i, Robot - Isaac Asimov

I saw the movie before I read this book and first impressions, this book is not even remotely related to the movie. Which isn't good or bad, just completely different. The book is a set of short stories, loosely based on the Three laws of Robotics. The arc of the stories is the evolution of the positronic brain and its relationship with humans, from initial deployment to the robots running the world.

The book delves deeply into concepts such as Robot Psychology, breaking down of the 3 laws and 2-way logical discussions based the current problem presented in the story. I'd recommend this book to anyone who's interests are peaked by simple analytical problems and their arguments. This might not be the book to sit down and relax to if you plan to read every alternate paragraph with a 7&7 in one hand.

A fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry

This is a fact-based multi-generational history of 4 random strangers and how they connected in Mumbai. The book describes the lives of the lower and lower-middle classes in India in the late 20th century. I read this book around the same time I saw Slumdog Millionaire so the description of beggar livelihood and the cruelty involved was especially prominent.

Overall a very long novel, probably due to the detailed description of all the main characters backgrounds, but it comes together very well at the end. A depressing novel, but only to the extent of reality. I'd recommend this book to anyone who has a little patience and wants to learn a little bit more about the "real" india.