The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History ~ Elizabeth Kolbert

A Review

A thought-provoking book The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert, Pulitzer Prize winner, shows how human have major influence in extinction of any kind of species. There were five mass extinctions which led to reduction in diversity of life over time. We are here in the period of Anthropocene, where thousands of species are disappearing before our eyes.

Kolbert, as a reporter tells us how species are being led to extinction through history and science which date back before the era of dinosaurs. Also describes how fossils tells us story and chronology of extinct species and the drivers for extinctions. Extinction history brings to light the major concept, what lies ahead in the face of human destruction. Book takes us back to the very ancient era of evolution and describes the wonders of species. She shows how scientists are risking and devoting their lives to trace back and document the lost species and conserve the present day endangered and critically endangered species. She also shows that humans are the one endangering the species around the world since thousands of year back and will continue to do so, eventually risking their own species. The lost species are gone forever, from giant dinosaurs, mammoths to great auks to micro bacterial, except for some of bones remaining in the museums, book tells many more species are in queue.

Kolbert explains very well with hard science, history and at times with humors. She managed to extract as many as information from numerous scientists around the world and delivers as an entertaining and engrossing legend. This fact-based book is an eye opener to the general public at large and contributes toward immense understandings of sixth extinction. It also reminds us the sense of urgency to contribute towards conservation of diversity of life directly or indirectly.

Visit to Camel's Hump, VT

Was on a hike to Camel's Hump mountain in Vermont, which was indeed great we did on the Sunday otherwise I would have wasted it. This four-hour hike was worth it, icicle-like snow cover on the dwarf fir tree shimmering in the sunlight was an unforgettable memory. The mount indeed looks exactly like a camel hump hence the name says it. Quite a people though, expected very very less people at this time of the year, which is usually very cold. 

Here are few pictures from the trip:   

Icicles on a fir growing among the rocks

View of New Hampshire mountains 

Deciduous trees, an aftermath of the fall

Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World ~ Haruki MURAKAMI

A Review

Haruki Murakami never leaves stone unturned when it comes to writing hilariously funny, thrilling, mysterious, seductive and inventive novel. Hard-Boiled Wonderland and The End of The World has the touch of sci-fi data processing, fantasy in the hard-boiled wonderland, info war, suspense and some comedy. We are kept in suspense, often plunged with some odd characters. We tend to dwell in some kind of parallel world, not exactly the scientific parallel world we know. So, the story runs parallel, same time, one person but in two different worlds. One world seems to be real though.

Murakami’s trademark, a nameless character narrates the story. A data processing genius, working for a company had had his life placed somewhere mysterious by a professor, who seem to conduct neuro-physical research for good. There, this nameless guy thrives in both the worlds until he is brought to knowledge on it or in other words, expiration time.  

He somehow involves in the info war with granddaughter of the professor, who has his laboratory established underground besides INKling dwelling (INKling seem like some kind of folklore animal related to fish family; prefers rotten human flesh). Rival companies as well as INKlings are after them, all in want of the data. In another world, it’s the end of the world. Surrounded by high walls, where one’s shadow is cut off, with it goes one’s consciousness and the people of the town got no mind at all, a hard-boiled wonderland. In this wonder world, memories are no more and yet no feelings, no love. Somehow, he thrives here or may be lives here.  

Story in the end somehow expects the unexpected, revealing how mind is feeble and flexible. An easy to read but hard to grasp at times, this novel takes some stake in neuro-data processing or in simple words, processing data with conscious mind but through the brain (professor explains well though). All in all, a worth reading book and if you ever feel like to imagine some faraway surreal world, this book is the ticket. 

Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki ~ Haruki MURAKAMI

A Review

Haruki Murakami has his book Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki And His Years of Pilgrimage set as number one New York Times Bestseller. His work as usual has mesmerizing and mysterious touch which keeps us going till the end. His book wonderfully describes how simple things matter the most in life and how unnoticed ordinary actions drag us down at times. It touches in detail the small things in life, the endless thoughts and dreams with never diminishing excitement.

Intelligently written, seducing, mysterious and detailing everyday lives, the book resonates lives of Tsukuru and his high school group friends. Tsukuru here is obliged to go back into the past and lighten his burden which he carries for more than a decade. Things turn up unexpectedly, whereupon he decides to move on, although he continue carrying burdens which he hardly recognize. Struggled and challenged enough with his burden, in other words with his own identity and destination, he is lost in his own thoughts. Though, he tried to move forward and still trying. And his love for train station never fades whatever is the reason.

