Rakhi Jayashankar's Blog, page 42
October 12, 2018
The Mind Game by Devika Das - Review
Book Name - The Mind Game Author - Devika Das Publisher - Blue Rose PublishersBuy books from Amazon
Review
It's all in the mind. Every emotion that you feel is controlled by your own mind. It is upto you as to how you should channelize your thoughts.
The mind Games is a pointer to identify what troubles your mind and to deal with them. Authoress has identified all possible reasons for a troubled mind and have found a solution for the same. Her take on the anger is interesting and different from what we have heard and read so far. It is more on the practical side and hence the readers will find themselves feeling that it is so easy to master the anger.
Another interesting topic is about the emotional empaths and emotional vampires. The topic is quite relevant in the current scenario but it was not discussed in much detail. A detailed analysis on the same was imperative
Another important topic dealt with is dealings in your office. This topic apparently stuck out like a sore thumb. A book that is is primarily dealing with generalised topics suddenly narrows down to a small niche. Nonetheless, whatever discussed on the context were helpful over the different arenas.
On a personal note, the book reached me at the right time and it has helped me overcome a severe mental trauma.
Verdict
Scenario: 4.5/5Narration : 5/5Relevance : 5/5Research :5/5
Entertainment Quotient: 4.5/5
This review is in return of a free book from the author
October 11, 2018
Excellence by Virender Kapoor - Review
Book Name - Excellence- The Amitabh Bachchan Way Author - Virender Kapoor Publisher - Rupa PublicationsBuy books from Amazon
Review
There are only a few people whose life is such that they inspire others to pursue their lives despite the adverse circumstances. Most of them have bid ideau to the world by now. Only a very few people who live today in this era have those qualities that make them a complete person. One such person is Amitabh Bachchan.
The kind of stress and problems he has faced is unbelievable for an ordinary person. The number of surgeries, myasthenia gravis, Spinal tuberculosis and many more. Author has chronicled everything without any melodrama. If the health issues are not enough, he has faced so many financial issues which ended up mortgaging his home. From there how me rose to the peak is a thrilling tale.
Author has not delved much into the personal life of the legendary actor but his career choices and challenges have been depicted with utmost conviction and finesse. The style of narration is simple yet enchanting. Author has done considerable ground work. The intention of the book is not mere biography. Author has spent his time and energy in analyzing the traits and decisions that led Amitabh Bachchan into excellence.
Verdict
Detailed analysis of reason behind Amitabh Bachchan's excellence
Scenario: 4 /5Narration : 4 /5Relevance : 4 /5Research :4/5
Entertainment Quotient: 4/5
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
Murder Across the Ocean by Charlene Wexler- Review
Book Name - Murder Across the Ocean Author - Charlene WexlerBuy books from Amazon
Review
If you love 'Lori', you will love this book. If you haven't read Lori, you will definitely read it after reading this book.
The plot takes off with the murder of Josh, Lori's childhood flame whom she meets on a flight after two decades. They reignite their spark but little did she know that she will end up as the prime suspect in his murder. Her granddaughter and her husband rushes to her rescue. As the investigation proceeds, it becomes clear that Josh was on the run after laundering money and there are a lot of people after something that he has hidden. Further unfolds a cliffhanger with intermittent twists and turns.
It would be superfluous to say that Charlene Wexler has an enchanting style of narration and she is a maestro in handling human emotions. One forth of the book is dedicated to Lori's backstory, which could be monotonous for the readers who have already read 'Lori'. The book is more or less a sequel. In other words, the books is a wonderful thriller with the protagonist whose story has already been established. The American- British prejudice which have been prevalent from the beginning of history and that which follows till now dominates the idiosyncrasies of the characters.
Verdict
Overall the book is an out and out entertainer
Scenario: 5 /5Narration : 5/5Character : 4.5 /5Relevance : /5
Research :/5
Entertainment Quotient: 4.5/5
This review is in return of a free book from publishing push
October 10, 2018
Because I Love You by Pradip Chauhan- Review
Book Name - Because I Love You Author - Pradip Chauhan Publisher - Anjuman PrakashanBuy books from Amazon
Review
Painful love have always been the favorite genre for the readers. From classics to contemporary romance, readers have always had a heartfelt connection with love stories that had many tragic twists.
Because I love you is once such tale that would connect with the readers due to the pain of love that the protagonists share.
It is the story of Kanaji and Radha and their love. But a tragedy that happened to Radha clouded their beautiful relation. The secret in Radha's life is so shocking that Kanaji takes a step back in the relationship. Once he realizes that he could not live without her, he sets out in search of Radha. Will Kanaji find Radha? Will they reunite?
