Friday 30 December 2016

Book Review: Love never dies by Sneha

Love never dies - Book Cover

Book Name: Love never dies 

Authoress: Sneha 

Publisher: Notion Press

Price: Rs. 135 


Blurb: 

Welcome to Love Never Dies, a story about Nikshay and Mishika who study in the same college: first enemies, then friends, then lovers, then problems. This is how the story goes. The guy who did not get a chance to say a few loving words to the girl he loves, continued to love her. The heady mix of the confused guy, an emotional girl, college days and love in these times, but circumstances went against them. The girl married another guy, but never stopped loving the first man. The story essays a great example of love and friendship, and is an emotional love story with a bit of humor and a moral for parents! 


Story in a nutshell: 

The starting point of love is friendship. Nikshay and Mishika study in the same college. Nikshay is handsome and intelligent. Most of the girls from his college want to get into a relationship with him. Nikshay is different. He wants to fall in love. Dating is not his forte. On the other hand, Mishika is the prettiest. She loves Nikshay. What happens when these two different people meet each other? Do they fall in love? Why is the story titled - love never dies? 


Review: 

The cover of this book has a soothing effect on the minds. It is pretty and will catch attention of the readers.

The story is set in the city of Bangalore and Kolkata. Many college romances are being published every month. There are only a few which leave a good impression on you. Love never dies is one such novel. There aren't many twists and turns in this book. The plot is simple and engaging. The narration is in 1st person narrative and is done in lucid English. The simple language will instantly make you feel home with the book. The characters are many and I felt that each character had a fair share in the story. The story is fast-paced. 

Likes: 
  • The cover and the type-setting. 
  • The lesson which the story gives out to the world - Marriage without love is nothing but a tree without leaves or a sky without stars. Forcing one's son or daughter into a loveless marriage will yield nothing. 

Dislikes: 
  • The frequent use of 'said'. 

I rate: 

Cover: 4/5 
Characters: 3.5/5 
Story: 3.5/5 

I rate 'Love never dies' with 3.5/5 stars. 

Buy your copies on Amazon.

Book Review: Double or Quits by Shilpa Gupta

Double or Quits - Book Cover


Book Name: Double or Quits 

Authoress: Shilpa Gupta 

Publisher: Jaico Publishing House 

Price: Rs. 350 


Blurb: 

Racy, realistic and fast paced, Double or Quits traces Jyotsna Singh’s story against the backdrop of the treacherous stock markets. Losing her father at the age of 12 and brought up under frugal circumstances, Jyotsna grows up too soon. Nervy and edgy by nature, she morphs into a confident and charming young woman with a successful career in Investment Banking. Enter Aryan Sahani, rising corporate star and billionaire who wraps Jyotsna in his charms, but has plans of his own. Driven by her loyalty to the firm, a desire to break out of her lower middle class moorings and misplaced love, Jyotsna overreaches. She is soon faced with the dark side of the stock markets – a world where ambition, greed and fear rule and reputations are lost a lot faster than they are built. Will Jyotsna be able to resurrect her life? Will she find the true love she has been craving? Double or Quits is a tale of love, betrayal and courage. It is a tale about falling down, but not staying down. 


Story in a nutshell: 

Jyotsna has had a difficult childhood. The death of her father gave birth to many hardships for her mother. It is because of these hardships that Jyotsna decided to study hard and find a terrific job. She fulfilled her dream of becoming big by landing up in an investment banking firm. Enter Aryan Sahani - The guy who sweeps Jyotsna off her feet. She falls in love with Aryan only to be betrayed. Why and how did he betray her? What price does Jyotsna has to pay as a result of this? Will she trust in love again? 


Review: 

Double or Quits is a kind of novel that will keep you hooked onto it until the very last page. It is interesting and inspiring. 

The story primarily revolves around Jyotsna, the protagonist. She is am ambitious girl. You'll instantly like her for the qualities she possesses. She stays with her mother and granny who are equally adorable. Her friends, Sanchita and Richa are sweethearts. They are Jyotsna's pillar of support. I envy Jyotsna for having friends like them. Aryan, at first, seems to be a prince charming. But it is darling Nitin who will steal your hearts. 

