Rakhi Jayashankar's Blog, page 51

Thus Spoke Chanakya by Radhakrishnan Pillai- Review

Book Name          - Thus Spoke Chanakya Author                 - Radhakrishnan Pillai Publisher              - Jaico BooksBuy books from Amazon

My ReviewRating : 4.0


Ditching the conventional format, the book is not divided into chapters. It is a one huge collection of quotes by Kautilya, which could be applied in everyone's life.

The book kicks off with quotes about leadership, teamwork, planning and hardwork. Apart from this author also tells us what is written in Arthashastra about marriage, about the need to study everyday, about the need to rest and about every small-big things applicable in our lives. The part about the teachers is also interesting. 

It would be a folly on the readers' end to approach the book as an easy read. One need to read it fully first and then read each verse a day and mull over it the whole day. Slowly and steadily the book will change your life forever. It is one book you can carry with you forever in your life. Nonetheless, the book might leave you wanting more since the further explanation about the verses are so short as if the readers are given a glimpse of what is given in which chapter. Hopefully an extension to the book about the daily life Chanakya would be coming in future.
Overall the book is an all-in-one capsule for problems in life.

This review is in return of a free book from the publisher  

In India- By Anushray Singh- Review

Book Name          - In India, Everything is Sunshine and Rainbows Author                 - Anushray Singh Publisher              - Zorba BooksBuy books from Amazon

My ReviewRating : 3.0

Author has addressed every problem that India faces these days and has pointed out the same with brutal honesty.

The lack of civic sense in the Indians and the need to include civic sense as a topic in school with the same importance as other subjects is a quite constructive suggestion. Author has studied India from its roots. From the Medical/Engineering fever to the justification of dowry system to the pathetic roads to even peeing in public, author has criticised everything through the book. One of the topic that deserve special mention is the plight of the LGBT community and how the movies and the television has portrayed them as sexual predators who preys on any man who comes their way. The failing quality of Indian cinema is another topic that is addressed. While the fact about the daily soaps is bang on, the same could not be counted for Indian movies. We should not forget the fact that our movies have bagged a lot of awards and accolades in the international film awards. The beggars and the cringe-worthy news channels are the other two prime topics which should be mentioned. Further author has pointed out even the minor topics which, after reading, we would think " Oh! This is so true. How did I miss this point?"

The North Indian view point is dominant throughout the book because some of the points mentioned are quite the opposite when you lives in the south, especially Kerala. For example refusal to halt in the red light. In Kerala we would not be able to see a single junction where the cars don't halt at the red light. Likewise there are a lot of facts that don't stand true to all parts of India because, India is vast.

While the facts mentioned in the book are true, there seems to be a judgemental attitude prevalent throughout the book. Being an Indian, we all need to project our country as the best to the rest of the world and when we see that the whole worms are let out of the can, it feels unpropitious. The courage of the author in admitting that he is doing an armchair activism is praiseworthy.
Overall the book addresses all the small and grave deficiencies of the society, a positive side could also have been depicted as a breather.
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher  

Inglistan by Rajesh Talwar- Review

Book Name          - Inglistan Author                 - Rajesh Talwar Publisher              - Kalpaz PublicationsBuy books from Amazon

My ReviewRating : 4.0


Rabi, an Indian Lawyer comes to Oxford for a six-month diploma course. During his stay in UK, he finds how far apart the life in India is from the rest of the world and still there is an undercurrent of similarity in the thoughts of the inhabitants. 

The book is not a mere novel. It is a geo-political text book with a fictional background. The pub rules and Mad cows, is about how variant the weekend life in India would be from Europe and how there could be discrimination in disguise in some of the rules. Author studies how politeness can be a relative term and how it varies for an Indian, American, European and other Asians. Shitting and shooting, Freedom and Family, Nations, culture and Morality, Religion, Sex, newspapers and sports, enjoying, studying; The chapters touch almost all walks of life and compare and analyse which is better and which is not. Author has been careful about not being judgemental about anything and hence that would be the USP of the book.

