Shopaholic Takes Manhattan - Sophie Kinsella

Shopaholic Takes Manhattan by Sophie Kinsella is the second book in the Shopaholic series. I listened to the first one in the series and read the second one. I enjoyed the second one more than the first one. It was hilarious.

In this novel, Becky Bloomwood moves to New York with Luke Brandon, leaving her debts in London. However, the debts will not leave her behind. The readers have to read it to find out what troubles Becky faces in this novel.

I felt that Becky Bloomwood and her lies were not as annoying as in the first one. Her addiction is clear, as she never has "anything to wear." Her relationship with Luke was also clear in this novel. Luke's mother is introduced in this novel.

When I watched the movie, The Confessions of the Shopaholic, I was kind of disappointed because I felt that the story was too different from the novel. The movie drives a lot from the second novel.

I give this book 8/10. I am looking forward to finishing this series.

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

Where do I start about Outliers? This was one of the best books ever. I enjoyed listening to it very much.

The book focuses on the opportunities and legacy. Under opportunities, Gladwell explains how the exceptional people or the "Outliers" do not become outliers only due to talent. They are presented with opportunities along the way to help them. The book starts with the explanation of the baseball players and how their success in the game is based on the date they are born on. Gladwell moves on to the 10,000-hour rule. He explains how famous band Beatles and world's richest man, Bill Gates had opportunities which led to them having 10,000 hours of practice in their respected fields. Then Gladwell discusses how one's environment can help in the success. He discusses this point by comparing Christopher Langan and Robert Oppenheimer. He wraps up this section by discussing the New Yorker lawyers. I have to say that was a brilliant finish to the section.

Gladwell then talks about culture and legacy and he starts this by discussing the airplane crashes in the history. He wraps up the book by going back into his family history. Gladwell's history will be a surprise to the readers.

The book was read by the author, and just like the book, the audio book was amazing. The writing was very clear and simplified. The author built up the each point to have a grand finale. The book is filled with many wow factors. I give this book 10/10 and highly recommend this book.

This book qualifies for the Audio Book Challenge.

Virtual Bookshelf - Shelfari

I recently read a review of virtual bookshelves online on Wired.com. The blogger "Geekdad" reviewed LibraryThing, GoodReads, and Shelfari. I use Shelfari on my blog and I have seen other bloggers that use LibraryThing and GoodReads. I wondered how these sites were but I was too lazy to check them out. I am pleased with Shelfari.

I like how the bookshelves widgets look on my blog. I just don't like the fact that I cannot make more categories on there. The categories are "Reading now," "Favorites," .... You get the idea. I wanted to make categories like "Books I read in 2008," "2009," and so on. However, I was able to accomplish that on Facebook's Virtual Bookshelf. But, the problem is, both virtual bookshelves do not match. I will have to match these two and make sure all the books are included and I am too lazy for that.

Anywayz, GeekDad's results were:

After working with all three sites for the past month, I concluded that LibraryThing is the best site of the three for maintaining and organizing your book collection. GoodReads is close second if you want to share your reading habits with your friends. Shelfari is a distant third.

I am somewhat disappointed that Shelfari got last. It is a good site, except for the whole list deal. Oh well...I don't think I am going to switch. Here is a link to the article: Catalog Your Books Online

Time to sign out and start packing...almost time to leave and head to the library to study :(

Life Update and Books

Since my last post, many things have happened in my life. I will not post about most of them. I will talk about one new thing (a good thing) that happened. I donated blood for the first time in my life. The aftermath was not so good but that is not important. I wouldn't mind doing it again but I have to keep in mind that it is over the weekend and I can come home right after that. Today I received my Commit for Life blood donation card.

I also finished two books:

         

A Short History of Myth: I started this as an audio book but ended up reading the last chapter. The book was very dry. I thought I would enjoy it. The audio book was about 3 hours and it took me two weeks to finish it. Every morning after listening to it for 5 min. I would switch to the radio. Finally, I just checked out the book and read it. Even then I was like, "Why am I reading this?" I felt as if the author did the research and wrote the book but did not present it properly. I would give this book 4 out of 10 because there were some interesting stories. So I don't think this will qualify for the Audio Book Challenge.

The Christmas List: I read this book and enjoyed it very much. The story is a modern adaptation of A Christmas Carol. It is about a businessman names James Kier who only cares about money and success. In order to become successful, he destroys many lives. One day he sees his own obituary in the newspaper and reads other's reaction to his death. Then he realizes what he has done and decides to atone for his doings. He makes a Christmas list and goes on a journey looking for forgiveness. Now the readers have to find out if he can make everything okay or maybe he is too late. I give this book 8.5 out of 10.

Now I am listening to the Outliers and enjoying it very very much. I also have to pick up a book to read at night and I think I want something funny. I think I might read some Sophie Kinsella. That's it for tonight!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!!

I can't believe it is already 2010. I remember when it was 1999 and people were contemplating that all computers will crash when 2000 will come. Now we are celebrating the decade after 2000.

The party last night was okay. It was quite and more of an "adult" party. I am 21 and I want my music and masti. I want dance. None of that was there. My ideal New Year Party is dinner by 10 pm and dance until midnight and even after that. The games that were played at the party were lame. I guess the good part was that we were among family and friends. However, one very important person to me was missing. Maybe next year the start will be right. Last year I got sick. Well it is a New Year and enough of complaining...My day was good.

We went to the temples today and got god's blessing for the new year. In the evening, we went to Bhajan Sandhya and enjoyed it very much. What a great way of starting a New Year. All is good.

Now on to my new year resolutions (just like last year):

• Get my CPA license.
• Get into shape.
• Read more books (definitely!)
• Maybe cook more often. (I want to be able to prepare a meal in a timely manner. It usually takes a long time just to prepare one dish)
• Take one very very important decision :-)

I know this year is going to be a tough year. Lots of things will change, some for good and some for bad. I am hoping and praying that things do work out and events take place at the right time and in the right way.

Time to head to bed. Good Night...