Stitches, books and muses

Went to the Doctor on tuesday, got my stitches removed and knee examined. He was very happy with me being able to bend my knee upto 90 degrees, he seemed to indicate that it usually takes more time. He has encouraged me to keep bending... Have another appointment with him in 2 weeks. Meanwhile my physio trips are beginning to get less painful and I am doing a lot more than when I started, however my right leg is noticeably smaller than the other one which indicate how much my muscles are atrophying. Overall the verdict is not bad! Last night was the first one that I made it through without any painkillers. Did some catching up on movies and books over the last couple of weeks and it feels good to be back reading fiction (purposeless reading) and being able to think a little more about trivial philosphy which was very important not too long ago. Priya recommended a book a long time ago, Shantaram, which she picked up at the Princeton library under the section which labelled 'Librarian's choices'. I picked up a copy a few weeks ago in KL knowing that I will have time to read now that I will be at home for a couple of weeks. Its a big book, about 1000 pages, but a fantastic read and worth every page of it. The book is mirrored on a true story which honestly makes it more irksome and gritty but perhaps a little more personable. Certainly in my top ten reads ever (I have forgotten the contents of the other ones, so cannot rank it at the top just yet). Its sense of adventure, spirit and dabbles of philosphy make it an unusually well written book with no real distinct style other than a very informal feel to the narrative. At the end of the autobiographical saga you are left with the feeling - My life sucks! I promise you will want to finish book after the first couple of pages. Its soon to be made into a movie with Johny Depp, the Big B and Shah Rukh Khan. I won't go into the details as it will spoil the story but I highly recommend reading the book!! Priya had bought this book, The Sunday Philosphers Club, as part of her Book club reading - Yeah she belongs to a book club. The author, Alexander Mccall Smith, has written the successful series No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency which by all account is quite engrossing. However I don't share the same sentiment for this book nor its characters. The language is OK but the characters are dull and for the most part not that cheerful either. The book is also written in a high handed context and does not reveal much as you read along expecting that finish will make up for it only once again disappointed. Prognosis - Don't buy book but instead buy the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. Tuesdays with Morrie is a very easy read and was recommended by the wife to open my eyes to the real meaning of life. A lot of what you will read in the book is obvious and you have probably heard many times before however when presented as old man's life lessons narrated on his deathbed it reiterates those points. I think it also explores death and intimidates us into revaluating our lives again. A worthwhile read, perhaps one that will trigger some of those pensive mood swings. Jhumpa Lahiri's book Namesake which was recently made into a movie is credited to be an interesting (some say depressing) read. Rohit sent me a link which I think is true about many authors though only few will admit lest they lessen their genius! It seems she dated a guy who the book is based on but is not willing to admit it atleast that what the article professes. More can be found at this link. Perhaps its correct to say that most writers have real life muses and experience they are less willing to talk about and would rather lead their readers into beleiving that it is a products of the author's vivid imagination.