Tag: bookreview

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Review of corridors of time by Vinay Krishnan

Blurb:

Corridors of Time tracks the story of a sensitive young man who grows from carefree childhood to eventful manhood – one who stumbles before learning to stride through those dark and dense passages.

Set in Bangalore – a city of paradoxes. of gardens and garbage heaps. of technology and traffic snarls. of friendly people and failing infrastructure. when bungalows had gardens and pavements were meant for pedestrians. this is a narrative of the human spirit.

Rohan, an idealistic young sports lover experiences rejection, dark dejection and isolation and hurtles down the path to self-destruction.

Shyla, attractive and successful is everything his heart yearns for and his body desires, except, she is married!

Chandrika, simple and devoted fails to understand the man she loves.

The shuklas long for justice denied by the system.

And khalid fears nothing and no one …anymore.

MY REVIEW:

I am someone who believes in the saying that ‘excessive strictness and blind discipline are bad teachers for kids’. But we do know kids whose parents are in army are brought up with utmost strictness and discipline. Likewise, here in this book, the lead character Rohan is the son of an ex-Army man who is very strict and follows principled lifestyle. In fact, he follows principle for everything, he can be aptly known as Rohan’s teacher than his father. Such approach being showcased while bringing up children, often creates disruptions in the child’s life. As mentioned in the quote above, too much strictness towards him, Rohan grows up with a carefree attitude.

Rohan is an excellent sports person but a bad performer in academics. Due to this, he was always being pinned down as a failure in academics. This in turn worsens his performance when he joins college. He falls in love with a woman(Shyla) even after knowing she is married. Taking her as role model, he tries hard to complete studies by joining evening class. The lust angle that is usually looked at when a relationship between a bachelor and a married woman is spoken off is not visional here since the Author has sensibly avoided the details. The relationship between them takes a toll and they part ways to be good friends.

Rohan becomes dejected. After years, he secures a job where a girl(Chandrika) falls for him. He decides to proceed and go along but this time her parents reject the proposal. But they plan to move ahead and face a lot of hardships.

The plot is set in a timeline of two decades ago in Bangalore, but can be related even now owing to the current scenario of the city. The plot is more relatable when Rohan meets Chandrika and a couple of instance more relatable by a middle class family’s daily household.

The author has brought up more sub plots within this book, which have individual importance but I feel they could have been reduced to keep up the current pace of Rohan’s story. The climax was a bit unsolicited and very delicate.

BOOK DETAILS:

Author: Vinay Krishnan

Publisher: GJ group

Genre: Non fiction

Cover design: Envy designs

MY RATINGS:

Cover- 3.5 stars

Title- 4 stars

Blurb- 3.5 stars

Plot- 4 stars

Writing and Presentation- 4 stars

Overall- 3.75 out of 5 stars

The book is available on Amazon.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2OCmG7g

About the Author:

Vinay Krishnan describes himself as a ‘complete Bangalorean’. A student of Clarence High School, he graduated in Humanities from St Joseph’s College. Earning a diploma in Business Administration, he began his career at Usha International Ltd and rose to a position of Senior Sales manager. Vinay has now set up a construction firm of his own. He also writes and devotes his time to an NGO assisting people with disability. The city of his dreams, Bangalore, where he stays with his wife and daughter, continues to inspire and exasperate him. He can be reached at – vinaykrshnn@yahoo.com.

Praises for the book:

The book is simple in style and content, for often it is this simplicity that bewilders and rouses
Interest.
~ Shri S . Rajendra Babu, Former Chief Justice of India
The book has excellent literary craftsmanship, passion humour and adventure. Highly recommended.
~ Mr. Namboodiri, former Asst. Editor, Deccan Herald
This charming book about old Bangalore is written in a racy easy-to-read style.
~ Deccan Herald, Bangalore.

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Review of Table for one by Neha Bindal

BLURB:

Taara Maheshwari, a single woman in her thirties and a successful lawyer, is tough from outside but a die heart fan of romantic movies from inside.

