Book Review #76 : THE PRINCESS OF A WHORE HOUSE

This book is about Ramya and her daughter Aparajita. Ramya lost her husband in an accident. She was sold by her husband’s friend, Anjum, into flesh trade. She was too young to understand the world and gets carried away. She believed few who in turn exploited her for their own good.

Trapped in the merciless milieu of one of the largest red-light districts in India, Aparajita faces the repercussions of something she has least control of. A restrained society snubs Aparajita for her social class, under the influence of a centuries-old enigma that still persists in the fifth largest economy of the world. The fiasco rips her hope and crushes her childhood dream to study as she grows up in the street of ill repute.

As they say, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, Raj Kaul comes to the rescue of her and Aparajita. So when an opportunity to ditch being a sex worker is offered who would deny?That’s why Ramya marries Raj, an artist who works for an NGO. Ramya has only one goal that drove her to marry Raj which is to make her talented daughter study in a proper school. She will do anything to protect her daughter from the evil eyes of the pimps.

I loved the way how the characters were portrayed and the events which were used to spin a perfect story. Though it wasn't a bulky novel, (I love fat novels) within 98 pages, the author was successful enough in bringing out the best of the character Aparajita from being a small girl to a grown one, realising her dreams.

I accept the fact that the author has done a fantastic job in writing the intriguing story. While the first half is narrated by Ramya, Aparajita's mother, the second half was narrated by Aparajita. To be truthful, I loved everything in the second half. It is full of positivity. The letter Aparajita wrote to her step father was beautiful. It is very rare to find a person like her stepfather these days.

A short and crisp story that very well brings out the emotions of the central character. The author has superbly expressed the feelings of a woman. The plot is likely to touch the heart of every woman. I also felt that though the author has made a good attempt to highlight the issue of sex workers coming back to the society and trying to lead a normal life, but I felt that there are other element that could have been looked into.

In all, a good read and I am sure women are going to like it a lot. Author has done a great job in addressing these issues which women of the current Indian society are facing. This problem is not just in the rural areas but also in urban India.

Rating – 4/5

P.S: I won a review copy from The Tales Pensieve as part of Reviewers Programme. Register on #TTP for lots of #book fun and activities.

Book Review #75 : The THC Under a Gibbous Moon

Author: Manoj V Jain
Publisher: Notion Press
ISBN: 978-1-946129-82-6
Genre: Adult Fiction

No. of pages : 194

The story of the book The THC Under a Gibbous Moon is about three different individuals, Sanjaneka, Samar and Varun, who visit The THC, Total Healing Center for reasons very peculiar to them and it becomes a part of their journey wherein they want to get rid of the disharmony in their life and come to terms with it.

The book conveys the message, "It's okay to be emotional, it's okay to fail, it's okay to disappoint. Just move on". It is very modern in its approach and as a reader, you will connect to the story. It is also about the other side of human behaviour and desires which are usually hidden under the pretext of culture and "Log Kya Kahenge" syndrome that our society is affected with.

The narration of the book, The THC Under a Gibbous Moon is very bold. The characters, the situations that they are in, their sexuality and their existence, the problems they face and their exploration of solutions make the book a gripping read.

We, as humans, have gone beyond the usual of expectations. We always want more, more than that more and it goes on and on. In this never ending loop, we have engulfed ourselves with pain and agony, with irritation and discomfort, with trouble and turbulence, with what and what not! In the quest of achieving, beyond the expectations, we leave behind the bundle of happiness and the nature of being content.

The book is all about the healing process, that one needs during the demanding times, during the phase of accepting the past and overcoming it only to move ahead with grace. The book talks in detail about sex, gay relationship, expectations and betrayal in great detail.

The story is aligned real perfect with various incidents and it needs patience to read in full as it is not a thriller. The book still appealed to me for the simple fact that it talked in great detail about the human psychology which is the need of the hour.

Homosexuality is still a taboo subject in India and in Indian context the attitude is skeptical and not so clear enough to be discussed openly. Also marriage is said to be an institution of responsibility , compromise and convenience. It has become an affair of complexity. The book deals with both of them in a bold and honest manner.

“The THC under a Gibbous Moon” an excellent novel tells about the haven of health for both the physically and psychologically sick and troubled persons inclusive of those suffer from sexual dysfunction. The center gives them holistic treatment in the form of Massage, Oil and Steam bath, coupled with the therapy like Acupuncture , etc for recovery and rejuvenation so that they lead a happy and hale life.

