Wednesday 30 December 2015

Book Review: The Hidden Gems – Chronicles of Unsung Heroes



Book Name- The Hidden Gems.

Contributing Authors- Sumeet Gulabani, Smriti Kumari, Pooja Khurana, Sujata Banerjee                                                         Bhattacharya, Dheeraj Mor, Anirban Nanda, Hardik, Aman Garg, Shreyan                                             Laha, Aditi Sahu, Snigdha Jha, Divya R Bandodkar, Faraz Mirza, Akash                                               Shrivastav, Isha Sharma, Jivya Arora.

Guest Author- Supriya Parulekar

Compiler- Abhisar Garg

Editor- Isha Sharma

Publisher- Notion Press

Price- Rs. 175


Blurb-

This book is a tribute to all the real heroes out there.

The book brings you the sagas of those unsung heroes who had done courageous deeds for society but never received the due credit. It takes you on the voyage of seventeen untold and unheard stories of real heroes in the big picture called ‘Life’. They were the ones who gave many people a reason to live. They were the saviours, the warriors and the fighters: they were ‘The Hidden Gems’. This book is not just and amalgamation of fiction and non-fiction. It is a reality. It is the chronicle of real men.

Are you a Hidden Gem? If yes, then this book is dedicated to you. If not, then it’s a must read.


My take-

I have contributed a story named Shigmo 2012 in this book. I am reviewing my fellow author’s stories.

The Blank Slate by Supriya Parulekar

Disability should not be considered as a problem. I have come across many parents who prefer to keep their child with special needs at home. They are deprived of education, fun and enjoyment. ‘Who has the time to keep a watch on their movement? Let them be home!’ They say. If their parents consider them to be a burden, how on earth will society change? Urmi Foundation (from the story) is being doing great work. We need more of such organizations which will make these children feel human and loved.

An awesome read!
Rating: 3.5/5


Days of Her Life by Sumeet Gulabani

I am not a great fan of poetry. I can only say that this poem is lovely.
Rating: 3.5/5


A Friend’s Reward by Smriti Kumari

This story serves as a mirror image to the selfish society we live in. You will find many people who will stay with you in your good days. But the people who stand beside you during your worst days can be counted on fingertips.

A one-time read!
Rating: 3/5


Life Line by Pooja Khurana

We often complain about the things we miss in our lives, about the problems we face, about the disappointments. We label our lives to be pathetic. But do we realize that there are scores of others who lead a life much worse than us? This story gives out a message that no pain in your life is a big deal. Be courageous and fight it. You will emerge victorious.

A good read!
Rating: 3.5/5


He Knocked Me by Sujata Banerjee Bhattacharya

The loss of loved ones in life creates a void and that void can never be refilled. I feel that this story doesn’t go well with the theme.

Anyways, it’s one-time read!
Rating: 2.5/5


Life Changer by Dheeraj Mor

One never realizes the pain of others unless he is placed in the similar situation. Abhi was arrogant at first. His way of looking at life changes after he recovers from depression. The story seemed a bit exaggerated to me.

A one-time read!
Rating: 2.5/5


Aunty by Anirban Nanda

It is a tendency of human to blame the uneducated people for the wrong things even if they are nowhere related to it. Aunty is a victim to such blame. This story cannot be ignored.

A must read!
Rating: 4/5


Vows Conveyed by Hardik

We have never really known the stories of our soldiers, their mental situation, their grief and their suffering. Vows Conveyed is a beautiful poem which will surely touch your heart.

Rating: 4/5


The Missing Hours by Aman Garg

“We are always our own demons and our own heroes who are unsung throughout the lives.” The Missing Hours is a story about hope and faith. It’s about falling down and rising up again.

An inspiring read!
Rating: 4/5


Asha, The Braveheart by Shreyan Laha

Asha is an inspiration. She is courageous. There are very few people in this world who do not lose a pinch of hope during crisis. Asha is one of them.

A must read, awesome story!
Rating: 4.5/5


The Benevolent Driver by Aditi Sahu

Another best read! There are very few people who move out to streets to help others. Rajesh from the story is one among them! ‘Proud’ is what I feel when I think about him.

An inspiring read!
Rating: 4/5


A True Karmayogi by Snigdha Jha

Our history reveals to us about casteism, untouchability that prevailed in our society. Has it completely diminished? The answer is NO. There were a few leaders who attempted to bring a stop to this practice but with little success. If the people don’t change such practices will continue in our society. The great grandfather from the story is one such man who wishes to bring a change. Does he succeed? Read to find out!

A mature read!
Rating: 3.5/5


Second Birth by Faraz Kazi

Another poem which talks about being hopeful and staying strong.
Rating: 3.5/5


Patriotism by Akash Shrivastav

Patriotism is a story which will awaken the love for your country.
Rating: 3/5


The Elder Brother by Isha Sharma

A very touching story. One must never forget the people who have helped him in his bad days.
Rating: 3/5


Nanhe Parinde by Jivya Arora
One mustn’t keep quiet and suffer. Injustice of any kind must be questioned.
An awesome read!
Rating: 4/5


Overall verdict-
  • ·        Editing suffers at places.
  • ·         The stories should have been thoughtfully ordered.


I rate:

Cover: 4/5

Compilation: 3.5/5

Editing: 3/5


My rating for The Hidden Gems is 3.5/5 stars.

You can order your copies here!





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