Day 08: Most Overrated Book

Okay, the top most choices are of course the three popular series- Harry Potter, Twilight and The Hunger Games. I guess they are all overrated. Yes, I liked reading them but they are not the masterpieces they are considered to be. But those are very common choices. Furthermore, I would consider every book by Nicholas Sparks in this category. But I know you already know that. I am quite a hypocrite that way. I have read most of the books by him and they were quite an okay read.

The book I am going to discuss is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. How many people gasped this instance?

source

Yes, I consider this widely popular book quite overrated. As many of you know, The Alchemist is a story of the journey of a shepherd named Santiago as he goes forth to discover the hidden treasure in Egypt. There are a lot of symbolic meanings related to desert and treasure, which I absolutely loved. But the overall plot of the novel is not very exciting.

The theme of self-discovery is much more prevalent in another book by Paulo Coelho, named The Zahir. And moreover, there are certain pages in the book which I personally find quite wasteful because they do not contribute anything to the whole story.

Some of you may not agree with me. So, I would love to know about your views regarding the book. You are free to share them down in the comments. And which book would you consider in this category?

Well, that is all for now.

Memories: Political Science Teacher

Political Science has always been a subject of my interest but I got to study it for just two years. I am a person who participates in political discussions.. I love to put forth my opinion and discuss in detail the government’s policies, bureaucracy, political corruption, important incidents in the political history, etc. I garnered a political vision because of those two years.

Particularly during the second year, my teacher was amazing. She used to lecture us about each and every view point, take us through the minute details and she was a teacher who used books to teach but that did not mean she would limit her teachings to that boo cover. She would always offer her opinion and encourage us to do so as well. And that is what had made her my favorite teacher.

Mam! I’d like to share my opinions regarding the same..

All through the year, we would discuss different political matters and it was me who used to speak the most. Sometimes it was as if we two were talking in the class. I don’t know but no one else was as interested as I was in those discussions.

Now a funny thing… My class mates would always thank me after the class for having involved the teacher in a discussion or another, which gave them ample amount of time to take a nap. That doesn’t mean I was a teacher’s pet. But I know I was her favorite student too. She had told me so time and again. She would always praise me for having my own view point, devoid of what others tell me.

Even today I am independent in my thoughts, my opinions and thanks to her today, I am trying to live in the way I want and not in the way what society tends to believe is right.

Before this post gets too boring, I must tell you I am no longer in contact with her. I had her phone number and after when she had left the school (she left it before me), I tried to contact her but her mobile number was changed by then. I tried searching for her on facebook but to no avail. I miss her… That sounds weird, a student missing a teacher. But I do, for her patience and her calm attitude and most importantly, for her opinions and something she taught me which gives me a little strength in these difficult times.

Have you ever had a teacher like that? Which was/is your favorite subject? Is it your favorite subject because of the teacher who used to teach it or just because you like it anyhow? I would love to read your experiences. Please do comment.

Harry Potter’s Last Battle

A thought just struck my mind. Harry Potter’s last fight is all wrong. Now before you start cursing me or screaming at the absurdity of my thoughts, let me explain why I think so.

I guess you would all agree with me that Harry wins in the end because he comes out to be the real master of the Elder Wand. And the reason behind that, what Harry informs Voldemort, is:

a. The Elder Wand belonged to Dumbledore who won it after defeating Grindelwald.

b. Draco Malfoy won it from Dumbledore.

c. Harry overcame Draco at Malfoy Manor. And thus, Harry comes out to be the rightful owner of the wand.

But what we all are forgetting is that Harry was also overcome in a fight. Remember when Harry goes to sacrifice his life in the Forbidden Forest, Voldemort curses him with the killing curse Avada Kedavra.. It is another thing that Harry does not die. But at least, he was overcome, he was defeated by Voldemort.

So, what shall that mean? Voldemort is the true owner of the Elder Wand. That would mean the Elder Wand wouldn’t have rebounded the killing curse on Voldemort and thus, it must have hit Harry. And hence, Harry couldn’t have survived his last battle. Though all the horcruxes met their end, but the essence of the soul of Voldemort that still existed in his body still would have remained there.

What do you think of it!?

I see it this way. You may counter argue that Harry was not disarmed, the hawthorn wand stayed with him, tucked safely in his cloak. But does that hold significance compared to the fact that Harry was actually beaten by the Dark Lord?

Do share your views about my theory.

Note: I am considering the story of the book here, not the adapted one of the movie.

This picture is damn good..