Category: review copy

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Review of Because I promised

BLURB:

At their college farewell party, Varnika publicly rejects Sushant’s candid proposal in the most disrespectful way imaginable, leaving everyone – including her gang of cousins – dismayed. She feels that her reasons are valid, for doing this to her best friend. What exactly are her reasons for making this upsetting choice? Did her mother’s move to Mumbai during Varnika’s formative years have a bearing on her? Or is it more than that? What is she planning to do at the NGO for eunuchs? Will she succeed in her chosen career? Would she be able to overcome her inhibitions before it is too late? This is Varnika’s journey as she overcomes her personal reservations and professional challenges, all the while contemplating her promise to lock her heart away.

MY REVIEW:

Get yourselves ready before reading the book, since there are lot many characters you need to keep in mind when you start reading. The book’s plot is kind of usual, a proposal being rejected, career prospects, hard work, success and so on. So the book has all sorts of emotion- friendship, romance, family drama, brother- sister sentiments.

The book starts off with an extravagant farewell party organized in the college. Sushant grabs this opportunity to open up his feelings and confess his love to Varnika, the female protagonist who is going be the driving factor of this novel. Sudhant proposes with a bouquet on one knee during the time when folks are almost gloomy and tired after an enthusiastic anthakshari which again was Sushant’s tactic to get Varnika into his proposal plan. That particular proposal episode was well thought out I must say; was indeed good to read through that part. But in vain, Varnika out rightly rejects.

Varnika stays with her extended family and her cousins along with her grandma, fondly called by all as Badi ma. Varnika’s mom Beena is settled in Mumbai, whom she visits as and when she gets time. Varnika planned to settle with her mom post her graduation. Varnika is showered with love and care from cousin brothers, sisters.

So after the graduation she moves to Mumbai and instead of taking up responsibility in her mom’s business, she decides to work in the NGO, started by her grandfather which is run for eunuchs and their well-being. Beena initially has hesitations, but agrees to it finally. Sushant meanwhile pursues MBA in Bangalore. Ulfat bi is one of the care takers at the home, who becomes the guiding light, friend , philosopher to Varnika. She also realizes that Varnika is in love with Sushant but is stopping herself to bring out her honest emotions.

In the amidst of this, Varnika is challenged by a bigshot to raise 50L for the NGO in a fair. So there begins a racy pace in the narration that they decide to accept the challenge. Beena brings in Sushant to assist her. What happens in the end? Does she win the challenge? Does she accept Sushant is the remaining part of the story.

The writing style is simple and engaging. Even though the plot seems to be usual the narration and other factors make it a good script for a Bollywood movie.

There are a lot many characters. Varnika’s cousin brother Swayam and his wife Avani, who are fond of her. Avani who is an equally enthusiastic character wishes to pursue fashion designing instead of settling in, bearing an offspring as per wishes of Badi ma. She even succeeds to pursue the course.

Varnika’s cousin Golu, a little chirpie kid. Tapasya, another cousin whose adolescent but still wishes to be considered an adult and to be involved in discussions.

Though there are many characters, the role of each is carved perfect and not over dramatic.

Overall, it’s a good read.

BOOK DETAILS:

  • Format: Paperback
  • Publisher:GJ Group (2018)
  • Language:English
  • ISBN-10:8193660250
  • ISBN-13:978-8193660256

MY RATINGS:

Cover: 4/5

Title: 4/5

plot: 4.5/5

Writing and Presentation: 4/5

Overall: 4/5

About The Author

Anupriya belongs to that generation of Idiots (the proud ones though), who did their engineering first and then decided on what they actually wanted to do. She completed her MBA in Human Resources and worked in the corporate world for 8 years, before taking a professional break. A mom by day and a reader/writer by night, Anupriya is a die-hard romantic. Yet she believes that love (in any relationship) is a part of life, not, the heart of life. And she aims to bring to the world, stories around this theme.

