Aman Mittal's Blog, page 4
July 20, 2018
BOOK REVIEW: Moonwalking with Einstein by Joshua Foer
Pages: 320, Kindle Edition
Published: 2011
Cover Rating: 2/5
Do you often wonder about how you can improve your memory even after staging and settling into the adulthood? When was the last time you tried to memorise a phone number? Do you still remember it? If not, Johsua Foer’s Moonwalking with Einstein can be a great start to explore a real life experience of someone working on and improving his own memory to become a “mental athlete” and describing baby steps to build what is commonly known as a “memory palace”.
Joshua Foer was a normal journalist before he became obsessed with memory techniques and went into a year-long sabbatical to win United States Memory Championship. During this period of time, he had a lot to learn about how to learn from memory experts such as Ed Cooke and face to face with Tony Buzan and recorded everything (as I believe) in this book.
When I first came across this book I wondered how all this can be practical? On reading Foer’s own experiences as he tries to decipher the culture and history of remembering for a better understanding of “us”, humans. He talks about the genesis of memorizing as it goes back to ancient Greeks during the time of Socrates.
When I asked earlier about memorizing a phone number, I think many of are dependent on electronic gadgets to memorize them for us, thus serving as our “external memory”. Other details regarding the memory competitions are given in-depth.
The writing style is written in first person that covers some interesting topics. I would recommend this book as only to understand the concept and getting started with your obsession but not as a complete practical solution that covers mentalist’s tricks and techniques. It serves the purpose of an introduction.
4 out of 5!
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The post BOOK REVIEW: Moonwalking with Einstein by Joshua Foer appeared first on Confessions of a Readaholic.
July 19, 2018
July 18, 2018
BOOK REVIEW: Personal Stereo by Rebecca Tuhus-Dubrow
Pages: 160 Pages, Kindle Edition
Published: September 7th 2017 by Bloomsbury Academic
Cover Rating: 5/5
Bloomsbury Academic Press has released a series of “Object Lessons” over the last few years that are books on items that have less significance these days or have lost their charm in time but some of us might experience the same amount of nostalgia about many of these “objects” whenever we see one of them.
This is my first reading in the Object Lessons series and it’s about the famously known device that ran on batteries for decades until in the previous decade replaced by the iPod. Yes, I am talking about the Walkman or some prefer to call it a personal stereo. Written by Rebecca Tuhus-Dubrow, Personal Stereo is all about the handheld device that ran a cassette tape, with play, pause and forward and backward buttons. Starting from the post World War II Japan where one can find the origins of this device as well as the famous Sony Outlook that changed the public outlook and access towards music forever.
Rebecca’s study starts from Masaru Ibuka and Akio Morita both who co-founded Sony Corporation along with the history of their famous product, Walkman. Along with the nostalgia that comes from the reminding oneself of dear past activities or objects that one could relate to, a reader can feel it with the writer. She goes on to discuss the cultural points that make this handheld device unique and acceptable over various part of the world for decades whereas the employees of Sony Corporation at the time of the Walkman’s origin felt to be absurd and a crazy idea that would lead to failure, a belief that did not share similar outcome in reality.
Author’s descriptive manner implying the nature and working of the device and her own experience with it, certainly indulges the reader deeply with the context. She takes the reader through the rise and fall of Sony and the era of cassette tapes. It’s a quick read and for someone who has been the owner of such a device will feel the essence of the fond memories of wearing up a set of foamy headphones.
4 out of 5!
Have you used one of these before? Do you still own one?
Note: I received this book from the publisher but that doesn’t mean my review is breaking any reviewing rules.
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email: amandeepmittal@live.com
The post BOOK REVIEW: Personal Stereo by Rebecca Tuhus-Dubrow appeared first on Confessions of a Readaholic.
July 13, 2018
BOOK REVIEW: Pep Guardiola – The Evolution by Martí Perarnau
Pages: 384, Kindle Edition
Published: November 2016
Cover Raring: 5/5
When Pep Guardiola left Barceolna in 2012 there was one huge question hanging on him. He had grown up in Barcelona, came through the youth system to break through in their first team. His managerial career started with Barcelona B team. Hew knew Barcelona and its culture better than anybody else. How could he thrive elsewhere?
When I read Perarnau’s last book on Guardiola which described his first season at Bayern and the preparation he went through. It is debatable that his time at Bayern Munich can be as considered as success, at least on the domestic front, I’d say they were dominating. Big clubs want European success and Pep could not do the same at Bayern as he did in Barcelona. This book describes Guardiola’s three seasons at Bayern Munich with constant anecdotes from the players and staff of the club. It discuss in-depth how Guardiola’s obsession with to reach next level changed players and the impact they had on their careers.
