Sachin Tendulkar - Playing it 'MY' Way!

   I remember that match clearly. I was only 7 years old, but I did have some knowledge and taste for cricket. It was a time when the Australians ruled the cricketing world, ruthlessly dominating and crushing everyone who came in their way. But that day, things were about to change. A batsman named Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar starting hitting the likes of Kasprowickz and Warne to all parts of the ground.(Of course he had played a few scintillating knocks earlier, but that was the first time I saw him play). The Australians were left baffled as Sachin finished with two centuries in that tournament and single-handedly taking India to victory. For me, that was the rise of the batsman, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar.

    From then on, this man has grown from strength to strength, cunningly adapting and improving his technique to suit the needs. The Indian batting mainly revolved around the four stalwarts for the next decade or so and he played a major role in making India a global threat. A perfect gentleman, his on-field aggression with the bat and his on-field cool demeanor fetched him millions of fans as he became India's proudest possession. You ask any child with a stick playing cricket in a dirty street,"What do you want to become?". The reply was prompt. "I want to become like Sachin". Such was his name and fame that people started considering each and every run that Sachin scores as their own. A happy Sachin, a happy India. Yes, he was India's child born to play cricket. Apart from cricket, Sachin Tendulkar has also left behind a rich legacy that is so hard to find in modern cricket. The so-called 'gentleman game' is rich with sledging and abusing now. But Sachin, considered to be one of the greatest ambassadors of cricket never showed his emotions on the field as he led a perfectly controversy-free career. As Kapil Dev rightly said, "The way he has played cricket over the years, he has inspired a generation to play cricket".

     The whole world knows about his batting prowess as he engraved his name on almost all record books likely to stand the test of time. He stood grounded during his highs and came back strongly during his lows and each time his reply to his critics was with his bat. Though , there was one dream that was constantly denying him - the World Cup. He had never made a secret of his desire for the World Cup. He almost realised his dream in 2003 as he aggregated 673 runs in that tournament. But fate had other plans and he had to content himself with 'Man of the Series' award. But cometh 2011, under the brilliant captaincy of the man with the Midas touch, Sachin touched the World Cup to the excitement and delight of a million fans.

    With the 100th century also coming his way, there was nothing more to achieve and Indian team was in the hands of a bunch of talented youngsters. Sachin  retired from all forms of cricket but the legacy he has left behind, the service he has done to cricket, his charisma will stand tall for the future generations to speak about. His quirky problem with the sight screen, his occasional leg breaks, his boyish smile, his bullet straight drive, his clumsy running will all be missed but Sachin, as a person and a player will keep playing his shots in our hearts forever. SACHI-I-I-I-N.....SACHI-I-I-I-N will keep reverberating in our hearts forever!



  And now, Sachin is back with a bang with his autobiography - Playing it My Way ! Go grab one and relive your childhood!

Sachin Tendulkar: Playing it My Way - My Autobiography: Amazon

The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1) - Suzanne Collins

     

            The nation of Panem, formed from a post-apocalyptic North America, is a country that consists of a wealthy Capitol region surrounded by 12 poorer districts. Early in its history, a rebellion led by a 13th district against the Capitol resulted in its destruction and the creation of an annual televised event known as the Hunger Games. In punishment, and as a reminder of the power and grace of the Capitol, each district must yield one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 through a lottery system to participate in the games. The 'tributes' are chosen during the annual Reaping and are forced to fight to the death, leaving only one survivor to claim victory.

        When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as District 12's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart Peeta, are pitted against bigger, stronger representatives, some of whom have trained for this their whole lives. , she sees it as a death sentence. But Katniss has been close to death before. For her, survival is second nature.

Review:

Suzanne Collins

           A wonderfully written teen fiction story revolving around Katniss Everdeen and her struggle against the tyranny of the Capitol. Panem consists of 13 districts and is ruled by the Capitol that insists on keeping the people in a tight grip. When District 13 protested, the Capitol blew it away and keeps running the footage of the ruins of District 13 as a reminder for all those who might think of starting an uprising. The protest of District 13 also marked the start of the cruel Hunger Games where 2 children from each district fought to death every year.

          Katniss Everdeen finds herself in the arena of the 74th Hunger Games after a series of events. She is just a normal girl who has small aims in life, who hunts illegally to feed her family, who enjoys a quiet time in the woods with her best friend. She adores her little sister Prim and is ready to give her life for her. How such an innocent and normal looking girl fights against all odds in the arena, how she comes to know that the real enemies are not the children in the arena but the Capitol itself form a good and interesting read.

          All the characters are beautifully portrayed and the book itself presents a rollercoaster of emotions in every page. This book is a page-turner in all aspects and I bet you cannot put it down even for dinner. The cruelty metted out to the people by the Capitol makes one's blood boil, the compassion shown by Katniss to Rue makes one shed tears, the life or death situation Peter finds himself in makes one bite his nails and much more. In short, you become one with the book.