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Review of All you need is love

BLURB:

Neil and Gauri have made it big and are enjoying life with their doting daughter Neilakshi. Holidaying in Cuba, little do they know that the selfie they send back to their daughter in India will be their last, as they are attacked by mysterious men. They cannot be traced and there are rumors of murder. The governments of both the nations jointly investigate and try to find them at war footing level. Their friends wonder why someone is hell-bent on breaking the lovers apart, this time forever. Who it could be – Rachel, Neil’s hostile lover? or Arya, his college time girlfriend? or is it something much bigger than they could have ever imagined.

MY REVIEW:

Phew! It was one thrilling read that went back and forth between the past and the present. The pace was so racy that it makes you want to think “What’s next? What’s Next?”

This is one of the books in the Trilogy written by the author.

The plot starts with the billionaire couple Neil and Gauri riding their car in extreme speed after attending a concert. They have some romantic exchanges after stopping for a while. Gauri decides to click a few pictures and send them over to Tom, with whom they have left their daughter Neilakshi.

Once they start their ride, there is a volley of gunshots heard and the car skids, hits a tree trunk and is hanging down a cliff. There was no blood spill, since it was all washed out in the heavy downpour, Gauri was never to be seen.

This is where the pace kicks. Sreedhar and Alicia who were Neil and Gauri’s host, panic, since Neil and Gauri haven’t returned after the concert. They decide to keep Tom and Mehr informed. Tom blasts Sreedhar for being so passive and urges him to act immediately. Soon, the news is all over the media and a search for the two begins.

Meanwhile, the story goes back and forth on how Neil establishes the company and the possible suspects who would have planned the crime. Who planned the attack? What is the background that led to this? DO Neil and Gauri survive? What happens to their daughter is the rest of the plot.

A number of characters are involved, so makes it a bit difficult to quickly recollect who is who. A brilliantly thought out plot put into flawless writing.

The narration is easy to understand and crisp for a complex plot. I loved the character of Gauri. The kind of love that she has for Neil and the way it is portrayed throughout is simply commendable.

The cover design is mention worthy, applause for that which is one more reason for you to pick the book.

BOOK DETAILS:

  • Paperback:176 pages
  • Publisher:Srishti Publishers and Distributors; First edition (10 November 2018)
  • Language:English
  • ISBN-10:9387022420
  • ISBN-13:978-9387022423

MY RATINGS:

Cover: 4/5

Title: 4/5

plot: 4.5/5

Writing and Presentation: 4/5

Overall: 4/5

ABOUT AUTHOR:

Arvind Parashar is the bestselling author of three romantic thrillers. All You Need Is Love is the final part of the ‘Messed Up!’ trilogy. Apart from writing, he is also an artist, a well-known motivational speaker and the face of many prestigious literary festivals. He manages his passion of writing novels along with working as a Vice President in a large corporate firm.

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Review of The death wish

BLURB:

“Detailed observations of human behavior and the complexity of human relationships…” – The HinduAs a man decides to end his life by jumping off the roof of one of the tallest skyscrapers in the city.Should he; should he not? Is there something to change his mind at the last minute?

MY REVIEW:

This book is yet another gem in the “it’s all about love series”. The plot revolves around Abani Halder, an old man who is on the verge of committing a suicide. The story begins with the description of tall buildings in the city, the sun setting down, children playing around. Abhani , the old man rewinds his childhood.

Shibu as he’s known to be called is Abhani’s father. He sells flutes on trains. He plays it while sitting beside windows at home, listening to which Abhani falls asleep peacefully. His mother on the other hand cooks their food. It’s a typical daily wage earning scenario. Shibu is also an alchoholic who spends his earnings in drinks. And on that fateful day he takes up more than usual and slips between the train steps and platform and ends up dying.

His mother takes up the burden to work an extra mile to meet the needs of the family. Abani on the other hand realizes his responsibility and studies hard. He longs to buy a saree with his first earnings for his mom, just like how the heroes do in movies he’s watched.

