#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

#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

#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

#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

Website | Facebook | Twitter 

#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

#BookReview Bedtime Stories for Kids by Uncle Amon

 

About The Book

This book is especially great for traveling, waiting rooms, and reading aloud at home.5 cute bedtime stories for kids.

Excellent for beginning and early readers. Cute short stories are great for a quick bedtime story.

This story is great for a quick bedtime story and to be read aloud with friends and family.

Your child will be entertained for hours!

My Thoughts

Uncle Amon wrote five short stories for this collection.

When reviewing a children's book, it's crucial to read it through the eyes of a child. This book was read by my daughter, who enjoyed it.

The hard copy of the book is really nice and I also loved the illustrations.

Book Links

Amazon India | Amazon USA

About the Author

Uncle Amon began his career with a vision. It was to influence and create positive change in the world through children's books. Whether it be an important lesson or just creating laughs, Uncle Amon provides insightful stories that are sure to bring a smile to your face! 

His unique style and creativity stand out from other children's book authors because oftentimes he uses his life experiences to tell a tale of imagination and adventure.

Author on the Web

Goodreads

#BookReview Guff by Carole Eglash-Kosoff

 

About The Book

His name is Guff. Nearly seventeen, naïve, and with limited schooling, he’s had enough of being beaten by his father. He walks away from their small Nebraska farm, hops a freight train, and soon finds himself in a Dallas jail.

There, two things occur that will change his life. The first is that he forms an unlikely friendship with a sticky-fingered pickpocket, cellmate, Nick ‘Picnic’ Larson. The second is the realization that he has a unique mental talent, a perfect recall of numbers, and a superb ability at recognizing patterns in strings of characters.

My Thoughts

I always had a fascination with the 1940s movie world, be it Bollywood or Hollywood.

This book came to me like a lifesaver on a gloomy, rainy afternoon.

The storyline follows Guff, who had enough of his father beating him even if he's only had a short education, is almost seventeen, and is naïve.

He leaves their modest Nebraska farm, boards a freight train, and is soon imprisoned in Dallas. There, two events take place that will alter his life. The first is that Nick "Picnic" Larson, his cellmate and a thief with gooey fingers, develops an unexpected bond.

The second is the knowledge that he possesses a special mental gift, perfect number recall, and an exceptional capacity for spotting patterns in long strings of characters.

Author Carole Eglash-Kosoff's writing style is simply brilliant and engaging.

Book Links

Amazon India | Amazon USA

About the Author

Carole Eglash-Kosoff is a novelist, playwright, and documentary filmmaker. She lives and writes in Valley Village, California. She graduated from UCLA and spent her career teaching, writing, and traveling to more than seventy countries. In 2006, following the death of her husband, mother, and brother within one month, she spent part of two years teaching in the black townships of South Africa. 

Her first book, The Human Spirit - Apartheid's Unheralded Heroes (www.thehumanspirit-thebook.com), tells the stories of amazing men and women who devoted their lives during the worst years of apartheid to help the children, the elderly, and the disabled of the townships. These people cared when no one else did and their efforts continue to this day. The Human Spirit was adapted as a play and received considerable acclaim when it was presented in 2013.

Author on the Web

Website

#BookReview The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

 

About The Book

Doing well with money is not necessarily about what you know. It’s about how you behave. And behavior is hard to teach, even to really smart people.

Money―investing, personal finance, and business decisions―is typically taught as a math-based field, where data and formulas tell us exactly what to do. But in the real-world people don’t make financial decisions on a spreadsheet.

They make them at the dinner table, or in a meeting room, where personal history, your own unique view of the world, ego, pride, marketing, and odd incentives are scrambled together.

My Thoughts

I had a great time reading this book. Even if some of the advice in this book may not be particularly new to those who have experience with finance, it is nevertheless helpful to be reminded especially for me who is not so aware of how to deal with financial matters.

This book was a lifesaver for my husband and me. We could relate to many of the things Morgan Housel talks about in the book.

