Tag: Book review

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Books to read this month

Here are some books that I enjoyed reading recently.

The boy with 100 questions

This book is a thoughtful exploration of a child’s curiosity and their quest for knowledge. The protagonist is Shunya, a nine-year old whose curious mind makes him ask innumerable questions about the world he lives in. A lot of these questions will be so relatable because even when we were kids, we would have chanced upon similar situations.


Navigating through his daily life, interacting with people around him like family and friends his journey is filled with curiosity and thirst for knowledge. There are new questions in each of these chapters that are filled with humour and the answers he receives. From a child’s perspective the author captures the essence making the book engaging and thought-provoking.


Shunya’s interaction is filled with realistic witty exchanges carefully bringing out the way of communication between kids and elders.  He is a relatable character expressing all ways a child behaves. A lovely book that celebrates the joy of learning and curiosity.
The author’s writing style is lucid and makes it easier for younger kids to read. The book is informative and engaging as it includes witty moments and realistic situations that make it relatable. I love the way the author handles complex topics. Shruti’s illustrations complement the story and enhances the reading experience.


The book encourages curiosity which is much needed as part of kids growth and learning experience. A heart-warming read that resonates with both adults and kids, which encourages them to embrace their questioning capability and explore the world around.


The book will be a great addition to any child’s bookshelf.

Buy here.

The Glass Girl

A powerful and poignant young adult novel, “The Glass Girl” by Kathleen Glasgow, tackles the heavy themes of alcoholism, mental health, and recovery. Bella, is a fifteen-year-old girl who chances to alcohol to cope with the pressures and traumas in her life.

Filled with challenges like her parents’ constant fighting, the recent death of her beloved grandmother, and the emotional turmoil of a breakup, Bella turns to alcohol at a young age, using it as a way to numb her pain and escape from her reality. On one instance, at a Thanksgiving party, Bella ends up in the hospital with alcohol poisoning, leading her mother to send her to a rehab center. Probably would have concluded it as a very bad night that life took turns.

Self-discovery, resilience, and the struggle to overcome addiction are the themes the author explores. The protagonist, Bella is a complex character who is both relatable and deeply troubled. I love how the author chose to depict the rehab journey in an honest way that is raw giving you complete details of the difficulties and setbacks that come in Bella’s way. The story also stresses the need for support systems and the impact of mental health on one’s life.

Glasgow’s realistic dialogue and description makes the narrative evocative and pulls the reader into the world of Bella. She does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of addiction, making the story both impactful and thought-provoking.

This book is a testament to Glasgow’s ability to address difficult topics with sensitivity and depth. It provides a valuable perspective on the struggles of young people dealing with addiction and mental health issues. It encourages empathy and understanding, shedding light on the complexities of recovery and the importance of seeking help.

In conclusion, “The Glass Girl” is a compelling and heartfelt novel that offers a realistic portrayal of a teenager’s battle with alcoholism and the journey toward recovery. The Author’s powerful storytelling and well-developed characters make this book a must-read for young adults and anyone interested in understanding the challenges of addiction and mental health.

Buy here.

The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore

The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore by Laurie Gilmore is the second book in the Dream Harbor series, following the success of The Pumpkin Spice Café. I made sure I read the first book before I set myself up to read this one. It is a delightful cozy mystery filled with romance and small-town charm.

The story revolves around Hazel Kelly, the manager of the Cinnamon Bun Bookstore (the name of the store keeps changing), who discovers mysterious messages hidden in books throughout her store. Books each time are made to stand crooked in shelves which when opened have dog ears in a page which hold clues that are highlighted. Hazel initially is hesitant and tries to hide it from Noah when he makes a sudden appearance. Noah is a handsome hunk whose had a crush on her for years. Noah also gives her a slight nudge to follow these clues. Hazel who’s wanted to do something adventurous and interesting once she turns thirty in a few days is determined to uncover the source of these clues, and solicits the help of Noah. As they follow the trail of clues, their undeniable chemistry leads to a blossoming romance. It’s all lovey-dovey at many places, I especially loved the encounters at the blueberry bushes. But I felt it got spicier at many places, and I felt an overdose.
The Author excels at creating a slow-burn romance with witty mockery and intense chemistry. The novel also explores themes of self-discovery and personal growth, as Hazel learns to embrace impulsiveness and Noah meets his own doubts. The small-town setting and quirky characters add to the charm, making it a perfect read for fans of cozy mysteries and heartwarming romance.
Overall, The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore is a charming and satisfying read that will leave you craving both pastries and more stories set in Dream Harbor. If you enjoy a good romance with a hint of mystery, this book is definitely for you. But I’d say I liked the first one more.

