06 September 2023

#BookReview Are You Afraid of the Dark? by Sidney Sheldon

 

About The Book

In New York, Denver, Paris, and Berlin, four people have died separately in apparent accidents. Two women -- the widows of two of the dead -- find themselves under ruthless attack and are drawn together in fear, confusion, and for mutual protection. But are they being targeted because one of them is the prosecution witness at a famous criminal trial? Or is there a connection to the mystery behind their husband's deaths? Meanwhile, Tanner Kingsley,

Chief Executive of an international Think Tank created only seven years ago, is on the cusp of an amazing discovery that could alter the future of the world. If properly handled, the outcome of this could deliver unbelievable power into the company's hands. But are the mysterious deaths connected to this volatile secret? And can it be further protected?

My Thoughts

My first introduction to Sidney Sheldon's novels was when I was doing my MBA. One of my batchmate lent me one of her book to read, and I was hooked. 

The narrative contains a blend of suspense, surprise, science fiction, adventures, romance, and emotional intensity. The characters were imaginatively described with their distinctive traits that will grab the reader as soon as they are read. 

But I was let down by this book because it was so predictable. The characters are completely irrational and unlikeable.  Some of the dialogue had to be skipped since it was so dull and absurd. Normally, Mr. Sheldon is adept at understanding the depth of human deceit, but not in this instance.

Anyway, it is a good time-passing read.

Book Links

Amazon India | Amazon USA

About the Author

Best known today for his exciting blockbuster novels, Sidney Sheldon is the author of The Best Laid Plans, Nothing Lasts Forever, The Stars Shine Down, The Doomsday Conspiracy, Memories of Midnight, The Sands of Time, and many more.

Almost all have been number-one international bestsellers. His first book, The Naked Face, was acclaimed by the New York Times as "the best first mystery of the year" and received an Edgar Award. 

Most of his novels have become major feature films or TV miniseries, and there are more than 275 million copies of his books in print throughout the world.

Author on the Web

Wikipedia

30 August 2023

#BookLove Kancher Deowal by Suchitra Bhattacharya

 

About The Book

The remarkable story Kancher Deowal (Story of a Broken Home) explores the psychological impact of an adolescent girl growing up in a dysfunctional family.

It also emphasizes the possibility that parents can grow preoccupied with developing their own lives and, as a result, unintentionally neglect their kids.

My Thoughts

The author has described the story of the child of divorced parents in a lovely and dramatic way. How one child cannot handle the scenario on her alone.

The tale flows well and explores the depths of each character's psychology, with a particular emphasis on the rebel Brishti, whose acts may not be justified but are depicted in a very realistic manner.

I did not get the impression when reading this that the plot was entirely based on fantasy.

The ending was lovely.

Book Links

Amazon India | Amazon USA

About the Author

Suchitra Bhattacharya (10 January 1950 – 2015) was an Indian novelist, known for works including Hemanter Pakhi, Kachher Manush, Aleek Shukh, Icche, and Kacher Dewal. 

During her career as a writer, she composed over 20 novels and many short stories. Her novel Dahan was adapted into the 1997 film Dahan, and her novels Iccher Gach, Alik Sukh, and Ramdhanu Rang were adapted into films by Shiboprosad Mukherjee, and her novel Onnyo Bwasanto was adapted into a television film by Aditi Roy. 

Author on the Web

Wikipedia

23 August 2023

#BookReview Howrah Bridge by Anup Babblu Jetty

 

About The Book

Howrah Bridge is a fictional story of a married couple in Kolkata. They are parted away from each other but are connected with hearts by a strong bond of love.

Bengali culture and the beauty of Kolkata are the added flavors to this story.

My Thoughts

Howrah Bridge is a story about a married couple in Kolkata. They have grown apart, yet their hearts are linked by a strong bond of love. This story is enhanced by Bengali culture and the splendor of Kolkata.

This is the first book by author Anup Jetty. What I felt about the book is, that it’s written like a script. This is a unique way of writing and can be hugely successful if done properly. However, what I felt is that the author struggled a lot with finding the right words.

The flow of the book is really fast, however, in that fast flow, character development suffered a lot.

Overall, for me, it’s a good first attempt.

Book Links

Amazon India

About the Author

Anup Jetty is an Indian author of fiction. He writes predominantly love stories and action entertainers with a social message. Anup, from his childhood itself, has been very fond of films, and working for films is his goal. He is a big fan of directors Shankar and Maniratnam. Their films influenced him a lot and molded him into a writer.

He has a unique style of narration that gives a visual cinematic experience to the readers. His novels, Howrah Bridge and Kalki, are best sellers and have received highly positive reviews from readers all over India. His novels are placed in many of the oldest and largest libraries. He received the Indian Golden Award for 2022 for his debut novel.

