Have you ever been trolled on social media? Received comments that have upset you? Ever been body-shamed?
Founder of the popular lifestyle blog MissMalini, Malini Aggarwal has experienced the Internet at its best and worst. As a pioneering content creator, she has seen tremendous success and also made mistakes on the medium – and she’s learnt vital lessons from it all.
In Under the Influence: How to Survive and Thrive Online, Malini deep dives into the psychology of rampant online hate culture, explaining why it exists and provides practical tools to tackle it. With insight and empathy, she guides today’s users on how to deal with trolls and cancel culture, respond to hate and provocation, and combat negativity with positive action and mindfulness.
Complete with interviews with prominent influencers and psychologists, personality self-assessment tests and interactive quizzes, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone navigating the complex battlefield that is social media today.
Review
Miss Malini, a popular social media icon and a columnist has given the readers a glimpse of how the dynamics in social media are. This book will take you on a journey across the world of influencers, online presence, and social media.
Diversifying across generations and the various platforms there is, Malini has crafted the book for everyone interested in social media. I love how the book is very interactive, that it involves the readers in engaging activities. Belonging to the same generation as that of the author, the insights provided are much more relatable. Not only relatable they can also be termed as valuable. Sharing her mistake from when she was a novice brings out the honesty in her approach to providing real information to the readers and upcoming influencers. Not only hers, but the experiences of fellow influencers like Sakshi and Vir also add varied perspectives on topics such as online presence, handling trolls, and negative feedback.
In the daunting online world, this book serves as a guide for every upcoming influencer. I’d say the book gives you a better understanding of why people spread hatred online and ways to tackle it. Malini with her experience helps you with listing out ways to handle them by fighting back with positivity. From someone who is considered the OG content creator, she helps people heal from online hatred and negativity. The book is an apt read for someone who wants to start their journey as a creator in the online world or even for someone who has been there for a while. On the whole, it caters to reading likes of people in the digital world. From being an inspiration to me, to getting featured on her page, Malini has been a beacon for content creators like me. I’m truly honored to have had the opportunity to read this wonderful guide.
For someone who only knows about the number of chakras inside us. I’d say this book will be my ABC to learn more about it, how to locate it, and how to mitigate it. When we talk about well-being we often get to think and act only on physical and mental well-being.
But I used to wonder when people keep talking about spiritual wellness, what would that be and why is it being discussed by many? Well, this book made me understand why and why not I should give it a go. Gone are the days when we presumed spirituality talks were only for older people. This book changed my perception and if it is anything about wellness, I’m game.
When I started reading this book, it raised a lot of eyebrows. Being an avid reader, it has been habitual for me to carry it along, so the book traveled with me during cab rides, and play dates, and were not. So, when I mentioned raised eyebrows, it was all the presumed notion of why she is reading about spirituality at this age. I laughed it out, because rather than wasting time on explaining why to them, I’d rather enrich myself in the words of Daaji. The book is divided into three parts – Read and Enjoy, Do and Feel, Meditate and Transcend. I was impressed when I read the introduction, the idea of consciousness to be taken on a journey fascinated me. The simple and natural process as explained by the author will promise you that you can achieve it. Read and Enjoy: The chapters under this topic explore the significance of spiritual anatomy and the origin of the soul. Do and feel: This section will give you an overview of heartfulness practice, and explain the chakras- their characters and tips to overcome limitations on consciousness. Meditate and Transcend: Throughout the spiritual journey, it could be made easier with an atlas, as it gives you a picture of experiences and the conditions during the journey.
The sections ask Daaji and self-reflection to help you with a deeper understanding of what was learned, questions that would arise after learning through the chapter, and replies from Daaji on the same.
Heartfulness essential practices is my favorite chapter in the book where we learn techniques that evolve consciousness and ways to integrate the spirit into everyday life. The only things that are needed for you to get involved in these practices are your willingness and interest. All you need is just ten minutes in your day-to-day routine to include this practice.