Buy here.

This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.

This post is part of the Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile

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2 young adults books not to miss this month

Small Fry by David Baddiel

Blurb

A funny, exciting, David vs Goliath adventure with a heart-warming father-son relationship – perfect for fans of Danny the Champion of the World, Millions, and Ratatouille.

The story of one boy and his brilliant burgers!

Benny Burns spends every weekend helping his dad by working at their burger van, parked outside the local football ground. And when Benny finds his grandfather’s old recipe book and begins following its instructions, he starts cooking INCREDIBLE food – so good, in fact, that he attracts the unwanted attention of fast food giant Bonkers Burgers! and its CEO, Bodley Bonkers.

To Bodley, Benny and his burgers are a threat that must be eliminated… by any means necessary.

And so, along with his dad and his two best friends, Jasper and Mina, Benny must find a way to defeat Bonkers Burgers, help rescue his dad’s business, and share his passion for cooking with the world – a mission that leads to him competing with the world’s greatest chef to cook the best burger.

Review

Small Fry by David Baddiel illustrated by Cory Loftis, is a hilarious and heartwarming illustrated novel that is perfect for young readers. The story follows Benny Burns, a young boy who helps his dad run their burger van outside a local football ground. There is a background story to how his dad came to this business. Benny discovers his grandfather’s cookbook from which he starts cooking incredible recipes. Small Fry as he’s fondly referred to, Benny is excited when his father hands him the responsibility of making the burgers. An ardent fan of renowned chef, Juliana Skeffington, he’s seen her from her initial days to tremendous growth that made her a celebrity. Taking her as an inspiration, Benny sets to make his fathers Burger van more successful. Benny’s burgers start becoming so popular that the burger giant in their town, Bonkers Burgers is given a run.
An absolutely fun David vs Goliath story that has a father-son relationship at its core. Benny’s friends Mina and Jasper lighten up conversations that give you a fun reading moment and signs of beautiful friendship. Baddiel’s witty writing and Loftis’s illustrations make it an engaging and a fun read. Benny’s journey to make his dad’s business successful is engaging and inspiring. Benny not giving up, living his dreams, supporting his friend’s choices, helping his father, and being responsible for carrying forward his family legacy is truly remarkable and something that kids could learn from him.


This book is a charming read that is sure to entertain kids and adults. A very good addition to any young readers’ library.

About the Author

David Baddiel is an author and comedian. His children’s books have sold more than a million copies in the UK alone, and his debut, The Parent Agency, won the Laugh Out Loud Book Award. David lives in London with his family.

Super Sleuth by David Williams

Blurb

Dilly loved a good murder. Not a REAL murder. A made-up murder. One you would find in a murder mystery novel. Sherlock Holmes was her favourite detective, so much so that she had named her dog Watson after his faithful companion.

Dilly had trained her Watson to sniff out clues and follow scent trails. Something he would happily do for a dog biscuit. Or two. So far, Dilly and Watson hadn’t had much luck cracking cases – beyond lost cats, or missing biscuits that turned out to have been eaten all along.

But now the detective duo found themselves on a luxury ocean liner bound for London. A thousand passengers. A thousand nautical miles of ocean around them. It was the perfect place for a murder…

Or two.Or three. Or four. Or MORE!

Super Sleuth is the hilarious new historical mystery novel from multi-million bestseller David Walliams.

