Two Book Reviews

Here I offer a book review of two great books, quite different from each other.  First, The Illicit Happiness of other People.  Author Manu Joseph has done that most extraordinary of author feats; created a world that you become a part of, a world you can’t wait to get back to, and are very sad to leave when the last page is in sight.  The fully developed characters have become part of your crazy family, and you can identify with several, not the least of which is the young protagonist.  It’s that good.  It’s very comic, in its own dark, twisted way, but suffice it to say it’s not fluff; sometimes I found myself wondering how much darker it could get, but gobbling up each page eagerly anyway.  It’s definitely a top 10 read for the year thus far.  Don’t miss this one.  You probably won’t see much about it in the West, but he’s a big deal here, and he should be.  We heard him read at the Jaipur Lit Festival, and he’s as funny in person as on the page.  If you like dark humor, erudite musings, an adolescent’s search for truth, and a great story that continues to unfold in unexpected ways, this is your book.

Mark Adams’ Turn Right At Machu Picchu was a temporary lapse on my part from my decision to read only Indian writers this year, or books written about India.  Whatever, I bought it at an Indian bookstore, so that counts, right?  This is one of those books that is so delightful and funny that you find yourself walking around your home following a person who you are reading aloud to.  Then you laugh again, and get back at it.  But it’s not JUST funny.  It’s a very approachable book with a very lofty mission; he tries to piece together, from an incredible array of sources, exactly what Hiram Bingham did before, during, and after his finding of Machu Picchu, and, even more complex, what was Machu Picchu to the Incas?  This type of book is usually too dry for me, but he does a great job of laying out the facts without putting you to sleep. Oh, I almost forgot the other part of the story, which is interspersed in the historical accounts, is his narrative of his own adventures of traveling the Incan Trail, and other various Incan “must sees” with a very veteran guide/adventurer.  Also, not a spoiler so I can add that he is a very rank beginner on the trekking scene, which provides for much of the laughter.  I could relate to much of his pain.  The enjoyment of this book was enhanced by my 2011 pilgrimage to Machu Picchu, but it’s not a prerequisite.  Be forewarned, however; this book may make you want to buy a ticket to go there either for the first time or a repeat trip.  This is travel writing at its best.  It doesn’t take itself too seriously yet has plenty of historical cred, and is delightful reading.