Mohsin Hamid's third novel, How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia, is a novel in self-help form.

Narrated in second person (making the main character "you"), it places the reader within the story, transforming you into him, him into you. You never learn the character's name, nor those of friends, relatives, or crushes. (A fact that only crossed my mind as I came to write it.)

Many authors have used the second person to varying affects and degrees of success. Here it's the device of an omniscient narrator, writing me-to-you, insuring both scope and engagement. With enough distance not to become overbearing and sparing enough use of the word "you", it's a device that soon becomes seamless in reading.

For a novel about becoming filthy rich, money is described in relatable terms. Time seems to accelerate throughout, putting you in the shoes of the protagonist and hitting the gas – as, of course, in life. And we're in safe hands as Hamid's exploration of life, money, and relationships hit upon life's biggest challenges: the events which alter us, the places where we fritter away time versus those we ignored and inevitably live to regret. Touching romance is handled with the same eloquent touch as crushing disappointment (and are, at times, one and the same). Ambition, pride, anxiety, lust, blinding fear: it's all here.

The spectrum of life is laid bare, providing plenty of opportunity for introspection. As a reader, one is led by the hand without having one's hand held – a safe, yet precarious position, and one handled with grace. Though placed front-and-centre, there is no room for your own ego, and you must bear the brunt of the narrator's choices for you, which makes for a curious yet utterly satisfying reading experience.

Some parts of the book zoomed out much further, lending context and keeping characters in mind, but foregrounding plot machinations in the process. A quibble, perhaps, but in an otherwise tight story this is one qualm that keeps this from being a 5-star read.

Buy How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia on the Book Depository | | .

Quite a title, right?

I reviewed this book as a video (below). I also participated in a podcast review with the lovely people at Scottish Book Trust so you can listen to that here.

I want to be The Wayfarer! Penguin is running this amazing competition for one lucky person to travel the Old Ways trails and beyond, all across the UK.

 It's my absolute dream job and I've made this entry to be considered. Please give it a watch and I'd absolutely love your support.

Every like, comment, and retweet is very much appreciated!

 If you'd like to learn more about the competition, visit http://ajourneyonfoot.com

 Thanks for watching!

It's finally time for April Reads!

I only finished a few books this month, but am half-way through a couple more. Here are my capsule reviews.


A Hologram for the King by Dave Eggers
For a novel in which nothing really happens, I rather enjoyed this one. Alan is a washed up businessman who, with his former successes behind him, ships out to Saudi Arabia in order to present hologram technology to the Sheik. A long wait leads to physical anxieties, an unlikely friendship with a local driver, and a lot of drunken evenings in a solitary hotel room. A great read.



Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman
The main question this book asks is, "What if black and white were reversed?" It's a simple allegory based around the Civil Rights Movement with a touch of the Northern Irish "troubles" – a valuable read for teens to introduce them to the concepts of race equality and empathy, but not one for me.



The Humans by Matt Haig
An alien comes to Earth and learns to live like a human. As a concept, it sounds trite. In execution, it was a hugely entertaining and uplifting read. As tongue in cheek as Hitchhiker's Guide and inspiring to boot.


Currently reading:
The 100 Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson

Wallflower at the Orgy by Nora Ephron

The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls by Anton DiSclafani


Video wrap-up:



What did your read this April?