Sita & Talent Code - Two Completely Different Books reviewed

Reading Sita - An Illustrated Retelling of the Ramayana by Devdutt Pattanaik is a unique experience. It can be called a non-fiction book about a mythological fiction, because it is very well researched.  Or it can also be classified as a fictional story that borrows from several tales. 

Most of us who have grown in India and have seen the televised Ramayana are aware of the basic beats of this epic. To a large extent even the message which this epic promotes is well understood and accepted. Good defeats Evil! But before reading this book, I had always seen the story of Ramayana from twin perspectives of religion and ethics. I always believed that the televised version was the most accurate version of this epic. Reading this book or retelling made several impressions on me. It is researched well, covering the stories, spanning across centuries, from different geographies. And while Pattanaik sticks to the core of the story, he brings to the fore certain value. He truly treats it as a mythology, so his story doesn't always go to the places you already are aware of. He brings in several lesser known or alternative aspects from various regional versions of Ramayana. There is no one Ramayana. It is cyclical. 

He treats Ramayana as a metaphor about one's journey from Aham (Id/Ego) to Atma (Soul), the journey from humanity to divinity. It doesn't just remain a parable about Good vs Evil. 

In this retelling, Sita's persona is fleshed out very well. She is not just a passive, waiting wife. Waiting to be rescued! The book talks about the impact she created in Lanka and in the lives of Lankans. The book details the impact she had in the forest later in her life. 

There are so many characters and plot points in this retelling, that at times I got overwhelmed. But there is joy in getting lost at times. There is a small story on the origin of River Ganga. This story doesn't sound real. It is incredulous and fantastical. A child born out of a same sex relationship, who doesn't have bones and nerves. These bones and nerves get added through Siddha (miraculous powers achieved through spiritual and physical enlightenment). The purpose for the child's birth is to bring alive his dead father. There are series of such unbelievable elements in this story leading to the origin of the Ganga. Our minds conditioned by western education and influences will scoff at this story. But when one looks at the lessons, the metaphors and treat this story as a moral tale, may be then one will learn. And this realization defines the book for me. 

The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle is a book that busts the myths around talent and talent hotbeds. The author explains his research findings that correlate talent to our neurological set-up. His research indicates that talent is not a birth right or determined by one's gene pool. This premise is really interesting which he backs by evidence from neuroscience, making it immensely clear that talent is not a genetic gift. It is something that has to be grown and then he explains how to go about it. There are changes which happen inside one's brain when one works towards becoming talented at some skill. Though for the purpose of this review, I will skip the neuroscience bit. 

The case studies and the success stories mentioned in the book are inspirational. The simple idea of  how 'Ignition - Deep Practice' builds talent is explained beautifully. The chapters on how teachers and coaches actually help create talent are exciting and have immense learning for people who are into coaching roles. 

So I should really read & write more and understand the sub-tasks in the process of reading & writing. This will help me become a better writer, a better blogger and a more consummate reader. 

February Lites

The month of February went by like a bullet. It was a really hectic period at office and involved some travel. In anticipation of this, I had picked really light books for reading in February. 

Light books for me are those books, which have less than 300 pages and are neatly divided into small chapters. Preferably, fiction. Also, for such busy periods, I prefer subjects that I am familiar with. Not requiring a dictionary while reading is another criterion. 

The three books I read in February and my views on the same follow. Some intellectuals may bash me for some of my choices. And for a change, I would agree to them.

Book 1: Sita - Warrior Of Mithila by Amish

This is Amish's second book in Ram Chandra Series, which is a re-telling of the Ramayana. If you are familiar with his past work, especially the Shiva Trilogy, you would be aware that he modernizes many incidents and concepts from our mythology in his stories, by making his woman characters stronger and men more liberal. Another facet is his strong sense of nationalism in his writings. The concept of modern nation-state India is relevant even in his stories from thousands of years ago. Also, he strongly relies on scientific and technological explanations for, what we assume to be miracles in our mythology. That makes the Gods in his books more human. He continues to do so in Sita, follow up to Scion of Ikshvaku. I believe it is a worthy follow-up.

While the scene setting in the book is laborious, but overall narrative is full of intrigue and politics of that time. Thus, making it a gripping read. I look forward to part 3.

Book 2: Immortal India : Young Country, Timeless Civilization by Amish

This one is Amish's first non fiction book. It is a collection of his writings and talks across several publications and forums. I must commend that Amish comes across as well read and his writings are well researched and backed by data. As you move ahead in the book, it becomes repetitive though. But his core concepts on religion and Indian politics really bring to fore an alternative narrative. His ability to see things from multiple perspectives seem inspired by several other authors, he has read over the years. I find his writings truly liberal and rooted unlike those of many self-proclaimed intellectuals.

His one particular essay on why he writes, was really heartfelt and I identified with it.

But I would prefer his fiction over this book, any day.

                                                     
Book 3: Making India Awesome : New Essays and Columns by Chetan Bhagat                                                                              

I have always liked Chetan Bhagat's fiction books. I know many of you don't like him as an author and may be as a person. I also am aware of, and have often noticed, the mistakes he makes in his books. But then, so do I, when I write. But one thing which I appreciate about his books is, that he is a master story teller. His slice of life stories are simple and identifiable.

But picking Making India Awesome was a big mistake. He writes about well known problems in India and gives over simplistic solutions. The book is written with very little or very poor research. I didn't expect this from an IIT-IIM alumnus. Also, he looks down upon the readers and sounds highly patronizing throughout the book.