The plot is well crafted. It is different from those traditional monotonic love stories. The narration has been done in third person narrative. It has been done really well. The language is lucid. I came across a few new words here and there but they were easily comprehensible. The incidents have been rightly placed. The overall reading experience is great. 

Likes: 
  • Jyotsna's ambitious nature and her never-give-up attitude. 
  • Jyotsna's truthfulness. 
  • Sanchita and Richa - her friends. 
  • Jyotsna's entrepreneurship journey. 

I rate: 

Cover: 3/5 
Characters: 4/5 
Story: 4/5 

Overall, I rate 'Double or Quits' with 4/5 stars. 

Book your copies on Amazon.

Book Review- Tale O'12 by Biranchi N Acharya


Tale O'12 - Book Cover

Book Name: Tale O'12 

Author: Biranchi N Acharya
Publisher: BecomeShakespeare.com 

Price: Rs. 249 


Blurb: 

Every life event is a story. In fact every moment of our life is part of a story being happened. We always ignore those because we think stories have no connection to real life happenings. But when we read stories or fictions suddenly we connect ourselves to the story-line or some of the characters emotionally or otherwise. That's why stories always fascinate us, entertain us & give us some lessons of life. 'Tale O' 12' is a collection of twelve stories inspired from real life events written in a fictional narrative. One would definitely connect to the characters of the stories someway or other because all the stories have something that's related to everyone's life. 


Review: 

Tale O'12 is a short story collection consisting of 12 short stories. This collection is inspired by real life incidents and each story gives out a simple yet important message to its readers. 

The narrative style and language is simple. Most of the stories are in first person narrative and are easily comprehensible. It is this lucidity which makes reading a good experience. The stories are centered on basic characteristics which makes one a good human being.
'The Story of Snehalata' makes one realise that the first impression about a person should never be taken as the last impression. One should stop being judgemental and try to learn about the position and emotions of the other person.
'The Art of Being Happy'- Every single person wants to be happy. But no one actually is. One always search happiness at places without knowing that happiest lies within us. This story teaches you how to find happiness even in adverse situations. 

'Whose democracy is this...' - What does one do when he hears the word politics? He tries to get away from that situation, from that discussion. This story tells you the real meaning of democracy. 

'Religion vs Dharma' - The above situation lies true in this context too. The author has tried to put forward his views in the form of a debate in his story. A very interesting read it is. 

'An accident I never forget' - Some incidents that happen in your life leave a mark on you. No matter how hard you try, you can never forget it. This story is an account of such an incident. It tells you that sometimes when things don't occur the way you want, know that it is God's way of telling you that he has better plans for you. 

'Pulsing price rise!' - We often complain about rising prices of commodities. This story gives you an easy solution to this problem. 

'The Politician' - Politics is a dirty game and all politicians are corrupt. This is what most of the people feel. 'The Politician' shows you the other version of the story. A must read it is. 

'The story behind the two cups' is an inspiring story that teaches you two lessons. (1) Winners make it happen. (2) Losers let it happen. 

'Why lesson for lessons?' - All of us have grown up listening to and reading moral stories. This story is a story that is based on one such moral story that we read in our childhood. 

'Fear and Danger' - Fear and Danger are two different entities that have a co-relation with each other. Confused? This story tells you the significance of the two and also, how to lead a life without fear. 

'Is there a past life sin?' - Past life and reincarnation is something which some of us believe in while some not. This story is a healthy discussion about past life and the sins. 

'True Boss' - One of the most common things that happen at a work place is friendship. One should always remember that this friendship is because of work and not vice versa. This story is a good read. It gives you a lesson on discipline. 

I rate: 

Cover: 3/5 
Stories: 3.5/5 

Overall, Tale O'12 gets a rating of 3.5/5 stars from me.

Buy this book on Amazon.

