The Poetry of Vihang A. Naik: New Literary Dimensions by Goutam Karmakar

Book Name - The Poetry of Vihang A. Naik

Author - Goutam Karmakar

Review -

I remembered my school days when I read this book. We had to interprete poems and it carried a good share of marks. I always loved anwering those questions. When I read this book, I was taken back to my school days. I got nostalgic.

Speaking about this book, I have been a fan of Vihang Sir's poems. Having read his poem collection almost a year ago. I was happy to have this book for review. 

The author has written (read appreciated) the poems really well. He explains each and every verse of the poem excellently. Criticising someone's work is easy while appreciating it requires lot of efforts. The author has done it nicely. He explains his point in simple and engaging language.

I rate this book with 3.5/5 stars.

You can purchase your copies on Amazon.

Voice of the Soul by Shreyans Kanswa - Book Review

Book Name : Voice of the Soul

Poet: Shreyans Kanswa

Blurb:

How does it feel to lie just by yourself and delve into the silence. The silence that is a path to deeper self, a self that is unexplored. That same unexplored self can also be regarded as the soul. 

While the time ticks on the clock, a bond with your soul is timeless. Such metaphors are rendered powerless when a conversation is created with oneself. 

These poems mean more than just words, they scream soulfulness. It is rather weird that we go looking for answers outside when all that we have to do is seek deeper within ourselves. The poems are experiences that the poet shares with the world, and these experiences are nothing fancy- they are all moments that the poet experiences with himself. They are questions risen from inquisitiveness and introspection.

Review:

Voice of the Soul is a beautiful poetry collection by an upcoming poet, Shreyans. The title of this collection gives away a good and peaceful aura. I found it to be really soothing. I could relate it to myself letting my guard down and speaking my heart. The title itself is really nice.

This collection consists of 61 poems each being unique in its own self. Having read this poetry collection in less than 2 hours, I found few of them very captivating and beautiful while a few of them lacked something. Some poems were quite mature while some of them failed to create that impact. My favorite ones from this collection are - time changes people, every time it rains, finidng the blue, when words fall short, 5 years old, the revelation, sempiternal, the song of life, defeated, empty bowl, sand and stones, and crying soul. These poems are simply amazing.

I would rate this poetry collection with 3.5/5 stars. It's an amazing, one-time read.

Satrangi Syahi by Surendra Kumar Gupta and Neha Jindal - Book Review

Book Name - Satrangi Syahi

Poets - Surendra Kumar Gupta and Neha Jindal

Publisher - Notion Press

Blurb -

As the rainbow deck up the sky with its beautiful mesmerizing colours, in the same way a human heart is an enchanting canvas of colourful emotions. The stark red paints love and passion, blue the gloom, the bubbly pink immerses you in the carefree memories of childhood and white depicts the gravity of mood. Satrangi Syaahi is one such collection of beautiful Hindi poetry that captures vivid emotions of human heart and takes you on a beautiful journey, Life. This collection of poetry is a reflection of emotions of two authors Surendra Kumar Gupta and his daughter, Neha Jindal (author of Phases of Moon). Experience the colours of life through this emotional web of words.

Review -

I love reading Hindi poetry more than English ones. I relate to Hindi poems better. In short, the feelings portrayed in Hindi poems seem to touch those chords in my heart better than English poems. When I received this book, I was more than happy to read it. The cover of this book is mesmerizing. 

This poetry collection is divided into 5 parts. It consists of 53 poems. Each poem is unique and gives you some food for thought. The best thing about this collection is that the poems are simple and easy. The poems belong to various areas of life. They say variety is the spice of life and it is well portrayed through the poems in this book. The poets not just talk about love and longing. They speak of love for nation, our great warriors, dreams, letters, rain and lot more. It is amazing.

The poets haven't used any difficult words. I was not required to open up my dictionary to find the meanings of the words unlike some other books wherein I was required to constantly refer the dictionary. 

I rate this poetry collection with 4/5 stars.

You can purchase your copies of this amazing poetry collection on Amazon.

And So Can You! by Dr. Roopleen - Book Review

Book Name: And So Can You!