The mere mention of the word inventure which translates to the inner adventure will convince you to take a chance on this amazing transformational path. A simple questionnaire from Daaji will help you to locate how far you have traveled in this inventure.
The book leads you on a path to sustainable joy. The book will encourage us to integrate our fragmented lives. Natural freedom and miraculous happiness can be discovered through awareness and meditation.
Daaji blends ancient wisdom and modern practices making spirituality accessible and relevant. The book also bridges the gap between spirituality, science and personality experience.
About the Author
Kamlesh D. Patel, affectionately known as Daaji, has been the global guide for the heartfulness movement since 2014. Daaji is the spiritual leader of Shri Ram Chandra, a meditation organization with practitioners in over 150 countries. He is also fourth in line of raja yoga (which is known as “royal yoga”). His followers include the president of India, Ram Nath Kovind. He is the author of numerous books, including USA Today Bestseller Heartfulness Way (New Harbinger, 2018) and Designing Destiny (Hay House, 2019). While balancing his spiritual journey, Daaji was also a successful pharmacist in New York City, and is married with two sons.
Cookbooks have found a special place in my TBR of late. Not only do I get to learn new recipes, I also get to understand different uses of each ingredient and even techniques of cooking them. Some cookbooks help you to plunge into a journey of holistic health. For a lot of people like me who want to start eating a healthy meal but not sure how to start or what to cook these books have contributed to handhold you and make you take that step towards a healthy life. Here are some cookbooks that I read recently and would love to share with my readers.
The no-waste kitchen cookbook by Arina Suchde
A practical and inspiring book to minimize food wastage and make delicious meals with minimal environmental impact is what Arina Suchde’s book No-waste Kitchen Cookbook is about. 75 lip-smacking recipes from fruit and vegetable scraps, leftovers, wilted greens, and other ingredients that are often thrown away are the star ingredients of these recipes. From soups, salads, curries, pizzas, desserts, and even cocktails that can be made with easy-to-make instructions and tips on how to store, preserve, and reuse food are very clearly given. Advice on smart shopping, effective composting, efficient meal planning, and adopting a zero-waste mindset in the kitchen are other topics discussed in this handbook.
Creative and tasty recipes helped me save money and also minimize food wastage are reasons why I love this book much making it a helpful and enjoyable read. Changing my habits and choices can bring a difference in the environmental and social impact of food wastage are other aspects that the book taught me. Beautifully illustrated the book is well-written and is recommended for anyone who loves cooking and wants to lead a sustainable life. The book is a very good starter for anyone who wants to lead a zero-wastage journey with 75 yummy and healthy recipes.
The Sattvik Kitchen: The Art and Science of Healthy Living by Dr. Hansaji Yogendra
The Sattvik Kitchen: The Art and Science of Healthy Living by Dr. Hansaji Yogendra is a transformative guide that explores the connection between food, health and well-being.
Overview:
An Internationally renowned yoga and wellness guru from The Yoga Institute, Dr. Hansaji Yogendra shares ancient wisdom and modern insights in this book. The book focuses on Sattvik food practices, emphasizing what we eat and how, when, and why we consume it.
Key Themes:
Ayurvedic Wisdom: Dr. Hansaji reintroduces the age-old Ayurvedic remedies that address modern health issues.
Mindful Eating: The book stresses mindful eating combining knowledge about the right food with conscious consumption.
Vedic foods: Exploring the benefits of Vedic foods, the author provides evidence-based insights into their impact on our well-being.
Recipes and Wholesome delights
The book includes mouth-watering sattvik recipes that promote immediate and long-term health. From wholesome grains to nourishing dairy the recipes celebrate the joys of food while supporting overall wellness.
Holistic approach:
Dr. Hansaji reminds us that we are both physically and emotionally shaped by what we eat.
By adopting sattvik food practices, one can embark on a journey towards good health, weight loss, and overall well-being.
