Mumbai Avengers - S Hussain Zaidi, Gabriel Khan

Non-Fiction with creative liberty
Verdict: Read it

This was a recommendation from a friend. I wasn't sure before I started it, but since I usually listen to him, I decided to give it a try. It was worth it.

India was reeling from the bombs that exploded in Mumbai. This is the story of the team that went after them. It's a police story that hits very close to home as it revolves around a tragic event. 

Touching on communalism, terrorism, and police mentality, this book is undoubtedly, as it must be, a pro-police viewpoint. One does end up cheering for Ret. General Waris as he is so dogged and passionate about his objective.

A good read for patriotic Indians who like a little masala. Or boys who like police stories. Either way.

Becky

My Days in the Underworld: Rise of the Bangalore Mafia - Agni Sreedhar

Non-Fiction
Verdict - Read it

This book chronicles a young man's journey through the seedy, criminal, gangster element that floated around (mainly) south Bangalore back in the 80's. 

As someone who currently lives in Bangalore, this was a hard thing to imagine, but the author made it come alive for me and made it fun. I wanted to root for him, but then would all of a sudden remember he was not a good guy!

There were also quite a few references to outside cities that would breed gangsters and goons who came to the city for opportunities. This was also fun to read about. Worth the time!

Becky

The Grass is Greener over the Septic Tank - Erma Bombeck

Non Fiction
Verdict - A Must

Erma Bombeck was a Lady humorist who was way before her time. She is one of my favorite authors - mainly because my grandmother had her books in the display case and I read them every summer. I simply never got tired of them. 

Erma's subject material is housewifery and being a mom. The trials of being a responsible adult. It's nothing new per say, but it's timeless funny and light hearted to read. 

Please do spend some time with Erma if you're feeling down.

Becky

P.S. Life is A Bowl of Cherries and This is the Pits - also another essential Bombeck!

My Feudal Lord - Tehmina Durrani

NonFiction
Verdict: Meh.

This is another story about how men are sexist and do not treat women right. Especially Middle Eastern Men. It's one woman's account of her marriage and how her husband thinks he runs the world. Unfortunately these stories are a dime a dozen, and there's nothing earth shattering or particularly interesting in this story. 

Please note that I think the author is brave and has a valid point. My Meh was not about her experience - it was about it being the same story told yet again.  The writing was nothing that caught my imagination and the hook-line about Feudal Lord was quite a bit overused.

If you're interested, by all means dig in, otherwise, nothing unusual here.


Becky

History of Modern India - Bipin Chandra

NonFiction
Verdict: Read it!

The title is pretty self explanatory for this one. However, this is one of the better explanations of Indian History that I've read. It will leave you pretty angry at the British if you have any sense at all. But still a fascinating read - not too long or heavy.


Becky

Widows of Vidharba

Non Fiction
Verdict: Read it.

Vidharba is a small village in the poorest district of Maharashtra, India. Farmer suicide in this district is epidemic due to financial difficulties and poor growing conditions.

I'll admit, this is a niche subject. But it's both interesting to see how the situation arose and heartbreaking to follow. 

Reading niche books about different populations helps people be compassionate and understand life outside their small bubble. Definitely spend the time on this one - It's not long or complicated.

Rebekah

Girls of Riyadh - Rajaa Alsanea

Non fiction
Verdict: Not the best on the subject - you can skip it

Girls of Riyadh is a compilation of stories and emails, and experiences by a group of friends in Saudi Arabia, mostly centering around love and romance. As most people are aware, Saudi is a difficult place for romance.

There have been many, many books on the oppressive nature of Saudi Arabia, especially for women. This covers exactly the same ground, only in candi-pop colors. 

I'm not sure who the audience was for this book, teenagers? The writing, characters, and situations come off as extremely juvenile. 

Not really my cup of tea. I felt that serious issues were being boiled down to gossip and boys. I also felt there was way too much apologism on behalf of the Saudi system of repressing women and taking away choices.

Rebekah