Author: Dr. Roopleen

Blurb:

"And So Can You!"" is a collection of 17 inspirational success stories of doctors who struggled with challenges, braved obstacles, and made it through because they believed they had a dream to fulfil and a mission to accomplish. The stories behind the lives of these successful doctors. The journeys they embarked on. The guiding factors that drove them along the long and arduous journey. What motivated them to work hard and how they made it despite facing numerous challenges. These are the stories of dedication and perseverance. A journey of self - belief and faith, of hard work and commitment. The book unravels the secrets - why these doctors are where they are today. How they succeeded in accomplishing their life goals.

Review:

The title of this book 'And So Can You' itself is so motivating. The book cover mentions that the book is a must read for every doctor and medical student. However, I feel that the stories that can inspire others shouldn't be categorised as must read for certain sections/professions but should be read by one and all. As the cover reads, this book contains 17 inspiring stories of Doctors from various areas of medicine.

Reading life stories of people has always been an amazing thing to me. It's like they are sharing a part of their lives with me. The challenges they faced, their struggle and how they overcomed all the obstacles is indeed very motivational for me. This book has 17 such inspiring tales that will make you believe that success comes after hardwork. It is the fruit of their hard work, their dedication, their faith and their hope. 

If you are feeling uninspired or dull or feeling lost, this book will spark up that flame in you which will push you towards getting started towards your goals. It is an amazing read.

I rate this book with 3.5/5 stars.

We Can. We Will. We Must by U. Saranya - Book Review

Book Name - We Can. We Will. We Must.

Author - U. Saranya

Publisher - Writing Geeks

Blurb -

“Just as an eagle needs a push to soar into the sky, she needs a gentle nudge to achieve her dreams. And if she falls, he will be there to catch her, lift her, and push her again until she flies to stars…” 

Love…does it mean going around the trees in Switzerland, singing tra-la-la-la in the snow? Is it chanting “I love you” mantra a thousand times a day? Is it about gifting teddies and roses to your partner? Or is it bombarding each other with a thousand and one pings in Messenger from morning till night? 

Life batters Samaira. Stuck to these clichés, she loses everything…her love, parents, and wealth. Hopeless, she collides against the dynamic boss of Creative Tanks (CT), Vivian, who basically holds great contempt for losers. He aims to be the top entrepreneur in India, whereas Samaira has not even a notion of her dreams. Fate plays its own game when she goes in search of work, where she encounters him again. An air of mystery surrounds her, which tugs at him. Despite being opposites, sparks fly, and they are attracted. Vivian is perfect, but she vows that she will never fall in love again. He reaches a point where he would do just about anything to bring back the smile on her face. The chase begins. She keeps running away…from love, hope, and aspirations, and he keeps trying to bring her back on track. 

Thus their journey begins from the end, with oodles of inspiration and love… Vivian breaks Samaira’s shell and guides her into pursuing her broken dreams. He promises that he will be there for her if life pulls her down and hold her tight when she needs support. Together, they vow to each other, “We can. We will. We must.” But when Vivian tumbles and it is Samaira’s turn to break his fall, will she catch him? Walking on the arduous path of life, will they climb the ladder of success together or crash and burn? Can love be enough of a catalyst to attain their dreams? And now life threatened not to throw just lemons but huge melons…

Review - 

The title of this book 'We Can. We Will. We Must' seems more like a motivational one. It might make you feel like you are reading some inspirational or self-help kind of book. It is only after you read the blurb that you will know that it is a romantic tale. I found the blurb of the book to be exeptionally lengthy. I feel that it could have been shortened a bit. Secondly, the blurb seemed too revealing to me.

Speaking about the story, it is really cute. You are sure to go 'awww' when reading this story. I would say you will know what's going to happen next yet you will be wanting to read it. That is one of the best things about this novel. Love complements your life. This is what this book wants to convey. This book is a lovely tale which will make you believe that every person deserves love and it comes to him when the time is right. Just because things do not work out with one person, it doesn't mean that you are not meant for love.

The story has been narrated in third person narrative and is done really well. I was completely engrossed in this book. The language is simple and engaging. The author starts every chapter with a quote. I found these quote to be really thoughtful. Beginning the chapters with meaningful quotes was indeed appreciable. The characters have been crafted well and I seemed to relate well with them. They seemed real to me. The pace of the story is good, neither too fast nor too slow.

