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pankajmehra's reviews
468 reviews
Snow by Orhan Pamuk
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
2.5
A very descriptive and after a while, tedious read. The setting is eloquently depressive and the characters well fleshed out and equally saddening. Turbulent times with Islamization of Turkey reflected through a repetitive narration. Not quite sure what the novel started off with and where it ended. A dull, hard read.
At a Loss for Words: Conversation in the Age of Rage by Carol Off
informative
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Perfectly timed and prescient! Carol Off started writing this book a couple of years ago and as I read it today, I am watching her insightful observations unfold south of the border in the US, a week after Trumpian rules are being announced, coming out of the Project 2025 playbook.
The author's in-depth research, analyses and easy-to-read-and-understand writing style explains how populist leaders are using libertarianism to overhaul democratic processes. In the process, the ever-increasing gap between the rich and the lower income groups continues to grow rapidly.
Some notable excerpts that have lingered in my thoughts:
- Democracy: Socrates maintained that rule by a tyrant was better than being governed by a bad democracy, since the tyranny of the poor was more abhorrent than the whims of the worst despot. Plato’s view was that direct democracy could allow individuals to become intoxicated by their independence, which would result in the breakdown of important hierarchies.
- Both Greek and Roman democracy crashed, at least in part, because not enough citizens were granted suffrage.
- John Locke, Russeau, Jefferson, all supported slavery while espousing equality.
- We’re not born equal. Equality is acquired. To have equal access to political power, to legal representation and to opportunity is something that liberal democracies are supposed to provide to everyone. The word democracy is not failed by those who dismiss it or distort its meaning. It’s failed by those of us who lack the imagination to see it as applying to more than just ourselves.
- Liberals are people who want things to go better and conservatives are people who don’t want things to get worse
- People who are able to pay their taxes without the slightest impact on their lifestyles will go to extraordinary lengths to make sure that no one else benefits from their money, whether that wealth is earned through work, the reward of dividends or received as inheritance. Yes, they will donate to charity, for some people because it makes them look good and they enjoy the gratitude of the recipient. In most cases, I suspect they see the charities as worthy causes. But many (although not all) people of substantial means feel little obligation to the community or the country where they make their money, educate their children, get their health care, breathe clean air, drive on safe roads and rely on the help of uncorrupted police services if someone threatens them. Or they insist that their contribution comes from creating wealth in the marketplace, no matter that the raw resources their companies are licensed to extract, or the land they build on, are not really their property, or that the infrastructure they rely on and the talent they employ is subsidized by taxpayers, or that the effluence and emissions from their enterprises affects us all. Nor when they simply make money off money does it seem to alter their view; many uber-rich folks regard themselves as major contributors to society and consider those who benefit from the redistribution of wealth that is the essence of taxation as mostly freeloaders. Why should they pay for other people’s clean water? The rich can buy their own.
- Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. said it best: taxes are the price we pay for civilization.
A MUST READ for Canadians.
The author's in-depth research, analyses and easy-to-read-and-understand writing style explains how populist leaders are using libertarianism to overhaul democratic processes. In the process, the ever-increasing gap between the rich and the lower income groups continues to grow rapidly.
Some notable excerpts that have lingered in my thoughts:
- Democracy: Socrates maintained that rule by a tyrant was better than being governed by a bad democracy, since the tyranny of the poor was more abhorrent than the whims of the worst despot. Plato’s view was that direct democracy could allow individuals to become intoxicated by their independence, which would result in the breakdown of important hierarchies.
- Both Greek and Roman democracy crashed, at least in part, because not enough citizens were granted suffrage.
- John Locke, Russeau, Jefferson, all supported slavery while espousing equality.
- We’re not born equal. Equality is acquired. To have equal access to political power, to legal representation and to opportunity is something that liberal democracies are supposed to provide to everyone. The word democracy is not failed by those who dismiss it or distort its meaning. It’s failed by those of us who lack the imagination to see it as applying to more than just ourselves.