Apart from writing novels, he also writes poems, and short stories, and has directed a couple of short films. He is presently working on a love story, which is likely to release next year.

Author on the Web

Facebook 

17 August 2023

Lost (In Disgrace #2) by Shilpa Suraj



Lost is a story of love, betrayal, honour, revenge, and everything in between. It’s also a love story that sets fire to the world they live in leaving them with no choice but to rise from the ashes anew…

Lieutenant Rahul Jaishankar of the Indian Navy is a man of honour, principles and commitment. His love for his family, his ethics, and his integrity is only eclipsed by his love for his country. He has no time or space to love anything or anyone else. Until the day Ayaana Sahni explodes into his life. Suddenly, she’s all he can think of, all he can hope for, all he dreams of, awake or asleep…

But Ayaana isn’t a dream he can afford to have. She’s an illusion. Ayaana Sahni is actually Aarushi Mittal. And Aarushi Mittal wants only one thing…Vengeance. And no man, not even one as deliciously gorgeous as Lieutenant Rahul was going to get in her way.

An award winning, intrepid journalist, Aarushi spends most of her life abroad working on the kind of devastating stories that the world would never hear of if not for people like her. But it has come at the cost of her personal life, at the cost of time with family, and at the heartbreaking cost of her friend’s devastating tragedy.

Aarushi needs to atone for her negligence, she needs to right the wrongs done in her absence, and she needs to make the villain in her friend’s story pay. What she really needs to make that happen is a way into the tightly knit community of the Indian Navy and Lieutenant Rahul Jaishankar is it. And if that means there is some collateral damage along the way, then so be it. Even if the collateral being damaged makes her yearn for dreams that don’t exist. Surely, the Lieutenant would understand, wouldn’t he?

Aarushi isn’t built for love. She’s built to burn down the world for her loved ones instead. So what if this man makes her want things she’s never wanted? So what if this man makes her heart ache for something she’ll never have? So what if, suddenly, this man is all she wants?

Goodreads * Amazon IN * Amazon US



Read an Excerpt from Lost


“So no women,” Paul asked again, after the server took down the order and left. 

“No women,” Rahul confirmed. “I’m done with them.”

“Well, that’s disappointing.” A husky voice intruded on their conversation.

Rahul glanced up and he could have sworn time stood still. 

Huge eyes lined with kajal and framed by the longest eyelashes in existence gazed down at him. Her right eyebrow was pierced and had a tiny silver ring with a star dangling from it. A pert little nose, lush, pouty lips lined in a bold red, and a heart shaped chin topped by shoulder length hair with green tips, she was dramatic, different and dangerous. All in capital letters. 

“Told you to look,” Paul murmured as Rahul continued to gape at the vision in front of him. 

They got to their feet. Rahul a lot more slowly, because it felt like the ground beneath his legs was strangely unsteady. 

“Ma’am,” he said quietly, grateful his voice at least was steady. 

“Ayaana,” she said in reply. “My name is Ayaana Sahni.” 

“Lieutenant Rahul Jaishankar,” he replied. “And my friend and colleague, Lieutenant Paul Alvares.” 

She smiled, a slow, slight tilting of her lips. Her eyes darkened as she stared at him. He felt the effect of that smile in the pit of his stomach. Heat consumed him, making him shove suddenly shaky hands into his trouser pockets. 

“Are you sure you’re off women, Lieutenant?” she asked, her voice sounding like the sweet, hot slide of whiskey over ice, the clink of crystal against polished stone. 

Rahul felt like she’d poured that whiskey down his throat and flicked a lit match in after it. His entire body felt like dry tinder at a bonfire. 

Was he sure? No, he wasn’t. As he locked eyes with the woman, Rahul Jaishankar was sure of only one thing. Tonight was going to change everything.


About the Author:
A published author with Harlequin India – Mills & Boon India Collection and Juggernaut, Shilpa Suraj’s books have hit both the Hot New Releases and Bestseller lists on Amazon. Her next novel, tentatively titled ‘Wrong,’ has been contracted by Rupa Publications and will release later this year. She is also part of the Flipped Anthology by Harper Collins and had an audiobook book Insta Reddy release with Storytel.

She is, amongst other things, currently working on ‘Frazzled and Fabulous,’ a humorous, true-to-life parenting story that is part memoir and part nonfiction.

An avid reader with a passion for creative writing and storytelling saw her participating in writing competitions at school and dabbling in copy writing for an ad agency as a teenager. Twenty years in the corporate space, including a stint in Corporate Communications for Google, India, and a spell at entrepreneurship all hold her in good stead for her multiple current roles of author, mother and Head of Human Resources & Public Relations at an architecture and interior design firm.

