A Turbulent Mind

 

A Turbulent Mind is written from heart. Written by my good friend Swetha Amit, whom i know for a good many years. She has chronicled her journey from an unsure, turbulent, self conscious individual to a confident, determined, dedicated woman going on to conquer Ironman 70.3. Many of us are runners, marathoners, mountaineers, tennis players, footballers etc. We have seen pictures and images of multi sport people on our television, sportspersons like Daley Thompson, Swapna Barman, decathletes and heptathles, those sportspersons who compete in 10 sports and 7 sports respectively. That is for professional sportspersons. The closest that amateur individual can come close to achieving that kind of super stardom status is by taking part in a sport called triathlon, which comprises of three sports, i.e. swimming in open waters, cycling and running all done back to back with cut offs at each sport. To do that and also carry on with your normal daily life routines takes some miraculous will power and determination. Swetha did all that within a few months of reaching US on a work assignment which took her hubby there. Having to juggle sports times for 3 sports, plus strength training, stretching and then your family time, household work, shopping, etc. all in a day in the US where you don't get household help unlike in India and also to ensure that one gets adequate sleep takes some kind of planning and clockwork precision. Luckily the sport has many advantages in US where you get good open water swimming facilities and cycling lanes unlike in India. Along the way Swetha has conquered her fear of open water swimming, and hill cycling and conquered her inner demons on the way to her Ironman 70.3 medal.  Swetha has written her journey very well, very meticulously detailing all her thoughts, fears, aspirations, in a very simple language. She has written from her heart. Highly recommended for all sports persons and those planning to take up triathlon shortly.  Goodreads 5/5

The Body Snatchers

Jack Finney has written this science fiction novel way back in 1955 and it has apparently been adapted into a movie four times already. The plot starts very well and is exciting. Dr. Miles Bennell comes across an unusual case which does not involve his speciality but for which he agrees to visit since it is from an old flame. People start acting weirdly in a small town off California. The phenomenon grows over. He then brings in his friend a psychologist to have a look over the case. His friend reasons it be a case of mass delusion which has happened before also. But apparently things take a turn for worse and then he and his flame is on the run from apparently alien like pods which impregnate humans and make them worthless. The start of the novel is quite good, but it drags on towards the middle and latter part of the novel. Finney's narration is quite good. Goodreads rating 2.5/5