I am overwhelmed by the functioning of the Total Holistic center which caters to the needs of the people affected by chronic diseases. The tight time schedule, good diet, timely advices by the doctors  psychological support given to the inmates and professional touch of the employees with result orientation all are fantastic and informative. Such clinics should be opened in a large scale in our country instead of poly clinics and specialty hospitals.

It is a roller coaster read. I would recommend this book, The THC Under a Gibbous Moon, to anyone who is interested in reading a bold and gutsy adult fiction. Good job, Manoj!

Rating - 4/5

I won a review copy from The Tales Pensieve as part of Reviewers Programme. Register on #TTP for lots of #book fun and activities.

Book Review #74 : The Allegorical Expedition

Author – P Satyadeep

Publisher – Partridge (2016)

Pages – 200

I recently got to read a book by P Satyadeep, an HR professional, The Allegorical Journey. This book surely stands to its bold title – a journey which is full of experiences that are more than the usual.

Pages praising the landscape in such a way that will not only appeal to the readers but also give them a respite from the usual ‘city life’ is commendable.

Another important aspect of the book is that P Satyadeep, the author, has tried to revisit the scriptures and mythological instances of the great Hindu religion.

Being a debut author, Satyadeep has done justice to his work. He has presented a quality production to the readers and I am sure they will love the book. It felt good coming across the descriptions of ghats in Varanasi, ashrams, cultural landscapes and so many things that will give you a kind of relief… A break-away novel in this modern era of cheap-fame trick in literature, P Satyadeep has created a landscape which is far from the land of elites.

Story - SJ (Satyajit) is a well-known movie director who has enough of things to live a comfortable life. However, he decides to do something which serves a true purpose. Thus, he decides to set out on a journey that takes its course through various places. He meets different people and learns many kinds of new experiences that one cannot have sitting home and living the life as it is. As a twist and also leaving the chances open for a sequel, the novelist P Satyadeep has left the end open-ended. He goes in search of the truth and he ends up meeting Shantilata, a spiritual healer who in turn refers him to Pandit Shukshmachari. He goes on an expedition covering various places en-route meeting the Panditji. What did he discover during this expedition? Did he meet Panditji? If yes, was his questions answered? This is the story all about!

What more I would like to highlight about the book is its quality chapter-titles. The titles are so metaphorical that you will be curious enough to read those – Taming The Monkey Mind, Mind is Reborn, Lost in Wilderness, The Blissful Soul, A True Revelation and so on… Truly, this novel becomes an Allegory that the author has intended to make out of it. You also start seeking the purpose of your life.

Yes, there is a magic in the realms which we don’t generally bother to explore. That magic needs to be unfolded and presented to world, and seeing the things happening, gives me a hope. Themes and plots, ideas and impetus, there are many things wrapped with our ancient marks. One needs to go ahead and untie the things and P Satyadeep has taken the courage to be on this ‘allegorical expedition’.

In a nutshell, if I might say so, The Allegorical Expedition sets the readers too on a journey to find solace and seek truth away from the daily life that we lead.

Rating- 4/5

P.S: I won a review copy from The Tales Pensieve as part of Reviewers Programme. Register on #TTP for lots of #book fun and activities.

Book Review #73 : In Loving Memory

Title: In Loving Memory
Author: Haimanti Datta Ray
Publisher: Rupali Publications
Pages: 100
Genre: Non-Fiction/ Biography

In Loving Memory is in Haimanti Dutta Ray’s own words a memoir where a doting daughter recounts how she had seen her father the late painter Shyamal Dutta Ray, who passed away in 2005, at close quarters as well as her reflections on the art fraternity to which her father had belonged. The book isn’t about lamenting the loss of a beloved father; it is primarily a daughter’s reappraisal of his influence on her life that has been wilfully accentuated, and a celebration of this.

It is a memoir where a lovely daughter, the author Haimanti Dutta Ray, expresses her love to her father,  Shyamal Dutta Ray, a noted water colorist, in a sensitive way. It is a very short and sweet read with less than hundred pages. The artistic paintings done by author's father gain attraction.

