Rakhi Jayashankar's Blog, page 54
February 12, 2018
The Inheritors by Sonu Bhasin- Review
Book Name - The Inheritors Author - Sonu Bhasin Publisher - Penguin PortfolioBuy books from Amazon
My ReviewRating : 5.0
What better way to begin the book than the story of Dabur and Lite Bite foods. The life of Amit Burman is the best case study any management student should have and the books give in detail how Amit, started off with Real Juice. The struggle he had to face in the initial stages. In a community that is obsessed with sugary juices, Amit's idea of sugarless preservativeless juice did not workout well. On getting a second chance, amit, with his team impecabbly established the brand to finally merge the same to Dabur Group thereby making himself jobless. From there how Amit Burman started off with Lite Bite foods and through trial and error, attained success is not less spicy that any fiction thriller. I genuinely expect to see a Bollywood movie on his life. So is the life of Harsh Mariwala of Marico Ltd. While Amit Burman and Harsh Mariwala follow more or less a similar line, that of Kuldip Singh Dhingra and Gurbhajan Singh Dhingra of Berger is way apart.
Kuldip and Gurbachan had to start from the scratch. Hence I would not find the term Inheritor appropriate in their case. Post the demise of their fathe Late Niranjan Singh, Kuldip and Gubhajan were the poor cousins in the family who were looked down upon. They were not given the due respect and support from the family. Same is the case of Motilal Oswal and Ramdeo Agarwal of Motilal Oswal Group. In fact I would wonder how the name inheritor suit them at all. As far as I could comprehend, they are the first generation since they were not as flourished as compared to the rest and how they made it to the harward Business School as a case study seems like a fairy tale. But no, it is sheer hard work.
Agastya Dalmia of Keventers , Rishabh and Saloni Shroff of Cylril amarchand Mangaldas and Pooja Jain of Luxor are the inheritors in the truest sense, who inherited their father's business and made it manifold. Tara Singh Vachani of Max Group, and Arjun Sharma of Select group are the two inheritors who in-spite of inheriting a successful business.
The book is truly inspiring and unputdownable. It is an asset to all aspiring businessmen and women.
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
February 11, 2018
The Assassinations- A Novel of 1984 by Vikram Kapur- Review
Book Name - The Assassinations- A novel of 1984 Author - Vikram Kapur Publisher - Speaking TigerBuy books from Amazon
My ReviewRating : 3.0
Vikram Kapur through his book The Assasinations, breaks the pseudo secularism in the country or should we say that whatever happened was because the country was secular. Being a South Indian, I was unaware of the vigour of the attacks against the Sikhs. It is heart-wrenching to read the atrocities and I somehow felt ashamed of being unaware of the real picture.
Through the love life of Prem and Deepa, author has drawn the picture of Sikh Assassinations post the assassination of Indira Gandhi. The story however reminded me of how the Muslims these days are termed as terrorists, with prejudice. The time when the Sikhs were synonymous of militants was depicted without exaggeration. The plot has been given a decent build up. Prem, a lad from a liberal Sikh family falls in love with Deepa , a bubbly smart girl from a conservative Hindu family. However, after the initial perturbation the families relent and bless their kids in a hope to the see their kids happy. Notwithstanding the intensity of love, the Operation blue and the consecutive demolition of the Golden temple chars the resolve of Prem. He starts becoming more religious and his attitude towards Deepa starts to change. Further the Assassination of Indira Gandhi and the revolts that followed places the final nail in the coffin and Prem turns into someone whom no one else ever expected him to be. The chaos that followed and the repercussions is the remaining part of the story.
The initial part of the book tried to keep the romance on the upfront but whether the author succeeded in the same is debatable. As the title says the book has given more priority to the assassinations and the chaos due to the anarchy post assassination of Indira Gandhi.
How a simple lad is transformed into a militant due to the judgemental and wretched mentality of the people is the crux of the story. The characters could have been crafted better. Author failed to make use of the possibilities of developing the characters especially that of Prem, which has a lot of variations to experiment with. How Prem was saved by Jaswant shows that there were still a lot who were broad minded and kind enough to distinguish between felony and reaction. There is nothing much to claim novelty in the climax but the fact that author tries to throw light into the lives of the survivors of the revolt is commendable.
Overall the book is an easy read yet thought provoking. The storyline is simple and underdeveloped but the author's intention of throwing light to the assassinations has been carried out with conviction.