Why should you read this book?

- Good storyline.

- Great chemistry between the characters.

- Excellent narration.

- Positivity and inspiration.

I rate -

Cover: 4/5

Characters: 4/5

Story: 3.5/5

I rate this book with 4/5 stars.

Punk Sunk Love by Dhirendra Tiwari - Book Review

Book Name - Punk Sunk Love

Author - Dhirendra Tiwari

Blurb - 

Two men; two personalities; two slants of love; one destiny. Roy’s tender heart is on a quest to find the holy grail of mankind true love. But, the soft echo of feisty Monica’s whispering words remember, remember, the sixth of September will change everything, raining mayhem on him and everyone he touches.

Shammi, a serial monogamist, thinks love is an urban myth a ridiculous creation of the feeble hearts. As awe-inspiring beautiful Sona brisks through his life, the sublime aura of her love brews a raging battle within him. A battle between his objectivity and his heart.

Smothered by the haunting shadows of the causality of love, Shammi’s life spirals down a path of retribution against his own demons and Roy’s life is sunk in a deluge of inexplicable state of affairs. Facing imminent danger and running out of options, Roy suddenly finds himself cornered and isolated. Roy’s only glimmer of hope is by helping Shammi pull out of the dark tunnels of his inner demons; transforming his retribution into redemption; healing his agony with hope; and swapping his wretchedness with swagger … the swagger of love.

Review - 

I had read this book long back and a series of things happened with me. I couldn't write my review. And now that I've got back to reviewing, here's my review. Punk Sunk Love is a story of love between Shammi and Sona. It is the story about Roy who has detached himself from his family and friends. He has changed his life completely, having no feelings and emotions. And then a time comes when Roy has to confront Shammi. How does he take it? What happens to Shammi and Sona's relationship? Do they end up together?

I found this story to be a unique one.. completely different from the ones written these days. It is fresh and engaging one. The story has been excellently crafted. It appears as if the author has thought and re-thought the plot over and over again before bringing it on paper. The narration is engaging and is nicely done. I loved the way the story progresses. It doesn't give you a slightest hint of what is going to happen next and you have to keep guessing only to be surprised towards the end. The story keeps you on the edge. The suspense has been rightly carried until the climax. The language is simple and comprehensible. 

Life is what happens to you when you are busy making other plans. I have read this somewhere. Punk Sunk Love is a perfect example of this statement. 

I rate:

Cover: 3/5

Characters: 3.5/5

Story: 3.5/5 

My overall rating for Punk Sunk Love is 3.5/5 stars.

The Weird One by Michael Scott – Book Review

Book Name: The Weird One

Author: Michael Scott

Blurb:

Dare to be The Weird One. The secret to living your dreams is just doing it. I hope these stories will inspire you that you don't have to be famous or have lots of money to live your dreams.

Review:

Reading an account of somebody’s life is a special experience for me. It makes me feel that somebody has lead me into his personal space. It makes me feel that somebody wants to make me a part of his life. Reading ‘The Weird One’ was gave me such a feeling. I made me feel special.

Reading this book will make you feel that you are reading Michael’s diary. He has written about few anecdotes of his life in this book. It’s astonishing how a small book like this can give you an insight about anyone’s life. Michael talks about his passion for wrestling in this book. Not just that, he gives you a few lessons about life. I think reading a book about anecdotes of someone’s life is far better than reading a self-help book.

The book read like Michael is himself talking to me. The language is simple and the narration has a great impact on you. The only thing I disliked about this book is that the book was a short one. I wish I could read more.

I rate ‘The Weird One’ with 4/5 stars.

You can book your copies on Amazon!

Love.exe by Manju Nambiar - Book Review

Book Name: Love.exe

Author: Manju Nambiar

Blurb:

This book is for the romantic dreamy souls out there, looking to escape to their own magic land, away from the humdrum.

Written in a humorous manner, this enchanting sweet story is sure to leave a lasting smile on your face. But do keep a pack of tissue to wipe away your tears in one of those emotional lovely moments. The story reinforces love and trust in you and celebrates the love between parents and child, lovers, and family.

