Book Review #132 : Ramayana – The Game of Life: Radiate Confidence

Title: Ramayana – The Game of Life: Radiate Confidence (Book 5)

Author: Shubha Vilas

Genre: Mythology, Literature, Spiritual

Pages: 208

Publisher: Jaico Publishing House (2019)

Radiate Confidence is the 5th instalment of Ramayana: Game of Life series. Every book is of the same framework, where he diligently describes how to learn from the Ramayana and inculcate habits and thinking accordingly. The author has beautifully interwoven the story of Ramayana with powerful life lessons which are presented in the form of practical examples with anecdotes.

I love the footnotes in each page explaining the citations in the text. It is especially useful to someone like me, who isn’t well versed with Indian mythological stories. There are notes, after each chapter, describing what one can learn from the happenings in the story and how to apply those in real life. I have highlighted quite a few!

The story continues from where the previous book ended. I am leaving the links to the reviews of the previous books of the series below:

Book 1

Book 2

Book 3

Book 4

There is a charm in Shubha Vilas's writing. I felt purified and soothed by this book. I couldn't keep it down. It was so absorbing. Every line holds an urge to go on reading till you exhaust yourself but still crave to know what would happen next. A great book for both adults and children, and a perfect to introduce your children to such great epics!

Radiate Confidence is a book about being patient and finding success. This book is a modern retelling of the Sundara Kanda of Valmiki’s epic, it reminds us through the story of Hanuman, how courage and devotion can make one confident and help him achieve his goal. It gives various timely messages in the book. These are simple messages but they are needed to be told today when one can’t perceive the simplest of things since the minds are so clouded by complications. The author’s writing is simple yet rich.

VERDICT: This book is for everyone who wants to seek success, understand Hanuman and find its relevance in our lives. This is a self help book disguised in a juicy format with one of the most read texts of Hinduism. In a time of turmoil, this book provides not an escape but involvement which is non religious and universal. Happy Reading! Pick this up while in Quarantine!

Ratings: 4.5/5

P.S: I was sent the review copy very graciously by the author, who is also a spiritual and motivational speaker, and I am truly grateful.

Linen Curtains

Linen curtains, knit of fancy, rustic yarns,

Plethora of thoughts fleeting through the blue, purple and scarlet dimness,

An air of romance permeates the volume,

The linen curtains recall your voice tonight, 

Recall the night when it first saw two silhouettes making pure, mad love! 

💙 

-Aayesha 

Image Source : Pinterest

Book Review # 131: Until the Music Stops

Book: Until the Music Stops

Author: Naimish Srivastava

Publisher: Bigfoot Publications Pvt. Ltd. (2019)

Pages: 233

‘Until The Music Stops’ is one such romantic thriller book that will make you flip the pages till the end! It offers a lot of twists and turns throughout the plot. I just finished reading this book and I cannot imagine what a ride it was. I have read something incredible, that too from an Indian author. A very tight novel with a jaw-dropping romance and thrill. The storyline is fabulous and continuity maintained throughout is worth appreciation.

Until The Music Stops by Naimish Srivastava, revolves around three characters- Grace, Amir and Siddharth. Grace who does not get what she desires from her husband Siddharth. Her past continues to knock her present in the form of Amir, who was her lover since college days. The complexity of these relationships is what drives the book to an unexpected end!

This book has – a solid and tense plot, formidable protagonists, gut wrenching sequences and a shocking climax. The constant tension between the protagonists has been well presented. This book is a medley of psychological drama, mystery, suspense, thriller with a tad bit of love and betrayal. The best part of this book are the characters. I would definitely say that it is a character-driven plot because they have been portrayed with such finesse and the author has managed to put all the nitty-gritty details. The usage of simple words and lucid language helps to maintain coherence throughout the book. The quotes in the book justify the title very well.

The novel is a perfect blend of emotions. This book doesn't disappoint you. An absolute thriller. Once you start reading it, you can't stop it. If you are looking for some short engaging read you should go for it! 

