Nerve Endings Firing Away

I have been tagged by the Quizman…err…Quizfan. This might be one of the rare memes that I might participate in. The book tag meme found its way to NEFA and I have been put on the spot. The questions:

Total books I own: Close to 300, maybe more; counting the ones back home in India too which I last heard have dwindled greatly due to random donations to cousins. Grrrrr…

Last book I bought: The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy; the only reason I like sci-fi.

Last book I read: Quite a few in progress actually; the one closest to completion – Maximum City: Bombay Lost and Found. Graphic details of  city life that you  otherwise wouldn’t  hear about.

Books that mean a lot to me (five at least): I am definitely going to name more, in no particular order

• Competitive Advantage of Nations – simple story narrated in economical and social perspective on the disparities of today’s world.
• The Work of Nations : Preparing Ourselves for 21st Century Capitalism – Insightful pieces and commentary on different economical, political, and sociological problems in today’s world that we were always afraid to ask about.
• The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo – amazing narrative of one of the greatest minds in the history of mankind. Only his determination for perfection surpassed his uncomparable talent.
• Mahabharata (C.Rajagopalachari) – IMO the greatest story ever told.
• The Fountainhead – must-read for any architect; rather any person trying to find his individuality.
• A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction – Practical ideas and concepts for creating better spaces without all the hi-funda concepts.
• Three Men in a Boat: To say nothing of the dog – I wish I can write humor the way Jerome K.Jerome writes it; lets your imagination complete  his writing.  Need a laugh when you are down, read a few pages.
• The Complete Calvin and Hobbes – ultimate memories for a childhood you wish you had. the collection is not yet complete…contact me for gift ideas (for my birthday)

A book that’s on its way out of your house as you write this: Never read a book completely that I didn’t like after first 20 pages.

Others who will join me on the spot:
Ash…her tags
Alpha…her tags
Chetan…his tags
Gabby…her tags
Abinandanan…his tags
Selva…his tags
Jo…her tags

Update: Yay! everyone I tagged managed to list their book tags (see above). Bloggers are indeed serious book lovers (or is it book lovers make good bloggers?) I am glad to be in such great company.