BOOK REVIEW: YOURS TRULY

This book is a collection of 10 Letters, written as poems to the readers, whom the author addresses as acquaintances. It starts off with how beautiful our random thoughts are and shifts towards how we perceive the world, the love in subtle things, which we tend to overlook. Then to random friendships and love from her perspective and heartbreak. It goes beyond that and touches upon various topics. All these 10 poems were written in a simple language. That makes it accessible to everyone, even for beginners. Reading this book is like listening to a friend. A conversation that would make us feel like getting a warm hug and make us feel better. This is a really short book (around 30 pages), which you can read whenever you are feeling low or wanting to talk to a friend. But the only thing that I kind of didn’t like about this is that not everyone will view as same as the author and enjoy how love or friendship is, as written in this book.

BOOK REVIEW: ONCE THERE WAS ME

Bobby Sachdeva, known for his heart wrenching short story collection, Stories of us, which proclaimed the sad realities of the country we are living in, is back with his second book Once there was me, written with a spellbinding writing style making it impossible for the readers to stop this book. As mentioned in his book, He does hold up a mirror to society. It is an autobiography that is part-fictional, presenting his journey of being a kid who would die for his religion to an atheist. Each chapter comprises tragic events that led to this conversion. A beautiful book wich gives us insights about this society. “Human beings just could not live together as equals” This is as accurate as it can be. Keeping in mind, the violence that takes place around the world, because of how humans refuse to accept fellow humans as their equals. The man-made barriers such as caste, color, class, religion, language, sexuality, and what not was created just so few people will be superior to others. Why can’t humans accept every other human living on this planet is the same as them? Maybe it was because of an ingrained fallacy that possessed us ages and ages ago. It is time we should get rid of that fantasy and accept fellow humans. “People who knew the true meaning of God and religion are not bound by the rules laid down by preachers” Religion is the most addressed aspect of this book. It should give peace and solace and not spread hate. How some people blindly follow it, not even knowing what the actual teachings of their religion. This can be because of the lack of internalization of values and virtues their religion taught or they understand their religion through the eyes of the society or their community, the dos and don’ts. Religion can be a part of someone but making it one’s identity, right from their birth to death, and blitzing others who follow other religions is not what any scriptures are preaching, they emphasize Oneness and humanity and not divisiveness. But all we are seeing is the divisions, not just amid religions but within religions. “Language is just a medium to communicate with others” We had reduced this medium to a scale to judge others, measure their intelligence by making some languages superior to others. “Real happiness comes from this kind of selfless dedication to the good of other” Be kind, considerate, and empathetic. That is what matters to be a human, no matter where you belong. This book opens up the reader's mind, revealing the ugly side of the society which we may not have experienced shielded by our privilege. But the author shows us what does it feel like to be hiding fearing for your life even though they didn't do anything wrong, to lose everything built over years in a second, Losing loved ones, just because of some greedy humans who want to make money out of anything, killing someone because they think differently. A must read for everyone.

BOOK REVIEW: THE CURSED CHILD

Albus Severus Potter's worst fear comes true when he was sorted into Slytherin. A Potter in Slytherin becomes the talk of the school and his inability to fulfill the expectations mounted on him takes a toll on his relationship with his family, especially his Father. Albus has only one real friend, Scorpius Malfoy, who was avoided by everyone because of some rumors. They decided to help Harry but that ends in trouble, changing everyone's life. What did they do and How that affected their lives is the story. I started reading this book right after rereading the entire Harry Potter series but I had my expectations low because of what I heard from my friends. So, I was not much disappointed. Still, it tested my patience, especially in the beginning. Maybe I was expecting the Harry Potter series vibe but It doesn't have it. There were the times I wanted to stop reading this, but I continued reading this. Then I forgot about Hp midway through the book and it became more bearable. So, nearing the end I liked the book. One of the things I didn't like about the book is the characters, except for Scorpius. He became my favorite. I found some of them were unnecessarily mean and not very lively. Albus's character could've written well. The things I missed the most are some magic and the enchanted lands of the Harry Potter series. Also, the originality of the characters from the previous books, most importantly Ron. Overall, I liked this book, but not a sequel to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows(at least for me)

A devastatingly beautiful tale, which pictures the result of what happened centuries and centuries ago, "when the love laws were made. The laws that lay down who should be loved, and how. And how much. Through the lives of 'two-egg (fraternal) twins' Estha, Rahel, and their mother Ammu, Arundhati Roy takes the readers to a heartbreaking journey of love, life, sacrifice, the prejudices that don't want all humans to live as equals. With her beautiful storytelling, this book can take the readers back in time, place, and relive the lives of people of Ayemenem. Highly recommended!

