Books I read this summer…

I had a lot of free time over the summer break and for the very first time I socially hit a new low which meant that I would have to read books. So, I started to read. I was really not interested in reading another non-fiction like “The World is Flat” by Tom Friedman (even though it was and is one of the best books I have read). It was time to relax and I so I felt like reading a novel or two. Knowing that the “New York Times” was a great place for finding book reviews I looked up a couple of books and the first book that caught my eye was a science fiction novel by Michael Crichton called “Next” but before I tell you about what I thought about the book, let me tell you the books that I had planed to read over the break –

For One More Day, by Mitch Albom 

Next, by Michael Crichton

The Memory Keeper’s Daughter, by Kim Edwards

The Five People You Meet In Heaven, by Mitch Albom

The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda, by Swami Vivekananda

The God Delusion, by Richard Dawkins 

What Is the What, by Dave Eggers

The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz

Train, by Pete Dexte

Why Did I ever, by Mary Robison

Freedom Song, by Amit Chaudhuri

Whow! Huge list, right? I knew I couldn’t get through all of them by the two or three weeks that we had for break, but never the less, these where the books that I was interested in reading. (It might interest you to know the Bible was the most read book in the world, past and present! WHOOT!! GO RELIGION… one of the many reasons that I wanted to read Swami Vivekananda’s works…) So, what books did I end up reading?

The Five People You Meet In Heaven, by Mitch Albom

For One More Day, by Mitch Albom  

Next, by Michael Chraiton

Train, by Pete Dexte

And am currently in the process of reading – 

The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda, Swami Vivekananda

(There are 8 volumes, and each about 500 pages, I’m still on the first volume! So don’t expect me to finish anytime soon!)  The first volume so far is really uplifting. The collection was recommended to me by my mother. I will address these volumes and my comments on the books after I have read through at lest the first volume, until then I will try not to talk about it much.

So, the other books that read. Let’s start with the most disappointing.

Next, by Michael Crichton. I had my hopes up about this book. From what I read from other blogs and reviewers, this was a really good read. I was so impatient that I ordered it online and I even went to Barnes and Nobles and read the whole book before it even arrived by mail. To tell you the honest truth, it was NOT realistic. I know, I know, “but Novel’s are not meant to be realistic! Right?” but this one was just too unrealistic which made it stupid. There is a fine line between fiction and stupidity. Don’t get me wrong, I think Michael Chariton is a great writer (the creator of “ Jurassic Park!!”). Probably the top five of all Novel writers but I just don’t think this was my type of book. Main reason — First I had a hard time believing that the parrot could talk and then I read on to see that the “man-chimp” can go to school! COME ON! That’s stupid!

The Five People You Meet In Heaven, by Mitch Albom and For One More Day, by Mitch Albom. Congratulations Mr. Albom you have just entered my “top storytellers” list! Both these books were amazing. I had a lot of fun reading both of them. “The five People You Meet In Heaven” was a real page turner. The way that Mitch Albom starts his stories is interesting and unique. First the setting, then an end, but only to start a new beginning. If this is confusing to you now, you should read the books then it will make more sense. I really like the concepts of both the books. For One More Day was more touching and sentimental! It was really emotional, but if there was any way of prolonging the story, it would be more of a real “full sized” novel but this was to the point and very moving. I would recommend both his books for all ages to read.

Train, by Pete Dexte. This was rated number five of six on the “top sellers of all time” list but I got half way through it and it really wasn’t that interesting. Maybe if I read the whole thing I would have more to say on the story but I don’t think I will be finishing the second half of the book. If you REALLY think that the second half is more interesting than the first half, let me know and I will read it.

So there is my list! There isn’t much more I can say about the other books but I will keep my blog updated and will write about Swami Vivekananda’s works when I am done reading it. (Be expecting A LOT of GREAT quotes!)