The writing is so appealing for the fact, the memories were captured not only from the aspect of a doting daughter but also from the aspect of a fan who loved the art. She has written not just about the artist, but about the man behind those beautiful canvases that adorn the walls of several museums and private collections.

It also portrays some of her outings with her dad on special invitation to few places and what her dad liked the most. The book also points how her father stuck to the water colors when his counterpart moved to oil painting. Rivers have made the impact to create wonders in his paintings. His paintings have got a place in the hearts of thousands of people as well as they are displayed in national and international galleries.

What moved me the most was the final chapter "And Life Goes On" where the author talks about how her life and that of her mother changed after her father's demise. She writes, "Life must and should go on. This is the lesson that I have learnt after Baba’s death. Books have become a constant companion and a solid mass of unalloyed love and commitment, post our bereavement."

This book is an honest and humble tribute to a father by his daughter. It is a fantastic attempt by her in remembering her father for his great works getting national and international repute. This book is of great help to understand and appreciate the works of one of our major painters.

Born in 1934 at Ranchi , Shyamal Dutta Ray started drawing and painting at a very early age. The author of this book Haimanti Dutta Ray gives a clear picture about her father’s commitment and devotion to his job as a painter. He was blessed with a keen mind and the ability to impress others with his paintings. Since he worked hard to give life to his drawings and dreams he was honoured by laurels and prizes. 

Coming to the book – the writing style is simple and to the point. The inclusion of some of Dutta Ray’s paintings is an added bonus, as you flip pages.

The book is a good read for the artists and students of art so that they get a clear picture of an artist's life.

Rating: 4/5

P.S: I won a review copy from The Tales Pensieve as part of Reviewers Programme. Register on #TTP for lots of #book fun and activities.

Book Review #72 : Blood In The Paradise - A Tale Of An Impossible Murder

Genre: Fiction/Thriller

Author: Madhav Mahidhar

Publisher: Frog Books

ISBN: 978-93-52017-10-2

"Blood in the Paradise - A tale of an impossible murder" is a suspense murder case mystery by Madhav Mahidhar.

The cover of the book caught my attention – The picture of a dark wall with an eye and blood dripping from that. It is so intriguing.

Murder mysteries thrill me as they send a chill down the spine. The plot is set in Bangalore, the hub for IT companies. The story deals with the current days’ financially independent women, their intelligence, their feminist thinking, their ambitions and their lifestyle.

The story begins with a suicide note of a woman – Madhumitha. My heart sank seeing a successful woman to be depressed and eventually deciding to end her life. The suicide was being investigated by DCP Vishwaroop – a highly intelligent, honest, sharp, diligent and competent cop and his team. The author manages to make you ponder between the intellects of DCP Vishwaroop and that of Madhumitha along with her friend Anupriya. It’s a detailed narration of how they decode the little clues gathered while investigating the suicide or the murder scene. The author has been successful in depicting the role of media, the women’s commission and how it becomes a hindrance for the work of the police department. Knowing almost for sure who the criminal is, you will not be able to keep the book down!

The author has done a detailed research for writing this book. It gives you an insight of the present days scenario of a man and woman relationship, the problems of married life and its consequences.

His narration will keep you riveted to the plot. You will end up discovering the facets of feminism and how confused the concept of feminism is in our society. You will question age old structure of our society and its impactful consequences in our lives. It describes, how this society gives us the courage or the strength or both to do the impossible in a sheer possible way. The author has also, cleverly, tells the readers what ideal feminism should be; it’s not about hating men, but establishing feminine dexterity in every sphere of life.

The language is lucid and simple and, the characters are well-portrayed. The efforts taken to create the settings in Blood In The Paradise - A Tale Of An Impossible Murder by the author should be appreciated and the scenes appear very real in terms of their detailing to the core of correctness, for example the legal trails and the interrogation questions. There are the details which will give you a kind of visual experience of watching a movie… Those who love suspense, will surely love it! However, I found the story stretched in places and could have 10-12 pages shorter easily.

I hope the author comes out with even more interesting plots which I know he will and am waiting for his next bestseller.

Recommended for all who love thrillers/ mystery. Especially, the youths who want to read the novels with a lot of detective impetus and adventure will surely love the book!

My rating: 4/5

P.S: I won a review copy from The Tales Pensieve as part of Reviewers Programme. Register on #TTP for lots of #book fun and activities.

