Book Review #24 : 60 Minutes

Author: Upendra Namburi 

Publisher: Westland Ltd 

Genre: Corporate Drama 

Price: Rs. 350 

Pages: 361

‘60 Minutes’ by Upendra Namburi is a corporate thriller/ business fiction. It’s an excellently conceptualized and well written book. If you are interested to know what happens at the top echelons of FMCG companies, this book is a must read. The solid story that the author has weaved around the corporate setting, and the pace with which the events unfold is very good. The cover page is attractive too. 

I loved the characterization; there are no good/ bad people. Everyone, including the protagonist, is shown as they actually are in real life: greedy and scheming. Everyone goes through the process of survival of the fittest. One can almost feel the pulse of their office rooms. They end up playing a deadly game with huge rewards, but equally huge risks. 

Rivalry and (personal) revenge, you know you get a lot of drama here. You should read this novel to understand what nonsensical levels people go to achieve their selfish motives. This is the side of corporate life that needs to be exposed to people and I appreciate the author for doing that. Altogether, an excellent book but the author should have presented a more believable climax. 

Professional networks and game plays, stock markets and millions of money, relationships and stress, domestic violence and infidelity- the author highlights all aspects. Obsession and revenge carried from the past is all what drives the scenes in the sixty minutes. Some happenings do seem without purpose. 

The book reinforces that everything is fair in love, war and corporate battle for supremacy. Ethics and integrity aren't always the merits. One needs lots of tactics to outsmart the competition, defend one's position and cover his/ her back. Friends and foes can swap positions in matter of minutes when money, job, reputations are at stake. 

Though it appeared to be a 60 minute event, every now and then incidents of past are introduced. So end to end, the story takes couple of years in total duration. The flashbacks are not in order, but are based on the specific incidents which serve as background for current developments. At 360 odd pages, this book seems a bit dragged. 

The author is a sales and marketing professional by himself and it seems that he has moulded the raw material of his life in the form of a book. His own experiences, his encounters with other corporate people, and the major events of corporate life - have all gone into this work. 

60 Minutes is high on emotions; disappointment, rejection, elation, fear, relief. It is a revealing window into corporate life in India, exposing the slime and deceit in corporate relationships, the backstabbing and the vested interests. It would make for an excellent Bollywood plot, with all the drama, subterfuge and intrigue. The writing style is simple and easy to grasp. However, I did spot some sloppy writing which some careful editing could have weeded out. 

The only thing with 60 minutes is that you will not be able to finish the book in 60 minutes. If you are fond of reading corporate drama, this one is a good pick. 

Rating - 3/5.

P.S: I would like to thank Blogadda for the opportunity to review this book. This review is a part of the biggest Book Review Program for Indian Bloggers. Participate now to get free books! 

Thank You, God!

Thank you, God for everything,
The big things and the small,

And too often I accept your gifts,
Without any thanks or praise,
You send me blessings,
Each day in many ways.
Thank You, for giving me,
A lot more than my share.

Thank You for the little things,
That often come my way,
The things I take for granted,
But don’t mention when I pray.

The unexpected courtesy,
The thoughtful, kindly deed,
A hand reached out to help me..
In the time of sudden need.
Thank You for the “miracles”
I'm much too blind to see.

Book Review #23 : Lost In Pattaya

Author: Kishore Modak

Publisher: Grapevine India

Publication Year: 2014
ISBN: 9789381841228
Pages: 215

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My ratings - 4/5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Ratings: 4.2/5

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

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

Beard-Sporter To A Clean Shaven Look!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Write a blog on any of these themes-

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

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

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

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

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

Last date for entries is midnight of 1st December!

Relationships? *sigh*

Navigating through any relationship takes strength, wisdom, patience and love, among other things. As humans, we naturally look to those around us for advice, perspective and knowledge. While viewing other relationships outside of our own can offer some insight into our own, it is often damaging to compare your partnership to those of other couples. The-grass-is-always-greener viewpoint is often irrelevant, since you don’t have all the facts required to properly assess the relationship. Here are a few reasons why comparing your relationship to others can be ineffective at best and destructive at worst.

