Reading Experience - "JACKDAWS" by Ken Follett

Recently I have watched the movie "The Book Thief" , Which is a World War based story based on the Novel of the same name. This movie inspired to read more about World War related thrillers. Accidentally during my next visit to local library, I bumped into this book "Jackdaws" by Ken Follett. 

This story is about the undercover operation of England's SOE and France's Resistance in north France to blow up a major Telephone exchange located in Saint Cecilia, Which is key to the Germans communication network. Since the earlier attempt to strike on the Telephone exchange got failed, SOE planned to send a all female agents under the Jackdaws operation who will be disguised as cleaners of the telephone exchange facility.

The title Jackdaws is the code name of the undercover operation, which symbolizes a  bird in the crow family found in and around Saint Cecilia region. Felicity Clairet also called as Flick is the leader of the operation. It enthralls the readers and Often at times puts us to the edge of the seat, making us to think and anticipate about Flick's encounter with Dieter Frank who is the German Army Intelligence officer. 

Reading experience of this book, attracted me to pick few more Ken Follett books. I am planning to read few more titles, especially "Eye of the needle" which was renamed as Storm Island

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A Crack in my thought! - Weekend Ramblings.

Hi All, 

It's been sometime and I am not keeping with maintaining my blogs actively. This year, I have decided to resume and allocate time. Now back to the my ramblings below: 

Often you wonder, you will fall into which category - the group which remembers or the one which forgets. I read this quote in one of the online links which I used to skim daily and it triggers the above thought. I am sure as soon as you read this quote, there will be quick evaluation in our mind  (Master of the game - Our thinking). 

"I divide all readers into two classes; those who read to remember and those who read to forget!" 

We wanted to re-read some books and chew on it, to get all the inner meanings/inner pleasure. But I haven't tried it yet, since sometimes strangely I started to feel this on every book I am coming across. 

Also we used to have the tendency sometimes to complete the book to know its ending/story etc and to move on to the next book you have planned to read or because of the interest in the next book which is growing day by day. 

I completed reading this book  "A Crack in the wall" by Claudio Pineiro yesterday. An Argentinian mystery novel translated to English by Miranda France. It gives us the perspective of an architect when he sees is big city. The story is revolving in the busiest aisles of the city Buenos Aires. Being one among the lucky person to live near Chicago (not exactly near, but can reach in an hour or so as you know); I wonder what Pablo Simo (hero/Architect in this novel) will think, when he get a chance to see Chicago. 

Pablo was asked to come up with 5 most beautiful buildings in Buenos Aires which is famous for its architecture.  If I were asked about 5 beautiful places I enjoyed in Chicago downtown; My master(mind) commands to jot down the below places in the following order.

- Art institure of Chicago 

- Bean/Cloud Gate 

- Buckingham Fountain

- Sears/Willis Tower

- the Lake front near Museuem (Planetarium, Aquarium and the Field Museum buildings considered as one)

So tell me which of the books you like to read again and again or you enjoyed and why ?  

Skipping Christmas! by John Grisham

Hi All,

It's the time of the year everyone of us will start preparing for the holidays, celebrations, shoppings, travel (to meet family members) and of course good food. I didn't plan to go to library this weekend. I am not a frequent visitor and finally decided to head for the Library to beat the boredom. Accidentally I came across this book of John Grisham my favorite author named "Skipping Chrismas". As expected it is one of the few Grisham books which isn't meant for Legal thriller lovers.

This story is about Luthor Kranks and his Wife decided to skip celebrating this christmas. Being a accountant in profession, Kranks is not happy with holiday bills and against the costly Christmas celebrations. The main reason behind skipping the christmas, their daughter is traveling abroad to Peru for a assignment. Kranks convinced his wife to go for a cruise by saving the money they usually spend on christmas expenses. Despite every house in his neighborhood is decorated for christmas and filled with celebrations, Luther Kranks decided to skip all these usual holiday chores this Christmas. Suddenly Krank's daughter is showing up for Christmas and bringing home her future groom from Peru surprising her parents, on the very last moment when Kranks and his wife are about to start for carribean cruise (the final day evening before Christmas). Kranks and his wife hurriedly preparing their home for their daughter arrival, Christmas party and to celebrate Christmas with their daughter & Future son in law.

Hilarious and nice read for the holiday!! See you all..

'Magic' of digital content

Hi All,

Its been long time since I blogged about anything. I was trying, But my mind is not working since I got married to this lovely lady. I guess this is called newly-wed syndrome [:p].

Anyway I have decided to comment on the nice blog I read today. I came across this blog by Mireya Sémelas, who is working as Google eBooks Strategist. The title of the blog was apt and it is about experience of her Grandma when she experienced the ebooks (that are considered as gems ) in digital format through Google books.

Bloglink:
"So What is it you do there at Grogel"

I personally consider Google books as one of the nice intiative, which will carry nice and rare treasures to the future readers. Also it makes me to start searching for rare Indian books (Wondering whether can I find any rare/old Tamil epics/gems!!)

At this moment, I would like to comment on another application called "Ngram Viewer" built by Google engineers on top of Google books. You can find more about the application in the google labs or watch for the video - "What we learned from 5 million books".

Happy Learning!!!

"Who Moved my Cheese" - Spencer Johnson

Hello all,
After a long time, I finished reading this book "Who moved my cheese" by Spencer Johnson M.D.
I heard about this book in my company's COO Interview, He mentioned this book as his favorite. From that time on I am waiting to get my hands on this one, Finally got chance over this weekend. The story is about the 4 characters who are trying to find cheese (metaphor) in a maze (life). Inspiring short parable I would say.. Must read.. I like the way the book designed, simple yet powerful.
Thanks,
Soma

Rage of Angels - Sydney Sheldon

Hi,

I would say a real page turner, I have finished this book within one and half days. I admire the character Jennie. Sheldon rocks in his plots. Awesome!!

Thanks,

Soma

Harry Potter

Hi All,

I was never been a reader who enjoyed mythology well. I finished the first book of the harry potter series. It a good read and I admire the writer J.K.Rowling.

Thanks,