Cosmos: A Review

Author: Carl Sagan



Rating: 4.5 out of 5










Carl Sagan is unquestionably one of the brilliant minds to have ever lived on this earth. Cosmos is a very popular book in the so-called nerd fraternity, and many of my friends encouraged me to read this. And being a fan of the author's work I finally decided to read this. Cosmos lived up to every expectation and more. It is a delight to read.


“The nitrogen in our DNA, the calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood, the carbon in our apple pies were made in the interiors of collapsing stars. We are made of starstuff.”

― Carl Sagan, Cosmos

Carl Sagan with his elegant and fluid writing explains the various virtues of space and of our existence in a manner that is comprehensible and exciting. The book is written in a manner as if the author is talking to the reader over tea, like narrating a story. Also while reading this book one really is humbled by the depth of the author's knowledge and far sight. Dr. Sagan's vision is based on his encore knowledge and deep understanding of the cosmos, and makes for an enthralling read.

Thus to sum up I would say that if one wants to begin reading non-fiction especially astronomy then this can be a great book for you.

Turning Points: A Review

Rating: 4.5 out of 5




Author:  A.P.J. Abdul Kalam






In this book, Dr. Kalam talks about his journey from 1999 to present. Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was the president of India from 2002 to 2007. He talks about the various instances that left an impression on his mind before, during and after the presidency, in this book.

Dr. Kalam has always been a very popular president amongst the youth and this book provides an insight into his work and his thoughts. Throughout the book, Dr. Kalam emphasizes on the various strengths that India has and how they can be used in our development. He explained the position of the president and how that position can help our country to reach higher milestones of development. He encourages the youth to have faith and to work hard for their country. His dream of India in 2020 is often talked about in this book.

While reading this book one can understand Dr. Kalam’s thoughts with great clarity. I felt a deep sense of respect for Dr. Kalam and his humble self that he has maintained throughout even after achieving so much in life. Dr Kalam is a self made man and whatever he has achieved in life is because of his own hard work. His journey is very inspiring to read and his thoughts are a food for thought for the reader.

The Phases of life

In high school I read the famous poem by William Shakespeare, All the World's a Stage. It talks about the various stages one goes through in the play of life.

“All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages.” - William Shakespeare

As I will complete two decades of existence on this earth next year, I look back at the journey so far.
Well it has been one heck of a journey. Lost a lot, gained a lot, learned a lot and forgave a lot.

When I look back, I see the changes I have gone through. I won't say I turned out the best I could or that I am the best me but I will say that under the circumstances and situations I faced, I turned out fine. And as this year ends I want to promise myself that I will fight harder now ............