It is not just a cookbook, but a holistic guide that reconnects us with the profound impact of food on our bodies and minds. Dr. Hansaji’s wisdom invites us to savor each meal as a step towards a healthier and happier life.
The India Cookbook: From the Tables of My Friends by Sunita Kohli
The India Cookbook: From the Tables of My Friends by Sunita Kohli is a delightful culinary journey that celebrates the rich tapestry of Indian food.
Diverse Perspective:
Sunita Kohli’s collection of recipes showcases the immense variety of Indian cuisine. Each region contributes its unique cooking methods, ingredients, and utensils, steeped in tradition and evolution.
Friendship and flavour:
The book features recipes from Sunita’s friends- across generations and walks of life. From schoolmates to renowned personalities like Shashi Tharoor, Shabana Azmi, and Anita Ratnam the book celebrates warmth and camaraderie.
Comfort and Exoticism:
The book features familiar comfort foods like Pongal, Butter chicken, and kadhi pakora which evoke nostalgia. Special dishes like sat saaag, Mohan maas, and baked crabs are also considered.
Cultural Tapestry
The India cookbook isn’t just about food, it’s also about friendships, culture, and the joy of sharing meals. Whether at family gatherings or parties these recipes are sure to nourish the soul and the body.
In short, the book is a blend of tradition, friendship, and culinary artistry- a feast for food lovers and soul seekers alike.
The Indian Vegan: Easy Recipes for Everyday Cooking by Sonal Ved
The Indian Vegan: Easy Recipes for Everyday Cooking by Sonal Ved is a delightful culinary treasure trove that bridges the gap between traditional Indian flavors and modern plant-based living.
Veganism with Indian Twist:
Sonal Ved’s research into Indian cuisine reveals that no other culinary tradition aligns seamlessly with the vegan lifestyle as Indian cooking. The book celebrates the abundance of plant-based ingredients found in Indian kitchens.
Inspiring recipes:
The book offers a diverse array of recipes from Ladakhi Chutagi to Nengal’s mocha’r ghonto. Every dish covered in this book combines health, flavor, and cultural heritage.
Practical approach:
The book provides accessible recipes for both kinds such as a seasoned cook or a newbie to veganism. For anyone seeking wholesome, delicious plant-based food this book is a must-have.
This book invites you to explore the intersection of taste. Health and compassion through the vibrant lens of Indian vegan cuisine.
Have you ever stumbled upon a piece of life-changing knowledge that made you think: Why the hell didn’t someone tell me this sooner?! Millions of people have listened to Adam Ashton and Adam Jones on the What You Will Learn podcast, where they have spent tens of thousands of hours studying the best ideas from the greatest minds on the planet. Their most frequently asked question: What is the best lesson you’ve come across? While you’d think a simple question would have a simple answer, it hasn’t-until now! Attitude: The Sh*t They Never Taught You will take you on a journey through takeaways from over a hundred of the world’s greatest thinkers, capturing lessons in personal development, career, business, personal finance, human nature, history and philosophy. Every lesson will be useful, and one might change your life. Remember, it is your attitude, not aptitude, that determines your altitude in life.
REVIEW
Divided into five parts this book- Attitude “” gives you an insight into thoughts from the world’s greatest philosophers. Vision, Change, learning, fear, and boldness are the five parts that help the readers reflect on their lives. The book not only gives a glimpse of the thoughts but also has real-life examples that make it much more relatable to the reader.
Following the Heart chapter gives you practical lessons from Paulo Coelho’s story that help mold you with the boldness that it requires to find our treasure. The link between Maslow’s hierarchy of needs with work is yet another interesting insight that the authors offer when it helps access where you are on the pyramid levels. Deep practice helps you understand that small improvements one day at a time are what to look for rather than big improvements. Three rules help in learning a skill and are necessary for the deep practice to aid what needs to be followed and how it should be done. It is not possible to read all self-help books all at once but this one here gives you concise insights from Alchemist, Peak and I am Malala. The writing style is brief and easy to comprehend. The narration is impactful and helps the reader make positive changes by taking charge of their lives.