It has a smooth storyline with deep touch on the isolation and loneliness which is often disturbing. The depth of disturbance is well described which reflects vivid images within us. It’s the story revolving around mystery, friendship, love and sadness over ages. Murakami’s book certainly hit bull’s eye with this one more remarkable masterpiece, no wonder it’s the best book of the year.

A Wild Sheep Chase ~ Haruki MURAKAMI

Written by one of the finest Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami, A Wild Sheep Chase takes us on a long journey in search of a sheep. A sheep that doesn’t even known to exist or may be it existed! Profoundly written and easy to read, the book takes us into a thriller-like mysterious road to nowhere but at times one is tangled into a relation of lost friend and ephemeral love and a madcap comedy.

He had decent job and a decent life. An innocent, divorced and ordinary man encountered with a mission to chase a wild sheep, whom nobody knows about its existence, leaves everything behind even his job and a cat.  No knowledge of sheep, he is set for the chase not only for sheep but for his lost friend as well. Along with his girlfriend, they get involved in business of the Sheep Professor, a professor who was so obsessed with sheep that he wasted his entire life for sheep. Lands in no man’s land and gets lost, who in the end finds mystery in his own life. He embraces his new world.

Story is surrounded by mysteries but runs into story of comedy which paves way into a tale of depressive and forlorn situation. It ends with something unexpected. It captivates us to read further until it reaches the height of a wonderful novel. 

Self Motivating

I am all set to start off my research and I am here still wondering from where and how to start. I had thousands of thoughts about it and I think of it every day. I really wanted to start by now and I am thinking of actually starting it tomorrow. I am here in a new place, got new friends and basically everything is new, just that I am that same old guy with same thoughts. Settling down here, turning the new into old and familiarizing myself to everything around me right starting from my room to vegetable market to pubs to university. But I am having that level of confidence that I am going to finish it by any means in the end of the day. And it's going to be real interesting. 

Visit to Adirondack Mountains

Visited beautiful Adirondack mountains NY, substantiated beauty with foliage color, numerous lakes and light snow fall. Here are few pictures from the visit.

Crossing Lake Champlain via ferry, which takes approximately 25 minutes to reach other side of bank. Breeze was cold and hitting hard on face.

Woody debris; there are really large amount of large woody debris in the mountains. Never seen so much debris before.

Hemlock growing on a log.

Lake in the mountains. It was a sunny a moment and snowing the other moment. The mountains ranges from 500 m to 600 m above sea level.

Sunset of Lake Champlain in Vermont

It was a beautiful Sunday evening. Thought of visiting Lake Champlain struck me and I ended up encountering beautiful sunset over the lake. Wondered around the lake for few hours until the was completely set. This beautiful sunset reminded me of how beautiful mother earth is, and how beautiful life is. So, the bottom line is, I was watching the sunset and thinking of life :) And yeah, hundreds of people staring at the set along with me! 

Imprisoned in Iran ~ Review

A book narrating true story of author Dan Baumann. He was falsely accused of espionage and was halt in the most infamous high security prison in Iran for 9 weeks. Story describes some horrifying experiences in a foreign prison. Having dual citizenship of America and Swiss, he managed to enter Iran with his Swiss passport to spread the love of God. 

Toured around Iran for almost two weeks, he developed many connections among the locals. All he and his South African friend couldn't do was to get out of Iran, whereby they landed unexpectedly in an infamous jail.His story reveals the nightmares of being in a foreign prison for no apparent reason. Also adds how he really had faith in God despite doubting God at times.

A good book to remind oneself to be prepared before planning any trips.

Always Loved This Trip

Blue pine infected by Dwarf Mistletoe, it's found rampantly infecting pine growth and as well as modifying the stand structure. 

Mushroom found growing underneath the pine forest. Grows usually during the peak of monsoon.

Paro Rimpung Dzong captured from cantilever bridge. I am always fascinated whenever I see this structure. 

Trail towards Paro Taktshang; appreciated the way trail is maintained!  

Walking along the trail surrounded by pristine nature and colorful prayer flags makes it most amazing hike. I always enjoy it!

One of the most magnificent structure in Bhutan engraved with traditional architecture. 

We took two and half hours to hike towards Taktshang, which is located around 3100 meters above sea level. It is worth a hike. This was my second visit whereas two of my team members were first timer. They were really fascinated by its architecture, significance and location, which made them really out of words to describe their excitement.