A glimpse into the world of our children’s favourite books Brief Answers to the Big Questions Stephen Hawking I am an avid reader and have read different genres. But, books on science and technology are my favourites. Recently, I finished reading ' Brief Answers to Big Questions' by renowned physicist, Stephen Hawking. In this book Hawking attempts to answer some of the most mind - boggling questions like 'How was the universe created?' or 'Is time travel possible?' etc. He approaches these using logic and Mathematics. In the book he says that the universe is not the product of the creation of a supernatural entity but is the result of a series of scientific processes, which he calls as the 'Cosmic Soup'. The manner in which he has provided insight and conveyed his thoughts are noteworthy. Although the answers might be difficult to comprehend, it certainly helps us to get a glimpse of the inner workings of the universe. By Debarpan Kole, XI-A
Transcript
A glimpse into the world of our children’s favourite books
Brief Answers to the Big Questions
Stephen Hawking
I am an avid reader and have read different genres. But, books on science and
technology are my favourites. Recently, I finished reading ' Brief Answers to
Big Questions' by renowned physicist, Stephen Hawking. In this book
Hawking attempts to answer some of the most mind - boggling questions like
'How was the universe created?' or 'Is time travel possible?' etc.
He approaches these using logic and Mathematics. In the book he says that
the universe is not the product of the creation of a supernatural entity but is
the result of a series of scientific processes, which he calls as the 'Cosmic
Soup'.
The manner in which he has provided insight and conveyed his thoughts are noteworthy.
Although the answers might be difficult to comprehend, it certainly helps us to get a glimpse
of the inner workings of the universe.
By
Debarpan Kole, XI-A
Wonder by RJ Palacio
‘Wonder’ handles so many delicate issues with impeccable
care. The book is a beautiful one with narration that will
make one fall in love with every character. It touches upon
issues like bullying in school and how children treat each
other. It also talks about how children treat ‘others’ who do
not look like everyone, who do not come from wealthy
families, who are just, different in their own way. The book
also ended up discussing mental health and how it is as important for children as it is for
adults.
It broke my heart every time I read it and filled me with sympathy for the characters. The
book is raw and beautiful and has a special place in my heart.
Jiya Jawa, Class XI-B
Murder On The Orient Express
By Agatha Christie
This is another phenomenal novel by the Queen of Crime. It's an
incredible mystery that keeps the readers enthralled to the end. The
book changed my interest from adventure to detective fiction. I love
the suspense, the analysis by the detective and the twist at the end of
the book. I admire the writer's style as she meticulously describes
each of the characters and their actions. She has portrayed Mr.
Hercule Poirot, the detective, in a wonderful manner. The good
things about the book were
the character's clever observations and artful
conclusions. The ending was spectacular. This
book left me amazed and satisfied.
Anushka Saxena
XI-A
THE BOOK THIEF
-Markus Zusak
This book is different from most of the books that I prefer to read. I
love books with happy endings but this story ended on a bittersweet
note. This is a book about WWII when Hitler had taken upon
himself to determine human survival in Germany. The most
intriguing part about this book is its narrator- Death. This book is
not just about Hitler. It is about Liesel Meminger, an accordion
player, a Jewish boxer hiding in the basement of a poor family, the
Steiner family in the town of Molching. When Liesel loses her
brother, she is sent to an adoption home- the Hubermanns. Hans
Hubermann is a kind-hearted man who teaches Liesel to read and
write. The Hubermanns are poor people and just manage to have
meals thrice a day. So, Liesel takes to stealing books with her best
friend, Rudy Steiner. All this while, the Hubermanns protect the
Jewish boxer in their basement.
The end left me devastated and some parts even made me cry. However, this book taught me
to love and enjoy reading. This book is so beautifully written and the sequence of events are
well planned. The story follows a well-defined structure. On one side it depicts a city hit by
multiple air bombings whereas on the other side it also shows how people still care about
others amidst cruelty and hatred.
Hats off to this book!
Kirti Jain, XI-B
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Oscar Wilde
‘A journey through Art, Beauty and People’
The gripping novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde,
is one which changes perspectives on how Art influences people
and their minds. The author, using his satirical tone, describes
the life of the protagonist, Dorian Gray, who is part of the British
Elite.
Dorian Gray is depicted as an innocent youth who is seemingly
unaware of his beauty and is thus, pristine in every way. The
story revolves around his conduct with his friends, Basil
Hallward and Lord Henry, and how he falls in love with his
beauty. Basil’s painting, a portrait of Dorian Gray, is the catalyst
in bringing about this transformation. He yearns for eternal youth
and in exchange, barters with his soul. He makes us realise the
importance of being careful of what we wish for. His life is one which is marked by
stagnancy and destruction due to greed.
The novel is written with such elaborate details and drama, that one can’t help but fall in love
with it.
Mehar Saxena
XII
LITTLE WOMEN
“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.”