Contact the Author:
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Newsletter



16 August 2023

#BookReview A House for a Mouse: Oscar the Mouse by Lisette Starr


About The Book

A delightful rhyming story with fun illustrations and a great positive message!

A great read-out-loud picture book to help teach your kids about kindness. A book they'll love reading, and you'll love reading with them!

My Thoughts

Kids will love reading this nice picture book. Children like reading this playful book.

Recently, my 6-year-old has started looking into poetry. She adored it because it was one of the first few. A sweet little tale with lovely illustrations.

The phrases are brief and straightforward, and the words rhyme.

Amazing work!

Book Links

Amazon India | Amazon USA

About the Author

Lisette Starr is a doting aunty of nine and the step mum of one. She is Originally from the UK and settled on edge of the forest just outside of Melbourne in Dayelsford, one of the quirkiest towns in Australia. 

She loves writing verses. She started writing songs when she was nine and has been writing all her life. She has a degree in Film & TV, has written and directed several short films and one feature, made a few video clips, and has been a finalist in the "Filmmaker's International screenwriting awards" three times. 

Author on the Web

GoodReads

09 August 2023

#BookLove Nil Ghurni by Suchitra Bhattacharya

 

About The Book

The story starts as a relationship develops between 23-year-old Daita, a college student, and Bodhisattva Majumdar, a distinguished scientist in the country, who is 50 years old.

Lost in flying love, Bodhisattva abandons his devoted wife Rakhi, and their son. Daita breaks up her arranged marriage, severing her relationship with her family.

They started to live together as husband and wife.

But the boy with whom Daita was supposed to get married, Soumik, is unable to forget Daita. He runs to Daita again and again. What does the boy want? Revenge? Or something else?

My Thoughts

Nil Ghurni by Suchitra Bhattacharya realistic and complex story of lust, love, and misfortune.

However, this is not just an anecdote of a love triangle. Through the tension between men and women, the author explores the place of women in our society.

This is a large novel; however, I read it in one fell swoop—unbelievable! Each character is perfectly drawn.

There is not a bit of dull moment anywhere. The flow of events is very smooth, and each dialogue touched my heart.

Book Links

Amazon India | Amazon USA

About the Author

Suchitra Bhattacharya (10 January 1950 – 2015) was an Indian novelist, known for works including Hemanter Pakhi, Kachher Manush, Aleek Shukh, Icche, and Kacher Dewal. 

During her career as a writer, she composed over 20 novels and many short stories. Her novel Dahan was adapted into the 1997 film Dahan, and her novels Iccher Gach, Alik Sukh, and Ramdhanu Rang were adapted into films by Shiboprosad Mukherjee, and her novel Onnyo Bwasanto was adapted into a television film by Aditi Roy.

Author on the Web

Wikipedia

02 August 2023

#Bookreview Trick or Treat Free For All!: A Halloween Kids Book by Multiple Authors


About The Book

Ten Tales of Halloween Adventure for young readers!

Join your favorite kid-lit characters as they embark on a night of trick-or-treating, you’ll never forget!

This collection of short stories will take you to spooky neighborhoods, back to ancient Egypt, and even inside a video game! Featuring tales from award-winning authors and fresh new voices, this is a perfect Halloween treat for readers ages seven to twelve!

My Thoughts

The Halloween-themed tales in this book, Trick or Treat, are intriguing. Some of the tales are distinctive, such as Flying Solo, A Good Trick, and The Mystery of The Haunted Egyptian Kitchen.

Found a few stories with repetitive ideas, which could have been avoided.

Not too frightening, but excellent Halloween reading for children. This book introduces young readers to a variety of talented authors and covers experiences from a fascinating mix of different worlds, including accounts of young witches flying alone, frightening basement spiders, a ghost in a water bottle, and falling apart, zombie buddies.

The ideal Halloween treat! 

Book Links

Amazon India | Amazon USA

26 July 2023

#BookLove Kolkatay Feluda by Satyajit Ray

 

About The Book

This book is about Feluda's Calcutta based mystery expedition. The stories include…

Kailash Chowdhurir Pathor

Sheyal-Debota Rahashya

Gorosthaney Sabdhan

Golokdham Rahasya

Ambar Sen Antordhan Rahasyo

Bosepukure Khunkharapi

Indrajal Rahasya

Apshara Theaterer Mamla

Dr. Munshir Diary

My Thoughts

Satyajit Ray first penned Feluda for the children's publication "Sandesh.".

I have read every single Feluda story.

Among all the Feluda collections, Kolkatay Feluda is my ultimate favorite one.