Rabi's relation with Janis is portrayed in a subtle, yet intense fashion. Author proves that deep lovemaking scenes or mollycoddling is not required to depict a romantic relation. Rabi's attraction towards her and the insecurity in seeing her with someone and further developments in their relation is quite realistic. The romance went with the flow as far as the crux of the book is concerned. Nonetheless, the climax seemed rushed and could have been worked on. A few grammatical glitches notwithstanding, the book is a excellent addition to the world of literature. I so wish to see an edited and proofread version of the book in the bestseller rack.
This review is in return of a free book from the author

Mahatma on the Pitch by Kausik Bandyopadhyay- Review

Book Name          - Mahatma on the Pitch Author                 - Kausik Bandyopadhyay Publisher              - Rupa PublicationsBuy books from Amazon

My ReviewRating : 4.0

Mahatma Gandhi and Cricket, two seemingly mutually exclusive topics. Author Kausik Bandyopadhyay has successfully generated an intrigue in the readers about the relevance of cricket in freedom struggle. Author has started off with how Mahatma Gandhi had skipped cricket practices due to disinterest as well as taking care of his ailing father. Author notes that Gandhiji has counted the games like cricket and football as expensive in comparison to inexpensive Indian games like gilli-danda, kho-kho, kabaddi etc. According to him the King of exercises was walking.

The Quadrangular and Pentangular cricket tournaments and Gandhiji's Independence movements go hand in hand while affecting each other positively or negatively. The most notable fact is  that the ideals of these tournaments are contradictory to Gandhian idea of eradicating untouchability. The flagrant display of communalism has surely pained Mahatma and hence he played the game in the background against this communal cricket which would have been the twisted idea of the British to divide the Indians. There had been mixed reactions to Mahatma's interference in a game which he had hardly any idea about. While there had been Gandhi bashing and supporting, Gandhiji was delegated the role of a third umpire. As if Gandhiji had foreseen the disaster that was about to happen, India saw the worst communal riots and the pentangular cricket had to be given the final rites.

The level of research the author has invested is unbelievable. To recreate an era that is a century apart, is not easy especially about a topic that is not much talked and written about. The topics are systematically categorised. Instead of the unilinear approach about Gandhiji and his ideals, author has also portrayed another side of the coin where Mahatma was mercilessly criticised for his interference in the topic. 

Every cricket lover should know the history of pre-Independence cricket and hence I recommend this book to all cricket lovers.
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher  

Pralay by Vineet Bajpai- Review

Book Name          - Pralay Author                 - Vineet Bajpai Publisher              - VB Performance LLPBuy books from Amazon

My ReviewRating : 4.5


A lot of questions pop in the minds of the readers after reading the prequel and the blurb of Pralay. From the ill fate, Vivasvan Pujari emerges as a demon whose kindness has died out. Seeking revenge, he assort to heinous steps that noone would expect him to. The readers would be so tied to him that it would be difficult for the readers to imagine him as a devil. Manu's journey afterwards is depicted with finesse and conviction that it would be a cliffhanger at the end of the chapters about Manu. The background that was created in Harappa forced me to love Vivasvan, Manu and their story more than Vidyut. Vidyut appeared to me as someone who is too good to be true in terms of looks and capability. But author has balanced it in the character portray. His fluctuations in the heart matters, suspecting the wrong person, unsuspecting the real enemy and even his smoking makes him more human than god like but in such a circumstance, his body emanating the glow seems like a mismatch. Hence the overt focus on Vidyut could have been controlled. But yes he is a Devta after all. Some of the unnecessary explanations like that of Kathak were fillers and could be avoided for a storyline so strong as this. 

The discussions between Vidyut and Dwarka Shastri are educating, thought provoking and philosophical. The sequences about the human incarnation of Gods make us realize that the suffering of the world we see around is not an injustice but the cosmic law. These discussion are the parts that I like the most when it comes to Vidyut. Due to the influence Vivasvan Pujari created, in a need to read more of him pertaining to positivity or negativity, the character stands tall against Vidyut. All this could be the other way around if you are reading Pralay first.

The book can be reviewed by two people. 
1. The ones who read its prequel
2. The ones who did not read the prequel.
Yeah! Of course. No Pun intended.
Apparently the reviews of both would be different because the impact that Harappa would create in you would be tremendous and hence we will have a great foundation to kickstart the second one and hence overpower your judgement. The second book does give a glimpse of the first one but if you want to relate to and enjoy every second of Pralay I would highly recommend you to read the first part before the second. Unlike the other mythological fiction books of late, the second book is way improved than the first and did come up to the expectations. 

I recommend this book and its prequel to all the mythological and historical fiction lovers.

This book review is a part of "The Readers Comsos Book Review Program and Blog Tours", for details log on tohttp://www.thereaderscosmos.com/

Book Blitz- I owed you one by Madhu Vajpayee

About the Book:






Publisher:LiFi Publications Pvt. Ltd.ISBN:978-9386191281Format:PaperbackPages:258 pagesPrice: 275/-










Dev Khanna has a perfect life with his loving wife Radhika and son Neel in Melbourne, Australia. But there is something from his past that keeps gnawing him, an open wound that is a reminder of a debt. His present is very flourishing and future promising but what happens when the past comes knocking? As the skeletons begin to tumble one after other from the cupboard it is now threating his present.