Book Review #71: Colourful Notions - The Roadtrippers 1.0

Book: Colorful Notions - The Roadtrippers 1.0

Author: Mohit Goyal

Publisher: Srishti Publishers and Distributors

Price: Rs. 175

BLURB:- “Would you give up your high-paying job and comfortable personal life to drive ten thousand kilometres across India? Just for fun! Three twenty-something's dare to do just that! While the two boys take turns to drive, the girl gives voice-over as they record their entire journey on a handy cam. Ab, Sasha and Unnati are ordinary youngsters, rendered special by the feat they accomplish. As they recount their adventures, I crave to live their journey. They look at each other with a glint in their eyes, as if refurbishing those memories while narrating their spooky time at Bhangarh Fort, strange escapades at Wagah Border and Sundarbans, car breakdowns, wild animals, near-death experiences and highway robbers! It's nothing less than crazy. I doubted if I'd ever have the gumption to create such experiences. So I did the next best thing - I penned a book about them and their road trip. Colorful Notions is a journey of three young hearts on the Indian terrain and into the inner recesses of their souls, giving a new perspective to relationships, love and life.”

The cover absolutely seems to make complete sense in accordance with the title and retains the flavor of it. The long roadway and the car with three roadtrippers - so attractive for all the travel enthusiasts out there.

The story revolves around three friends—Abhay (Ab), Sashank (Sasha) and Unnati (Unns). They decide to take a soul-searching road trip covering the entire India. The plot sounds almost like Zindagi Milegi Na Doobara, right? The book met my expectations of going on an amazing journey across the length and breadth of India from the comfort of my own couch!

The journey puts their physical as well as emotional states of mind to test. While Abhay is trying to deal with a troubled past and his relationship with his parents which is strained, Sasha who is his bestie offers to accompany him on the trip. In a way, he is also trying to escape an over-protective family. Both of them then, convince Sasha’s girlfriend, who is a clueless assistant RJ to join in.

The trio plan to cover the entire India in just 75 days; starting from Corbett Park and ending in Delhi. The itinerary is well planned. The author has done immense research before penning down the book. They cover places like Goa, Haridwar, Leh, Amritsar, Alwar, Jaipur, Udaipur, Bhuj, Mysore, Kanyakumari, Hyderabad, Puri, Kolkata, Gaya, Varanasi, Agra, Kumbh Mela, Kargil, Golden Temple, Wagah, Bhangarh Fort, Thar Desert, Rann of Kutch, Ellora, Mysore Palace, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, etc. It is a fun-filled emotional roller coaster as they try to spot tigers at the Corbett National park, take a dip in the Ganges at Haridwar, battle altitude sickness at Ladakh /Leh, cause a security threat at the Wagah border, chase and be chased by ghosts at Bhangarh fort at Alwar, get caught in the marshlands and quick-sands at Runn of Kutch and finally encounter a man-eater at the Sunderbans while setting foot on Bangladeshi borders and even obtain enlightenment at Gaya! If this is not enough, you will get to read about the culinary delight that is India, as your senses take in the description of delicacies like the momos at Ladakh, Hyderbadi biryanis, Lucknowi Kebabs, Punjabi chicken, Goan seafood, Udupi cuisine and of course Idli, sambar and chutney and other rice delicacies from Tamil Nadu too! Almost all travel requirements like finances, stay & rest, fun, route map etc have been taken care of.

The language is highly simple and easy to comprehend. I found the details of the places quite engaging, which definitely makes it a delight for all travellers with the vivid picturesque narration.

How they execute the entire trip, how the feelings of friendship and love are challenged in the course of 75 days, will the trip help them lighten the emotional baggage that they are trying to escape from, how does the trip change their lives are some of the many reasons why you will keep turning the pages to find out what happens in Colourful Notions: The Roadtrippers 1.0.

The author writes effortlessly. It is difficult to believe that he is a first time author. The book manages to impart some simple lessons while not being preachy. Some of the chapters will have you thinking about the life we live, our expectations from it and our perspectives on happiness. This book seems like the answer to a lot of questions youngsters these days are plagued with. We all want to escape from our routine and follow our calling. Sometimes it also happens that just want to escape and in that process find our calling. This book is about such escapism. 

The author has also given a lot of attention to the characterization. The characters of Ab, Sasha and Unnati are well demarcated and evolved throughout the journey. They became more mature by the end of the journey. 

