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Introspecting Excess baggage- a book by Richa S. mukherjee

A book that is going to take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions and also will make you run out of tears. Just kidding, I meant in the sense that it’s a laughter riot out there so get yourselves ready .

Mother-daughter duos are always fun and the relationship between them is truly incomparable. They could be friends, sisters, enemies and what not. But definitely one of the deadliest combination.

The title ‘excess baggage’ definitely rings a bell in your mind and the cover resonating your thought with two ladies running with their luggages. All you could relate is only the physical luggage which they carry that is evident from the cover. What we do come to know once after reading the book is the emotional baggage that each of them carry along.

Anviksha, the protagonist is a 30 year old who is signing off her second divorce. She is a person who had strong-headed attitude which lands her into trouble at workplace as well.

Her mother Smitha, on the other hand is an easy go typical mother you see all around. She is overbearing which is kind of suffocating for Anviksha to take it. Anviksha who is currently navigating in her own conundrum of relationship, things also not looking good at workplace she decided to go on a solo trip to clear her mind of.

But what she was unlikely to expect was her mother piggybacking go join her on the trip. It is this place where the book picks up pace where Anviksha’s dreamily planned solo trip gets shattered and she sets out to continue her journey taking her mother and their excess baggage along.

The two bizarre personalities who go on a tour, finally sort out their differences amidst a lot of interesting experiences. This is where I felt this could have been done at home and why go on a trip.

The author also brings about and touches social issue with ease which brought out a good feel. A soul searching experience becomes a life changing one for Anviksha and her mom.

I really liked the way how the author handled humour in the script. It truly makes you laugh your lungs out.

” I wasn’t diagnosed with bubonic plague, it’s just a divorce”, this actually shows how the author handles divorce and that is something commendable instead of making it a social Taboo.

It was as a fast-paced vocabulary course for me but at some places I felt it was out of force. The writing style and narration is subtle but powerful. The author takes your on a virtual trip to London with her picturesque description.

Though the novel screams humour majorly I’d also like to point that there are a lot of hidden life lessons to be taken.

Overall it’s a light hearted plot with no clichéd dialogue in the relationship and the adventures they set out to explore.

Grab this book here

This book review is part of Blogchatter’s book review program.

This post is part of the blog challenge ‘ BlogaberryDazzle ‘ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla and sponsored by Bugshield clothing- Enjoy outdoors more.

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Review of N for Nourish by Pooja Makhija #myfriendalexa

BLURB

Do you know why eating right is so important? Because it’s food that makes you zip through classes, tear across the football field or win that game of chess. The right diet influences your mood, your thoughts and even your ability to have fun.
With the aid of innovative models and striking visuals, this book will help you understand the components of a healthy diet, what makes the five fingers of nutrition (and how they turn into a power-packed punch) and the importance of sleep, water and exercise in your day-to-day life. Not only does this contain the ABCs of nutrition but also a series of amazing facts about how food can change your life.
N for Nourish will make you look at yourself and what you eat in an absolutely new light!

Review

MY REVIEW

Been a fan of her after eat delete and eat delete junior.
Was eagerly waiting for N for nourish.
First thing when I got my hands in this. I knew I could have solutions for fuzzy eating problems.
🍉 Five fingers of nutrition – Carbohydrates ( simple and complex) , vitamins,minerals, proteins and fats . The chapter describing the importance of each element and how to be consumed.
🍒How to eat -Making fist( meal having five fingers), eating at home, every two hours, to know the friends(categorising food as friends) great concept of classification. Knowing right proportions to eat.
🍓What happens when- the I’ll effects of skipping breakfast, too much of junk or sugar consumption, not having good sleep, not having enough water , not doing much of exercise.
🍑the food world and the food alter egos – talks about environmental exposure to food.
🍊- eating for future – talks about eating for exams, sports happiness.
🍇H for help- explains about the nutritional facts and the food labels that explain them.
🥥On the whole a book that teaches you goodness of food and also ill effects of having junk and sugary foods. The exercises at the end make the book even more interesting.
Loved the colorful illustrations.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pooja spends most of her time telling adults what to eat-adults like Shahid Kapoor, Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor. But she also counsels children like you and her two daughters, who are about your age. She teaches children about the wonder and magic of food, and she finds that giving them the right tools at the right time helps them reap lifelong benefits. And even though she’s strict about her kids eating right, she is-by her own account-a fun person to live with. Pooja resides in Mumbai but eats everywhere.

I am taking my blog to the next level with blogchatter’s #myfriendalexa.
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Review of let’s do this together #myfriendalexa

BLURB

How much? How many? How far? How small?