Join Dev on a journey that spans across the tall skylines of Melbourne, the royal Dilwalo ki Dilli to the dingy streets of Moradabad as he battles love, religion, politics and fear questioning his own beliefs at every step. Will he be able to make peace with his past and save his future? Will humanity lose this battle against everything else?

Book Links:
Goodreads * Amazon

Feedback for the Book:


5 Stars “With an intriguing and powerful theme, the author has chosen a realistic and suspenseful plot with all its subplots tied very well. The characters are realistic and believable. Descriptive writing style along with the confident tone of narration with the extremely good use of vocabulary made it easier for understanding. The suspense that starts building up in the midway is being handled with utmost care and is taken care that it does not loses its grip and holds the capacity to keep the readers engrossed till the last page.” ~ Nikita onAmazon
5 Stars – “Entwined in the backdrop of a courageous young man who let go his turmoiled past and commits himself to love and fulfill his duty without self-interest to be an ultimate winner, the author constantly reminds and beautifully conveys that secularism means humanism and peaceful coexistence. The book has all the makings of a Bollywood blockbuster. A must read for everyone...” ~ Namita Dimrion Amazon

4 Stars “The story line is no less than a thriller. It has all the elements for a perfect entertaining read. Romance, action, drama, mystery, socio-political angle and lots of thriller. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this unpredictable tale of Dev and travelling across continents with him to witness what is the extent one can go for a loved one. There are some scenes that left me goose bumps, because of how real it all felt.” ~ PrivyTrifles
About the Author: Dr. Madhu Vajpayee- the writer is born somewhere in those hospital corridors where she has spent the last two decades of her life. Witnessing life at such close quarters pushed her to capture the enigma of life in her words and slowly it became her passion. After writing several medical papers and chapters in books, she started her journey in the literary world. Seeking Redemption was her first fiction book which is now followed by I Owed You One.
Having done her graduation, MBBS from King Georges Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow she went ahead to pursue her post-graduation, MD from AIIMS, New Delhi. She was a faculty at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi having been associated with management of patients living with HIV/AIDS. She is now settled in Melbourne, Australia with her family, where she is devoting most of her time to writing, the passion that she couldn’t pursue earlier because of the demands of medical profession and commitment it requires.
When not creating stories, Madhu enjoys reading and traveling.
Contact the Author: Goodreads * Twitter


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Letters to my Ex by Nikita Singh- Review

Book Name          - Letters to my Ex Author                 - Nikita Singh Publisher              - Harper Collins Buy books from Amazon

My ReviewRating : 3.5

This spirals a new chapter in their life when both of them tries to sort out the differences and move on as friends.

The first half of the book is all about the letters that Nidhi wrotes as well as the mails and messages they shared. The second half kicks off when they meet at Rajasthan for a friend's wedding where Abhay walks in with his then girlfriend.
Will Nidhi be able to face them? Will the trip make a difference in their life? The rest of the book gives the answer to these questions.

Nidhi's letters are very emotional and touching. The words used, level of control and the reasonings make sure that the relation is not mere puppy love. There is a lot of maturity between the two protagonists. Nonetheless, Nidhi's character comes off as as a confused, indecisive one. At one point she walks off from her engagement, at another point she is suffering from the decision, on a third level she seems to move on, on the next level she wants Abhay back. Lot of confusion is happening there. After the wedding sequence, the story becomes predictable. It seems as if author herself did have a clarity about the letters but no idea about how to conclude this.

The book is undoubtedly an interesting one with novelty in narration. Whole through the book authoress reminded me of Nicholas Sparks. But fortunately or unfortunately, the book is not as tragic as Nicholas Sparks books. I recommend the book to all romance lovers who want to read an intense love story.
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher  

Emotion- Juice of Life & Relationships- Bond or Bondage by Sadhguru

Book Name          - 1. Emotion- The Juice of Life
                                     2. Relationships- Bond or Bondage Author                 - Sadhguru Publisher              - Jaico Publishing HouseBuy books from Amazon

My ReviewRating : 4.5


Sadhguru, for once have demolished the notions which have been read and repeated in each and every books. After reading a numerous books, I was of the notion that spirituality is something that should be attained only after being settled in life financially, emotionally and materialistically. Sadhguru's book or in fact two books in one is an eyeopener for me. He has seamlessly connected our worldly affairs with spirituality. The key point that I can take home and live with forever is that one should get attached to the maximum possible extent till there is no possibility of distinguishing between the two entities. Yes eternal attachment is the ultimate bliss.

