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Linking it to Wordless Wednesday

Let’s Talk Money by Akhil Khanna

After a long while I am going to review a non-fiction book here. But wait, it talks about money!

There I have your attention now. I must apologize to the author Mr. Akhil Khanna for coming up with this review so late. I would just say that sometimes life catches up with you so unexpectedly that all your best laid plan go haywire. But, as the saying goes, better late than never, I have finally writing about this informative book.

The first thing that catches your attention is the title itself – Let’s Talk Money – Road to Riches Made Easy. Now who doesn't want money? The blurb is even more enticing. The author says that Warren Buffet has two rules. Rule No. 1: Never lose money. Rule No. 2: Never forget rule No.1. The author adds a rule No. 3: Know how to apply rule No. 1. It is true that neither our upbringing nor our education gives money any significant place. Money is associated with greed and it is the least discussed topic in family. It is only in later life the importance of money is hammered into our brains. The author has written this book keeping in mind the people from non-financial backgrounds (like me) who are intimidated by the financial jargon and to whom all financial things seem far more complex than they actually are.

In the 176 pages and 10 chapters of this book, the author has very concisely and in very easy language gives you a crash course on financial matters. I think, it is not a book to be rushed upon, rather one that should be read slowly (of course, that applies to people from non-financial background only). You will slowly absorb the basic concept of demand, supply, inflation, deflation and how it is related to people’s income. You will come to know of various investing options depending on your income and all the pros and cons related to it. The author has also tried to give us the big picture by dedicating a whole chapter to the recent global financial crises and how so many countries in the world were affected by it. Also, how it will impact our future. All in all, it is a very informative book which if read properly will definitely make you financially literate. The author has also used various examples from real life and some concocted to explain the various theories. That makes the whole concepts easy to understand.

Yet, I realized that after reading this book for a while, I felt a bit over whelmed. There was just too much information in those concise chapters. I needed some time to reflect on what I have read to digest all the information. That is why; I feel that if you really want to benefit from this book, read it slow. My favorite parts in this book were the last two chapters – Invest in Happiness and World Financial Crises 2008. If possible, I would really want to hear the author talk about it, live. An interactive session would be the best! Far-fetched idea! Is it?

The author says, “Remember, it is not important what one earns, true wealth is what one manages to keep.” 

Words of wisdom, I say. If you are interested to know more about the book and the author visit http://www.letstalkmoney2012.in/

Thank you for stopping by! Cheers!

R.I.P by Mukul Deva

I am a day late in posting the review. I had received a free review copy from blogadda and was supposed to post the review within 7 days. Well, I had planned to post is yesterday but, sometimes life has something else in store for you. Well, as the saying goes better late than ever. RIP by Mukul Deva is a fast paced political thriller with elements of love and parenthood in it. As you read it, you realize that the author had drawn inspiration from India's present political, social and economic scenario. Here is the blurb from the book cover.

R.I.P. The Resurgent Indian Patriots. Self- appointed guardians of a nation seething with anger at the endless scams and scandals rocking its very foundation. Vigilantes who vow to stop corrupt politicians and colluding civil servants. Even if it means killing them. Colonel Krishna Athawale and his team of Special Forces officers rally to protect the country from the enemy within. They call themselves the K-Team. And no one is safe from their deadly intent. Hellbent on stopping them is Raghav Bhagat, rogue para commando, gun for hire and Krishna's bete noir. Caught in the crossfire is Vinod Bedi, Special Director CBI. Reena Bhagat, a glamorous news anchor, embittered by her husband's betrayal. And two young boys, Sachin and Azaan, torn apart by the loss of a parent. It doesn't get bigger.

K team has taken it in their hands to resolve the issues facing the nation. For that they carry out meticulously planned assassination of prominent people in power who are corrupt and are splurging common's man money on themselves. This is done to warn the government that unless they change their attitude, things are going to get real dirty.

The narration is fast and crisp and keeps you engaged pretty well. Explanation or various methods and techniques for assassination are provided where deemed necessary. As I read the novel it reminded me of Rang De Basanti and A Wednesday. These two acclaimed movies shows how common man fed up with corrupt politicians take it in their own hands to clean the system. While the movie had strong characters that were etched into your mind, RIP lacks that. I felt the author could have worked a bit more on the characters to make them more relatable. The passion to save the country which the characters felt didn't reflect in the writing.

 RIP has the elements of a masala Bollywood thriller. I would not be surprised if it adapted into one in times to come. Having said that, I should also mention that towards the end of the novel I could predict what is going to happen. Guess, I have seen too many Bollywood movies. Political thriller is not really a genre I read much. So, it was a welcome change for me. If you are looking for a quick read, surly give it a try. I will give it a generous 3/5.

This review is a part of the biggest Book Reviews Program. for Indian Bloggers. Participate now to get free books! Thank you Blog adda for giving me the opportunity.

Thank you for stopping by. Cheers!