Rakhi Jayashankar's Blog, page 41
October 31, 2018
Release Day Blitz-- Heads You Win
JEFFREY ARCHERreleases hisMOST AMBITIOUS AND CREATIVE WORKsince Kane & Abel
HEADS YOU WIN01.11.18A captivating standalone novel after almost a decade by the master storyteller
ONE MAN. TWO LIVES. A FAMILY DIVIDED.Are You Ready For the Twist? The master storyteller returns with a nail-biter every bit as good as Kane and Abel – utterly enthralling.’ Joanna LumleyHeads You Win Buy the BookLeningrad, Russia, 1968.[image error]Alexander Karpenko is no ordinary child, and from an early age, it is clear he is destined to lead his countrymen. But when his father is assassinated by the KGB for defying the state, he and his mother will have to escape from Russia if they hope to survive. At the docks, they are confronted with an irreversible choice: should they board a container ship bound for America, or Great Britain? Alexander leaves that choice to the toss of a coin . . .
In a single moment, a double twist decides Alexander’s future. During an epic tale of fate and fortune, spanning two continents and thirty years, we follow his triumphs and defeats as he struggles as an immigrant to conquer his new world. As this unique story unfolds, Alexander comes to realize where his destiny lies, and accepts that he must face the past he left behind in Russia.
With a final twist that will shock even his most ardent fans, this is international number one bestseller Jeffrey Archer’s most ambitious and creative work since Kane and Abel.
‘Probably the greatest storyteller of our age.’ MAIL ON SUNDAY‘Brilliantly conceived . . . the writing and characterizations are superb . . . A splendid novel, featuring one of Archer's most elegantly told stories’ BOOKLIST STARRED REVIEW‘If there was a Nobel Prize for storytelling, Archer would win’ DAILY TELEGRAPH
JEFFREY ARCHER, whose novels and short stories include the Clifton Chronicles,Kane and Abel and Cat O’ Nine Tales, has topped the bestseller lists around the world, with sales of over 275 million copies. He is the only author ever to have been a number one bestseller in fiction, short stories and non-fiction (The Prison Diaries). A member of the House of Lords for over a quarter of a century, the author is married to Dame Mary Archer, and they have two sons, two grandsons and a granddaughter.
HEADS YOU WIN01.11.18A captivating standalone novel after almost a decade by the master storyteller
ONE MAN. TWO LIVES. A FAMILY DIVIDED.Are You Ready For the Twist? The master storyteller returns with a nail-biter every bit as good as Kane and Abel – utterly enthralling.’ Joanna LumleyHeads You Win Buy the BookLeningrad, Russia, 1968.[image error]Alexander Karpenko is no ordinary child, and from an early age, it is clear he is destined to lead his countrymen. But when his father is assassinated by the KGB for defying the state, he and his mother will have to escape from Russia if they hope to survive. At the docks, they are confronted with an irreversible choice: should they board a container ship bound for America, or Great Britain? Alexander leaves that choice to the toss of a coin . . .
In a single moment, a double twist decides Alexander’s future. During an epic tale of fate and fortune, spanning two continents and thirty years, we follow his triumphs and defeats as he struggles as an immigrant to conquer his new world. As this unique story unfolds, Alexander comes to realize where his destiny lies, and accepts that he must face the past he left behind in Russia.
With a final twist that will shock even his most ardent fans, this is international number one bestseller Jeffrey Archer’s most ambitious and creative work since Kane and Abel.
‘Probably the greatest storyteller of our age.’ MAIL ON SUNDAY‘Brilliantly conceived . . . the writing and characterizations are superb . . . A splendid novel, featuring one of Archer's most elegantly told stories’ BOOKLIST STARRED REVIEW‘If there was a Nobel Prize for storytelling, Archer would win’ DAILY TELEGRAPH
JEFFREY ARCHER, whose novels and short stories include the Clifton Chronicles,Kane and Abel and Cat O’ Nine Tales, has topped the bestseller lists around the world, with sales of over 275 million copies. He is the only author ever to have been a number one bestseller in fiction, short stories and non-fiction (The Prison Diaries). A member of the House of Lords for over a quarter of a century, the author is married to Dame Mary Archer, and they have two sons, two grandsons and a granddaughter.
October 26, 2018
Baaz by Anuja Chauhan- Review
Book Name - Baaz Author - Anuja Chauhan Publisher - HarperCollinsBuy books from Amazon
Review
Life of Indian Air Force officers has been an unexplored topic in Indian Literature. There have been a lot of books that depict the personal lives but on the professional level; lot have not been written apart from some non-fiction books about wars. And hence, by bringing forth the same to the readers, author has done a commendble job.