The second book, Relationships- Bond or bondage made me wonder how a sadhu knows so much about relationships, let it be between friends, mother and kids or even lovers, Sadhguru has a clear thought and better knowledge on relationships. The USP of the books is practicability. Predominantly the spirituality related books remain as impractical as possible and after finishing the books we would decide to practice the points once we are post retirement age. But Sadhguru's talks, as the book is designed, gels the perceptions and ideas into the daily life that we would start practicing it, for such is the influence of the book on our intellect.

Towards the end of the book Emotions- The juice of life, readers are introduced into the Isha Kriya Meditation technique, which, if practiced twice a day for 48 days or once a day for 90 days, will change your life forever and ever. I have started practicing the same.

Overall I recommend the book to the readers who want to deal with their life in a positive way using practical techniques.
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher  

Book Launch- 'Love in Lutyens' Delhi' by Amitabh Pandey

Join Amitabh Pandey and Neelima Dalmia Adhar, as they launch 'Love in Lutyens' Delhi' and talk about this sparkling #lovestory with a difference. 

Akku and Sanju, friends in kindergarten, lovers in college, are about to face the big bad world. Will their love survive the trials? Or will the compulsions of #LutyensDelhi stand in the way of their togetherness?



Book blurb:  Are women in urban India becoming independent, or is it just an illusion?Are the young men of India truly liberal? Will they stand by their partners or conform to their traditional family values?Have the urban youth been able to break out of their class hangovers?
Akriti ‘Akku’ Patel and Sanjay ‘Sanju’ Saran become friends in kindergarten, lovers in college, and thenhit the real world. With bureaucrats for parents, Sanju’s world is one of power, privilege and entitlement.
Akku, on the other hand, is brought up by a single mother – a distinguished surgeon widowed very young – and an aunt who is a smart and sassy books editor with commitment problems.
Sanju’s mind is in turmoil as he chooses to abandon his dreams and, like his parents, looks to the Civil Services for what he thinks will be a meaningful career. Meanwhile, Akku, armed with a BTech from IIT, is jetting off to California, land of systems design and fun-loving computer geniuses.
Can their love survive these growing differences? Or will the compulsions of Lutyens’ Delhi stand in the way of their togetherness?
AMITABH PANDEY studied Economics at St Stephen’s College and Delhi School of Economics. He taught Economics at an undergraduate college of Delhi University and then joined the Indian Railways where he worked for twenty-four years, during the course of which he conceptualized, implemented and managed the Railways’ online ticket reservation system at the IRCTC. In 2007, Amitabh shifted to the private sector and spent five years building business software. He now lives in Noida and writes full-time.

14 stories that inspired Satyajith Ray- Review

Book Name - 14 stories that inspired Satyajith Ray Author - Anthology edited and translated by Bhaskar Chattopadhyay Publisher - Harper PerennialBuy books from Amazon

My ReviewRating : 4.5

The master story teller- Satyajith Ray; stories that inspired him would have a minimum guarantee of quality and worth. I did not think twice before grabbing the book and did manage to read the book in spite of my fever. To read classics is a boon. To read classic stories that inspired someone who has a world class level of intellect is something that only the luckiest could achieve.

The stories were adapted into short films by the legendary stry teller himself. The stories are the classic works by Rabindranath Tagore, Tarasankar Bandopadhyay, Prabhat Kumar Mukhopadhyay, Rajshekhar Basu and Premchand. Two stories are from the master himself. I am no one to review the literary finesse of these great writers but as a human being and a woman with some ideals, I would like to assess the crux of the stories in the current scenario.

The variant of genres is the highlight of the book. Each story is quite different from the others that it is impossible to compare one with the other. For a voracious reader, the book is the best gift one could get. If asked to find the favorite among these , it would be a nearly impossible task for me but still my heart goes out to Mrinmoy of ' The Conclusion'. Surprisingly Arti of 'Prologue' failed to incite that sympathetic and empathetic wave in me perhaps because the author has shown a misogynistic side while trying to incite sympathy to thee anglo Indian lady. This however failed to influence me and if not for the curiosity to know hat happens next, I would have ditched the story. 'Gopi Gyne Bagha Byne' is a story that I tell my little kids as a bedtime story and they are in love with these two foolish musicians. 'Deliverance' is a reflection of untouchability and the cruelty towards the downtrodden section of the society. 'Manimalika' is more into the symbolic side while 'Philosopher's stone' and 'Birinchi Baba' are serious and funny at the same time. 

Each story has a lot of possibilities for a film maker and I am sure the legendary film maker would have utilised the possibilities to the maximum extent of his talent. The readers would get engrossed in the book and would not be able to connect real time with the world around them. The book is a treasure except for one or two stories, not because the literary flaws but due to clash of ideals.
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher