This summer, I finally got a taste of the much talked about V.S. Naipaul. Many of former sajhaites would spend helluva lot of time and energy discussing his books and I think Paschim had even written a review of one of his books somewhere. Anyways, I read "Half a life" over the span of 3 months, mostly during the subway rides to and from my work in NYC this summer. I think he's one of the few writers who can make writing seem so easy! And I did really enjoy the book, in parts. I wasn't entirely gripped by the plot though. Some moments in the book were moments of truly astute reflection and skillful probing into the human (and male) psyche. Otherwise, nothing sensational. Did like some of the historical knowledge I gained! I noticed practically everyone reading "The Da Vinci code." Was definitely a huge summer hit, I suppose. Maybe I will get around to reading it sometime next summer when the heat and hype has long subsided! : ) This summer was more about movies, munching, and merry-making in Gotham city than about burying my nose in a book! Frankly, I was sick of books after a year of grueling academia! : ( But Kudos to those who can pluck up the courage to pick up another book after returning the year's "loan" to the university and local library! : )