Book Review: Someone’s Rejection Can Make Your Life

Relations and emotions form the core of literature in the present day. The only difference is of approach which comes with age. Shivangi Yadav’s Amazon best seller, “Someone’s Rejection Can Make Your Life” can be an example that can be mentioned in this regard. As the title indicates, the novel has a clear intention of showing the bright side in a rejection which simply means that it is not the end of the world.

On the surface level, the book has the smooth sailing story of Arshi but on reading between the lines, the readers can understand that Yadav talks about a dominant issue among teenagers due to their hormonal changes and how the events at this point of time can influence their entire life altogether. Arshi is more or less a representative of today’s internet generation who live half of their lives in the virtual world of social media and Bollywood films. But at the same time, she also slips in the factor of parenting and what the marvels of correct parenting can be.

The novel has already become a popular among readers as it was released on 22 August 2020 and within 3 days, it became #1 amazon bestseller. This is due to the fact that “Someone’s Rejection Can Make Your Life” is less of a book and more of a guide for teenagers as to how to deal with rejections in life and handle the critical situations in relationships. The author very artistically also brings home the fact that a person’s parents can see the better for them and would only advice the right things although, their manner of conveying it may not be acceptable. In the long run, their decisions are proven right due to their experience and wisdom.

The author also tries to suggest that whatever happens in a person’s life may be heartbreaking in that moment but it is left on time, it is proven to be the right thing for the same person. This book cannot be restricted to the ones going through a bad time but other young readers can also read the book due to not just the simplicity of language or the easily relatable character of Arshi, but also because they may face the same situations in their lives as they grow older and if nothing else, they would get to know of the different shades of the world in “Someone’s Rejection Can Make Your Life”.

Book Review: Art of Staying Young while growing old

Human life is such where things are decided for every stage in advance. From childhood to old age, the works and responsibilities are more or less decided as per the age and all that needs to be done in that time. But it is old age when things change and mostly, people find themselves free and idle. But they are such a workaholic throughout their lives that being without work makes them uncomfortable. To cater to the needs of all those Dinesh Sahay brings his book, “Art of Staying Young while Growing Old”. The book may be a short reading, but it is a comprehensive guide to all those who want their life to remain purposeful and meaningful even in their later years. Since very less has been written about the activities that can be done in the later years that makes the book more important and unique one for its category. In the light of this, suggesting this book to every person would be doing true justice to the value of the book and the hard work of the author.

The cover of the book has the sight of a peaceful happy family which gives a positive vibe to the reader. Such kinds of covers enforce the universality of the book without letting the reading audience to get limited. The author begins his book with a basic thought of how things and situations go through in life and how on turning old, a person faces the time when they do not have much eventful stuff to do. This, as per the author is also something that many fear as to what they would do in the old age years. Thereafter, the author shares the things that the people can do in a very simple and pragmatic manner. These things include a proper routine cycle from waking up to going to bed which has a list of things that a person can do to make their days as busy as earlier and much more healthier than then. The 17 short chapters are a package for a readers which are a collection of wisdom and knowledge accumulated by the author through his experience by trying and testing those techniques on himself. This reinforces their practicality and also assuring the readers who would be reading the book with high hopes

An interesting thing to note here is that the suggestions that the author gives are not something that can be restricted to any particular age or assume that they are only meant for people who have retired. The author gives ideas of waking up and sleeping on time, practicing yoga etc. which is something that even younger people can implement in their lives and take the benefits of it in their ripe years. This widens the appeal of the book and all the people, young or old, can read and follow whatever things are suitable and manageable for them. The author has kept the titles of the chapters in a very smart manner and the readers can understand and decide which one to read first according to their interest. Even by reading the titles, the readers get an idea of what the chapters would be about and that is enough to raise their interest levels. The fact that “Art of Staying Young while Growing Old” is quite short is likely to make it popular among people easily as that is one of its strongest factors in reaching out to the readers. To add on, the book also features pictures here and there which altogether attracts the readers more. At the same time, there are places where important things have been highlighted to facilitate reading as readers can go back to reading the book time and again and refer to those important lines and facts whenever needed.