But fate played its part again, two days before his first salary day his mother dies and so does his dream of buying her a saree. All this flashes across Abhani’s mind. The only thing that was sweet about his childhood is the prashadh and aarti his mom prepares on his birthday.

His current life, he thinks that he is a burden to his son and daughter in law. More recently he was confined to his own room, rather than the common areas. He gets humiliated in a way he does not accompany them when guests pay a visit. His opinions are not to be taken into consideration. He clearly knows that he cannot live there anymore and remembers a thought that suicide is comforting.

When all this plays in his mind, he notices that all vehicles come at a standstill on the road. A lady sprang in action to save a child from going under the wheels of a truck. HE realizes that the lady could only be the mother’s child who would have dared to do such a thing. Does this change his mind? Does he die or he continues to draw strength and lives with the family is the remaining story?

The blurb took my attention and I chose to read it immediately. It’s a short read but a satisfying one.

Some situations in life make us realize if we are really important to live this fully or to stop it ourselves. But time teaches a valuable lesson to think and make a decision.

The narration is wonderful and the character of Abhani has been beautifully portrayed. There are no mistakes in editing and the cover design supports the plot and is also one of the reasons for me to pick this book up.

BOOK DETAILS:

  • Format:Kindle Edition
  • File Size:232 KB
  • Print Length:21 pages
  • Publisher:Srishti Publishers & Distributors (22 October 2018)
  • Sold by:Amazon Asia-Pacific Holdings Private Limited
  • Language:English
  • ASIN:B07GXNL2XY

MY RATINGS:

Cover: 4/5

Title: 4/5

plot: 4.5/5

Writing and Presentation: 4/5

Overall: 4/5

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Review of The new dewtas

BLURB :

Neer, the head priest of the Himalayas, is troubled by the horrifying visions in his dream. On Ganga Maiyya’s behest, he embarks on a journey to the doomed island of Bali. The island, plagued with cyclic torments of Sekala and Neskala and suffering from constant rainfall, faces an imminent danger of drowning in sea. However, Neer’s power was no match for the strong evil forces that kidnapped the king and the queen, activating the volcano of Mt Agung. With the neighboring king of Java on his toes to attack and conquer the struggling island of Bali, will the gritty prince Erlangga, assisted by Neer, be able to save his kingdom? Read to find out how people turn towards the new dewtas introduced by Neer as the end becomes evident and how Eka-dasa-Rudra helps in arousing the most furious energy of this world, Rudra.

MY REVIEW:

The plot begins with Neer, the head priest of the Himalayas being troubled by horrifying visions about the island of Bali in his dreams. Erlangga, the prince of Bali is trying to save his land and his life at the same time from his maternal uncle, Gajah Meda. Kebo Chiwa, the army chief of Bali also accompanies his prince.

Kebo Chiwa tells, Neer about how the queen of Bali under the influence of their Priest Empu Rahuraan has converted into the wicked witch, Rangda. Her evil forces and glimpses of destruction are the visions that Neer gets in his dreams. On a directive from Ganga Maiyya Neer sets out on a journey to save the island of Bali.

During the course of his journey on the ship, the captain who’s already a friend of Neer introduces him to Erlangga and narrates the evil happenings in Bali. Neer then discloses the visions and about his mission. Neer has a magic stone that keeps him in his well-being and on orders from the captain that the precious thing might get lost, he secures it in a safe place. But the absence of the stone and the touch of it on his body takes a toll on his health and due to which he is forced to keep the stone with him as always; against the orders of the captain.

As they set out on the journey, they face horrific storms, during which the captain makes a decision to have the prince, Neer and the army chief transferred to a ferry boat, since the ship is out of control and is on course into a horrific storm. Together, the three of them get going on the boat, the captain also gives them his lucky coin as a token of love and for the wellbeing of the three who are about to witness, the dispute between good and evil.

As they set out on the journey, Erlangga under the guidance of Neer try to save Bali from the evil forces of Rangda and Gaja Medah. The continuation of how they accomplish destruction of evil and bring in new Gods to the beautiful land of Bali is the rest of the story.