Baaz is the story of Ishaan Faujdaar, a farm boy from Chakkahera, Haryana. Noone expected him to rise to such a height that he would end up as one of the sought after Airforce officer who flies a gnat. He is nicknamed 'Baaz' which translates to eagle, in respect of his impeccable skill in bringing down the "Sabres". On a personal mission delegated to him by his superior wherein he had to trace his superior's neice, Tinka, Ishaan finds his love of his life. But nothing comes to him easy nor does his love. How Ishaan and Tinka fall apart? How Ishaan plays an important role in the India-Pak war in 1971? Will the lovers reunite? All these questions form the crux of the plot.
Author has started off well with the background of Ishaan and hence, his becoming an air force officer comes out as a surprise to the readers. His studies and how it takes a turn are not dealt with in detail. It could have been an inspiration to many had it been delved more but it would make an already lengthy book a gigantic and unfinished work. Hence it could be chucked. The relationship between Ishaan and colleagues, stepfather, sisters and Tinka have been given equal space respectively and hence the plot develops at different levels.Ishaan's character is quite likeable but in an attempt to make him an adorable hero, author has gone too far and hence it seemed a little forced attempt.
The book could not be compared with the author's previous works since the book doesn't qualify as a chick lit anywhere. Moreover it is a male oriented, yet female plays equal role type of book. Once the war sets in, the whole plot comes live but the pace could not be maintained with consistency.
Overall the book is an interesting read.
Verdict
Life of Airforce officers during war without the boredom of non-fiction.
Scenario: 4 /5Narration : 4/5Character : 4/5Entertainment Quotient: 4/5
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
The Surrogate Lies by Shantanu Munshi- Review
Review
To pull off an off best plot is not an easy job. To have the courage to come up with one should be applauded. Shantanu Munshi has come up with the courage and has delivered an unconventional yet interesting Voyage story.
The book is the story of Paul and Hazare and a few characters that join them in their journey. How Paul and Hazare meets and become more or less best friends is depicted in a quirky fashion. To define the book with the theories of review is impossible. Author has taken a major risk here since the reviews he could get would on both poles. The readers who like it would love it to an extreme level but those font like the book will hate it in the other extreme.
The narration is the highlight of the book. Author has adopted a quirky yet fast paced fashion to narrate the tale. The plot is basically a trip that the two protagonists go for and what happens in between. The pace could not be maintained and hence the graph drops in between. The success of the book will give many authors the courage to try out something new and unique and hence the author gets the brownie points for setting a benchmark.
Verdict
Different but interesting
Scenario: 4 /5Narration : 4 /5Character : 4/5Entertainment Quotient: 4/5
This review is in return of a free book from the author.
Seduction by Truth by Mukul Kumar- Review
Review
A story about adultery or a man's foray into adultery. The book Seduction by Truth could be explained such in simple terms. The title itself suggests seducing someone and hence forces the readers to think that some erotic content is coming up. Surprisingly and comfortingly the book doesn't have unwanted graphic love making sequences and hence makes it a quality book. Author has proved that it is not mandatory to squeeze in love making sequences to make a boom an interesting read and the fact that he proves this in a book which is based on adultery makes it an anxiety inducing fact. The book could not be tagged as a book on adultery, even though the basic story is a man exploring different women.
The plot revolves around Shiva who is continuing in an unhappy unsatisfied marital bond. On discovering that his wife Akriti is having an affair, Shiva decides to have one himself. It starts off as a revenge towards his wife as well as an attempt to prove that he can charm women. But later he gets involved in the relationships. How he handles the tug of war inside his heart makes the rest of the plot.
Like the first book, Mukul Kumar has left a lot of philosophical discussions for the readers to think about. His take on Gandhiji, Sree Krishna, Rama and Jesus Christ is one of the most unique interpretation of the mythological and real life Gods. Once Shiva sets out for his official trip readers get to have a short international trip with the history of the places they visit.
The books is indeed a deep read and hence could not be approached lightly. The morality mongers might not digest the plot but the unique presentation defies all chances of protesting the book. The characters are all complete except Shiva's son Ankur. He is there all along but doesn't come out as a real character. At some point the monotony of am reading the similar sub plots sets in but author manages to bring it back on track.
Verdict
An intellectual take of extra marital relationships with a spice of philosophy and without graphic sequences.
