Rakhi Jayashankar's Blog, page 44

Romantic encounters of a Sex worker by Nalini Jameela

Book Name          - Romantic encounters of a sex worker Author                 - Nalini Jameela Publisher              - Om BooksBuy books from Amazon



Review

Romantic encounters of a sex worker- The name indicates the possibility of an erotica. If you approach the book as a literary porn, you will be surely disappointed since the book doesn't have even a little indulgence into the details of the sexual experience of the author. The book, as the name literally terms, is a an account of pure romance.

Nalini Jameela has been a sex worker from a time when the term sex worker was not even coined. After the explosive autobiography, author has come up with her new book, which is a collection of stories about her romantic encounters with her clients. Each story is so realistic, of course since it is a real life story. Author has depicted the relationships without any polishing except for the fact that she has skipped the graphic details. Despite the feministic inclination author has presented her lovers in an high position and simultaneously stated the negatives.

The introduction part of the book states that majority of the men are misogynistic. The generalisation is in fact mysandric and hence arouses the feeling of a set of anti male stories. But indeed the stories paint the lovers in high position eventhough many of them have been selfish and used her. There is a thin layer of self-edification prevalent throughout the narration. The stories are more of anecdotes than the romantic encounters as the author has not indulged much into the romance. It is more of an extended autobiography.

Verdict

A realistic love story of a sex worker without erotica 

Scenario:   3.5 /5Narration    :  3 /5Character   :  3 /5Entertainment Quotient: 3.5/5
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher  

In conversation with Preetika Mehra, author of Let you be my puppet once

Hello Outsetians 
We have a talented writer with us today. The woman who proved that political thrillers are not men's forté.  Please meet Preetika Mehra. Author of Let you be my puppet once 
Let’s start with a brief intro about you.
Passionate about social structures, economic policies and philosophy, analysing and finding connections in all of them. In free time, she loves reading and learning about Zodiac signs, practicing yoga, and cooking. A tarot learner of late.Profile - Economics Graduate from the University of Delhi. MBA from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) Delhi in 2016 and is currently working with an MNC in Chennai, India. 
When did you decide to actually sit down and write something ?
Never thought consciously about finishing something. Just kept penning down my thoughts and observations about many things. When it all seemed to connect well, I felt like giving it a shape of a story. Always wanted to write something different, something contemporary that readers can relate to and some realistic with detailing. I have always personally liked books which either gave me some new information or helped gain some behavioural knowledge. Wanted to add those aspects into my book.
Which is your favourite genre?
I would say subject – economics. As long as there is anything related to economics in whatever fashion, I enjoy it. Whether it’s business or political economics or even household. Anything related to that.
How would you market your book?
I keep researching on the way economic aspects are presented to us through different media platforms. Our understanding is based on the information that is provided to us and thus it remains limited. If you have an open mind and wants to see things from varied perspectives, then read this book. I’ve also ensured that the message go through a story with a mix of humorous and satirical tones and therefore it would be entertaining for the reader
How do you manage time to write the book?I never felt I needed special or extra time to write a book. If you do something with your full heart into it, it all becomes very easy. It becomes effortless and you enjoy the journey.
Are you planning another book?No plans. I keep penning down my thoughts. It all may just come together someday.
How was your publishing experience?Couldn’t have asked for anything smoother than what I had.
How can the readers reach youInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/mehrapreetika/

This was Pretika Mehra for you. You can buy her book Let you Be My Puppet Once from Amazon.
To read my Review of Let you be My Puppet Once- Click Here

Chanakya by Ashok.K.Banker - Review

Book Name          - Chanakya Author                 - Ashok Banker Publisher              - WestlandBuy books from Amazon



Review

Vishnu Gupta, the teacher of Chandragupta Maurya, is known to everyone. But, the childhood of Chanakya is know to very few.

The plot takes off with the childhood of Vishnu Gupta, the son of a teacher and a brilliant student in Hindu scriptures. In another part of the of the world, in Pataliputra, the capital of Nanda empire, Mahaamatya Kartikeya, the Prime Minister, recognizes a talent in Chandra, a thief boy. Nanda empire happens to be in anarchy and the power lies in the hands of people who stands with injustice. Vishnu Gupta sets out to Pataliputra with his family, where he comes under the scrutiny of Mahaamatya. Further what happens is the crux of the story.

Author has tried to give enough space in developing the plot and characters. The base or foundation of the plot is the USP of the book.  Author has adapted contemporary narration eventhough the story is historical fiction. The eeriness and cruelty of the people in the Nanda empire especially the prince is depicted realistically.