Max is an ordinary boy, except that he can turn into a monster when he burps…
Max and Peregrine are volunteering at an old people’s home, when strange things start to happen. One resident is walking on the ceiling, one is riding their wheelchair through walls, and Reggie says his marmalade is haunted (no one listens). Can Max and his friends work out what’s happening to protect his family and the local community?
Things aren’t looking good: the Marmalade Ghost is turning into a sticky Godzilla, Max falls out with his (joint) best friend, and then just when it can’t get any worse, someone kidnaps Max’s cat, Frankenstein…
Time to ‘Protect and Do Good Stuff!
Review
Apparently this is the second book in the series is what I got to know. But im reading this first. And upon completing I’ve come to a conclusion that id have to pick up the book number one and will eagerly await the book number three.
So usually when you read a book series it is always a good practice you start from the beginning. This is just to make sure that we get to know the plot the characters or any previous happenings. But reading the second book first I don’t think I missed something majorly but maybe much more deeper understanding of the characters.
The book aimed at middle graders but id say is a fun read for me as a parent as well. Though my kids aren’t middle grade they did enjoy when I narrated it. The humour here and there made it an enjoyable read.
Max becoming a monster when burping and getting back to normal when sneezing, allergic to flowers and being flown away when sneezing all events make it enjoyable when kids visualize it.
But on the other hand I must appreciate the illustrations that equally supported the story. I completed the book at one go though it span to 190+ pages.
Max and Peregrine helping out to save the parents, Frankenstein and cat kidnapped and what they face , how they overcome, the inventions of peregrine their actions taken to ‘protect and do good’ their motto is entertaining and keeps you intrigued.
Volunteering an elder home, experiencing strange things finding out whether the marmalade is haunted or no even makes you curious as readers.
A fact to appreciate that is the humour is age appropriate. Robin Bennett and Tom tinn Disburg have done a great job.
Reading books take you to another world. It’s a noisy world out there and I tell you reading a book is one kind of meditation. A turn of a page can make your brain network calm and free you from the chatter that you’re currently present in. It helps boost dopamine making you empathize over people, providing ways to socialize and broaden our perspectives.
The power of reading helps in healing trauma, virtually transport you to another world or even help you build new qualities. There is no better teacher than a good book. Books can be an escape from the reality, the mundane day to day demands in front of us. All avid readers would agree with me that reading books is self-medicating and it is no surprise that reading books offer many more benefits.
A survey by the NPD revealed that the book sales went up in 2020, increasing print volumes much higher post 2004. While this was the trend it was also noticed that they were buying more but took much more time to complete because they were doing it slowly. The reason being they were distracted.
The mind doesn’t stay calm, holding a book in hand and screaming out ‘can’t you see I’m busy’ would show that you are not completely into reading. The lack of concentration in turn made it harder for them to proceed with reading. The anxiety in us that makes the brain constantly scan for threats around is becoming a roadblock to the reading. It releases stress hormones that is consuming more energy that people find it hard to concentrate on reading.
Here is how you can practice mindful reading. These habits will ensure that reading benefits you.
Begin with a short read
Our brain loves it and releases happy hormones when it is given a reward. And finishing a book that you started with is definitely rewarding that your brain wants to continue doing it. So pick up a short engaging read that you can finish sooner.
Meditate before reading
Reading needs a calm mind for it to happen naturally. Sit down and clear your mind away from thoughts. Close your eyes and do a deep breathe or even meditate with a prayer.
Reading to relevancy
Sometimes reading about what’s happening around you or what’s happening with you an make you stay glued. It will make you more attentive to what you read. Reading fiction, memoire also helps in making you show empathy on others.
Familiarity
Uncertain times can be handled when you return to something familiar that gives you solace. There are two types of readers: One who wants to keep reading to discover and learn about new things, and one who rereads just to comfort themselves and give them stability.
