Category: Book Reviews

Book Review of You Raise Me Up

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You Raise Me Up by Arjun Hemmady is Leadstart Publishing book. In this book, the author has expressed his thoughts in a way too simple way.

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Blurb : Aalok Sharma, a 27-year-old, chartered accountant, meets the vivacious and beautiful Priyanka Mehra, on a flight from Delhi to Mumbai. They are instantly attracted to each other, though completely opposite in nature. However, something is holding Aalok back. Will this thing throw a spanner in his love story? Or will he be able to overcome his demons?

Cover and Title: The cover is again simple and doesn’t convey much. Maybe it suits the theme but it fails to grab attention of the readers, so those who judge the book by its cover, might not like it. The title is YOu Raise ME Up. It surely gives us no idea to what the author wants to convey so here, the readers want to grab this fat book and read it.

Plot : Again the plot is easy to predict and it revolves around Aalok Sharma and Priyanka Mehra. They happens to be from different backgrounds and cross their paths on a journey. Something click between them but the dark past of Aalok stops him back to make any move. This book about that dark past and how these too realise each other’s worth.

Remarks: The blurb is simple and I feel it could have been presented in a more innovative way. Coming to the plot, it reminds me of a situation of Aniket and Nidhi from Preeti Shenoy’s It’s All in the Planets. The way Arjun’s characters meet are just way too relatable to Preeti’s characters. Further, the predictability of the book makes it a turn off. I really liked the way the characters are delineated. The structure of the novel into three parts makes it quick and easy read. The writing style is again simple and condensed. I feel that surprise element seems missing in the book. The book could have been much better as it had that spark in it.

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Book Review of The Day Before I Died

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The Day Before I Died by Ashi Kalim is a historical fiction with a blend of hope, betrayal, love and many other emotions. This book has powerful names which makes it strong.

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The cover of the book fascinates the readers as it has a beautiful doll in it. This doll is Matryoshka doll that is a Russian Doll and has symbolic significance in it. Every girl who is treated as a doll in the family can co-relate to it.

The title is captivating and it arises an urge to know more and more. It is about the moments of war, love, betrayal.

The lesser known TRUE Love Story of a RUSSIAN dictator Josef Stalin’ s Daughter that changed the world order forever……..

Svetlana had never known pure love, till she meets Brajesh…
Brajesh is a fun-loving, mischievous and caring Indian prince who visits Russia and captures Svetlana’s heart. He christens her as “His Matryoshka.”
Once his work gets done, he leaves for India, taking Svetlana’s heart with him.
Unable to forget him and confident of his love for her, Svetlana travels to India in search of her prince.
Does she find him? What happens to her love? How does the international politics affect her life?
Inspired by true life incidents, The Day Before… I Died narrates the love between Svetlana – daughter of the infamous dictator Josef Stalin – and Brajesh Singh, an Indian Kunwar.
The murder, trails, betrayals and the hope leads to more agony.

The opening line by Hitler takes away my heart. This is a glimpse of a powerful start. The story revolves around Svetlana who happens to be the daughter of great Stalin. She is treated as a doll. Life takes a turn when she comes across Brajesh, who has come from India. This story has various twists and turns. Moreover, it highlights international politics in an enlightened way.

The way the author has characterised Svetlana is impeccable. I instantly fell in love with her character. The way she doesnt idolise her father, Stalin, the way she admires Brajesh’s thoughts. Her selfless love for Brajesh and the people related to him makes her a great figure. She is adaptable to her surroundings which is the strongest point in her character portrayal.

The style of writing is simple yet poetic. The very first page has a poem about Matryoshka which moves you to such an extend that the hopes of this book being a hit begin to hover your mind. Further, the way the author has expressed her thoughts through her moutpiece, Svetlana is worth appreciating. There were certain editing errors here and there but that doesnt affect the powerful thought process.

NOte: Mostly books of debutantes are dissected badly. We reviewers always talk about the negatives and not highlight the best ever points. So, here I tried to make a change in my pattern. I will talk about the positives more and negatives less. FOr me, this book is a must buy book. This review is unbiased and honest.

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Book Review of Jim Morgan and The Seven Sins

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Jim Morgan and The Seven Sins by Bharat Madan talks about a different style of writing which is totally unique in this type of Literature. We can call it a sheer work of fiction blended with spiritualism, suspense, mystery, time travel.

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The cover and the title are fantastic. Jim Morgan stands for the author in the book while the seven sins reminds us of those seven deadly sins taht we read in Dr. Faustus by Christopher Marlowe.