The plot has consumed more space in development that by the time the real plot comes up the story ends abruptly. This might be in view of persuading the readers to wait impatiently for the next part. 


Verdict

Introduction to the real story

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

The Aftermath by Sameen Khan- Review

Book Name          - Aftermath Author                 - Sameen Khan Publisher              - Blackbuck Publications Buy books from INFIBEAM



Review

Can a boy and a girl be 'best friends' only? Can a family that doesn't understand their kids eventually lead them to death? 

Aftermath is a highly tragic story of two friends Sam and Ana. They became friends in theIr tuition class and something or other leads to chaos in their lives. The fact that Sam's parents treat him badly, made the matters worse. Finally a tragedy forces Ana to retrospect everything. How she copes up with it is the crux of the story.

Author has managed to take off the plot with deep emotional drama and a suspense. The intermittent shift from the past to the present has been managed well. The frame of the plot has a lot of possibilities. The characters of Ana, Sam, and Alisha are crafted well. The rest of the characters lacked space. The overall plot too lacked space. It was a bad idea to crunch an emotionally deep plot into a novella.The school life is depicted in a light and  breezy fashion. The little idiosyncrasies of the characters are good to read.

The scenario in Sam's family is the axis of the plot but towards the end, the well anticipated revelation lacked the impact that was expected, which in turn affected the mood of the book.


Verdict

Not bad; Not great- easy one time read 

Scenario:   4/5Narration    :   3.5/5Character   : 3 /5Entertainment Quotient:3.5/5
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher  

Handwritten Letters in the Bookstore by Rimple - Review

Book Name          - Handwritten letters in the Bookstore Author                 - Rimple
 Publisher              - Notion Press
Buy books from Amazon



Review

I would like to start the review on a personal note. The book is primarily based in the 90's and being a 90's kid, I could relate to the thoughts, interests, music and movies. Like the female protagonist, I am also a 1985 born and hence shared the same feelings about the songs. It reminded me of how I was mesmerized with Sonu Nigam when I saw 'Tuu '.
Now coming to the real review, the plot begins when Rajvir sees a letter that he picks from the bookstore. The anonymous letter is intended to make the person who gets the book smile. Further he comes across more letters in the bookstore, and finally manager to get the email ID and further a engage in chats with the sender, who is a female- the name is revealed later- Taashvi. They get connected and realizes that both are 90's kids and could relate to each other's likes and dislikes. Further the book is about the discussion of the songs, movies and the celebrity crushes. The book is an entertaining encyclopedia about the 90's music. After a point the discussion gets monotonous and makes it difficult for even a 90's kid to keep up with the enthusiasm. 

More space for the background of the protagonists could have balanced the book better. Nonetheless the little glimpse into the family of Taashvi is lively and a mood-changer.


Verdict

For the 90's kids

Scenario:   4 /5Narration    :  3.5 /5Character   : 3  /5Relevance   :   /5Research     :/5
Entertainment Quotient: 3.75/5
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher  

Reminiscences of a Seeker by Kapil Kumar Bhaskar- Review

Book Name          - Reminiscences of a Seeker Author                 - Kapil Kumar Bhaskar Publisher              - Angel BooksBuy books from Amazon



Review

In the quest for spirituality, many folk have been misled and fallen in the grip of pseudo gurus, god-men. The book reminiscences of a Seeker is a pointer to such god-men and felons who assort to heinous measures to attain the power.

The book is the real experience of Kapil Kumar Bhaskar. The plot started off with his confrontation of his spiritual master  Ramanand Saraswati.  Keeping his past experiences with his previous masters he is hesitant but after seeing the divine aura, he decides to give it a try. His journey to his new master takes him to his past. As a child, he had several paranormal experiences and once he ventured into business, he faced continuous failure, that took him to Trilokenath, Tantric. Despite the intuition that something is not write, he ends up being the puppet in his hands. Further he confronts several eerie situations and finally manages to get himself free. Destiny takes him to another master who is even more wretched. What happens further is the crux of the story.
For a normal human being it is unbelievable comprehend paranormal activity of this extend. Some of the acts that the previous masters of the author conducted were illegal, which leaves the readers wondering why the protagonist refrained from reporting it to the police. The book is the mirror to the black magic and related acts. It is an eye opener to those who blindly follow the godmen. The style of narration is excellent. While the books takes off as a spiritual journey, it further develops as a take of Tantric practice and Aghori Babas. The climax leaves a chance for a sequel and hence gives an impression that a foray into the spiritual enlightenment could be seen in the sequel.