Review

If you are looking for a delightful and humorous mystery novel suitable for young readers, then “Super Sleuth” by David Walliams is the one I’d suggest from my recent reads. The story follows Dilly, a young detective who solves made-up murders, inspired by her favorite detective, Sherlock Holmes. Dilly and her dog assistant Watson make a great team, as they board a transatlantic cruise liner bound for London. Dilly accompanies her Aunt Gladys who looks after her post her parents’ demise. Aunt Gladys falls in love with Lord Fox who also is on board the ocean liner. A series of mysterious events on board, make Dilly and Watson Super Sleuth to unwind the motives behind the multiple murders.

Walliams trademark blend of humor and adventure makes the book an interesting read for both kids and adults. Funny situations and quirky characters make it an entertaining read that is also light-hearted. I especially loved the different character names and their exhibit that was included while introducing them which I feel is a great way the kid could visualize. The illustrations from Stower are vivid and give out a visual dimension which enhances the narrative thereby bringing the characters and scenes to life.

On the whole, “Super Sleuth “ is a fun and engaging mystery read that encourages kids to think creatively and analytically while enjoying the read. It is also a good addition to any young detective’s library.

About the Author

David Walliams is a literary phenomenon whose books have sold more than 50 million copies worldwide and have been translated into fifty-five languages.

This post is part of the Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile.

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Book review: Under the influence

Under the influence

Blurb

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.

Buy here.

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

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6 books I read this summer

Every summer we look forward to vacation, getting together and making lots of memories. But this time it was something that would scar me forever. Not even three years since I’d started healing from the grief of losing my mother here I am back to square one, as dad left me too. It was all too sudden for me to process cause I thought he still had time. Man proposes, God disposes.

Books have been my comfort zone, my warm hug whenever I needed them. Yet again they’re here to keep me a companion.

I read six books in the last month. Here are some synopses of what they’re actually about.

Mum in a mess

Mothers help set things right for the smooth functioning of the family. Right from the dad to the kids and also taking care of the needs of grandparents, a mother works tirelessly. If they are also working all this is an addition on their plate. Quite often we fail to understand what goes into her thoughts and how does she feel.  We immediately jump to conclusions, and spring to judging her not understanding what led to the current situation. Mother’s also fail to bring to our attention that they need sometime to actually get better.
Mum in a mess, is a story on similar lines where Vishi goes into a cycle of confusion when her super-active mom starts behaving strangely. What initially started off as a spillage of coffee powder on the floor and the struggle to decide who will clean it up. The mess remained on the floor for longer than anyone would have guessed.
Empathy is something that everyone must learn, including kids. Many days passed, so did many instances but still the broken jar and coffee lie on the floor. Vishi’s friend Jahan also came home but still no respite for the broken jar. However when Vishi tried to bring up the topic, the replies were single worded or sometimes a deathly stare.
Vishi sensed things were not right when one morning her father mentioned mom needed extra sleep hours . One fine day when she saw her mom making a list of chores to do, she broke down and had a meltdown. She finally brought herself up to mention that she was facing difficulties. Sanjana carefully portrayed the emotions conveyed among mum, Dad, and Vishi in this scene. What does Vishi do further? How does mum feel and what happened to the broken jar is the remaining part of the story.
Carefully narrated, the book combines empathy, and a child’s curiosity perfectly.

I won’t wash my hair

Most kids don’t prefer to wash their hair. Even when I was a kid, I hated washing my hair. Be it bubbles, the water or the fragrance of the shampoo, nothing convinces a child to get to wash their hair.
‘I won’t wash my hair’ is the story of Divya whose parents have left for a trip, hence her aunt and her dog come home to take care of her. With her aunt running behind the dog, Divya suggests reasons that shampoo gets into her eyes, hair gets dirty again and doesn’t go for a hair wash. Meanwhile, during the time she saves she digs a hole to chile, learns the language of ants and much more.
On the other hand, her teacher Ameena makes her sit near window, outside class, at the playground and finally on the boundary wall because she couldn’t stand the stink. Her friend Sahil agrees not to wash his hair but finally gives up because he couldn’t manage the itch.
Divya manages to skip seven, nine and thirteen days before she skips to washing her hair. Finds all sorts of stuff like pencil, earthworms, chilli from her hair while she lies down on the pillow.
The narration is brilliant from the perspective of a child, the illustrations deserve a special mention as well. What does Divya do in the end when she knows her parents would be back and she can no longer dodge her no hair wash pleads. Read on.

