Review: The Marriage Trap

The Marriage Trap by Sheryl Browne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book I read of Sheryl Browne after ‘The Second Wife’. Just like the first read, this one packs a good story and is gripping as well.

Jake & Karla’s marriage is tottering on the brink of collapse. They have two kids who are very soon exposed to the acrimony between them. Jake’s business isn’t doing well and he does not want any favours from Karla’s dad Robert, who spares no opportunity to remind him that he is a loser. But Jake is running out of options, as he has already mortgaged the house and has no other savings to turn to. Karla, while sensing the issue, prods Jake to meet her dad for financial help. Robert has never been supportive of Jake, and now senses an opportunity to get Jake to dance to his tunes. Jake meets Robert and his life & relationship with Karla gets worse. Both of them see no future and start considering other options.

There are secrets of Jake & Karla’s life that Robert knows. Karla also has pains from the past which gives her nightmares. Karla’s mom Diana feels helpless, but can she be of any help?

The characters are extremely well developed – and the stress in the relationship and the ensuing agony is brought out brilliantly. It is just that there is a brief period in the book, when the story seems stuck on the same theme. However, for the most part, it moves fast and makes for interesting reading keeping up the suspense. There are multiple twists towards the end in the story.

My rating: 4.25 / 5.

Thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture & the author for providing a free electronic copy of the book for a review.


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Review: Don't Kill Him! The Story of My Life with Bhagwan Rajneesh

Don't Kill Him! The Story of My Life with Bhagwan Rajneesh by Ma Anand Sheela
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Many years back, during his lifetime, be it India or the US, Osho Rajneesh & his teachings created stress and suspicion among the local population. Today, I think, many people view his legacy with more openness and accept that he explored new methods & his teachings had value. I have been curious about what made him popular as well as the events which led to his exit from the US. I picked up this book (a biography by Ma Anand Sheela, who was his personal secretary) on impulse expecting to learn more about Osho’s life. This book addressed my expectations partly with some new material not in the public domain. However, since Sheela devotes considerable space to clearing up her own image, it does not come across as being entirely forthright.

The book is divided into two parts – the first dealing with Sheela’s arrest and the judicial process culminating in her sentencing. The second part covers the early part of her life, her first meeting with Rajneesh, her rise among his followers, his teachings and the establishment of the commune in the US.

Sheela refers to Rajneesh respectfully throughout the book. The first half of the book is pretty bland, where she writes about her decision to leave the commune as she was getting disillusioned and wanted a change. Rajneesh reacts with anger at her leaving, accusing her of many serious crimes. She makes the point that the commune at Oregon had been in conflict with local residents for some time, and this allowed the authorities the opportunity they had wanted since long to shut down the commune. She was extradited from Germany and claimed that she accepted a few charges to bring an end to the episode. While it is entirely possible that the authorities had the goal of shutting down the commune based on the controversies and the anger of local residents, Sheela makes no attempt to explain any of the charges against her.

The second part of the book is more interesting – covering her initial meeting with Rajneesh and the rise of his popularity. His dynamic meditation technique gained popularity quickly as also his discourses. While, she refers to Rajneesh respectively throughout, she also writes about his never-ending desires and ability to manipulate others to get what he wanted. For instance, he encouraged followers who had more money, getting them to contribute more. This led to a drastic reduction in his Indian following, by design. This approach continued in the commune in the US, with Rajneesh acquiring nearly 100 Rolls Royces. This portion of the book explores Osho’s complex personality well – a person with many human failings, who did have valuable lessons to offer.

A book worth a read for Sheela’s version of events and some new material on Osho, not found in the public domain.

My rating: 3.25 / 5.

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Review: Danika

Danika by Varsha Dixit
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the second book of Varsha Dixit that I read after ‘Killer Moves’. This book is very different and does attest to the versatility of the author. Danika while a decent love story, is however, very predictable and typical.

Danika does not have it easy in life. While she is fighting the lack of freedom and respect from her husband, she also finds that he is cheating on her and that too with her friend. Her troubles have only just begun with her losing her job due to politics at work and is involved in a bad accident. She brakes suddenly and the car behind runs into her. She blames Dr Noah for her car being totaled. Dr Noah is in depression as well since his wife’s death.

She turns to her step brother Hans who she is close to and he does help her. Danika however has a strained relationship with Hans wife. She very soon runs into Dr Noah and continues to hate him.

It is not too difficult to guess how the story goes from here!

A light read, but very little to remember the book for…..

My rating: 3.25 / 5.


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Review: Pathways to Bliss: Mythology and Personal Transformation

Pathways to Bliss: Mythology and Personal Transformation by Joseph Campbell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I first came across the concept of Joseph Campbell’s “The Hero’s Journey” many years back and found it fascinating. I subsequently read ‘A Hero with a thousand faces’ and found it a difficult read with it’s references to cultures worldwide since ages. And yet, even then, Joseph Campbell’s intellect and wisdom was apparent. I subsequently read more of his work and each work had important learnings about life. I could better relate to my earlier readings of his work over time. This book is assembled from several of Joseph Campbell’s writings & speeches. It has exceptional material and insights, as indeed all of his writings & speeches do. The philosophies of Joseph Campbell, Carl Jung (who is referred many times in the book) and the myths & ancient wisdom they point to, in my view offer far better lessons for life, than the self-help literature of today.

