Introducing: Eastern Philosophy by Richard Osborne & Borin Van Loon

Genre: Philosophy

About: This book focuses on India and China, the two oldest and most influential origins of Eastern thoughts. It brilliantly elucidates the complex schools of Hindu philosophy, the offshoots of Indian Buddhism, the traditions of Confucius and the Tao in China, & demonstrates their fundamental differences from Western notions of truth. It makes clear the Eastern view of ultimate reality, the emphasis on selfless ethics & the quest for Enlightenment, & shows how these ideas are set in a cosmic whole in contrast to the Western individual and scientific perspective.

My Review: As usual, I never get bored reading this book. The illustrations definitely makes the reading experience fun. Easy reading & informative.

My Rating: 4/5

Quote: "Tat Tvam Asi = That You Are"

Endgame by Andy Secombe

Genre: Fantasy

About:God is challenged to a bet by the Devil. But the key momentum of this story is the relationship between Martin Gray, a simple dentist whose life is unraveling, and the angel Gabriel, a mack-wearing Danish pastry fan, and their attempts to stop the Devil laying waste to the Earth aided by Martin's son Luke, the angel Michael, and by Luke's "friend" Henry, thrash-metal fan and conspiracy theorist.


My Review: Well the story line sounds rather crappy eh? It does but it is interesting at the same time. Tad funny i can say. I like the idea of the devil pairing Stalin & Trotsky, Frank Sinatra & Peter Lawford as soul catcher. The devil claims being similar or friends does not get work done (bringing the souls to Hell). Good one. Good laugh. Predictable ending though.

My Rating: 4/5

Psycho by Robert Bloch

Genre: Thriller

About: Marion Crane, who after stealing $40,000 cash, leaves town and ends up at the Bates Motel where she meets the troubled Norman Bates who seems to be dominated by his mother.

My Review:I read it in a go. I restrained myself from reading the end first. It was worth it. Gripping suspense in every page, keeps you reading on and on. There was no Mother after all.

My Rating: 4.5/5

Perfume : The Story of a Murderer/ Das Parfum by Patrick Suskind

Genre: Horror

About: 1985 literary historical cross-genre novel (originally published in German as Das Parfum) by German writer Patrick Süskind. The novel explores the sense of scent, and its relationship with the emotional meaning that scents may carry. Above all this is a story of identity, communication and the morality of the human spirit.

My Review: Beautiful scent descriptions are a bounty in this novel. But by the pscyhotic man? You'll be wondering what scent will linger after you read this novel. Overall, the tension & suspense is built up quite nicely but the ending is rather abrupt. I sense that its a crowd pleaser end. Judging from the era this novel was written it could very well be. Because without the ending, one will feel profoundly disturbed & morally vulnerable. Your call.

My Rating: 4/5

The Eaten Heart: Unlikely Tales of Love by Giovanni Boccaccio

Genre: Romance

About: Short tales of lust, adventure and unexpected twists of fate.

My Review: Some of the stories got me chuckling in the train. Good read for short trips to work/school.

My Rating: 3/5

Quote: "One woman can exhaust many men, whereas many men cant exhaust one woman."