Rakhi Jayashankar's Blog, page 33

May 7, 2019

Spotlight- They Go To Sleep by Saugata Chakraborty

Book spotlight- They Go To Sleep by Saugata ChakrabortyPublished by Notion Press
Also Buy the book from AMAZON  & FLIPKART Product descriptionA young widow of a drug overdose victim disappears from Goa. Three years later, a British National claims to know her whereabouts minutes before departing for London Heathrow. The Police of two states is pressed into a joint manhunt. 'They Go to Sleep' is a racy thriller on police procedure and criminal psychology.In the year 2043, when nobody sends a letter anymore, an unlikely candidate decides to write about his springtime memories that are soon going to be erased. When his identity gets revealed, the impact on several individuals and the society at large assumes epic proportions. 'A Man of Letters' is a science fiction with humane emotions at its core.A promising poet meets his muse on board a train. They share a captivating conversation but forget to ask each other's name. Will they be able to meet again in an Indian metro? 'What's In a Name?' is a humorous look at everything Bengali: gossip, fish, cutlets and the Kolkata Book Fair.These three stories are joined by nine equally exhilarating tales of ordinary people and the choices that they make under extraordinary circumstances. The compilation will surely compel the readers to keep their midnight lamps burning.

Author Bio Brought up in the Calcutta of 1980s, Saugata was bitten by the storytelling bug quite early. Narratives by a retired Royal Air Force pilot took him through places that today's kids watch on Nat Geo. From exchanging letters to his school friends from Siliguri to editing their in-house magazines at University College of Arts and Commerce, University of Calcutta and the 2005 batch of RBI Probationers, his bond with creative writing has only strengthened in the past three decades. A traveller, conversationist, photography enthusiast, and a career central banker, Saugata prefers to be called a storyteller.GET IN TOUCH WITH THE AUTHOR
TWITTER- @twitsaugata
INSTAGRAM- @saugatathechakraborty
BLOG- Saugata The Story Teller

The spotlight is a part of the Review program by OUTSET
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Published on May 07, 2019 06:59

May 3, 2019

Wake Up Life is Calling by Preeti Shenoy- Review


Book Name          - Wake Up, Life is Calling Author                 - Preeti Shenoy Publisher              - Shrishti PublicationsBuy books from Amazon



Review

Ankita was a patient of Bipolar Disorder. With the help of her parents and NIMH. Life is What You Make it ends there. What's left for the sequel? Well, mental health problem is like a shadow. Wherever you go, you will be scrutinised. Whatever you do will be judged as a disease. You won't be able to express your emotions in a fear that you will be misjudged as being sick again. 

Ankita is out in the world. She wants to erase her past and start all over. But the return of her boyfriend and encounter with a book throuws her off track. One after the other external circumstances build up new challenges for her. Are these just circumstances or is she going back to square one? Down with Bipolar?

The book is deep. A reader looking for entertainment would not be able to enjoy it. This book is purely targeted at people who needs help. Help doesn't mean psychological problems. Help means the issues you face in your day to day life, small and big. It is a pointer to show that sometimes it's not your problem. It is how you deal with it. The character of Mrs. Hayden is exemplary. The visualisation exercises mentioned by her, though a creation of the the author is brilliant. It takes off in a tough phase and hence the pace is slow but slowly gains momentum. Nonetheless the book is not an easy read but a deep read. It is a fictional self help book.

After Life is What You Make It, authors further books were more or less overrated or camouflaged by the fans who she made from the book. Hence the expectations were high and different but sadly she couldn't reach the mark she set with the book or may be she got carried away with the need to keep up with the bestseller list. But this one, it is evident that author has put her heart and soul into it. Her bleeding heart is evident in how she dealt with Ankita. This is the Preeti Shenoy. Or Preeti Shenoy is back, so to speak. 


Verdict

Way above life is what you make it.

Scenario:   4.5/5Narration    :  4 /5Character   :   4/5Entertainment Quotient:4 /5
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher  


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Published on May 03, 2019 00:16

April 30, 2019

Zest for life- T.Satish gets candid

Dear Outsetians

On the last day of #BlogchatterA2z we have a talented cricketer and sinceres writer with us. The author of Life in the sunshine- T.Satish


Hi Satish,

Thank you so much for your time.