This book is a page turner and from the start it keeps you hooked till the end. I read this book as fast as I could and finished it in one and half hour. The way the author takes us back to the time or say the time travel concept makes it intriguing. Further, the blurb where Jim Morgan is told about the seven deadly sins he had comitted and the clues are hidden in his previous novels, makes this book great strength. I believe if the blurb is crisp, the story turns out to be outstanding.

The story is fast paced which sometimes turns out to be a haush paush. The plot structure is great. The author doesn’t give us much time to imagine as everything goes so fast. The concept and the characters turns out to be a hit whereas the writing style is simple and also requires improvement. If you are looking for unique plotlines and loads of suspense and drama, then surely grab this book.

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Book Review of Silent Invaders

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Silent Invaders by Shree is a mystery crime thriller. This novel can also be categorised under psychological as well as social. It will surely leave you in deep thoughts.

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The cover of the book is fantastic and the title surely has something deep in it. With these starters being amazing, the curiousity of the reader increases upto double the level.

The plot is intriguing and it keeps you hooked till the end. The way with which the author has expressed his views in this book, it just moves your heart. This story is basically about Sana whose life story is being delineated where she is been accused of murder of two people. This is where crime and investigation takes it entry.

The characterisation is bit haush paush. The multiple characters in the story makes it a rush. The author hasnt given much time to the characters to evolve and develop properly. This makes it a bit off beat. The names of the characters are interesting.

Coming to the issues, the author has taken up heavy topics. Social as well as psychological issues comes out to be a great combination. And at times it gives the readers a bit shock and it takes time for the readers to come out of it. But on a positive note, I felt that these issues were necessary to be talked about. This turns out to be a splendid move by the author.

The style of writing is simple. The narrative technique used is third person. Not only this, the short chapters makes it an easy read. The descriptions could have been much better. The story is fast paced and I felt the author could have given time more detailing to its descriptions. Nothing is bad, everything is good and simple, but could have been much better.

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Book Review of The Princess of a Whorehouse

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The Princess of a Whorehouse by Mayank Sharma  is a thought provoking novel. This novel throws light on those factors and issues which we people mostly ignore. Actually we hate to talk about such topics. Through this book, Mayank has brought a revolution in the world of writing.

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Starting with the cover of the book, this looks marvalous and it is difficult to describe those emotions that one feels after this cover encounter. The cover designer might tell the technique but as a naive person to this world, I can iterate that the merger of the pictures surely fits the thought process of the author.

The title has sub title, ‘The Story of a Swamp Princess’ and the title The Princess of a Whorehouse. The title seems ironical to some of the readers, as they think, how can a princess and a whorehouse be connected? But here is a very strong connection to this story.

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Coming to the story, Aparajita is a tenacious go-getter. Her name means unconquerable in Sanskrit, and she lives up to its meaning.
Just like any other ambitious girl, she desires to fulfil her dreams and become an independent individual. Far and wide, the shadow of her melancholy past chases her passage. The fact that her widowed mother is a former sex worker irks the community. Nonetheless, she is not ashamed to reveal her mother’s past.
Will she lose hope, or will she defy an enigma that is centuries-old? Will she ever conquer the hearts of a prestige-obsessed community?
See the world through Aparajita’s prism in a tale stirred by some real life events.

The plot is enthralling and the way the author has executed is the just perfect. It kept me focussed to the book till the end. There were many twists and turns in the story and the author proved me wrong at all the places which is a success for him.

The characterisation is fantastic and the author has created multiple characters with many roles. Even the minor characters had major roles to play. I really loved Aparajita’s character and the way her desire never let her fall. She is replica of her mother. Her mother had a desire to make her daughter study. Both of their desires changes their lives.

Through this book, the author’s message is crystal clear. This type of topics are never discussed. We consider sex workers as cursed people but what about their children? Don’t they have wishes? Even they want to study. It is not written in any book that children of sex workers will become sex workers only and they are forbidden to study. I was deeply touched by the book and these questions kept on hovering over my head.

Technically speaking, the story was fast paced. The characters were so many and at times I got confused. The style of writing was simple and this simplicity sometimes turns out to be a turn off. The pages were just 112 and I completed in one go, but accordingly, the book with such a storng plot could have been more detailed. The descriptions were apt though. Further, the language could have been improved. If the author is coming with such a powerful topic then the language should be more powerful. Otherwise, it is a must read book. Not because I am saying , but because this book deserves to be read and to be talked about.

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Book Review of Ability on Wheels…Enabling Drivability

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Ability on Wheels… Enabling Drivability by Harish Kumar is a motivational book, not only for the disabled people but also for us. This book is really informative and a guideline for the people who are handicapped and have the desire to drive the car.

