Books

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Not everyone wants to read a book about dying. But this is a remarkably gripping book about a man who faces death and focuses on life instead. Neurosurgeon Paul Kalanithi died of lung cancer at the age of 37. This inspiring memoir was published posthumously. Highly recommended.



Dry by Augusten Burroughs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There's a lot to be said for a writer who made a teetotaller enjoy a book about an advertising executive in rehab for alcohol addiction. This dark yet funny memoir tells it like it is, chronicling the gay protagonist's search for love, friendship and a normal life. Recommended. View all my reviews

Books

An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was pleasantly surprised by this novel - my first foray into writings by Hollywood actor Steve Martin. He's an avid art collector, which explains how he writes so effortlessly about Lacey Yeager and her meteoric rise in the New York art world. Like Becky Sharp in "Vanity Fair", Lacey will do anything to achieve her goals, whether it's using her position to manipulate the prices of high-end art or break people's hearts. Martin uses several real-life references here, so this is a treat for art lovers. And it is to Martin's credit that I ended up rooting even for Lacey. Last I hear, a movie adaptation was in the works. Will look for other works by Martin.

Nemesis by Jo Nesbø
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Although it begins on a dramatic note, this psychological thriller never reaches the heights of suspense Jo Nesbo achieved in "The Redbreast". Inspector Harry Hole is investigating a bank heist gone wrong and ends up becoming a murder suspect. There are plot twists aplenty, but the denouement is unsatisfying. Don't get me wrong. "Nemesis" is much better than the average whodunit, but coming as it does after "Redbreast", perhaps I had expected a bit too much from the Scandinavian master of crime novels.

A Simple Plan by Scott B. Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Three men find a bag with $4.4 million in a crashed plane. Can they keep a secret?

This 1993 thriller is a brilliant debut by Scott Smith. I wouldn't change a word. This is something you would want to binge-read and never want to end. If you haven't, read it now. I'm yet to watch the Oscar-nominated movie adaptation starring Bill Paxton and Billy Bob Thornton, but I doubt if it can surpass the book.

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