Ratings – 4.5/5

Book Review #130 : Irrationally Passionate

Publisher : HarperBusiness

Author : Jason Kothari

Genre :  Non-fiction

Price : Hardcover Rs 523/-

Pages : 264

Irrationally Passionate is about the story of an entrepreneur who has successfully revived the fortune of quite a few distressed companies. Jason talks in detail about his turnaround from rebel to entrepreneur! If you like reading stories of powerful individuals and what they did, how they did and importantly, how they turned around things even when not everything was in their favour, you should definitely read this one.

Irrationally Passionate reveals the inside story of how a rebel, train-wreck kid transformed himself into a successful young entrepreneur and business leader who became one of the top ten paid executives in India while only in his 30s. Jason’s inspiring journey has something for everyone, right from students to entrepreneurs to corporate CEOs to even parents of students and entrepreneurs.

Irrationally Passionate is written in lucid language. You don't need a dictionary by your side! The language used is a fine balance between rich and simple sentences. I relished reading the novel. It was hard for me to believe that it’s Jason’s first novel. He writes very elegantly and effortlessly! The advice in the book seems to come from a friend directly conveying his life experiences to you!

Jason's fighting spirit and determination that reflects in his story makes the reader respect him.  Irrationally Passionate is a highly personal book which shares his turnaround story and learning. It is super interesting from page 1. A self-made entrepreneur, who had enormous courage in difficult situations, great fighting spirit and who took risks – his story needed to be told. The sharp and dynamic leadership qualities of Jason make for a balanced entrepreneur. Even in tough times, he maintains his humility and sense of humor. This book is definitely a very engrossing read with generous sprinkling of wisdom.

Highly recommended book for all those who love motivational books that can really open your eyes and provide you with rich insights. To conclude, I think the book is extremely inspiring, hard hitting, thought provoking and full of content. It is a learning experience; it is a precious book which can be read again and again! Full of actual real-life lessons, this book is a must-read for young readers and entrepreneurs to drive clarity and vision in their thinking. Jason inspires you to dream big and keep working for it! 

VERDICT: Buy this book. Read it. And imbibe it within yourself to give a new direction to your life! This book is a gem. It is a must read for entrepreneurs. 

Ratings: 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 #129 : Done with Love

Title – Done with Love

Author – Shuchi Singh

Category – Literature & Fiction

Publisher – Rupa Publications

Done With Love is a romantic comedy that explores the pathos and elation that comes with the feeling of love. It is genuine and exhibits plenty of raw emotions. It is a modern love story of two people in love on the brink of getting married but not just yet.

Kairavi, the protagonist, is a girl who believes that she and her boyfriend, Vivian, are meant to be together. Even though Vivian has some apprehensions about moving in together, or even getting married, Kairavi’s heart believes that a ‘happily ever after’ awaits her. Things go awry when she catches Vivian and Aisha kissing in Maldives while they attend a conference. When she realizes that she has been betrayed in love, her mind urges her to move on but her heart still clings on to Vivian. Amidst the on and off relationship status, Kairavi is like any other single woman who is desperate to find love, hold on to it. She is portrayed outspoken and intelligent. But, at times, she is vulnerable.

The book took me on a journey of Kay and Vivian written from the point of view of Kay. It is penned down beautifully in a lucid manner. However, the roles of characters like Karan, Kapil and Ravi are inconsequential. More depth was needed for these characters.

I loved the narration style of the author. The language of the book is lucid. It’s simple yet beautifully presented. The characters were varied and added a fun element to the story. The pace is full of drama and twists.

Verdict - Done with Love was a fast and light read. An easy breezy, desi chick lit style fun take on modern relationships. Shuchi has a sense of humour and it shows in this book. I would highly recommend it for romance genre fans.

Ratings – 4/5.

P.S : This book was provided to me in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.