Book Review: One in a Million

There is always a special happiness when you read a book that is written by your friend. Harshita Srivastava and I were readers while we entered Mechanical engineering course but she passed out as writer while I am still a reader. I took “One in a million” along with me during the travel from Chennai to Madurai and I should really say it kept me away from boredom.

With one glimpse on the cover page of the book you can conclude that the story revolves around a female and the title really impressed me. The cover page is attractive and thanks to Prakansh Rathaur for it. The story revolves around the beautiful protagonist Priyanka. The story clearly shows how love changes a girl to women. The story starts on a rainy day and the rain has also equally played a role. She falls in love for the first time with Shashank on her school days and loses him. She then finds his best friend Vishal, falls for him and loses him too. Fed up with both defeats she concentrates much on her life and her passion. Soon she gets friend with Shashank few days later. How did Shashank change priyanka’s life and how did Shashank’s life get changed after Priyanka’s entry? Did their friendship last? Read it to know further.

At first, the story was little weird and seemed predictable but all my prediction faded away as I turned the pages. I should say Ms. Srivastava has done perfect justice to the story and has perfectly narrated the story. The bond between Priyanka and Vishakha has been written well without missing any emotions. Throughout the story the author has not missed anything and has penned down all the emotions perfectly. The story also answers few questions about Long Distance Relationship, Double crossing and social network site’s love. The way the author ends the story is cool and the poems in between the narration are awesome. “If the love is true then it can happen anywhere and can exist wherever you are” is the underlying theme of the story. Reading the whole story I found the title syncs well with the story and is well suited.

Ms. Srivastava has done a commendable job with her debut book. The author has brought out all the emotions perfectly and has kept the language simple. All characters are well defined and the best thing I liked in the story is that the characters are given a chance to speak at different situations. Though it was sometimes silly, it makes the story complete. The climax is the best part of the book and I enjoyed reading the Dating sessions of Priyanka.

Overall it was an entertaining read and I would give 4/5. Kudos for the first book and I heard the author is working on the second book “Bad Romance”. All the best for it and I would like to read it soon.

You can get a copy for yourself at Infibeam.

Happy Reading :-)

(P.S.- I am yet to receive my signed copy :( .)

Book Review: The Virgins

Reading a coming-of-age book is always fun and this book gives you no disappointment. 

Not every book gives you the chance to re-live your sweet memories but this story will surely bring back those memories which you have always cherished. 

How does one become a man?
Three young friends are about to find out.

With six unmarried sisters and a perennially drunk father, Pinku, a 19-year-old school dropout, has only one dream left: to marry the plump girl who’d caught him stealing flowerpots. His friend and confidant, 17-year-old Bhandu, is not faring any better — his parents are divorcing, his father has abandoned him, and the American tourist he is infatuated with doesn’t even know he exists. Bhandu and Pinku seek solace in the distracting shenanigans of their friend Guggi — a pampered rich brat who can do anything for a thrill. Guggi’s reckless hedonism lands the threesome in a series of 'sexpot' escapades — each adventure weirder than the one before.
But their seemingly innocuous joyride is about to end.
With their Class 12 exams around the corner, Guggi, restless to leave a mark, takes over the school’s notorious protection racket in a violent coup. The fallout drags the trio into a murky world of heartbreak, betrayal, and bloody vengeance . . .
Fast, funny, and earthy, The Virgins is a coming-of-age novel that marks the debut of a promising writer.

“The Virgins” is about three friends living in Banaras – Pinku, Bhandu and Guggi. Pinku is a school-dropout, with responsibilities towards his family, dreams of marrying a girl he loves and he is all of nineteen. Bhandu’s life is a mess. His family is not the perfect family and he is also searching his way on the road to love. Guggi is always up to no good and trouble, thanks to his friends as well. Besides this, they have their class 12 exams round the corner and life couldn’t get more exciting. From there on in this small town India, their lives begin and take on a different turn.  

A remarkable story of friendship, love, deceit and how teenagers grow into men by learning the hard way. Siddharth style of writing is incredibly witty and fast paced making it a page turning adventure. Set in the back drop of Banaras, this book will be interesting for those who had lived their childhood in such small towns. The title is catchy and so is the colorful cover page. The character formation was balanced giving equal importance to each characters. Overall a funny, entertaining and touching story.