Scenario: 4 /5Narration : 4/5Character : 4 /5Entertainment Quotient: /5
This review is in return of a free book from the author
October 24, 2018
"Do not hesitate to contact me in case you need anyone to listen to you" says Devika Das
Hi my Outsetians
It's been a while since we had an author with us. Tofay we have a wonderful personality who aspires to help others dealing with their issues. Please welcome Devika Das the author of The Mind Gameu
You have chosen a very tough topic to deal with considering the number of self help books available in the market. Did you find it challenging?
I chose to write about this topic as there was too much being said about daily in the newspapers, journals, and editorials about how stress and depression is killing the youth of India.
Tell us about your background
I hail from a defence background. My mother tongue is Bengali. I am working for an IT company in Hyderabad presently. Along with my regular job and writing I am also a professional Theatre Artiste for over 15 years now.
Youave written about emotional empaths and vampires but it was brief. Do you think you could have elaborated it more?
No
You keep travelling a lot. In between third tight schedule, how could you manage to write the book
Traveling inspires me to write more. A new place gives me the motivation to think from a different perspective than normal and write. Many of my poems are written while travelling in train or flight
It's been a while since we had an author with us. Tofay we have a wonderful personality who aspires to help others dealing with their issues. Please welcome Devika Das the author of The Mind Gameu
You have chosen a very tough topic to deal with considering the number of self help books available in the market. Did you find it challenging?
I chose to write about this topic as there was too much being said about daily in the newspapers, journals, and editorials about how stress and depression is killing the youth of India.
Tell us about your background
I hail from a defence background. My mother tongue is Bengali. I am working for an IT company in Hyderabad presently. Along with my regular job and writing I am also a professional Theatre Artiste for over 15 years now.
Youave written about emotional empaths and vampires but it was brief. Do you think you could have elaborated it more?
No
You keep travelling a lot. In between third tight schedule, how could you manage to write the book
Traveling inspires me to write more. A new place gives me the motivation to think from a different perspective than normal and write. Many of my poems are written while travelling in train or flight
October 20, 2018
Ashwatthama's Redemption- Giveaway
October 17, 2018
The Possibility by Pankaj Dwivedi- Review
Book Name - The Possibility Author - Pankaj Dwivedi Publisher - Inkstate
Buy books from Amazon
Review
In life we often gets the call of spirituality but whether we follow the gut feeling is dependent on us.
Pankaj Dwivedi brings forth a unique positive tale of how the life of Dr. Abhay, successful surgeon, changes when he gets a vision of Maharishi Anand. Simultaneously, he stumbles upon the book The Mystery of Life by Maharishi Ananda. With all the coincidences that are coming his way, he decides to go to Maharishi's Ashrama. His life and the outlook towards life changes once he meets the Godman.
The book cannot be analysed on the basis of plot, scenario, characters, entertainment quotient etc because the overall layout of the book is a spiritual enlightenment on the background of a fictional ashram. Despite the fact that the book is a fiction, the mood of the book is non-fictional. The book is indeed a spiritual lesson and makes the readers view everything in a different light.
Sex is a topic that has been omitted from most of the spirituality books but surprisingly the topic was also analysed on a spiritual basis without even tinge of vulgarity.
Verdict
A fictional spiritual enlightenment
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
Doesn't mean I Deserve it by Vinay Bargat- Review
Book Name - Doesn't mean, I Deserve itAuthor - Vinay Bargat Publisher - Blackbuck PublicationsBuy books from Amazon
Review
Life brings us a lot of challenges. Whether our life is a success or failure, depends on how we tackle the challenges. Doesn't mean I deserve it, is a tale of how the family overcame their pain.
Rajeev Kaur and Jaidev Kaur are identical twins of their widow mother Manpreet Kaur. Jaidev is assigned as an undercover agent to Pakistan but his cover is revealed and he ends up being a fugitive. Meanwhile in India, Rajveer becomes an alcoholic after his wife's demise post delivery. Manpree has to take a decision to secure the life of her only son and grandson. What happens further makes the rest of the tale.
The book is indeed a sad tale. With so many tragedies happening in Manpreeth's life, we cannot expect a happy go lucky tale or character. The narration is in Hinglish, or Punjabi mixed Hinglish and hence the readers who are not well versed in the languages are given a translation for the ease of comprehension.
A major drawback would be the lack of proofreading especially the spacing. The dark front cover of the books is indicative of the dark tale.
Verdict
Good one
Scenario: 3.5 /5Narration : 3/5Character : 3/5Entertainment Quotient: 3.5/5
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
October 16, 2018
AHIMSA BY SUPRIYA KELKAR- REVIEW
Book Name - AHIMSA Author - SUPRIYA KELKAR Publisher - SCHOLASTICBuy books from Amazon
Review
For a kids' book to deliver the lessons about Ahima, caste and gender discrimination and other social injustices, the author need to be extremely talented especially if the story is based on the background of freedom struggle. Supriya Kelkar is one such author whose could make the impossible seem possible.
