Sayed Haider Raza: The Journey of an Iconic Artist by Yashodhara Dalmia

Not being much aware of the modern art I was expecting it to be a good one specially about such an established artist.

However, it didn't cover a lot of things which could bring him out as a person, and not focusing too much on his master pieces. It has a good commentary on some of Raza's contemporary artists which gives the glimpse of artists' struggle in those days in India or abroad.

Raza was a real gem who came out shining out of all the adversities just by pulling everything with his passion for art. He not only found his own style but also established himself as a pioneer in modern art and this is not because the auction value at Christies but the emotions his paintings evoked.

A man who painted for the love of it, and lived for it till his last breath.

Love

Against White Feminism by Rafia Zakaria

There will always be a gap between the saviour and the saved. And this gap is for real, and the only thing that can fill this gap is that the saved have to save themselves rather then depending on some outsider.

This is easier said than done because different people are into the saving business for the vested interests. It is nearly impossible to reach a conclusion, and agree to someone who has not been in the soup with you. People do come with their own expertise, perceptions, and pre conceived notions which are difficult to challenge and more difficult to change. And, yes, nobody wants to miss out.

There are a lot of holes in many theories proposed here but this does a good job to bring a lot of points in one place. It elaborates on the struggle of doubling the discrimination but rather then putting it into one basket, it is better to define as a different one. But the fight is for the resources as well. The idea that someone will suddenly start looking at things from your perspective is too much to ask.

You should never pay for Sangria pitcher which you never had, and it starts from there. Plus, no more crying, it doesn't solve anything specially when it comes from a bruised ego, and not helplessness.

Love

Say What? by Doreen Chila-Jones

This will leave you in splits :) 

Some of the most funny, controversial and stupid quotes are here. You might have heard/read a lot of them but nothing beats this compilation.

And, yes, stupidity comes in all shapes and sizes irrespective of whatever else they achieve or do in life :)

Love

God: A Human History by Reza Aslan

This a different perspective on evolution of God.

It is called a human history because it tries to track the God idea from the very initial development of human cognitive abilities to its current form of politicomorphism.

But in essence it doesn't challenge the God as a thought, and ends up promoting a different kind of faith where all faiths are welcome and free to practice independently.

A lot of times the religious practices are labelled as primitive or rooted in fear, and it never stands against the rationality, but the point is not to pit it against rationality. It is more of a haven for human life in the face of difficult situations, and unexplained phenomenon. It look forward to a greater power which can make the things different, and and give a reason to live/appreciate the life itself.

It is not one of his best but worth reading.

Peace

Elektra by Jennifer Saint

We all know the story but sometimes its good to hear it from different mouths.

This one is no different apart from it narrates from the side of the 3 female characters of the story.

As always, this is a myth and a work of imagination. A cluster of stories, and characters which entwine with no end.

The story is immortal but the book will be forgotten as it doesn't really stand out for anything.

Love