- Liberals are people who want things to go better and conservatives are people who don’t want things to get worse
- People who are able to pay their taxes without the slightest impact on their lifestyles will go to extraordinary lengths to make sure that no one else benefits from their money, whether that wealth is earned through work, the reward of dividends or received as inheritance. Yes, they will donate to charity, for some people because it makes them look good and they enjoy the gratitude of the recipient. In most cases, I suspect they see the charities as worthy causes. But many (although not all) people of substantial means feel little obligation to the community or the country where they make their money, educate their children, get their health care, breathe clean air, drive on safe roads and rely on the help of uncorrupted police services if someone threatens them. Or they insist that their contribution comes from creating wealth in the marketplace, no matter that the raw resources their companies are licensed to extract, or the land they build on, are not really their property, or that the infrastructure they rely on and the talent they employ is subsidized by taxpayers, or that the effluence and emissions from their enterprises affects us all. Nor when they simply make money off money does it seem to alter their view; many uber-rich folks regard themselves as major contributors to society and consider those who benefit from the redistribution of wealth that is the essence of taxation as mostly freeloaders. Why should they pay for other people’s clean water? The rich can buy their own.
- Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. said it best: taxes are the price we pay for civilization.
A MUST READ for Canadians.
Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
challenging
informative
slow-paced
3.0
My own inadequacies prevented me from fully understanding and appreciating this book.
I have read the reviews and find myself midway between those extolling the theories Taleb puts forward and others who were frustrated enough to throw the book against the wall, ripped or not.
Honest confession- Some of the concepts were too obtuse for me and frustrated, I gave up 3/4th of my passage through the book!
I have read the reviews and find myself midway between those extolling the theories Taleb puts forward and others who were frustrated enough to throw the book against the wall, ripped or not.
Honest confession- Some of the concepts were too obtuse for me and frustrated, I gave up 3/4th of my passage through the book!
The Quilt & Other Stories by ʻIṣmat Cug̲h̲tāʼī
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Ismat Chughtai at her best, with very commendable translations by Tahera and Syeda.
Each story and character is brought to lfe, as only Ismat appa's prose can.
Each story and character is brought to lfe, as only Ismat appa's prose can.
The Dilemma of an Indian Liberal by Gurcharan Das
informative
reflective
medium-paced
2.0
I enjoy Gurcharan Das' books. However, this could have been condensed into a newspaper column of 1,500 words or, at best, a 25-pages essay instead of the 149 pages book.
There are a few clear ideas he lays out to define the parameters of shades of liberalism and his own changing beliefs and projects these very lucidly into defining the Indian landscape and beyond. But then, these narratives keep being repeated over and over again.
A 3* rating which I have reluctantly reduced to 2* for these reasons.
There are a few clear ideas he lays out to define the parameters of shades of liberalism and his own changing beliefs and projects these very lucidly into defining the Indian landscape and beyond. But then, these narratives keep being repeated over and over again.
A 3* rating which I have reluctantly reduced to 2* for these reasons.
Lifting the Veil: Selected Writings of Ismat Chughtai by Ismat Chughtai
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
Ismat appa at her best!
It is difficult to imagine a Muslim female writing such stories against all norms of the very puritanical, priggish society. Her choice of words, the language and idiom used to vividly bring to life characters and situations are magical. I was reminded of Alice Munro's story-telling in the Canadian context. Both writers are similar in the way they go into such minute details to bring to life the individual characteristics of their progeny.
The Quilt, Hell-Bound, My Friend My Enemy and In The Name Of Those Married Women (the title is taken from a verse in Faiz Ahmed Faiz' immortal composition Intesaab) are all favorites.
It is difficult to imagine a Muslim female writing such stories against all norms of the very puritanical, priggish society. Her choice of words, the language and idiom used to vividly bring to life characters and situations are magical. I was reminded of Alice Munro's story-telling in the Canadian context. Both writers are similar in the way they go into such minute details to bring to life the individual characteristics of their progeny.
The Quilt, Hell-Bound, My Friend My Enemy and In The Name Of Those Married Women (the title is taken from a verse in Faiz Ahmed Faiz' immortal composition Intesaab) are all favorites.
Invisible Prisons: Jack Whalen's Tireless Fight for Justice by Jack Whalen, Lisa Moore
challenging
dark
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
3.0
A difficult book to read. It must also have been a very difficult book to write - collaboratively with a person who would have to reach into dreadful, terror stricken memories from his childhood to recall the horrors and narrate them while retaining perspective.
Jack and his family also exemplify the very best in humans - their love bonds and support for each other. Most of all the narrative demonstrates human hope and courage that can sustain and help a person overcome all odds.