Behind Closed Doors

The problem with comparing yourself to other people is that you never have all of the information. You’re making assumptions based only on part of the facts, but the reality is that unless you’re in the relationship, you’ll never fully grasp its delicate dynamic. This truth, coupled with the fact that people tend to present their best face to the public, exemplifies why your comparisons cannot be based in complete accuracy. You then judge the quality of your relationship by something which essentially doesn’t exist.

No Two Relationships Are Alike

As relationships are comprised of two unique individuals, bringing different life experiences to the relationship, no two couples are alike. To judge the quality of your relationship on whether the two of you have the same dynamic as other couples is a waste of time. No one can tell you how your relationship should be, especially since what works for some people definitely doesn’t work for others. All you need to be sure of is if the two of you work, with your individual and distinct personalities that make your relationship uniquely yours.

Keeping the Focus Outside of the Relationship

By constantly comparing your relationship to others, you are cheating yourselves out of time and energy better spent focusing on the two of you. Considering the amount of effort and work that goes into a relationship, busying yourself worrying about others will only take away from what you as a couple have. Don’t worry so much about what the neighbors are doing; instead work on strengthening the bond between the two of you.

Moral ~ Comparison is the thief of joy. While it is easy to fall into comparing ourselves to others, it rarely benefits us unless other lifestyles inspire us. In this sense, it’s good to appreciate what others have worked hard to achieve—and to use that as inspiration—as we work towards our own relationship goals. But use your wisdom in assessing the quality of your relationship, and appreciate the uniqueness that the two of you bring into the partnership. It’s good to remember the flipside of the adage “The grass is always greener”: ”You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.”

Book Review #21 : The Mahabharata Quest

Author:	Christopher C. Doyle
Publisher:	Westland
Publication Year:	2014
Number of Pages:	308 Pages
Book Type:	Fiction Book

The book has the ability to be finished in a single sitting as it arouses wonderful page turning experience filled with suspense and mind boggling riddles to be solved in order to reach the great secret. It is gripping and the author has given correct meaning of so many Hindu epics; probably he has made a very sincere attempt to give us the reality. It is an unputdownable and a pageturner book. I was really happy to have got a signed copy of the book from Blogadda.

Excellent fast-paced spine tingling thriller. The climax is absolutely entertaining and despite being a bit overawed, one can consider it a possibility. The build-up to the climax was just perfect - no wasted stretches or unnecessary chases. The length of the book was ideal and not too stretched.

Very often, in order to replicate the success of the previous part, the writer ends up in making the sequel very much similar to its predecessor. Thankfully, this is not the case with The Mahabharata Quest. The story in itself is completely new with some key incidents from the prequel used to make the foundation pillars of the new story.

Lots of twists and turns, the book literally does not let you stop at every chapter. The last line of every chapter gives you a shock and a hunger to read more. The book ends in a cliff hanger, eagerly making the reader wait for the next one.

What I didn't appreciate much was that the good characters in the story always seemed to get everything right every time, which seemed to be of little exaggeration while the suspected characters are too easy to be identified right from the beginning. There are a few untied ends in the book. 

The previous debut novel was a tad bit better than this one. Though narration and storytelling have improved a lot as compared to the prequel. The Biotech theory of Amrit and scientific explanation of Samudra Manthan shows the exhaustive research of writer and his passion to make his book sound as realistic as possible. The book exceeds expectation which in turn raises the expectations even higher for the third part.

The author has covered in depth the various aspects nicely that arose in the book. The scenario presented doesn't seems plausible though. Mahabharata is a vast ocean and the author has extracted the pieces with great precision and care. Hope more and more writings about India history/mythology come up so that we are made more aware of our own.

Mythology, Science and History blend together for a creative, gripping thriller. A new perspective for age old mythology with new interpretation of the mythological story. Scientific blend to give authenticity to the age old secrets. Though it keeps jumping from modern to ancient, it still keeps you engrossed to read till the end due to crisp writing... A must read for Dan Brown fans, and thrillseekers alike.

Ratings: 4/5.

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