Because of Winn-Dixie - Review

The beautiful thing about a children's novel is that we get to see the world that beholds the eyes of a kid. It somehow masquerades the harsh truth and gives a coping mechanism. I believe it is called the moral of the story. Not all stories have a moral and yet they beautifully teach kids to handle the emotions and their own little world through the characters.

One thing a children's novel needs is a beautiful character sketch, be it with with flaws or their strengths. It gives a take-away or a memento that is going to be etched in the memory of the kid forever. Someone they can relate to. So it is apt that many of us would remember India Opal for the way she transformed and touched the lives of everyone around her, be it the dog Winn-Dixie to the musician Otis. But she is graceful enough to think that it all happened because of Winn-Dixie (And hence the title).

The valuable lesson for the kids and the adults alike is to love one another without being judgemental. When there is a fear of losing someone or a emptiness around you, the book summaries it beautifully:

"There ain’t no way you can hold on to something that wants to go, you understand? You can only love what you got while you got it."

A very simple yet realistic story that is deliberately spun around friendship, hope, sorrow and many more human emotions tied together beautifully by a dog.

Everyone has a story - review

Boy meets girl story with an atmosphere set for romance. But the story fails miserably because the plot was not strong. The story did not get me hooked even after a couple of of chapters and I should have known to close it. I don't know how the amazon best seller tag was attached to this nonsense. The story stops making any sense after a while. Even the supporting characters have a better past and strong character build, but the main two protagonists are not built solid.

The character of Vivaan is not at all steady. He yearns for Meera and when he is back he never declares his love. The author just lengthens the plot unnecessarily with added drama. It could have been handled better. Well one can guess the need for Vivaan to travel or 'escape' as the author puts it. It is no suspense that he is running away from his past, and that alone does not qualify for his mysterious persona. Seriously, I don't understand how Meera thinks she can get a good novel out of Vivaan just because he said he wanted to travel.

And Vivaan had to travel thousands of miles to get some serious 'gyan'. And that too foreigners would open up to him like he were some old friend and offer him advice. That is not how it works in the reality. When we are strangers we are just acquaintance at the best and not some one dearly. Healing of Meera (from the heart break) was the understatement of the year. She mops around all the time and one miraculous night she heals. She goes around and grooms herself. The author could have been more elaborate with this. Speaking of healing, when Meera was in the ICU, I don't know how her parents never visit her. Or even her closest relations. It was bizarre but again the characters were not etched solid.

The only consolation so far from this novel is the philosophical and romantic lines written beautifully and briefly.

Masala Toast

What makes a good English breakfast? French Toast of course.  But the Desi version should be called Masala toast.  Here I have eggs and bread in common.  That's it.  So should I be comparing both.  Maybe not, but it is the best and easy Sunday breakfast if you are really lazy!  I have here a very basic version with very limited ingredients (or creativity) but really the choices are endless.  You can add red chilli powder, cumin powder, chillies, garlic, mint, coriander leaves and so on.  Well it depends on your taste buds and the heat you can handle.  So without further ado lets get into the recipe and enjoy it with all the Masala and heat on a nice and slow November morning.

Ingredients

• Eggs - 6
• Bread slices - 8
• Onion - 2 medium sized, Finely chopped
• Turmeric pwd - 1/4 tsp
• Pepper pwd - 1 tsp
• Garam Masala pwd - 1/2 tsp
• Salt to taste
• Oil - 2 tsp
• Oil or Butter to toast the bread

Method

• In a mixing bowl, add the turmeric pwd, pepper pwd, garam masala pwd, salt and 1/4 tsp water and mix everything well.  The turmeric will not mix well with the egg if water is not added.
• Now break the eggs and whisk them together with the spices till they are well combined.
• In a pan or tawa, add 2 tsp oil and saute the onions till they are translucent.  Add this to the egg mixture

 

• Heat the pan or tawa again and add some butter or oil to toast the bread.  Dip a bread slice into the egg mixture and slide it onto the pan or tawa.  Keep the flame on low as the egg cooks faster and will burn otherwise.  When one side becomes golden brown turn it to the other side.  When both sides are cooked and golden, remove to a plate
• Cook all the bread slices in the same manner.  Depending on the pan or Tawa size you can cook 2-3 in a batch.  Remember to mix the mixture every time otherwise the onions will settle in the bottom.
• Serve hot with Ketchup or chutney or any dip of your choice.