MEHAR’S World of colours

I loved Simi stands tall and couldn’t contain my excitement to read Arti’s new book, Mehar’s World of colours. Two sisters Mehar and Saanvi have a daily routine for their swimming classes accompanied by their mom. While Saanvi excels and has won a lot of competitions, Mehar is only attending just because her mother wants her to. She is very much interested in art and colours and her only liking is to swim in the world of arts alongside vibrant colours.
Mehar and her friend Ananya love to read comics and Mehar’s excitement doubles up when one of her after school classes included comic as well. Support from a teacher is what kids yearn for especially if it is someone who supports their likes and interests. The teacher who calls herself a coach encourages Mehar to enhance her comic skills.
Will Mehar muster up the courage to negotiate with her mom to allow her for the after-school comic classes instead of swimming, especially when her mom wants her to win medals. Mehar and her class help underprivileged students and Mehar also wants to raise funds to help the kids with a better classroom, so suggests an idea of putting up a fund raiser which was immediately approved. Every kid comes up with their best to raise funds for the wonderful cause.
Such a heartwarming tale that tells you how a child handles the situation when she is being imposed interest by her parents , when she has interests in a different field, how a child is selfless and thinks of a  wonderful cause that needs funds for which she suggests an event.sss
In between all this we have complicated relationships between parents who are separated, a juggle in friendships and swimming. How does Mehar handle all this? Does her mom approve of her skipping swimming to pursue a comic? Read the book to know it all.

Another parenting perspective

The genre of self-help when it comes to parenting has a lot of books that offer a lot of information. Quite often the level of information makes you drenched and most often isn’t very relatable since it suits the Western lifestyle. This book by Smruti offers a fresh perspective and which is why the title is another parenting perspective.
Smruti through this book emphasizes much more self-awareness and personal growth while taking the reader on an introspective journey of effective parenting. What really opened my eyes was to look at yourself first and then go to guiding the children. The most important difference that we notice in kids of this generation is their exposure to the outdoors. Kids these days prefer to keep themselves occupied within the house or should I clearly say within their rooms. Be it educational, extracurricular, or even sporting kids resort to screens, Smruti gives you ways to handle this problem.
The book begins with making the couple think about their decision on why to become a parent and how to proceed on the journey there. By covering the different stages I would say the entire parental timeline from birthing to developmental stages to adulthood is well explained.
Self-awareness and personal growth is an evolutionary approach that Smruti suggests we first get an understanding of emotions and needs which will help us become better parents by making us connect with them easily.
Peer pressure, rivalry among siblings, and parenting struggles can be well managed through tips and tools Smruti offers. There are also inspiring ideas and personal anecdotes that will help us manage the struggles in a better way.
As per Smruti being mindfully present for the child will also help with screen time trouble and the empty nest phase which longs for a genuine connection. As I go through the book again and again, I see myself reflecting on the principles mentioned, and give me a way to prospect the inner self.