Unfortunately, we made multiple mistakes that the author suggested avoiding.

Overall, this book is an eye-opener.

Book Links

Amazon India | Amazon USA

About the Author

Morgan Housel is a partner at The Collaborative Fund and a former columnist at The Motley Fool and The Wall Street Journal.

He is a two-time winner of the Best in Business Award from the Society of American Business Editors and Writers, winner of the New York Times Sidney Award, and a two-time finalist for the Gerald Loeb Award for Distinguished Business and Financial Journalism. He serves on the board of directors at Markel. He lives in Seattle with his wife and two kids.

Author on the Web

Website | Instagram| Twitter 

#Bookreview Kalki by Anup Jetty

 

About The Book

‘KALKI’ is a fictional action thriller with a social message. It is basically a tug-of-war between two famous writers for the number one position. It also has a feel-good love story between a writer from Kolkata and a classical dance teacher from Varanasi. The beauty of Varanasi and the holy Ganga aarthi is presented in a splendid manner.

Dev, the main lead character, writes a story based on lord Vishnu’s final avatar, ‘Kalki’ Mysteriously, the fiction he writes becomes reality in his life and gets him stuck in a lot of problems. How he deals with them, gives a message to the society and finds his love by crossing all the huddles is what is the story.

My Thoughts

This is the second book by author Anup Jetty; I had read his first book also, and I can say for sure that Kalki is a huge improvement compared to his previous work.

Though the story started as a rivalry between two writers for the top spot, the story has many layers.

As for the storyline, I have read multiple stories based on the same plot, and being a thriller junkie, the story doesn’t surprise me. However, I enjoyed the ending.

The language of the book is lucid. The book's editing and proofreading are inadequate. There is much information provided in the book that is not correct.

I truly hope that author Anup Jetty will rectify these mistakes in his next book.

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 

#BookReview Krishna's Secret by Devdutt Pattanaik

 

About The Book

Krishna's Secret is an extract from his book, 7 Secrets of Vishnu, reminds us that Krishna is an unusual God—the most unconventional, whether as an endearing cowherd or the astute charioteer in the Mahabharata.

His mother is not his real mother; his beloved is not his wife…; his lovemaking is not really lovemaking; his war does not really war. There is always more than meets the eye.

And so, only Krishna, of all the avatars, sports a smile, a mischievous, meaningful smile. There is always more than meets the eye when Krishna is around.

My Thoughts

Devdutt simplifies and presents Lord Krishna's life story, as well as the accompanying values and lessons, in this short book. Perfect for individuals who prefer simple text over time-consuming religious epics.

For me, this book seems to be like a “headline” of Krishna’s life. Nothing is discussed in detail. Too short and too simple for the character who is known to be a “Brilliant Political Mind”.

In his writing, the author employs soft, Whatsapp forward-type analogies. And the information presented is not novel.

Overall, it is just a time pass, boring to read.

Book Links

Amazon India | Amazon USA

About the Author

Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik is an Indian physician turned leadership consultant, mythologist, and author whose works focus largely on the areas of myth, mythology, and also management. He is the former chief belief officer of Future Group, one of India’s largest retailers. He writes a column for the newspaper Mid-Day.

Author on the Web

Website | Instagram| Facebook | Twitter

#BookReview A Battle for New India: a story to transform Indian political system by Chandan Sarkar

 

About The Book

"Anyone who says they are not interested in politics is like a drowning man who insists he is not interested in water." - Mahatma Gandhi

This book is a fictional story about Srikanta, a singer-turned-politician, who faces the dark sides of the Indian political system and stands up for a battle against the conventional political parties to change the poor situation of the socio-economic conditions.

My Thoughts

"A Battle for New India" is basically a political fiction that comes with a strong message. Corruption in society is quite a common issue these days.

The story revolves around the protagonist, Srikanta, who used to be a singer. Initially, he was pushed into politics by his college senior, Sumana, but later he devoted his heart and soul to it.

His dream was to build a new India—a society free from corruption and poverty. But the path to establishing a new idea is never easy.

