Book Review #145 : Unstoppable

 

From Olympians and academicians to musicians and environmentalists, “Unstoppable: How Youth Icons Achieve Extraordinary Things”, written by debutant author-podcaster Manthan Shah chronicles the inspiring journeys of 40 Indian youth icons who overcame their struggles to create something of value.

With in-depth interviews and analysis of what makes champions tick, Manthan in his book, identifies the attributes that make these achievers who they are — grit, courage, determination, creativity and empathy.

The book comprises of ten chapters talking about the above traits associated with their success. In each chapter, comprehensive mental models and insights from hundreds of books, research papers, and journal articles are cited that knit their stories together. Finally, you will also find action points, small exercises, and key learnings from industry leaders along with bits from author’s personal life stories that help you craft POA to achieve your own goals.

“Unstoppable” is truly a unique inspirational book that covers motivational stories of 40 youth icons that I could relate to. This book is inspiring, motivating and can craft the inanimate to life. The author has exemplified many stories which cover subjects like hard work, team work, sacrifice, self-confidence, modesty, dreaming big, perseverance, positivity, courage and dealing with adversity. The book is an easy read, that’s packed with a lot of punch. There are many nuggets of wisdom and insights interspersed throughout that will help the reader replicate their success. 

The language used is a fine balance between rich and simple sentences. I strongly recommend this book to every person who wants to get a fresh take on the challenges, struggles, ways to succeed and meaning of success.

I would suggest you to read this book at a slow pace so that you can introspect and think through the stories in this book to make your life better. It is a book that guides you while being packed with honest and insightful perspectives.

This book is a powerhouse of knowledge and surely deserves a place in every bookshelf. This is a book that has to be read again and again to sharpen and educate our mind into creating something extraordinary from ordinary circumstances and preparing a ‘plan of action’ for achieving one’s goals.

Verdict: Amazing from start to finish. This is a book that everyone can relate to and is a brilliant guide to self-introspection and be ‘unstoppable’!

Rating- 5/5

Review copy courtesy – PR, Penguin Random House India.

Book Review #144 : Rohzin

A book of eight chapters, Rohzin by Rahman Abbas is a veritable feast for the mind. In Urdu ‘Rohzin” is a word that the author coins to signify the souls of people hurt by witnessing the betrayal of their parents with their partners. What ensues is a story of love, lust, belonging, rejection and identity spread lush across the city of Bombay.

Abbas wrote the novel in Urdu, originally. Rohzin, the author’s fourth novel, has been translated into English by Sabika Abbas Naqvi! The book is indeed modern in the sense of questioning contemporary lifestyles. Thanks to this book, Abbas won the Sahitya Academi Award, India’s most prestigious literary award, in 2018. In Rahman Abbas’ “Rohzin”, Mumbai serves many functions, from a watery canvas floating the boat of first love to a cesspool of emotional traumas. Speaking of imagination and reality readily transmigrating into each other’s realms, Rahman Abbas’s writing is a delightful craft.

'Rohzin' follows the story of the protagonist, Asrar, who comes to Mumbai. It is through his eyes that the author describes the hitherto-unknown aspects of the maximum city Mumbai — the unseen colours and secrets of the city’s underbelly. It is also the story of two lovers, Asrar and Hina, which begins abruptly and ends tragically. The two fall in love and become a couple. Quite obviously, their relationship bridges social disparities. They are Muslims from very different backgrounds. Islam defines cultural dimensions of their identities, but not their identity as such. In their daily lives, they are guided by curiosity rather than Koranic doctrine. The novel frequently segues into philosophical conversations about sex and strictures that may limit human experience, and the question of whether one can liberate oneself from civilisation.

The writer addresses upfront the role identity plays in triggering external and internal crises. The average Indian wears a multi-layered identity, constructed from historic and ongoing migrations. Through history, dream and surrealist asides, Abbas weaves in legends about the goddess, myths surrounding the seven islands that make up Mumbai, and a foretold catastrophe. The vision of Konkan is juxtaposed with scenes of reality and fantasy jostling together in the deep urban underbelly of Bombay.