Tasty tiffin

Packing a tiffin box is a tedious task, especially for kids of this generation. Not only do these kids have much exposure but they also tend to have a lot of expectations. All the more peer pressure is another factor that adds to all this.
As a mom, we must understand their needs but also keep in mind their nutritional needs that need to be fulfilled. A complete packaging of meals for an entire day that encompasses all food groups, carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, protein, fats, and adequate water. Archana not only gives you innovative ways to make everyday school boxes but also tips here and there on how to pack and to keep them fresh.
The dishes that Archana has given in this book are simple, nutrient-dense, and easy to make. I particularly loved the snacks that made sure it makes the kid feel fuller and also healthy.  Divided into various sections like small snacks, waffles and sandwiches, rice recipes, roti sabzi, and Indian style tiffin items the dishes cover a wide range of cuisines that will make the lunch interesting for kids when the kids open the box. There are 40+ tasty recipes that the book offers which will never make you go on a thinking trip on what to pack. Archana has ensured a perfect balance in taste and nutrition by carefully curating these recipes. More than a cookbook this is a celebration of wholesome meals and the joy of offering your kid a balanced, tasty meal.
The smoothie recipes were the first ones that I tried from the book which were an instant hit with the kids. I’m so glad that I got my hands on the book during the holidays which will help me gear up for the school reopening. I can’t wait to pack interesting lunch boxes for my kids. This book is definitely recommended for moms who have school-going kids.

The Djinn waits a hundred years

The book’s plot spans across generations telling you stories of two women whose lives are connected by the place they live in not by their choice.  The timelines are 1932 and 2014. Akbar Manzil once a magnanimous place is now a crumbling building near the shore at Durban. The timeline of the stories we see are about the Khans during the 1930s and the one about Sana Malek where she tried to cope with the passing away of her mother recently. She moves into the building with her father.
The author explores loneliness and grief against a backdrop of history and fantasy. Though at places the book is haunting it is an enjoyable read. The characterisation of Meena is especially beautifully weaved with resilience, and being fearless that she never gives up.
The multi-layered plot that spans decades carefully blends in the themes that keep the reader engaged. Each chapter unveils a new layer but makes it interconnected.

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘BookishCafeBloghop2024’ hosted by  Rakhi   and Samata Dey Bose

This post is part of the Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile.

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5 must read books on Indian festivals

As much as I love teaching my kids about culture and tradition, there is nothing like a good old book that can help in making them understand much better. We live in a world where kids well at least some of them would not have access to experience the essence of the festivity’s books can help them understand the reason behind the celebration came into place, how to celebrate, and what preparations need to be done.


Here are some books that I came across and I’m sure you would enjoy some of them too.


FESTIVALS OF INDIA from Sonia Mehta’s Discover India series


The book unravels the vibrant tapestry of India’s diverse festivities. The book takes readers on a journey through all the festivities. With vivid descriptions and captivating illustrations, the book brings alive each festival from Holi and Diwali.


The Author weaves fascinating stories and legends associated with each festival. Through this, the children learn customs, traditions, and the joy of coming together to celebrate the festivals.


The book is perfect for little minds to explore the country’s rich cultural heritage. The book strikes a perfect balance between information and entertainment.


FESTIVALS THROUGH THE YEAR by Rachna Chhabria


Through the eyes of twins, Natasha and Nikhil this book helps little minds explore the cultural heritage of the country and celebrate it.


Starting with Lohri in January to Christmas in December, Natasha and Nikhil explore festivals throughout the year.


The book is a treasure to cherish and revisit because of the detailed descriptions and wealth of information it contains about each of the festivals.


Young readers are introduced to rituals and joy associated with each festival along with explaining the significance.


Right from Holi to Diwali the child understands the traditions and customs.


Not only that Natasha and Nikhil record their experiences of the festivities on a blog.
Their observations add depth and authenticity to the storytelling.


AMMA, TELL ME ABOUT FESTIVAL series by Bhakti Mathur


This set is a lovely find for book readers. Fortunate to have had the chance to review these books, what caught my attention was the colorful illustrations, simple text, and engaging story narration.


Holi, Diwali, and Ramayana are the books in this series where the mother tells the children the story of how the festival came into existence.


Klaka and Kiki, the two siblings settle down for a story from Amma where she weaves a charming story on a delightful journey to celebrate Holi and Diwali.


SHE CELEBRATES


This book is an anthology of 21 stories by women across the world who are of Indian origin. Each of these stories has a backdrop of an Indian festival like Lohri, Sankranti, Teej, Onam, and Vishu to name a few. What I loved the most was the recipe at the end of each chapter associated with the festival. The illustrations were good too.