Book Review- State vs. Amrit Kumar by Dr. Govind Sharma

State vs. Amrit Kumar - Book Cover

Book Name: State vs. Amrit Kumar 

Author: Dr. Govind Sharma 

Publisher: Notion Press 

Price: Rs. 199 

Blurb: 

Amrit is an honest and aggressive police officer who is driven by a desire to rid society of criminals. His virtuous campaign is impeded when he is charged with the murder of a man he tried to arrest. Harvard-educated lawyer Sukumar pleads Amrit's bail, and learns interesting details about Amrit's family and friends. He also contests Amrit's friend Ajay's case, and here an abundance of wealth works like a poison in the absence of values. 
Set in the fictional town of Rajapur, the novel tells the story of two generations from 1990 to 2016. There are situations where villains disguise themselves as innocent individuals to take advantage of the unsuspecting nature of credulous people. Advocate Sukumar frequently quotes from Hitopadesh to emphasize the importance of being careful to avoid being deceived by the wolves in sheep's clothing. Will he be able to swing a verdict in Amrit's favor? 

The novel also raises an important issue on the accountability of the police. Are honest police officers justified in overstepping the boundaries of the law for good reasons? 


Story in a nutshell: 

State vs Amrit Kumar is a story of a police officer Amrit Kumar who is held responsible for a crime. He has been honest throughout the years of his service. He has been framed by the corrupt people. Will lawyer Sukumar be successful in helping Amrit Kumar win this battle that life has thrown against him? 


Review: 

Reading about court proceedings have always enthralled me. State vs Amrit Kumar is an amazing story that will leave you spellbound. It has realism which is found missing in novels now-a-days. It has all elements that will make a good movie. 

The story is set in a fictional town of Rajapur. It is divided into parts. The first impression when I started reading this story was a confusing one. I didn't know where the story was taking me. Over time, I was cleared of my confusion and I realised the essence of the story. As the story is divided into parts, the narration is done in third as well as first person narrative. The language is lucid and simple. The fluent narration and a compact storyline keeps the reader hooked onto this story. This novel is fast-paced and the readers will never feel bored at any point of time, throughout the read. 


Merits:
  • The story is not buttered up with those filmy court scenes. There is realism, something I adore this novel for. 
  • I liked the way the author has talked about the research the lawyer does in order to have a clear picture of Amrit's background. 
  • I liked the quotings from Hitopadesh. They seemed like cherries on the cake. 

I rate: 

Cover: 3.5/5 
Characters: 3.5/5 
Story: 4/5 

I rate 'State vs Amrit Kumar' with 4/5 stars.

Buy your copies on Amazon.

Wednesday 28 December 2016

Book Review: Indian Women And The Shaadi Conundrum by Dr. Rachna Arora and Deepika Sharma

Indian Women and The Shaadi Conundrum - Book Cover

Book Name- Indian Women And The Shaadi Conundrum 

Authoress- Dr. Rachna Arora and Deepika Sharma 

Publisher- Authorspress 

Price- Rs. 400 


Blurb- 

Once Indian women complete their education or get jobs, they have to face the most dreaded question, which is "Shaadi kab karogi?" Be it your excited friends, worrisome relatives or inquisitive neighbours, people make it their life's mission to ensure that you find a suitable match. The Shaadi Conundrum starts when you reach the so-called marriageable age and continues way beyond, once you get married, as there are a plethora of issues which we call 'adjustments' in India, that are considered 'normal' even if they are driving you nuts. From the pre-wedding phase to the post wedding phase, the book highlights the different issues that crop up, the reasons and effective solutions, which will be immensely beneficial for all urban women who are in the process of looking for grooms or have been married recently. The book contains useful tips, self-assessment checklists which will help women in dealing with conflicts and in decoding the relationship dynamics. 


Review-

Relationships are complex entities. The more you think you have understood them, the farther you drive yourself from understanding it. There is no relationship manual in this world that can help you have a sound and smooth-sailing relationship. The books will tell you about the Dos and Donts. Following them or ignoring them depends on completely on you. 'Indian Women and The Shaadi Conundrum' is one such book that will help you in your so-called shaadi journey. 