What makes the read worthwhile is the interlacing of closely observed lives in contemporary Mumbai. The novel also recalls the trauma of the 1992-93 riots and subsequent bomb blasts, the Dockyards tragedy of 1944, the custodial death of Khwaja Yunus in 2003, even the future terror attack of 2008. Some of these events muddy the timeline of the novel, at a few places, disorienting readers, like me, who are familiar with the city’s history.

Rohzin takes you to multiple journeys and in each journey, you would have wished that it never ceases. The author portrays life in a fascinating and challenging multi-cultural environment. Rahman Abbas's beautiful crafted story-writing captivates you every moment and is definitely worth a read!

Ratings – 5/5

Review copy courtesy – PR, Penguin Random House India.

Book Review #143 : The Tiger’s Pause

Title: The Tiger’s Pause: The Untold Story of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s Peace Efforts in Sri Lanka

Author: Swami Virupaksha

Publisher: Ebury Press/Penguin Random House

Pages: 208

Price: Rs 399

The book, “The Tiger’s Pause” chronicles the story of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s peace efforts in Sri Lanka. The author is a word smith. You can feel and visualise the heart wrenching events, many of us have not seen, as he narrates them excellently. Loved how he relayed the nail biting facts, laced with witty & thrilling incidents and deeply meaningful insights interwoven effortlessly on the 26 year long civil war in Sri Lanka. I could feel the presence of the Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and his quest and actions for peace in Sri Lanka, as if I were watching a movie. 

It's a gripping first-hand account, especially for those who grew up in the Indian sub-continent in the 80s through the late 90s, like me. The longest civil war to occur yet there are very little insights on what actually happened on the grounds. This book breaks the silence and helps us in exploring the ground realities of the civil war and the work done by known humanitarian and peace maker, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji.

The book is 'unputdownable'. Every war story is thrilling. This book though adds a flavor to that thrill - of conviction in peace. Usually, peace efforts are restricted to board rooms in secure zones. This book is an open story of attempts made to forge peace in Sri Lanka and how Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar almost got abducted. This book presents in great detail an unparalleled effort to bring peace - not just as a negotiation, but with a transformational approach on the ground. The style of writing is simple and storytelling is powerful. I almost felt like I was physically there and experiencing all that was being described. So realistic yet filled with so much wisdom.

I only wish there was more about the post-war effort of rebuilding and sustaining peace. Would expect a sequel to the book. This masterpiece is a must read for anyone interested in geo politics and for anyone who believes in peace.

Review copy courtesy – PR, Penguin Random House India.

Book Review #139 : Atomic Habits

In my humble opinion, this book is so good that I would like to file it under the elite category of books that can actually change your life!

In this book published by Penguin Random House India, the author focuses on “atomic habits” – a term that he uses to describe small improvements made on a daily basis so that small wins and tiny breakthroughs add up to noticeable change that can be celebrated. He builds out a nice 4-point framework for building habits and explains some good practices built around behavioral trigger that can help us reshape our lives.

Atomic Habits is a great book if you are looking for some prescriptive which will lay out a bunch of do’s and don’ts for creating new habits and breaking old ones. It is full of directly actionable advice. James Clear — presents in this book, very compelling arguments and examples from his in-depth research spanning multiple areas like sports, arts, science, business, history etc., to pick interesting nuggets that serve to push his framework. And his frameworks are very practical, with a good mix of examples and some thought-provoking life philosophies as well.

What is the reasoning behind the idea that tiny improvements made consistently are far more meaningful in the long run? The author offers a useful analogy. He writes, “Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement. The same way that money multiplies through compound interest, the effects of your habits multiply as you repeat them.”

It is not just pages of pep talk stuck together. It offers a step-by-step plan for building habits that can serve us for a lifetime. The author translates research into everyday language that can be grasped quickly. Another valuable suggestion is the practice of habit stacking, wherein you “tie your desired behavior into something you already do each day.” The author also suggests using habit trackers and accountability partners to help you. Perhaps the best way to use this book is to study the main principles, and not take the recommendations too literally. People live under different circumstances, and what autonomy means to one person may not mean the same to another. Do not miss the appendix because it has pointers for additional reading, and links to online resources for readers who are keen to understand how the ideas in this book work!