BOOK REVIEW: YOU BENEATH YOUR SKIN

Disfigured slum women corpses were found in the dumpsters of Delhi. Police commissioner Jatin and his team started to investigate this case privately with the help of Anjali, a single mother with an autistic son. During this time, a terrible thing happened to Anjali. Why and who did it? How that Questioned their entire reality they are living in? Do people really act like what they seem? What is the importance of good parenting? Read this book to know the answers. Honestly, this book is more than what I expected. It is a really good crime-thriller with a realistic plot, characters, details, and everything. It's real and raw, showing us exactly the society we are living in. Especially, the ending. It is not a perfect ending but definitely a realistic one. Every character in this book is developed really well. The author had accurately captured the minds of people, whom we may come across daily. The trauma of the victims and also the psychotic profile of the perpetrators with an accurate depiction of the precipitating and perpetuating factors were portrayed realistically. Sometimes, it seemed quite predictable. But, that doesn't affect the flow and strength of the plot. A highly recommend read!!

A Letter to my Favorite Character...

Dear Mariam,

I know, right from the moment you were called Harami by your own mother at the age of five, your life is hell, no one wants to live. You never received the love you deserved. Even if you did, it was after a terrible blow of sadness that you understood the love and that made your life even miserable. You thought Jalil loved you. I don’t blame you, Mariam. Even I thought the same. Even I thought Jalil’s love for you is pure, Even I thought he took you to the pistachio tree, where poet Jami was buried. Even I thought your mother was lying about Jalil. Even I thought Jalil loved you more than your Nana. So, I don’t blame you for leaving Nana and going to Jalil.

It's okay to hate your father. Because it broke my heart too when I read Jalil was inside his house and let you sleep on the streets. I hated him too. Still, you forgave him, accepted him, and expected him to do nothing but to have him on your side. But he left you aghast when he should’ve stopped your Nikkah and let you go to school, just like his other daughters. He didn’t. His honor was bigger to him Mariam than the little girl, he called “little flower”. We should’ve guessed it, you were just a little flower in his big garden. We thought you are special to him, unfortunately, we were wrong.

I know you were scared of Rasheed at first, it was really great to know he was not a bad guy. I was more than happy when you were pregnant. Because I knew you would be one of the best parents and you’d shower your kids with the love and care you never received. But unfortunately, Life is so unfair Mariam, especially to you. Still, you lived with that monster. How much he made you suffer? The day he made you chew pebbles and broke your molars, it broke my heart. How much my Mariam should endure in her life? When will this end?

Then Laila came into your life. I was happy that now you have someone who’ll make you happy. But the journey was not an easy one. I could hear the sounds of your broken heart when Rasheed said he wants to marry Laila, whose birth made you smile after a long time, whom you watched growing up in front of your eyes. But soon, your life with Laila is the best thing that ever happened to you. Aziza’s laugh made your heart smile.

Your love for Laila is so pure. I never in my life imagined innocent Mariam to kill a six feet man. But you did, Mariam, You did it. You did it for Laila, the daughter you never gave birth too. You know what, your loved saved Laila and her kids. They are now living in Kabul, helping Kabul to become a beautiful city, it used to be before the war. Laila also visited your Kolba. I know your love still lives with them. Whenever Laila, Tariq, and their kids smile, it's because of you Mariam. You are the only reason, they are smiling today. But what breaks my heart is that you never get to read the letter your father wrote to you. But I’m glad, you forgave him. That’s what he asked you in that letter.

Mariam, you taught me how to love, when no one else loves us. You taught me love is selfless, love is not always seeing us the happiest, but making our loved ones the happiest. You taught me love can change a person. You taught me so many things. Your life will always be in my heart, like the thousand splendid suns that are behind the walls.

Mariam jo, I love you. I’ll try my best to love you and my loved ones as much as you loved your Laila.