The book talks about the pre-marriage and post-marriage situations that a girl faces. Right from choosing a life partner to planning a baby, this book talks about all of it. Women are usually considered weaker. They aren't allowed to voice their opinion. With this book, one will feel inspired to take her own decisions. Relationship is a two-way street. Men and women, both have to walk together in order to reach the destination. Men often forget this. This book will be an eye-opener for men as well. The book teaches the reader how to be self-dependent and assertive. It tells you that there's nothing wrong in leading your life the way you want. The book has a special note for mother-in-law and husband. I would say that this book is not just for those girls who are going to be wedded soon but also, for those who are in relationships. It is not only for women but for men too. It is a self-help book which if followed will surely sweeten your relationship. Simple narration makes this book an easy read. The case studies help you understand the dilemma better. The checklists at the end of each chapters will help you know where you stand in your relationship. I will recommend this book to all women regardless of their age. 

I rate: 

Cover: 3.5/5 

Overall, I rate 'Indian Women and The Shaadi Conundrum' with 4.5/5 stars.

You can buy your copies online on Amazon.

Thursday 22 December 2016

Book Review- Finding Juliet by Toffee

Finding Juliet - Book Cover


Book Name: Finding Juliet 

Author: Toffee 

Publisher: Srishti Publishers and Distributors 

Price: Rs. 195 


Blurb: 

Arjun is an incredibly nice guy who believes in true love and is waiting for it with open arms. He falls in love, not once or twice, but thrice. And every single time, happiness – like the girls he fell for – comes very close to him before pushing him away. His only pillar of strength in all his moments of grief and dejection is his childhood friend Anjali. Dejected by the games played by girls and fate, he leaves Hyderabad forBangalore and ends up meeting Krish, an irresistible flirt. He understands Arjun's predicament, pacifies him with his words and enlightens him about the most complicated species ever created by God – Women.And then, Arjun's life changes forever. Will Arjun find the one he has been waiting for, or will he end up becoming a flirt? Will he ever taste lasting happiness? Join Arjun as he tries to figure out women and discovers the meaning of love, lust and life.. all in his journey of Finding Juliet. 


Review: 

The moment you read the book name, you will wish to read it. Finding Juliet - the book is as simple as its name. The cover of this book is simple and it creates a curiosity in the minds of the readers. The blurb of the book provides an insight to the story. However, I felt that the blurb could havd been shortened. The story revolves around the protagonist, Arjun and his quest on finding a true love. The plot is crisp and the pace of the story is moderate. The narration is done in first person narrative and keeps you engaged with the book. The incidents have been narrated well and are perfectly placed within the story. I liked the way the author has named the chapters. Shifting towards the characters - Arjun is the kind of guy most of the males will relate to. Krish is the Casanova. Girls usually depise Casanovas (Inspite of being extremely attracted to them). But there's a certain aura with Krish that you'll find him lovable. 

Finding Juliet is a simple story about love and friendship. It teaches you many lessons about relationships. 'Why are women the way they are?' will be the question in most of the minds. An appreciable answer is present in this book. It also teaches you the value of friendship. 

Likes:
  • Arjun and his innocence.
  • Arjun's friendship with Krish and Anjali.
  • Arjun 2.0's relationship with the girls. 

Dislikes:
  • The end of this story was quite predictable. 
I rate:
Cover: 3.5/5
Characters: 4/5
Story: 3.5/5 

My overall rating for 'Finding Juliet' is 3.5/5 stars.

You can buy this book on Amazon.

Friday 16 December 2016

Book Review: Wreath and other stories by Sangeeta Mahapatra

Wreath and other stories - Book Cover


Book Name: Wreath and other stories
  
Authoress: Sangeeta Mahapatra 

Publisher: Notion Press 

Price: Rs. 250

 
Blurb: 

What is it that we fear? An evil presence around us, watching and waiting for a small slip, or the realisation that the malevolence is within us and has already made its move? 

Wreath and Other Stories will take you into a world that is slightly off its hinges- a bizarre, eerie realm. In short, a world much like our own, if only we would notice it. 

A dangerous obsession of an artist, a broken childhood promise, a birthday gift gone horribly wrong, a soldier trapped in a nightmare, a warning from beyond the grave, a writer's new lease of life in a "suicide central," a patient's struggle with insanity, a terrible crime in an idyllic artists' town, a man's record of his last moments, a bride haunted by her past.. 