The story has it all. Friendship, love, jealousy, food, fun, adventure, horror and comedy, thus making this a packed entertainer with first hand lessons of what life is all about. There is not a single dull moment in the book and you will surely read up to the end page of the book.

The poor editing of the book is a huge dampener especially when you reading something which is pacy and thrilling.

This 200-page book is a must read books for all those who are looking for a fresh and light read during their journeys, and are bored of simple romance tales. It is for the adventurer in you and more essentially the dreamer in you.

Ratings: 4/5

I won a review copy from The Tales Pensieve as part of Reviewers Programme. Register on #TTP for lots of #book fun and activities.

Book Review #70 : Tale 0’12

 

Book Overview~

Every life event is a story. In fact, every moment of our life is part of a story being happened. We always ignore those because we think stories have no connection to real life happenings. But when we read stories or fictions suddenly we connect ourselves to the storyline or some of the characters emotionally or otherwise. That’s why stories always fascinate us, entertain us & give us some lessons of life.

‘Tale O’ 12 is a collection of twelve stories/experiences inspired from real life events written in a fictional narrative. One would definitely connect to the characters of the stories in some manner or other because all the stories have something that’s related to everyone’s life.

Tale 0’12 by Biranchi N Acharya is the first book from “Bloggers To Authors” program at BlogAdda.

Short stories are always a gem to read and require less concentration, they do leave a lasting impression on the reader's mind. When I read the blurb, I was excited to read the stories which were inspired from real life since they are more dramatic, realistic and adventurous.

The Cover Page~

The cover page very clearly gives the message that the book has twelve stories. It has clocks in concentric circles.

Dislikes~

Spelling mistakes – I can recall two instances of a misspelled word (“clean ‘saved’ face”) in two different stories. As a reader, it is very annoying when one is immersed in a story – but you have to ‘sudden break’ because you spot an error! This book is edited well, but proofreading is where it failed. There are errors throughout the book, which could have been avoided.

Likes~

Language – The simplicity of words makes it easy for the reader to connect with the stories.

Ordinary realistic stories with lessons- All the twelve stories narrated by the author Biranchi N Acharya are very ordinary and relatable, and send out strong lessons.

The readers looking for some inspiration on various insightful topics like politics, religion, society etc. would definitely like this book. The author’s knowledge on these topics and how he explains them in simple words is superb. The author despite narrating his own perspective and inferences, leaves the reader to think about the experience and form their own opinions, learn their own lessons.

Real life events have inspired these twelve stories, making them relatable to all readers. We can definitely see ourselves in some of these characters, and we would have definitely gone through a few of these experiences in our lives as well. Tale O’12 is a relatable book that way.

One important thing that every story includes in its narration is the fact that, though the author is an experienced and well-read person, he never stops learning and the thirst for knowledge is kept alive by him. This is something that all of us should strive for.

The twelve stories from Tale O’12 range from around 10 to 40 pages each. Each story is a delightful read. A good collection of short stories, worth a read!

Rating - 3.5/5

P.S: This review is a part of the biggest "Book Review Program" "Indian Bloggers". Participate now to get free books!

Book Review #69 : Deep Singh Blue

Book: Deep Singh Blue;

Author: Ranbir Singh Sidhu;

Publisher: HarperCollins;

Pages: 243;

Price: Rs.499

Often wise and sad beyond his years, teen narrator Deep Singh in his book, "Deep Singh Blue", primarily tells two overlapping stories: one of romantic love and the other of his troubled immigrant family.

Deep falls in love with an older, married woman, who is abused, unhinged, and often mean. Meanwhile, his older brother Jag descends into a seeming psychosis, finding secret meanings in magazine clippings and finally falling into total silence. Deep’s parents, however, refuse to acknowledge his brother’s illness, and are instead determined to find a suitable Sikh bride for him. This harrowing book has the trappings of a coming-of-age novel, but Deep has no comfortable place at which to arrive. 

Admiration. That is the word that spontaneously came to me after I finished reading this book. It is a book about a migrant, but it does not invoke nostalgia about the home country. The protagonist, who is born and brought up outside India, knows the country and the Sikh culture only through video cassettes and through the stories told to him by his parents. He does not find himself in those stories. His only pursuit is of what lies ahead and his path is mixed up.