The overall plot is simple and innocent. The love between Kanaji and Radha has been depicted palpably. The character craft and many names resembles those of Sri. Krishna's mythology and hence the Kanha-Radha relation is as deep as that of Sri Krishna and Radha. The lack of proper editing is a major drawback of the book. The next edition of the edited version would hopefully rectify this issue
Verdict
Scenario: 3.5/5Narration : 3.5 /5Character : 4/5Entertainment Quotient: 3.5/5
This review is in return of a free book from the author
October 8, 2018
The Kamasutra Class by Dax Mehta- Review
Book Name - The Kamasutra Class Author - Dax MehtaBuy books from Amazon
Review
If a name could mislead someone, then Kamasutra class would be one. When the name gives an impression of a mere erotic drama, the book apparently deals with a lot of issues at different levels.
Anurag is falsely accused of sexual harassment by his female colleague. Heartbroken due to unjust practices and the planning and plotting, he quits his job. Life takes him to Santiago where he finds himself in a different culture and makes a lot of friends. Somehow he gets tagged as a love God for the power that he has in inciting sexual pleasure through acupressure. How he gains acceptance in a different country through an indigenous technique is the crux of the story.
Surprisingly, contrary to the name of the book, there are not graphic description of love making in the book, which itself is the USP of the book. Had the title be different, the book could have more appeal to the audience. The pace of the story is fluctuating but the interest that is generated in the audience is persisting. The style of narration is good and the characters are crafted well.
The subplots that come in between made the whole plot tad bit dragging and hence could have been avoided. Overall the book is an interesting read and a well edited book, that could have a better audience reach had the title be different.
Verdict
Good read
Scenario: 4 /5Narration : 4 /5Character : 4/5Entertainment Quotient: 4/5
This review is in return of a free book from the author
October 4, 2018
Maybe this or maybe That by Abhaidev- Review
Book Name - Maybe This or Maybe That Author - Abhaidev Publisher - PebblesBooksBuy books from Amazon
Review
You are successful if you succeed in applying what you learned in your life to tackle your problems. Abhaidev has come up with a unique book that tells the readers how an MBA graduate applies what he learned in his life and how it is different from what the world believes.
Author tells that eventhough we have heard that we should try again and again till we succeed, an MBA graduate knows when to give up and when to seek help. Author tells us that we should start watching Saas Bahu serials because the kind of planning and plotting that we do in our offices are not different from daily sops and that they give us new ideas. The observations go on and on.
Author has touched different levels of our lives and depicted a different dimension. The narration is the USP of the book. Author has plainly stated his points but with a subtle layer of humour and satire. The book is quirky yet realistic. However some of the observations about MBA wives and not so female like bosses sounded misogynistic.
Overall the book is simple easy breezy read which could be finished in about a few hours but the humour stats with you longer.
Verdict
Simple quirky and realistic.
Scenario: 4 /5Narration : 5 /5Relevance : 4. 5/5
Research : 3/5
Entertainment Quotient: 4/5
This book review is a part of "The Readers Cosmos Book Review Program and Blog Tours, for details log on to thereaderscosmos.blogspot.in"
Maybe or maybe That by Abhaidev- Review
Book Name - Maybe This or Maybe That Author - Abhaidev Publisher - PebblesBooksBuy books from Amazon
Review
You are successful if you succeed in applying what you learned in your life to tackle your problems. Abhaidev has come up with a unique book that tells the readers how an MBA graduate applies what he learned in his life and how it is different from what the world believes.
Author tells that eventhough we have heard that we should try again and again till we succeed, an MBA graduate knows when to give up and when to seek help. Author tells us that we should start watching Saas Bahu serials because the kind of planning and plotting that we do in our offices are not different from daily sops and that they give us new ideas. The observations go on and on.
Author has touched different levels of our lives and depicted a different dimension. The narration is the USP of the book. Author has plainly stated his points but with a subtle layer of humour and satire. The book is quirky yet realistic. However some of the observations about MBA wives and not so female like bosses sounded misogynistic.
Overall the book is simple easy breezy read which could be finished in about a few hours but the humour stats with you longer.
Verdict
Simple quirky and realistic.
Scenario: 4 /5Narration : 5 /5Relevance : 4. 5/5
Research : 3/5
Entertainment Quotient: 4/5
This book review is a part of "The Readers Cosmos Book Review Program and Blog Tours, for details log on to thereaderscosmos.blogspot.in"
And So Can You by Dr. Roopleen- Review
Book Name - And So Can YouAuthor - Dr. Roopleen Publisher - Power PublishersBuy books from Amazon
Review
Legends inspire others through their lives. Dr.Roopleen has come up with the tales of 17 such legends who have made their lives a textbook of survival.
