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Book Review of The Icon - By Fredrick Forsyth

Reader — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 13:09:32 +0000

The Icon by Fredrick Forsyth is a pretty old book. Why then, did I choose the write an online book review now? simple, I read it again and realized the genius that is Fredrick Forsyth and the fact that when it comes to a plan to take over a country and later the world; there is, in my humble opinion, no comparison to Mr. Fredrick Forsyth!

This book review author finds The Icon keeps the pace flowing

The Icon does not seem to loose its flow from the start to the finish. With the critical conditions surrounding Russia so beautifully placed in front of our eyes, it does not take long for the reader to understand the Political turmoil and how things are about to change drastically. As always, the “episode” of a menial worker being at the wrong place (for the enemies) at the wrong time (again for the enemies) ensures that the “grand plan” of takeover finds itself in the hands of some pretty worried Diplomats who turn to the “secret group” of leaders to aid in the “freedom” of Russia.

Courtesy Amazon.com

While each section and episode is broken down and pasts of the characters is visited, it seems that at the precise moment where needed, we come to know more about our protagonist and how his past always seems to be too close to comfort. While taking historical figures is common for a writer, the nature and situation in which they are portrayed is refreshing and what’s more, is not often seen even in today’s books. The pace, the action, the emotions are all entwined exquisitely to bring out a realistic image in the eyes of the reader and post the ending of the book; one may imagine a state where-in this was possible.

The Icon by Fredrick Forsyth can fit in any time period

While the earlier book reviews were of a different nature, it is hard to view them with the current situations and scenarios. The beauty of The Icon, is that it can easily fit in to the current political scenario with all the coups and protests occurring throughout the world. What’s more, the political situation expressed in The Icon, mirrors the conditions under which the latest revolutions took place. This was what brought me back to the book, and with the world as a whole now, taking an active interest in the internal matters of individual countries, your mind can easily go on for a quick conspiracy theory, that is what The Icon, by Fredrick Forsyth does to you.

Written with the understanding that there will always be a situation of unrest, somewhere in the world, Fredrick Forsyth has created a world where no matter who is out to destroy the country and its people, there are some good men within it, who; knowingly or unknowingly, come together and “save the day” The Icon, truly adapts to the time it’s read at.

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson – The best selling biography’s online book review.

Reader — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:06:42 +0000

Well, here we are; turning the pages of the best seller biography to write a book review of the pseudo god of the new digital age, Steve Jobs. I do not attempt to critic this biography in my online book review, the attempt here made is to simply show you what is there in the book, what is important and with what “eye” it must be read. To start with Walter Isaacson took a different approach; trying to get at the “man” instead of the legend. Also, it should be noted that Walter does not have a digital background, hence those that wish to look at this book as an insight into what made Apple tick, will be mildly disappointed. Now that the ground is cleared, let’s get on with the book review shall we?

: Courtesy – Amazon.com

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson – A Book about the man not the legend

Walter Isaacson has not painted the quintessential image of the legend that is Steve Jobs. Instead, the author has stated the facts about the Man, his childhood, and his relationships with family and co-workers. From the time that Steve Jobs was born, he found challenges that he faced exquisitely. The fact that he was put up for adoption, was adopted and so on has been well documented and if you look closely, we can see how the formative years set in stone Steve Job’s outlook on the world and himself. This Biography, although around 600 pages in length, deals mainly with Steve Jobs’ rise, fall and eventual rise again with all the narcissistic, aggressive, perfectionist traits that came to be associated with him. There is a clear view of his relationships with his family at home and his family at work. His relationships with his daughter are also meticulously documented, along with the views of abandonment that he felt towards her. This book gives you a raw Steve Jobs, and you still see him with that “I know it” smile as you realize that although this book is a biography of a legend, in reality the legend was a hard man to please and a tyrant in all respects.

In “Steve Jobs” Walter Isaacson fails to show “Apple”

Walter Isaacson may have succeeded in depicting a true portrait of Steve Jobs; however, he fails to throw light on Apple. Found wanting in many respects this biography should also have been a biography of “Apple” since you cannot have the two as separate entities in my opinion. Yes, there is a great deal written about Apple and the methodology of the workings that went there and much more, however, it lacks that quality which would give you the “aah” moment. A reason for this is unquestionably the fact that Apple and its late CEO Steve Jobs were always in the lime light. Tons of material is already available with interviews, books and even a movie, showing how things went and how Steve Jobs led his troops. This book therefore, let me down in terms of Apple and an insight into it. So if you are about to read this book for an in-depth know how of Apple and to find out some “inside information” regarding some of Apple’s tougher times, then you will be disheartened.

Walter Isaacson achieves the purpose in the book “Steve Jobs”

This book was written to understand the Man not the legend. The reason I keep stressing this point is because I want you to completely understand the purpose of this book. As I write this book review, you are probably on your way to a book shop so keep this in mind, Walter Isaacson has written about Steve Jobs, chronicled him if you will and that in itself, is an achievement. There is no other comprehensive authority on Steve Jobs than the book by Walter Isaacson, and to expect it to contain the Man and Apple and Next and Pixar, is simply too much expectation.