Lets get started with the title of your book.”Life in the Sunshine” How did you coin the title?

Funny story, I started writing the book with a title called Life in the shadows of Cricket. I wanted to convey that we grew up in the benevolent shade of this big banyan tree like sport. However, my best friend, Rishi Agrawal, suggested that the word ‘Shadow’ conveys a dark or creepy message. So, I decided to change the name to something brighter. I almost immediately decided that it has to be Sunshine. Additionally, all our street cricket is played under the bright sunlight. Hence, it struck me that the apt title for the book all the time was Life in the Sunshine. I couldn’t have given a better title
The sub-title of “Autobiography of an unknown cricketer’ was inspired by the Amar Jawan statue, which represents the unknown soldier, who gave his/her life for the country. So, I wanted this book to be dedicated to the countless, nameless boys/girls who play the sport on the streets, watch the matches on TV and the ground, with their dreams and aspirations. Hence, I chose this subtitle as though one of the nameless boy/girl on the street has written his story and his/her special relationship with the sport.

Tell us more about you

I grew up in Chennai, Tamil Nadu in a setting very similar to what is described in the book. I was one of those young boys, who never wasted a moment of Chennai’s sunshine, roaming around town with his friends, with a bat and a ball in hand. I did study along the way and ultimately became the typical Engineer and then a management post graduate. However, I remain infatuated to my first love, the sport of cricket.
I am an avid reader of eclectic topics. What I read is also a path of exploration for me. There was a time I was ripping through Agatha Christie and mystery/investigation type novels. Then I turned to non-fiction books like Indian history, World history, science vs spiritualism kind of books.

Whom do you prefer, Satish, the cricketer, or author?
I definitely prefer Sathish the Cricket fan. I am starting to like the Author as well, as this role has given me space to express my feelings and thoughts. The fact that I could combine these two aspects for Life in the Sunshine, made it sweet for me 

When did you decide to sit down and write your memoir?
The thought came to me when I was reading the complete series of Sherlock Holmes. I am a big fan of Holmes and Watson. So, it struck me that I could be like Watson chronicling my Sherlock Holmes, which is Cricket. I kept thinking how to write this chronicle. I knew that Cricinfo website does a good job of preserving the details of historical matches. So, I did not want to write about Cricket alone. I kept thinking on what will make my work unique. So, one fine day, it struck me that I should write about the special relationship that me and my friends shared with this sport. I did not want to have real events chronicled as it could impact real people that I know. So I created fictitious characters and incidents to tell the story.

What do you think about the youth who are cricket addicted but refrains from playing themselves?
I think that the real purpose of our life is to explore who we are and express what we are. We are not this mature when we are in our teens, which is the time period to take up sporting careers. So, I think that parents and elders should play a big role in guiding the youngsters to explore their inner being and break the shackles that stymie them.

Sam got selected in the team. Is his name for real?
No. In fact, none of the characters are real. The setting of the story is very similar to one that I grew up in. So, it is quite real. But the characters, incidents and narration are all figments of my imagination.

A cricket addicted husband and helpless wife is a scenario that is common these days. What do you say about this?
All that it shows is that girls should start to take interest in Cricket!! Just kidding..I think the husband and the wife should try to take interest in each other’s interests/obsessions. I despise this old saying, the route to a man’s heart is through his stomach. I would re-word it as, the route a person’s heart is through their passion. So, if your spouse is passionate about something, you should find a way to play a role in it. Become part of his/her team!!

Which is your favorite genre?
My favorite genre is humour and satire. I love the works of PG Wodehouse, Joseph Heller et al

How was your publishing experience?
Frankly, my publishing experience has been a big roller coaster. It started with countless mails to various traditional publishers. This was followed by a few hopeful replies and many outright rejections. Finally, all of it ended in despair. However, some of them had given encouraging feedback. So, I got the courage to self-publish. NotionPress was very professional in fulfilling my needs and have done a terrific job with the print, eBook, delivery of orders etc etc. Promotion activities have been very interesting and at times, taxing as well. I spend 5 busy days at work and devote the weekends and holidays for my book promotion. It has been a rewarding experience for sure. 

