BookBee8

10. SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE - VIKAS SWARUP (07.03.09-19.03.09) Former tiffinboy Ram Mohammad Thomas has just got twelve questions correct on a TV quiz-show to win a cool one billion rupees. But he is brutally slung in prison on suspicion of cheating. Because how can a kid from the slums know who Shakespeare was, unless he is pulling a fast one. In the order of the questions on the show, Ram tells us which amazing adventures in his street-kid life gave him the answers. From orphanages to brothels, gangsters to beggar-masters, and into the homes of Bollywood's rich and famous, Ram's story is brimming with the chaotic comedy, heart-stopping tragedy and tear-inducing joyousness of modern India. Slumdog Millionaire didn't appeal to me for a long time. But after hearing several great reviews and knowing that hype that surrounded both the book and the film, I decided to give it a go. I was torn about the novel up to the very last minute. To make my decision, ironically enough if you've read the book, I flipped a coin. And that was it, Slumdog Millionaire came home with me. The book is divided into sections, each one providing the reader with a snippet from Ram Mohammad's life and answering the reader's own question, how did a boy from the slums know all the correct answers? Swarup is realistic in his approach, these chapters are not in chronological order. Instead, each answer is embedded in various parts of Ram's life, from a young orphan child to an inquisitive young adult who's life is ultimately being led by fate. Despite the amazing conclusion that his life adventures result in, each one is associated with a harrowing and tragic experience that deems the young man far from lucky. In addition to the plot, the novel's strengths are consistent throughout. The inevitable descriptions of India give the reader a mere insight into the opposing worlds that exist alongside one another, the riches brushing shoulders with the penniless. Ram Mohammad lives very much in the latter, however he has a taster of the former and this only enhances the dramatic difference between the two. The described culture is equally fascinating and shocking. Swarup is an excellent story teller. The content is at times difficult to read but the style is easy and flows extremely well. He has a fast pace and spins the character's stories in an interesting way that left me caring and wondering about the climax to each chapter. Despite the predictable nature of the book (we know the ending), Swarup maintains the ability to throw in numerous unexpected twists, turns and surprises. This includes the lead up to each question. As the reader, I failed to pinpoint which detail from Ram's life would be the key to each correct answer. This added another element to the novel. However, due to the structure of the novel, each chapter felt at times like an individual story in itself, which it was. But, for me, I felt this was a negative to the novel. It felt like the chapters were entirely seperate from one another and caused the book to be jolty, failing to flow in a smooth manner. Swarup's writing style was the opposite and it didn't take long to pull me into each adventure, but between chapters, the gap was evident. I never finished a chapter and was overly eager to start the next, as they explored another aspect and didn't follow on. As a result, I wasn't hooked to the novel at any point, I could cast the book aside for a few days and not wonder too much about the characters. Only once I was mid chapter did I care. For me, this was a major downfall as I feel it's important to feel connected to the characters throughout. Overall, Slumdog Millionaire was a relatively enjoyable but harrowing story. The novel has several strengths which are glaringly obvious but the structure ruined the story to a certain extent. Despite this, I would highly recommend reading it as I think the criticisms were reflective of my personal taste rather than a distinct error with the novel. 7/10

I realise I am really late with responding but... I don't think I have any first editions, and even if I did, my sister lost one and ruined the other. I was the same with Harry Potter though. I didn't want to enjoy it either!

Always just the one

I know, I'll look forward to reading those. Meyer has stated that she is "almost done" writing a possible sequel to 'The Host', entitled 'The Soul'. If she were to continue the series, the third book would be called 'The Seeker'. - That's from Wikipedia. I don't know if it's true but I have read it somewhere else that she's writing sequels for it so let's hope there's truth to it.

Apparently she is writing two more books in the series by the way.

I had meatballs in onion gravy with chips and ketchup. It's something my BF always has and I figured I'd try it. It was lovely!

I personally preferred Twilight for the impact it had and how much I enjoyed it. But The Host is great, I enjoyed it immensely as well. You're right, it is very different to Twilight but there is a similar appeal there. I do prefer how Meyer developed the characters in The Host though, they had a lot more depth and obvious flaws. Glad you enjoyed it.

Since joining this forum my eyes have been opened to a range of genres and I've been reading more than ever. So you've definitely come to the right place! Welcome.

Hello! Welcome to the forum. I love your avatar, it's great.

Oh so maybe I was right in giving up on it! I liked the sound of one of her other books but decided against it because of her writing style in that one. I assumed they'd be the same.

*Attacks* Nah, I'm only kidding. That's so true!

I've got Damaged on my TBR pile. I've had it for ages and it never appeals. After reading your review, I'm tempted to read it sooner. So thanks.

Technically my 'current' book is the one I'm quoting from for my essay. So.. Social Psychology has been defined as 'the scientific investigation of how the thoughts, feelings and behaviours of individuals are influenced by the actual, imagined or implied presence of others' (e.g. Allport, 1935). -Social Psychology by Hogg & Vaughan.

Jasper was pretty to look at but yeah, he did look constipated and I didn't like his hair!

I like the soundtrack too! Exactly, if they could bring that to the screen then that would be great!

Awwh no, join in the discussion! Hehe. I've got to admit, I'm one that isn't too fond of Kristen. The only two scenes that she acts with really emotion was the hospital scene and the prom scene. All the rest, she seemed too indifferent. I do think her and Rob have great chemistry but for some reason, it didn't come across that well in the film. In my opinion anyway

Aww, yeah, I love the second Biology scene too! It is a very awkward film, some scenes are easier to watch than others. Like the baseball scene, that's amazing. I love that.

I hate the bit where he says 'You're like a drug to me'. It makes me cringe every time!

I think Twilight kind of did that for me as well. They were different to anything I've ever tried and along with joining BCF, it kind of opened my eyes to lots of new genres. I've been reading and buying loads since then! I'm yet to read Bitten! I will soon. EDIT- Didn't see Dan and Roxi's post. I love the movie too Roxi, but mainly because I'm obsessed, rather than the quality of it. I read the series twice in the space of about a month I think!