We all know what Governments and uncaring bureaucracy is all about, Jack's fight to change status quo and his success provide a most heartening and welcome outcome. I would still say Shame on the Liberal party representatives then in the House and their despicable behaviour, as evidenced in this book.
Jack and his family also exemplify the very best in humans - their love bonds and support for each other. Most of all the narrative demonstrates human hope and courage that can sustain and help a person overcome all odds.
We all know what Governments and uncaring bureaucracy is all about, Jack's fight to change status quo and his success provide a most heartening and welcome outcome. I would still say Shame on the Liberal party representatives then in the House and their despicable behaviour, as evidenced in this book.
A Life in Words by Ismat Chughtai
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
2.0
Disappointing narration for several reasons.
Very patchy narration as can be expected when a series of essays written at different times are collected together in a single book.
One tends to get lost in the cast of characters, with pet names added that cause further confusion. A Family Tree is provided at the end of the book, which helps. However, the narrative is disrupted as the reader's attention is diverted.
A most impersonal account by the author, who writes about all the other people in her life but shares very little of her own married life and more.
Very patchy narration as can be expected when a series of essays written at different times are collected together in a single book.
One tends to get lost in the cast of characters, with pet names added that cause further confusion. A Family Tree is provided at the end of the book, which helps. However, the narrative is disrupted as the reader's attention is diverted.
A most impersonal account by the author, who writes about all the other people in her life but shares very little of her own married life and more.
Alice Munro's Best: A Selection of Stories by Alice Munro
dark
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Brilliant writer, who brings to life the characters and vistas that Canadians new and old, are very familiar with.
Her writing and story telling abilities deserve 5 Stars.
However, my rating is the result of my subjective and prejudiced view of Alice Munro as a human and mother, who, for her own security and benefit, allowed her own daughter's abuse to continue for years when she could have ended it. Wonderful author, not a good mother.
Her writing and story telling abilities deserve 5 Stars.
However, my rating is the result of my subjective and prejudiced view of Alice Munro as a human and mother, who, for her own security and benefit, allowed her own daughter's abuse to continue for years when she could have ended it. Wonderful author, not a good mother.
The Once and Future World: Nature As It Was, As It Is, As It Could Be by J.B. MacKinnon
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
A very well researched and written thoughtful and thought-provoking book. The first half of the book was rather depressing as it laid out how humankind had slaughtered entire species of fauna, sapiens and flora through centuries of greed and exploitation. A few excerpts underlying these conditions stood out for me:
- Change blindness blindness is the failure to see that we so often fail to see
- A trans-generational memory is better known as a myth, a fable, a testament, an icon.
- Denial is the last line of defence against memory. It helps us to forget what we’d rather not remember, and then to forget that we’ve forgotten it, and then to resist the temptation to remember.
- Yet living things are defined not by frailty, but diehard tenacity. Three billion years ago life on earth came into being, a miracle still beyond our understanding, and has carried on through every conceivable calamity. If anything can be said to be the mysterious “spark of life,” it is this singular impulse: to be. Extinction is not mere death; it is the death of the cycle of life and death
The author also built hope by highlighting efforts underway for "rewilding" and that since 1962, the growing list of countries that now have redesignated parks or conservation areas has grown to 125, giant turtles are starting to populate again and some other species, while close to extinction not so long ago, might now slowly be starting to survive and grow.
We cannot and must not forget. We cannot allow what we have done for so long to continue. That is the underlying message.
- Change blindness blindness is the failure to see that we so often fail to see
- A trans-generational memory is better known as a myth, a fable, a testament, an icon.
- Denial is the last line of defence against memory. It helps us to forget what we’d rather not remember, and then to forget that we’ve forgotten it, and then to resist the temptation to remember.
- Yet living things are defined not by frailty, but diehard tenacity. Three billion years ago life on earth came into being, a miracle still beyond our understanding, and has carried on through every conceivable calamity. If anything can be said to be the mysterious “spark of life,” it is this singular impulse: to be. Extinction is not mere death; it is the death of the cycle of life and death
The author also built hope by highlighting efforts underway for "rewilding" and that since 1962, the growing list of countries that now have redesignated parks or conservation areas has grown to 125, giant turtles are starting to populate again and some other species, while close to extinction not so long ago, might now slowly be starting to survive and grow.
We cannot and must not forget. We cannot allow what we have done for so long to continue. That is the underlying message.