Despite being a short read, this story proved to be quite impactful. The ideas and the turn of events felt quite interesting to read. Written in simple language, the book definitely stands out.

Book Links

Amazon India | Amazon USA

About the Author

Author,  Chandan Sarkar has had a passion for writing poetries since childhood being inspired by so many Bengali writers. He is an Energy and Sustainability Consultant by profession.

He has written many poems and among them selected poems based on the inner self, thoughts, and life is published in his first book “Beyond the Horizon with You and Life” which is a best seller and won the 1st runner-up prize in Amazon KDP pentopublish#4 contest in 2021. He has published a few poetry books and short stories after that.

Other than writing his other creative interests are photography, drawing, and filmmaking.

Author on the Web

Instagram | Facebook

#BookReview Me No Pause, Me Play by Manoj Kumar Sharma

 

About The Book

This story revolves around Woman and Womanhood through the lenses of the Social Kaleidoscope. The essence of this story is overcoming the intricacy and complicacy of Womanhood through innovative measures with calculated risks.

Though since ages wise men never ever denied the unique importance of Women in their lives, but, at the same time couldn’t restrain from autocratic patriarchy and disguised misogyny.

Even Nature’s unworded Laws cruelly dumped Women after manipulating them to the fullest. How long Woman will have to continue bearing the ongoing sufferings?

My Thoughts

This is author Manoj Kumar Sharma’s second book. I have read his first book, "Mirrow", and am eagerly awaiting his next book.

I always love books centered around women’s issues. What really attracted me to the book is its unique name. I got myself a paperback and started reading.

The first few chapters are crisp and full of information, with not a single dull moment. Overall, the pace of the book is really good and can be finished in one sitting.

I really like the characters, and they are very much based on real-life people. On a surprising note, I really wanted to know why Rajat is the way he is.

Overall, this book is a good short read; however, I would prefer it if the author elaborated on some of the issues in more detail.

Book Links

Amazon India | Amazon USA

About the Author

Manoj Kumar Sharma is born & brought up and in Bhilai, Durg (Chattisgarh).  Did his schooling from Bhilai and loves to take part in various competitions (Story, Poetry, Essay, Debates, etc). And those experiences shadowed the Author for many years till MIRRRO happened.  He pursued a professional carrier as Civil Engineer after graduation from Engineering College, Raipur. He worked in various organizations for more than 20 years, however, while all those years working as a Civil Engineer, his childhood aspirations for creativity shadowed the Author. 

Then after retirement aggregated everything hibernating in my mind & few haphazardly lying written pieces.....finally MIRRRO was born...

As an overview, the Author believes that Writing is a Soulful Act, processed by Shri Maa Sarasvatiji & Muse....not by the Author.

Author on the Web

Email | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

#BookReview NINE by Vineet Singh Hukmani

About The Book

NINE is a collective of 9 original, thrilling stories based on 9 original, optimistic songs. Not only can you read the stories, but the book also has the 9-songs album, embedded with QR codes after each story.

My Thoughts

I can’t stress enough how much I love thriller books and movies. I have read multiple books and seen multiple movies in this genre. Hence it somehow makes me well aware of most of the plot points a thriller can offer.

NINE is a collective of 9 original, thrilling stories based on 9 original, optimistic songs.

The very first thing I liked about the book is the writing style and how well-written the book is. The author has definitely put his blood and sweat into the book.

However, I didn’t like the stories, none of the stories offer anything new and is pretty repetitive in nature.

For me, this book is a fun one-time read.

Book Links

Amazon India

About the Author

Vineet Singh Hukmani is a Harvard Business School alumnus and former MD & CEO of 94.3 Radio One. He is a world record-breaking singer-songwriter and now an author.

He is the first artist in the world to have 9 number-1 singles in the European Top 100 charts in 2021.

His music has topped other prestigious world music charts like the DRT and Cash Box Magazine charts in the USA, The World Indie Music Charts, and the World Radio Charts.