BOOK REVIEW: THAT NIGHT UNDER THE STARS

Tanvi is a lawyer, who works for women's rights and hates men because something happened in her past. Shaurya is a doctor and the husband of Arya, who is one of the clients of Tanvi. Tanvi ends up in Shaurya's hospital after attacked by some goons. Fate made them spend one night under the stars and how that changed their lives is what this book. is about. This love story of Tanvi and Shaurya has too much to teach.
Loving a correct person can never be a mistake. They change you as a person, they change how you view certain things, eventually, they change your life and you'll be a better person in the end. But, What happens when you let your ego take over your feelings for that person. How ego can blind your thoughts thus results in actions, you never intend to do. Your vision is so blinded by the ego, that you failed to see what really happened or what could've happened. Ego makes you Judgemental. It can do all the terrible to one's relationship. The problem cannot be solved, unless one of them came forward, accepted their ego, And let the other person knew they threw their ego away, for you. This is what happens between Tanvi and Shaurya. The overall plot looked quite predictable and clichéd. But the writing style is beautiful. I'm not a romance fiction fan. But if you love reading romances, you may like it more than me!

BOOK REVIEW: FAITH AND BELOVED

This book revolves around the Characters of Naithy Cherkoil, a successful businesswoman , her daughter Alice Cherkoil: young and smart, who can outwit anyone, Prem rollands: a talented student, Kalari expert and good in hacking too. He is out to kill his brother's murders. And then there are other characters like Officer Prakash, Tony: Canadian model and Naithy's husband, Underworld Don's Mia and so many.
.⚔The book starts with Alice murdering her stepfather Tony and escaping from police and other gang members who search her. She is really a smart kid, who outwits everybody who is after her, faking her identity. Meanwhile, Prem is working on a hydroelectric project and trying to kill his brother's murderer. Tony, is not really clean as he was shown. He was more than a model. The story is about, how these Completely different lives cross each other. What was the connection? Why did Alice kill Tony? Why Arun was murdered? What was Alice carrying with her? Read this book to find out answers to these questions.
⚔The writing style of the book is quite simple and fast-paced. Every character in this book is well developed. Prem is my favorite character. I still don't whether he is the good guy or the bad guy. I found the backstory of Kanna aka Tony quite draggy and boring. Maybe it is to give a clear context of what happened during those times. But it made me skip pages. The plot seemed quite complex, especially with the details of LTTE, ISI, and the underground worlds. Coming back to Alice, her witty moves was my favorite too. How she escaped and saved her mother was really interesting.
.⚔Overall a good fast-paced read!!⚔

BOOK REVIEW: STORIES OF US

🍀Stories of us is a collection of 41 short stories. Each of them so different from one another. But the only common factor among all these stories is that they are happening in our very own societies and most of us are ignoring those realities. Different stories touch upon different pages of our society. The Irony of many stories made me rethink the lives we are living in. Love, hunger, poverty, charity, sexual assault, marriage, loyalty, and much more are the concepts of these stories. I really liked many stories from this collection.
.🍀Some of my personal favorites are Boarding pass, which talks about how some people are talking to one another, after judging them by their appearance. Ummidein - A life of desires. I absolutely loved this one. This was written from the perspective of a boy who was born after two daughters in Indian society and how, Right after his birth, he is expected to fulfill everyone's wishes. It was written really well. Another one being, 56 offerings about how some people stand in line to give offerings to God but don't have a second to look at the beggars next to the temple. Garbage collector reminds of the people whom we are taking for granted. Shor - the Noise is kind of satirical. Okay, this list is getting really long. Anyway, The Theft, Wish to be a dog are my other favorites. Some stories are really disturbing.
.🍀But, I highly recommend this book. It is definitely a great read for beginners with easy language, relatable characters, and definitively a page-turner!

BOOK REVIEW: ERIKA : A THRILLER

Erika: A thriller is a book about Erika, an independent girl, working in London with Lara, her roommate, and her only friend. Ethan was introduced into her life by Lara. Erica and Ethan got married. Their marriage life had its ups and downs. On an occasion, Erica killed Ethan. This incident revealed her true self? Who is she? Who is Ethan? Who is Lara? What's wrong with them?. I'm not sure, this book will answer these questions. But I was left with these questions after reading this book. Every character is mysterious, So do their actions. But that's what made me like this book more. Seriously, I was so confused after read this book. It took me so much time to make sense, what I just read. Still, I'm not sure about my understanding of this book. But I liked it! That's the beauty of this book. The ending is totally unexpected. The writing style is definitely fast-paced and easy one sit read. The only issue I have is that some things were left so abrupt, like what really happened to Lara, why is Lara and Ethan were behaving oddly?. But overall, A Mysterious read for me. This book is definitely different from what i usually read. Do read this book!