These are some of the books that had a festive background, caught my attention, and remain a favorite to me and my kids though these books were published long ago. But that’s what books are for right? To be remembered for time immemorial and to be revisited often.

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘BookishCafeBloghop2024’ hosted by  Rakhi   and Samata Dey Bose .

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4 must read cookbooks in 2024

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.

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with the Bohemian Bibliophile.

This post is part of the Bookish league blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile.

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Self-help books to read in 2024

Self-help has always been one genre that keeps me glued while reading. I look forward to books that have a tone that is practical and not something preachy. I choose books which have a good amount of examples, case studies and research based evidence which is a sign that the book needs to be added to my TBR. Here are a few books that made it to my reading list.

Average sucks by Michael Bernoff

A book that challenges you to come out of your comfort zone and unleash your true potential. The reason we don’t get what we want is that we have an average that defines the behavior, performance, and results. This is the reason that the book argues. Our average is the invisible force that keeps us stuck in mediocrity and prevents us from achieving our goals. It shows how to identify our average, raise it, and surpass it so that we create an extraordinary life.
It is not a typical self-help that gives generic advice but rather a powerful guide that teaches how to change mindset, habits, and actions. The author has used these tools and techniques with thousands of clients.

The book has three sections such as
PART 1: The problem– Explain what your average is. How it affects you and why it hurts.
PART 2: The solution– reveals the five steps to raising your average and creating a lasting change.
PART 3: The action– provides exercises, challenges, and resources to help in implementing the solution and transforming your life.


A suitable book for anyone who wants to improve any area in their life- personal, professional, and social. I realized how my average was holding me back from achieving my dreams. I found a lot of tools and strategies to raise my average to create more happiness and success. A good guide that teaches you how to live an above-average life.Read a short review here. Buy a copy.

Money hacks by Larry Steinhouse

A book that reveals the secrets of money and how to use it to your advantage, it also challenges the common myths and misconceptions about money. The book shows you how to think differently and creatively based on your financial solution. I loved the topics that the book covered such as,

  • How to obtain huge lines of credit while building up credit scores and your net worth.
  • How to negotiate better deals and save money on everything you buy.
  • How to avoid pitfalls and traps of debt, taxes, and inflation.
  • How to develop a money mindset that attracts wealth and abundance.


The book is written in a simple, conversational, and humorous style with stories, tips, and real-life examples from the author’s own experience as a successful real investor and entrepreneur. The book is suitable for anyone who wants to learn more about money and how to make it work for them. It is not a get-rich scheme but a realistic guide that teaches the skills and strategies you need to achieve your financial goals. The book opened my eyes to the possibilities and opportunities that money can offer and how I can use it to create more happiness and security in my life.


I found a lot of tools and techniques that can be applied to my situation. A realistic guide which can help anyone understand the truth about money and how to use it smartly. Read a short review here. Buy a copy.

The Science of getting started by Patrick King

A book that explores the psychological and biological reasons why we procrastinate and how to overcome them. It reveals the hidden forces that prevent you from taking action such as perfectionism, fear, impulsiveness, self-doubt, and boredom. It also provides practical and proven strategies to help start and finish any task, goal, or project.

  • How to use the power of habits and routines to automate your productivity.
  • How to leverage the psychology of motivation and rewards to boost your performance.
  • How to apply the principles of behavioral economics, neuroscience, and game theory to make your work more fun and engaging.
  • How to overcome the common excuses that keep you stuck.
  • How to deal with distractions and interruptions.
  • How to cope with stress, anxiety, and fatigue which can sabotage your progress.


Written in a clear, concise, and conversational style, with case studies, personal anecdotes, and scientific research that support the author’s points the book is not a boring text but an entertaining lively guide that teaches skills on how to master the mind and take action.

This book is suitable for anyone who wants to improve their productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness in any area of life. The book was very helpful and an insightful read which helped me understand how I procrastinate and how I can change it. A lot of tips and techniques can help boost my productivity and achieve my goals. I can say that it is a science-based solution to getting started. Read a short review here. Buy a copy.