What was the guidance given by Neer, do they save the land and what happens to Erlangga , who rules the land then on is the rest of the story. I am not giving it out now. The characterization is simple, with few characters the author has conveyed a good message and each character served its purpose.

The writing style is simple and crisp. If you are a lover of mythological genre, then the book is an apt read for you. The cover design could have been better. I do not see the copy as a reprint but I thought the quality could have been better.

BOOK DETAILS:

  • Format:Paperback
  • Publisher:Leadstart Publishing Services Pvt Ltd (2018)
  • ISBN-10:9352010779
  • ISBN-13:978-9352010776

MY RATINGS:

Cover: 3.5/5

Title: 4/5

plot: 4.5/5

Writing and Presentation: 3.5/5

Overall: 3.5/5

About the Author :

The author, Suraj Kothiyal, hails from the beautiful city of Dehradun with his family roots belonging to the Himalayan region. A mechanical engineer and an MBA in marketing, Suraj, had five years of corporate experience before he started his own entrepreneurial journey. Today Suraj’s construction firm develops beautiful living spaces for its customers in Dehradun. He has been writing since childhood. Initially the hobby started out as writing poems in Hindi for school magazine. His collection of Hindi poems can be seen on his personal blog that goes by “poems.surajkothiyal.com”. As a child, whenever Suraj went close to the mighty mountains of Himalayas, they whispered a story in his ears. These stories later ignited a passion in him to write historic fictions and it’s his endeavor to bring to light the highly diversified and rich cultures across the world. This book is inspired by a popular folklore in Bali that talks of a Hindu saint namely, Maharishi Markandeya, who came to Bali from India and introduced Hinduism on the scenic island.

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Review of the Hidden children

BLURB:

Shayamukthy cruises through life: shooting hoops, daydreaming and listening to her favourite books. Even moving from the US to India, to a new school, a new culture, hasn’t really rattled her. But something isn’t right anymore and it begins when a New Girl joins the school. She pulls Shui into a world of magic and wonderment, a world she has been hidden from all her life. What starts as a quest to look for a lost book, hurtles Shui into a world where people live in trees, talk to the dead and speak to butterflies. But like all power, magic comes at a steep price and under all things wondrous lie demons waiting to crawl out. The more Shui learns, the more she doubts everything and everyone around her. Will she be able to master her powers, or will they devour her and everyone she loves?

MY REVIEW:

Firstly, the book is one of a kind. Yes, longing for a young adult fantasy by an Indian author. This book best deserves to be one of it.

The book is about Shayamukthy who daydreams and listens to books. She moves to India from the US. The change in diverse culture, the language, a new environment and new school do not seem to bring in a change in her. She is not upset by the vast changes that she encounters when she moves here.

Shui joins the school and there begins the adventure. When she comes across a floating pencil and a girl who speaks to butterflies’ things start changing. The authors narration and references to Mumbai are truly wonderful. And what more the book has illustrations that’s makes the reading part more interesting.

The plot is intriguing and a gripping read which we can finish at one go; though the book seems to be on the bulkier side.

The writing is simple and narration is subtle. YA fantasy that was long awaited has now hit the bookstores , so why wait , grab your copy of the wonderful read.

BOOK DETAILS:

Reading level:12 – 16 years

  • Paperback:420 pages
  • Publisher:Two Ravens Publishing (13 November 2018)
  • Language:English
  • ISBN-10:9353216206
  • ISBN-13:978-9353216207

MY RATINGS:

Cover: 4/5

Title: 4/5

plot: 4/5

Writing and Presentation: 4/5

Overall: 4/5

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Travel writer and novelist Reshma K Barshikar is an erstwhile Investment Banker who, as she tells it, ‘fell down a rabbit hole and discovered a world outside a fluorescent cubicle.’ As a travel and features writer, she contributes to National Geographic Traveller, Harper’s Bazaar, Grazia, The Sunday Guardian, SilverKris, The Mint Lounge and The Hindu. Fade Into Red, published by Random House India was her debut novel and featured in Amazon Top 10 Bestsellers. She also holds well renowned workshops for young adults at both BDL Museum and Kala Ghoda and is keen to build a strong Young Adult reading and writing community to fill the desperate lack of young adult fiction in the Indian Market. Her new Young Adult novel, The Hidden Children, will be launching at the Vizag Junior Literary Festival. Reshma is from the ISB Class of 2003. She calls both Mumbai and the Nilgiris home.