With grey characters, a creeping sense of dread, and a twist at the end, it will ensure that you go to bed satisfied, having had your fill of a world of wickedness and terror... until that world engulfs you in your dreams. This book will enthral lovers of horror and suspense. 


Review: 

The stories of this collection are spine-chilling. They are the ones that will give you goosebumps. You will be astonished at the way the authoress has presented the stories and also, at the manner in which the mystery or the suspense has been maintained. The stories are engrossing. You wouldn't wish to put this book down once you start reading it. 

Let's have a quick tour through the stories. 

Red moon 

This story left me astonished. During our childhood days, most of us would have had a best friend - the one with whom you play, the one who fights with you, the one who fights for you. You must have made promises of never leaving each other. She, the protagonist, also made a promise to Anima but unfortunately broke the same. What promise was it? Why is the story titled 'Red moon'? 

The moment I started reading this story, I knew that it would be an awesome read. I was astonished. I was feeling bad for Anima. The narration is in third person and is realistic. You get carried away in the lives of the protagonist and Anima. 

Rating: 3.5/5 stars. 


Malevolent 

We are staying in the world wherein new inventions are made and technology is taking a front seat in every aspect. If you're given a chance to choose between a machine and a human for a particular task, what would you choose? She seemed a little upset when Jiya and Suki, her friends and roommates grew friendly with Jay and Naima. What happened at the play which gave her nightmares? Was Jay responsible for it? 

If there's an award for maintaining the suspense then I bet the authoress must be awarded. Not for a second did I get any hint of this suspense. All I say is that the authoress left me speechless. 

Rating: 4/5 stars. 


Wreath 

The loss of our loved ones leave a vacuum in us. No matter how much we try, we cannot fill that void. Manav and Meera share the best of brother-sister relationship. You'll envy Meera for having such a caring and kind brother. But their relationship seems to be jinxed. What happens to them? 

All this while I was of the opinion that the authoress is a mystery/suspense writer. This story proved me wrong. She has portrayed the emotions very well. The narration, yet again, is engaging one. 

Rating: 3.5/5 stars. 


Captive 

The biggest and the most dangerous weapon in this world is our mind. It can make you a success or can flush you down the drains. Why am I saying this? It's time you read this engrossing tale. 

The first person narrative of this story has such a deadly effect that at some point of time you believe that you're the protagonist. Authoress has once again used her magic wand. Another good read. 

Rating: 3.5/5 stars. 


Snapshot 

I love borrowing old books from the library. I have many times come across quotations, messages in these books. Mrs. Kar comes across a picture in one such old book. Every time she forgets about it, some way or the other she is reminded of it. Why is she reminded of the picture? What connection does she have with the people in the picture? 

Such a thing has happened with me quite a few times. I believe its God's way of reminding you to accomplish certain things in life. Coming to the story, the language and the narratiom keeps you hooked on to this story. The curiosity of what happens next will not allow you to keep this book down leaving the story incomplete. 

Rating: 3.5/5 stars. 


Artistic Spirit 

When a story begins with 'He started living the day he died', it has got something really interesting for its readers. 

This is one story amongst the entire collection whose end I could predict. I knew what it would be. But that doesn't make this story less good. Engaging story! 

Rating: 3.5/5 stars. 


The Wait 

What would you do if you are being told that you've very less time with you? That time is slipping away? Meet the protagonist. And you will know how it feels. 

A story that gave me goosebumps. The narration is so realistic that for a moment, I felt that my heart had come out of its usual place and got stuck in my throat. I have one question to the author - how can you manage to do this? 

Rating: 4/5 stars. 


Tick Tock 

Creative minds, I believe, are the simplest yet most complicated minds. It thinks of one thing at one moment and completely opposite the very next. People find such minds confusing. Read 'Tick Tock' - a story of one such mind. 

This is a short story spread across 8 pages but has that captivating power. 

Rating: 3/5 stars.


Fey 

Some people come into your life and leave a mark when they leave. Chetna left an undelible mark on the protagonist's life. Who was Chetna? Why did she go away from the protagonist? 

A story with a surprising end. Lovely narration. The author has rightly portrayed the feelings of the characters. 

Rating: 3/5 stars. 