Overall, I recommend ‘Atomic Habits’ because of the way it blends in some practical tips with powerful stories that align with those tips. As someone who has been trying to change habits since quite a few years (and failing miserably), I concede that this book helps me take my efforts a bit more seriously. This definitely helped me not only increase awareness in matters like health & fitness and hobbies, but also made me create some systems around these that brought to life some intentionality into how I approach these. That, to me, is the biggest take-away, from this book. I’d strongly encourage you to pick up a copy and read the rest for yourself. If you’re struggling with your habits, this is very much a book for you.

Ratings: 4.8/5

Book Review #137 : yesterday i was the moon

It's been quite the minute since I last read a poetry collection, so when my eyes landed on this book on Amazon - I was beyond keen on diving in.

‘yesterday i was the moon’ is a collection of poetry by noor unnahar - it explores courage, self-love, culture and the struggles of making peace with your heart and art. it contains black & white photographs paired with poetry pieces; giving it a photo diary feels. 

I think I'll be revisiting this book again, it's so beautifully written. I least expected this but each & every line was soul-touching. I'd recommend this to anyone who is remotely interested in reading poetry, it's strange to see that the book is not hugely recognized, but it doesn't matter, as long as it touches the hearts of people it comes to hold off. 

The book does not revolve around a particular theme, rather it covers the art, home, society, courage, strength, acceptance and culture. This is written with emotion, honesty and poignancy. 

However, the book has more drawings in it than any other poetry book that I have read till date, which means it is very short on content. It’s only 160 pages and has drawings on every 3rd page (which makes it more personal, and almost like a journal). BUTTTTT, I wanted more content. 

Reading Noor's words, you can smell the scent of love, passion, anger, and truth on every page. Her poems will speak to your soul like they were written for you. 

Ratings: 4.5/5 (I craved more poetry!)

Book Review #136: The Second Life : An Anthology of 25 Life Changing Stories

Paperback: 224 pages

Publisher: Write India Publishers; first edition (10 October 2014)

Language: English

An awesome compilation of unique stories and they titled it so apt as 'The Second Life'. Take my words some characters of the stories will not leave you forever. All the writers have given their best work here, you will echo my views when you read the stories. I have a story named 'In The Classroom of Life' too. Here is the list of story names and their authors. 

Each story has its own flavour. While some are as sweet as a cold breeze, a few are upbeat and thought provoking. It is a highly recommended book with the right ingredients for everyone.

It's a collection of beautiful heart touching stories that can change even the reader's perspective about life. Only few books have this power, and this is one of them.

A particular story that stood out to me and stirred my soul was 'The Hug of Allah and Ishwar'. It left me wondering about the hypocrisy we live in. The religion that teaches us the way to ultimate peace, we use the same religion as a reason to kill. Shameful.

An inspiring book you must get. A worthy gift you can give to anyone. 

Ratings: 5/5

Book Review #135: The Naughty Proposal

Title: The Naughty Proposal
Author: Shanaya Taneja
Publisher: Shristi
Genre: Fiction
Total pages: 90

The book is an erotica. It revolves around four people Tara, Sneha, Dheeraj, Abhimanyu looking for some excitement in life without falling in trap of unnecessary love affairs. It is a small story which ends with a tricky suspense.

Some part that I didn't like was that story was incomplete, did not address one or two of the character well. Did not tell about how Tara and Abhimanyu knew each other, since how long were they in a relationship. The suspense was not disclosed well, only a few hints were dropped along the story.

While the storyline has elaborated and detailed erotica passages, the story is dull. Characters are built by specifying their personalities multiple times, instead of giving some background. No background, just forced character building.

The unexpected part was the twist at the end. Sometimes, being cautious and understanding the complete picture is better than giving in to the lure of mystery and novel temptation is the moral of the story. It is a definitely an adultery novel with a lot of detailed sex descriptions.

Coming on to the storyline. Except the climax parts, nothing was there that could hook you till the very end. There were some really good erotic scenes between Tara and Dheeraj, but when we talk about characterization, author totally forgot to work on it. It’s a pretty short book, but fast paced and you can enjoy it on a short journey or on lazy weekends, don’t expect anything exceptional, just wait till the climax. Language is very simple and you can easily connect with the characters. You get the feeling of watching a Bollywood movie.