All the seventeen featured doctors have struggled in their life to reach the position that they adorn. Most of them have come up from a humble background and worked hard with utmost perseverance. How they cleared their entrance is what is admirable. Most of them appeared for their post graduation in the most adverse circumstances and have come out in flying colours. Another quality that was common to all the doctors was that all of them were extremely humble and viewed their success as something that need not be glorified. Probably since the author herself is an Ophthalmologist, most of the doctors featured in the book are opthalmologists.
The book has a pattern of starting off with the childhood, followed by stating what influenced them to take medical profession, after which author authentically depicts their college life. What seems inadequate is that author has wound up the chapters once the doctors gained post graduation and joins a job. A detailed account of their professional life was missing, except a few.
My favourite would be that of Dr. Muralidhar Pai of Kasturba Medical College. The description of the book says that it is " a book every doctor and medical student must read". This description narrows down the target reads but apparently the book should be read by anyone who is aspiring to be successful.
Verdict
A book everyone who wants to be successful must read.Scenario: 5 /5Narration : 5/5Relevance : 5 /5Research : 5/5
Entertainment Quotient: 5/5
This book review is a part of "The Readers Cosmos Book Review Program and Blog Tours, for details log on to thereaderscosmos.blogspot.in"
September 28, 2018
Hungry Gods by Richa Lakhera- Review
Book Name - Hungry Gods Author - Richa Lakhera Publisher - Rupa PublicationsBuy books from Amazon
Review
A gruesome murder, a crude affair, a mysterious woman, an eccentric investigator- All in all the word that could better represent the book would be eerily bizarre. The term could be counted as both pros and cons. The overall appeal of the book depends on the reading preference of the reader.
The plot takes off with the macabre death of a woman of which her kid is a witness. Further the book introduces the readers to different characters- all crazy and freak due to their idiosyncrasies. The characters are the highlight of the book. The craft of the characters alone stands for the major part of the plot. The real plot takes off when the police inspector Dorab Silva takes charge of the murder of the film director Thackaray. The investigation throws out a can of worms that were long hidden. Further the readers get to witness an unprecedented tale of eeriness.
The book is perfectly crafted for those who love books like Time to Kill by john Grisham. The book could not be counted as one similar to this but the gruesome crimes reminds the readers of the book. The crudeness of the reality depicted in the book is cringe-worthy but the news that we witness of late is an alibi to the fact the there could be relatable incidents similar to the plot.
On a personal note, I am not much a fan of such gruesome crimes and hence it was difficult for me to hook myself into finishing the book.
Verdict
Gruesome and crude reality
Scenario: 3/5Narration : 3.5/5Character : 4/5Entertainment Quotient:3 /5
This book review is a part of "The Readers Cosmos Book Review Program and Blog Tours, for details log on to thereaderscosmos.blogspot.in"
September 21, 2018
Tarikshir by Khayaal Patel- Review
Book Name - Tarikshir
Author - Khayaal Patel
Publisher - Westland
Buy books from Amazon
Review
A fantasy is a genre that could be counted as a two edged sword. There could be only two kinds of reviews -1. Extremely good 2.Extremely Bad -for fantasy. One reading a fantasy cannot have a mediocre liking to it. Hence Khayaal Patel had taken the risk of his life with the book Tarikshir as it is a blend of fantasy, mythology and history.
The mysterious creature looming in shadow has created a suspense so strong that the readers would be hooked to the book. In a Princely state of Devangarh in Rajasthan, the protest against the British has brought the king and his prince against the British on a battle. After the mysterious death of the king Raja Ravindra, prince Rudra Pratap Chauhan sets out to find the mystery behind the death of his father as well as the human shaped monkey. Thenceforth unfolds a thrilling spooking cliffhanger.
The plot takes off in a different tangent. It introduces the readers to Tarikshir on the background of the repercussions of Ram-Ravan war. The mood set in the beginning changes when the era changes and readers are taken to Rajasthan. The switch is tad bit sudden but author has managed to sew the seams.
Narration is the USP of the book. However, the pace of the tale drops time and afain. Yet, the author has managed to pull off a thrilling tale. The characters are mysterious in itself and have blended with the take. Some of the terms mentioned in the book were contemporary and hence stuck out. Author has the camouflaged flaws whatsoever with his exemplary narration.
Verdict
Ideal book for Indian fantasy lovers
Scenario: 4 /5
Narration : 4.5 /5
Character : 4.5 /5
Entertainment Quotient: 4.5
This review is in return of a free book from the author.