-LOUISA MAY ALCOT
LOUISA MAY ALCOTT wrote the book LITTLE
WOMEN as a response to publishers’ request for a
girls book. The enduring appeal of this novel is its
vivid depict ion of its 19th-century t ime period. It is
set in Boston during and just after the civil war
followed by the story of four March sisters and their
struggle to overcome poverty and grow into ladies.
The girls must contend with learning to become good
women and learning about who they are as people
with the help of their mother and father.
Every sister displays the basic emotions and the book is an
account of their struggle to overcome these emotions and
compass maturity. All of them bicker their way through life to
keep their home together as they wait to re-unite with their
father.
I found the book very elegant and eloquently written. The day to day accounts have been
narrated in an alluring manner.
I recommend this book to everyone who wants to taste “finer stories” which are very
intricately written.
Dhwani Arora, XII-D
MADNESS AND CIVILISATION:
a history of insanity in the age of reason.
As one of the most influential books in the world, Madness and civilisation by Michael
Foucault precedes its reputation as it has surely changed my ideas and thoughts. Therefore, I
count it as one of my all-time favourites.
Without a shadow of a doubt, this masterpiece has been Foucault’s most original and controversial text since the last forty years. In this book he throws light on the disputed and slippery slopes of the thoughts about the mentally ill, gay rights, prisons and police camps. The author argues that
he can alter the reader’s thoughts by the end of the book evoking shock, pity and fascination. The book is set in France where Foucault has observed the aftermath of the renaissance which had adversely affected the French mindsets. Hence it is called the Age of Reason. The era also gave birth to many French philosophers like Foucault and this gave the rising thinkers of France the much-required courage to discuss the political situation, the economic breakdowns and other socio cultural ordeals which the French had been facing since their revolution. The book’s speciality lies in the fact that it deals with multiple aspects like leprosy and other diseases affecting France, the endowments of Lazar Houses and the functioning of the Höpital General which played a major role in controlling the delusion and hysteria which took France by storm in the 1960s. The author calls the situation: The Ship Of Fools or
Stultifera Navis which refers to a drunken boat along the canals of Rhineland and Flemish regions which played a key part in transporting the sick and the mentally ill. The reason why I am fond of this book is because it explores traditional psychiatry and allows people to speak their mind. It’s a beautiful piece of art which I highly recommend to people who want to become more insightful and sharp. Arav Dimri, XII-D
The Invasion Of The Tearling
By Erika Johansen
This riveting sequel to the national bestseller The Queen of
the Tearling is an exciting and adventurous tale which deals
with many complex emotions such as love, faith,
responsibility and power.
The tale follows a young woman and her misadventures in
another dimension.
The story consists of exciting and different layers with respect
to its multidimensional tale of magic, mystery, and a fierce
young heroine.Though Johansen’s ending to The Invasion Of
The Tearling feels abrupt, it leaves the readers with great
anticipation for the next book . This book is the perfect
example of a neatly written fiction which leaves the reader
wanting more and more with every page that is read.I
recommend this book to anyone who wants to experience
adventure at any given moment of their life.
Vishakha Baisoya, XII-D
Origin by Dan Brown
Origin is a mystery thriller novel by American author Dan Brown. This is the fifth and the latest
installment in his Robert Langdon series. This book is set in Spain and revolves around a plot
enmeshed in religion and science. Dan Brown has never ceased to surprise his audience and in Origin
he takes it up a notch just like every previous instalment.
The book is a nail-biting historical fiction which deals with an intuitive and diligent detective who
soon finds himself cemented in a murder mystery which gradually unfurls and shocks the reader.
The author does his research and hence the book is filled with lots of references which the reader
finds very exciting and interesting.
What I like about this book is that there is a lot of information about the realistic art and architecture
which lends interest to the plot. The chapters have been written in great detail and from a third
person’s view point. I'm an atheist and this book is apt for the likes of me. The addition of Spanish
royal family and its internal workings serves as a cherry on the top. It’s impossible to leave this book
once you start reading it! Akshita Panwar, XII-D
Raavan: The Enemy of Aryavarta
‘The fate is inescapable.’ Raavan: The Enemy of Aryavarta is the third book in the Ram Chandra series written by Mr.
Amish Tripathi. The book is a narrative account of Ravana’s life and how he became the
infamous Demon King who has been remembered by posterity for thousands of years.
This book throws light on the emotions of the vicious enemy of Aryavarta and brings forward
his perspective instead of explaining his heinous crimes which make this book very unique
with respect to the contemporary ancient history works.
The story has been excellently explained by the author, with each little detail unfolding in a
subtle manner to provide the best experience to the reader and leaving clues in every way to
compile the storyline at last. Mr. Amish Tripathi, has won the hearts of thereaders this time
too with this retake on Raavan’s life. Therefore, this story is a must read for all readers alike.