She grew up seeking her “happily ever after’ but amid various heartbreaks and culture of modern age short term relationships,her belief in “true connections” got replaced by the comfort of being “emotionally disconnected.”

After she turned 31, her parents persuaded her into meeting a guy for marriage who sounded just perfect for her. Acting on impulse,she told her parents that she would meet him only if they let her go on atrip to Europe.

As Taara went on to explore the world, she experienced what actually happens when a single Indian girl travels to Europe all by herself. Is it only about dancing, singing or falling in love? What happens after you fall in love? Does love conquer all? Only her story would tell.

My Review

One’s destination is never a place, but always a new way of seeing things.

The first thing that made me awe was the cover of the book. It looks to be wonderfully designed keeping in mind the asthetics of a travelogue or the diary of a traveler. Kudos to the creator.

I had an initial thought the book is on the similar lines of ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ but I was proved wrong.

Taara is just another girl like you and me who is in her early thirties. She has a modern upbringing and self-determining nature. The way she is described projects a girl next door image, but she sounds detained deep inside by the heart. She is a confused person who does not know what she wants.

After being crushed in two break ups, the girl grabs the opportunity to strike a deal with her father putting her future on stake and wanting to go on a solo trip. So, what does the trip have in store for her.

The trip which starts as a journey of exploration finally ends in rediscovering herself but now a strong woman. The cover gives you the feel that the book is about the places she visits but you are in for a surprise.

Every happening in life is a lesson and everything happens for a reason and every person whom we come across has a part to play.

Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eyes, that is where we realize love is what we feel and can be felt with memories too. The author has done complete justice to this.

The plot had a lucid narration to support and a let go feel which was commendable. An addition of a chapter of her life after the return from trip could have been added.

Love like you’ve never been hurt aptly complemented her. The novel is a light read and a good book to be carried on a journey.

The writing style was simple and lucid, with not much of a clichéd drama. Most places had a Bollywood reference which gives it a more Indie feel. In fact, the author’s description about the various places takes you on an imaginary solo travel.

Takes us women, on a trip of self-realization is this book in short. Go ahead and grab your copy.

I finished this book in a day, such intriguing was the way the author had written it.

“As you travel solo, being totally responsible for yourself, it’s inevitable that you will discover just how capable you are!”

“If you never go, you will never know!”, so get ready and pack your bags.

BOOK DETAILS:

Author: Neha Bindal

Publisher: Half Baked Beans

No Of Pages: 175

Genre: Romance,Travel Diary

MY RATINGS:

Cover- 4.5 stars

Title- 4 stars

Blurb- 4 stars

Plot- 4 stars

Writing and Presentation- 4 stars

Overall- 4.5 out of 5 stars

The book is available on Amazon.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2w7EhMA

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Neha Bindal is a chartered accountant and PGDBA and has changed four companies in her six years of corporate career.She takes life with a pinch of salt and a pitcher of margarita.She is an impulsive traveler,avid reader,part time writer and a full time dreamer.

She is also the first women from Laxmi nagar to fly solo across khardunga La pass(Leh) without oxygen. She has decided to open a cafe there and inspire people to “Netflix znd chill” when there is no oxygen by sipping freshly brewed half baked coffee.

Her philosophy of life is simiilar to Paul Walker.If you can’t have fun,there is no point doing it.

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Review of Fate’s design by Subhashish Dey

BLURB:

When a kidnapper redeems his lost conscience and finds himself unable to murder the girl he has kidnapped, what does he do? Fate is cruel to him and good intentions are never enough.

At the same time, a woman dissatisfied with her existence flees from her home, not knowing what lies ahead of her. But all things come at a price and she has a hard path ahead through storms and fire.

Watch how fate has entwined these lives together, into a song through struggles of conscience and identity, through the deepest lows and greatest highs and through the flame of madness and the stings of survival.

My Review

The first thing that took me back when I was offered this book for review is the age of the Author.

Gone are the days where one can say the kid is just 14. I am totally impressed with his work and astounded at his talent. Author has done a noteworthy job in his maiden novel.