Read first thing in the morning
It is a great thing to start the day with. It can in putting your phone away and spend more energy on reading.
Put your phone away
Phones are a main distraction especially when it comes to reading. Give it to someone who wouldn’t give in for your please or in another room. The best would be even kept it in another floor.
Make it a habit
Relax yourselves in a comfortable spot, make yourself a hot cup of chocolate or your favorite beverage and try reading at the same time every day.
Read like a child
Read under the blanket, under the bed or a cozy corner like how we used to when we were kids. It gives a whole new perspective to the reading habit.
Stop reading if you cannot concentrate
Life has uncertainties that make you stress and let reading not be one. So, whenever you feel like that thought creeping in put down your book.
Listen to audiobooks
During solitary times it is comforting to hear a voice is your mind that is not yours. GO for an audiobook if you cannot read yourself and let the narrator take the stage while you relax.
Be prepared for the next.
Once you finish a book or you are almost going to complete it, keep another one ready so that you will continue to read. Do not give a long pause.
Here are reasons why reading can be a therapy. It’s called bibliotherapy.
Sometimes stories can hold deeper meanings in us than the real situations we live in.
Rekindling the interest in reading can make you feel connected and alive.
Switching of the stress buttons, giving yourself some me-time and helping you relieve from stress.
It will make you feel that you are not alone and there are people going through similar situations.
It gives you a sense of creativity and even make you start writing probably a journal which might further help to understand what you are going through.
I hope these benefits will definitely give you that positive push to get back to reading. But a reading challenge can even push you further to make it more interesting when you have a goal set for the number of books that you look forward to complete. I am taking part in blogchatter’s#TBRChallenge and aimed at completing 30 books this year. If you would want to know more and like to participate you could check here and sign up.
Banaras celebrates death, but what does it do to the living dead? When three-year-old Brinda is widowed after being married for a few hours, her family refuses to take her back in. Deemed ‘munhoos’, she finds her way to Nirmala Ashram in Banaras where she leads a life of child widow under the watchful eye of Vasanti Bua and her friend, Debi. She and Debi are just another shade of white in the city’s numerous ‘white shadows’ until Sia and Uday return to Banaras. As visitors to the ancient city, they assumed that the unfinished stories of their past were long behind them. Little did they know that Banaras was waiting with its unspent debt and the dishonest voices would find their way back to them in Brinda and Debi. Will Banaras, standing at the crossroads between the ancient and the modern, help them expiate? Will they find what they once lost—love, longing or perhaps nirvana?
MY REVIEW:
A sober read that brings up the lives of innocent widows in Banaras is the story in this book. The book starts off with young Brinda and her brothers playing. Brinda is young, I mean very just that she is 3 years old. The house in the village is gearing up for a major celebration. No you’re wrong if you assume it would be the carnival or temple fest, it’s Brinda’s marriage. Yes, you heard me right, the three year old girl is being married off to an eleven year old boy, Biswaas.
The celebrations take place in a grand manner. Brinda is married to Biswaas who is from another village. So soon after the marriage and feast she is being sent off. Biswaas seemed disinterested right from when the marriage talks were on. Brinda cries her lungs out when she is being sent, but that is how it is in the villages. Upon her arrival she is welcomed by the siblings and her mother in law. Few moments later there is a strong downpour after which there are floods. The entire family except her father in law is lost and she keeps sobbing. When taken back to her village, things are not in their favor and she is marked as a sign of bad omen. Her brother Jhulan takes up an oath to come see her soon.So the father in law who is suffering a deadly ailment is forced to send her to Nirmala ashram run by Vasanti Bua , a home for the widows.