Verdict

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

Book Blitz - Storm from Taxila by Shreyas Bhave

~ Book Blitz ~Storm From Taxila by Shreyas Bhave15th to 17th August
About the Book:   
BHARATVARSHA, LAND OF THE ARYAS: 270 BC
Bindusar, the Samrat Chakravartin of all the Aryas, ruler of the Indian subcontinent, is dead. Chaos rules across the empire. The royal succession turns upon intrigue, dark coalitions, violence and death. The realm stands divided and civil war ensues.In Vidishanagri: Asoka kills his brother’s Ashwamedhastallion and marches to Patliputra with his army. The ancient Brahminical order rises in his supports, awaiting his entry into the capital. Have they made the right choice?In Taxila: The rightful heir, Sushem, raises an army to meet the challenge posed by his ambitious and gifted brother, Asoka. He prepares to march to the capital and seize the throne by force. Will history repeat itself; will Sushem achieve what his grandfather Chandragupta did 50 years ago?In Junagarh: Guild Master Hardeo sets out on a private mission to acquire the great salt pans of Sindh. Will he succeed in his secret enterprise?In Vidishanagri: Radhagupta travels to fulfill the task allotted to him by the Order. Kanakdatta, the Buddhist, stands up to stop him. Will Radhagupta fail in his mission?The winds of war howl over the sub-continent, blowing every last person one way or the other. Blood will be spilled, secrets revealed and men ruined. History shall be made.In Book II of the epic Asoka Trilogy, the storm approaches; the harbinger of death and destruction. When the dust finally settles, the great question will be answered: Who is the next Samrat of the holy Lands of the Aryas?
Book Links:
Goodreads * Amazon



Read an Excerpt:

For many centuries the holy books of the Aryas have preached everything from eternal unity of one’s own kind to selfless service to one’s family and society. But aeons after they were written, we still cannot practice what we preach… Our lands lie fragmented, divided by everything from regionalism to tribal sentiment and the petty selfishness of individual rulers. Our Rajas had fought over everything from women, to land and pride; so much so that wars with their neighbours has become a habit. And every time some powerful Arya rises above these squabbles and seeks to unify our lands, he turns out to be an evil monster rather than a rightful Samrat. Be it Jarasandha of yore or the tyrannical Nandas of our times, those who have tried to unify our lands haveIt is not that the learned men of our society have accepted or become resigned to this state of affairs. They have always attempted to stand against these evil rulers. Be it Lord Krishna of a thousand years ago, or I the humble servitorof my people in these unsettled times. My name is Arya Chanakya, though I am known as Kautilya these days. Few are privy to my past so take heed of what I say; then hold the words sealed within your breast. I was born eight decades ago in the northwest of our subcontinent, where the Land of the Aryas ends and those of foreigners like the Mlechhas and the Yavanas begin. For my entire youth I strived for only two things - to accumulate knowledge of our world; and unite our race as a single entity. People considered me foolish and stubborn. The Rajas laughed at my advice and continued to fight meaningless wars for worthless reasons. For three decades of my life my efforts were in vain as I tried and failed to instill the virtues of unity and service in our rulers. Then, everything changed. I recognized my mistake. I had been counting on changing the mindset of our people from within. What I should have realized long before was that change of such proportions can only be brought about by a powerful external force. Fifty years ago, that powerful force arrived at the boundaries of our Bharat, armed with insurmountable power. His name was Alexander, and he came from beyond the seven seas, from the lands of the Greeks. His objective was simple – to conquer the whole wide world. And our lands were next – the doorway to the far East. The Rajas of the northwest reacted as I had expected. They made deals with this foreign foe in order to destroy the enemies of their own race. Even Raja Ambhi of Taxila, did so. Only one man refused to succumb to Alexander. His name was Puru, the mightiest Raja of the region. But even Puru’s might was no match for Alexander’s tactics and deceit. On the banks of the holy Jhelum, everyone gasped with horror as Puru lost the battle to the Greeks – everyone except me; I just smiled. As Alexander spent time consolidating power in the northwest, I travelled east to the greatest city of the known world – to Patliputra, ruled by the Nandas. My plan was simple: to ask the Nanda Maharaja to take his army northwest to defeat the Greeks. The people of the northwest were disgusted by the unmanly conduct of their Rajas, almost all of whom had surrendered without a fight. If The Nandas fought and won against the Greeks, the people of the northwest would accept them as their saviours, thereby uniting the subcontinent, north and south, east and west.But my plan had a serious flaw. While everyone knew the Nandas had the largest standing army in the world, what few people beyond their borders knew was how they used it. I discovered that the army was used to terrorize their subjects. The Nandas were tyrannical kings who ruled with the force of an equally tyrannical army. I witnessed and experienced their tyranny first hand. I was imprisoned and tortured by Nanda lieutenants in Patliputra. But I was rescued by an Ancient Brotherhood that had dwelled in the tunnels below the city for five centuries. Since its founder, Maharaja Ajatshatru, had laid down its mission, the brothers of the order had zealously safeguarded the interests of the Arya race, secretly. They rescued me from prison and inducted me into their ranks. They bestowed upon me their mission: To bring down the evil Nandas from their thrones.