To sum up my review, I could say Mr. Siddharth Thripathi has done a commendable job producing this book. He doesn't seem like a first time writer and he definitely has his own style which is totally different. I would give 3 stars for his story and I would like to read his next book soon. All the best Siddharth Thripathi.

The book was received as part of Reviewers Programme on TheTales Pensive.

You can get a copy for yourself at flipkart.

Happy Reading :-) 

Book Review: The Homing Pigeons

I still feel so much involved into the story though I have finished my read few minutes back. I think it’s the author’s spell on the readers. Surely a un-put-down-able book that keeps me wondered about the author’s imagination. No other Indian contemporary has left such an impact like this and no book has ever made me so excited to review.

In the middle of the catastrophic 2008 recession, Aditya, a jobless, penniless man meets an attractive stranger in a bar, little does he know that his life will change forever…..
When Radhika, a young, rich widow, marries off her stepdaughter, little does she know that the freedom that she has yearned for is not exactly how she had envisioned it…..
They say Homing Pigeons always come back to their mate, no matter where you leave them on the face of this earth. Homing Pigeons is the story of love between these two unsuspecting characters as it is of lust, greed, separations, prejudices and crumbling spines.

“The Homing Pigeons” by Sid Bhari is the book which has an excellent narration. This is a story of Aditya and Radhika. One chapter narrated from the perspective of Aditya and another from Radhika’s, so you get to know what each character feels from their points of view.  The first few pages started with suspense making us to get engaged with the book. Aditya is out of a job, as the book starts. He is well on his way to being an alcoholic. He passes out in the bar of a fancy hotel. Divya, a traveling professional woman, rescues him. She has a proposal for him, an indecent one.In the meantime, Radhika is on the brink of marrying off her step-daughter. She is a rich widow and looking forward to an independent life finally.

The best part of the book comes when both the characters, Aditya and Radhika, are showed to be diverged roads of same square, when we get to know that once both had been together, and its when we get the title justified! Instantly, reader gets confirmed about that both shall meet finally but Sid again proves himself and lets you wonder, the term 'how' until you are at the very end of your journey.

Aditya and Radhika have a common past, but do they have a future together?

Coming to the style of writing, it’s easy to read and is a page turner. The pace is very good at the beginning of the book but somewhere in the middle and end, the story slows down. The English is simple and easy to understand.

To sum up my review, I would say Mr. Sid Bhari has done an appreciable job in his very debut. Unlike other authors who just come out with typical college love stories as their debut, he has really changed the exceptions of reader from debut authors. I rate 4/5 for this poignant debut. I strongly recommend this book to everyone and I would like to read his next book soon. 

This book review is a part of The Readers Cosmos Book Review Program. To get free books log on to thereaderscosmos.blogspot.com

Get a Copy for yourself at Flipkart.

Happy Reading :-)

Book Review: Syahi - Power of the Pen

I always loved the idea of Anthology which I believe lays a path for all budding authors. Syahi is a collection of many sweet and emotional love stories. I congratulate all the authors who have given their best to make this book a beautiful rose full of fragrance. Something very important to mention here is about the editing which is done in a way that it should be done. The cover page is very creative and pleasing. Thanks to Sunil Kaushik and Abhishek Joshi for giving this book a elegant look with two different covers. The blurb is carefully written to gain the attention of the people. I really liked it. I would like to give my feedback about few stories written in this book.

·         An Odyssey of Discovering Life by Apoorva Arora is the first story and it had all the essence to make a perfect start. The story talks about the journey of Aparna in search of the meaning of life. The author has given a clear picture of what a life is supposed to be. The title is very catchy and it perfectly goes well with the story. The climax really touched my heart. Beautiful read.

·         Better late than never by HIkatshi Bawa is a sweet love story of Akriti and Viraat. This story is for those who wait for a lifetime to express their feeling to the loved one. Akriti takes the right decision in proposing his love rather to wait. The love between them is very well defined that I was able to live each words.

·         Letting go by Aman Sharma is completely a very emotional story. The author has beautifully written by carefully handling the emotional part. The pain of living with someone we hate is more than letting them go out of life is what the story talks about. Good job Author.  It’s never too late is also by Aman Sharma. This is a sweet love story between Nikhil and smriti. The relationship between the characters is well expressed.  I like Letting go much than the second story.