You may have noticed that this book review does not contain much detail regarding the actual contents. This is done on purpose; there is no point in writing all that was said about Jobs here, buy the book and find out. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson is a fabulous biography and contains insights into his past which defined his present and built our future!

Killing Lincoln – 2011 The New York Times Best Seller 2011 Book Review

Reader — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 16:43:37 +0000

2011 Best Seller book review of the New York Times Best Seller, Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination that changed America forever will not be complete without taking a note of the fact that its author Martin Dugard is not a historical author. The book has been authored more as an enthusiast’s outlook than as a historical account.

Killing Lincoln – skims the surface of many subjects

: Courtesy: Amazon.com

While O’Reilly and Dugard touch on many themes and issues that America faced as it struggled to end the civil war they treat none in depth. They provide fuel to the conspiracy theories regarding the assassination. They raise many questions but delve into none in great detail or with any satisfaction. O’Reilly and Dugard have written this book as part thriller and part history. Though the title states that the book deals exclusively to the Assassination of Abraham Lincoln, it talks about the time from the time before the assassination to the eventual manhunt and rounding up of the guilty. While the facts and sequences discussed in Killing Lincoln are mostly accurate, the narrative moves along quickly and breezily and skims along the surface while the subject deserves a more detailed and in-depth analysis and is a weighted topic which is not treated the same.

Killing Lincoln – The book is marked by errors and the historical figures are simplified.

Historical Errors are a put off in any book, and when it touches a famous historical identity such as Abraham Lincoln, it leaves a bad taste. There is a regular appearance of errors in the book Killing Lincoln such as the fact that although the Oval Office did not exist in Abraham Lincoln’s time, it has been referenced in Killing Lincoln. We can however, excuse these with the knowledge that Bill O’Reily has written this book with a true passion for Abraham Lincoln.
The historical figures are portrayed in a simplified manner, with Abraham Lincoln as the long- suffering hero and Booth as evil personified. The authors continually narrate from the viewpoint of how events unfolded. So every action of Lincoln is interpreted and painted with a fatalistic brush. Hence when it comes to his daily routine during the final days, it is given more as a sign than the fact that it was Abraham Lincoln’s daily routine.

In ending this 2011 best seller book review, I find that Killing Lincoln qualifies as a thorough entertainer, having just the right dose of conspiracy theories, historical facts and the strong narrative that binds it all together.

Embassy Town – A sci-fi bestseller book review

Reader — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:55:08 +0000

Courtesy - Amazon.com

Well, we now take the plunge in to a world where humans and aliens live in peace. Embassy Town; China Mieville latest book released this May has made to the Best Books of the year list on Amazon, hence I decided it was worth “checking it out!” Well, this is not the first sci-fi book I’ve read, although I must state I do not have a particular passion for sci-fi books. Hence writing this book review was particularly difficult for me. Still, this is by book review in continuation of the series of the 2011 best seller book reviews

Embassy Town – The sci-fi bestseller book creates a multi-layered world

“Embassytown” is written through the life of “Immerser” Avice Benner Cho. It is her chronicle of her childhood that tells us the life on planet Ariekei, where most children don’t grow up with their parents. Humans share their world with alien beings called “extos”. These aliens do not live out in the open and confidently “walk down the streets”; no in Ariekei, the aliens are screened with one important exception, extos can only settle on Ariekei if their sociologic and, to an extent, genetic makeup (they must have language, move comfortably in a human-run world, have similar thought processes, et cetera) is similar enough to allow integration with humans. The planet Ariekei, is not owned by humans. They are mere settlers under the permission of beings known as “hosts” who are the real owners of the planet.

Embassy Town – The sci-fi book takes on a slow start

China Mieville takes his time to show us the various facets of his planet. The story that begins with the childhood of Ariekei, continues on to show the nature and the understanding under which the various beings live in temporary harmony. The Hosts are highly benevolent beings, taking an extra liking to the children, but humans cannot breathe in their region of the planet. They speak a language that can be understood by genetically engineered linguists, and hence these are the Ambassadors. They are not at all humanoid in appearance; they do not communicate like humans; and their sociologic match-up is questionable at the very best.

Problems Arise in Embassy Town – A New Ambassador arrives

Of course! No peace can last a thousand years when there are at least three different life forms existing on one planet. The Trouble starts in Embassy town when a new Ambassador pair arrives. Drawn from the capital planet of the colonial power rather than homegrown on Ariekei, it brings about changes that no one could anticipate and that threaten the shared existence of colonists (Humans) and Hosts on the planet. Avice who grew up Embassy Town is caught in the middle. When that harmony is shattered by an impossible arrival and an unexpected discover she finds herself caught up in the tragic, violent birth of a new order.

