Rakhi Jayashankar's Blog, page 38
February 4, 2019
An Indian Loser by Uzma Hameed- Review
Book Name - An Indian Loser Author - Uzma HameedBuy books from Amazon
Review
In India, for the last two decades, Engineering and Medicine are the only two streams that were acceptable for the students to learn. Even after being a saturated economy the demand of the both streams remain the same. The kids who don't go for both streams are considered not worth by the society.
Indian loser is a sarcastic take on this prejudice. A boy who fails in the Higher Secondary exams falls into the pit of depression. However with lot of difficulty and perseverance, he put the pieces back and returns to life. How he finds the focus and proceeds is the crux of the story.
Indian loser is a mirror to the society. Author has come forward with a topic that needs to be discussed in detail and analysed with sincerity. However the topic as relevant and grave as this was not given full justice. Somewhere down the line, the topic was handled immaturely. The same could be attributed to the author's attempt to make the books readable to all masses so that the message reaches the maximum.
Overall the book is an easy read. It is particularly recommended to the parents of teenagers.
This review is in return of a free book from the author
January 31, 2019
A Nuclear Matricide by Rajesh Talwar- Review
Book Name - A Nuclear Matricide Author - Rajesh TalwarBuy books from Amazon
Review
To review a play is quite a different experience. To write one is even more difficult. Rajesh Talwar has presented a well executable ready to perform play to the readers.
The play opens with a discussion between God and St.Peter. A different portrayal of God as someone with human emotions is interesting. The humour surrounding him is interesting. I had the potential to grab the audience attention in the beginning itself. Author has touched several geopolitical relations and presented them in a harmless fashion.
The scenes and minute idiosyncrasies are depicted in a detailed fashion . Author has presented a futuristic issues towards which we have completed shown a blind eye. The play is well crafted that the director will have an easy job.
Narration : 4.5/5Characters: 4/5Entertainment Quotient: 4/5
This review is in return of a free book from the author
January 30, 2019
Kaalkoot by S.Venkatesh- Review
Book Name - Kaalkoot Author - S. VenkateshPublisher. . - TreeShade BooksBuy books from Amazon
Review
A fatal poison that was mentioned in India Mfrtfythology plays an important role in India's Freedom Struggle. The same becomes a part of a gruesome plot to decimate human beings.
The plot has several subplots. Sam sets out to find his unprofessed lover who is entangled inside a dark secret that has been under wraps for over a century. In another part of the the world Damini is heading the investigation about a demo that is supposed to happen in Goa. When their paths intersperse horrendous secrets are unearthed.
The book is brimful of suspense. Right from the beginning, the book keeps on triggering intrigue of the readers. The book is an in and out cliffhanger that has more suspense than any contemporary books. Author has tried to connect the mythology with the current affairs but the connection failed to establish with conviction. Nonetheless, author has accomplished the prime purpose of the book, which is entertaining.
The book's pace quite fast and each instance happens immediately after the other that the readers get to hang on to their book till it is finished. However the pace drops drastically once Sam is on the run. After a few pages it becomes monotonous and gains the momentum back once Sam meets Damini.
Overall, if you are looking for a nail biting suspense with action, you will be excited to get hold of this book.
Narration : 4/5Characters: 4/5Entertainment Quotient: 4.5/5
This review is in return of a free book from the author
January 18, 2019
We have a talented writer with us. The one who changed th...
We have a talented writer with us. The one who changed the idea of narration. The author of Surrogate Lies -Shantanu Munshi
Hi Shatanu
Welcome to Outset
Tell us about yourself
I come from the humble foodie city of Indore where most of my upbringing happened. Central India is a place where life is still very relaxed and I most certainly come from that school of belief-one should have a nice balance between everything life throws at you.
I did my engineering from Medicaps Indore and MBA from IIFT Delhi and am currently working in a pvt bank in the cultural city of Chennai.
I am a creative person by heart. I am more comfortable writing poems, articles and stories than crunching numbers and driving sales. I have started on my journey to become a full time author with this first book of mine and I hope that is the first of many to come.