·         26/11-A Dark twilight by Nehali Lalwani is a story which talks more about the most tragic incident that India has seen recently. The mention of 26/11 itself brings a shiver within every Indian.  Reading this story, one can realize the pain of those who lost their beloved once. Brilliantly narrated. A lesson for life is another story of this author. A short and sweet story about life and how to live life to the fullest.

·         Life a Vague mystery by Kushi Gupta is a story which talks about the emotional relationship between a mother and a daughter. How does a girl’s life suffer with a divorced parents?  Sarah’s suffer is well defined when her parents get their divorce. A very heart throbbing read and the climax speaks it all.

·         Shattered Tatters by Ayush Agarwal is a story of Kehav which has its own twist and turns. I like the way the author has narrated. The title is very catchy indeed. One particular incident that happens in a clinic is the most unexpected part. Surely a page turner. You Amaze me! is the next story of the author which I enjoyed the most. The idea of narrating the story from a eight month old child is amazing. The read was fun and emotional. Good work Ayush.

·         Sometimes it’s not simple by Neoni D’souza is a simple story which has an interesting climax as the title says. Reading the story I never expected the climax to have such a big twist. Narration was way good and I enjoyed reading it. That Night @ 12 is the next story of Neoni. It talks about the relation which some special person. An emotional tale.

·         The Survivor-U Khand Flood disaster by Omung Goyal is story which talks about yet another tragedy of India. The Uttra Khand flood disaster. The reading got very emotional with each word. Kadir’s journey as a survival was really filled with emotions. Nicely written. To be hanged till death is the last story of the book. I felt happy to have read an interesting story by the end of the book. Though it had some filmy touch, with all twist and turns the climax was made good. Good read.

·         3 sins by Salli Shah talks more about the reality that is more common in India. Girls are still considered as sin in few parts of the world where they are treated worse than animals. Some even kill them inside the womb. Sexual harassment is something the whole country is talking about recent but still we see no hope for the welfare of girls. This story is written so well.  The Un-destined Love is the other story by this author. Love happens with an unexpected person in an unexpected part of life. The story is well narrated and I liked the story.

·         It all started with a Key by Shrutee Parekh is a story about two friends with the concept of soul mate and soul friend. The tile is very catchy and it surely creates an interest towards the story. With an excellent narration, the author has also come out with sweet poems which i’m sure enhances the beauty of the story.

Overall Syahi has collected the best stories to make it reach in the hands of the people. All stories were good in it’s own way. I liked You amazed me! the most among all. I wish all the very best to Syahi team. 

You can get a copy for yourself at HS18.

Happy Reading :-)

Book Review: Spicy bites of Briyani

Reading a feminine romantic fiction brings a totally different feel from that of novels composed by masculine pens. It creates a light hearted ambience so like their character. This is a perfect romantic story with all needed spicy ingredients to bring out the masala of life.

Studied hard? Got the perfect job? Found the perfect mate? And Still Screwed up your life? Is it possible to do everything right in your life and still not be happy? Meet Sanjay, Aditi, Mayank and Jayshree. 

Sanjay is US-returned software millionaire determined to have an arranged marriage aftr slling his company and braking up with his two-timing girlfriends. 

Aditi is a commitment-phobic writer who cant figure out what her next book is about but has perfected the art of break-ups Manyank and Jayshree are the perfect couple. If only they werent dealing with rude relatives, killing deadlines, procreation pressures and those ultimate romance-killers... monotoy and boredom!

This light-hearted story traces the lives of these four successful, thirty-something friends who all come to the same conclusion... 

The hardest thing about having the perfect life is keeping it that way! 

The Spicy Bites of Biryani by Ms Ashwina Garg is a romance novel and I can definitely say a different story from the typical Indian love stories. The title is very catchy which comes with the tagline ‘because life needs little 'Masala'’. As the title says there is a mixed masala in the story to make it more Spicy. The story travels along the four characters Sanjay, Aditi. Mayank and Jayshree. Sanjay is a US returned software millionaire, who comes to India to have an arranged marriage with Indian girl and settle in India. After many failed proposals, he meets Aditi. Aditi, being an author, is struggling to make a story for her third novel. She lives life on her own terms and doesn’t give heed to what others think and feel about her. She also doesn’t believe in marriage. Sanjay and Aditi, who are so parallel, have common friends Mayank and Jayshree. Mayank and Jayshree both are married couple who had been together since past 6 years. They both had worked together and living well settled lives and trying to make their life happy and different by adding up Masala every day. They also help Sanjay in finding a perfect combo for him. Romance is found not only in Aditi and Sanjay's relation but also in the couple who have good amount of issues, which they handle well. Luckily not a predictable ending, it makes you want to know what's next? I wish not to reveal the plot here.