BOOK REVIEW: THE KING OF THE SEA in re

~ I bled you dry not to kill you but to fill your veins with wine instead.
 I destroyed the synapse of your mind not to make you stupid, but to make you receive his instructions clearly.
I broke your leg because I wanted you to fly~

This book is really a unique piece of work. It looks like a collection of Prose, poems and even songs and indeed it is. But, once started reading it will Make sense as a story, a novel. Maybe, that is why it is called a Metaphysical novel. This is about the story of a boy on a ship, the captain of the ship and others in there, another guy with a confused past. But his story holds more lessons. It deals with love, self-discovery, spirituality, subconscious mind and much more. It is also highly philosophical. The way the author has written this book, makes it a personal one to everybody who reads it. It helps the reader to attach to the book.
The language of the book is more poetic. This is one of those which can be read just for its language. The writing style can be quite confusing if you didn't pay much attention. Because the narration and the plot of the book changes often. Also, the time keeps on changing. So, it's safe to read this book mindfully. This is not the book, which you can be finish in one sitting or a quick read. This book will take time but it's worth it. Some passages even need to be reread, in order to completely understand what is going on.
PS: Reading Author’s note and Foreword, before starting the actual novel can help the reader understand and interpret better.

BOOK REVIEW: THE SPEAKING STONE

This book starts with the Protagonist, Saikat finding and buying a mysterious half stone from a roadside vendor in Colaba street, Mumbai. Saikat, being the curious one who loves to know about history, tries to decode the Sanskrit inscriptions on the stone. Since it's a half stone, he plans to go in search of the other half. Through his research, he learns it must be from the Northeastern parts of India and finally concludes that it's Tripura.
Shuvashini, a History enthusiast who wants to do her doctorate under one of the reputed professors. But she rejects Shuvashini's proposal saying that's not good enough and it's so unconventional. Shuvashini wants to do her best and she finds a book named 'Rajmala' in a library. Rajmala is a book about the history of Tripura. Shuvashini is very fascinated by that, But as she couldn't able to find the book the next day in the library. She decided to visit Tripura by herself.
Saikat and Shuvashini meet in the airport and due to their same interests, they eventually end up together and search the other half. During their journey, they come across Tripura Museum. The head of the museum is so curious to know what they are up to, as they are visiting too often. He also uses his two colleagues for this.
A parallel story about the King of Tripura, his followers, enemies, his wealth, A beautiful dancer and her Mysterious lover, a phenomenal painter and few others, which was happening in 1900 is also written along with the book. This helps us understand the events happening in the present better.
The language of the book is simple yet engaging. A really fast-paced historical fiction, with few elements of mystery and romance too. The writing style can make the readers hooked on to it. The descriptions are also beautiful to read. There are only limited characters, but each of them is well developed by the author. Especially the characters, who are in parallel with both timelines. The minute details about the characters are making it more interesting. The way the past and present is connected is so nice to read. The mystery element of this book is quite predictable at times. But the way in which Saikat and Shuvashini decode is interesting to read. The romance between Saikat and Shuvashini could've been better. The ending is one of the favorite things about this book. Overall, a good fast-paced Historical fiction!