About the Author:
Shreyas is a 21 year old guy currently pursuing his B.Tech in Electrical Eng. from VNIT Nagpur. His love for history since his childhood prompted him to write his take on the story of Asoka who was one of the towering figures in the history of India, which has been taken up as ‘The Asoka Trilogy’ by Leadstart Publishing.
The first part of the trilogy called ‘The Prince of Patliputra’ has been published in January 2016 and garnered positive responses.
He is also presently working on several other manuscripts and completing the final year of his engineering Course.
Connect with the Author: Website * Facebook * Twitter

');

Writing gives me freedom to pen down my wildest imaginations, Mehr gets candid with Outset

 Welcome to the virtual tete a tete. Today we have a multifaceted personality with us. A poet, Tarot card reader, singer, traveller and what not. 
Please welcome  Mehr, the author of Hasratein. 
Tell us about yourself
I Hail from city of Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh. Post my Primary schooling I moved to NCR to puruse my Engineering from Inderprastha College (IPEC) and later completed my MBA from Symbiosis. Was a naughty kid in childhood days (I still am ) and loved playing Football, Cricket, Badminton. I was always fascinated towards Cricket Commentary and thought will do once..Its still an unfulfilled dream  . In my Family I have my parents who stay in Kanpur and often visit me in Bangalore, and elder sister Shweta who is Settled in US with her family. I have 2 beautiful nieces Aarya and Aneesha.
Whom do you prefer? Sajal, the writer, singer, or Tarot card reader.
All Three are close to me and I would be incomplete without any of them…Singing relaxes me and you shall find me humming songs every moment if im not asleep. I have been referred to AIR FM, Akashvani, FM radio by my friends and family. Its difficult to imagine life without music….and Music I mean, 80s,90s melodies. I avoid today’s songs.Tarot reading is for the seekers. I’m blessed that I can relate to the Tarot cards and have been given the guidance by a much renowned Tarot reader who is member of American Tarot Association. I enjoy Tarot Reading for people as they feel it helps them and if it comes through me, I’m glad. It's famous and practiced in western countries. I’m an ATA member too.Writing gives me freedom to pen down my wildest imaginations, My thoughts ideas take shape with words. I feel when it's my day I can see words floating all around and talking to me… But writing, I feel is tougher than the Singing and Tarot Readings.
When did you decide to actually sit down and write something?
Honestly, just a few months back.
I’m blessed to have few good friends who thought that my writing is worth being printed and shared with larger audience. I have my family who supported me (Even if they didn’t understand Urdu words) they shall end up saying “Wah Wah, kya likha hai “. I use to write in my college days but I can’t say that was serious writing. The thoughts which you would find in “Hasratein”, they are quite matured thoughts, Nazms…and I must say, Gulzar Sahab’s writing style inspires me. His Nazms leave author with thoughts and cannot be stereotyped. I feel really happy when people mention that in my writing they can see a knack of Gulzar sahab’s style. I feel this is great compliment but makes me nervous too. He is a Legend. He is a Masterpiece and you don’t create Masterpieces over and over again.
That's amazing!So, were your preferences always poetry?
Well Yes…If it wasn’t poetry it would be more of Shayri’s, but since my young days I was always inclined towards Poetry, Shayris, Ghazals. People used to tag me as Boring or Buddha when I used to listen to Jagjeet Ji in my young days..but I feel the lyrics, and voice, what Jagjeet ji carried, was a God's  gift. The effortless ways he used to sing ghazals are commendable. 
Your writings have a pain; about betrayal, about religious fanaticism. Was that intentional?
That’s what Shayar’s and Poets are all about. The world says pain gives birth to a poet. Isn’t it ? (Laughing)But I agree only partially to it. If I write on Lahore, it doesn’t mean I have crossed borders…Similarly if I write about Graveyard it doesn’t mean I’ve been there often. These are my thoughts which I pen down. Many times, Writers have to get into others shoe to understand what a person feelings…I realise author always live moments and strike them beautifully with choicest words. And I respect poets who can dream and write stuff which they haven’t witnessed or are imaginary..Its not that easy writing about something, you haven’t seen or is just in your dreams. Regarding Religious Fanaticism, no I haven’t been a victim to it yet..But as I said I can relate to it.
Tell us more about your Tarot card reading.
 Seems you are fascinated too Tarot is nothing but a practice and its all about belief. People do ask does it even work as this does not give a definitive answer to certain questions unlike astrology. I ask them, What’s the guarantee that what your astrologer depicts your future correctly. These days where Baba’s urge you to do this pooja, buy this yantra, atleast Tarot doesn’t do all that. This is all about belief. If Numerology exist, Astrology exist, then certainly Tarot Reading does. I have known a seeker who challenged the readings what drew from her cards in August 2017 and later in January I received a thankyou call mentioning what was said happened. So you need to take guidance from what’s on the card. It may or may not happen. Tarot gathers the energy around and within you and relates to your inner & higher self.