In spite of the cruelty, fear, loss, and destruction that it describes, Embassy Town is first and foremost a portrait of strength and survival. Embassy Town excels both as gripping, imaginative science fiction and as a carefully thought out meditation on the nature of cities. Embassy Town is a dark novel.

The Affair: A Reacher Novel –Hot New Releases book review

Reader — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:58:19 +0000

Welcome to the world of the HOT NEW RELEASES! Writing a HOT NEW RELEASES book review is tough, but for a Lee Child novel (“The Affair: A Reacher Novel” the hottest new release this year), there is no difficult in stating that this book review is just my way of saying “well done” to the master of mystery!

The Affair: A Reacher Novel book review – The book lives up to its name!

: courtesy – Amazon.com

In The Affair, we find that Reacher is still an MP. Although the backdrop is similar to his previous campaigns; a small run down town; Reacher is sent in to assist the beautiful local Sheriff to find and catch a killer. Of course, the true reason is to cover up a potential scandal for the military. Keeping with the series, the action is fast paced with strong characters and a rhythm that may put off a new reader; but I suggest you keep at it and soon, you too will become a Reacher fan! Although the reasons given for his departure from the army may not be acceptable to certain fans, this book answers tons of questions regarding his past and his character.

The Affair takes back to the beginning!

In The Affair: A Reacher Novel, Lee Child lives up to his reputation of being the master of thriller. We are taken on a flash back, where in a lot of Reacher’s now well known habits such as “no suitcase; will travel”, come in the know. Taking a detour from the previous two Reacher novels, The Affair: A Reacher Novel shows us how Reacher became what he is today in our minds and we see the face of his arch-nemesis the military bureaucracy. The book wonderfully fills in the necessary gaps about our understanding of Reacher, and showcases the causes of his present, i.e. being a drifter.

The Affair has a perfect combination of Violence and Sex

Well, there is no Reacher book without its fair share of violence and sex. Here, the violence has increased dramatically while the sex scenes may be a little over the top. However, Lee Child has found the perfect blend according to me and with the pace the book runs at, it just adds to the excitement! This book is a “one sit” read. Once you pick it up, it will be virtually impossible to put it down!

The Affair: A Reacher Novel, is a must read, it’s a thriller from the master Lee Child!

2011 Best Seller Book Reviews – Biographies

Reader — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:09:51 +0000

2011 best seller book reviews comprises of a wonderful mixture of contemporaries, brought to life by some brilliant penmanship. Carefully choreographed lives of people that changed the world, gives me not just a “they were truly great” experience, but also helps in understand how these great men lived and how they reached a decision.

2011 Best Seller Book Review of Biographies and Memoirs: Life’s showcased on paper

A book, brings to life the imagination and the vivid picturesque of the world as seen by the story teller. Where a book, with its brilliant flow captures the reader and sends him into the heart and mind of the protagonist (whether real or fiction), it also brings to the mind’s eye; a world so well crafted by the author that within that time of reading, he is catapulted into its depths and finds himself as one of the characters playing out their roles.

The year 2011 has seen its fair share of book reviews. Many book reviews are given without a prejudice and even rare is a book review that is master critical, yet provides an in-depth understanding of the book and its author. We delve into the realms of “Biographies and Memoirs” section of Amazon’s Must Reads of 2011 and bring to life, the realities that are present and which have shaped our understanding of the world.

2011 Best Seller Book Review: J.D. SALINGER: A LIFE

: Courtesy – Amazon.com

The year 2011 marked the anniversary of the legendary and reclusive American Novelist J.D. Salinger. A befitting tribute to the author was the launch of his Biography J.D. Salinger: A Life; by Kenneth Slawenski. Written with the novelist in mind, the book revolves around the days when J.D. Salinger used to write. The book denotes the fact that J.D. Salinger’s life experiences and especially his experiences in World War II created a strong mark on his content. Later, as he released more publications, the reviews also altered his writing skills. Not much is written post the 1960s when the reclusive American (New Yorker) author retired. Apart from being in the Amazon’s Must Reads of 2011, this book even made it to the Best Book of the Month for January. The book reviews given by readers are also a testament to the author’s achievement of maintaining the integrity with which the book was written.2011 best seller book reviews could not get any better start than a book launched at the start of the month!

2011 Best Seller Book Review – GREAT SOUL: MAHATMA GANDHI AND HIS STRUGGLE WITH INDIA

: Courtesy Amazon.com

Mahatma Gandhi has been chronicled in the echelons of history as the face of non-violence and civil rights movement. All the Civil Rights movements and their leaders from Martin Luther King Jr. to Nelson Mandela have taken a page from the Mahatma’s teaching. Joseph Lelyveld however, attempts to humanize the fabled Mahatma in his comprehensive book titled Great Soul: Mahatma Gandhi and His Struggle with India and he is more than successful. The Biography maps the impact of the Mahatma’s formative years on his being, and the impact that Mahatma had on the world at large. Joseph Leyveld has successfully brought to human form the legend that is the Mahatma. A True Amazon must read of 2011 and a worthy addition to the 2011 Best Seller Book Reviews series.