Déjà vu 

Radhika has déjà vus the moment she steps in to her new home with her husband. She has never been to that town yet she feels a connection. She meets a psychiatrist who tries to help her. Why is she having hallucinations? Is it related to her? Are the spirits trying to converse with her? 

This is my favorite story from this collection. The narration is perfect. This story has all elements that would make a good movie. I wish to see this story on the screen. 

Rating: 4.5/5 stars. 


I rate: 

Cover: 3.5/5 
Stories: 4/5 

My overall rating for 'Wreath and other stories' is 4.5/5 stars.

You can buy this awesome collection of stories from Amazon.

Thursday 15 December 2016

Book Review: Ashvamedha - The Game of Power by Aparna Sinha

Ashvamedha - Book Cover


Book Name: Ashvamedha - The Game of Power 

Authoress: Aparna Sinha 

Publisher: Srishti Publishers and Dustributors 

Price: Rs. 195 


Blurb: 

You have to dethrone a powerful man to become the most powerful. I was itching to defeat the single most powerful person, but there wasn't any. I was left with only one choice — to create one."

Little does Ashwin Jamwal know that the last twenty-five years of his life have been controlled by a master manipulator, who wanted to make him the most powerful man on earth, though for a reason! Ashwin steps up to take oath as the youngest Prime Minister of India and is unknowingly thrown into a vortex of power and authority as the entire world is threatened by a faceless enemy — Hades.

The world starts to look up to Ashwin as the savior, but he was just a pawn, reared only to be sacrificed in the end.

A story of greed, lies, deceptions, manipulations and corruption, Ashvamedha is a thriller revolving around the infamous game of power in a maddening bid to seek absolute control. 


Review: 

I had heard people talking good things about this book on Facebook. I remembered that Tushti, owner of Author Paradise was having this book up for review. I asked her for it and she agreed. I refrained myself from reading the reviews of this book. I feared spoilers. I finished reading this book in two days.

The story begins with a shocking accident and it is this very page that gets you hooked with the story. The story is being narrated by multiple person's viewpoint. I have always loved reading such narration. Reading a thriller with such narration was indeed a pleasurable experience. Since the story is about a political leader, there are many characters involved. At first, the characters might confuse you. You might not find that link which connects a few characters. Having a patient mind is required for reading this book. A cool mind will not only enhance your reading experience but also, help you absorb this story. The pace of this story is moderate. The character sketching and placing the events have been thoughtfully done. The authoress has put her mind and soul into this book. It is visible in her writing. The suspense is perfectly maintained from the beginning. But towards the end, I could foresee it. This book reminded me of Vidya Balan's Kahaani movie.

Ashvamedha is a perfect movie material. I wish to see it on big screen someday.

I rate: 

Cover: 4/5
Characters: 3.5/5
Story: 4/5 

I rate Ashvamedha with 4/5 stars.

You can buy your copies on  Amazon.

Sunday 11 December 2016

Book Review: Kashmir 90 by Vineet Mishra

Kashmir 90 - Book Cover


Book Name: Kashmir 90 

Author: Vineet Mishra 

Publisher: Frog Books 

Price: Rs. 225 


Blurb: 

The story Kashmir 90 starts in 2011 and travels back in time accidentally over an animated conversation between two friends, Vineet and Shiv. The heart-wrenching and the most unfortunate events of 1989-1990 in Kashmir caused the ripples which gave rise to this roller coaster tale that destiny wrote for Shiv. Shiv Pandit, a proud Kashmiri young boy of the valley and a darling of his local community, who has the world on his feet after getting admission in College of Srinagar, starts his journey of becoming a man from a boy along numerous other youngsters from all across the country. During the hostel life meets new roommates and develops a great bond with them through few hilarious and funny events. He also develops a soft corner toward a girl name Maya from Kerala. The college life was like a dream for him. In the background, the extremist fringe was spreading the lethal hate in the air Kashmir. The hate bomb when exploded and shook the soul of Kashmir, the causality was the Kashmiri Pandit community. The college was also closed down and the students who had gone for a winter break could never return to college! Shiv loses his roots, his college, his cradle and his love. He finds himself at junction of unknown crossroads of life. This new path of destiny takes him to different parts of the country to rediscover faith in humanity, friendship and love. In turn, it brings along new relationships, disappointments, fun, thrill and adventures. But the changing politics of the country, Ram Janmabhoomi movement and Bombay riots create surge in his life and cause a chain reaction that brings him to a point where once again he finds himself in a situation where he could lose it all! Will he again accept the fate and drift along or fight for his treasure of life? 