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Review of The Gift by Sourabh Mukherjee

BLURB:

“Detailed observations of human behaviour and the complexity of human relationships…” – The Hindu After his bitter break-up with girlfriend Ishika, Aarav heads for his ancestral house in Mussoorie to get over his grief and to finish the novel he is working on. He meets Kishan, a child who has strayed into the house and spends his nights in the dusty, dark attic, scavenging through old books and toys that once belonged to Aarav and his cousins. Aarav finds his uncle’s diary, which chronicles a heart-warming love story unfolding in that house. What life-changing family secret does Aarav uncover?

MY REVIEW:

The book is the first one in “it’s all about love series’ by Sourabh Mukherjee. The plot starts with Aarav and his girlfriend getting to know that they are having a baby. This good news doesn’t seem like one for him, he currently has a deadline and is quite unsure of the time the two pink lines came up for Ishika. She storms out of the apartment knowing that Aarav is not happy with the little one coming and decides to leave him.

Aarav having a deadline to submit a novel is being pressurized by the publishing house. So in order to get a clear mind and to complete his work, he moves to Mussoorie to his ancestral house in Dehradun. He’s being welcomed by Mrs. Bakshi, the caretaker. She introduces him to a small kid, Kishan. One immediate look at him, Aarav is suspicious and starts looking for answers on his whereabouts. He realizes that the boy resembles someone who was close to him. He then starts to read his uncle’s diary which was left incomplete since the last time he visited.

It is only while reading it there comes an intertwined love story and the mystery behind Kishan’s existence. A lovable tale which makes you want to read the next book in the series.

Though the book is small about 28 pages, the tale is interesting and gives you a good feeling.

The writing style is simple and clear. The plot is interesting, where the intertwined story that unfolds gives the protagonist a thought and to change his mind. Characterizations are good while the main focus is only on Aarav, the author does justice to the other characters as well.

The climax is something that is quite unexpected, but to come to know the fact why it was portrayed that way is truly remarkable.

BOOK DETAILS:

  • Format:Kindle Edition
  • File Size:362 KB
  • Print Length:28 pages
  • Publisher:Srishti Publishers & Distributors (10 September 2018)
  • Sold by:Amazon Asia-Pacific Holdings Private Limited
  • Language:English
  • ASIN:B07GXNB9KW

MY RATINGS:

Cover: 4/5

Title: 4/5

plot: 4/5

Writing and Presentation: 4/5

Overall: 4/5

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Review of The shining tiger

BLURB:

Raja and Baja set off on a dangerous journey to find the famous shining tiger. Days go by, and there’s no sign of it – in fact, nobody in the villages they visit is even sure it exists! But deep in the hearts of two daring boys is the conviction that the shining tiger is somewhere in the mountains – and it’s up to them to find it!

MY REVIEW:

The book starts with an afternoon story telling session between a grandmother and grandson Meer. The boy looks engrossed when grandma starts narrating the story of “the Shining Tiger”.

The shining tiger as the grandma says is a tale that is being passed on by villages generations after generations. But there is no record as such that any person has seen it.

The story goes about two young orphan boys Raja and Baja. They stay in a tree house in the village and play with the kids. They swim in rivers, climb trees and have an interesting livelihood. Meer looks amazed when his grandma narrates the plot. She dozes off in between too.

The boys realize that the children in the village play games in an unfair manner and get them accused for crimes which they didn’t do. So they decide to move on to the neighboring village. They pack their mats, food, water and set out on the quest to find new friends and a home.