The primary focus of story is on need(s); need for love and need for money. Weirdly this tries to portray all rich people as nice and craving for love; and all middle-class people using rich people for money.

Verdict: Ending could have been more descriptive. For me – I ended up feeling incomplete and ditched just like some of the characters in the book.

Ratings: 3/5

Book Review #134 : Dented & Painted

The anthology “Dented & Painted” comprises of 23 remarkable short stories. The cover of the collection is beautiful and attractive. The collection is penned down by author Tirupathi Khemka. This book is a must read for all humans due to the depleting mentality of our society. Harsh reality is portrayed that shows you the mirror unto society. 

Dented & Painted is appalling in its tone and subject. The stories begin with the opening lines in italics which store in them the essence of the whole story and ends with question marks that leave your mind ticking. These life changing stories shake the insides of your soul. It deals with some of the highly sensitive issues prevailing in our society at large. Each story is instilled with sheer pain, misery & struggle. The complexities of women’s life, how they are tortured, subdued, and tormented, and how they fight back are narrated by the author. The language is bold and comprehensive. On the whole, the collection is nicely compiled and stories are engrossing and have a power that grips you from within. As you continue reading these stories, you develop a strong sense of connection with the theme of feminism. The author has poured his heart into these stories. 

‘Male chauvinist pigs’ are well-exposed. The mind-blowing stories are an eye-opener and make you question so many things. The narrative is quite strong and details are well written. Sometimes the pace gets fast, though the emotions are well maintained. True reality is pictured which pinches you somewhere, depicting the cruelty of patriarchal society in which we continue to live. The stories expose a wide horizon of themes from prostitution to rapes, women as victims to women as fighters, the sufferings of women to struggles of women, women as creators to the women as destructors, the divine to the not so divine women, and many more. I can't get a few stories out of my mind; they were very impactful. I felt proud of a few ladies, yet felt sad for some. 

Dented & Painted is a complete page turner. It leaves your eyes moist with tears and you feel how crippled you have become by letting others dominate you and decide things for you. The author has made very interesting and keen observations before penning down each one of these wonderful pieces of writing. Kudos to him for his brilliant attempt! He proved the power of pen and the wonders that it can do. 

Ratings: 4.5/5

Book Review #133 : Good Vibes, Good Life

Want to better yourself? This book will help you get there!

Firstly, I was taken aback by the simple but truly pleasing design and aesthetics of the book - it looks so beautiful sitting on my study desk!

Good Vibes, Good Life by Vex King is a Self Help book in which the author talks about very important things like self-love, humility, failure, meditation, empowering thoughts and living a greater life. There are so many references to other books and scientific principles which makes me believe that all the things which are being talked about are well researched. There are so many things in this book which a person might already know but has perhaps forgotten about. There are numerous life lessons which have the potential to change a person's life.

The book is primarily based on the Law of Vibration which affects our entire being. When paid attention to and used for good, it helps a person to achieve success, peace and happiness. I really liked the fact that so many other aspects of life such as fear, anxiety and negativity in general are being dealt with in the book and practical solutions are being provided to deal with them. I also liked the fact that the author has not belittled the impact of these things but has rather discussed the situations which he faced in his life and how he dealt with them. Life is not painted as picture perfect heavenly ride but numerous solutions are provided to deal with difficult situations which makes this book a helpful read.

I would suggest you to read this book at a slow pace so that you can introspect and think through the solutions provided in this book to make your life better. It is a book that guides you while being packed with honest and insightful perspectives.

I have learnt that self-love is not just a concept but rather an art to be mastered. I think that the interpretation of self-love can often become confused with being selfish or inconsiderate. However, it is rather an embodiment of ‘empowerment and liberation’; something which I in fact once found difficult to comprehend and understand. By Vex King splitting the book into seven parts, he allows the reader to clearly follow the journey to finding their purpose, practicing self-love beautifully and achieving ultimate happiness. By breaking the path into stages, one is able to fully explore and focus on different aspects of their life to wholly develop as a person.