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
February 1, 2018
Boy No. 32 by Venita Coelho- Review
Book Name - Boy No. 32 Author - Venita Coelho Publisher - ScholasticBuy books from Amazon
My ReviewRating : 3.0
The plot begins when Battees opens his eyes to see nothing but darkness. The readers are made aware of thenfact that he is under a rubble which happened to be his abode before it was blown by a bomb intended at the court beside. Miraculously the kids under the rubble are escaped. Battees is the only eye witness who can recognise the wrongdoers.In fact Batees nearly escaped from gun point. His statement helped to zero in thr investigation to Kashmiri Lal who apparently placed the bomb. Now Batees is an eye witness to an anti social, anti national terrorist and under police protection. Unfortunately the policeman who is in charge of Batees hands him over to Kashmiri Lal from whom he escapes to the hands of the Hijra Queen. Thenceforth the tale becomes a thrilling cliffhanger with several nail-biting sequences.
The book is a pointer to several social injustices. Be it child labour, child trafficking, begging mafia or discrimination towards the third gender, the portrays everything without any exaggeration. Author opens our eyes which we conveniently shut. Battees is a representative of scores of abandoned children who are even sold to live a life of misery. Eventhough the sequences were a cliché towards the end, it was a fact that whatever happened was wished by the readers. The boom cannot be counted as a children's book. It is in fact a thriller where a child is a protagonist. I am sure I will make my kids read this book
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
January 26, 2018
Different beads of the same string by Sujay Malik- Review
Book Name - Diffferent Beads of the same string Author - Sujay Malik Publisher - Notion PressBuy books from Amazon
My ReviewRating : 4.0
Different Beads of the same string is a collection of short stories depicting different streams of life. The stories basically portrays the discrimination in society towards the helpless class in terms of money, caste, physical ability and the likes. The narration keeps the readers engrossed in the lives of different characters. Be it Anahita's affection towards Sarang, Swini's relation with Mansoor, Molly's struggle against Racial and Gender discrimination, or Gandhali and Sohail's silent affair, author has touched a chord in the heart of the readers that keep on resonating for hours and days after reading.
Lack of prejudice is the highlight of the book, though the finesse of narration too scores high. Author did not put down any political or religious groups unlike what is seen of late in the books where authors use the medium to criticize and being biased. The stories shouts out to the society to open their eyes without screaming loud. Author proved that, to be a socially responsible writer, we need not belittle anyone or use offensive storylines but without undue diplomacy.
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
January 24, 2018
Keeping up with Kaneda by Gaurav Kumar- Review
Book Name - Keeping up with Kaneda Author - Gaurav Kumar Publisher - Srishti PublicationsBuy books from Amazon
My ReviewRating : 3.0
Author has laid bare the practice of acquiring clients through hook and crook and outsourcing the job to an Indian firm at lower rates. Why Indian outsourcing firms are sprouting like mushrooms is depicted with finesse. Several instances of crisis management acts as a pointer for many aspiring management students. Author tells us how the people outside toil during the weekdays and enjoy during the weekends.
While the books entertains and educates on one side, it misleads on the other side. All through the book I was left wondering if the sole purpose of a man is to ogle at women. I was literally dumbstruck to see that a girl's short dress might incite this level of dirty thoughts in men, which in turn was disheartening. The epilogue is the highlight of the book. How the idea of florist.com germinated to the present business is highly motivating and inspiring. This left me wondering why author did not chose this exemplary journey for his first book. It had everything. Idea, love, marriage, business, success, failure, again success, which left me wanting more and more.
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
January 19, 2018
Simran by Rajesh Talwar -Review
Book Name - Simran Author - Rajesh Talwar Publisher - Kalpaz PublicationBuy books from Amazon
My ReviewRating : 4.0
The plot begins with a guy who sets out to the airport in a hurry that he stumbles upon a couple who is searching for the route to Delhi University. In the desperation to reach his destinations he cons the couple by guiding them in the wrong direction. This triggers my prejudistic self into believing that the book is yet another puppy love story and this college going hero is in search for his heroine. The next chapter takes us to a flashback when he meets a girl named Diamond, who is apparently doing a research on the "Aesthetics of human form" which in turn is in a similar line the protagonist's work. Together they start a bizarre yet interesting journey to the author's past as well completing their work.
The book is multidimensional and multilayered at different levels. On one side we can see two intellectuals in deep research and a writing which is metaphoric prose with a poetic musing. The second layer is that of a passionate lover trying to find a closure about his paramour. The next layer is a strong message that despises the human tendency to grade people on the basis of their physical appearance. The relevance of the topic is conveyed with conviction when Diamond narrates her past. Next layer is an eye opener about the societal prejudice towards transgenders or transsexuals aka Hijras in India. There is an underlying message against domestic violence and dowry and general discrimination towards female children. Female education, religious fanaticism, pseudo societal morale, inappropriate juvenile laws- there are several topics the book deals with.