This book take its reader further while analysing Guardiola’s management style through key moments off and on field. Perarnau reveals how Guardiola improved as a manager at Bayern despite failing to land the ultimate prize in European football, examines his decision to leave Germany to take up the challenge at Manchester City and how his managerial style will continue to evolve in the Premier League.
I like Perarnau’s writing style. It is written with same enthusiasm and well-researched as his last book: Pep Confidential. To understand and study the genius of Guardiola, this book is a perfect match. I am not saying this book is a must read of Guardiola or Manchester City fan in general but rather than it is for anyone who loves the game or is obssessed by it as I am.
4 out of 5!
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July 11, 2018
BOOK REVIEW: The Architecture of Happiness by Alain de Botton
The Architecture of Happiness by Alain de Botton Genres: Nonfiction
I picked this book this book for two reasons: one, it has images in it. Secondly, last year I remember reading Botton’s How Proust Can Change Your Life? which was a fascinating read on Marcel Proust with an evoking title.
The Architecture of Happiness is a completely different book and while reading it I observed the same essay-like writing style from Botton’s previous work. This book if full of images and involves short chapters. It revolves around one simple question: What is beautiful building? and to provide an articulate answer author takes his readers on a tour with focus on architectural psychology and talks about the way we think about our homes, our streets.
The Asylum and the Chapel at Saint Remy by Vincent van GoghAfter reading this book I took some time and tried thinking about the way Botton tries to convince “us” to rethink the way we think about our dwellings. But I failed to understand the vibe behind psychology the Botton’s words tries to attain from an individual’s point of view. I still think it’s personal and totally individually dependent on understanding the beauty of architecture whether it’s a two storey building with scrapped paint or a monument or a football stadium.
This book is amusing if you are looking to read something completely different on a Sunday afternoon or on a Saturday night. You might manage to get something out of Botton’s words.
The post BOOK REVIEW: The Architecture of Happiness by Alain de Botton appeared first on Confessions of a Readaholic.
July 9, 2018
BOOK REVIEW: Sitanshu by Anita Shirodkar
Sitanshu by Anita Shirodkar Published by The Write Place on 01/06/2018
Genres: Fiction, Fantasy, Mythology
Pages: 314
Format: Paperback
Goodreads
Sitanshu is the second book in the series of Guardians of Blue Lotus in continuation to the first book Aryavir. Set in ancient India, it tries to provide a perfect blend of Indian mythology and fantasy fiction. Does it succeed in that? To find the answer to the question, please continue to read the review.
The plot revolves around Sitanshu, an Ashtradhari and a friend to the protagonist of the first book, Aryavir. In their kingdom, it is considered an omen, a sign of danger when a Blue Lotus Indivara springs. Sitanshu and his friends are harbored on the border of Kalipura for a war against Chandraketu King Divyendu. With hidden secrets of its own, the Old World is in danger. It is now in the hands of Sitanshu’s army to face the consequences and save their own lives as well as their kingdom.
The storyline starts with a prologue and it continues to develop the characters from the first page in order to help the reader to get him to familiarise. In some cases, this might not work, as some fantasy authors try to introduce the main cast in parts to provide an element of surprise. That element of surprise is rare to find in this book but nonetheless, the method author of this book has adapted works well enough. The story shifts between different characters to provide a complete outlook of the happenings of the Old World. The theme of war zone used by the author also leads to a few bold female characters. This is a bigger improvement itself for the Indian literature. Overall, the storyline is well thought and constructed.
The characterization is a strong point of this book as they drive the plot further. Switching between the context of many characters is actually an advantage I find this book to move ahead and it does make things interesting in the end. Since it is fantasy, there are hardly any dragging elements and the book constitutes of a little above 300 pages. The narrative voice is in the third person and the writing style is at its peak.
If you are a fantasy lover or interested in mythology, you must grab a copy of this series.
4 out of 5!
If you want to learn more about the author Anita Shirodkar, you must check the Interview with her.
The post BOOK REVIEW: Sitanshu by Anita Shirodkar appeared first on Confessions of a Readaholic.
June 29, 2018
BOOK REVIEW: The Inheritants Saga by Kristy Mackmurdie
The Inheritants Saga by K. M. Mackmurdie Series: Inheritants Saga
Published by Burton Brown Enterprises on 01/05/2018
Genres: Fiction, Fantasy
Format: ARC, eBook
Goodreads
Kristy Mackmurdie’s latest trilogy, The Inheritants, an urban fantasy, is her debut work. The book is divided into three parts namely: The Funeral March, Invisible Man and The Offering. I recently got the chance to read all three parts.