“You often meet your fate on the road you take to avoid it.” Is a French proverb. Likewise, fate has the supreme power to drag or if I would say weave the pattern of our lives. The book stands out and makes itself a good example of it. The feelings like love, harassment, affection, morality, duplicity were all expressed in such a way a matured human would do. The narration by the author was at the right pace. Not too much or not very little. The maturity stood out here as well. Simple expressions of pardoning were brief and heart-touching.

The story at some places were predictable, but I never had the feeling to skip the pages and go ahead, that definitely should be credited to the writing that was eloquent and warm. The reunification of Andrei and Irina brought out the best literal talent of the author, where he depicts the separation space being filled with love and affection.

Here’s wishing the author a successful and bright literary future.

I write this review with the age of the author still vivid and clear in my mind for each word.

Overall the book gave me a warm feeling and attachment to the characters and made me learn that,

Fate doesn’t care about your plans.

Fate will find a way.

About The Author

Subhashish is a 14 year old student of Chinmaya Vidyalaya Anna Nagar. He has been regularly contributing short stories to his school magazine. An avid reader, Subhashish believes that books open the doors to some wonderful insights in life. An inquisitive boy, Subhashish loves to explore different places and spends time trying to understand the culture of the people there.

Subhashish lives in Chennai along with his parents and grandmother. This is his first attempt at writing a novel. Subhashish is passionate about music and loves singing and playing his piano. Incidentally , music forms the backbone for the story if his novel.

BOOK DETAILS:

· Author: Subhashish Dey

· Publisher: Good Times Books PVT LTD

· No Of Pages: 204

· Genre: Drama, Mystery

· Title – Fate’s design

MY RATINGS:

Cover- 4.5 stars

Title- 4 stars

Blurb- 4 stars

Plot- 4 stars

Writing and Presentation- 4 stars

Overall- 4.3 out of 5 stars

The book is available on Amazon.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2vv7sKg

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Review of Iridescent life by Sonal Bharija Singh

IRIDESCENT LIFE by Sonal Bharija Singh

BLURB:

This book is a story of life by a person’s outlook that everyone can relate to. It is about every individual who has been in a relationship. It’s about anyone who has ever been happy or dejected. This book is just a small effort to help people recognize themselves and their lives as it is essential to understand life before acting on it.

THEME:

The book is about the author’s perception of life and the various stages. She brings out the general view or notion and how it differs according to her. She talks about liberation of women, the thinking process of brain, the yearning to ask life for more. She does explain them beautifully with references to her childhood. Then there is a chapter about what she regrets and how she is considered weird. There are 19 chapters, each of which is based on her opinion on the difference in thought process.

MY REVIEW:

The book cover made me fall in love with it immediately. Samridhi Bharti has done a commendable job which also is one of the reasons that made me read it immediately. As you know the appearance also plays an important part. It’s a small read and can be finished maybe in two or three hours during a short journey.

As I mentioned in the theme, the book is about the Author’s take on life which anyone can relate to. The book brings about self- realization which is the basis of life and which when done right makes it easier to take on anything in life. After all, understanding oneself will make us better and judge situations and act accordingly. The book has 19 chapters which are inspired by her own experiences and her own life and thoughts the way she has accepted her life in all the colors as she believes that “there are more colors to life than just black and white”. However, I did find few places contradictory to the point that was initially made and some minor grammatical errors. On a lighter note, I would suggest the women folk giving this book a read to improve self-realization.

BOOK DETAILS:

· Paperback: 106 pages

· Publisher: Blue Rose Publishers; 1st edition (7 July 2018)

· Language: English

· ISBN-10: 9387996069

· ISBN-13: 978-9387996069

MY RATINGS:

Cover- 4.5 stars

Title- 4 stars

Blurb- 4 stars

Plot- 3.5 stars

Writing and Presentation- 3.75 stars

Overall- 3.7 out of 5 stars

Title – Iridescent Life

Author – Sonal Bharija Singh

The book is available on Amazon, flipkart, shopclues and bluerose.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Kkotv4

