Here are 5 books I read and enjoyed recently

– The Submission by Amy Waldman

Set in the post 9-11 period, a panel is set to decide on a design for the memorial for the 9/11 victims. The name the pull out is Mohammad Khan. What happens next is the story. It is quite an interesting read with architectural undertones. I enjoyed it.

– Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Again a book I loved. I loved the circus backdrop. It is gruesome at many places. But it is not the candy floss image of the Big Top – it is the dirty behind-the-scenes look. I have my own doubts about the protagonist – Jacob – a Cornell dropout but indeed an interesting read.

– No one writes to the Colonel by Gabriel Marquez

I was looking for the other famous book by Marquez and ended up with this collection of short stories. It is a powerful collection of the real life in South America. Poverty and riches, theft and crime.

– Salvation of the Saint by Keigo Higashino

A Japanese translated work. A page turner. A thriller. I spent 6 hours one night as I had to finish the book and know the mystery. Totally worth the time.

This book was recommended by Pushkala via twitter

– Around India in 80 Trains by Monisha Rajesh

This ebook was free on the newly launched Amazon India site. While I loved the concept behind the book there were parts that dragged on. This book kindled the urge to travel and explore India through its trains. Kuttyma has not experienced the Indian Railways yet- high time to rectify it.

All links lead to GoodReads and my reviews there.

5 books is a monthly series featuring some of the books I read and loved recently. For more book updates and to check my current reading list, head to my Goodreads account.