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The cover is apt as it has a car and a man who is disabled. The captions are inspiring and also the way with which the colours are used.

The title is crystal clear and gives you all the vibes of positivity. At times, the readers are curious to know more about the book.

This book is a non fiction and it is all about the thought process of Harish Kumar who happens to be diabled but did the act of ability. Through this book he has given everyone a lesson that disability doesn’t matters. It matters to those who feel it. He is the record holder and through his struggles, guidelines he has not only encouraged others but also gave us the way to ahead. While I was reading this book I was reminded of my teacher’s words,” Never let your disability come in your goals.” Harish through his success stories gave us enough information about driving tests for handicapped. After reading this, I never felt that Harish Kumar is a handicap. He can drive a car and do all the activities then how can he be a handicap? Infact he is a winner who has defeated his disability as well.

I am glad that I decided to review this book after a session that I had attended on drugs. The person who gave us lecture about it was a handicap. His name is Vivek Joshi. This man is an alumini of my college and the way he handled the audience was spectacular. I felt like mentioning about him. He has spread drug awareness in almost many schools and colleges. Harish Kumar and Vivek Joshi have been an inspirational figures for me. Hence, for the first time in my book review, I got carried away.

This book will make you inspired and it can help you guys in knowing many facts which we often are unknown to. I will strongly recommend this book to everyone as we all have that one person who is handicap, we can help them and help ourselves also, so that we don’t judge such people.

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Book Review of UNNS The Captivation

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UNNS The Captivation by Sapan Saxena is a romantic thriller. This book is multi layered and will surprise you at every moment. The story surely keeps you hooked and I completed it in just 2 hours. Finally, I got a lengthy book of around 244 pages.

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The cover of the book is fantastic as it has a white background, a blue royal rose which plays a majot role in the story ad also two people walking together under an umbrella.

The title makes the reader totally clueless but as we progress we get to know the meaning of it. UNNS is a Urdu word which is a stage in love. This stage signifies the seven stages according to a theory in Urdu which you will get to know in the book.

The plot is crisp and neatly woven. The story revolves around the lives of Atharva and Meher who are sweethearts from their adolescence, get separated and meet again with some reason. Life takes twist and turns in their lives.

The setting plays a significant role and can even be used as locations for the movies. The first part is played in India, then it shifts to Germany and then to a town in AMerica.

The story moves slowly as it has time gap and leaps of 15 years. The lovers meet and get separated. Everytime with a new purpose. This reminds of a concept where fate is the destiny. They were destined to meet hence destiny played the role. Though it sounds like character is the destiny but its the other way out.

Sapan has beautifully characterised his characters. Meher seems one of the most complex characters whose actions and thoughts are difficult to understand. Even at times we are at a doubt like whether loves Atharva or not. She is caught in her own demons.

Whereas Atharva is a strong character but comes out to be weak only in love. Love makes us weak and strong at the same time.

The style of writing is simple yet clear. Some historical facts and stories adds flavour to it and surely, doesnt bore the readers. Furthermore, the pace is steady. There were some facts which I didnt like. The start could have been better, plus the middle was totally predictable. Somwhere I could feel I was watching a movie. Yes, I could connect to the story and feel the emotions.

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Book Review of In the Flickering of an Eye

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In the Flickering of an Eye by Neelam Saxena Chandra is a romantic fiction. This book is not like those lovey dovey romance. It highlights the spiritual concept of love, yes the ones we see in old generations. This type of love is always there and it never gets outdated. The story is set at a time when love was considered as a sin.

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Sneek Peek: Twenty five years worth of ‘what ifs’ and ‘if onlys’ have haunted and tortured Vinay. He cannot help but go back in time again and again to that one moment that changed his life forever. A chance encounter with a person from his past, and a journey through the majestic hills of Kalimpong lead him to some of his answers, in the form of an elusive woman, who bears a striking resemblance to the woman he loved and lost. Will he finally get his happily-ever-after? Or will his story, tarnished when he was nineteen by the gotra system, forever be punctuated with too many fullstops? Read on to find out more.

My Review:

The story is set in Dhanoi Village where love is considered as a crime and ghotra system seems to be prevalent there. Vinay and Manju are the protagonists whose love story seems to be the toughest. Life takes a turn when these two lovers get separated by fate. Things take a new way when they again meet after twenty years. In this book, Neelam has talked about ghotra system, illiteracy of the village people, stream of consciousness technique, fate, chance and separation of lovers.  The cover is eye catching where the title has uniqueness in it. The style is simple, lucid and easy to understand with. Neelam has beautifully described the surroundings in a novel. When the train is moving, one can feel travelling in it. The situations sound realistic and at times you feel you are watching a movie.