Lead or get out of the way by Gary .J.Vien

Lead or Get Out of the Way is a practical and inspiring book that lets you know how to become an effective leader. And if you are already one, this book will help you become much more effective. Based on his forty-year career in the military, education, government, and business as a leader, the author presents 8 principles of leadership that help in achieving your goals, overcoming challenges, and influencing others.


With clear examples, tips, and exercises these 8 principles are explained in detail for us to apply in our situations.

The principles are:

  • Communicate effectively.
  • Build trust and credibility.
  • Know yourself and your purpose.
  • Lead by example.
  • Collaborate and partner.
  • Empower others.
  • Embrace change and innovation.
  • Celebrate success and learn from failure.

A good handbook that lets you assess the leadership skills currently and find out areas for improvement. Written in a simple and engaging style, with a pinch of wisdom, insight, and humor, it is a book that is apt for anyone who wants to improve their leadership skills, irrespective of whether they are people who aspire to be leaders or new and experienced leaders.
A helpful and motivating read, the book gives practical tools and strategies to enhance leadership abilities and confidence. Making me think about how to make an impact on others and to think differently is what the book made me gain.

These books help understand what actually is happening and analyse situations. They also guide you on how to handle situations by giving you the knowledge about tools and techniques which will help you arrive at solutions. Read a short review here.  Buy a copy.

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with the Bohemian Bibliophile.

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Book review – Attitude

BLURB

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.

Buy here.

This book review is part of blogchatters book review program.

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Zero day – Book review

BLURB

Mumbai is in a state of chaos. All traffic signals across the entire city have stopped working.

Shahwaz Ali Mirza, head of the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad, receives an anonymous email claiming it to be a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack. He quickly puts together a crack team that includes his protege, IG Cybercrime Vikrant Singh, and gets to work trawling the dark web for more information on this mystery attack. However, a move to bring forward the hacker backfires, leading to a second, deadlier attack on Mumbai’s lifeline, the railway system.

It is their first brush with cyberterrorism: a zero-day vulnerability in the Indian government’s system that could bring the country to its knees. Racing against time and investigating a case unlike any other, in Zero Day, Mirza and Vikrant face the most dangerous mission of their lives

REVIEW

I love reading crime novels. Especially the pace they pick up after a few chapters and the urge they give me to complete it sooner. The novel Zero-day by Hussain Zaidi gives you a lot of twists turns and edge-of-seat moments.


In a busy city like Mumbai, a cyber attack is getting the city to a standstill. What would be the problem? More than physical terror, this time everything goes digital. A hacking attempt into the city’s traffic system brings the city to chaos.

The ATS chief received an anonymous email on the threat and the subsequent actions were taken by his team with occurrences of politics, and a wee bit of romance making it an interesting read.


Trying to find the identity of the hacker, to handling a national emergency situation in a smart way the book has its own nuances by the author with which he keeps the reader engaged. The language is simple and also makes the situations nail-biting through the narration. Characters Mirza and Vikrant had great bonding that helped in cracking the mystery. A crisp power-packed story that definitely would keep mystery lovers engaged.

Buy the book here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

S.. Hussain Zaidi is one of the most prolific crime writers in India. The investigations into the Mumbai mafia that he has conducted in books such as Dongri to Dubai, Mafia Queens of Mumbai and My Name is Abu Salem are among the finest investigative reporting of all time.

As the Resident Editor of the newspaper The Asian Age, Zaidi began his career in journalism. He then worked for several other publications, including The Indian Express, Mid Day, and Mumbai Mirror. Authors like Misha Glenny in McMafia and Vikram Chandra in Sacred Games drew on his in-depth research into the Mumbai mafia for their works. Adrian Levy, the author of books like The Meadows on Kashmir terrorism and The Siege on 26/11 attacks, consults him on a variety of subjects.