She being the youngest takes time to settle but is close with Debi upon whom there are numerous eye of the landlord for flesh trade. Vasanti Bua, safeguards her from the evil eyes and runs the ashram. Sia who returns to Banaras wants to bring this out to the world and give these young women a better place to live. Uday, a journalist photographer, stumbles upon SIa who then enlightens him the current situation. What happens next? Does Brinda meet her brother, what happened to Biswaas, Does Sia reunite with her love? Who takes over the ashram after Vasanti Bua is the rest of the story.
The author takes the plot in a slow pace and the sufferings of the widows and condition of the ashram is something we worry off. The vocabulary used is simple and easy to understand. It is a slow read and took me a couple of days to finish. I would not say this is a gripping read, but has a different style on its own.
The cover design could have been better. The characterization is done well with few characters playing their part. Nothing is over exaggerated. The narrations with respect to Sia’s life flashback could have been briefed instead of a longer write up.
BOOK DETAILS:
Paperback:232 pages
Publisher:Readomania (17 August 2018)
Language:English
ISBN-10:9385854666
ISBN-13:978-9385854668
MY RATINGS:
Title: 4/5
Writing and presentation: 3.5/5
Plot:4/5
Cover: 3.5/5
Overall: 3.75/5
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mona Verma is an alumni of prestigious Lady Shri Ram College, New Delhi and an award winning author of 6 works of fiction, A Bridge to Nowhere, God is a River, the White Shadow, the Clown of Whitefields and other stories, the Other and Lost and Found in Banaras. She had edited various science journals, self -help books, biographies and is a regular feature writer for online newspapers. She is on board of various Universities as an advisory expert and is much sought as visiting faculty for Creative writing, Haiku and Limericks. She is now a member of FICCI and member of Writers’ meet called for by Governor of Uttarakhand, at Rajbhawan Dehradun. A Paul Harris fellow, she actively volunteers with Interplast, Germany and Rotary International foundation for the treatment of surgical accidents and burns victims. Recently, she has been honored with the executive membership in the Management Committee of Anushruti, a social initiative of IIT, Roorkee for the exemplary work done for the special children at Anushruti. She is also serving as a member of the Academic Review Committee with Anushruti, IIT Roorkee. Presently, she co-owns and runs her firm Disha, an education consultancy and thought leading initiative, which deals with corporate, organizational and faculty/student trainings in schools and Universities. Apart from the above, she has a keen interest in classical music, charcoal sketching, oil painting, photography and travel.
There sitting on that porch, that light-eyed man, a pitta like me, was my ex-husband and that woman whose inner element I was unaware of, unless bitch is accepted as an undiscovered fourth dosha, was his young wife. In the serene sanctuary of Kerala’s Shanthamaaya spa where food is rationed, sex forbidden and emotions centred, Anshu meets someone familiar and deeply unsettling – her ex-husband. Bittersweet, funny and wise, Pyjamas Are Forgiving confirms Twinkle Khanna as one of our great storytellers.
MY REVIEW:
When Twinkle Khanna made announcements for releasing her third book, it piqued quite a lot of eagerness and interests in her fans and minds of other readers. Since the second book did not do seemingly well, the timing that the release came in, it set the minds of the readers who were expecting a comeback.
The plot begins with the protagonist, Anshu ; a 40 year old divorcee who seeks rejuvenation and is a regular at the Shanthamaaya sthalam, Kerala. No it is not a spa when I meant she sought rejuvenation, it is an Ayurveda Ashram by Dr. Menon where people come in seek of freedom from the doshas that plague them.
Anshu seeks peace from her fast paced life in Mumbai and comes to Kerala seeking peace and tranquility. She signs up for the 28-day rejuvenation program, which holds her a lot of surprises. Among those who signed up, Anshu’s ex-husband Jay and his new wife Shalini are also included. Anshu is in for a roller-coaster ride of innumerable emotions at having to come to terms with her ex’s presence in such close vicinity.
Shalini can be described as everything in opposite to what Anshu is. She is young, flexible, beautiful and thin. It no longer is surprising that Jay fell for her when Anshu was still starting to get used to marriage and its many bizarreness. Anshu’s heart still skips a beat seeing Jay; even though they have been separated for over a decade. After all its her first love so she cannot get over so soon.