Shopclues: https://www.flipkart.com/iridescent-life/p/itmf63ak6wr5kuww?pid=9789387996069&lid=LSTBOK9789387996069HALMIB&marketplace=FLIPKART&srno=s_1_1&otracker=search&fm=organic&iid=5c99b8e6-66d1-490e-ab77-2813680567e3.9789387996069.SEARCH&qH=a010d89b18a8911f

Flipkart: https://www.shopclues.com/iridescent-life-139261116.html

Bluerose: https://bluerosepublishers.com/product/iridescent-life/

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sonal Bharija was born on 31st October 1988 she is a management lecturer who was raised in Delhi and completed her post-graduation from Bangalore. She loves spending time writing her thoughts and studying human behavior, the aim of her life is to connect to people through her writing, apart from her job and writing she enjoys getting together with her family and husband, going out with friends and listening to music.

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I owed you one – REVIEW

BLURB

Dev Khanna has it all before a mysterious letter shakes the very foundation he has built his life on. With his beliefs challenged, he decides to close the chapter once and for all. I Owed You One is the story of promises and commitments, of triumphs and defeat, and of holding on and letting go.

MY REVIEW:

A female author narrating from the lead character’s POV is something very different. The thought process, the expression of behaviors and emotion from the authors perspective was bang on like that of a male.

Dev Khanna, a chemical engineer based out of Australia is the main character, who is is happily married to his wife Radhika and has an adorable son named Neel. His life is progressing at a steady pace when suddenly he receives a mysterious letter from his hometown in India. The content of the letter and what it changes in lives of many people is what is the story of I owed you one.

He has always questioned his father’s behavior when he was little. He has seen his father ignoring her mother all the time, coming up with excuses like he has too much of work in his office. Dev noticed his mother’s unhappiness though she would never complain about her husband’s attitude. Growing up in such a family where people are not attached, he often feels neglected by his father. This leaves an contrary effect when he grows up.

The mysterious letter from India just acts as a prompt and this is where starts a voyage filled with emotions, anger, anxiety, etc.

The story is written in a subtle manner and each character plays a crucial role in the novel.

This is a must-read novel if you looking for an interesting story with strong characters. The story is imprinted in a very beautiful manner where relationships are given primary importance.

It explores the family relationships and shows how important it is to bond with your children and how it can affect your children when you’re not emotionally involved with him/her.

The narration flowed easily. Also, the switching between past and present is managed well in the book. It’s very smooth, descriptive and has some amazing word play. It’s very rare to find books with good language these days, either the language is too stiff and difficult to understand or it is amateurish. But, in this book, the author has shown her vocabulary skills.

The author conveys the beautiful message of humanity and peaceful coexistence.

MY RATINGS:

Cover- 3.5 stars

Title- 3.5 stars

Blurb- 4 stars

Plot- 3.5 stars

Writing and Presentation- 3 stars

Overall- 3.7 out of 5 stars

Title – I Owed You One

Author – Madhu Vajpayee

Genre – Fiction / Family Life

Publisher – LiFi Publications

ISBN – 978-93-86191-28-1

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dr. Madhu Vajpayee the writer is born somewhere in those hospital corridors where she has spent the last two decades of her life. Witnessing life at such close quarters pushed her to capture the enigma of life in her words and slowly it became her passion. After writing several medical papers and chapters in books, she started her journey in the literary world. Having done her graduation, MBBS from King Georges Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow she went ahead to pursue her post-graduation, MD Clinical Microbiology from AIIMS, New Delhi.

She was a faculty at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi having been associated with diagnosis and management of patients living with HIV/AIDS besides being actively involved with research and teaching. She is now settled in Melbourne, Australia with her family, where she is devoting most of her time to writing, the passion that she couldn’t pursue earlier because of the demands of medical profession and commitment it requires. When not creating stories, Madhu enjoys reading and traveling.