What is your advice to the aspiring authors?
Put pen to paper! If you have the urge to write, start to scribble. Once you put your mind into it, you will be fascinated to see how all these scribblings start to make sense. Seek professional help at every turn. Starting from editing, publishing, promotion etc etc. Don’t think you can do anything without a team. Even, if you “self-publish”. It is such a misnomer. Team publish is the right term.

How can the readers reach you?
I would love my readers to reach out to me on my social media handles and my email id
Instagram, Twitter: @sathishpgw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sathishpgw
Email: sathishpgw@gmail.com

Thank you so much for your time once again
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Published on April 30, 2019 03:21

April 29, 2019

Mahakavi Kalidas by Madhu Jha- Review


Book Name          - Mahakavi Kalidas Author                 - Madhu Jha Publisher              - Zorba BooksBuy books from Amazon

Review

For this particular book, reviewing as a third party is not possible as reviewing this book was quite different experience for me personally. As many of you know, I am a Malayali and hence reviewing a Hindi book was a challenge for me. Nonetheless the name Mahakavi Kalidas forced me to go for it. 
When I started off, the pace was slow as I was trying to get into the groove of the language but through pages, I forgot that I am a Malayali reading a Hindi Book as the book hooked me to it. It made me determined that no matter what I won't give up on the book.

The book gives a launching pad about the Mahakavi Kalidas and then studies his works  Shakuntalam, Meghdoot, Raghuvamsham. Further the creative foray into his biography is the cherry on the Top. The narration is the USP of the book. Simple yet engaging narration hooks the reader and make the book unputdownable. The level of research invested in the book is exemplary. Author has also done complete justice to the book by stating how he reached in the conclusions in detail. Author has not only given a glimpse to the works of Mahakavi Kalidas but analysed them as well.
Overall going for this book is one of the best decisions I made as it made me grow as a reader as well. 

Scenario:   4 /5Narration    :  4.5/5Relevance   :   3.5/5
Research     :5/5
Entertainment Quotient:4.5/5
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher  


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Published on April 29, 2019 04:34

April 28, 2019

Yesterday's Dream by Dimpra Kaleem- Review #BlogchatterA2Z


Book Name          - Yesterday's Dream Author                 - Dimpra KaleemBuy books from Amazon



Review

Reading mind is a science, an art or a gift. Whatever it could be, Dizzy is blessed with the capability. In a journey she encounters three strangers and she describes them perfectly. Further through the journey she finds herself travel through time. What happens later is the rest of the book.

This is a short novella about Dizzy. It creates suspense without mystery, thrill without action and pace without speed. It might sound a little weird but one you read the book, you will get what it means. It is an excellent piece of literature.
In between it gets a bit boring but gains momentum immediately. The characters are a bit obscure. Barring that the book is a highly recommended one.

Scenario:   4 /5Narration    :  4/5Character   :   3/5Entertainment Quotient:3.5/5



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Published on April 28, 2019 11:30

April 27, 2019

Beyond Scars by Alka Dimri Saklani Spotlight


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Beyond Scars 
by 
Alka Dimri Saklani


BLURB
Hi, I am Avinash, but this is not my story. This is the story of Avni, my sister. I know the smell of cement and bricks still pulls her to the incident seven years ago where she made a daring yet ruthless decision. I know she is drifting away. I know she has begun to find comfort in Vivaan. But I don’t know if I like it. 
Hi, I am Avni, but this is not my story. This is the story of Vivaan, the stunning, vivacious painter. There is something sad about the paintings he has locked away from the world in his storeroom. But he never talks about it. But then there are a lot of things he doesn’t talks about, like how deeply he loves me. 
And what about Dev and Kangana? Isn’t this their story too? It wouldn’t have been if only we did one single thing differently on that ill-fated night, the night that changed the course of our destiny. And hey, I am Vivaan. 
And what about me? Why does nobody talk about me? Or talk to me? Because I am a little girl or because…Well, this is my story too. You will ask who I am? The answer lies somewhere in the pages of BEYOND SCARS.
Grab your copy @
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About the author

"Alka Dimri Saklani writes contemporary fiction. Her books are labeled as ‘intense’ by most of her readers. Her debut novel ""45 Days in a Cancer Hospital"" was longlisted for Crossword Books Award 2013. Writing is her first love, the love that seized her when she was just 8.
She holds MBA degree in HR and worked with a leading MNC before turning to a full-time writer.
Born and brought up in Vadodara, a city in Gujarat, her roots hail from “Dev Bhumi” Uttarakhand. Apart from writing, she loves music, reading, traveling, and spending time with her two naughty kids."

