Saturday, August 7, 2010

Two Quick Reviews

I'm still not finding enough time to get back to normal blogging but I can't bear leaving my blog stranded. So here's me sneaking in to write mini-reviews of the last two books I've read and not reviewed =)

The Twentieth Wife by Indu Sundaresan - 8/10


This book is a luxury, a pleasure to read. I'm a huge fan of just about anything to do with the Mughal era and this fictional take on the love story between Emperor Jahangir and Mehrunnisa is beautiful, romantic, rich and engrossing. Sundaresan's gorgeous descriptions transport you back to the Mughal age of India and you're in no hurry to leave it. Mehrunnisa's character is smoothly developed and she is an interesting mix of cunning, passion, love and strength and is unforgettable by the time you're done reading the book. The history that the book is based on was also well-explained by Sundaresan and kept me looking forward to the next book that chronicles Mehrunnisa and Jahangir's lives. I have Feast of Roses, the second book of the series with me now and I can't wait to read it! I definitely recommend this book for fans of historical fiction and books related to India. Don't miss out on this beautifully written tale about a love of epic proportions. 

Airhead by Meg Cabot - 2/10


I picked this book up for two reasons. One, I was doing a lot of serious reading and I wanted something easy to read, light and fun. Two, I had heard a lot of good things about it and I generally love Cabot's writing. I hated the book, to put it simply. Either I've outgrown reading teen books or the book is over-hyped and average at best. What is given in the description of the book - of Em Watts, the 'geek', taking on Nikki Howard's supermodel life - is what Cabot sets up for more than one hundred pages. When it's already explained in the blurb and there's no surprise, why go on about it? Even afterwards, I felt nothing much happened. Ultimately, I cared little about any of the characters and I missed Cabot's amazing wit and humour. Airhead, I'm afraid,  just didn't work for me.

I miss catching up with all of your blogs and I hope you guys are doing fine! Happy reading and do keep track of my 'Currently Reading' side bar if you want to know what books I'm reading. Cheers =) 

8 comments:

Whitney said...

Glad to see you back at Pemberley, if only for a short time. The Twentieth Wife looks like an interesting read and perhaps educational culture-wise as well.

Tanu said...

It was a nice surprise to see your post. The Twentieth Wife has been getting good reviews. I have yet to come across a negative review.

I will check it out as soon as I get a chance. Looking forward to your permanent return on the blog. :)

Booksnyc said...

The Twentieth Wife looks great!

Sorry you didn't like the Meg Cabot - I have read other books of hers and liked them but this new series just doesn't appeal.

Unknown said...

Not even for "light" reading? :P

Grad said...

Was happy to see a new post by you. I saw the cover of The Twentieth Wife somewhere - Barnes & Noble maybe? Anyway, I wondered about it. Now I know it will be a worthwhile purchase. I ordered The Gurnsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society on your recommendation. Was shipped yesterday and can't wait to start it.

Kals said...

Whitney - Thanks! It's lovely to hear from you as well :) The Twentieth Wife is definitely a rewarding insight into the Mughal era and offers a lot to learn culture-wise.

Tanu - Thanks! I hope so too :)I'm pretty sure you'll like this book. Do let me know when you get to read the book!

Booksync - Exactly! I love her Princess Diaries series and even the Size 12 is Not Fat series. But this one is disappointingly cliche.

Apoorva - Yes, sadly :P

Grad - I really hope you enjoy both books! I loved them both and they're definitely worth spending your time on. I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts about Guernsey and The Twentieth Wife too if you read it :)

Vaishnavi said...

Hey Kals! Long time no see! I am coming back to blogging after almost a month, my mom was really unwell and I didn't have the time. I have been wanting to read The Twentieth Wife for a long time actually so thanks for the review! As for Airhead, I have almiost picked it up many times but never got around to it, I am sorry anythign written by Meg Cabot can be so banal but you should try Guy Next Door and Every Boy's Got One, you'll like them I think :)

Kals said...

Hey Vaishnavi! I hope your Mom is feeling better now * Hugs * I'm sure you'll enjoy The Twentieth Wife and thanks for the reco!

I was very disappointed with Airhead because I usually love Cabot's books. I'll definitely check out Every Boy's Got One. I've read Guy Next Door and loved it (That's more of the Meg Cabot that I know and like). I've reviewed it here as well :)

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