You Drove all the way from Bangalore to Delhi? Now that’s something…Elaborate pls.
I love long drives. And my long drives are really long. I have couple of times driven from Mumbai to Rajasthan, Kanpur. I Once drove from Kanpur to Pune and then Bangalore. But this time in 2017 I drove from Bangalore to Delhi and return. It was a fantastic drive cutting through the country side and believe me, Its beautiful  It almost took 24hours on Road and include another 12 hours which we took stopover at Nagpur. Just to let you know I have driven ~1,60,000 Kms in last 6 years (ofcourse I changed my cars) Now read the acknowledgement page of my book..last lines..now they will make better sense.

What are your future plans? Are you working on any book now, Will we see a professional Singer?
Singer Noooo …Im good on Karaoke and that’s all. I agree there have been few recognition for me in this field but when I listen to todays talent on Radio or television I realise I’m too chota in front of them. Book , Yes definitely I have already started working on it however not sure on timelines. I’m seriously fighting a writer’s block for the last couple of weeks. Hope it gets over soon. 
One thing which you want to achieve ?
My one dream is to Meet Gulzar sahab , Javed ji and Rahat Indori Sahab. While I have attended Rahat Indori ji’s event in Bangalore last year…Im yet to get lucky to meet the other legends.
How can the readers reach you?
They can reach me at authormehr@gmail.com or Author_Mehr is my Instagram account. 
Thank you so much for your time. All the best for your future work.

Book Spotlight - Hope and Sunshine by Debasmita Nath Ghosh

Book Spotlight 
Hope and Sunshine by Debasmita Nath Ghosh 
Buy the book from  Amazon
About the book
Naina Grover has an imperfectly perfect life, or is it perfectly imperfect? A Punjabi kudi from Delhi working in the city of joy, Kolkata is joined by her crazy cousin, Arjun and his sober friend Aditya to come of age while at a long - distance relationship which seems to be going nowhere. She knows it is a recipe for disaster but should she let go or not? Should she hope for the best? Hope she will be accepted?Hope she can settle down? Hope she can come to terms with a family secret bothering her for years now? Just hope. Keep hoping? And then, Hope welcomes a ray of sunshine. Naina welcomes you to look at life from her perspective. 'Hop'e On!

Mad Country by Samrat Upadhyay- Review

Book Name          - Mad Country Author                 - Samrat Upadhyay Publisher              - Rupa PublicationsBuy books from Amazon



Review

Nepal, a land that is close to us yet distant, a life that is similar to us yet different. Mad country is a collection of short stories based at Nepal but each story is different.

 Eight stories are all deep and emotionally impactful. Fast forward is the story of a group of friends all different in character. When one is exuberant an carefree, other is composed and matured. The third one is the balancing factor between the other two. She is caught in a whilpool when her colleague goes missing. Thenceforth a thrilling tale comes to picture only to end abruptly. Beggar boy is the story of a rich lad in search of his mother's secrets or put it this way, to know why his mother left him. The story is a mixture of humour and tragedy. At one point we feel the pain for the boy but on the other side it is amusing to see his musings while he observes the people around. Third story, What will happen to the Sharma family has all the possibilities for a full fledged novel and hence crunching it into the frame of a short story turned out to be a bad idea. Freak Street is the life of the woman who takes a different identity in Nepal delves too much into the emotions. It is equally heartwarming and heartwrenching. Dreaming of Ghana is a fantasy story and it is too long for a short story. It could be counted as a mini novella. An affair before the earthquake is a simple and short story of two lovers. Mad country is indeed a story that makes us think how insane a system could be. Author shows that it is unbelievably rotten. 

The stories are not in the same graph when it comes to genre, pace or characters. Each story is unique with different craft but what is common would be Nepal and hence we get to see a different yet not so different life.


Verdict

A collection of short stories that have similar demographic background but variant themes.

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