They come across a small pond, decide to take a dip and cook food when the elder kids chase them away. They move further and reach a village with empty houses. They enjoy the freedom, cook and eat. At dark, they overhear two men talking about the shining tiger, which is when they decide to go on a quest to find it.

Did they find the shining tiger, meet it, what do the villagers say when the boys narrate their tale of meeting the shining tiger is the rest of the story? When the story of Raja and Baja ends, Meer wants to learn to climb trees; so he seeks his dad help. When they have a casual talk about making friends the dad comes to know that Meer complains of not having a friend near at home.

When he teaches Meer how to climb they see another boy seated on the trunk and they get introduced. Meer asks the boy if he knows the story of ‘The shining Tiger’ and when the boy nods that he doesn’t know, Meer starts narrating the story and it goes on.

The writing style is simple and the illustrations are very thoughtful and so real. Nothing looks very clichéd and would definitely be liked by kids. A wonderful read in deed.

The font in the book is bold and readable. Overall it’s a good read for kids between 6-12.

BOOK DETAILS:

  • Reading level:6 – 14.00 years
  • Paperback:73 pages
  • Publisher:Pigeon Post Literary Press; First edition (27 September 2018)
  • Language:English
  • ISBN-10:8193847733
  • ISBN-13:978-8193847732

MY RATINGS:

Cover: 4/5

Title: 4/5

plot: 4/5

Writing and Presentation: 4/5

Overall: 4/5

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Moshank relia is a children’s author and illustrator whose previous books are adventures of farland and horse town.

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Review of City of nine gates

BLURB:

An atheistic millionaire is forced to find and help his long lost friend achieve self-realization in a mystical City of Nine Gates known only to the Gods and the wisest sages of the Advait and the Sankhya. Assisted by other friends in the City, he leads the City on an inward enlightening journey, only to realize at the end who his friend is, what actually the City of Nine Gates is and who is that beyond all regions knowing which one never comes back … “When the Gods descend to devastate, When Kalyuga meets Apocalypse, Out of a Billion, Only one strives, Of those who strive, Only one achieves, What those sages realized, and you still haven’t, knowing which, one never comes back. Rise O’ Cities! It’s time to liberate, It’s time, to realize…”

MY REVIEW:
The city of nine gates takes you on a spiritual journey. The book is filled with verses in Sanskrit then and there which at times makes you forget that you are reading a novel.
The story is about protagonist Gyan who is a multi-millionaire but also an atheist. But his real interest is archeology. One fine day Gyan and his friend discover a structure carved from a single stone resembling that of a fort. The fort underneath a hidden city. Not just that he realizes that there is something more than just the fort and the city. And what does he discover? A temple.
The city is cursed and who will help the city come of out of it, none other than Gyan. He is helped by the magic fabric which helps him note the various information he gathers.
Gyan notices inimitable features Leading him to way into a temple from the pillars of fort. But the combination of five elements of nature is the only way to have the pillar open and lead way to the temple. The temple is protected by 12 priests in deep penance which is disturbed due to alien presence. Thus realizing his importance to unlock the secret and uplift the curse and release the souls, Gyan sets into action.
The book is enriched with truths of self-realization and the almighty, anon to mankind.
The book takes you on a spiritual journey no don’t get me wrong this is interesting to even young readers.
Gyan’s journey set amidst spiritual elements, archeology, mythology makes this a wonderful read. The background research done for the novel is very evident when you complete it.
The glossary at the back is indeed of great help to make you understand the terms in Sanskrit used by the author. For someone who is well versed in Sanskrit or already very good with spiritual or religious terms the reading of this book is a cakewalk.
I loved reading the book, since it was a new genre for me to review. The experience was just wonderful just taking your own time to get all the details absorbed, jumping to the glossary and the story back and forth to understand the terms. This made me wonder the effort that the author would have put in to research the plot and the vedic verses to support the plot.
It was a challenging mission that Gyan set out on with Parth to lift the curse on supernatural city. During the course of the quest he comes to know how the human mind comes into captivity, how the imbalance of feelings, mind, actions can create disruption to human soul.
Gyan’s charcter was thought out perfectly and in no place you see exaggeration, or him jumping to conclusions of what he finds out.
On the whole the book is a wonderful read, when you have all the time to sit in peace and read.