Maths helps make sense of the world around us. How many mangoes are needed to make a jar of pickle? How many toes do the monsters under the bed have? How many days till the new moon?

Let’s Do This Together is filled with stories that cleverly weave everyday maths problems into the narrative so children can easily solve them with the help of a parent, teacher or friend.

As they start with sums that are easy-peasy, move to mostly easy and then to ones that are not that easy, the book helps them build their self-confidence and number proficiency.

REVIEW

Maths is definitely not an easy subject especially for those who have a fear when they hear the name.
Born into a family or mathematical geniuses, I was not very comfortable with maths. The fact that everyone else is much better on this gave me a fear that was throughout my education period.
This book ‘ let’s do this together’ by lubaina.bandukwala and vineetakano looks really fun and engaging for kids to solve math problems.
The questions how many ? How much? How far ? Have a lot of meaning when it comes to math.
Right from counting the number of pista shells, to number of days that new moon the book makes learning more interesting.
When guided by a parent or the teacher the book is a great way to make kids understand the mathematics concepts.
Easy least, mostly easy and not that easy the three sections divide the book into three sections that deal with problems according to the complexity.
With simple narration and day to day examples I just loved the way the author has written the book.
Recommended for 5+ this book is a must buy for kids to start loving maths.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lubaina Bandukwala (Author)
Lubaina Bandukwala has been in children’s publishing as a writer, editor and festival curator for a decade. She founded the Peek A Book Literature Festival for children’s, which is now in its fourth year. She does all this so that she can read all the books she wants anytime she pleases and say she’s working.

Vineeta Kanoria (Author)
Vineeta Kanoria has been a preschool educator for over 20 years. She also set up the Early Intervention Centre at Ummeed Child Development Center for children with special needs. She enjoys helping children and parents discover the joys of maths an an early age.

I am taking my blog to the next level with blogchatter’s #myfriendalexa.

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Excerpt promotion – The clockmaker

check out the schedule here


THE CLOCKMAKER 

by 

PAROMITA GOSWAMI



Excerpt 




About the author

M3_06260.JPG


Paromita Goswami is a writer and storyteller by passion and a rebel by choice. She says the world is full of stories and as a writer, she loves to pen them down. Her work is not genre specific. From literary fiction to children book to paranormal thriller and women fiction, Paromita Goswami‘s books offer a variety of life to her readers. Besides writing, she is also the founder of a reading club that enhances book reading habit in children. She lives in central India with her family. 


You can stalk her @

      

         

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Book spotlight- The clockmaker

check out the schedule here


THE CLOCKMAKER 

by 

PAROMITA GOSWAMI



BLURB


Can you change destiny? What if you can?


Ashish, a passionate clockmaker is frustrated with his life – financial insecurity, his ongoing nightmares and his family, wife Lata and son Vicky, are driving him crazy.


Lata is having a tough time in life with her arch-rival, Rashmi. Vicky wants to be a biker than rather join the family legacy of the clockmaker. He also has a crush on Kavya who is more interested in supporting her family than romancing around.


Lately, Ashish starts hallucinating things. The black hooded man, who traumatizes him in the nightmares, warns him of dire consequences if he doesn’t return the timepiece that was given to Ashish by his father at his deathbed. Burdened with despair, Ashish wishes he could change his destiny and end all his miseries. By sheer chance, he discovers the power of the timepiece. Ashish was still figuring out what to do with it when an incident shatters his life completely. Without second thoughts he uses the power of the timepiece to change his destiny. But, can he really change it?


Amid the chaos of the busy by-lanes of the East Delhi unfolds a paranormal, supernatural, Indian drama that will leave you thrilled.

The Jungle Series – Get ready to be assaulted!


Grab your copy @



About the author

M3_06260.JPG


Paromita Goswami is a writer and storyteller by passion and a rebel by choice. She says the world is full of stories and as a writer, she loves to pen them down. Her work is not genre specific. From literary fiction to children book to paranormal thriller and women fiction, Paromita Goswami‘s books offer a variety of life to her readers. Besides writing, she is also the founder of a reading club that enhances book reading habit in children. She lives in central India with her family. 


You can stalk her @

      

         

Follow on Instagram

This Tour is Hosted by 

Facebook | Website | Blog Tours | Twitter | Linkedin

We Promote So That You Can Write 



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Book spotlight- her man Friday

Print Length: 161 pages

Publisher: Flaming Sun (Indie published) 

Publication Date: May 24, 2019

Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC

Language: English

Available on Kindle Unlimited

Genre: Romance


Rituraj realises he’s in love with the Gaekwad princess, Sitara Devi. The timing is slightly wrong though. Just ten minutes ago Sitara Devi married Harishchandra Gajanan. All of seventeen and nursing a badly bruised heart, Rituraj takes up boxing, hoping to build his strength and heal his wounded soul.


