highly original; I haven’t read much experimental writing recently, and I found it intriguing and challenging.
Having a bizarre sense of humour myself, I really enjoyed the strangeness of this series of sketches of particular instances of ‘The Evolution of Insanity’....more
Haresh’s novel combines narrative styles as short passages to uncover the center of madness. His work shifts from the poetry of T. S. Eliot, Cervantes, Joanne Greenberg and Willkie Collins.
A vast and impressive number of arrows in Daswani's quiver lead the narrative. The reader shifts from reading as a careful annotator to racing through popular fiction.
The writing is literary, meaty and puts a blanket over you to read on to the finish.
Bravo and six stars out of five for Haresh Daswani’s Evolu...more
A vast and impressive number of arrows in Daswani's quiver lead the narrative. The reader shifts from reading as a careful annotator to racing through popular fiction.
The writing is literary, meaty and puts a blanket over you to read on to the finish.
Bravo and six stars out of five for Haresh Daswani’s Evolu...more
Evolution of Insanity was nothing I had expected. It totally opened my eyes. Darwani takes you on a journey of many intriguing tales. Each tale includes unique characters and settings. Although these characters are fictitious, you can’t help but wonder if the author has ever come across someone like them before. He paints a perfect picture of each distinctive lives and their struggles, observations and thoughts. This story enlightened me in many different ways. Sometimes I felt sorry for the cha...more
I haven't started reading the book yet, so this is just a grumpy review of the ebook file I downloaded from goodreads:
The author is listed as unknown and the title is listed as a numerical sequence, and I can't figure out how to change these settings. Then, once on my e-reader, the chapters listed in the table of contents only link to page one, not the chapter head. In fairness, the in-text table of contents lists the page of each chapter, making it easier to jump the page. And then apostrophes...more
The author is listed as unknown and the title is listed as a numerical sequence, and I can't figure out how to change these settings. Then, once on my e-reader, the chapters listed in the table of contents only link to page one, not the chapter head. In fairness, the in-text table of contents lists the page of each chapter, making it easier to jump the page. And then apostrophes...more
First of all, I would like to thank the author of this book, Mr. Haresh Daswani, for giving me a copy of this book, and the opportunity to read it and give my thoughts about it.
And now, for the review. Obviously, I would not be thanking the author as publicly if I had not enjoyed this book. It is witty, entertaining, filled with crackling anecdotes, and hilarious commentary. Best of all, it is fraught with intelligent observations of how we humans live.
Let me go so far as to say that this book i...more
And now, for the review. Obviously, I would not be thanking the author as publicly if I had not enjoyed this book. It is witty, entertaining, filled with crackling anecdotes, and hilarious commentary. Best of all, it is fraught with intelligent observations of how we humans live.
Let me go so far as to say that this book i...more
Haresh Daswani is not your usual author, and it is no surprise he’s written a pretty unusual book. The title “Evolution of Insanity” is an exercise in truthful advertising. Either Daswani is nuts or he’s operating on a level way up there in the stratosphere.
The book is a collection of short chapters that contain virtually no dialogue. The descriptions of simple things take on a kind of poetic oscillation that are always moving and impossible to pin down.
This book abandons standard narrative...more
The book is a collection of short chapters that contain virtually no dialogue. The descriptions of simple things take on a kind of poetic oscillation that are always moving and impossible to pin down.
This book abandons standard narrative...more
What Mr. Daswani has written isn't a collection of short stories, so much as essays, meditations on the miniscule and the mighty, the sacred and the mundane.
His words are a rolling litany of the kinds of thoughts that we have sometimes, when the courage to be quiet comes over us and the moment to moment perception of our experiences coaleces into a harmony.
This isn't a book to be read straight through. Its Bukowski-esque ravings are best taken one at a time, then digested slowly.
It's a work th...more
His words are a rolling litany of the kinds of thoughts that we have sometimes, when the courage to be quiet comes over us and the moment to moment perception of our experiences coaleces into a harmony.
This isn't a book to be read straight through. Its Bukowski-esque ravings are best taken one at a time, then digested slowly.
It's a work th...more
This author has a wonderful way of making you think about, and observe, your world around you. I felt like I was in Chicago, and though I have only spent a few months there, I have watched a lot of thses types of antics go on around me. If we could slow our world down, and really pay attention, what would we see?