The novel revolves around Nitya, a young bright girl from Kerala, India. She is a go-getter and is all set to do her masters in one of the best universities in the world in the USA. Her life revolves around her parents, relatives, friends, who try to make her world safe much to her reluctance.

All her plans go haywire, when he enters into her life with a bang. He is a charmer, a perfect gentleman with a helping hand. She finds herself smitten and is unable to hold on to her agenda. For once, she just let it be and falls in love, only to realize that there is no undo button. 

A beautiful love story follows taking the readers for a roller coaster ride through a series of twists and turns, emotions, suspense and laugh. 

This coming of age, beautiful tale of love, relationships and dreams is sure to prick your soul, bring a smile on to you, and tear up your eyes.

Review:

Love.exe...the title of the book seems technical and it surely is! The people from IT industry will be able to relate to this title very easily. As the title suggests, this story is a love story between two tech lovers. 

Nitya is a young girl who is in the final year of her engineering course. She gets a fully-funded scholarship from Stanford University. Her parents are a bit skeptical about sending her abroad. They decide to get her married and she could then stay with her husband and complete her course. Nitya who is excited to make a great career learns about this. She initially opposes her parents decision but after meeting Ganapaty, the man her parents have chosen for her, she agrees to marry him. Nitya is happy at the way her life is shaping out only to realize that life has other plans for her. What plans had God written for Nitya? Does she marry Ganapaty, her first love? 

To start with, I loved the way the author presented the story. I had written a story on similar lines a few years ago. The flow of events in this story have been really great. It's a simple story devoid of any over-dramatic incidents. I believe that is what makes this story special.

The character, Nitya has been portrayed really well. And so, are other characters. I found them a bit shallow at first (initial chapters) but as the story gained pace, the characters seemed real and relateable. 

The story has been narrated in third person narrative. I loved the simple language. There was a personal touch to the narration. It seemed as if I was listening to someone telling me this story. 

The only thing that I didn't like about this book is the emotional aspect of the story. It seemed like some parts of the book were flooded with emotions while some others lacked them completely. 

Love.exe is a good one-time read.

I rate:

Cover: 2/5

Characters: 3/5

Story: 3.5/5

My overall rating for Love.exe is 3.5/5 stars.

You can purchase your copies of Love.exe on Amazon.

Levels to My Insanity: UnMastered by Adrianne Mouton

Book Name: Levels to My Insanity~ UnMastered

Author: Adrianne Mouton

Blurb:

Sometimes pain is inherited from generation to generation. Secrets locked away where the eyes can't see and the ears won't hear. Pain trapped where no one can feel it. The mind has its own means of survival. The heart has its own means of escape. When the lines blur so does reality. When you lose your grasp on reality it can leave you looking down on the edge of sanity.

The Unmastered edition of LEVƎLS To My Insanity is a limited, short-run edition no further release will be made once publication ends. This book is the raw, unfiltered look into who Violet is and into the darkness of a traumatized heart.

Review:

Mind is the most powerful thing in this world. It makes you do unbelievable things. I always believed that we are what our mind is. 

And this book seemed to strengthen my belief.

I started reading this book over the last weekend and finished it in straight two days. The book is engaging and a page turner. The story has been told in perspective of various characters. And that is what makes this book unique one. You understand all the characters with such proximity. The characters seem real and you instantly develop a bond with them.

The story has been narrated in third person narrative and has been done really well. The simple language makes reading a pleasurable experience.

Speaking about the story, I just loved the story. The author has portrayed the feelings of all the characters really well. The emotional aspect of this story left me overwhelmed. You feel for the characters and at one point, you feel if you could help them with their agony.

As I have mentioned about the story being narrated from the perspective of all the characters, not even for once I found similarity in them. The author has built them up really well. Generally, I have noticed that the characters kinda share same behavioral pattern. It is not done on purpose but it happens unknowingly. But in this book, it seems amazing.

I would not go into the details of the story as you need to be a part of the ladies journey. I just have to say this book is worth all the time.

I rate:

Cover: 3.5/5

Characters: 4/5

Story: 4.5/5

My overall rating for ‘Levels to my insanity~ UnMastered’ is 4/5 stars.

