Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

Based on the short but brave life of Chris McCandless, this book takes you into the mind of a different kind of rebel. Born in a privileged family, he strove to break away from and live life on his own terms. He goes into the wild, upto Alaska to prove that he can live on his own, without any human contact.

While one has to admire his endeavour, I must say that the mountains and the wild are not to be trifled with. You really need to be well prepared - physically and mentally with some basic skills in survival.

Chris wasn't prepared. Towards the end, I really wished he has been prepared. He seemed like a really nice person.

Jon Krakauer wrote a really nice book. And I'm glad that 20% of its profits are going towards charity.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

The Hummingbird's Daughter by Luis Alberto Urrea

Set in Mexico, this book tells the story of Teresita Urrea, a young woman who becomes the Saint of Cabora. The story is long and documents her life from birth to her revelation as a saint and her meeting with God. Her father, who discovers of her existence much later, changes from a womanizer to a devout dad, all in the span of the novel.
"Every moment of your life, every instant, looks like this. Do you see? You are always in a universe of choices. Any moment of your life can go in any direction you choose." - Huila, her nurse and longtime companion in the novel.