Apart from writing I relish reading fiction, playing lawn tennis, sketching, playing tabla and bathroom singing. I belong to a middle class family with values and hard work as the backbone of its ethos. Reading comics was a vital part of my childhood and one of the reasons I got attracted to writing, though I attribute the writing genes to my grandfathers.
Your book has a different style of narration and overall plot is unconventional. Was that intentional?
Yes, very much so. I wanted the book to be as unique to the readers as possible. That is the beauty of literature or any other art form-it allows one to experiment. In current Indian fiction writing landscape, there is a great scope of introducing variety of writing and I am trying to do my bit.
Going forward too, I intend to continue experimenting in the genre/writing style/narration/Characters, to develop different flavours to my writing and keeping the readers interested.W
When did you recognise that there is a writer hidden inside?
I knew always that I can write. I used to write long answers to short questions in academic examinations and used to read a lot. Though the real journey towards becoming an author/writer began in my late twenties when I started writing articles and poems.
And when I started receiving appreciation from my well-wishers, I knew that I had discovered the writer within.
Are you a roadster? Did you hitchhike or go on a road trip with strangers?
No, not yet. All the travel accounts in the book are pure work of fiction. Though I would like to be involved in such road trips in the future.
How was your publishing experience?
I would rate it as a mixed experience. Obviously the joy of publishing first book overshadowed lot of compromises that I had to make though now I have lot of learnings with me for my subsequent book(s).
I believe that authors are still short changed for their work, though I still give credit to the publishers for taking a chance with first time author like me.
It is difficult for the young writers to have a direction. What is your advice to them?
First part and the most important is-write quality, there is no substitute for it.
It’s easy for young writers to get swayed to get their book published quickly without improving their craft.
Secondly all young writers should read a lot, should experiment a lot, should create your own style and brand of writing. Write for yourself!
Writers tend to have writer's block. Did you ever experience one?
No, not yet. I tend to attend to multiple projects at once to keep me occupied-stories/poems etc. which blocks out the writer’s block for me.
Are planning your next book?
Yes, I am already deep into my second book. It will be completely different from my first book in terms of the setting/genre etc. It is in continuation with my effort to write something different and experiment.
How can the readers reach you?
Readers can reach me via social media/website or through email, coordinates of which are below.
Social Media-
https://www.facebook.com/shantanuvina...
https://www.facebook.com/TheSurrogate...
https://twitter.com/shantanumunshi
https://twitter.com/SurrogateLies
https://www.instagram.com/shantanumun...
Website-
https://www.shantanumunshi.com/
Blog-
https://shantanumunshi.blogspot.in/
Mail-
Shantanu.munshi@gmail.com
January 14, 2019
Book Blitz- Nine by Sweta Samota
Nine by Sweta Samota
Format: Kindle EditionFile Size: 2151 KBPrint Length: 361 pagesASIN: B07KWDLLZG
Ranking on amazon.in
Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars 5 customer reviewsAmazon Bestsellers Rank: #19,781 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)#54 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Children & Young Adults > Family, Personal & Social Issues#153 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Indian Writing#292 in Books > Children's & Young Adult > Family, Personal & Social Issues
Nine is a fast-paced nail-biting story of a compulsive decoder Ila Sharma who is chased by the evil and the good to uncover a thousand years old powerful Indian mystery that can alter the world.
Ila Sharma A beautiful teenager, stubborn compulsive decoder, National puzzle champ, is a magnet for troubles due to her gifted skills.
Undercover agent An agent with a Bond-like talent, attitude, and skill is given the task to protect Ila Sharma from the lurking unknown danger.
Mystery Everyone is chasing to solve this eye-popping mystery to own the secret it protects.
Read how Ila and the agent steer from one problem to another unknown danger, fighting to not fall in love and finish the fate-altering mission.
Nine is one such journey that will have you biting your nails or gasping for breath but one that you cannot abandon till all the pieces of the jigsaw fall in place.Read this absolute page-turner story!