When destiny gives them a second chance, hope springs in his heart.


Rituraj grabs the opportunity of becoming Sitara’s bodyguard-cum-assistant. He’s the only man in her life but he’s just her Man Friday. Since his father was merely an employee of Sitara’s father, will he even be considered as a prospective life partner for the Gaekwad princess? 


Sitara, and Rituraj are crazily attracted to each other, yet they are unable to move forward. So where is the hitch? Why the fear in taking the relationship to the next level?


Class Barriers! Debauchery! Sexual Perversion!


It looks like ‘Ne’er the twain shall meet’. 


Read the book to find out if Sitara eventually gets together with her Man Friday.  

It would be great if you can add this book to your TBR


Sundari Venkatraman is an indie author who has 43 titles (39 books & 4 collections) to her name, all Top 100 Bestsellers on Amazon India, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Amazon Canada and Amazon Australia in both romance as well as Asian Drama categories. Her latest hot romances have all been on #1 Bestseller slot in Amazon India for over a month.


Even as a kid, Sundari absolutely loved the ‘lived happily ever after’ syndrome as she grew up reading all the fairy tales she could lay her hands on, Phantom comics, Mandrake comics and the like. It was always about good triumphing over evil and a happy end. 


Soon, into her teens, Sundari switched her attention from fairy tales to Mills & Boon. While she loved reading both of these, she kept visualising what would have happened if there were similar situations happening in India; to a local hero and heroine. Her imagination took flight and she always lived in a rosy cocoon of romance over the years. 


Then came the writing – a true bolt out of the blue! And Sundari Venkatraman has never looked back.

Click here to check out all the titles by the author…

You can stalk her @

      

        

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Review of strong roots have no fear

BLURB:

This book provides you with a simple framework within which you can raise your little ones to grow into empowered thought leaders in our constantly evolving multicultural world. If we raise our children with a culturally aware mindset, we need not fear the future. To that end the book focuses on building mindset with practical tips to impart Handling Big Emotions, Raising Readers, Self-Moderation, Dealing with Bullying, Navigating Friendships, Balancing Technology, Building a Global Outlook through Multilingualism, Racial Equality and much more.What you find in this book -The confidence to be intuitive as a parent. Timeless strategies for a confident mindset An honest look into mindful living.A global outlook for your multicultural family.How to be culturally sensitive and rooted within self.

MY REVIEW:

How often we search for parenting books wherein we look for real life examples? How often do we know that the author puts in her own experiences where she faced failures? Most often when I keep browsing for books on parenting, I find only those which point out a scientific reason behind the reason of behavior of the child. I could not find one where I had examples of what each parent would face.

So when there was an opportunity to review this book. I immediately grabbed it. I’ve heard of reviews about the book and wanted to read it myself. Aditi has covered the need for real life examples which were most needed by parents to understand what they were going through.

Quite a few lines from the book really made it worthy enough to be noted and followed.

Children are blank pieces of colored paper that we create timeless art on.

So they are already human beings with being different individuals. So the thought here is, you can teach them, but the decision they make at a later point of time can not only be based on what they are taught but also what they experience over the time.

Then she talks about the ongoing debate, stay at home mom vs the working mom.

I loved what she mentioned, chose whatever you want, but that should make you happy. The moment you are with the child; you are the parent. So no matter what we chose to be, it should make you happy being a parent.

Finding your tribe was one other concept I liked. We need to surround ourselves with people who make us feel good, who know what we are going through, who can be our well-wisher, who show us the right path. Most of all we should offer to be someone else’s tribe as well.

Parents need to set examples of owning up to mistakes.

When they witness us accepting emotions and work towards improving response; They tend to imitate us. They might tease us but would also make them think.

Kids making sound decisions when not around parents is what matters. And that comes from us being with them even when we are not.

The above line what does it say? Doesn’t it give you much joy when you hear kids being praised for being brought up well. Does that feel like a good pat on the back saying we deserve it? It does make you feel happy when your kids stand out, knowing what is being done is wrong and they shouldn’t join hands. Standing out in such a case is not abnormal.

The book provides you with a number of strategies to make parenting mindful and enjoyable.

I would definitely recommend the book to my fellow mommy friends. I am more clearer on what I have been doing and planning on what I will be doing.

