January Reads

January has flown by and so far I've notched up 3 reads.

1. Me & Mr. Darcy by Alexandra Potter
2. The Bookseller of Kabul by Åsne Seierstad
3. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams


1. Me & Mr. Darcy by Alexandra Potter

Rating: 4/5
What's it about: This girl who's very into books (and runs a bookstore, too) thinks Mr. Darcy from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice as the ultimate dream guy. She goes on a Jane Austen tour and meets the man Darcy. Swoon.
What I think of it: Love the style of writing, so witty and fast-paced. Lovely feel-good story. Even though the plot is obvious it doesn't make reading a bore as the story is beautifully written.
What next: Go read Pride and Prejudice. I have not (gasp!) read any Jane Austen book before. Also more books from Alexandra Potter, love her wit.
Should you read this: Its a girly book. If you're into romance and Jane Austen, pick this up!



2. The Bookseller of Kabul by Åsne Seierstad
Rating: 3/5
What's it about: Norwegian journalist Åsne lives with bookseller Khan's family in Kabul, Afghanistan for a bit, and writes about them. She writes about Khan's efforts for his beloved books (Taliban not being book-friendly and all that) and his family life, from points of view of various members. 
What I think of it: Interesting... Ok, actually I think it's all right but nothing great. Personally I don't like reading non-fiction about oppressed women of certain nations because it's annoys me that they can just take all that shit, have daughters and then dump the same kind of shit onto their daughters instead of doing something about it. Would have liked the book if it focused more on Khan and his book struggle, instead of the personal stuff. Interesting, yes, but I don't like books that sap your energy and leaves you angry. On the plus side its very informative about Afghanistan history.
What next: If I can get a copy of Shah Muhammad Rais (the real Khan)'s Once Upon a Time There Was a Bookseller in Kabul, which he wrote in response to this book. He was not pleased, of course. Dirty laundry and all that.
Should you read this: Yes, so you can form your own opinions about it. Its a good read.



3. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Rating: 4.42/5
What's it about: Earth gets blasted to make way for some intergalactic highway, and Arthur Dent survives by (unwittingly) hitchhiking with this alien friend of his.
What I think of it: Awesome! It is categorized as comic science fiction, and it IS fantastically funny. Bit hard to read because you have to constantly keep flexing your mind to bend it around the awesome things the books throws at you, but it. is. awesome.
What next: The next four books in the series. Not all at one go, though.
Should you read this: If you're into fantasy books, then I'll be amazed if you haven't read this. Otherwise, give it a try, with a very, VERY open mind.