Through the first half of the book, the reader follows the book’s protagonist, Deep Singh, through his confusions. The protagonist is lonely, immensely lonely, but the novel is not about loneliness or about an emotional or cultural pain. Instead, Deep Singh Blue explores the deep angst of being and a human’s relationship with the world.

The author establishes that the protagonist is interested in books, reading, knowledge. The protagonist is in severely unjust situations – in his family relations, in his mother’s blind defiance of his elder brother’s mental health, in his father’s boorish behaviour, in his uncle’s interference in the family and in his relationship with Lily – whom he covets, but who in turn manipulates him. 

The protagonist meets the world as an open soul without the encumbrance of religious or cultural baggage. In the process, he shows how early migrant families – who are on the verge of poverty – coped with finding themselves in this new land that is touted as one of opportunity and equality. 

I have always wondered what kind of life a child will have in a dysfunctional family. I got more than a glimpse of life of a child especially a troubled teenager.

There are flaws in all the characters in the book. This is what makes the book a real page turner. The book is an intense, emotional roller coaster ride. It is a must read book by all parents with teenagers. How to raise children with discipline may not be found in this book but it warns you about the signs why the children behave in a certain way.

Negatives ~

The book moves at a snail pace and from the initial chapter, as I was able to get a clue of what Ican expect from the novel. It is still not very clear why Deep Singh’s parents love their first son so blindly than their second son. But the good thing is - we learn what the power of favouritism can do to change the behavior of children.

My Verdict ~

I recommend this book to all parents out there. Buy this book and see if you understand your children well or not. In this book, you will learn communication and understanding is the best way to raise a good kid.

Rating: 4/5

P.S: I won a review copy from The Tales Pensieve as part of Reviewers Programme. Register on #TTP for lots of #book fun and activities.

Book Review #68 : How to Choose a Lawyer — and Win Your Case

Pages: 152

Price: Rs. 295

Format: Paperback 

ISBN13/10: 9788170949374 / 8170949378

Publishing Year: 2015 

If you wish to win a legal case, engaging the right lawyer and handling him well is the key. This book explains in an easy-to-understand style how to choose the right lawyer and how to improve the odds of winning your case: 

When to file a case . . . and when not to do so 

What does winning a case really mean 

When not filing a case can be 'winning' a case 

When compromising with the other side is a win-win case 

How you can help your lawyer win your case 

What to look for in a lawyer — and how to find one 

How best to utilize your lawyer's skills — and how much to pay him 

What you can expect from your lawyer — and what you shouldn't 

Professional rules of conduct every lawyer is bound to adhere to 

A lawyer's duties to his clients 

How to avoid unscrupulous lawyers. 

This book is simple to understand, with examples of some high-profile contemporary cases, this book will be a big help for anyone caught up in litigation. I loved the jacket of the book, so apt and bright.

Choices are made in a second, but the consequences last for ages. It could be the choice we make with respect to a career, buying a certain piece of property, choosing a retirement destination or even making that all important choice of a life partner. 

Early on in this book Mr Talwar warns anyone contemplating litigation to think over the issue carefully. Negotiation might be a far better option, saving time, money and much heartburn. As someone who has studied the subject at Harvard, (while also practising law and working for the United Nations) Talwar understands this very well. Even filing a simple application under the Right to Information Act might yield faster and better results and the author gives several real life examples in which this has happened. If you rush to court to sue your opponent instead of thinking over the matter calmly, you might easily fall into the clutches of an unscrupulous lawyer who is only out to fleece you and milk you dry.

The book is divided into two segments. The issue of choosing the right lawyer for your case is dealt with in the first part and how to ‘win’ your case in the second part. Expectedly, the second part makes for fascinating reading. Everyone wants to know how following a certain legal strategy can result in victory or defeat. Talwar also makes it clear that choosing the right lawyer is only part of the story behind winning your case –although it is an important part of the story. Everyone needs to take responsibility. The book gives many real life examples from the author’s own life, where following a certain legal strategy made all the difference. There are several references to the strategies of other lawyers too, including in several high profile cases in the past year or so. Read the book to find out about those, and about how best to protect your interest. This book will help save individuals and companies millions of rupees. 

This book is definitely worth the money, as it teaches a layman how the legal system works. I loved reading it, as it was enlightening. Recommended for law students as well as to anyone to wants to learn about the legal system in India. 