MY RATINGS:

Cover: 4.5/5

Title: 4.5/5

Writing and presentation: 4.5/5

Overall: 4.5/5

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Aditi Wardhan Singh is an authoritative voice on cultural sensitivity and empowerment. Featured on CBS and NBC, she is the founder of the RWC magazine encouraging other voices like hers to come forth to create unique resources for parents everywhere so children can be global thought leaders. In her spare time, she enjoys choreographing recitals, volunteering and having dance parties with her two charming kids. She also writes for various well-known publications like Huffington Post, Thrive Global, Richmond Family Magazine, and more. Visit her site RaisingWorldChildren.com.

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Review of Latoya’s downtown day

BLURB:

Latoya can’t wait to go downtown with her mother! She has been saving her money in her piggy bank so they can afford to go downtown. What adventures will they have when they go downtown? Find out in Latoya’s Downtown Day!

MY REVIEW:

How often do we sit down with our kids and talk to them about our early childhood days? Do we have the time? Now with technological development, kids are always with gadgets that they lose interest in our talks.

Latoya’s downtown day is warm read that portrays the relationship between a mom and her daughter, Latoya. Do children use piggy bank these days? Let’s see what Latoya does.

The book begins with her coming home with her mom after a shopping trip. They live in a multistoried apartment where they would have to climb more than flight of stairs to their home. Once they reach they lie down on the sofa and take to the floor when they hear gunshots. His describes life in Chicago’s public housing.

Latoya usually keeps the remaining amount from her shopping amount in her piggy bank. The piggy bank was the one that belonged to her mom. Her mom sat down to tell Latoya the story of how she and Latoya’s grandma would go to downtown.

Latoya’s mom would also save the pennies from shopping trip in piggy bank and when it was full, they could afford a trip downtown. A typical day at downtown would include a visit to stores trying cologne until they feel dizzy. They would have lunch at Billy burgers and then return home on the way where mommy would fall asleep in arms of grandma, that was a typical downtown day for her.

So when Latoya’s piggy bank was full she informed her mom and was eagerly awaiting her downtown day, the next day. Mom took her to Sears tower, which was much taller than their apartment. She describes about how she could see the whole town. They have a meal at Billy burgers. And then post meal, her mother takes her to her special place. She is taken to a library where she sees a sea of books. She gets her a library card where she can use it to borrow books. They come home and Latoya falls asleep, dreaming about books, taking her away from the frightening gun shots.

A wonderful book that gives you an insight of family traditions, a typical day of life in Chicago public housing, the bond between mom and daughter. Completing the book gives you a warm feeling. SO can we sit down and talk to our kids about the traditions we followed and continue following them.

MY RATINGS:

Title: 4/5

Cover :4/5

Plot: 4/5

Writing and presentation: 4/5

Overall: 4/5

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Patricia Moore fell in love with picture books when she taught preschool. The children’s favorite author was Dr. Seuss. His books held their attention. When she became a parent, she would create stories for her children. That started her writing picture books for children. Patricia has four picture books available on Amazon, and one coloring book. Her best known picture book is The Angel With One Wing.

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Review of PB and J by Christine Reynebeau

BLURB:

“You can do anything, anytime, any day!”

Grab this Children’s Book and join Lucy as she tries to get the jelly jar open!

For ages 3-9… She wants to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, but can’t get the lid off the jar. No matter how many times she asks her parents for help, they just keep telling her she can do it herself. She tries everything to get the lid off the jar, but ultimately, there is only one thing that works.

This story is a reminder of the potential we all have in us to do whatever we set our minds to. Sometimes we just need someone to believe in us. Great books for families to add to their bookshelf.

“After they read it the first time, they immediately wanted to read it again!” -Amazon Review

This book takes real world lessons and makes them fun and palatable.

The stories are designed to use strong vocabulary and encourage the start of dialogue with parents and their kids.

Great for elementary schools, at bedtime, or as gifts. Help parents to start the meaningful discussion about the power of perseverance and the value of believing in ourselves!

MY REVIEW:

A simple read that makes you understand the power of believing in yourself and make you own the “I can do it’ attitude. How often we have seen people failing just because they do not want to give it a try or are lazy. Sometimes we see people giving up after the first failure. Or if they know there is always someone to reach out to who would get it done. This book will help you overcome that.

The story is about Lucy who wants to make herself a peanut butter and Jelly sandwich. She tries to twist and turn but it doesn’t open. So what does she do? She decides to let Daddy open it for her. But did he do it? No. Why? Because he wanted her to try and he said he believed in her that she could do it; continued reading his paper. So she tries with her shoe, knocking with her fist and to the dog. Nothing worked so she reaches out to her mom. She also insisted that Lucy try on her own and she believed in her.