One thing which really struck is me how we are the creator of our own lives. We hold the power. What we want we can have if we set the right intention and act. Anything that happens in our life (not only ourselves but our sphere of influence, experiences and painful moments) are a result of our own emotions, thoughts and actions. “So if you are thinking the same thoughts and you know that your thoughts create your reality- then same thoughts lead to the same choices, the same choices lead to the same behaviours, the same behaviours create the same experiences, the same experiences produce the same feelings and the same feelings drive the very same thoughts.” It becomes an endless cycle. Thus, to gain control of our thoughts we must be able to understand our emotions and be able to process them so that we can control our reactions. Only then can we transform them so they have a positively impact.

I would like to say that King’s meticulous, considered structure, easy to read yet complex and inspiring content and most importantly his kindness, genuineness, authenticity and passion not only make ‘Good Vibes Good Life’ an resonant book to remember but also portrays a beautiful journey to one leading a life of purpose, possibility and positivity.

Verdict: Amazing from start to finish. This is a book that everyone can relate to and is a brilliant guide to raising your vibration and self-love. There's no hidden meaning. Vex has literally laid everything out for you. This book has definitely helped me a lot. The self-growth I intend to achieve is something I owe to myself. Living a life, I truly love is the journey that excites me!

Overall, a 'CANNOT put down' book! 😊

Ratings: 5/5

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.

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.

Book Review #128 : TIME GUARD: THE AWAKENING

Honestly, I was not impressed by the cover art as I believe it is not able to portray the subject matter of the book well. Also, the use of different font types along with the absence of a prominent title in the cover made it even more confusing for me. The blurb is the only thing that actually attracted me to the book! The ideas explored in ‘Time Guard: The Awakening’ are related to Astral Projection and Manipulation of Time.

The author challenges the readers to think outside the box and imagine a scenario where Astral Projection may be used by the gifted few to influence the mass for their own benefits or the ones who practice it for the benefit of the World.

From the very first pages, I found the book engaging as things were happening so fast. The scenes that lead to the female protagonist realising the powers of the protagonist were filled with a sense of thrill and tension. 

Although certain scenes were being repeated to move the story forward it did not seem tiresome. Actually, it helped in understanding the flow of the story and capture the missing elements. But, coming to the matter of missing elements, there were many characters whose origin or fate remained unknown.

Moreover, the end of ‘Time Guard: The Awakening’ seemed abrupt with the introduction to many new concepts that remained unexplained. Maybe, these will be cleared in the next book in the series; ‘Time Guard II: Reborn’.

Another drawback while reading the book was the presence of a few grammatical mistakes which should have been corrected while editing. Sometimes, the appropriate words were not used; thus, the author was not able to express a few situations accurately.

The book is filled with turns and these spirals are hefty and sometimes intricate. They’re daunting at first, but eventually a foundation of travel respite. There are many resplendently over-the-top actions sequences throughout the book.

I loved the portrayal of Arjun and Swathi. I also liked the small sketches in between the reads to give this book more pictorial plea and to comprehend the story well.

This book may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you are into make-believe, magical realism, science novels and more importantly time travel- then this book is a must-read. 

Ratings - 4/5

Book Review #127 : Dream Sutra

I've always been curious about the implications and meaning of the dreams that we have. Dream Sutra gives an insight into this realm. You can either read it simply as a fascinating and entertaining story of people who have had amazing experiences and what they meant, or, read it like me to gain a deeper understanding of dreams and how they relate to our lives spiritually and the messages they carry for us. 

Everyone dreams. We feel joy, fear, anger, pain and every other conceivable emotion in our dreams...and it all feels so real in the dream state. I have always been fascinated by the ability of the mind to conjure up these amazing worlds where everything is possible - You can fly, you can be superhuman. 

The parallel dream world is a powerful place -- a place where you can exhaust your karma, you can help and be healed. There is so much that we dismiss as too fantastic to be true because it doesn't fit into the ideas that we have classified as "believable", yet every day we 'feel', 'dream', 'experience' things that fall out of this rigid classification, that make us sit up and question the very foundation of our understanding of this world, of other worlds, of our inner world.

The Dream Sutra is an inspiring book that takes us through the nuances of several dreams and their relevance. Dream Sutra is brilliant because it redefines the boundaries of what is believable! A great read. 