The book has been written brilliantly enough to make the readers get engaged with it. One of the most fantastic things about this book is the characterization. Even though it is Sanjay and Aditi in the lead role, the characters of Mayank and Jayshree were not any less than Mansur. Without these characters, so well built, I do not think that the story would have the same essence as it has now.      With the use of simple language, the author has succeeded to take the book to its destination.

Overall, I would say that Mrs. Ashwina Garg has done a commendable job in this book. Though the taste of the biryani she served changed as the story moved, it left no bitter aftertaste.  I would like to suggest all reader to read it if they are finding 'Masala' and experience the difference. It’s really spicy 'Biryani'. I rate it 4 out of 5.  I would also love to hear more from the author in her next book. 

About the Author

Ashwina Garg lives in Hyderabad with her husband and two kids. She studied accountancy and has worked as an entrepreneur, a German translator and a technical writer.

You can buy it from Flipkart and Amazon.

Happy Reading :-)

Book review: Baramulla Bomber

Spy thrillers are always popular genres among people of any age group due to its level of adrenaline flow. I am always fond of spy thrillers but rarely find such type from Indian authors. The first and the foremost thing that attracts the reader is the cover of this book. The cover page itself creates a mystery on the readers and the blurb adds more.

An Ancient Weapon from the Vedas & Bible
Once Hunted by the Nazis
Powered by the Sound of the Universe

Reborn with the Help of Quantum Physics
Going to be Unleashed onto the World
And Kashmir Holds its Secret

The only way

Multiple intelligence agencies are tracking Mansur Haider, a god-fearing aspiring cricketer from Kashmir. His girlfriend, Aahana Yajurvedi, is trying to locate her missing mountaineering team, which vanished after a mysterious earthquake struck Shaksgam Valley. Investigating Mansur and the Shaksgam Valley incident is Swedish intelligence officer, Adolf Silfverskiold, whose only relationship to God consists of escorting his girlfriend to Church.

To save the world

A dual China-Pakistan battlefront scenario facing the Indian Home Minister, Agastya Rathore, whose ancestors carry a prehistoric secret linked to the stars. He is faced with the challenge of finding a lasting solution to the Kashmir crisis.

Is to challenge one’s faith

Which biblical weapon was tested in Shaksgam valley? Why is Mansur Haider important? Is there a solution to the Kashmir crisis? Can destiny be controlled? Does a cosmic religion exist?

Baramulla Bomber is first of the swastik trilogy that looks into Vedas and origin of universe and humans. The plot anticipates every reader and intrigues page by page. The book has a subtitle saying “Science fiction espionage thriller” and covers many aspects.

Though the book deals with many characters, readers are never confused at any point. The author has managed well to keep the plot engaging and pacy with enough twists. The suspense is wonderfully maintained till the end. The book has many scientific theories and historical events that make the plot interesting and at the same time the author has managed well in keeping the readers hooked.

The maps in the book make the readers to know the exact location of the event taking place. I like the protagonist Mansur Haider and is supposed to be the guy on the cover page though there are many similarities. As there are two more books the author has managed many sub plots and moves on with the story.

I appreciate Mr. Clark Prasad for his commendable job in bringing out his first book. There are few minor flaws in the book which can be rectified by a little rework. The language is captivating and the information too. I would give 3.5/5 for this wonderful spy thriller and recommend it to everyone.

The book was received as part of Reviewers Programme on TheTales Pensive.

About the author: Clark Prasad, alter ego of Suraj Prasad, could be called a mixed citizen. Born in a leap year (year of Rocky, All the President's Men, Omen, Hera Pheri and Kalicharan) in Lagos, Nigeria he lived most of his life in New Delhi and had his education in Lagos, Delhi, Mangalore and Kozhikode. His family background is from the town where George Orwell, author of 1984 (a dystopian fiction) was born, and where Mahatma Gandhi had re-ignited India's freedom movement - Motihari. As a kid he wanted to be an archaeologist or an astronaut, but fate had its own road and he got involved with Mr. Carbon akaChemistry. Currently he is a healthcare management consultant, based out of Bengaluru, Planet Earth.