The story is about Anjali who was brought up amidst luxury. Till the time her mother joined the freedom struggle, she was unaware pf what is happening around her. Once she opened her eyes, she could see that the life and the world around is not what could be seen on the periphery. She decides to side with her mother and do whatever possible from her end. She cleans toilet, convinces her Dalit friends to come to school and do everything in her possibility to eradicate inequality. While Anjali is trying to do her part, her mother gets arrested and a communal riot erupts. Anjali is heartbroken to see that her best friend Irfan is on the other sight of the fight and her innocent friendship gets affected. Further what happens make the rest of the story.
How the author conveys her messages about Ahimsa,equality and relationships. Most of the Indians have only academical knowledge about the freedom struggle and tends to imbibe everything the Gandhiji said. The rift between Gandhiji and B.R. Ambedkar regarding the names Harijan and Dalit and that the backward caste or the untouchables preferred the term Dalit would be a new revelation to many Indians.
Overall the book is educating, empowering and engaging. The style of narration is such that the kids will be engaged and at the same time author has set a benchmark that enables the kids to develop their language. The characters are ideal and hence the kids have a lot to learn from the kind of transformation that happens to the characters, especially Anjali, Irfan and Suman.
Verdict
Educating, empowering and engaging
Scenario: 5/5Narration : 5/5Character : 5/5Entertainment Quotient: 5/5
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
Cover reveal and announcement- BEING RESHMA
I am thrilled to be a part of the announcement of the publication of acid-attack survivor Reshma Qureshi’s inspiring, unforgettable memoir,BEING RESHMA, in winter 2018.
About the Book:
On 19 May 2014, as seventeen-year-old Reshma Qureshi left home for the examination centre, everything happened in a flash. The men rushed towards her. Grabbed her. Tugged at her hair. Poured acid on her face. Soon she started to burn like a living corpse. The acid ate through her skin and aimed for her bones, but it could not quell the fire in her heart.
It lifted Reshma from tragedy and suffering and propelled her to New York, where she made global headlines by becoming the first acid-attack survivor to walk the runway at the New York Fashion Week. Now an international anti-acid-sale activist, vlogger, model, and the face of Make Love Not Scars, Reshma works tirelessly towards empowering other acid-attack survivors like herself and has become a beacon of hope for millions.
Inspiring and life-affirming, Being Reshmais the extraordinary story of a young girl from the slums of Mumbai, who overcame insurmountable odds in an unjust world and dared to change it.
‘I have waited a long time to share my story with the world, and it is finally happening! Thank you to my co-writer Tania Singh, and thanks to Pan Macmillan India, for letting me tell it from the heart. My great wish is that it lends courage to those like myself, and to all my readers and well-wishers.’ RESHMA QURESHI
Reshma’s memoir is an important story of courage and hope that will resonate with all those who have battled oppression and violence. As she recounted her journey from childhood to acid attack, from suffering to global recognition, there is one thing that stayed with me: the passion in her voice, to rise above hate, to make a meaningful difference. We are so proud to be publishing her brave, moving memoirs.’TEESTA GUHA SARKAR, Senior Commissioning Editor, Pan Macmillan India
About the author
Reshma Qureshi is an Indian model, vlogger, and anti-acid activist. She is also the face of Make Love Not Scars, an NGO that works towards rehabilitating and empowering acid-attack survivors.
Tania Singh is the CEO of Make Love Not Scars. She lives in New Delhi.
Praise for BEING RESHMA
‘Reshma’s story of suffering and survival is also a wonderful triumph of the human spirit, highlighting this young woman’s remarkable determination to turn tragedy and despair into a powerful movement for change’—SIR RICHARD BRANSON
‘Reshma Qureshi’s strength and determination to reclaim her life, and, in doing so, to become a global beacon of hope is truly inspirational’—JOHN SWINNEY
‘Reshma's story is a must-read for everyone … There is much to learn from her inspirational life’—SACHIN TENDULKAR
‘Being Reshma is a powerful story of courage, perseverance and triumph … A significant achievement and a compelling read’—SHASHI THAROOR
‘A wake-up call to fix the abysmal state of medical care in India, and the deeply entrenched insensitivity, of hospitals, and even of celebrated doctors’—KAVITA KRISHNAN
‘A powerful memoir. Tragic, haunting and inspiring’—KESHAV SURI