With this, the author also gives guidelines for a healthy life and how people can take better care of their health for a comfortable longer life. He keeps the language simple and easy for all kinds of readers to understand and the ideas that he shares are also quick and easy to apply. Another notable thing is the manner in which the author directly speaks to the readers. Sahay addresses the readers many times directly which brings him closer to the readers and the readers are able to relate with him at a personal level. Every reader, whether young or old, should read “Art of Staying Young while Growing Old” not just to facilitate himself or herself but also the elder members of their family who look for ways to keep themselves engaged and busy even after their retirement on in their later years and as the author says in the introduction, the book is likely to inspire them to bring a “360-degree change in their lives”.

Book Review: My Dearest Husband

On the surface reading of the title, “My Dearest Husband” by Shivam Jayant may seem to be a simple story where a wife is addressing the husband. But from the beginning itself, the readers know that the title is not a direct but an indirect addressing by the wife to her husband.

Jayant creates the narrative in which he makes the wife the mouthpiece and through her eyes he shows the status and position of women in the modern independent India. Although he keeps the background of Bihar but somewhere, the readers can agree that the story and instances presented in the text could be the story of any girl living anywhere. The issues that the author discusses are central to the lives of most of the women and making a woman his mouthpiece shows the character crafting skills of the author. At the same time, the author also shows his understanding of the female psychology over the years as she grows from a teenager to a woman. 

The speaking of words through the form of a diary also speaks at length of the plight of speech of women. Rather than sharing with anyone in a vocal manner, the protagonist found it safer to keep her thoughts in written form. 

Readers who are looking for a reading of a twisted and eye opening reality check can read “My Dearest Husband”. Short as it may be, it can be read by readers of all kinds.

Book Review: Unbloc

Success today has become an aspiration for all and a desire of everyone. No one in this time wants to settle for anything less and work for the better of themselves. The most important role in success is of the thoughts a person has and the way they think and see things. “Unbloc” by Satish Kataria is one of the few most important books that focusses on the development of proper thoughts for a person to achieve their dreams instead of being a roadmap to success. 

“Unbloc” is inspired from the experience of the author which makes the book more of a testimony to how thoughts should be. To add on the weight of the book, there are additional “Bonus Leanings” from the succesful personalities of the present time which include Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Anurag Batra, Sairee Chahal and Sasha Mirchandani. So the readers get to learn things through the expriences of not just one person but five.

As the author says, “Entrepreneurship is 1% about money and 99% about the mindset”, this statement remains in the air throughout the reading of the book. The author takes a pragmatic approach to explain the effects of thoughts in channeling a person towards success.

As the author suggess in the foreword, the readers can decide what they want to read from the contents on their own because every chapter is a universe in itself. The language in which the author writes is according to the understanding of all types of readers. “Unbloc” is packed substances for “inner coding” and the readers are likely to have a good learning experience on their road to success.

Book Review: Not Half Girl friend 3x girlfriend

Some books are short and yet they are impactful. “Not Half Girl friend, 3x Girl Friend” by Rosa Das may be a short 18 page story but there are certain issues which are inescapable from the observation of the readers.

The title is pretty much suggestive of the plot and at the same time misleading too. Hence, the readers are drawn to read this less than an hour reading in one sitting.

The author keeps the plot swift and full of action and the story bears a thorough reflection of the modern day city culture and student life. The other issues that the author raises through the steamy plot include the difference of semi-urban and urban life, parenting, objectification of women, carnal needs being the basic instinct and the blaming of cities for spoiling small town folk. In between all this, the author also hints at the issue of maturity and the timing of doing things in life. The readers who are into erotica reading should try reading this book. But since the plot is quite focussed on students on their life or rather one event in one student’s life, college students may find this book of their interest.

Book Review: Mokshaa

Literature and the forms of writing have been developed mainly by the male folk and  the portrayal of women been has also come from the pen of male writers. But some situations and predicaments can only be understood and described by women themselves. One of the finest examples in this regard is Haritha Sivakumar’s novel, “Mokshaa”.