My most favorite story, not only from this book but from all Feluda stories, is Gorosthaney Sabdhan. The story is simply brilliant.

Book Links

Amazon India | Amazon USA

Satyajit Ray (2 May 1921 – 23 April 1992) was an Indian filmmaker, screenwriter, documentary filmmaker, author, essayist, lyricist, magazine editor, illustrator, calligrapher, and music composer. 

Widely considered one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, Ray is celebrated for works including but not limited to The Apu Trilogy (1955–1959), The Music Room
(1958), The Big City (1963), and Charulata (1964).

Author on the Web

Website | Wikipedia

19 July 2023

#Bookreview Hell Holes: A Slave's Revenge by Donald Firesmith

About The Book

An epic story of love, loss, friendship, and survival under the most hellish of conditions, Hell Holes: A Slave's Revenge is the award-winning prequel to the Hell Holes series of alien invasion novels.

After killing his father, alien demons teleport a fifteen-year-old boy, his mother, and his sister to Hell, a desert world in the Demonic Empire. With survival far from certain, they have just two choices: to live as useful slaves or die as demon food. As the boy becomes a man, he must decide just how much he must collaborate with his demon masters to survive.

But can he live long enough to take his revenge and regain his freedom without losing his humanity and his very soul?

My Thoughts

If you ask me, I am more into Fantasy, Horror & Science Fiction in a visual formats, like TV series and movies. The main reason for this is that I somehow feel these mediums justify the genre as it requires a lot of visual stimulation. For example, consider how beautiful it is to see Avatar or movies like that.

When I picked up the book, I had my reservations. However, author Donald Firesmith proved me wrong with his brilliant writing.

His choice of words and sentence formation are easy to grasp yet so effective. The way he described the various locations with simple words is something to learn from for all aspiring authors.

The action scenes are something to read again and again.

I felt that this book is a great contender for a TV series adaptation.

Overall, I recommend it to all Fantasy, Horror & Science Fiction lovers.

Book Links

Amazon India | Amazon USA

About the Author

Donald Firesmith is a multi-award-winning author of speculative fiction including science fiction (alien invasion), fantasy (magical wands), and modern urban paranormal novels.

Prior to retiring to devote himself full-time to his novels, Donald Firesmith earned an international reputation as a distinguished engineer, authoring seven system and software engineering books based on his 40+ years spent developing large, complex software-intensive systems.

He lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with his wife Becky, his son Dane, and varying numbers of dogs and cats.

Author on the Web

WebsiteFacebook | Twitter 

12 July 2023

#BookReview How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie

 

About The Book

This Book can change your future The common habit of worrying directly affects your work, money, personal relationships, and family life.

Fundamental facts about worry and magic formula for solving worry situations, how to banish worry and anxiety to lead a fuller, more active, and happier life, how to eliminate financial worries, how to eliminate financial worries, how to immediately reduce business worries by at least half, how to turn criticism to your advantage, seven ways to cultivate a mental attitude that will bring you peace and happiness, six ways to prevent fatigue and stress - and keep looking young, how to add one hour a day to your waking life...

And much more!

My Thoughts

Anyone who knows me even a little bit knows that my daily work is to overthink and worry.

I am literally one of the most worried person you will ever meet. At the same time, I never like self-help books as I find them pretentious and overgeneralization.

I brought this book long back and it was hiding somewhere in my Kindle library.

Recently, I started reading the book and to some extent, it helped me.

The book's purpose is to guide the reader to a more joyful and satisfying existence by assisting them in being more aware of not just themselves, but also those around them.

Some of the techniques the book suggests and I started following are

• Use the law of averages to outlaw your worries

• Cooperate with the Inevitable

• Decide just how much anxiety a thing may be worth and refuse to give it more

Overall, this is a decent book, with the advice available all around us, written in a constructive and structured way.

Book Links

Amazon India | Amazon USA

About the Author

An American writer, lecturer, and developer of famous courses in self-improvement, salesmanship, corporate training, public speaking, and interpersonal skills, Dale Carnegie was born in 1888 in Maryville, Missouri.

Public Speaking: A Practical Course for Business Men (1926) was the first collection of Carnegie’s writings. it was later entitled Public Speaking and Influencing Men in Business (1932). How to Win Friends and Influence People, when published by Simon and Schuster in 1936, became an instant bestseller. How to Stop Worrying and Start Living (1948) introduces the fundamental facts that one must know about worry and provides the perfect way to conquer it. 

How to Enjoy Your Life and Your Job is a collection of selected chapters from How to Win Friends and Influence People and How to Stop Worrying and Start Living. With ways to bring peace and happiness in life and achieve a work-life balance, this book will make one reassess their approach to life, people, and their job.

Author on the Web

Wikipedia