BOOK DETAILS:
Paperback:300 pages
Publisher:Notion Press; 1 edition (11 July 2014)
Language:English
ISBN-10:9384049646
ISBN-13:978-9384049645

MY RATINGS:
Cover: 4/5
Title: 4/5
plot: 4/5
Writing and Presentation: 4/5
Overall: 4/5

This book review is a part of The Readers Cosmos Book Review Program and Blog Tours. For details check: http://www.thereaderscosmos.com/

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Review of Shillong times

BLURB:
A delightful novel about growing up in Shillong in the 1980s by the bestselling author of Bali and the Ocean of Milk and The Case of the Secretive SisterWhen fourteen-year-old Debojit Dutta meets the slightly older Clint Eastwood Lyngdoh in his maths tuition classes, he is wary of his cigarette-smoking, whisky-swilling ways. Besides, Debu has only recently escaped a bunch of local ruffians who wanted him to ‘go back home to Bangladesh’.But Debu is unable to resist being friends with Clint. For, in return for doing his maths homework, Clint introduces him to a completely new life: the heady charms of Kalsang, the Chinese restaurant forbidden by Debu’s mother; the revolutionary sounds of Pink Floyd; and most importantly, the coolest, prettiest girl in town—Audrey Pariat. Audrey loves maths and detective stories, just like Debu, and does not make him feel awkward or exotic. Together, the three of them look set to embark on many adventures. But when tensions between the Khasi and Bengali communities boil over, Shillong becomes a battlefield—old neighbours become outsiders and the limits of friendship are challenged.With crackling energy, Nilanjan P. Choudhury immerses us in the tumultuous lives of Debu, his friends and his family, and their attempts to find love and belonging. Written with uncommon warmth, humour and a delightful evocation of place, Shillong Times is an exhilarating coming-of-age story—showing us how friendship can eclipse the hardened enmities of adulthood.

MY REVIEW:
Shillong times is a book that brings you nostalgic moments of life in 80s. The story is set in Shillong, yes that’s where it gets the name. Debojit is a Bengali teenager who along with his parents lives in Shillong.
The story starts with Debojit returning home from school on a lonely path where he encounters few guys from local tribe, khasis. This tribe is against any foreign community living in their area and there are few harsh exchanges between them and Debu. He manages to escape from them. He narrates the entire episode to his parents which is when his father lectures him about the ancestors and why they settled in Shillong.
Debu’s mother started advising him to study well and look for a great career outside Shillong and get away from there. She wants him to pursue IAS and wants him to take up necessary competitive exams inorder to achieve the same. She decides to make him join tutions taken by Professor Bose who is deemed to be extremely strict.
Debu gets to know Clint in one of Bose’s tution sessions. He takes Debu to the forbidden Chinese restaurant Kalsang , introduces him to Pink Floyd music and most important of all makes him meet Audrey Pariat. Clint says shes exactly like him – likes detective stories and maths. Debu takes an instant liking on her during their first meet.
Debu’s mom gets to know about his acquaintance with Clint and warns him of dangers since he’s a Khasi himself. She utters stories from past which sends shivers inside Debu. But inspite of all that he still wishes to continue being friends with Clint. Clint also saves Debu from punishments at school from a teacher. The teacher later reveals to Debu that Clint is not good company and its better he stays away from him. Though now the number of people who are against Clint is two, Debu still is not convinced to sacrifice his friendship.
As the story progresses the tension between Bengalis and Khasis boils over, which makes Shillong a battlefield.
The language is simple and lucid. The author has brought out the beauty of Shillong also known as Scotland of the east so well in narration.
The characterization is perfect. Debu’s mom is of the typical Indian parent who wants the child to concentrate on studies and take up competitive exams. She is very strict and at the same time concerned about him, very much indeed. The pace is just the right amount for the elements for friendship, love and tension.