You can purchase your copies on Amazon.

The Slut Chronicles: Betrayed by Kritika Sharma – Book Review

Book Name – The Slut Chronicles: Betrayed

Author – Kritika Sharma

Publisher – Kalamos Literary Services

Blurb –

“What is love, if not a passionate heartbreak?”

Nothing makes Ishana lose her facade except for the word ‘slut’. When someone slut shames her, she smashes his head and becomes headlines again.

She is at the apex of her career but people are not ready to accept her boldness. Her strengths force them to dwell on their own weaknesses. However what no one knows is that her road to success is full of treachery and emotional hell.

Join Ishana as she narrates her story to an oblivious journalist. It is a roller coaster ride full of love, passion, emotions, betrayal and ‘slut shame’.

Are you ready to endure the truth of her life?

Review – 

The Slut Chronicles, the title and the cover is so alluring that I couldn’t keep myself away from devouring this book. Like a hungry bird, I dived in to this book. All that I wanted to do then was finish reading the book.

This story is about Ishana, a girl who has been through many hardships only to become a strong person. I love stories with strong protagonists, especially the ones where the characters mold themselves into stronger people. The moment I felt that Ishana is of that kind, I started liking her. The author has portrayed Ishana well.

Ishana is narrating her story to a journalist. She talks about her childhood. There is a constant shift between the past and the present. I felt that it could have been said in a better way. It seemed a little confusing at first. The narration is simple. The lucid language makes this book an easy read. Speaking about the characters and the emotions they portray, I felt that the emotions had gone a bit haywire in some parts.

Another thing that I didn’t appreciate about this book is that it is just the first part. I’ve to wait for the next two books to know Ishana’s story.

Overall, The Slut Chronicles: Betrayed is an engaging read. It will keep you hooked onto its pages until the very end and then, leave you craving for more.

My rating:

Cover: 4.5/5

Characters: 4/5

Story: 4/5

My overall rating for The Slut Chronicles: Betrayed is 4/5 stars.

You can book your copies on Amazon.

Trade and Grow Rich - Book Review

Book Name: Trade and grow rich

Author: Kirankumar Nayak and Indrazith Shantharaj  

Publisher: Notion Press

Review:

'Trade and grow rich' is an awesome book for all traders and wannabe traders out there. This book gives out lessons in a most simplest ways.

It starts from basic lessons to the most hardest ones. We start from step 1 and then move forward to further steps. That is what this book teaches us. It tells us to get our basics right.

The narration is perfect. Everything is being told in a simple and lucid language. The authors narrate it in the form of some situations and puts forward their points in front of us. They also use some graphs to explain certain perspectives.

There are also a few interviews which provide a quick insight into some real experience in share trading. There are also some quotes listed towards the end of the book.

I rate this book with 4/5 stars.

Connecting with yourself by Vishal Jacob – Book Review

Book Name: Connecting with yourself

Author: Vishal Jacob

Publisher: Notion Press

Blurb:

Every life is an interesting story, and this story is best written when people go through life's experiences by staying connected to who they truly are. To stay connected to yourself, you need first to start listening from within.

This book gives a perspective on why we think, feel and act the way we do, through concepts from neuroscience and psychology. It attempts to answer some of life's key questions, such as-

-Why do we all perceive things differently?

-Why are we designed to do different things?

-Why do we all learn things in different ways?

-How are habits formed?

-What role do emotions play in our lives?

-What makes us happy?

And finally, what it means and takes to stay connected to ourselves and others.

Review:

I like reading self-help books. They give you an insight into how you can make your life better. When I received this book, I was going through a rough patch of my life. I was loaded with work at office and my freelance projects also killed most of my time. This book proved to be a savior. Just like its name, I was able to connect with myself.

The author has divided the books into 10 chapters. Each chapter brings you closer and makes you aware of various aspects of life… one at a time. He narrates to you an incident, a story and then presents his views about the same. We, human beings, have a tendency to learn things better when we hear them in the form of a story. And the author succeeds in doing it really well.

The narration is simple and so is the language. You will be able to relate to it really well. The author summarizes each chapter in a page… it’s the key takeaways from the chapter.