       On the downside, there was too much violence and hence the book may bot be appropriate for a few weak-hearted. The plot also slows down a tad in the second half, but only to race to an end at the climax. So, if you are a teen fiction jerk and want some real entertainment and action, this one is for you! And yes, the movie is also out! The Hunger Games. A piece of advice as I always say, watch the movie after reading the book . Happy reading! For information about the second book in the trilogy - 'Catching Fire', click here .

The Hunger Games ( The Hunger Games  #1 ) by Suzanne Collins

Rating: 3.9/5

For information about the second book in the trilogy - 'Catching Fire', click here .

About the author:

      Since 1991, Suzanne Collins has been busy writing for children’s television. She has worked on the staffs of several Nickelodeon shows, including the Emmy-nominated hit Clarissa Explains it All and The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo. For preschool viewers, she penned multiple stories for the Emmy-nominated Little Bear and Oswald. She also co-wrote the critically acclaimed Rankin/Bass Christmas special, Santa, Baby! Most recently she was the Head Writer for Scholastic Entertainment’s Clifford’s Puppy Days.

      While working on a Kids WB show called Generation O! she met children’s author James Proimos, who talked her into giving children’s books a try.

      Thinking one day about Alice in Wonderland, she was struck by how pastoral the setting must seem to kids who, like her own, lived in urban surroundings. In New York City, you’re much more likely to fall down a manhole than a rabbit hole and, if you do, you’re not going to find a tea party. What you might find...? Well, that’s the story of Gregor the Overlander, the first book in her five-part series, The Underland Chronicles. Suzanne also has a rhyming picture book illustrated by Mike Lester entitled When Charlie McButton Lost Power.

      She currently lives in Connecticut with her family and a pair of feral kittens they adopted from their backyard.

      The books she is most successful for in teenage eyes are The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay. These books have won several awards, including the GA Peach Award.

You Must Die !

           

            Someone was following her.The rear view mirror in her car showed the black limousine again.She had seen that car three times since the morning.The first time it was just a passing car.The second time it was just a coincidence.The third time she could not help but believe she was being followed.But why?

             She reached her apartment and sank into her chair.One week had passed since Anne,one of the greatest family lawyers,had met Kate.Kate had come into her office asking for a divorce.When Anne asked why she wanted a divorce,she became nervous and frightened.

She kept mumbling something and spoke in a rage,"That is none of your business.I want a divorce.Get the papers ready and bring it to my house.My house is at the Alachian hilltop.It is a wooden house with a cock standing on the roof."

             Anne had no idea where Alachian hill was.And since her meeting with Kate,a lot of mysterious things were happening to her.Someone tried to murder her two times.Her house was broken into.And now she was being followed by a black Limousine.Anne wondered if these incidents had to do anything with Kate.She had already lodged a complaint against the murder attempts but the police too were clueless.

           After a lot of thought she decided to have some coffee in a small cafe across the road.As she crossed the road,she noticed the black limousine speeding towards her.Before she could react,she was down on the road in a pool of blood.And moments later she was unconscious.When she opened her eyes,she found herself lying on a hospital bed and someone was sitting by his side.

He said,"Oh wonderful! you have made it Miss Anne.I am Sergeant Robert"

 "Where am I?"

"In the Government Hospital,Miss Anne.You were hit and run by a black limousine.And thanks to a passer-by you were admitted here.He was able to give the number of the limousine and as per our investigation,the man who tried to kill you is the head of a mafia.He heads the wanted list in many countries.He smuggles diamonds in and out of the country.He is an International terrorist .He is Larry and his wife's name is Kate,the one who was found dead three days back.It seems Kate had learned about his husband's real face and hence approached you for a divorce.Larry was furious that his wife had learnt about him and he was afraid she would reveal his identity to the police.That is why he killed her.And then on seeing the divorce papers,he believed that Kate had revealed his identity to you.That is why he tried to murder you three times."And suddenly every piece of the puzzle fell in place.Anne asked,"Where is he now?" "The police are trying hard to find him.And meanwhile it is not safe for you to stay here since your life is at risk.I suggest you come with me right now to a safe place."

             Anne had to accept that the sergeant was right and decided to go with him.Half an hour later,the lawyer and the sergeant were in a police patrol car driving north.

She asked,"Where are we going?"

"I own a house at a hilltop about ten miles from here.You will be safe there."

She felt thankful to the Sergeant.

           After another half an hour of drive, he started mounting a hill.She could see a lone house at the hilltop and guessed it was the house the Sergeant owned.As they reached the hilltop,she caught a glimpse of the house now very near to her and she could see a cock standing on the roof.The next instant, she saw a board reading "ALACHIAN HILL".Anne stared at the board in disbelief and looked around to find an evil grin on the Sergeant's face.The next instant the car stopped infront of the house.To her horror she saw the same black limousine that followed her.She was sick to her stomach.As she turned to her left,she saw a man with a beard standing there pointing a gun towards her.

The Sergeant laughed,"Miss Anne,may i introduce you to Mr.Larry".

The man with a beard  pulled the trigger.

"Bang!"