The Soul of the Quran

THE SOUL OF THE QURAN
Author: Saniyasnain Khan

I first read this book way back in January 2007. And now even after re-reading it, I am still mesmerized by the splendor of the passages.

A very easy read, this book contains a range of beautiful prayers from the Holy Quran. The author has brilliantly and successfully captured the essence of the Holy Book by the careful selection of the surahs. The words are lyrical, beautiful, moving and very apt.

I’ve once blogged about this book in 2007. And the contents, to this day, remain to be true. Here’s the excerpt:-

“The selected verses are short, simple and I do not know, at the time I was reading it, I was moved by the contents. It was as if God was speaking to me, to be strong, to have faith, to be thankful and to forever bear Him in mind and soul in what I do. I read the book, cover to cover, in an hour and 45 minutes, in one seating. I was THAT mesmerized by what I read. It’s like as if God knows that I was going through a bad time and therefore led me to ‘discover’ the book sitting quietly on my shelf. The thing is, I have noticed the book many a times, but I was never moved to even take it out and flip it. I do not know why last Friday, 5th January 2007 I somehow glanced at the book spine, lifted my arm and very easily took it down. I browsed through while heading to the sofa in my living room and before I was sitting down, I was already reading Page 2. I do not know why but definitely God does..”

For full blog, go to:

http://dvahaven.spaces.live.com/?_c11_BlogPart_BlogPart=blogview&_c=BlogPart&partqs=amonth%3d1%26ayear%3d2007

THE TRUIzM

A must-have in every home library for the occasional perk-me-up sessions. Go to your nearest bookstore and begin the hunt. Also serves as a brilliant gift for that someone who needs spiritual motivation.

Second Prize

SECOND PRIZE
Author: Chris Manby

Finally, Ms Manby manages to please me with this one. Not too much though, regretfully, but definitely notches higher than Girl Meets Ape and Matchbreaker.

The plot here is very thin, and you could guess the epilogue as you prod on. Zero marks for the surprises category. The heroine, Lara Fenton, is pretty likeable, but at the same time, very gullible AND desperate. Sometimes, I find myself sympathizing with her and her sorry circumstances but at times, I wish I could just grab her shoulders and shake her till her eyes roll in her head and make her smell the coffee.

The story is straightforward and Ms Manby manages to inject humor where it should. The hilarity is not overdone and the dialogues are witty and the scenes appear real. Often, I found myself smiling or bursting in short spurts of laughter as I was reading it.

The TRUIzM
A good read, especially after the TND flop. This book also resurrects my first impression of Ms Manby’s ability as a writer.