All the characters we are introduced in the book are realistic and serve a purpose of their presence.
The writing style as always is filled with wit and humor and it cannot go wrong if I say it is generously present throughout the book. But even then it did not make a strong impact.
The book is a short read but loses the engaging or the intriguing factor somewhere in the middle as it becomes monotonous. At some instances Anshu’s encounters with Jay and the instances handled seemed to lack luster and was becoming repetitive.
The cover of the book is designed so well; in fact, it was one of the factors that pushed me to read the book. But we also know that we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.
BOOK DETAILS:
Paperback:256 pages
Publisher:Juggernaut (7 September 2018)
Language:English
ISBN-10:9386228971
ISBN-13:978-9386228970
MY RATINGS:
Cover: 4/5
Title: 4/5
plot: 3.5/5
Writing and Presentation: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Twinkle Khanna is one of India’s top-selling writers and the author of two national bestsellers, Mrs Funnybones (winner of a Crossword Book Award 2016) and The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad. She is one of Times of India’s most read columnists and has won numerous awards, including India Today Woman Writer of the Year, Outlook Award for Most Inspiring Woman of the Year and Vogue Opinion Maker of the Year. She is the founder of Mrs Funnybones Movies and in 2018 produced the highly acclaimed film Pad Man. Khanna lives in Mumbai with her family.
This article is written as a part of SuperBloggerChallenge conducted by Healthwealthbridge.com,Allaboutthewoman.comand powered by Instacuppa and should not be repurposed, republished or used otherwise. The content herein is owned by the blogger. SuperBloggerChallenge is not responsible for any infringement caused.”
When in love, you tend to take each other for granted, and sometimes, that can cost you a lifetime of togetherness . . . Ronnie knew that his first crush was way out of his league, and yet he pursued and wooed Adira. Shyly and from a distance in the beginning, and more persuasively later. He couldn’t believe it when the beautiful Adira actually began to reciprocate, falling in love with him for his simplicity and honesty.
Slowly, as they get close and comfortable with each other, life takes on another hue. From truly magical it becomes routine. There are fights and then making-up sessions-a clash of egos and doubts.
Things begin to change for the worst.
It is too late. Ronnie and Adira will probably never find their forever after . . .
MY REVIEW:
This book is yet another love story with the usual struggles. Raunak or Ronnie as he prefers to be called falls in love with Adira. Both are from middle class background. The story goes back and forth between the past and present.
Raunak is late for his first day at office and looks to have lost his metro card somewhere in the commotion with the auto wala regarding the fare. On searching around he notices that it is under the dupatta of a beautiful girl who is seated on the staircase talking on her mobile. I know that sounds cliched. On looking at her he realizes that she is not an unknown face but someone he knows very well.
This girl is Adira. Raunka’s maternal grandma has a PG at home, one of whom was Adira. Raunak immediately fell in love, the first day when she came into the place. Raunak hangs out with his cousins or more aptly the only friends he has during weekends, who help Granny with managing things for the house. A few formal hellos were the conversation exchanged between Raunak and Adira. Basically he is very shy to express his liking for her. This is evident in few instances where he buys a silver charm bracelet for her birthday and places a note on it without writing his name, consequence of which some random guy unknown to him in the party claims he was the one who presented it.
Bamm!! Our hero loses his chance. Yet again when Adira falls sick, he gets medicine and makes someone else hand them over to her and she thinks it was Rohit, Raunak’s cousin who took the pain of getting her medicines. Here we go again. At the same timeline, his cousin Piyush falls in love with Tamannah, Adira’s friend, proposes and they are all set for marriage.
Upon the metro train journey Raunak loses track of Adira and ends up late in office; halfway through an important meeting with the clients and his team. But a sign of relief is that through the window he catches a glimpse of Adira is happy that she works for the same company too.