What I must say is the readers must read the other two books of the author to better understand this one. Although it doesn't mean you will miss concept if you start this first except that you will see multiple references to other two.

This is not a coffee table read. The book does need some amount of hunger to know the unexplained science. Author has multiple instances to share and decode dreams based on his understanding.

Book is simple and easy to understand with plenty of examples with reference to people. I am a person who believes in science and I keep questioning for scientific evidence. But this book fails to give 100% scientific explanation. 

This book made me realise that dreams can also carry messages from the beyond. From near and dear departed souls or even the universe. Dreams could be visions or warnings of some event. Reading about so many people’s dream experiences make you wonder if dreams could possibly carry some hidden message.

Dream Sutra is not just a book about dream-state experiences but also a book that highlights the ability of spiritually evolved entities to use the dream state to evolve other beings. It talks about the oneness of the universe, about the divinity that binds us all while highlighting the wondrous experiences where people have been healed in dreams, received messages and shown dimensions that the naked eye cannot see. It's a very enlightening read. I would urge readers to write in with dreams which have puzzled them ...maybe there’s a meaning hidden in them!

Ratings : 4.5/5

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

Book Review #126 : Aatma Sutra: Unveiling the Soul

After reading Karma Sutra by the same author, I was curious and excited to read the second book. All I can say is that it exceeded my expectations. 

Easy to read book with practical experiences are mentioned. A book that makes you accept and understand that all of us have a soul within us. This aatma is super powerful. You are lead through this book into a journey of realising and recognising your aatma and its power. It can guide you. Answer your questions. Help you and heal you. 

Rarely are sequels as good as their predecessor (Karma Sutra), but Aatma Sutra is one such example! Much like the first book, it is jam packed with spiritual concepts and aided by fascinating anecdotes.

Reading the book, understanding the concepts the writer has put through with examples, surely got me to start empathising, accepting gracefully everything destiny throws at us and above all our role play in this physical body.

VERDICT : The book is your journey on the road to self-love and acceptance. This book shocks, delights and liberates the reader! It certainly has helped broaden my perception. Recommended!

Ratings : 4.5/5

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

Book Review #125 : Karma Sutra: (Cracking the Karmic Code)

Karma Sutra gives the clearest explanation of the term 'Karma'. It is a book that explains how your actions and deeds causes good and bad fortune. This book has explained various concepts relevant to our daily lives in a simplified manner. If you are too inquisitive about life and its philosophies, read this! A very informative piece with paintings that can probably be a result for a change in our ways of perceiving, thinking, evolving and constant learning. 

The author has divided this book into six sections, where he talks about the Karma in general in the first section, and the next three sections are focused on how we become indebted to what we receive (from parents, teachers, five elements, to animal and plant kingdoms etc). The next section shows us via worksheets how we can balance Karma by not taking the ownership or increase our positive karma in comparison to our negative karma or by just being plain and nice. The next two sections in itself can form a separate book where the author deals with the different attitudes by which we act, The Kleshas, the five sheaths, the three Gunas and so on. Some sections require multiple readings to understand as the concepts are profound.

Reading Karma Sutra by Hingori has been a soul stirring experience for me. It is a book explaining profound concepts, but in such a simple fashion, that even a layman, stepping into the field of spiritualism shall be engulfed in its words of wisdom! 

VERDICT : One of the finest self improvement books I have ever read! It does not seem to bounce over the head. This book will change the way you think and live. Worth reading if you are into spirituality!

Ratings : 4/5

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

Book Review #123 : 'Til Health Do Us Part

In this well-crafted memoir, author Rooney chronicles her journey towards holistic wellness as she healed from a host of debilitating diseases and her family falling apart.

She introduces readers to her past through flashbacks—physical and sexual abuse as a child, her joyful marriage disintegrating as her husband’s career progressed, and dozens of doctors piling on diagnoses and medications. In 2010, Rooney’s life took a life-altering turn when she moved to Hawaii and met Xavier, a shrewd, composed Eastern healer who guided her towards health with constant probing. Xavier’s enduring patience with her fuels her sense of humor which allows her to express her true feelings. With his help, she thrived and separated herself from the toxic environment of her family, established a healthy diet, and learned to nurture herself. But the biggest hurdle was weaning herself from the heavy medications she had become dependent on for years. As she made monumental strides to improve physically, she also engaged in the grueling emotional work of overcoming the pattern of self-destruction rooted in an inability to love herself. 