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Published on April 27, 2019 20:33

Beyond Scars by Alka Diri Saklani- Review


Book Name          - Beyond Scars Author                 -  Alka Dimri SaklaniBuy books from Amazon



Review

The scars in our lives should not hinder our life in anyway and we should move on. 'Beyond Scars' is all about how to move on in life.

It's the story of Avni and Vivaan. Both have their demons to fight with. How they deal with their scars and gets close with each other is the crux of the book. The book is apparently a sequel but could be read as a stand alone too. A lot of mystery lies in the whole narration. The shift in the first person narration between the different characters gives an edge to the book and it also gives a complete picture of the deep emotional trauma of the characters. It is not always the ones who suffer are affected. Their loved ones too gets involved in the whole turmoil.

After reading the book , the readers would be forced to read the prequel as well. The narration is simple but it could not be counted as an easy read due to the depth of the emotions. The characters is the USP of the book. they are crafted with utmost care. Nonetheless a round of developmental edit could have been taken the book to another level

Verdict

A simple yet deep read

Scenario:   4 /5Narration    : 4/5Character   :   4.5/5Entertainment Quotient: 4/5
This review is in return of a free book from TBC


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Published on April 27, 2019 20:13

April 26, 2019

Review of X by Sue Grafton- Review #BlogchatterA2Z


Book Name         - XAuthor                  - Sue Grafton Publisher              - Pan Macmillan Number of Pages -491Publishing Year   - 2016Edition                  - PaperbackPrice                     - 450Buy books from Amazon Flipkart
Rating : 4.0
My Review
Sue Grafton has made her position up high among the authors who write thrillers. Her alphabet series has took off on a high note and she successfully maintained the graph. While reading a series, it is important make let the readers understand the characters. The character is crafted in such a way that the first time readers will not find it difficult to follow the backstory.
The story has two parallel plots. Kinsey, private detective is approached by a lady who wants to trace her son,whom, she put up for an adoption,three decades back. Kinsey is taken unawares when she learns that the payment she gets for the job consists of marked bills. Coincidentally or deliberately her client vanishes into thin air.Second plot is Kinsey's quest for the secrets behind a coded list, which,she gets from her deceased friend's file. The inquiry takes her through  unforeseen consequences.
The two plots proceeds with a fast pace, keeping the readers on the edge of the seat. The narration and the events make the book unputdownable. The idiosyncrasies of the protagonist are quite entertaining. A private detective setting out for a serious operation with a full bladder surely calls for the inquisition as well as amusement of the readers. Kinsey's interactions with Henry,her house owner, is a refreshing distraction from the main plot. Yet, Henry plays an important role in unravelling a mystery.
Towards the second half, a third plot develops but I would keep it as a suspense. The pace of the story drops when Kinsey sets out to Burning oaks. The encounter between the people who could give an alibi is dragged beyond the limits. 
The climax also cannot be evaluated in a single graph. The first plot ends in a quite cliched manner and the whole build up seemed unwanted. The second plot is what hooks the readers till the end and I liked the climax too. The third plot, well, let it be a suspense.
Do complete all your work before starting the book. Else,you will end up having undone work.
My verdict:- The book is perfect for cliffhanger lovers. 
Reviewed for the PublisherDisclosure of Material Connection: I received this book as a complimentary copy in exchange for a honest review.