BOOK REVIEW: THE SPEAKING STONE

This book starts with the Protagonist, Saikat finding and buying a mysterious half stone from a roadside vendor in Colaba street, Mumbai. Saikat, being the curious one who loves to know about history, tries to decode the Sanskrit inscriptions on the stone. Since it's a half stone, he plans to go in search of the other half. Through his research, he learns it must be from the Northeastern parts of India and finally concludes that it's Tripura.
Shuvashini, a History enthusiast who wants to do her doctorate under one of the reputed professors. But she rejects Shuvashini's proposal saying that's not good enough and it's so unconventional. Shuvashini wants to do her best and she finds a book named 'Rajmala' in a library. Rajmala is a book about the history of Tripura. Shuvashini is very fascinated by that, But as she couldn't able to find the book the next day in the library. She decided to visit Tripura by herself.
Saikat and Shuvashini meet in the airport and due to their same interests, they eventually end up together and search the other half. During their journey, they come across Tripura Museum. The head of the museum is so curious to know what they are up to, as they are visiting too often. He also uses his two colleagues for this.
A parallel story about the King of Tripura, his followers, enemies, his wealth, A beautiful dancer and her Mysterious lover, a phenomenal painter and few others, which was happening in 1900 is also written along with the book. This helps us understand the events happening in the present better.
The language of the book is simple yet engaging. A really fast-paced historical fiction, with few elements of mystery and romance too. The writing style can make the readers hooked on to it. The descriptions are also beautiful to read. There are only limited characters, but each of them is well developed by the author. Especially the characters, who are in parallel with both timelines. The minute details about the characters are making it more interesting. The way the past and present is connected is so nice to read. The mystery element of this book is quite predictable at times. But the way in which Saikat and Shuvashini decode is interesting to read. The romance between Saikat and Shuvashini could've been better. The ending is one of the favorite things about this book. Overall, a good fast-paced Historical fiction!

BOOK REVIEW: BHOOT BHAVISH BARTAMAN

Rupali, a woman in her early thirties was found brutally murdered in her home. Investigation starts after her distraughted husband informs Police. After seeing the complexities of the murder, with the support of  ACP Jagdeep Kumar, Bartaman Bhowmick, a military personnel and Robin, a journalist investigates the case. Thereby unfolds the mysteries of the murder. Is everything is as simple as what it seems? Who killed Rupali? Read this mysterious thriller to find out.
The language of the book is simple, but the writing style was quite descriptive at times, which makes it a quite lengthy read. It was written in a way that it moves on between the past, life of Rupali and the present, the murder investigation. This makes the book more interesting and understand the character, Rupali and her life better. The Characters are written beautifully, each of them unique and relatable often. The pace could've been increased. But the plot and the elements of mystery and twists were really good. Overall, a good murder mystery with a really unexpected ending!

BOOK REVIEW: SECRET OF THE SEERS

This book starts with Suka, The protagonist Seeing visions of spiritual kingdom and experiencing supernatural things. But he couldn't able to make out why he was experiencing all this. Suka, was one of the ordinary monks and Son of Vyasa, the kore master. But he was chosen as the "initiative" by the greatest themselves. The chosen initiative could go beyond the mysterious veil of the universe. In this process, he had to have all the three Vedastras: The Seer's scroll, The Seer's Wand and the Seer's Sheild. Suka began his journey with his two friends Marisha and Rajasta along with the blessings and powerful charms of older monks to find the Vedastras and fulfill his destiny and also to keep them away from the Dark forces. During their adventurous journey they came across demons, kings, sages and much more. Did Suka find all the Vedastras? Who are the dark forces? Did he opened the Veil? If yes, what lied beyond there? To know all these and much more pick this book up.
      The language of the book was so good, but beginners might find it difficult. The writing style of the book could've been better because i found it quite boring and dry at times. I had to push myself really hard to continue reading this book. This happened especially in the beginning.As the adventures began, the pace increased. There were also many mythological characters like Indra, Arjuna, Krishna, Shiva could be seen in this book, which can be quite confusing if the reader was not focusing well (it happened for me) Apart from Suka, Marisha is my favourite character. Overall, A good Adventurous Fantasy novel with Indian Mythological touch!

BOOK REVIEW:THE BUSYNESS AGE

NAME OF THE BOOK: THE BUSYNESS AGE

NAME OF THE AUTHOR: RAJESH SESHADRI

YEAR OF PUBLICATION: 2019

GENRE: NON-FICTION

Right from the introduction part, the preaching starts. It touches too many relatable issues and the best part is you can get solutions too. Not only a single solution but multiple solutions, from which the readers can choose one. The activities and analogies here and there make it an interesting read too. The range of content is from settings goals and action plans, prioritizing tasks. Even though this book is a short read, I'd recommend you to take your own time to finish it, so that you can grasp more and be productive. Some of the contents are related to office settings, I couldn't able to relate to it, still, I find it useful because I can use it in my real-life routine too. It also has some tables and flowcharts, to simplify certain concepts. My personal favorite is the Procrastination part, which is so relatable and useful for me.