She tried with scissors, brush, tossing it to her brother which dint work either. So after many attempts by herself and by being denied by her parents, she finally succeeds in opening. After all, “You can do anything, any time and any day”.

Believing in yourself is a great capability. So how do we teach that to kids? Start with small things at home. Taking their toys, clothes or books. This book is a great way to do things on their own and teach them to be independent.

I loved reading the book and I’m sure my kid will love it too. The illustrations make it even more easier to read and understand by the kid on her own.

MY RATINGS:

Title: 4/5

Cover: 4/5

Plot: 4/5

Writing and presentation: 4.5/5

Overall: 4.5/5

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Christine grew up in Green Bay, WI, graduated from the University of Wisconsin- River Falls in December 2012 with a Bachelor of Science- Animal Science, and has worked in the youth development field, for both the YMCA and Boy Scouts of America, for 9.5 years.In 2013, she was accepted to publish with Mirror Publishing. She published PB & J first, June 2014 and it took another two years to publish GUTS, June 2016. September 2017 was the start of this great new adventure, Dreambuilt Books. In 2018, She published KIND (April 2018) and RESCUE (September 2018). She is a motivational presenter for writers & librarians, connecting my career and my passions. In both 2017 & 2018, she presented several topics at UntitledTown Book Festival. She has presented for Workforce Development programming and Church Library Associations.

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Review of Rescue by Christine Reynebeau

BLURB:

When doing it alone is simply too hard, teamwork is the answer!

Follow the story of three dogs as they rescue Phoebe’s favorite ball!

Phoebe can’t find her favorite tennis ball, Walter and Finley come to help find and rescue it! This story is about teamwork; it is a reminder that teams require different skills to accomplish our goals and that sometimes, the best thing we can do is to ask for help!

After the book, we had a discussion on how everyone has their own special abilities and when you put your minds together, anything is possible. – Amazon Review

Children’s book that can be used in elementary schools, at bedtime, or as gifts. Help parents to start the meaningful discussion about the value of a diverse team to overcome challenges!

MY REVIEW:

Rescue is the kind of story that is gentle as the wind, but the moral that it trying to teach makes a great impact. It is a story where three little furry creatures –Phoebe, Walter and Finley set out to find Phoebe’s missing ball.

One sunny day after Henry leaves for school, the three animals set out to play. Finley and Walter went to sniff around. Phoebe as usual sat down to play with her tennis balls , when she notices that her favorite ball is missing. She became frantic and began searching the entire yard, but realized that it is difficult to search for it alone.

She calls for Walter and Finley to help her out. So together they search all around the yard, under each stone, bush and tree but they couldn’t seem to find it. At last, they come to know that it went into Lulu’s yard. Lulu was old and known to be grumpy all the time. All that she is known for is barking when these three have fun.

So they decided to make a plan to rescue the ball from Lulu’s yard by diverting her.

Phoebe distracted Lulu, when Walter ran and Finley had to lookout and keep Walter clear. Unfortunately Walter steps onto a twig, but grabs the ball and Lulu was caught behind in her chain. And thus Phoebe’s favorite ball was safe.

This story brings out the importance of teamwork. We may be excellent in our individual skills but when someone is in need of help, we definitely should pitch in. If several individuals can pitch in the solution can be made easier. In this case they needed each other’s strength to save the day.

This book will teach your kid to understand the importance of team work and its benefits. The illustrations by Jessica are cute and support the narration. Christine has done a great job of coming up with this book to teach about team work. I’m sure that every kid will appreciate the thought and will try to work as a team.

I would recommend the book for ages 5 and above.

MY RATINGS:

Title: 4/5

Cover: 4/5

Plot: 4/5

Writing and presentation: 4.5/5

Overall: 4.5/5

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Christine grew up in Green Bay, WI, graduated from the University of Wisconsin- River Falls in December 2012 with a Bachelor of Science- Animal Science, and has worked in the youth development field, for both the YMCA and Boy Scouts of America, for 9.5 years.In 2013, she was accepted to publish with Mirror Publishing. She published PB & J first, June 2014 and it took another two years to publish GUTS, June 2016. September 2017 was the start of this great new adventure, Dreambuilt Books. In 2018, She published KIND (April 2018) and RESCUE (September 2018). She is a motivational presenter for writers & librarians, connecting my career and my passions. In both 2017 & 2018, she presented several topics at UntitledTown Book Festival. She has presented for Workforce Development programming and Church Library Associations.