Half way through the book, readers can get only a glimpse of the title character in the protagonist's thoughts and dreams. While the readers are perplexed as to where Simran is, author starts the narration of their love story. While there are no intimate moments between the lovers in the book, author has tactfully depicted the depth of the relation between them. The suspense element is maintained throughout the book. While the readers expect a twist in the climax, somehow I felt that what turned out to the twist was not adequate to keep up with the hype in maintaining suspense. It is said that one should not judge a book with the cover but unfortunately it is the general practice to do so. If displayed in a library, I might not pick up the book due to the unappealing cover but what turned out in reality is that the book is a pearl inside a shell.
Overall the book is a literary treat with a solid storyline.
This review is in return of a free book from the author
January 14, 2018
Transit lounge by Sunil Mishra- Review
Book Name - Transit Lounge Author - Sunil Mishra Publisher - Leadstart Piblishing Pvt LtdBuy books from Amazon
My ReviewRating : 4.5
Who doesn't like to travel and explore more places. I have always been a travel freak and when I got hold of this book, I was delirious. The blurb is like that Menu displayed in front of your favourite restaurant that you cannot hold yourself from devouring it. A personal account of travels to Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt, Mauritius, Venezuela, Argentina, China, Iran, Kuwait, UAE, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, UK, France, Italy, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Belgium, Georgia, Turkey, Croatia, Romania, USA, Australia, New Zealand. Readers get to have a first hand experience of the national, Geo political and even anthropological examinations.
When the book took off with the travel experience at Ghana my thought was that the author might have kept the best for the last because there is not much to be written about an African country other than the overdone poverty and unhygienic living standards and theft. But my prejudice got a good setback when I read more about the experience in Ghana. Contrary to the general notion, author tells the readers that Ghana is a safe country with picturesque nature, well maintained roads and the most unexpected night life. While Ghana is an unexpected surprise Nigeria managed to maintain the prejudice as it is. Even after being an African country Egypt is always confused as a middle east country because of the religious indulgence. Despite this the country was quite developed about a decade back due to the so called dictatorial leadership. Mauritius is yet another surprise. Author has frequented this so called honeymoon destination for his business trips.
The anti Americanism of Iran is interesting read. Kuwait and UAE is quintessential examples of how oil has become the treasure for the natives who doesn't even consider moving a finger to get something done. The visit of turkey is accompanied with reminders of the past when the country was transformed from orthodox Christianity to Muslim belief. The experience in USA is one of the longest chapters. Now comes UK, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, France and Italy which forms the Western Europe which in turn happened to be on the prosperous side. The chapter on Italy could have bee elaborated more because the chapter left me wanting more on the architectural finesse as well as the Gondola and Fountains in Italy. Eastern Europe seems to be another continent and it is difficult to believe the proximity and yet diversity in living standards in these two areas. When it comes to the Asian countries, it becomes more relatable and author has made a detailed analysis of the reasons why the GDP rates of the Asian countries varied so much. The icing on the cake would be Argentina and Venezuela which is a comparatively unexplored area for the Indians.
The book compares the living standard and lifestyle of Indians with that of the people of the countries he visited without prejudice and at some instances he has suggested a few alternatives to overcome the crisis in India as well. Hence the book is not merely a travelogue but an analytical account of the author's trips to the various countries. It is an abstract of the travels by the author in the past 15 years and to summarise the same in a 216 page book without losing the crux is not at all a cakewalk. Inspite of extending the whole experience to a huge encyclopedic book, author has made the purpose of the current capsule lovers.
January 9, 2018
The Awakened Millionaire by Joe Vitale- Review
Book Name - Awakened Millionaire Author - Joe Vitale Publisher - WileyBuy books from Amazon
My ReviewRating : 4.0
J.C. Penny's biography is a wholesome representative of the whole book. Even though his aim was not profit, even though he wanted to serve, even though he was outvoted, he finally succeeded in making profit and simultaneously serving people through his golden rule stores. The chapter Sole Purpose of money spreads a new message that the sole purpose of money is to express appreciation, which might sound oxymoronic but author has apparently conveyed the message with conviction.
