Book Review #23 : Lost In Pattaya

Author: Kishore Modak

Publisher: Grapevine India

Publication Year: 2014
ISBN: 9789381841228
Pages: 215

‘Lost in Pattaya’ is a work of brilliance! The title is perfect and sounds good too. It is a tale about a father’s search for his daughter, his guilt that almost destroys his career. It is about failed relationships and strange new relationships. The search for his daughter pushes Palash deeper into the world of human trafficking and prostitution. There were places where I hated him and felt justified for his loss and places where I felt bad for him too.  Whether or not he is able to find his daughter and even if he finds her, is it too late? These are some of the questions that will haunt you till you find out the answers.

I  liked Kishore Modak’s writing style, there was a surprise hidden around every paragraph! There are some nail biting adventurous moments in the book as well as some beautiful, heart touching moments. Though the title and cover page with a sad girl suggest that the story is about a lost girl, it is more about the father.

The book starts off with a medium pace but after a few pages, it becomes almost impossible to put it down. The author has blended adventure, suffering and emotions in proper proportions. The best part of the book is the way it portrays a father's unflinching love and sacrifice for his daughter. The story doesn’t terminate easily and there is a lot more in it! 

The best part about this book is it talks about people who are not perfect, who make mistakes and that’s what makes them more relatable. It’s a story of self-discovery in which the lead characters passed through various shades of life.

The concept of sex trade and involvement of mafia group is the main highlight of the story. The characterization done by author is strong as he peeks into the thoughts of a helpless man caught in addictions.

The book is an interesting casual read with strong plot and good narration. Although the plot is disturbing and violent, but Kishore manages to breeze the readers through the tough subject due to his gripping narration and mysterious pacing. The plight of a father and a man has been showcased rather convincingly through words.

The second half gets better when the mystery unfolds and it leads to strange revelations. The second half covers up for the slow beginning. It becomes more of a personal quest for Palash than for his daughter. There are narrations about the lanes of Pattaya, drug peddlers, prostitution and other dark alleys where you would never want to venture, but can be virtually explored through the book.

'Lost in Pattaya' offered me a new flavor which is quite different as well as interesting from the regular romantic, corporate drama books which I read so far. Read it for powerful narrations, good vocabulary, some magical sentences and to visit the darker side of the world. Recommended!

My ratings - 4/5

P.S: The book was received as part of Reviewers Programme on The Tales Pensieve.

Book Review #22 : He Fixed the Match She Fixed Him

Title: He Fixed the Match She Fixed Him
Author: Shikha
Publisher: Vitasta

Shreya – I'm a highly qualified Delhi girl earning an enviable salary.

My parents are having a tough time finding a suitable groom for me. However, recently they have a proposal from this very interesting guy from Mumbai. I almost get mesmerised when he starts talking to me. I think I like him very much.

Kunal – I'm owner of a textile company in Mumbai. My Mom wants me to get married. Again. She has recently suggested a suitable girl from Delhi. What my Mom doesn't know is that I've met Shreya before once in my life and I've been looking for her ever since. I have a vendetta to settle.

The author takes you along on a journey via roads of revenge, agony, remorse, attraction, titillation, tantalisation and romance. Do Shreya and Kunal make it, or do they fall prey to their past?

*************

A new love story to hit my shelf recently: He Fixed the Match She Fixed Him by Shikha.

I loved the cover! The title chosen by the author instantly pumps you to dig for more. It is about a strong woman who not only mends her marriage but the man too. Interesting, isn't it?

First of all, this isn't a typical lovey-dovey love story! It is an intriguing read that makes you effortlessly flip pages!

This is a story of twists and turns, where a woman is made a pawn by the very man she marries. It is fast paced and hits you emotionally! This book goes on to narrate the most authentic way of dealing with human relationships.

The book starts with finding a match through the arranged marriage route in this e-age world. It strikes a perfect balance between traditional values and modern outlook. One can relate to the story since beginning and can see resemblances from one’s own life or people around. Every now and then comes the jerk and you are transported to an amazing turn in the story. The novel fills you with a plethora of emotions. It takes you through a journey of suspense, revenge, love, hatred, attraction, agony, repentance, realisation and romance in 300 pages.

I loved the detailing that the author has put into explaining the facts. The plot of the book is well planned and everything is revealed at just the right time! I like thick books, and more even when they get better with each passing page!

