A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce

A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce is the most boring book I have read in the last three years. I struggled to read. So, heard it on the audio book, but still it was painful. I have no idea why James Joyce wrote this book. Why would anyone be bothered with such a dry story? I couldn’t take it while reading. Therefore not going to relive it by writing a proper review about it.

Just happy that I got this tattered copy of the book free of cost and I didn’t spend a single rupee to read it.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Review by Shwetha H S

“When a person really desires something, all the universe conspires to help that person to realize his dreams.” This is a great quote from the book The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, and is the theme as well. This book, having inspired many people to enjoy their lives and go with the flow, has been interpreted in many ways. This was originally written in Portuguese and later translated into many languages from across the world.

A story of a boy from a well-to-do family becoming a shepherd to travel and see places instead of becoming a priest, and learning the truth about nature, The Alchemist is a soul-searching journey and a treasure hunt. The boy travels to the Pyramids from Spain in search of treasure based on his recurrent dreams. What happens next is what his journey constitutes of. Through the descriptions about reading the omens, the author encourages the readers to start trusting their gut instincts instead of others. The author talks about the principle of favourability, the Universe and beginner’s luck. The author also talks about how help arrives when required and not all the time. That is how he teaches “Ask and you shall receive.” As per the author, there is always a reward for going by your instincts and enjoying life as it comes. Apart from the reward, you get to be one with the nature.

The Alchemist is a story, which touches your heart, told in a simple way; way too simple that nobody misses understanding what Paulo Coelho wants to tell you. The descriptions are not excruciating and are just enough to give you an idea if you are good with imagination. Absolutely no nonsense. This book will be your go-to book sooner or later.

The Pillar Invisible by Hari Parameshwar

Review by Shwetha H S

Everybody has a past. Whatever it might be, nobody can judge your past to be good or bad, except you. What you learn from it and how you use it to make your future will define your being. Guilt is not something a third person can make you feel. It is the awakening of your conscience by your own deeds. The Pillar Invisible by Hari Parameshwar is a story of three accomplished men whose conscience takes them on a journey of setting their lives for the betterment of the society.

Satyaki Satyanath, a corporate honcho. Rajaseshu Narasimhaiah, an industrialist and a king-maker. Thomas Chandy Ambadan, a successful businessman. They all encounter death in unexpected ways. Their experiences in the face of death bring them close to a mysterious entity that guides them and brings them together. The story is spiritualistic as well as thrilling. The author has managed to blend the goodness of philosophy and spirituality, and has served to you by garnishing it with a hint of mythology. It is not a fun read; can become heavy on your mind due to the theme of the book. Nonetheless, a very good concept to make today’s rat race participants understand what is important in life.

The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand

Review by Tejas Jayasheel

Are you depressed? Does alcohol seem to be the right solution for your situation? Then go ahead and read The Fountainhead once. You only have to read a few chapters to know what the epilogue will be. Still, you will read it because by then you would have already understood that this is going to be a life changing book.

The name Ayn Rand is largely heard among the circles of philosophers which by all means I avoid, but this name stands out among the best of the best. She is one of the few female authors to make an unmistakable mark in the world of literature. With two books, The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, she might have inspired thousands to follow their dreams.

Howard Roark gets kicked out of college, while Peter Keating graduates with honours from the same institution. They both stay under the same roof in Keating’s house. While the first dreams and decides to become an architect, the latter asks Howard for an opinion. They both move to New York and each starts working for two different firms. Howard chooses a modernist who thinks like him and Peter chooses a successful architectural firm.

Though it is an obvious ‘Hero wins in the end’ type of a story, this book stands out because the struggle and the attitude with which Howard faces the problems would inspire any man. Though works as an architect, though being a good architect, he gets cast aside while Peter Keating is brought into limelight by the society. At one point of time, Howard can’t afford to pay bills and starts working under Peter. He takes bad remarks from everyone, but would refuse to deviate from his principles.

“The quest for self-respect is proof of its lack”.

“People want nothing but mirrors around them. To reflect them while they’re reflecting too. Reflections of reflections and echoes of echoes. No beginning and no end. No center and no purpose.”

“No speech is ever considered, but only the speaker. It’s so much easier to pass judgement on a man than on an idea.”

A few more quotes from this book would be sufficient to send someone who has already finished it and swore never to touch it again, running back to it. I often see my friends posting quotes from Ayn Rand and they are relevant even after more than 50 years. The book literally preaches individuality and you will like it. Ego is no longer something that is considered bad but a part of you. You notice a change in your attitude and the way you perceive your life. Your respect towards men of importance automatically reduces and the words they mouthed gain new interest.

You will cry. You will fill yourself with rage. You will stand in front of the window and watch the beauty of midnight. Because this book, once read will not allow you to sleep. That is the greatest power a book can ever possess. To outlive the author and continue to change the lives of readers is a unique ability that so far, I haven’t seen in any book.

Considering the style of writing, again it’s unique. The story has 5 main characters – Howard Roark, Peter Keating, Dominique Francon , Gail Wynand and Ellsworth Toohey. You will be surprised when you are half way through the book and still don’t know what to describe of the last two characters.

I do not throw the phrase ‘life changing’ a lot. It is not very often that I go reading something that does not have the slightest hint of humor in it. In fact, it is only for Fountainhead that I broke my rule. I don’t regret it even for a minute. Go read it. I promise even you won’t regret your decision.