The role of mythology & symbols finds extensive, thought provoking coverage. Mythology points you to the direction of greater truths and wisdom (which as Heinrich Zimmer says cannot be stated explicitly). The rituals followed are myths enacted, and by participating in a rite, you are participating directly in the myth. The rituals and myths always have a local touch, though you can and should look to other myths as well. Life & nature is often about living off death of others, with myths & rituals providing the means for acceptance. In a very few instances though, I felt Campbell missed the cultural context – especially in his analysis of Jainism. I would not regard the practices in Jainism (with its emphasis on not causing harm to any life forms) as a cancelling of nature. It is rather about according a greater sense of spiritual responsibility to humans, which we are entirely capable of.

If you get rid of myths, as indeed modern life is in danger of doing, Joseph Campbell points out that the metaphoric connection to the transcendent will be lost (the references to the Panchakoshas are very apt here). It is to be understood that myths are metaphorical and not literal. When myths are viewed as historical events, they lead to a closed approach with a fully outward view preventing deep introspection. All religious traditions and myths tell you to look inward.

I came across the below quote sometime back and was a little surprised at the critical message.

“Maslow's five values are the values for which people live when they have nothing to live for. Nothing has seized them, nothing has caught them, nothing has driven them spiritually mad and made them worth talking to.”

Campbell provides a very good explanation for why he holds this view with beautiful references to the seven chakras in the Indian system. The five values which Maslow refers is exactly what mythology transcends. Maslow’s values map to the bottom three chakras of the body. The higher chakras starting from the fourth deal with soul experiences intended to ignite a sense of awe (symbolized in the Indian system by the sacred syllable ‘’Om”). Campbell warns that living with a drive for pride & power as the primary aim will render the person a bore.

“A bore is one who deprives us of our solitude without providing companionship” – Ortega y Gasset.

The book includes a brief outline of the key events in Joseph Campbell’s life. Campbell writes about how Carl Jung had said that looking back at one’s life in later years often makes you feel that it has been a story which was scripted, and his life certainly feels that way – including the time he was without work and spent time reading and pursuing what would become his life’s calling. He relates with a touch of humour that when Joyce’s Finnegan’s wake was released, he was one of the few who understood it, and a commentary he wrote helped him make some money and gain recognition! There is a Q&A at the end of the book which has questions which pave the way for deep, interesting & thought-provoking answers.

This book is a tribute to Joseph Campbell’s towering intellect and his way of making you introspect, think deeply to find a greater purpose in life. As with all of Campbell’s writings, do not just read it once.


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Review: A Man from Mandu

A Man from Mandu by Manoj V Jain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Man from Mandu stands out for its simplicity of messaging. It wades into the periphery of spirituality while keeping the story and narration fairly light.

The story starts with Tarini who is seeking ways to advance her career. She is hoping her friend Paulomi will speak to her husband and get her a job at one of his startups. They agree on a bet – if Tarini can promote a guru who develops a following within a year, Paulomi will help her with her career.

Tarini puts all her energies into this. She runs into Dhawal, who seems best suited for this. Dhawal becomes Avishkar Baba who conveys his message to his audience in the form of short stories which prompt thinking and introspection. Tarini also finds two more people – Anil & Puneet to help in marketing & event management.

Avishkar Baba’s popularity grows, but will it sustain? If it does, what should be Tarini’s next move? What will Avishkar Baba do after their contract period of a year ends?

I found the story to be good, and the pace is just about right, making this a smooth read. The format of a set of stories within the story was interesting, and the stories Avishkar Baba tells his audiences are largely the right ones – some are especially good, though not all.

Overall, a good read, with the right summary at the end.

I received a free copy of this book to provide a review.


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Review: The Book Thief

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Book Thief is a much read and reviewed book. I do admit to feeling a little silly for – reading it very late and more so for writing a review! The book’s story is quite obviously its biggest strength, as also the courage & values of its main characters. You cannot but help being transported to those difficult times in Germany during the Second World War.

Liesel is the lead character of the book who travels with her mother and brother to the town of Molching. Her brother dies tragically during the journey and this is when she comes across the book “The Gravedigger’s handbook” which she whisks away. She is adopted by Hans and Rosa Hubermann. Hans, in particular, is very sensitive to her state of mind and takes care to allow her to settle in. Liesel develops an interest in reading and is taking away books during burning events and even the Mayor’s place. She develops a close friendship with Rudy. The family hide a young Jewish man Max in their basement. Liesel & Max form a sense of bonding – each with their own personal pains & nightmares.

As the war enters its final phase, with Germany facing defeat, the hardships of the family increase. Quite expectedly, there is a toll in terms of human life.

The book features very strong value based characters in Liesel, Hans, Rudy and Max. There are various parts of the story which are very moving – Liesel’s personal tragic / pain and nightmares, Max’s situation & thoughts, Hans standing up for his values, and the trauma they face. The narration of the story by Death adds a further dimension allowing expression of some very striking thoughts & passages. I found the references to ‘book thief’ to be a little forced though and the book could have been crisper.

This is a very powerful story with characters, their values, approach to life and pain which will stay with you for long.

My rating: 4.5 / 5.


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