Another amazing thing about this book is that you can read any chapter that you like. You do not compulsorily have to follow the order of the book.

I would rate this book with 4/5 stars.

You can book your copies on Amazon.

The Blue Moon Day by Santhosh Sivaraj – Book Review

Book Name: The Blue Moon Day

Author: Santhosh Sivaraj

Publisher: Invincible Publishers

Blurb:

Things were never the same for five ordinary individuals who got struck at cross roads and there was no way they can run back. They had no other choice but to take a plunge into their deepest fear and leave the rest to destiny. Their characters was tested out of their comfort zone and it witnessed abstruse results; a PhD scholar fights to win a pizza making contest and a tennis prodigy running for his life in a war torn, bloodied Island. Extreme circumstances and their consequences made these ordinary individuals extraordinary . Was the test imposed on them by someone? Or did they invite it on themselves. The Blue Moon Day is that Once in a Blue Moon day story which questions an individual's priorities, ridicules the worldly routines and finally redefines happiness.

Review:

Deccan Chronicle says that this nook might open your eyes to the illusion. I very much agree to their review. I am of the same opinion. The book has been really great.

The Blue Moon Day is a short story collection consisting of five stories. Life is a great teacher. It never fails to teach us some greatest lessons. No age is too late to understand life. Sometimes, we learn the lesson ourselves while sometimes, it is some people who enter our lives and make us realize it.

I loved all the stories a lot. I shall review each of the story here.

The Pizza Engineer

We are so driven by the competition in the world that we join the race without even considering whether we are capable and interested in it. We tend to follow the crowd and that is where we fail. We fail to realize our potential. This story tells us to identify our passion and follow it.

The Messenger

Relationships require effort. It is the effort of both the partners that makes a relationship work. Fights, arguments and misunderstandings happen in every relationship. It is how you resolve these differences of opinion or the misunderstandings which is the secret to a healthy relationship. One needs to control his anger and give away his ego. One needs to take a back seat and think from the perspective of a third person. Like in the story, the protagonist doesn’t realize that he is jeopardizing his relationship with his wife. It is only after a messenger who enters his life and helps him realize his mistake.

Not Today

This story tells you the importance of time. We get so absorbed in our work lives that we fail to understand that we are missing out on something really precious. It is only during some crucial moments that we realize the importance of time in our relationships.

The Storyteller

Have you ever been so tired of life and the challenges it throws at you that you wish to run away from all of it? The Storyteller is a perfect example of second chances at life. This story teaches you that when life gives you second chances, you should grab them and make the most of it.

The Heaven

Everything is pre-written for us. Whatever happens to us, good or bad, is a result of our destinies.

This book is indeed amazing. You will be so engrossed in these stories that you would be wanting to read more of it. The narration has been awesomely done. It is clear and lucid. The language is simple and keeps you engaged to it.

This book is a must read for all short story collection lovers out there. It gives you an insight into lives greatest lessons.

I rate:

Cover: 4.5/5

Stories: 4.5/5

My overall rating for ‘The Blue Moon Day’ is 4.5/5 stars.

You can buy your copies on Amazon.

[Ask N Answer] Interview Session with Saumya Kaushik - Author of Daughter of a Drunkard Monk

Introduce yourself to our readers. 
Hola! Everyone. I am Saumya! I make up stuff for a living, I put up in Delhi and I enjoy long coffee-breaks with a view of nature.

Tell us something about your novel. 
DODM is the story of the protagonist which can be any ordinary girl in similar situation. What, however, appears extraordinary is the grit and courage and confidence with which the protagonist faces all verities of adversities, many of which are simply reflections of her gender and the societal / patriarchal attitude towards girls in such / similar situations.

You wrote your 1st novel at the age of 19. It is quite mature for your age to write on such sensitive topic. What made you write it? 
The thought of penning down Daughter of a Drunkard Monk popped in my head at the age of 18 and I strongly felt on gender-biased issues. I had this urge to tell this story to the world hence, I penned it down regardless of my age and the nature of topic.

Was it difficult to sketch the characters? How did you go about with it? 
Yes, some of the character’s sketching was a daunting task. There was once a point, during this course of writing where I felt like removing some characters from the book altogether.