It would be great if you can add this book to your TBR
Sweta Samota (Ex Senior Engineer, B.E. Computers and PGDMM) is an Indian novelist who writes romance, mystery and thriller. She also conducts creative writing workshops. She is a Writer, Authorpreneur, Thinker, Speaker, Runner and a ChangeMaker. Won The Story Award by SheThePeople.Tv in Flash Fiction.
Click here to check out all the titles by the author...
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January 13, 2019
BESTSELLER BY AHMED FAIYAZ- REVIEW
Review
To have a bestseller is no cakewalk. It takes a lot of hardwork, extensive promotions, good reviews and moreover a well edited book with a good narration and above a good story.
"Bestseller" is the story of Akshay Mathur who comes to India from London to take up the responsibility of the sinking ship Kalim Publishers. On his first day of work his boss Iqbal Kalim passes away. The inauspicious editor takes up the responsibility of the firm later along with Iqbal Kalim's daughter Zorah, with whom he ends up being in a relationship. All is not easy for Akshay as the prospective manuscripts that he have don't hold the potential to be a bestseller and he has only 365 days to give 5 bestseller. Things spiral out of control when his colleague Tarun with no practical experience in publishing industry goofs ups things big time . Further how Akshay works the things out to bring Kalim Publishers to the forefront is the crux of the book.
The book is extremely realistic and brutally honest. Author lays bare the practice of ghost writing, and other practices in the marketing of books that are not promising but create a hype with the PR. The book also shows the readers how an underdog could be a well sought after writer even without spending a fortune, of the book has the substance. Most of the characters are similar to the real life ones. This may or may not be a coincidence. A banker who is broke and writes inspirational books, the Khan superstar who writes his autobiography, the female author who is more interested in fashion parading than writing are all indicative of real life ones.
Author has chosen a subject that is untapped for ages and hence provided a freshness to the topic handed over to him. Akshay and Zorah's story is a cliché when Anya enters the picture. Characters are crafted well with solid base such that the plot is character driven. Quirky soliloquy of the protagonist is hilarious. Author had the audacity of making the readers laugh out loud in a heartbreaking scene.
Verdict
The book is recommended to every author, reviewer, reader, and publisher. And moreover to anyone who is in the field of marketing
Scenario: 5/5Narration : 4.5/5Characters: 4/5Entertainment Quotient: 4.5/5
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
January 10, 2019
Priyanka Chopra The Dark Horse by Bharathi S Pradhan -- Review
Review
She came from a family of doctors ruled the industry that was not connected to to her in any way. Her life is an inspirational story that will enable you to push yourself against all odds.
The Dark horse is the tale of Priyanka Chopra, the model turned actress who grew to such heights that no-one ever anticipated her to. Author has done complete justice to the actress, but simultaneously painted the honest picture of her life. How Priyanka alighted each stepping stone of her career is meticulously stated with requisite testimony from the people who have witnessed them closely.
The self-confidence and hardworking character of Priyanka is known to the laymen but less do they know how forgiving she could be. From a stingy person to the one who gives the most expensive gifts to the people whom she loves and cares for is amazing to read. The book is quite inspirational.
Author has not shied away from mentioning about her rumoured relationships with Akshay Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan but has carefully drawn a line where she has taken care of the fact that she is not intrusive into anyone's personal life beyond limits.
While counting numerous good qualities, author has also mentioned about some of her theatrics and tantrums. The book has done complete justice to Priyanka as a woman, artist and an international personality who had represented India with utmost respect and responsibility.
Verdict
Honest account of the inspirational woman's life
Scenario: 4 /5Narration : 4.5/5Relevance : 3.5/5Research :4.5/5
Entertainment Quotient: 4.5/5
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
Book Blitz- Shweta Ka Swayamvar
Print Length: 55 pagesPublisher: Flaming Sun (Indie published) Publication Date: October 26, 2018Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLCLanguage: EnglishAvailable on Kindle Unlimited Genre: Romance, Short Story
When Shweta receives an irrefutable offer from a TV production house to participate in the reality show Shweta ka Swayamvar, she’s not as excited as she should be. And there’s a reason for it.
