Paths of Glory by Jeffrey Archer

I just finished reading ‘Paths of Glory’ by Jeffrey Archer, would rate the book 5 on 5. It’s a very well written book and one of those books, which you can’t put down before finishing it. It’s a story of a man who wishes to be on the top of the world and strives to do it throughout his life. This book reminded me of ‘The Alchemist’ in some ways, we all have our dreams but only a few of us have the courage to go after them. The dreams are forgotten or pushed so far behind in our minds that they only surface in the form of envy when we see someone else realize their dream. Those of us who do follow our dreams leave behind a path of glory for others to follow and that is what this book is all about. I recommend this book as a must read.

The Associate by John Grisham

At the onset let me clarify that i know this is not a best seller and I surely know the reason why. This is one of the worst books I have ever read. If you plan to read it let me tell you looking at the wall would be a better passtime. It seems like Grisham got bored of writing the book half way through and decided to finish it there.
The story is about a young lawyer who finds himself being blackmailed by someone and is forced to steal some critical information from his firm. The entire story revolves around how he tries to escape this situation and goes one up on his blackmailer. But just when you think that the story is getting somewhere it ENDS in the middle of nowhere. I have been a fan of Grisham but I don't know what was he thinking or better still not thinking while writing this book.

The Shack by William P Young

Although I have picked up this title randomly from NewYork Times best seller list without anyone's recommendation, I am finding the book quite ok. The book is based on the spiritual experience of a character named Mac. I don't completely agree with the philosophy of the author but surely enough the way of putting it across is very intresting. I am almost half way through and am liking the way the way the story is being narrated. Would like to know if some of you have read the book and what you think of the philosophy.

Well I have finished reading the book and will rate it above average. The story is based on the life of a character who loses his daughter and is unable to make peace with God because of this. And then on one not so fine day gets an invitation to meet HIM. The story unwraps from that point on. The author offers a fresh way of looking at things and happenings around. Would recommend the book as a one time read.

Water For Elephants by Sara Guen

The book in my opinion is just about above average. If you are hooked on thrillers or some serious reading you might not enjoy this book as much. A sort of a love story with not a very strong storyline to keep you engrossed. Although I recommend it as a one time reading but only if you have finished reading a really heavy book.
Don’t read any further if you don’t want the storyline.

The book is based on the life of an individual who in his old age is looking back at his life as a young man. How he ends up becoming a part of a circus and consequently finds the love of his live. The ordeals they have to go through to finally come together. The book also touches upon the downfall of circuses as a trade and profession.