His reporting on the Mumbai mafia has spanned decades. Black Friday, written in 2002, is a book about the 1993 Mumbai bombings, which had 13 explosions and caused 250 deaths. Two years later, in 2004, Anurag Kashyap adapted the book into a film also titled Black Friday. As a result of the controversy surrounding the film, the Indian Censor Board refused to allow its release in India for three years, and the Supreme Court of India eventually allowed its release after a unanimous judgment in the Bombay blasts case delivered by TADA court.

Zaidi conducted an interview with the suspected bombing mastermind Dawood Ibrahim for the book Dongri to Dubai: Six Decades of the Mumbai Mafia, a history of the Mumbai mafia involving the Mumbai mafia. In 2012, Sanjay Gupta adapted the book into the film Shootout at Wadala.


Phantom, the 2015 film starring Saif Ali Khan and Katrina Kaif, is based on Zaidi’s book Mumbai Avengers, and the screenplay for it was written with Zaidi’s assistance.



As an associate producer, he worked on the HBO documentary Terror in Mumbai, which tells the story of the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai.

The book review is part of blogchatter’s book review program.

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Book review of Parenting Tweens

Blurb

The book is an attempt to make parents aware of the pre–teen issues and give them solutions based on my experiences. There is so much literature on parenting babies, toddlers and teens but nothing specific to the tweens. A tween has many different and unique issues than a toddler or a teen.As we all know the pre-teen years are the foundational years for a person that prepares him /her for his /her life. A healthy, stable and disciplined foundation sets a child to take on life, studies and society in rightful manner. This is the age when the child starts to become independent. S/he wants to take independent decisions and wants to make choices, whether it is dress to wear or the food to eat. This is the age when a strong bond is required between a child and the parents and age-appropriate freedom should be encouraged.

My thoughts on the book

Parenting would encompass all age groups of children but we predominantly come across people talking only about newborn, toddler and teenagers.


The word ‘tween’ might sound new to many and can even see a lot of raised eyebrows because it isn’t much commonly used across not until the present says.
It is high time that we start talking about the age group that is between 10&12 and discuss the changes that happen along.


Jyoti’ s book would come as a handbook to many parents and make them understand that it’s not that their children are behaving differently but it’s natural because of the changes they undergo and how we should be handling them. It is this age that we parents require patience to understand what’s happening and in return handle them with love. It is this time that we do not react because we feel they are acting as if they know much of the World around and understand that it’s the inner self letting them want to explore the limits of their independence.


The book has 23 chapters that discuss all about the preteen age that needs attention. Right from the way to connect , to how to deal with issues ranging from mental health to food the covers it all.


Each chapter is carefully crafted to address what’s the title line in a crisp manner. Keeping in mind that this is also the age that they get a lot of social media exposure, Jyoti has also included a chapter that specifically talks about Cyberbullying and what its effects are.


Peer pressure and stress is the most common issues that spoke up during this age group and they need to be carefully analysed before getting to any solutions or conclusion.Peer pressure can be positive or negative and I was glad that the author chose to address both in the book.


Delayed gratification is something that does wonder in parenting, though it’s good to start in early ages it’s utmost value is realised only when we see our kids in the preteen age group.


Disciplining the kids during this age group is necessary but also requires certain strategies that need to be carefully done. The author breaks those into crisp pointers that makes it easy for parents to understand and act accordingly.


I love how every chapter ends with a brief conclusion section that summarises the chapter in toto.

About the Author

Jyoti Kaur, is an architect, who is also following her passion for writing and blogging. She is a
proud daughter, and strives to be a supermom.
From working actively in a design firm full-time, to now getting the privilege to work part-
time from home, Jyoti never missed the experience of each little phase of parenting. She
has enjoyed every moment of being a mother and her parenting journey has been incredible
as she’s now more like a friend to her daughter, than a mother.
She loves to share her parenting journey on her blog Mom Captures Life with all the new
moms out there, and her experiences as a mother is something which every new mother
can relate to! She also captures snippets of her life related to Parenting, Travel and Lifestyle
in her blogs. She shares useful tips, product reviews, her travelling experiences and
expresses her views on health, education and lifestyle.