#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

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#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

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#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

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#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

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#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

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Bad Girl Gone Wicked (Bad Girl #3) by Shilpa Suraj - #Contemporary #Romance @shilpaauthor @bookreviewtours

Everyone knew that when she stepped up to the crease, she always came out swinging…

Tara Wadhwa, Captain of the Indian Women’s Cricket team, was living the dream. She got to play the sport she loved and to live close to her friends, the family of her heart. But when her friends start to fall in love, a sliver of loneliness works its way into her heart pushing her to make a reckless mistake.
Nikhil Upadhyay, owner of a pristine reputation and the nation’s best fixer, is called in to save the day. Fix Tara’s reputation and babysit her till she brings home the World Cup. A dream assignment for a man who otherwise spent way too much time cleaning up far messier situations. Until he met his newest client and the dream turned into a nightmare…
Can Tara work past her childhood grooming to see that there could be a life beyond the game? Can Nikhil see the value of the girl behind the polished façade he was working on presenting to the world? And will the two of them ever stop fighting long enough to allow their simmering attraction a chance to come out and play?

For when the Bad Girl met the Good Boy, she realised, that just this once, she wanted to let her inner ‘wicked’ out to play. And we all know what happens when Tara Wadhwa steps up to the crease…

Book Links:
Goodreads | Amazon.in | Amazon.com

Reads an Excerpt from Bad Girl Gone Wicked

She slunk out, her face set in mutinous lines, accepting the plate with her omelette from me. I served myself, deliberately keeping conversation non-existent until a few morsels of egg hit her stomach.
I’d just sat down across from her when I saw her wince and massage her temples. A killer hangover, I was sure. Reaching for my laptop bag, I pulled out a strip of over-the-counter painkillers and slipped it to her.
She stared at it like I’d handled her a rattlesnake but took it without comment, swallowing a tablet without water. The pain must be truly intense.
I picked up my own plate, thinking maybe now would be a good time to discuss my game plan. “So-”
“You’re going to die of a heart attack,” she announced.
My fork froze halfway to my mouth. “Is that a wish or a prophecy or…?”
“You can’t eat like that.” She pointed her own fork at my plate.
I glanced down at my fried eggs sunny side up with their sides of mashed potatoes and bacon. I was a relatively calm and amiable sort, but this woman seemed to have only one setting; irritating.
“You’re going to die,” she announced again, finally managing to get on even my last nerve. “Don’t eat that.”
I should stay calm, I thought, reminding myself of the fat pay packet the hot mess sitting across from me was going to earn me.
“Don’t eat that,” she repeated loudly.
To hell with it. I picked up a sliver of bacon and popped it in my mouth, holding her irate gaze. Either I’d die of a heart attack, or she’d kill me with a stroke from high blood pressure. So be it.
At least I’d go with bacon in my mouth. I made it a point to chew extra hard and extra loudly when it came to the crunchy bits. 

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.

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#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

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#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

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#Bookreview Nanda Devi by Sandeep Madadi

About The Book

There are mountains, particularly in some ranges of the Indian Himalayas, that have grown taller in our minds. Many of them are made taller, tougher, and almost legendary by an intricate veil of mythology and mystery around them. Add a rich legacy of heroic explorations, epic ascents, tragic accidents, and a generous dash of romanticism to that and you have Nanda Devi. For reasons known yet unexplained -plutonium or pollution, political or practical - since 1983, Nanda Devi and its sanctum sanctorum remain out of bounds. 

This is a narrative of mountain travel and exploration set in the backdrop of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary that offers a vigorous description of men as much as the mountains. The intertwined narrative of this book attempts to take you on a voyage into the forbidden Inner sanctuary, back to those good old days, reflecting on the prior explorations, mythology, wildlife, and the native hill tribe culture.

My Thoughts

I am probably the most non-sporty person you will ever know. I am lazy. Trekking and hiking are definitely not my kind of activities. Hence, I usually don’t read books about such experiences.

A few days ago, I had a terrible day and decided to go out for coffee with Nanda Devi in my hand. For the next few hours, all I had was a flat white and a picture painted with words.

What a book it is. So informative, yet not at all boring. How author Sandeep Madadi penned his experience of the Nanda Devi expedition simply gave me goosebumps.

I have never been to the Himalayas. After reading this book, I am tempted to venture into the Himalayas - trekking or no trekking!

Such an amazing and unique read for me, and a refreshing break from my thrillers.

Book Links

Amazon India

About the Author

Sandeep Madadi is a wannabe but a never-been mountaineer because he was never good enough to be one. Like a bad workman who always blames his tools, he attributes it to his terrible sense of direction. At best, he would have become a hill walker which he did, eventually. 

But that’s not bad at all for someone who was always the last to be picked for his school’s soccer team where he lived up to the reputation as he went on to score his only goal for the other team. History and the Himalayas are his two obsessive interests. When not working on his desk job, he is daydreaming about his next remote trek in the Himalayas. Climbing may not be his forte, but writing certainly is.

Author on the Web

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#BookReview Princess Stories by Igloo Books Ltd

About The Book

Join in with Princess Harriet as she tries to get rid of her hiccups, meet Princess Lily and her new pet dragon and have fun with Princess Beatrice as she puts on a homemade ballet show.

Make story time extra special with this wonderful collection of princess stories, written especially for children aged five and under. With adorable characters and beautiful illustrations, these gentle and funny stories will make you smile time and time again.

My Thoughts

I brought this book for my 4-year-old daughter. Like any other 4-year-olds, she loves princesses.

Both I and my husband took turns reading this book to her and she loved it.

This is a nicely illustrated children's book.

This is a collection of seven beautiful short stories about little Princesses and their adventures.

I appreciate how they are doing ordinary things like dancing, baking, and wanting a pet.

Very good book for kids.

Book Links

Amazon India | Amazon USA