BOOK DETAILS:
Paperback:248 pages
Publisher:Speaking Tiger Publishing Private Limited (10 September 2018)
Language:English
ISBN-10:938807047X
ISBN-13:978-9388070478

MY RATINGS:
Cover: 4/5
Title: 4/5
plot: 3.8/5
Writing and Presentation: 4/5
Overall: 4/5

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nilanjan P. Choudhury’s debut novel, a mythological thriller titled Bali and the Ocean of Milk, was a (very) brief bestseller. His subsequent writings include The Case of the Secretive Sister, a detective caper set in Bangalore, and The Square Root of a Sonnet, a pioneering play on the history and science of black holes; both of which received wide critical acclaim. He confesses to having studied at IIM Ahmedabad and IIT Kanpur, and hopes that this will not be held against him. He grew up in Shillong and now lives in Bangalore with his family. He can be reached at http://www.nilanjan.net.
This book review is a part of The Readers Cosmos Book Review Program and Blog Tours. For details check:

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Review of The closure : Journey to my true self

BLURB:

Aarti slid back and started staring outside the window. It was not the first time she was getting married, but this time she was making the decision after a long haul of struggle.

Sahil: “I have no intention of being physical with you again, but this can be an accord of providing for each other as companions so that you can realize the aspects of your life that you deserve.”

Rishabh: “Maybe I needed her to go away from me before I could realize her importance. God! I miss her.”

Ansh: “You’re evil and the worst person, I’ve ever met. I’d like to think that you’re probably dead now A.. A..Ar… Aarti…”

It’s not a midlife, neither is it an existential, nor an identity crisis, but just a need, an urge deep-found in human wishes: an appeal for closure. That’s what the journey of Aarti is all about, from being a happily invested mother-cum-housewife to a fulfilled, self-aware human being.

MY REVIEW:

The book revolves around the plot where the main protagonist Aarti, is married to Rishabh and is mom to 15-year-old Ansh. She soon loses interest in marital life. She fails in her business collaboration with a friend and there goes a big lot of money into pothole. She decides to shift her focus and learn guitar.

There comes the entry of Sahil, a young guitar teacher at an institute. Aarti falls in love with him. Will she separate from Rishabh, what will happen to ansh? Is the remaining part of the story.

The current generation relationship issues such as carefree attitude, no empathy and too much importance for career than relation is conveyed very well in the book. The book also shows how the children get affected due to restrained relationship between parents and what effect it has to people around them.

The book depicts complete drama and can be adapted onto big screen since it has all the required elements.

The writing style is simple and crisp but I would mention that there were more grammatical errors which at items give you a letdown to continue with the book. If not for that the book can be termed a good read. Though the plot is usual, its slow paced and at places a bit dragging.

The characters are brought out well and unique from one another.

BOOK DETAILS:

  • Paperback:178 pages
  • Publisher:Notion Press, Inc.; 1 edition (6 September 2018)
  • Language:English
  • ISBN-10:9781643248691
  • ISBN-13:978-1643248691
  • ASIN:1643248693

MY RATINGS:

Cover: 4/5

Title: 4/5

plot: 3.8/5

Writing and Presentation: 3/5

Overall: 3.5/5

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sometimes writers are born from common walks of life. Sweta Sureka is a 1985 born, Economics Graduate from St. Xaviers, Kolkata, a certified transformational life coach and an inspirational writer.

The Closure is her first venture as a writer and she aspires to write more on issues which she finds are reflections of the society on her and others alike. Her notion of writing is guided by one simple thought that books should be comprehensible first and then awe-inspiring later. Sweta aims to bring back the quaint era when writers used to mirror the life around.

Sweta lives in Kolkata with her husband and two children.