BLURB
Integrated with hybrid multimedia learning tools, Jasmine Builds on Shifting Sands is a unique self-help fiction offering. Its captivating narrative ties two seemingly distinct tales in an intertwined journey that explores the manifestation of dreams. At the center of the book is Jasmine’s journey of making it as a successful model in the cut-throat world of fashion. Her tale of victory and failure is enveloped within the master narrative of Sanjay, an erudite knowledge-seeker who meets his spiritual guru- Ma. Set between the esoter ic location of the Himalayas and the urban bustle of Mumbai, the book offers an enhanced learning experience which is further amplified through the embedded microlearning content that is interspersed throughout the text, making for a truly immersive experience.
MY REVIEW
Fiction and self-help are two of my favourite genres of books. I really don’t know the time ticking when I settle down in my reading corner with books in any one of these genres.
As much as I enjoy fiction, I also enjoy reading self-help books and try implementing principles which suit my way of life. That’s what they’re written for right?
What I look for in self-help books is strategies, lessons, case studies which tell you what to and what not to do. They should make you feel that you could try attempting to implement lessons learned. Examples which state what went wrong and how could that have been handled to make it successful are stuffs which anyone would basically look for in self-help books.
When I came to know that this book has both self-help and fiction entwined I knew I definitely had to pick it up.
What I could also relate is that the book is set in modern period and so is something everyone of us millenials could resonate to.
It takes a lot of time for us to understand ourselves in a better way. Not knowing about ourselves and instead looking out for others to accept us is something that is not plausible. The process of understanding oneself, about what we can and what we cannot, how we can and when we can is called self-discovery. Not everyone of us do this at the same time. For some of us this process happens early and for some later on. This book embarks you on Jasmine’s journey of self-discovery.
The Prologue and the Epilogue add value by providing a powerful context arising from the author’s own personal experience.
The realistic description of the travel to Kedarnath, the picturesque views of Himalaya would make you embark on a virtual journey. The divine relationship between the author and his spiritual guru , their conversations mentioned provide a lot of spiritual learning.
Jasmine who was about to land into a professional career life eventually landed into the world of fashion. Now that is two extreme opposite fields. So how does she handle it ? Does she succeed or fail ? Is she happy or keeps brooding ?
The field that she landed was something completely new to her. She had her parts of failures, jealousies, competition, wrong ways and finally rose above all of it. The author has a lot of learnings from life which he’s penned out beautifully through the story of Jasmine.
Everyone of us has a dream, a goal or an aim. We pursue our actions towards them . We chart out a goal plan to achieve the results. Did you know that the universe also has a major role in making our dreams come true? Now that is what the author tries to convey.
A motivational book that helps you to stay focused and have a positive approach to rise above hurdles and accomplish the dream. The connection to the universe and it’s integral part in making our dreams come true also is a lesson to be learnt.
I love the writing style of the author which he serves to keep it simple and crisp. No beating around the bush or extravagant descriptions. Overall a good one for self-motivation and self-discovery.
About the author :
Sanjay is an entrepreneur and an ex-banker, an alumnus of IIM Bangalore and a Chartered Accountant. During his successful career, Sanjay has been integrating the essence of a parallel spiritual journey with his material pursuits. He has now set out to share the ways and means of seamlessly traversing through the material and spiritual world. Thereby, enriching each journey.
Click below on the thumbnail to buy yourself a copy.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla, and generously SPONSORED BY Bugshield Clothing – Enjoy Outdoors More!
That Madras Mom 
Self help and fiction together…this sounds interesting. Your review reminds of a book “The Calling” I read long time back. Alike you, I also look for some case studies when it comes to self help. It give me a chance to see the concept from a different perspective.
LikeLike
Thank you Alpana. Good to know we have common perception
LikeLike
This sounds like a good read and the combination couldn’t get any better. Thanks for the review
LikeLike
Your review is really well written. I had read it and I enjoyed reading it, and so I bought multiple books to gift to my friends also.
LikeLike
Thank you Mondipa. I’ve added my affiliate link you could use that next time In case you need any more. I’m really happy that you purchased after reading my Review
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing an honest review of the self-help book ‘Jasmine builds on shifting sands’. I can’t tell. I was literally looking for some motivational book to add to my TBR, and here your post answered my all hunting. Definitely going to read this!
LikeLike
even for me Fiction and self-help are my favourite genres of books too…. if its not either of these than it will be lying around to be read.
Nice review
LikeLike
Sel-help is my most favorite genre to explore, thanks for sharing your detailed and honest review. I can check this out 🙂
LikeLike
Well written review. Self Help and fiction is a tough combination to pull through. Looks like the author has pulled it out nicely. Have to add it to my TBR list
LikeLike
Interesting review. The book sounds really intriguing.. the world of fashion in Mumbai and the Himalayas..should be a captivating read. Thanks for the wonderful review. Will check it out.
LikeLike
Detailed and very well written review. I love reading self help books. This book seems interesting being a combo of fiction and self help. I am going to add this book in my reading list.
LikeLike
This is a very detailed review. My husband really enjoys such books and I immediately shared this with him 🙂
LikeLike
Love your review for this book. I somehow was motivated to get this book. Good and honest review from you. Love your details. Self-help and fiction is a good combo! Can’t wait to read.
LikeLike
A well-written review. Combining self-help with fiction sounds interesting. I don’t read self-help but will share this with my daughter.
LikeLike
I am getting to know of this book for the first time. Intertwining self-help with fiction sounds interesting. Adding it to my ever-increasing pile of books to read.
LikeLike
Fiction & Self Help! That is a new one for me. Infact iam not a fan of self-help books at all. But your review of the book is quite interesting. I do believe that the universe conspires to make things happen for you. Of course hardwork plays a role too.
LikeLike
Have not read many self help books before and the ones I did read have been more on philosophical note than on fictional. The concept of this book is unique. Loved the photo you have taken of the book. Loved your review.
LikeLike
very well written review. enjoyed reading it.. The contrasting backdrop of himalayas and Mumbai must be a delight to the reader.
LikeLike
I enjoy reading your reviews. I was offered this book for review by Blogadda but could not pick it for lack of time. It looks like an interesting read. Adding it to my TBR.
LikeLike
Thank you Ritu. Sure do give it a read.
LikeLike
The cross between fiction and self help sounds great. I love fictional books. I am adding this to my list. Thanks for such a detailed review
LikeLike
The books sounds pretty great. Love the fact that it’s fiction and self help. Tough combination to imagine. Will add this to my reading list as the storyline based in fashion seems pretty interesting to me.
LikeLike
I have read this book and found it amazing. This book tells that everyone should have a targeted goal and have passion to achieve it. And the most important learning is “When ego comes in, then success will go out”.
LikeLike
That is a very engaging book review. Would look to take an opportunity to read the book. It has been since long that I read a good book.
LikeLike
Your review is really well written. Would love to read this book as concept of the book is unique
LikeLike
This is a lovely read Sindhu. I have read and reviewed it too. I love the way the author has weaved the story teaching us so much value.
LikeLike
The universe has been conspiring ever since Richard Bach’s ‘Illusions’ to make winners. Well, the review is good.
LikeLike