Ajay's Book Review

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SAVARKAR: The true story of the father of Hindutva

The true story of the father of Hindutva. Having been raised in a maharashtrian family you grow listening to the heroics of Veer Savarkar, this combined with some little text and media surrounding the freedom fighter at later stages always piqued my interest in the subject. After watching a movie on the subject I decided to read about the man the legend and also someone who is equally loved and equally dismissed by his supporter and opponents alike. On the very onset I must admit that finding a book on Veer Savarkar which is based on facts and no bias for or against him was difficult and this book just did that. The book brings to light so many facets of his life that are either unknown or known by very few like his ask to include the Ashoka Chakra on the Indian flag instead of the Charkha or the spinning wheel, which came as a complete surprise to me. Also Savarkar the poet which is something not usually talked about and is not known by many like his poem "Sagara Pran Talmalala .

Why I am an Atheist and other works: Bhagat Singh

Bhagat Singh is a name that became synonymous with revolution in India's struggle for Independence. This young boy brought about a change in the way people thought about freedom. He was well read and fought extensively for rights - his own, his comrades' and his countrymen's. A discussion with a friend soon turned into a matter of self-assessment for Bhagat Singh, leading to a discourse on why he chose to be an atheist. Even in the face of death at a very young age, his uncanny observation leads to his putting forth some pertinent questions. On another occasion, he was disappointed with his father's plea in court for his innocence and chose to write a letter to him. This book is a collection of eighteen of his valued writings from within the walls of prison and outside it, which show us the resolve in his words, and the bravery in his acts subsequently. About Bhagat Singh (1907-31): He was a revolutionary in the Indian Independence struggle. Post his graduation, he

An Extraordinary Life: A Biography of Manohar Parrikar

An extraordinary book on the life of an extraordinary Indian This would be perhaps in my humble opinion the best single-line review of the book. Ever since Parrikar Ji became the defense minister of India with his simple living and a man known to get the job done, I have been intrigued by him. So when it came to choosing my next book I actively scouted for books on him and by far this book was the highest recommended. The moment you start reading the book you are struck by two things the objectivity of the authors and how well written the book is. On the objectivity part while reading the book it gives a 360-degree view of Mr. Parrikar and it gives the good and the bad about him in a completely subjective manner, without shying away from the shortcomings of the 4-time chief minister of Goa. On how well the book is written the authors have kept the language simple enough for the public to read while also using the appropriate words while required, which the reader may sometime need to l

The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy

They live well below their means This single line could summarise the entire book and the lifestyle of the majority of American millionaires. This book has been an international bestseller for the reason that it breaks several stereotypes about the millionaires which are generally propagated by the media. The message, generally shown by them is about the lavish lifestyle they live, be it their luxury automobile or their mansions, so on. The authors armed with the data which was collected for research in the profiles of American Millionaires prove that these millionaires constitute a small portion of the millionaires. Most of the millionaires actually live in the normal middle-class neighborhood and drive in average automobiles. The book explains very well the difference between wealth and having a high income. The authors mention what actually motivates most of the American Millionaires which is Financial Freedom. The millionaire told them that the journey to wealth is much more satisf

The Force behind the Forces: Stories of Brave Indian Army Wives

"We sacrificed our tomorrow for your today." The force behind the forces is a collection of stories about the Indian army wives who as the title mention are the force behind the forces. The stories narrated in the book are a roller coaster of emotions as they make you both happy and sad. What the book never fails to do is to motivate you, All the stories in the book are so inspiring and fill you with josh. The stories mentioned in the book move you and leave you speechless as they start with such happiness and almost always end with such pain. One story which touched me and was really inspiring was the story of Lance Naik Raj Kumar Mahto's wife. One has to read her story to believe how she rose against all odds with her perseverance. The stories also tell us about the role AWWA (Army Wives Welfare Association) play in the life of these veer Narees. I would like to applaud the efforts of the author who brought life the stories and make the reader live through them as if w

The Kaoboys of R&AW: Down Memory Lane

Research & Analysis Wing (India's External Intelligence Agency) A rare and first-hand view into the workings of the most secretive government agency Research & Analysis Wing, India's external intelligence agency. The book written by a retired R&AW officer B Raman who spent more than 3 decades working for the agency right from its inception in 1968, provides a detailed insight into the workings of R&AW and its work and relations with the Intelligence Bureau, Ministry of External Affairs and other foreign intelligence agencies. The book derives its name from its first chief R.N. Kao and the officers under him who were the cause of its success and came to be known as "Kao boys of R&AW". The book is in chronological order of the author's service in R&AW and the most outstanding thing about the book is how objectively it is written and by that, I mean the author has rightly praised but has also criticised various people right from the chief