Adi is attracted to Shweta the moment he sets eyes on the fashion model cum TV actress. But he just doesn’t get an opportunity to woo her as he rushes off to the US for his father’s heart surgery.
Disappointed at not meeting Adi or knowing of a way to contact him, Shweta signs up for the show, unaware of the surprise that awaits her when the shooting begins…
Are the two of them—Adi and Shweta—meant for each other or will fate keep throwing hurdles in their path? Read the full story to know more.
*A shorter version of this story was published before in the anthology Matches Made in Heaven
It would be great if you can add this book to your TBR
Sundari Venkatraman is an indie author who has 40 titles (36 books & 4 collections) to her name, all Top 100 Bestsellers on Amazon India, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Amazon Canada and Amazon Australia in both romance as well as Asian Drama categories. Her latest hot romances have all been on #1 Bestseller slot in Amazon India for over a month.
Even as a kid, Sundari absolutely loved the ‘lived happily ever after’ syndrome as she grew up reading all the fairy tales she could lay her hands on, Phantom comics, Mandrake comics and the like. It was always about good triumphing over evil and a happy end.
Soon, into her teens, Sundari switched her attention from fairy tales to Mills & Boon. While she loved reading both of these, she kept visualising what would have happened if there were similar situations happening in India; to a local hero and heroine. Her imagination took flight and she always lived in a rosy cocoon of romance over the years.
Then came the writing – a true bolt out of the blue! And Sundari Venkatraman has never looked back.
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January 7, 2019
Book Blitz- Guardian Angel by Ruchi Singh
Guardian Angel by Ruchi Singh
File Size: 709 KBPrint Length: 168 pagesPublication Date: December 26, 2018Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLCLanguage: EnglishASIN: B07MDHHP27Genre: Romance/ Short Read
Ranking on amazon.in
#2 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Romance > Romantic Suspense#7 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Indian Writing#7 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Crime, Thriller & Mystery
A thrilling tale of unconditional love amidst danger and certain death.
The ManSecurity expert Nikhil Mahajan is in mortal danger. Gravely injured and unable to see, he is in the midst of hostile strangers in an unknown place. Any hope of survival is fast fading away.
The AngelShould an innocent man be left to die just because he had been in the wrong place at the wrong time? Someone has to intervene.
It would be great if you can add this book to your TBR
Author of the bestselling romantic thriller ‘The Bodyguard’, Ruchi Singh is an IT professional turned novelist. Her other published novels are ‘Take 2’ and ‘Jugnu (Firefly)’. Winner of TOI Write India Season 1, Ruchi has also published a short story collection, ‘Hearts and Hots', besides being a contributing author to many anthologies.
Click here to check out all the titles by the author...
You can stalk her @
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January 4, 2019
Leader of Millions by B.P.Senapati- Review
Review
To inspire the youth is not easy. To have a thought process that is different from the ordinary is also not easy but these are not impossible either.
Leader of Millions is the story of Vijay, who is an ordinary student with an extraordinary ambition. Through the first person narration of Rakesh the book tells us the story of Vijay and Priya. How Rakesh, Aditi, Priya and Vijay came close to each other along with other group of friends is the first part of the book. How the relationship develops and how Vijay and Priya influence each other is heartwarming to see. Further Vijay keeps his focus in tact and becomes a politician who works for the laymen. How Vijay attains his aim is the rest of the book. Leaving a window open for a sequel, author has kept the readers on the verge of a cliffhanger without any action or violence.
Author has proved through the book that in order to give an adrenaline pump and induce the suspense, violent actions are not necessary. Following the path of non violence, how Vijay attains his aim gives promises to the youth. The educational reforms mentioned in the book could have been applied in reality. Author has a lot of visions about future India and the same is evident in the book.
The cover image as well as the hookline of the book is slightly misleading though. Author has tested the psyche of the readers because technically his hookline is representative of the whole book but not in the context that the readers will assume.
VerdictScenario: 5/5Narration : 4/5Character : 4/5Entertainment Quotient: 4/5
This review is in return of a free book from the author.