While the first part of the book is about We, the second part is dedicated to You. Thenceforth the book is a pointer of how you can develop and how it is possible to handle money. The second part seems to end abruptly but the readers are provided with a bonus section of 10 principles of Abundance. This part indeed is a jackpot since I find this part the highlight of the book though though it is termed as the bonus section. We also get to read the conversations with the awakened millionaires and much more in this part.
Overall the book is endearing. Dealing a topic about money and making it entertaining is not an easy job but the author has accomplished the same with utmost brilliance.
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
January 7, 2018
Life in the IAS-My encounters with the three lals of Haryana by Ram Varma- Review
Book Name - Life in the IAS- My encounters with the three Lals of Haryana Author - Ram Varma Publisher - Rupa PublicationsBuy books from Amazon
My ReviewRating : 5.0
The book starts with the enrolment to IAS, training of the author and the circumstances that led to the formation of Haryana. The story of Haryana is never reserved to the state level politics alone. Haryana is such a state whose politicians have a major role in the central government. From the first posting to the last, author has systematically pointed out each instance. His first experience is with Devilal which is not a smooth one. Author has depicted each incident without prejudice and has tried to point out the other person’s perspective. As a parallel plot, the happenings of the central government from the reign of Nehru to the demise of Rajiv Gandhi has also been portrayed with the deserving priority. Since the scenario is directly or indirectly connected to Haryana, readers would not feel the shift from one scenario to the other. Before explaining any incident involving himself author has given a backstory beforehand, which again increases the interest of the readers.
Author has sketched the characters of the three Lals without implicitly glorifying or criticizing anyone. Nevertheless the message is not lost on the readers. The book will surely be a sensation since some of the allegations like the appointment scam are exposed. The style of narration is the highlight of the book. Author has successfully added the requisite suspense. It was difficult to put down the book, which is a rarity with non-fiction. The forward by S.K.Misra is a review in itself. It has given an overall view of the book in abstract.Another important aspect of the book is the style with which author has incorporated his personal life along with the professional and political tale. His marriage with Savitri, and their little beautiful world of love and compassion, Bharat Darshan, Daughters, their studies- Author has subtly spread the message of how much his family means to him.
Overall it is difficult to define the book in a single sentence. But still I would like to call the book a non-fiction cliff-hanger.
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
December 30, 2017
From the Lips of the Goddess: Mata Vaishno Devi by Rajesh Talwar- Review
Book Name - From the lips of the Goddess: Mata Vaishno Devi Author - RajeshTalwar Publisher - Kalpaz PublicationsBuy books from Amazon
My ReviewRating : 4.0
The gathering is of a merchant,an aged man, a childless couple, a prostitute, a scientist, an artist, and a seeker. The book starts on a note when Goddess talk to the group about the symbolic representation of Lion, Langurs and Bow & Arrow in the pictures and tales about the Goddess. The tales of Mahishasura and that of Goddess's encounter with Rama are explained in a different light. So is the story of Bhairon Nath and the reason why Goddess asked her worshipers to visit the Bhairon Nath temple before leaving. How mythology and religious beliefs are contorted to suit the materialistic and egoistic needs of man is explained with finesse in the book. While the learned pandits define the tale as Bhairon Nath being worshiped due to his learned status, Goddess reveals the real reason why she had make such a custom.
While addressing the gathering individually, Goddess time and again reinforces why it is important to approach her without any personal and selfish needs. Author has unequivocally mocked the greedy and inconsiderate double standards of the people who visits her shirne but laying bare the flagrant demanding of getting what they want in return of the prayers and praises one showers on her. While Goddess blesses her children, she reinforces again and again the she would shower her blessing only on those who deserves. It is a pointer to every mother who thinks that giving your children whatever they want is the quintessential ultimate motherhood. Goddess tells that a real mother give her children what they need, and not what they want.
The book is an eye opener to reach a philosophical bliss through a religious path. The representation of spending nine months in the cave before assassinating Bhairon Nath is brilliant. The eight devotees mentioned in the book represents practically every people in an enshrouded manner. While every chapter, sentence and word is brimful of knowledge, lack of proofreading is a major turn off. A round of proofreading would have made the book a nearly perfect one.
One can question the authenticity of the 'call from Goddess' since such a call does not go to someone who had not heard of the Goddess but as a believer I, myself, have felt a incomprehensible temptation to visit the shrine but being a resident of Kerala, it seems quite difficult for me to fulfill the desire. Nevertheless the book served as a invitation from the Goddess for me. For the non-believers, the book has given an open call for the intellectual enlightening.
I recommend the book to all the readers who are believers, and non believers for the book is not merely a talk by the Goddess but if has a deep philosophical insight.
This review is in return of a free book from the author