Rating: 4.5/5 

P.S: I won a review copy from The Tales Pensieve as part of Reviewers Programme. Register on #TTP for lots of #book fun and activities.

#DearZindagi

Dear Zindagi,

You promised me a lot. But what you have given me has surpassed all that you ever promised. I knew that both beauty and ugliness would come my way, for nothing comes unalloyed. You have encompassed both good and bad. When I look back and also regard the present, I realize that the richness of living is in bringing all these experiences together and weaving a beautiful tapestry of them. 

Sometimes, life - you - get so busy and monotonous that we get fed up and negative about everything. At times, I didn't know who to go and talk to, because I didn't want to look too helpless. But that is the time when you started teaching me lessons. And no book taught me those things, certain instances happened that dawned upon as self-realization.

When I try to achieve my goals in haste, you slow me down. You teach me patience and the value of waiting for what is worthwhile. You teach me that - like the river that gets around so many bends and boulders, you also will make me flow over and around obstacles and difficulties. 

You often squeeze me like a lemon and so, stress, pain and defeat become part of my experiences. You make demands on me. I am made to take on responsibility, to care for others and to give something back to you. However, when the demands became excessive you have shown me that sometimes I have to be squeezed to give out my best. You have also given me the chance and opportunity to recover when the feeling of being squeezed of all energy threatens to take over. 

Looking back, I find that you have enriched me with a gamut of experiences. You've let me experience the fact that being tested does not mean one has to seek escape from you. When we say 'yes' to life, we are really saying 'yes' also to surprises, setbacks and personal tragedies, and not only happy times. 

We humans are hypocrites. When we get what we prayed for all the way, we are still never satisfied. We fuss about just anything and everything. Small or big. We crib daily. I crib daily. Water shortage issue? Train problem? Heavy rains? Not satisfied with the job at hand? Slow internet? Everything. But you taught me, "See opportunity in every difficulty. Trust your abilities, never give up and share fat thank you's with everyone around! "

In the course of time, so many things have happened, but not every happening was significant. I have now learned to skip and not mull over or get bogged down by happenings that could have been accidental, coincidental or negative, and therefore they do not say much to me anymore. 

Dear Zindagi, you are a twin sister of time. In learning to make the best use of time and putting our talents to best use in activities that are essentially time-bound, we are really living life to the full. 

The Holy Grail of the lessons you taught me-

a) "What is meant for me will come to me. No conspiracy can take it away."

b) As long as we don't forgive people who have hurt us, they occupy a rent-less space in our mind. So forgive and forget! 

c) Self pride is a necessity and always carry a magic lotion of 'optimism' wherever you go.

d) Sometimes the best revenge is to smile, move on and do nothing! 

e) Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are. You can't please everyone. You are not even born to do that.

f) You should not rush something you want to last forever.

g) At one point, you will either have the thing you want or reasons why you don’t.

h) There will be haters. There will be doubters. There will be non-believers, and then there will be you – proving them wrong.

i) Be careful who you make memories with. Those things can last a lifetime.

j) There comes a time when you have to stop crossing oceans for people who would not jump puddles for you. Have your own back.

k) Not always money will make you happy. Do what makes you happy from within.

l) There is no good in investing in cold people and dead relationships, ever.

m) You can't control situations and moreover you can't control the people involved. Learn your lessons in time. There is a silver lining to every grey cloud!

n) Your pain is changing you, make sure it changes you for your good.

o) Don't worry about your heart. It isn't so delicate. It has the stamina to last for a lifetime. No bone there to break, securely wrapped in a set of ribs, your heart is built to take a punch and still be strong enough!

I have learnt my lessons and the need to put up a good fight and keep the faith. I will celebrate you, and not waste any opportunity you put my way. When I whisper a prayer, I say, "THANK YOU, LIFE, FOR THE GIFT OF SELF TO ME!" 

Life, you are worth fighting for! YOU are the best healer. Thank you for these precious lessons. No one has yet uncovered the mystery of life, and perhaps no one will, but we know you are a beautifully intriguing mystery. World is a prism of desires, unquenchable thirst and unsatisfying hunger. But, you are like a mirror- reflecting back, my actions. Thank you for teaching me to be happy, simple, original and unique in my own way.