How did you go about writing your novel? And how long did it take you to write it? 
Writing a book is not an easy task. I suffered many a sleepless nights, there were days when I was on a constant mood-elevator. I am the worst person to meet when I write a full-fledged novel. I took me 4 months to pen down Daughter of a Drunkard Monk.

It is often said that the writer writes certain things about himself in the characters he builds. Do we get to see some of your traits in Naina? 
Naina and I are poles apart in nature. The only trait that she and I share is – being a hopeless romantic. God! We both carry our hearts on our sleeves. And, why shouldn’t we?

What was the most difficult part to write about Naina? 
Her fight with her fears and her courage to muster up and stand against the curve balls life threw at her.

Tell us about your work in Minds @Work 3.
Minds at Work 3 is an anthology written by women of modern times. It bears my story – The Lonely Widow. I wrote this story when I was 20, and got a publisher interested in printing it.

What inspires you to write? 
The constant urge to tell the stories to the world. This world that is so beautifully decorated with distinguished people on its platter inspire me to write.

Are you working on your next? 
Yes, I am working on a non-fiction title. (The Many Men in my Life!)

If yes, tell us something about it. 
The Many Men in my Life is about the stories of 15 men that I have shared my life space with. These males are younger than me, the same age as mine, older to me, some of them are dead, and some are alive. I have shared interesting tales that I have lived with them and learnt through them in this book.

What is writing for you?
Salvation! 

Would you like to give a message to our readers?
Respect every individual, whomsoever you cross paths in life. Everyone has a story to tell, not everyone is a writer but yes, they can narrate brilliantly well. This might turn you into a listener first and later a writer. God Bless!

You can buy your copies of Daughter of a Drunkard Monk on Amazon.

Not Worth Living For by Shreyan Laha – Book Review

Book Name: Not Worth Living For

Author: Shreyan Laha

Publisher: Bigfoot Publications

Blurb:

Ishita Singh, a student of St. Pierce’s College, Mumbai was living a pretty normal life with her group of friends, a caring senior and scarily enough, a creep who followed her.

Shweta wakes up in the unknown planet of Isthenope and sets out with Alexander Ishutin, a former spy of the RSV, to discover more about the unknown planet which was built for a future civilization.

Underlying the lives of the two in completely different worlds, there lies a dark secret which was partially blacked out in some corner of Shweta’s memory and unknown to Ishita. Will they ever come to know about the secret or will it be so chilling that it won’t be worth living for?

Story in a nutshell:

Ishita is a college student leading happy life with her parents and friends. She has joined St. Pierce’s College with a hope of living and making her life better. She has moved on with her life, thinking of her past relationship to be a good memory. But, her ex-lover hasn’t. He keeps following her to every place she visits. He seems to scare the hell out of her. Will he ever stop stalking her?

At the same time, Shweta wakes up on an unknown planet, Isthenope with no memories about her past. Every day at Isthenope brings surprises to her. She meets Alexander and instantly feels a connection with him. What is Alexander’s story? Why are they on Isthenope?

How is Ishita’s and Shweta’s life connected to each other? Is there some secret?

Review:

I had just one word “Wow!” for this novel. I am amazed by the author’s story-telling skills. He knows what part of the story to deliver when. He presents the simplest things in a very interesting manner. This makes you wonder whether you are ready some exciting part of the story. It keeps you hooked.

The story has been plotted well. The author has paid attention to all the details. He has kept in mind all the aspects before bringing this story out on the paper. He has done a lot of research. You will know it once you read the book.

The story has been narrated in third person narrative. I liked the simple and lucid language. The narration has a personal touch to it which makes you feel home. You will instantly feel connected with the characters. This story has been written from heart. There aren’t any twists and turns. This book is like dal – adequate amounts of all spices (emotions) and the cereal has made it just perfect.

Reasons why you should read this book –

• -        New and interesting plot. It has a love angle to it. Not like those clichéd novels.
• -        Excellent narration
• -        Amazing transition in between the two worlds. Not for one second would you disbelieve in what you read.

I rate:

Cover: 3.5/5

Characters: 4/5

Story: 4.5/5

My overall rating for Not Worth Living For is 4/5 stars.

You can book your copies of this amazing novel on Amazon.