My experience as a reader with urban fantasy is limited and I am glad I could get my hands on The Inheritants Trilogy. The plot revolves around Meredith Earl who is an Inheritant orphan. Her lover is recently found dead and now his corpse is missing. Meredith is recently feeling lonely after his death and gets obsessed to find the dead body. She embarks in the journey of cruelty, backstabbing, loss and a struggle that needs constant sacrifices from herself. Moreover, her is past is explored and many secrets are revealed.
The storyline in this book starts on a slow note. We are introduced to the main set of characters in the first part and a mystery starts to loom. However, the mystery can soon be solved by the reader as the events inside the novel advances and then starts a journey of a chase and run and hide and revenge. This adventure picks up speed and we as a reader get more insight into the lives of different characters, especially the Meredith and her lover Sloane.
The writing style in this trilogy is excellent and is flawless. The narrative voice sometimes did get in my head comfortably and made me realize that it might leave an impact at the end of it. The main characterization is deeply explored and is given proper time for the reader to absorb the information. Another thing I like about this novel and want to point out is that the constant back flashes provide immense details about these characters. There is R rated content and that upon completing the trilogy, I think to define the nature of some characters is important and also fulfills the nature of a modern day fantasy writing style. I could not find any drag elements that are just there to fill up the pages and a common practice in this genre but I do think supporting characters could have been a bit better.
If you are into fantasy reading or its subgenre urban fantasy or have never read one, this can be a great start.
4 out of 5!
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June 27, 2018
Tips on #BookBlogging
Do you want to become a better blogger? Or you struggling to even start one?
Being a blogger means more than just putting words into post. Everything matters when it comes to run a blog consistently. Things like a blog’s design, managing social media profiles, saving countless drafts and then scheduling them in manner as they fit your theme of the month or something like that. Lastly, do not forget about networking with authors and fellow bloggers.
It sounds overwhelming. It is OVERWHELMING 
June 25, 2018
BOOK REVIEW: Keshava by Bhawana Somaaya
Keshava by Bhawana Somaaya Published by Fingerprint! Publishing on 20/04/2018
Genres: Fiction, Mythology
Pages: 240
Goodreads
Bhawana Somaaya is a journalist and an author of 14 books. Her latest book, Keshava – A Magnificent Obsession. Lord Krishna is one of the many gods in Hindu religion. He can be identified in various forms and his identity is spread in a variety of cultures all across the nation. That said, he has been a significant part of Indian Mythology.
This book does not have a significant plot that concentrates on character building with twists and turns. This book is something altogether different. It is divided into nine different chapters in which the lord is himself represented as different entities. These entities vary from being an obsession, lord of knowledge, cows and trees, love, guardian to royalty, and other materialistic things. The fascinating fact I learned from reading this book is the popularity of Lord Krishna among different cultures and he is recognized in them through more than hundreds of names.
There is no wonder why his popularity resides outside the boundaries of Indian culture over the past few decades. In each chapter, he is representing himself and telling tales or observations from the different point of views. The writing style is smooth, clear and I appreciate the author’s effort in creating them out of nowhere.
Though the absolute religious mythology is not for me I will still recommend this book to various mythology lovers out there.
3.5 out of 5
The post BOOK REVIEW: Keshava by Bhawana Somaaya appeared first on Confessions of a Readaholic.
June 22, 2018
BOOK REVIEW: Such is Her Life by Reecha Agarwal Goyal
I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Such is Her Life by Reecha Agarwal Goyal Published by Fingerprint! Publishing on 20/04/2018
Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir
Pages: 184
Format: Paperback
Goodreads
Such is Her Life is the debut work of writer Reecha Goyal published earlier this year. It is a heartwarming collection of thoughts. These thoughts are based mostly on reality and presented to us as a reader in the form of musings. It is as clear and raw as if I, the reader is picking on her brain.
Expressed over 184 pages long, the whole concept works well as it contains around 150 musings. The common theme of these musings is the role a woman plays in lives of everyone as a mother, daughter, sister, wife, daughter-in-law, but societal norms do not appreciate all the effort to the life giver herself. I know that the western world has accepted or adapted or changed for the better over the period of time with some force but societies in countries like India are still retrograded. Some of these musings are short and some are long enough to make you think what a woman has to go through in every phase of her life.
Life kept changing and she kept accepting it. Until the day she started questioning. And that changed the game. Changed her life. - @AgarwalReecha
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Some of the author’s thoughts are bold for the society to absorb and I think this is what we need. Some of the highlights of this book are honor killing, dowry, neglection, societal expectations, gender discrimination and the tenderness of a mother or a woman in love. It talks about these realities in lesser words that will make one think hard. Written in simple language, some of these proses are going to stay with me for a long time. Hats off to the publishing team by coming with a genuinely themed book that does match with the theme of the book.
4 out of 5!
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