179. Udayagiri & Khandagiri by Debala Mitra

BOOK REVIEW: Udayagiri & Khandagiri by Debala Mitra

As a bookworm, wherever we go, books play a central part in our life. I'm writing this review all the way from Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. Dubbed as the 'land of temples', Odisha is famous for its many temples and temple relics. What better way to brush up knowledge on these sites than by getting a book on them?

One of the earliest groups of Jain rock-cut shelters, the caves of Udayagiri (Hill of Sunrise) and Khandagiri (Broken Hills) command a unique position in the files of history, architecture, art and religion.

These caves are essentially dwelling retreats or cells of the Jain ascetics. Mostly excavated near the top of the ledge or boulder, they simply provided dry shelter for meditation and prayer, with very little amenities for small comforts.

This book, which was published by the Archaeological Survey of India, explains the various facades of the temple, including carvings, sculptures and the rest of the buildings on site. It proves to be a great guide for those visiting these caves.

I did visit the caves after reading this and whatever that was described in the book was portrayed on the cave walls and pillars. For those of you bookemons like me who also travel, do have this book with you when you are in Bhubaneswar. It will prove to be your trusty guide in these caves.

178. Camino Island by John Grisham

BOOK REVIEW: Camino Island by John Grisham (Courtesy of Pansing)

I seldom touch mystery cum thriller cum murder because I used to find it too gory, boring, monotonous are all of the mentioned reasons. Thanks to Pansing, on several occasions I have started to relish these genre books. This was no exception. The writer wove a story that I highly recommend to the bookish types in my midst.

What happens when you read a book which has a mystery about stolen manuscripts written by F. Scott Fitzgerald (think The Last Tycoon and This Side of Paradise), titles of books cropping up everywhere in the story and visions of grandiose bookstores by the beach? Well, you just get HOOKED! If you are a bookworm like me, it's a heaven of books crammed into a book. Unable to describe more as I am at a loss for words. Let's jump into the review.

The most daring and devastating heist in literary history targets a high security vault located deep beneath Princeton University. Valued at $25 million (though some would say priceless), the five manuscripts of F Scott Fitsgerald's only novels are among the most valuable in the world - and now they're gone. After an initial flurry of arrests, both they and the ruthless gang of thieves who took them have vanished without a trace.

Then, secret agents rope in Mercer Mann, a writer who originates from Camino Island to spy on hunky Bay Books bookstore owner (also in Camino Island), Bruce Cable, who is suspected of having the stolen manuscripts. Now she has to crack a case that has thwarted the FBI's finest minds. Along the way, sparks fly between Mercer and Bruce ending up with some finely toned down cumbu scenes (sorry ladies..haha).

This book was unputdownable in many ways and I highly suggest you head to your nearest bookstore and pick up a copy. You will definitely regret not having this in your ever growing collection of TBRs. Happy Reading!