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Published on April 26, 2019 11:30

April 25, 2019

India's Wars by Arjun Subramaniam Review #BlogchatterA2Z


Book Name         -India's Wars: A military history, 1947-1971Author                  - Arjun SubramaniamPublisher              - Harper Collins
Buy books from Amazon
Rating : 5.0
Blurb
The armed forces occupy a special position in Indian society. Yet, standard accounts of contemporary Indian history rarely have a military dimension. In India's Wars, serving Air Vice Marshal Arjun Subramaniam seeks to give India's military exploits their rightful place. Beginning with a snapshot of the growth of the armed forces, he provides detailed accounts of the principal conflicts from Independence to 1971: the first India-Pakistan war of 1947-48, the liberation of Hyderabad and Junagadh, the campaign to evict the Portuguese from Goa in 1961, and the full-blown conventional wars against China and Pakistan. Laced with veterans' exhilarating experiences in combat operations, India's Wars fuses the strategic, operational, tactical and human dimensions of war with great finesse. Deeply researched and passionately written, it unfolds with surprising ease and offers a fresh perspective on modern Indian history.
My Review


War, for a normal India  citizen who did not have in person experience is Kargil. But before Kargil war and afterwards there has been innumerable instances of bravado shown by our armed forces. 
India's wars is a detailed historical account of adventures of Indian Army, Navy and Air force. 

A thoroughly researched and zealous book, stands out with its detailed and engrossing narration. Detailed personal accounts of historians reveal an unforeseen chapter that reflects our cultural and ethical standards. The egalitarian principles has been given an unprecedented importance in the mind of readers. The role of our armed force has been neglected on a historical front. India's wars throws light to the role of British Indian Army and INA in our freedom struggle.His archival forays provide priceless anecdotes.

Overall the book is just perfect.


Reviewed for the publisherDisclosure of Material Connection: I received this book as a complimentary copy in exchange for a honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
About the author

Arjun Subramaniam is a serving Air Vice Marshal in the Indian Air Force. A fighter pilot who has commanded a fighter squadron and a large flying base, he also has a PhD in Defence and Strategic Studies. A prolific writer and speaker on military history, air power and national security, he is currently posted as a faculty member at the National Defence College, New Delhi.



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Published on April 25, 2019 12:00

April 24, 2019

Vanishing of Subhash Bose by Rajesh Talwar- Review #BlogchatterA2z


Book Name          - Vanishing of SubhashBose Author                 - Rajesh TalwarBuy books from Amazon



Review

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, towering personality that was forgotten in the leaves of history, conveniently and deliberately. Despite being a nightmare to the British, Netaji's contributions to the freedom struggle were pushed under the carpet to save the interests of Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi. 
Vanishing of Subhash Bose is not just an anecdote on the enquiries about disappearance of Netaji but it clearly, bravely and frankly portrays how the magnanimous leaders, troubled by the increasing acceptance to Bose, decided to sideline him.
Rajesh Talwar has once again been brutally honest, and puts forward an extensively researched and factually accurate account on the conspiracy behind the argument that Bose died in an air crash. 
Author has taken the effort to back up the statements with solid proof, both historical and scientific. For instance, the fact that Jawaharlal Nehru was Gandhiji's blue eyed  boy was reinforced when Bose was asked to step down as the president of INC by Gandhiji. Author brings this matter to the notice of the readers , backed up with proof. 
Afterwards the hidden agenda of Nehru first and his followers later, to propogate the news of Bose's demise if palpably depicted. Author's courage in openly writing the behind the scenes of Congress leaders at the time of Independence. Nehru's attempt to declare the death of Netagi dead is despised without mincing the words.
Author has taken a brave initiative to write down everything about vanishing of Subhash Bose. How Gandhiji has shown bias towards Nehru over Bose is the first shocker. Second comes when author reveals how Jawaharlal Nehru has clandestinely kept the details under wraps. Further in order to hide this Indira Gandhi forms a commission who is not less than her sycophant and hence clearly a biased investigation has been done. 

The attempt made by the author is commendable. The book is as exciting and thrilling as a fictional thriller. If not for the controversial matter, the book has all the possibilities of a bestseller but it is clearly visible that it is not so because most of the publishers wouldn't want to rub the wrong side with the politicians.

Verdict
Brave attempt.

Scenario:  5/5Narration    : 5/5Relevance   :  5/5Research     :5/5
Entertainment Quotient: 5/5
This review is in return of a free book from the author. The review is a part of #BlogChatterA2Z


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Published on April 24, 2019 19:04