In 2021, 3 of his songs, were submitted in consideration for a Grammy, in 4 mainstream categories.

Author on the Web

Instagram | Wikipedia

 

#BookReview High School Playbook by Chris Weilert

 

About The Book

Think Big, Dream Bigger, Live Larger

At least, that’s how Fergus would like to act. Instead, he exists in a world of the cool and the lame. Haves and have-nots. Winners and losers.

Full of fear and potential in equal measure, Fergus just needs a push.

Not content with his voyage of self, Fergus decides to rekindle the friendship between his father and the author of the Final Opus.

If Fergus can save his father from the fate of humdrum existence, then nothing can stop either of them. And all they have to do is follow the plan laid out thirty years ago in the High School Playbook.

My Thoughts

I am a sucker for YA books. I just simply love them, not only books but movies too.

The book depicts the life of Fergus, a teenage boy. He is like me in my teenage years. He is bulled by the popular kids, but they cannot crush his dreams. I was also bullied in my school days, hence can relate to it to a great extent.

At times Fergus lived in a fantasy world, whereas his reality is nothing but lame.

This all changed when he discovered a diary which is written by his father’s best friends and his namesake. This diary served as a roadmap to his journey to discovering himself.

I wish I had a playbook like this.

I enjoyed reading this book and related it to Fergus in many ways. Even though I am an adult, still a roadmap would be really helpful.

Awesome book for teenagers.

Book Links

Amazon India | Amazon USA

About the Author

Chris R. Weilert lives in San Jose, California with his wife and pack of dogs. He has written his whole life but only in the last few years has he been serious enough to pursue being an author. His pieces have appeared in magazines and book compilations. He is more of a short story writer but is now venturing into novel writing.  High School Playbook is his first book.

Author on the Web

Email | Facebook

#BookReview To Lose A Penny by Savannah Lynn

 

About The Book

To Lose a Penny is a fictional autobiography of a man who loses everything and finds answers he wasn't looking for.

Amid the worst year of his life, an anonymous narrator finds an outlet to express his deepest fears, most joyous moments, and largest realizations. Somewhere along the way, we realize his mindless ramblings seem to show us more about the world around us than the one within the pages.

My Thoughts

I am a professional book promoter, editor, and content writer. I have to read, that is literally my job. I read various content, however, I come across very few books that touch my heart.

I don’t like to read romantic books. However, from the very first sentence, this book captures my full attention.

After a long time, I read something so fulfilling for the reader within me.

The story goes in a journal format where we get to meet the main character, well, his name is a mystery. He is suffering from a life-threatening disease, heartbroken over the death of the love of his life (Penny), and wants to end his life. However, what follows is a journey full of laughter, tears and hope.

The main character is like all of us in our worst situations, he doesn’t pretend to be strong, but rather he is strong enough to accept that he is not strong. I was rooting for him from the beginning.

I specifically like how the author finishes every chapter or entry in the journal. Like “A Mess”, “the biggest pain in your ass ever”, “Accidentally 34” and many more.

The language is fluid and easy to comprehend, the pace is fast, not a single dull moment.

This book is author Savannah Lynn’s first book and she did a marvelous job with it. I am eagerly waiting for her next book.

Book Links

Amazon India | Amazon USA

About the Author

Savannah Lynn grew up in High Springs, Florida. By age 4, her adoration for reading and her wild imagination morphed into a passion for writing. Then at age 15, she attempted her first novel The Story of Mags. This was never published due to her acceptance of a dual enrollment program and was a full-time college student by age 16. 

At age 18, she moved to Tennessee and transferred to MTSU. She graduated at age 21 and self-published her second novel Imaginary the same year. Then at age 22, she decided it was time to begin the two-year process of writing To Lose A Penny. Which was her first commercially published novel and was released in 2021.

Author on the Web

Website | Email | Instagram| Facebook | Twitter 

#BookReview The Right Kind of Wrong by Shilpa Suraj

About The Book

With no name, no medical history, multiple gunshot wounds, and enough security to rival the Prime Minister’s, Dr Aria Dubey’s new patient is something more than she asked for. And everything she might just need.