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THEN THE DOOR BELL RANG

BLURB:

One fine morning, Jane wakes up and stands upon the ledge of her 18th floor flat in Dubai Marina. Till a few years back, she was everything that would make anyone jealous – beautiful, rich and successful. But then the wheels of time turned. Today, she is miserable and lonely. Would she get over a deception? Can she forgive herself for deserting a friend? Would she ever find true love? Will karma get the better of her or will life give her another chance to correct the wrongs?
Then the Doorbell Rang is about Jane’s roller-coaster journey as she explores the mystical phenomenon called Life.

Then the Doorbell Rang is about Jane’s roller-coaster journey as she explores the mystical phenomenon called Life.

This was my first thriller novel for the year and my choice did not go wrong, nor did the decision to choose this book let me down.

The book consists of 395 pages, but the first half is enough to captivate any reader to continue further.
The book is filled with simplicity, from the start till the end.

PLOT:

The book revolves around the story of the central character Jane who was deprived of love and care from her initial days. The failure of her parents who did not show out that they cared, when they actually did lead Little Jane into depression. She was left with no hope to live, when destiny took away her loved one.

Though the content mostly deals with human emotions, suspense was the main element focused throughout the novel.

Though a known story line, the treatment with few crumbs of suspense makes the reader get thrilled at some places.

This book shows the twofold faces of every people have – the one that is seen outside and the one within the person. The captivating plot with twists and turns at unanticipated time helps the readers to hook up with the book till the end. Since the narration is by Jane herself it makes it easier for the reader to go with the flow. This book is a treasure of emotions and it brings out the hidden feelings of the readers.
The blurb gives a profound understanding on what’s within the book.

Jane’s life was a series of misfortunate incidents, she held herself through it. This is was Then The Door Bell Rang is all about.
VOCABULARY AND NARRATION:

VOCABULARY AND NARRATION:


Usage of simple, refined language must be appreciated and the narration was not exaggerated at any point. The flow of writing is smooth and has engaging dialogues.

Narration is in flashback and from the point of view of the main character Jane. We are made to think and explore with her.

REVIEW IN ONE LINE:

A good thriller, but a very big book.

MY RATINGS:

Cover- 4 stars
Title- 4 stars

Blurb- 4 stars
Plot- 3.5 stars
Writing and Presentation- 3 stars
Overall- 3.7 out of 5 stars
Title- 4 stars
Blurb- 4 stars
Plot- 3.5 stars
Writing and Presentation- 3 stars
Overall- 3.7 out of 5 stars

Book Title: Then the door bell rang
Author: Capri Jalota
Format: Paper Back
Number of pages : 395
Publisher: Leadstart Publishing Private Limited
Publishing Date: 1st Aug 2017
Printed Price: INR 206
ISBN-10: 9352019504
ISBN-13: 978-9352019502

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

‘Passion is elixir for the soul’ – this is Capri’s mantra for a happy and fulfilling life. He developed a passion for writing and plunged fearlessly into it. This book bears the hallmark of his commitment to his passion.
Human behaviors have always intrigued him. He believes that we are a product of both our circumstances and our choices. Whilst circumstances are often outside our control, how we react to them is very much a conscious and voluntary action. And that ultimately shapes not just us but also our relationships. Our choices and decisions define the role we play in the lives of everyone around us. Sometimes, small gestures can make a big difference. It is this thought which he has tried to encapsulate and portray in his first novel.

Capri is from Chandigarh and has studied Management at IIM Ahmedabad. He has worked for over 13 years in reputed organizations like Maruti Suzuki, Tata Strategic Management Group, Fortis Healthcare and KIMS, across India and the Middle East, before he decided to pen his first novel.
Capri is also an avid numismatist with a collection of over 1000 coins from 100+ countries.
Human behaviors have always intrigued him. He believes that we are a product of both our circumstances and our choices. Whilst circumstances are often outside our control, how we react to them is very much a conscious and voluntary action. And that ultimately shapes not just us but also our relationships. Our choices and decisions define the role we play in the lives of everyone around us. Sometimes, small gestures can make a big difference. It is this thought which he has tried to encapsulate and portray in his first novel.
Capri is from Chandigarh and has studied Management at IIM Ahmedabad. He has worked for over 13 years in reputed organizations like Maruti Suzuki, Tata Strategic Management Group, Fortis Healthcare and KIMS, across India and the Middle East, before he decided to pen his first novel.
Capri is also an avid numismatist with a collection of over 1000 coins from 100+ countries.