Love From The One You Heal Daily,

Aayesha.

P.S: "I am writing a letter to life for the #DearZindagi activity at BlogAdda".

A Poetry Called You

Three words are too hollow for a silent poetry called "you".

Light, darkness, everything, you.

Arms can be home too, I realized.

Making love can be soulful too. Like poetry.

The swipes of the tongues, striking with so much of love.

Carnivals can be kisses too.

Those beautiful moments,

Interspersed with muffled words escaping through locked lips!

Resting on your shoulders,

I have my own ways of showing I own you.

To meet you, I could have waited for eons,

Having found a balance with each other,

As we walk the tightrope of life together.

Rock me gently with your chest movements,

Air rushing in and out of your lungs will be my lullaby, forever!

Book Review #67 : False Ceilings

Publisher: LiFi Publications Pvt Ltd

Publication Year: 2016

Genre:  Fiction

ISBN: 978-9382536895

Pages: 256

False Ceilings is the debut novel of Author Amit Sharma. I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

I have always liked stories that are spread into different generations especially those that revolve around human relationships and emotions. The very first look at the cover gives the reader an inclination that they are going to read something that is interesting and complex.  The beautiful compilation of the cover left me mesmerized and wondering as to what the story would be about. And as I stared turning the pages, I knew that it was going to be a winner.

False Ceilings is a family saga and story of generations inheriting a secret. The story ranges through a vast period starting from pre Independent India and expanding to the futuristic modern era. There are many characters and the author has done a wonderful job in defining and developing each one. They are very much relatable, flawed and do not seem made up.

The language is simple and easy to read. The book is recommended to those who love mature stories that have some depth.  This is a book you would not find many first-time writers writing.

The book takes us through the tale of Shakuntala, a young girl, who has a dreamlike life despite some adversities in the beautiful town of pre-Independence Dalhousie when life changes completely due to a turn of events. The book takes you on a journey through her life and times, her children, grandchildren and beyond. The novel explores India of 1920s and spans to a period in the future till 2050. The tale moves ahead as India undergoes her own period of churning and evolution. The book is an epic tale about a dysfunctional family, as real as it can get and a family secret that binds them and destroys them. There are parts of the book that stun you with the accuracy with which he has got under the skin of the women’s emotions, expectations, their angst and their struggles. The silly tiffs that spiral into larger issues. The daily struggles and the lack of equation between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law in turn poisoning the lives of many others.

Amit has researched his facts extensively. The story cleverly jumps between fast forwards and flashbacks non linearly. The story spans more than a century, a time which was very eventful in India’s history straddling India’s struggle for independence to freedom, partition, dislocation of people and events beyond right through the wars, 84 riots, Mumbai blasts and so on. He has carefully woven the doom and gloom of the events as they cast their shadow on the life of this one family. His description of Delhi in the pre-independence era to the post-independence era is something that is worth a mention. It is not everyday that you read of how contrasting the two Delhis are. Even the simple and steady lives in the hills of Dalhousie are beautifully described and the characters from the various eras connected to it in some way or the other. A lot of history goes into this writing and I admire the efforts of the author in weaving them seamlessly within the plot.

Amit's prose flows naturally, soothing at times and troubling at others as he gets under the skin of emotions and issues we normally like to sweep under the carpet. He also leaves clever questions along the way that will make you uncomfortable, will make you pause and look for their answers within. Questions we all can relate to.

For a first-time writer to attempt writing of this scale is commendable. The sheer number of characters and events is mind boggling. He has brought out the dysfunctional family beautifully. I think that is how most families are under the gloss and shine. He has chosen a different style of storytelling wherein he has divided all the characters as if they were the piece of a puzzle and jumbled them up, telling each ones story one by one in a random order.

For me, there are two things that stand out about the book. One is the non - linear narrative that the author very skillfully employs and the other is his stark exploration of the human psyche. 

False Ceilings is a very intense book. It makes you realize that life itself is nothing but a weird combination of circumstances, missed chances, grabbed opportunities and those almost anguished thoughts of ‘What If ?’ False Ceilings has a secret not to be missed.

Negatives: The book would have done with better proofreading. There are many grammatical errors and typos in the last few pages that distract and take away from the beauty of the storytelling.

Overall it is a good story made beautiful and mysterious by a well-crafted strategic writing.

Rating: 4 on 5