The author takes you through her personal transformation, kicking & screaming, as she experiences her awakening realizing that her choices are creating her reality. This book is a soul’s journey, a spiritual story, told by a woman as she discovers that the body, mind & breath are all connected. She comes to realize that her emotional state of consciousness is creating her physical challenges. Xavier helps her to connect with that inner voice which becomes the pivotal trigger that propels her forward with confidence in knowing she has established her connection to her essence. 

Rooney’s writing style is genuine and engaging; short chapters keep the pace lively. The chapters usually ended with a statement that enticed me to keep reading. The narrative weaves seamlessly between what is she experiences in Hawaii, her childhood and young adult years, and the years during which her diseases progress. Not even a physician can fix a person if they're not willing to participate in their own healing. She captures Xavier’s advice in memorable stories and phrases, like his observation that in healing, “there’s a point…where you stop swimming away from something and begin to swim towards something.”

Julie’s honest reflection & relationship with her emotional state of mind throughout the process of healing radiated with so much honesty. You can feel her sorrow when she realizes that she needs to listen to & depend on her own intuitive voice in order to go forward & be truly healthy and happy. I'm inspired and uplifted, and the writing, injected with humor and passion, makes this book worth sharing with anyone I know! Her total healing is raw and remarkable. Quite the courageous lady. 

Verdict : An astonishing yet plausible story of recovery told with authenticity and a healthy dose of humor. Would recommend this book to anyone really wanting to understand what true health is all about.

Rating : 5/5

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

Book Review #122 : A Man From Mandu

Title - A Man From Mandu
Author - Manoj V. Jain
Genre - Fiction
Publisher - Notion Press
ISBN - 978-1-64587-162-0

This is the third book of Manoj V. Jain that I have read apart from Dystopia & THC.

Wondered how Dhongi babas would picture in this digital era? ‘A Man from Mandu’ is a book of deception, transformation and growth.

We have seen gurus promoting their brand of spiritual wisdom or flooding our timelines and WhatsApp with spiritual messages. Author Manoj Jain picks up on this trend to spin a never-told-before tale about a 'sadhu of stories' in this novel. 

The story is told through the perspective of Tarini who needs a 'project' to revive her corporate career. She uses her marketing skills to create Brand Avishkar Baba! But who exactly is Avishkar Baba and what is his game? Is he a conman, a storyteller or the real deal - a true spiritual leader? And what will happen to Tarini? The story takes you on a ride as to how one becomes a Godman, what are the pros and cons of becoming one, how is the branding done and so on and so forth.

The author reveals the story through the Baba's sermons - which are told in the form of short stories. Each of these stories is engaging and has got a message in itself which makes it stand apart from others. Moreover all these short stories are different from each other in terms of concept. These would also make it a perfect bed time stories for kids; none of them are boring, pretentious or half-baked. Those are the stories you would want to re-read to decipher more positives from it.

Talking about the writing style and storyline, it is simply beautiful and gripping. There is wisdom lying all over the pages in Manoj’s books. He is one among the few authors who has always given a different subject rather than sticking on to a single genre. Both the lead characters, Tarini, and Dhawal a.k.a. Avishkar Baba have been well-crafted.

What I liked the most about the story was the characterization and the sequence of events are so perfectly woven that you don’t feel isolated with the story and narration even once. Each chapter begins with a quote from none other than Avishkar Baba himself. After completing the book, I read those quotes again and I must say, some of them really brought changes in me.

The climax of the book is so nicely closed that I was just getting emotional yet happy to have read such a book which leaves you with so many questions and answers at the same time. The author has embedded philosophy, spirituality, love and struggles- all into this small story of 170 pages and the amount of beautiful moments and messages it gives you throughout stay with you forever!

The best part is, there is no space for unwanted text in the book. It's full of twists and turns and once you start reading you won't realize when you completed it, it's definitely that gripping.

The book is light, innovatively written and extremely entertaining! Definitely recommended!

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

RATINGS : 4.75/5