Both the title and the cover of the book keep the readers in suspense and they can hardly even guess what the book could be about. This is one of the first factors that catches the attention of the readers and they are able to think of the plot only when they read the subtitle. 

Even then, as they begin the story, the prologue only serves to highten their interest and make them wonder as to what would be the events that would follow further. As the story develops further, the readers get to learn and understand the issues of a woman from the point of view of a woman and written by a woman too. Sivakumar develops the powerful character of Mokshaa who not only becomes an instant favourite among the readers but her impact is such that the readers start seeing things the way she sees and also understand her viewpoint closely. The author keeps the development of the plot at a fine pace and the readers engaged throughout without letting them lose track even for a single moment. 

Sivakumar’s writing on women and the issue of prenatal depression is something that can keep “Mokshaa” in the canon on Indian literary writing. The readers who want to read somepowerful content which could make them think should try reading “Mokshaa” for not just its fineness of plot and characters but also for the issues that the author has discussed. 

Book Review: Wild World

There was a time when Rudyard Kipling had taken the readers on the flight of his imagination in “The Jungle Book”. In this, a modern relfection of Kipling can be seen in “Wild Wold: The Adventures of Bali and Bhola” by Deepak Arora. For once, it may seem to be inspired by Kipling but reading, the book clearly assumes an individuality of its own and keeps the readers fixed. 

The readers are attracted to the substance of the book from the very cover and are well aware that they are in for something interesting. The story may be in the fable form, yet there is the presence of humans or human activities here and there. That provides the element of modernity and the touch of the present. The readers get a clear view of how human activities have affected animal lives. This makes the reading of the open to readers of all ages. Since the book has pictures here and there, young children are likely to enjoy it. Parents who want to develop reading habits in their children and go for this book and can try reading it themselves too.

Book Review: Binge and Nothingness

As times have changed, so has the lifestyle of people. As a result, the problems and situations they face prevail but are slightly different with the changing time. Juan Kaius’, “Binge and Nothingness” is an embodiment of the spirit of the present time and a thorough representation of the situation of the modern day youth.

The fact that the story features a 25 year old does fair justice to its generation but his story maybe the story of any 30 year old too. The author maintains the Camus like starkness of reality and the existentialist crisis that a person with a lifestyle relying heavily on fulfiling himself through external pleasures has. All the circumstances presented make the story directly relatable for a majority of readers as the author makes the reality hit the head and heart with the strongest impact. The book is short, but the impact casted on readers is way beyond in terms of time.

The book features not just the manner in which the author observes and explains things but also how he keeps the facts in their raw form without any tampering or subduing them. Readers of the present generation who have the courage to face things the way they are should read “Binge and Nothingness” as it strikes the right chord with the present day generation flawlessly and effortlessly. 

Book Review: Yours Truly

From the cover itself, “Yours Truly” by Anandarupa Chakrabarti presents itself as a soothing sight, as an image of relaxation for all readers. The readers are ready to read this personal form of writing by the author which strikes the right chord everytime a reader reads through.

As the author mentions, “Yours Truly” is specifically written for the present tough times when life is uncertain and nothing is assured. The book may seem to be written in the form of poetry, but above everything, it is more of a collection of letters. This makes the address of the poet even more personal and reaches much closer to the reader. As Chakrabarti begins every chapter, she starts with a powerful quote or saying which relates to the content she would talk about on the following page. This adds weight to her writing and also shows how well read the author herself is. All readers who are looking for a short light reading can try reading this book.

Book Review: The Final Weekend

When life is about to change, everyone wants to take a leap into the past and relive what they will be missing out in the coming future. “The Final Weekend: A Stoned Tale” by Neal Cassidy is a reflection of this thought. The novel, being told through the eyes of the characters themselves gives the plot a unique hold which keeps the readers interested in the lives of the characters at a personal level. Due to this technique, the characters come across as more realistic and may also be relatable for many.

How they decide for a weekend getaway and the events that happen in that span of time is basically what the book is about. Despite the length of the book being a little longer than usual book lengths these days, the readers remain interested throughout and keep observing the behaviours of the characters through their actions and their words. All readers who want to understand the states of mind of people who are oving from one phase to another and at the same time want to get the flavour of comedy and humor should try reading “The Final Weekend”.