Shikha has interwoven the personal relationships, not only restricting to a man and a woman, but to our society. There are no loopholes and the story flows linearly. Kudos to a debut author for such a flawless work.

Language used in the book is easy to comprehend. A witty read that will grab you from start to finish at one go. It will win your heart and linger your mind with all the positive thoughts about marriage. It is a complete package.

There are no villains in this book. All the characters are sketched flawlessly apart from the two main protagonists. A sweet book with a meaningful message. If you are bored with the usual love stories, this is the one you should get. An enjoyable, breezy read! Highly recommended.

My Ratings: 4.2/5

Kudos to Shikha for the out of the box, impressive trailer of the book. Check it out!

P.S: This review is for "The Bookaholics" (www.thebookaholics.in)

Beard-Sporter To A Clean Shaven Look!

Facts - A massive 80% of women surveyed indicate that they prefer to see the clean shaven face while 77% of women have opted not to kiss a man due to having a beard or stubble.

Beards and stubble are associated with hipsters because improbable facial hair fit well with the new pioneer element of hipsterness who don't have time to shave!

Nowadays, I find beards sprouting from the unlikeliest faces. Eeks! That's not fashion, men! Many men have formed the zealous conviction that their beards place them at an advantage with the ladies. Well, that's opposite to the facts!

Unfortunately, some guys have turned it into a fashion statement. Men tend to believe it makes them look more masculine. Amusingly, the beard has turned into the padded bra of masculinity because maybe it helps them appear 'big' (read: mature) somehow and 'push' their masculinity up! *pun intended*

Agreed, every beard has a story. Be it laziness or not finding a razor around or cherishing adulthood or showing off the exam pressure or sporting a scientist look.

Honestly, if a man is really confident with his sexuality, he should not try to prove it through facial hair but with intelligence, wit and by making a woman feel special through his efforts. We, women go to great lengths to get ready for that big first date and make a lasting impression, so should men!

***************

Ashar hadn't shaved for 2 weeks now. At first it seemed like a nice change of pace, but now I hate the hairy, face-hugging alien that’s taken over his face. I feel like my husband's face is like a million tiny needles poking me. Despite repeatedly telling him, he kept saying that it suited him. I agreed. It did suit him. He did look hot and tempting. But that's not the way one goes to work. Most importantly, Aliya. Our one year old daughter; she doesn't find Ashar's stubble pleasant.

After urging him alot, Ashar shaved this morning! He affectionately came to Aliya covering his face with a towel. Aliya lifted the towel to be confronted by a complete stranger! She simply said, 'Oh!' in her innocent voice!

Ashar repents of having lost out on fun time with Aliya. Aliya now chuckles comfortably in her daddy's arms to have her clean shaven daddy back! She looks her father up and down, gently caresses his freshly shaven skin, it’s as if she looks into his clean and pure soul. My beautiful baby proves her unconditional love as she rests her head on her daddy’s face in one of the most amazing and emotional moments. My Aliya now plays peek-a-boo with her father again. She's a Daddy’s Girl!

Gentlemen, now your turn. #WillYouShave? Grab your Gillette razor today!

Check this ultra cute video of a Baby Girl's Response to Daddy's First Shave:

P.S: This post is a part of #WillYouShave activity at BlogAdda in association with Gillette

Preethi Venugopal (http://tulipsandme.blogspot.in/) tagged me to write this post for the #WillYouShave activity by Gillette. 

I wish to tag -
http://karan-sampat.blogspot.in/ (Karan Sampat) 
https://ashadeofpen.wordpress.com/ (Shruti Fatehpuria)
http://www.anitaexplorer.com/ (Anita S)
http://jyotsnabhatia.blogspot.in/ (Jyotsna Bhatia) to take up this challenge.

Write a blog on any of these themes-

1. Missed chances- Stories or instances where you missed out on an opportunity because of a non-shaven face

2. Luck or Confidence?- Will you leave your fate in the hands of destiny or will you step up and say yes to a well- groomed face to be at your best everyday? #WillYouShave?

Ladies, you have a say in this too! Write a blog post about the men in your life on the following themes.

1. An instance when a stubble came in the way of a man's chance to make a good impression

2. An instance when a well groomed look ensured that they struck gold on an opportunity given to them

Last date for entries is midnight of 1st December!