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World book Day challenge prompt 7 : Colours or Rainbow

The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”~ Dr. Seuss

T

here are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.
~ Jacqueline Kennedy

Posting for #worldbookdaychallenge day 6 prompt colors/ rainbow.
Recognition of colors can provide children with essential learning tools in life. As kids learn to identify colours and use colour as a language tool to describe things, it develops and strengthens their ability to communicate effectively.
Teaching our child about colour (hurs, shades and tones) we will also be helping them to use colour as a means of creative expression in all aspects of life.
They will learn to use colour as a visual cue to identify danger (red) and distinguish hot from cold.
The books I chose for this prompt and the ones I used to teach colors to Cheeni are @ericcarl my first book of colors , @prathambooks colors of nature and look and learn colors of creative publications.
These books have beautiful illustrations for each color so that it is easier for the child to grasp.
Cheeni now identifies few colours like blue and red.
My first book of colors is a mix and match book where we could mix and match colors and the objects.
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World book day challenge day 4 prompt : Nursery rhymes

B

ooks are a uniquely portable magic.
~ Stephen King

Posting for world book day challenge day 4 prompt : Nursery rhymes
This is my most favorite prompt in this contest. I would have definitely gone with ‘ Wheels on the bus ‘ but I am yet to get a book for the song. I am not impressed with the ones on Amazon. Everytime I try to block when it’s posted on preloved book pages on Instagram someone else blocks before me, so I’m just waiting on this one.
But definitely next on the list is ‘ Old McDonald had a farm EIEIO ‘.
Whenever the song is been played on being sung Cheeni immediately starts singing Ee Aa Ee Aa . How sweet is that. Not only that she also runs to get this book to you to read it out for her.
The rhyme is about a farmer and the animals he keeps in his farm – the chick, the duck ,the dog ,the cat ,the sheep, the cow, the horse and the pig.
The lyrics are catchy , with the animal sounds moo, baa, bow wow ,meow , neigh ,oink, chick and quack.
We recently got few magnets of animal set from @ishvadesigns which made this rhyme learning even more easier and fun.
Cheeni brings these magnets from fridge making these animal sounds when we sing.
What Cheeni loved about this book
* The colourful pictures of animals
* It’s small and handy for her to hold it and dance.
This book was also from @sunshinebooks.
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World book day challenge day 1 prompt : Earth

A book is a garden, an orchard, a storehouse, a party, a company by the way,

a counselor, a multitude of counselorrs.

~ Charles Baudelaire

Posting for the prompt #1 of #worldbookdaychallenge Earth.

What more describes the life on Earth than our very own Eric Carl’s The very hungry caterpillar.

This beautiful book depicts the life of a caterpillar evolving into a butterfly. Cheeni learnt the days of the week, numbers, colors and what not.

Here is what was the inspriation for this book in his words: “One day I was punching holes with a hole puncher into a stack of paper, and I thought of a bookworm and so I created a story called A Week with Willi the Worm. Then later my editor, who didn’t like the idea of a worm, suggested a caterpillar and I said “Butterfly!” And the rest is history.”

The life cycle is beautifully written down and illustrated the egg , the caterpillar, the cocoon and the big butterfly.

Did you know the book was first published in 1969, that’s when our parents were studying. And it is still selling over 49 million copies worldwide and is being translated over many world languages.

The book also has bright pictures of sun, moon ,leaves ,food which makes it even more interesting for kids .

This made me discover a lot more of Eric Carl’s book to introduce to her.

Cheeni loves it when I read it out loud to her. She recognizes sun and the moon now.

What Cheeni loved

* The big pictures

* The colours

* The way it’s illustrated.

She now knows numbers, colors, sun, moon.

Kids these days are more interested, given the choice of books they have and their types.