You can get a copy for yourself at Flipkart.

Happy Reading :-)

Book Review: The Almond Tree

Only a brilliant book can make the readers get attached to it as the pages fly by. This is one such book, which I can honestly say is the best ever book I have read since few days. For the very first time I found it hard to pause my reading to catch some sleep. With a most intriguing blurb, this book with no doubts has a powerful story line.

Gifted with a mind that continues to impress the elders in his village, Ahmed Hamid struggles with knowing that he can do nothing to save his friends and family. Living on occupied land, his entire village operates in fear of losing their homes, jobs and belongings. But more importantly, they fear losing each other. On Ahmeds twelfth birthday, that fear becomes reality. With his father imprisoned, his familys home and possessions confiscated and his siblings quickly succumbing to hatred in the face of conflict, Ahmed begins an inspiring journey using his intellect to save his poor and dying family. In doing so he reclaims a love for others that was lost through a childhood rife with violence and loss and discovers a new hope for the future. The Almond Tree humanizes a culture and brings characters from a distant land to life.

When Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner made an impact after reading, Corasanti’s The Almond Tree is no less to it. With her brilliant writing, the author amazes the readers with a most powerful and inspiring story line. The story starts with a heart-rending incident where the little sibling of Ahmed, the protagonist, is killed in the landmine. Living in a village where these incidents are very common, Ahmed’s family is forced to leave their house by the army and is relocated to a small mud-brick hut over a small hill. The family of eight members settles in that small hut. Ahmed and his brother Abbas befriend the Almond tree near their house in which they spend most of the hours to watch the village. On Ahmed’s twelfth birthday everything turns topsy-turvy when he helps a stranger in hiding the weapons which he does without the knowledge of his family. The very next day, Ahmed’s father is imprisoned by the Israel army assuming him as a terrorist. He is then sentenced to 14 years. In order to make their family survive, Ahmed and Abbas join a construction company. Ahmed being the eldest takes the responsibility and struggles to keep his people alive. Meeting his father in the prison, Ahmed confesses his mistake of helping the stranger in hiding the weapons for which his father is undergoing the punishment. His father feels sorry for Ahmed’s guilt and asks him not to confess the truth to anyone.

Ahmed, who is brilliant in mathematics and science, participate in a Math competition with the help of his teacher. By winning the competition, he gets the scholarship at the Hebrew University to pursue his studies. Though his family doesn’t approve him leaving the village, his father encourages him to choose a different path. With his father’s support, he leaves the village and joins the University. There he finds everything new where people are free from army and enmity. Still he finds insecure in that city. By the end of the first year he is suspended from the college by a Professor. After so many struggles during the war period, he is asked to rejoin the university. Ahmed, along with his professor moves to The US where he meets Nora who happens to be a Jewish. They fall in love and decide to get married. Hearing this, Abbas thinks Ahmed has joined their enemies and leaves the village forever. After their marriage, Nora is killed by the Israel. What happens next? Will Ahmed continue his career in the field of Science? What happens to Abbas? Will Ahmed and Abbas meet again? To know the most intriguing climax, order your copy asap.

The author has done an amazing job with her first book. With a bold plot and the rich characterization, this book talks about the struggle of people in Palestine. Every character was given equal role and the narration was outstanding. With simple language, the story was very clear and the flow was maintained throughout the book. The way of handling Science and struggle was a new attempt. It showed the research done by the author in the field of Science. The cover page is designed well which portrays Ahmed and the Almond tree. Overall I could find no fault in the book.

To sum up my review, I would say Mrs. Corasanti has done an appreciable work in her first book. Though it seems to have some influence of The Kite Runner, this book has proven it own way to reach the people. I would give all 4.5/5 stars for this wonderful piece of work. I very strongly recommend this book for all book lovers.

This book review is a part of The Readers Cosmos Book Review Program. To get free books log on to thereaderscosmos.blogspot.com

About the Author

Michelle Cohen Corasanti has a BA from Hebrew University in Jerusalem and an MA from Harvard University, both in Middle Eastern Studies. She also holds a law degree. A Jewish American, she has lived in France, Spain, Egypt and England and spent seven years living in Jerusalem. The Almond Tree is her first novel.

Get your copies from Flipkart or Homeshop18.

Happy Reading :-)