Like a God given chance, Raunak and ADira are on the same team who travel to Melbourne for a client project. That is when they start talking casually. Raunak’s lead helps him understand that he is delaying a decision to go up to and confess his love to Adira.
Raunak decides and proposes, Adira replies saying she needs time to think but he is definitely more than a friend. IN between we have the usual opposition from Adira’s mom refraining her from any male company, she absconds, they meet again at Piyush’s marriage.
What happens to them? Do they reunite is the rest of the story.
The story started off in a good pace and somewhere in the middle that seemed lost. It again regained the pace during the climax. Part of the narration seems to be dragged and things are explained way more in details in the middle which kind of is not engaging.
The vocabulary was good; the narration is clear. Over all is a one-time read and a usual love story. The cover design is too good that makes you want to pick this up. Kudos for that.
BOOK DETAILS:
Paperback:256 pages
Publisher:Penguin (14 February 2019)
Language:English
ISBN-10:0143445901
ISBN-13:978-0143445906
MY RATINGS:
Cover: 4/5
Title: 4/5
plot: 3.5/5
Writing and Presentation: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shravya loves to find hidden stories around her and write novels about them. Formerly a corporate employee, she managed to flee the madness after a few years of boredom to become a full-time writer. She is a sucker for romance and strives to pen down exciting stories. When she is not reading and writing, she is out enjoying nature, playing with her dogs or cooking for her family.
She lives in Melbourne with her family, in a house with a barren backyard and a lifetime’s collection of books.
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Evil Sorcerer or Tyrant? Mercenary or Warrior Prince? Songstress or Mythical Nymph? Three Protagonists conjoined by the wrath of a wasteland create an unprecedented history Only one thing stands between an evil sorcerer and his will to destroy a flourishing empire – Shikhanderi’s love for Ishanya Will Shikhanderi’s quest for his identity rock the very foundations of Bandahar? Will Shikhanderi and Ishanya’s love ever see light in the darkness that is Jahar? From a first time writer, comes a thrilling tale of adventure, myth, and fantasy.
MY REVIEW:
The plot involves many characters of whom Mithilesh is the King of Aranghya, part of Bandahar which comprises of seven kingdoms. He has been warned that he would be killed by a golden serpent. And also been warned by the dreamers that he would have to get rid of Kindgom else his entire dynasty would have to be wiped out of history.
Even after having all these thoughts in mind, the King wants to marry of his daughter Princess Binodhini to Prince Vikrant (Prince of Kingdom Dwadesh of Bandahar). But as a twist the prince is in love with Ishanya, the daughter of a sage and is someone who sings well. Her voice is known to be magical with mystical abilities. A love triangle exists between Binodhini, Vikrant and Ishanya.
The book begins with a scene which introduces the main Protagonist Shikanderi. The initial chapters give you an idea about the Kingdoms. There are too many plots involved like the Kind and his destiny, the relationship between the kingdoms, the prince and the princess. There is one more character, Karmachakra involved who wants to invade Bandahar and has ill intentions that he kidnaps women to satisfy his intentions. He is a great sorcerer.
What is the fate of the King Mithilesh, what happens to the kingdoms? Does the serpent kill the King? Does Karmachakra invade the kingdom? Whom does the Princess marry? Do Shikanderi and Ishanya unite is the rest of the story.
The narration seems a bit complicated to understand, but no worries you are provided with a glossary at the end. The too and fro between past and present, too many little plots make it a bit tough to continuously read.
The names of the characters and few serious sequences were worth mentioning.
The books cover shows open sky with some explosions which could have been better for a serious plot like this. But the cover does not reveal what the book actually holds.
Overall the book deserves its place in good one time read list.
BOOK DETAILS:
Format:Kindle Edition
File Size:2347 KB
Print Length:147 pages
Sold by:Amazon Asia-Pacific Holdings Private Limited
That Madras Mom 