Intelligence Officer Karan Bhatnagar has only vengeance on his mind. Nothing will stop him from seeking justice for his murdered parents.

There's only one thing left to do...find the killer and end him before he ends them. Will Karan and Aria risk everything for a love that is all kinds of wrong? And yet, is the right kind of wrong.

My Thoughts

This book is a mixture (khichdi) of romance and thrill and suspense.

The best part of the book is its gripping narration and fast pace.

However, the main issue with the book is its overdramatization. At times it felt like a Bollywood masala movie.

The characters are well-drafted, especially Aria. Mr X is like any character from any thrillers book.

Overall, fun, time-pass read.

Book Links

Amazon India | Amazon USA

About the Author

Shilpa Suraj wears many hats - corporate drone, homemaker, mother to a fabulous toddler, and author.

An avid reader with an overactive imagination, Shilpa has weaved stories in her head since she was a child. Her previous stints at Google, in an ad agency, and as an entrepreneur provide color to her present-day stories, both fiction and non-fiction.

Author on the Web

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

#BookReview Study, Sleep, Repeat: 130 Tips to Schedule Your College Life by Joel Randall

 

About The Book

Hickory Dickory dock. The mouse ran up the clock. The clock struck eleven, and this was the moment the university freshman stressed out about uploading his project at a time when he still had another three hours of work to do—Hickory Dickory dock.

Time crises foil the good-natured plans of education, but despondency doesn’t have to be permanent. With a break here, a breath there, and a Hickory Dickory dock of preparation, you can make it.

If you feel like a mindless mouse exhausted by racing against the clock for no apparent reason, this book is for you.

My Thoughts

I always take pride in my time management skills. I am a multitasker and I am good at it. Since my school days, I have never as such had any time management issues.

When my brother suggested this book to me, my reaction was like…. why.

However, after reading this, I can understand my brother recommended the book.

This book is a time management goldmine. Though the book is written for college students, it is still very relevant for corporate professionals also.

There are a lot of time management techniques mentioned in the book and I am following some of them in my life and getting good results.

Book Links

Amazon India | Amazon USA

About the Author

Joel B. Randall graduated from Brigham Young University–Idaho in December 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in communication (an emphasis in news/journalism) and an English minor. As a former tutor with his university’s writing center, Joel has a deep appreciation for English grammar and aspires to become a newspaper editor.

Besides professional writing, Joel enjoys creative writing and has published a guide to writing believable fiction. He is currently writing a fantasy book and a mystery book in his free time. Joel is passionate about the power that words can demonstrate when carefully crafted together, whether that be in a novel, short story, poem, or research paper.

Author on the Web

Instagram| Twitter 

#BookReview The Last Nazi by Andrew Turpin

About The Book

The buried contents of a Nazi train. An aging SS mass murderer. And the wartime secrets of a U.S. presidential hopeful’s Jewish family, hidden for seven decades.

War crimes investigator and ex-CIA officer Joe Johnson is more than intrigued when he learns of a link between the contents of a Nazi train, hidden by Hitler's Third Reich, a ruthless blackmail plot, and financing for a U.S. presidential hopefuls 2012 campaign.

My Thoughts

I have a fascination for spy thrillers. The assassination of some president or CIA/FBI involvement is my jam. There was a time I wanted to be a RAW agent but realized I am not very good a spying and dropped my plan.

Johnson himself is a well-crafted character. He was brave, resourceful, and utterly determined.

The description of various locations is apt and helps you to visualize. Definitely a fun read.

The only complaint I have is at times, the story is really dragging. For thrillers, this is definitely not ideal. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book.

Book Links

Amazon India | Amazon USA

About the Author

Andrew is a former journalist who has always had a love of writing, current affairs, history, and good novels.

His first book in the Joe Johnson spy conspiracy series, The Last Nazi, was published in August 2017, and hit the Amazon top 50 in the US and UK, as well as number one rankings in individual categories.