And would the seeing bring us closer to understanding? Or would it bring us closer to our own insanity--and there is where you find, The Evolution of Insanity.
I have not enjoyed reading...more
And would the seeing bring us closer to understanding? Or would it bring us closer to our own insanity--and there is where you find, The Evolution of Insanity.
I have not enjoyed reading...more
Evolution of Insanity is a compilation of musings packaged as short stories that range from poetic in tone to very dark. The stories initially appear to have little in common. As you move deeper into the book, however, you find that all the stories are carefully interwoven. Each tale is populated by original characters and the author deftly offers insights into the feelings, thoughts, and challengers of their quotidian lives. Haresh Daswani’s writing style is refreshingly different and his philo...more
Evolution of Insanity is a collection of short stories that reveals (in a very creative way) the author's interesting perspective on human nature, the nature of inspiration and the art of crafting a story. My personal favorites from the collection are Sand, The Story of Ernest and Cosmic Violet. I absolutely love the author's style of storytelling and the way he uses humor to convey complex observations. I also see where the book is a platform to share some philosophical information, but not in...more
Rather odd, but one might expect that from the title. BUT intersting.
I have always been interested in books that deviate from the typical writing styles present in most literary pieces. Books that feature intellectually stimulating themes and an equally rousing writing style are my weaknesses. Give me the promise of these things and I will surely devour that book until my curiosity is sated. I think this is one of the reasons why I have always loved reading transgressive fiction and post-modern books.
In many ways, Mr. Haresh Daswani’s book, The Evolution of Insa...more
In many ways, Mr. Haresh Daswani’s book, The Evolution of Insa...more
2 likes · like · see review
A collection of tales, stories, and fables The Evolution of Insanity opens ones eyes to that which lays beneath, the unseen, unheard, not talked about side of all of us. The world of words as found a fascinating story-teller in Haresh Daswani. Perhaps in a previous life he was the traveler exchanging his words for gifts & rewards as he ventured through villages, towns & cities. Haresh excels at bringing to life his constant stream of intelligent observations & a unique, some would sa...more
Very well written with a high proficiency level. Four stars only as I thought the stories were random rather than see a connection like another reviewer. I liked how the author explored humanity and how well he brought across his observations. This was a good read for a short story collection, and this is coming from someone who doesn't usually read short stories. I would read more by this author to see what he can come up with in full-length fiction.
An interesting collection of short stories giving you a peek into the mind of a writer and his struggles to be creative. Even if you are not a fan of the short story format, you might like this book. The stories are unusual and varied. I’m sure we’ll be hearing more from this author!
Evolution of Insanity is a unique collection of short stories that range from intellectual, philosophical, humorous, dark, insightful and poetic. All of them are told from a very interesting and creative viewpoint.
A must read.
A must read.
Mar 10, 2012
Terry Crawford Palardy
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
skilled readers of poetry
Recommended to Terry Crawford by:
author, Goodreads group
I found this book very interesting, but also very hard to stay attentive to. The style is not typical of readings I have done, and while that intrigued me, it made it difficult to hold on to the thread of what the author was conveying. Perhaps a more erudite reader with sophisticated skills would gain more from this book.
I thank the author for making it available to me.
I thank the author for making it available to me.
Ordinary with somewhat of a humorous twist. This book of short stories is one that I could relate to at times, and then it took me to a different space. Haresh has his own unique style of writing, and a gifted one at that. Interesting and enjoyable!
This book is a collection of short stories, some are very short indeed. Haresh Daswani has a great sense of description and his stories bare this out. He establishes the plot in each story and moves it along very well. The stories are unusual. However, the author pulls you into each one because you don't know what to expect. It's a goodread.
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Filipino Group: [Promotions] Insanity for a Cause - a fund raising book launch for the benefit of Myshelter Foundation and Operation Smile | 1 | 16 | Apr 08, 2012 10:31pm | |
| Are you reviewing for content? style? mechanics? | 1 | 2 | Feb 17, 2012 08:59am |
An entrepreneur, environmentalist, racer, wine lover, writer, and many more random things. Haresh has started writing through poetry and upon its mastery (mostly boredom, you cannot truly master writing as it is an evolving process) has shifted to experimenting with essay and short stories.
Haresh's passion in short story lies in being able to dwell within the universe of consciousness and experime...more
More about Haresh Daswani...
Haresh's passion in short story lies in being able to dwell within the universe of consciousness and experime...more
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