Book Review: Cross Connection

Generally, it is strongly believed that destiny plays an important role in the lives of everyone and shaping it up further. "Cross Connection" by Preety Parveen is one such novel that solidifies this thought and makes it more cconcrete through her story. The author shows how destiny pulls the strings of the characters and their lives through its plans and designs and shapes it up all for the better. The title of the story is an intriguing and makes the reader wonder what kind of connection is going to be created in the story to follow.

The story altogether comes out to be an entertaining read having an appropriate mix of different emotions human beings have and feel. Whether it is the desire to be independent or it is to feel something for someone or it is about pining for loved one. All emotions have been juxtaposed with an accurate balance by the author.

The book can be read through in one sitting due to the fine language and narration of the story.

Book Review: Daughters of the Brothel

Literature is all about bringing the different sides of the society into the limelight. Whether it is the dark side or the good, it's kind of the responsibility of authors to give faithful portrayals of the society and times they live in. Deepak Yadav has done this job faithfully in his "Daughters of the Brothel". As disturbing as the title sounds, the author has unabashedly presented the stark realitiy and has done it so objectively that the reader can't help but appreciate the hardwork and dedication of the author behind his project.

The authors brings forward different stories of the women of the brothel and also the hijras (eunuchs) in the streets. He brings forward their stories from their perspectives and gives words to what they feel. Everyone knows the story from the morality point of view but no one knows how those feel who are actually a part of it. The author visits the red light area and goes and talks to women to get first hand accounts. 

For all those who want to know the darker side of the society we live in closely, this book is a must read. However, it would be better if only grown up adults would read it with a broader frame of mind.

Book Review: iKrishna

Mythological fiction as a genre continues to gain favor among writers and with each work, it only appears better than the others. Writers like Vivek Kumar, Saurabh Thakur and others have worked on this genre and the works are marvelous. Equally commendable is the effort of Anand Kadakol in his book "iKrishna".

The book length for once does seem a challenge but for most Indian readers who have some idea or the other about Lord Krishna, this book only becomes an engaging read. The author researches well and writes about the lord right from his childhood to adulthood and reconnects all those stories which everyone may have heard now and then in bits and pieces. For in depth knowledge and understanding of the life of Lord Krishna, this book becomes a necessary read. It gives insightful information to the readers and all they need to know. At the same time, the plotline continues to develop the mahabharata story in the background which, when needed comes to the forefront. For all those who look for interesting mythological reads, this book serves the purpose. 

Book Review: Co-Authors

As the title suggests, Co-Authors by Kajal Hemal Mehta is about two authors working on the same project and the rest of the plot revolves around this. In this short novel, Mehta has managed to create an abundant mixture of human emotions and turmoil which causes their different behaviors. "Co-Authors" also reinforces the belief of the reader in life and destiny and their unimaginable and unpredictable designs. No one ever knows how things can turn around and how the past can change into present and take a turn which no one could have thought of.

This is the package that makes the book one great read for people of all ages and all backgrounds. Since the characters are very strong and well developed, readers may begin to identify with them. Also, the underlying themes of patriarchy, feminism and society go hand in hand as the plot progresses. This widens the appeal of the book and everyone can read it.

Book Review: 26 words

Few authors have the coruage to address the reality as it is in their works. This actually is the true purpose of literature but following it requires courage and bravery. Smita Pal in her "26 Words" does this. Her 26 words are actually 26 stories but these 26 stories show an insightful author who observes the society silently and writes all the problems she has witnessed and wants to bring the problems of the society infront of the readers to make them aware. Her short stories are short but the issues she covers are very serious and thought-provoking.

Her art as a writer is at its horizon as she writes not only from the perspective of a woman but also men. This trait can not be overlooked. She writes not just about social problems but also the psychological aspects of people. This gives depth to her characters and they appear to be people speaking up for themselves. Therefore the book becomes an important read who want to understand the different sides of the society. For the grown up group of people, there may be stories relatable for them. These are stories of common people who anyone can meet in the street. However, younger people may not find the book much appealing due to its exploration of darker aspects of life.

Book Review: Kids and Stories

Nivedita Vedurla as a writer continues to get better with every story she writes. While her stories like "Always with you" deal with grown ups, "Kids and Story Sharing is caring: Book 2 short moral story illustrated for kids" is a wonderful piece of important wisdom communicated through few words. Kids love such kinds of stories where there are characters like them and with the same problems and situations as them. Any parent, grandparent or aunt or uncle can read this to young children and they will enjoy it. Narrated this to two children in neighborhood and they simply loved it and declared that they will follow the moral closely. A good read for all children.

Book Review: Mahaveer

Some people are born to have a legendary life and their legends become immortal even after they part from the world. Such is the story which is told in Rupa Srikumar and A.K. Srikumar's "Mahaveer: the soldier who never died". Many must have heard of the legend of the soldier, Jaswant Singh Rawat. This book is the telling of the life and the circumstances which made the soldier into the man he was. The subtitle of the story is much more than enough to reinforce the legendary aspect of the story.

On reading the story of soldier Rawat, the reader is filled with patriotic zeal and at the same time is also in awe of the soldier and his love for his motherland. At the same time, the fact that the book is based on real life, real people and real events brings the reader closer to soldier Rawat emotionally and unconsciously he also salutes him for his beyond exceptional bravery, resilience and courage that he exhibits in the battlefield.

This book is a much more than must read for not only all Indians but also the ones who want to know of real life legends and their exceptionally strong and brave personalities. Everyone should have this book in their shelves and time and again read it to respect the sacrifices made in the past for a comfortable present of the others.