There are now seven books in the Johnson series. The others are The Old Bridge, Bandit Country, Stalin's Final Sting, The Nazi's Son, and The Black Sea, plus a prequel, The Afghan.

Author on the Web

Website | Email | Facebook | Twitter 

#BookReview A Complete Biography of Elon Musk by Abhishek Kumar

 

About The Book

Between space rockets, electric cars, solar batteries, research into killer robots, and the billions he's made along the way, Musk is basically a real-life Tony Stark - which is why he served as an inspiration for “Iron Man.”

But it wasn’t easy for Musk, his personal life comes with a lot of ups and downs initially, from being extraordinarily bright at school to getting bullied at school, and abused by his father.

Still, he never gave up and attended the University of Pennsylvania, and thrived hard in life to achieve success.

My Thoughts

Well, I am not at all an autobiography reader, especially when it comes to these billionaires.

Anyhow, here I am reviewing this book. The best thing about the book is its fast and no-nonsense approach. It offers the inside of a brilliant mind as well as his determination to make a difference.

The book covers the work life of Mr. Elon Mask, not his personal life, and not even the ethical part of the work.

Overall, this is a good book, with a lot of details about Mr. Mask’s life.

Book Links

Amazon India | Amazon USA

About the Author

Abhishek Kumar, graduated in Computer Science & Engineering from the Biju Patnaik University of Technology.

Following the completion of his formal education, he sought to mark himself in business, especially in the software industry. He is one of the founding members of the JTJ Group of Companies, held various designations, and served varying responsibilities. Under his guidance and supervision, the company has risen to a phenomenal height.

Author on the Web

Amazon

#BookReview The American Outsider by Homa Pourasgari

About The Book

Tessa Walker is a veterinarian with a strong, emotional connection to animals. As a teen, she witnessed the brutal slaughter of dolphins, and as an adult, she decides to do something about it. She leaves her home in Los Angeles and travels to Japan to speak out for them, but little does she know that she is embarking on an adventure that will change her life forever. From the urban metropolis of Tokyo to historic Kyoto to the culinary city of Osaka, and the seaside town of Taiji, Tessa is determined to help Japanese activists stand up for her beloved mammals.

Along the way, the friendships and bonds that she builds with people in Japan, and the unconditional love of a stranger named Toshiro, open her eyes to a complicated society of conventions and traditions. Yet, her limited knowledge of the language and customs doesn't deter her from taking on a dangerous mission that could land her in jail.

My Thoughts

The majority of the books I read are thrillers or crime-suspense dramas. I've grown tired of any kind of love story over the years, and I'm not in the mood to save the world (it's beyond saving). And the length of the book was also off-putting. However, on a gloomy afternoon, with a runny nose and a cup of ginger tea, I started reading The American Outsider by Homa Pourasgari.

I loved Tessa’s journey through the Land of the Rising Sun. She appears to be similar to many of us, with a tough outer shell to protect the inner soft core. The book is primarily focused on her, and the author did a great deal of work to portray her as real as possible. She seems like someone I could know in real life.

There is also a sweet love story in the book, and that is a refreshing break from the main plot; however, it never distracted me from the focus of the book.

The language is easy to grasp and can be read even by readers whose first language is not English.

Overall, it’s a great read.

Book Links

Amazon India | Amazon USA

About the Author

Born in Tehran, Iran, Homa Pourasgari spent hours in her father's home office, writing, reading, and letting her imagination carry her to unseen worlds. She moved to the United States at a young age. After graduating from Loyola Marymount University with a degree in business, she left for Paris to study literature at the Sorbonne. Her first book, Lemon Curd, was nominated Forward Magazine's Book of the Year Award finalist. Her second book, The Dawn of Saudi, won Reader Views Reviewers Choice Award. She lives in Los Angeles, California. When she is not writing, she is stumbling, miming, and pointing to find her way in a foreign country. 

Author on the Web

Website | Twitter