Review: 

Kashmir 90, as the name suggests, is set in Kashmir. The story is about Shiv and his life as a Kashmiri Pandit. It is a story about the love of his life, Maya and his quest to win her heart. Who is Vineet from this story? Well, narrating a story in the form of a conversation has always been regarded as one among the best. Shiv recounts his tale to his dear friend, Vineet. And as you can guess it, the narration has been done in first person narrative. The language is simple and lucid. I liked the way the chapters are named. Its either just one word or at the max, three words. You do not get any idea about the chapter from its name and probably, that compels you to read the book without taking a break. You will feel sad for Shiv as he faces a lot of hardships. The events have been rightly placed. You won't wander between the pages and wonder what is happening. The story has an innocence which will pull you towards it. 

Likes: 
  • The friendship between Shiv, Sushant and Bala. 
  • Vibha's unconditional love for Shiv. 
  • Shiv's love for Maya. 
Dislikes: 
  • The blurb seemed extremely long to me. 

I rate: 
Cover: 3/5 
Characters: 3/5 
Story: 3/5 

I rate 'Kashmir 90' with 3/5 stars.

You can buy your copies on Amazon.

Book Review: The Bogus Read by Divyamaan

The Bogus Read - Book Cover


Book Name: The Bogus Read 

Author: Divyamaan 

Publisher: Frog Books 

Price: Rs. 295 


Blurb: 

In a galaxy far, far away from Earth there were two countries. India and Pakistan. Both countries somehow remained in a perennial state of conflict since their independence. After getting its shameless ass kicked thrice by India, Pakistan has now come up with the ultimate conspiracy - attack the minds of the Indian masses and capture the nation. In a partially successful attempt, it captures some portion of India. The Indian Government, led by its highly patriotic PM, Narendar Mody and His Royal Highness, Arnub Gooswamy, takes charge of the situation and comes up with a master plan of defeating Pakistan, using some of India's most potent weapons - corruption, political-hooliganism and annoying celebrities. They are supported by five engineering students who, inspite of their otherwise mundane lives, get embroiled in the mess. They set themselves on a perilous journey only to discover how deep the whole conspiracy is and how dangerous are the brains behind it. Will they succeed in revealing the conspiracy to the Army? Will the lost territories be recaptured by India? To find out read 'The Bogus Read', an illogically-logical take on Indian politics, mainstream media, cinema and the television industry. 


Review: 

I have read somewhere that it is really easy to make someone cry but very difficult to make someone laugh. I must say Divyamaan, the author of The Bogus Read is really gifted person. The book is amazing. A smile will be glued on to your face throughout the reading session. It is hilarious. 

The story begins with a prologue that dates back to ths year 1999 and you wonder why it is mentioned. As you read on, you'll know the answer. Each page in this story is a laughter dose. The narration is in third person narrative and is done exceptionally well. The witty dialogues with a pinch of sarcasm and adequate humour makes The Bogus Read an amusing read. I liked the layout and typesetting of this novel. 

Show-stealers: 
  • The five boys and their love for counterstrike tournament. 
  • The mosquito attack. 
  • The Nation wants to know sessions. 
  • The clippings of Pakistan newspaper. 
  • And many others. (Mentioning them here would make this review a spoiler.) 

The Bogus Read is one in million kind book. It cannot be missed. Its a page turner. Book your copies on Amazon now. 

I rate: 
Cover: 3/5 
Characters: 4/5 
Story: 4.5/5 

I rate 'The Bogus Read' with 5/5 stars.

You can buy your copies on Amazon.