Book Review: Age of the Imperfect Leader

As it is said, that no human is perfect, this trait goes along for life. This is the reason why everyone strives hard to get better at what they do and how to make themselves better. “Age of the Imperfect Leader: Leading from strength” is one such remarkable writing by Pawan Verma in this light.

Through the book, the author suggests that there are different circumstances and situations which carve out the leader in a person. He divides the book broadly into 3 parts wherein her explores different situations on the basis of what he says in the introduction, “my conversation with myself”. Through his personal experience, he intends to enrich the readers and help them become better and more skilled in achieving their targets. This is one of the few books that all readers should read, irrespective what genre they enjoy the most. A chance to get better and learn more is no less than an opportunity to grow, after all.

Book Review: The Destiny's Child Enima

A book which has the right combination of all elements becomes an interesting and thrilling read for every reader. If the book caters to the needs of not just the young folk but the grown up people then that only means that it would be read much more widely and perhaps beyond the expectation of the author. The same case seems possible on reading “The Destiny’s Child Enima” by the young writer Salma Afreen. In her work, she takes the readers on a magical spin in a world which is more or less not projected in the present day writings. This vintage and touch of the classic is what makes her book an inviting read for readers of all genres.

In simple terms, the book is definitely about kings, queens, royalty, evil, and other such salient features which gives the glimpses of the fairytale touch by the author and at the same time it also addresses other issues which are relevant in the present world. These issues include gender bias, subjugation of women, universal human nature of jealousy, faithfulness, loyalty and most importantly, the role of fate or destiny in the life of any person. These are the different factors that combine together to form an interesting and captivating book to keep the readers interested and willing to read through. But, the interesting fact is that these issues are never mentioned directly anywhere. The readers have to be wise and prudent to read between the lines and understand the author’s hints and by staying in tune with the words she has written.

The young author shows her talent of writing and influence of the classics in the language that she uses and the manner in which she constructs the characters. The characters surprise the readers by their behavior and actions and even though the chapter names make the plot a little predictable, yet the readers are tempted to read and go through the whole book without leaving any page unturned. The author keeps the readers engaged with her skill of narration and the Shakespearean touch that she gives her characters without holding the strings too tight. She allows the characters to take control and come to the Centre stage to perform their actions and let the readers be the moral judges of them. The manner in which Afreen develops the plot is also smooth but by keeping twists and turns here and there, she manages to reach the nerve of the readers making them hold on to the book till the very end.

The cover of the book has been kept simple but that may mislead the readers and the saying “Never judge a book by its cover” is proven true as the readers flip through the pages. The cover may show a girl trying to reach out to the moon but there is a lot more to that. The destiny of the protagonist, Enima remains in the background and despite the readers being aware, they still want to see how the events unfold how the girl’s destiny turns the cards and times of her life. Other than this, the author uses image illustration only towards the end, which gives a feeling of closure to the readers by the time they finish the book.

Afreen has displayed her skills and talents as a writer which are likely to blossom into a more refined version of her present writing and the readers can expect a lot of strong work that may be inspired from reality and would also discuss the modern day issues which are relatable for the present day people. “The Destiny’s Child Enima” may carry the aura of the vintage and classical, but the problems that the characters are confronted with makes it realistic and close to life. This nudge towards reality makes the book a work of relevance for not just the present time but also later times. It sort of makes the work universally relevant as these issues would never lose their contemporaneity. 

Perhaps, there is no reader in the present day who has not heard about fairy tales. “The Destiny’s Child Enima” does have the touches of fairy tales but at the same time the hints to issues of social relevance make the book a modern version of fairy tales. This is what makes the book a recommended read for not just young children but grown up people too. Readers who are looking for some light reading where they can take a plunge into their imagination and reach the kingdom of kings and queens should try reading “The Destiny’s Child Enima”. There is an amalgamation of love, romance, tension, and conspiracy that makes the book a combination of all the elements readers may be looking for to refresh themselves with some light reading.