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Book Review of Bag it All

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Bag It All by Nina Lekhi and Suman Chhabria is an autobiographical book that has all the flavours of spiritualism, motivation, entrepreneurship.

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Sneek Peak:

As told to Suman Chhabria Addepalli with a foreword by Rashmi Bansal – A Bestselling author. The inspirational story of an entrepreneur who built a 100-crore company with the power of intent and love . Indra Nooyi said, “Women can’t have it all!” It’s either career or family. I disagree. As I see it, we can have it all – a successful company, a loving family and the opportunity to follow our passion. When I was a teenager, I started a small ghar-ka-business selling trendy handbags. Today, Baggit is a 100-crore company. Along the way, I became a wife and a mom, and navigated the various twists and turns in my personal life. I could do it all because of my loving, supportive family and my guru, who have made me a better person and a better entrepreneur. This is the story of how a C-minus student – a failure in college – became an A-plus entrepreneur. If I can do it, so can you. My secrets are in these pages.

Review:

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Starting from the first look of the book, I could make out that this book will surely reach my heart. Yes, it did. The cover of the book is fantastic as it has the picture of the owner, Nina Lekhi, of Baggit Brand. Those who are unaware of this Baggit then I would like to tell you that Baggit is a brand name that deals with handmade bags. It has a history of many years and now the turnover has reached upto 100 crores. This book is a story of young Nina who went through thick and thin to make a small shop into such a big brand. Behind all this, lies the support of family members, friends and relatives.Even the contribution of yoga and Guru ji brought Nina’s life on a track.

The book is divided into 3 parts, it has a narration of Nina’s life and then the next part has her struggles along with it, are the lessons she learnt from those struggles and experiences. Honestly speaking, when I started reading this book, I was in my low modes. But after reading it, my mind was fresh and I was ready to take up the challenges. Furthermore, the way the author has used the remarks made by her dear and near ones makes it impeccable.

The book is written in a simple yet lucid way. It is easy to understand and comprehend. Some of the pictures used in the book makes it look beautiful. This book is not an autobiography but a journey of Nina which we can go through by reading this book.

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Book Review of Dangle

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Dangle by Sutapa Basu is a typical instance of contemporary fiction. This book is roller coaster ride of events, emotions that will keep you glued till the end. I really loved the combination of stream of consciousness technique in it. This reminded me of Mrs. Dalloway by Virgina Woolf though the story is nowhere near to it.

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The cover is crystal clear and neatly done. The bluish colour adds flavour to it and this cover is the best for a photoshoot. The title is dangling as it says our life keeps on dangling. Honestly speaking, I did a lot of photo session with this book.

The title is to the point ‘Dangle’ but still we are in thoughts like what will happen next. The title reveals everything but doesn’t reveal an inch at the same time.

Stunning, svelte, smart Ipshita is a globetrotter. She treks across the world to gather bytes for the travel chats she designs and hosts for TV channels. Despite being a self assured and sophisticated entrepreneur, Ipshita is haunted by a nameless fear. Social interaction with men unleashes psychotic turmoil inside her, making her wary of male attentions. Yet, the cold and aloof Ips is inexorably drawn to the three men she meets at different points in her journey. Her arousal to the overtures of these men catches her unawares. Well-built defenses break as her dormant sexuality go into overdrive until she discovers the horrifying truth about them…and herself. Life puzzles. Secrets tumble out. Will she be able to reclaim her life or let it dangle.

The blurb seems to say alot but again it doesnt reveal the story. It just introduce us to the protagonists. Ipshita is the protagonist who seems to be around a lot of name and fame. The plot construction is superbly done. I really loved the way the author maintains a certain balance throughout the story.

I really loved the locations. I felt I was also travelling with the author through the reading process. The city of Delhi and Chicago along with the scenic locales of Manipur adds spice to the novel.

The story is fast paced and you feel you are feeling and experiencing the incidents. The story sounds really realistic and the thrill part is exceptional. I just couldn’t stop admiring the author.Furthermore, it cleverly throws light on women emancipation, insurgency in the north-east, domestic violence, sexuality and women, our changing mindset while travelling outside India, the scars from a disturbed childhood that remain within us and much more.

The charactersketches are beautifully done. Ipshita is the main figure of focus and the way her thought process, struggles are delineated is fabluous.She herself dangles in between courage and vulnerability, the past and present, her family and other relationships. We see the novel through her eyes.

The style of writing is mindblowing. The descriptions and narration is fantastic along with perfect editing skills. Kuddos to the author and the team. This book is a perfect package.

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