Book Review: Another Tale Of Two Cities by Ezhuth Aani


Another Tale Of Two Cities - Book Cover

Book Name: Another Tale Of Two Cities 

Author: Ezhuth Aani 

Publisher: Inspire India Publishers 

Price: Rs. 245 


Blurb: 

Fourteen thirty one is the year remembered for the martyrdom of Joan of Arc. But another landmark event was unfolding in a future French colony. Cambodia was a cultural cauldron of Hinduism, Mahayana Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism. The largest metropolis of the pre industrial era was also facing a climate change calamity. The story unfolds in fifteenth century Cambodia and travels to China, Sri Lanka, India and the Middle East, as Princes Adithya and Mahendra set out to seek help for their beleaguered country. Will the splendid twin cities of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom survive? Who wins the heart of Mandagini, the warrior princess? 


Review: 

The cover is one among the attractive feature of this book. Next, being the story. The moment you read the first chapter, you'll feel like you want to know more. You want to know what happens next. It is this feeling that keeps you hooked on to this book. The narration has been done in third person narrative. When you hear words like history or mythology, the only thing that comes to your minds is wars and conquests. This book too is somewhat based on similar lines but has many more stories along with it. It has a love story, a story of bravery and courage, a story of heartbreak. The language is lucid. There are occurences of a few new words. But it didn't affect the reading experience. The narration is so realistic that you'll find yourself lost in the pages of this book. The story itself is a motivation. It gives you lessons on courage and bravery. It will awaken that nation lover inside you. 

I rate: 
Cover: 4/5 
Characters: 3.5/5 
Story: 3.5/5 

I rate 'Another Tale of Two Cities' with 3.5/5 stars.

You can buy your copies on Amazon.

Monday 5 December 2016

Book Review: Game Plan by Fredy Ilaviya

Game Plan - Book Cover


Book Name: Game Plan 

Author: Fredy Ilaviya 

Publisher: Invincible Publishers 

Price: Rs. 140 

Blurb: 

Gripping tale of three friends who proved that there is nothing beyond friendship. It's a book about three friends - two guys and a girl. Both propose her, both get rejected. She marries someone known to her parents and settles down with him. She undergoes a four year - long grievous married life... drags her husband to the court. As destiny would have it, the same rejected guys come to her salvage. They are now lawyers. What happens next? Liberation? Avenge? Triumph of the truth? 


Review: 

As the blurb says, the novel - Game Plan is indeed a gripping novel. The novel keeps you hooked on to it until the very last page. 

The story begins with a prologue that has a court incident. I must say that it is the prologue that grew my interest in this book than the blurb. The story is narrated from the point of view of one of the lawyers, Aakash. The first person narration has been done really well. The author has mentioned about the college lives of the characters. It would be unfair on my part if I don't mention that the author has done a wonderful research about the law and law studies. As the book is based on crime and court proceedings, there are a number of characters who play a vital role. I have observed in many novels that as the number of characters increase, their role or their mention in the story decreases. This book does have many characters and each character had a significant part to play. The narration is in simple and lucid language. The incidents from the story have been thoughtfully placed. 

Merits/Likes: 
  • The friendship among Aakash, Karan, and Kabir. And also, Naina, Payal and Aarti. 
  • The bond of love that Aakash shares with Naina. 
  • Aakash and Kabir's fight for justice. 

A few questions popped in my mind when reading Game Plan. 
  • It is clearly mentioned that Naina, Payal and Aarti had studied law. Didn't they know that nothing should be hidden from the lawyer? That he should know all the facts? I know that Naina didn't want to tarnish her family name. But I think that being a law student, she should have spoken to Aakash right in the beginning. 
  • Also, there were a few cross-examination sessions with Daljeet and Harjyot. I felt that just as Naina was questioned multiple times, Daljeet and Harjyot should have been questioned too. 
  • Next, it is said that Payal and Aarti knew how Naina was treated at her in-laws. A confession fron both was necessary, I feel. 
  • Lastly, no person would meet his lawyer just once during the court proceedings. No meetings between Kabir and Daljeet was something I couldn't digest. 

I rate: 

Cover: 3/5. 
Characters: 3.5/5 
Story: 4/5 

I rate 'Game Plan' with 3.5/5 stars.

You can buy your copies on Amazon.

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