Rakhi Jayashankar's Blog, page 88

Review of Raakshas by Piyush Jha

Book Name         -  RaakshasAuthor                  - Piyush JhaPublisher              - WestlandNumber of Pages - 242Publishing Year   - 2015Edition                  - Paperback
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Rating : 3.5/b>


Blurb
What made him a serial killer?
Was he born with homicidal tendencies?
Did a harrowing childhood render him criminally insane?

The questions haunt, Additional Commissioner of Police, Maithili Prasad as she discovers the horrific murders across Mumbai. As she spearheads the greatest manhunt in Mumbai’s history, she’s determined to contain the reign of terror unleashed by the ruthless serial killer. But before that she must grapple with her personal demons that surface to plague her with self-doubt.
Just as it seems that Maithili has begun to understand the deep-rooted resentment that drives the serial killer, he turns around and makes her the object of his revenge. Will she emerge unscathed from this ordeal? 
This thrilling narrative of a serial killer’s life and the unusual and challenging investigation to catch him, uncovers a chilling trail of unspeakable torment and cruelty—the tale of… Raakshas.
My Review
A cold blooded, savage murderer with a woeful past and a righteous police officer who treads upon the heels of the culprit- The plot is quite familiar through books as well as movies. Yet author succeeded in maintaining the novelty of the topic through a different narrative style. Initially the narration seems like a switch between third person and first person but later while drawn into the grotesque plot, the reader discerns that the story is in fact the first person narration of the police officer in charge of the investigation.
The story starts with the childhood of the serial killer. Yet, the suspense element has been maintained till the end. The climax was more or less predictable but there is a swiftness in narration that let you go on with the story till the end. 
Author seemed to lose the grip of the story time and again but manages to smoothly land into place. Needless to say that the author is a born writer. His book is a born movie material. Each instance of the story was evidently and apparently written with a movie scene in mind. I could visualize Siddharth Malhothra or Arjun Kapoor running around as the serial killer and Priyanka Chopra or Ranu Mukherjee as the Police officer. Overall the book is an easy read with good language but the plot lacked novelty.
As a footnote I would like to mention the list of least known serial killers in the end. The list and the method of their murder was priceless information especially in today's scenario. It is a message for the human race to look out for the wolves in lamb's disguise. It earned a half star.
Reviewed for WritersMelon 


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book as a complimentary copy in exchange for a honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.


About the author





Piyush Jha is an acclaimed film director, ad filmmaker and the author of the bestselling novel, Mumbaistan and Compass Box Killer.
A student political leader at university, he pursued a career in advertising management after acquiring an MBA degree. Later, he switched tracks, first to make commercials for some of the country’s largest brands, and then to write and direct feature films. His films include Chalo America, King of Bollywood and Sikandar.
He lives in his beloved Mumbai, where he can often be found walking the streets that inspire his stories.

Review of Life Mantras by 'Saharasri' Subrata Roy Sahara

Book Name         - Life Mantras
Author                  -  'Saharasri' Subrata Roy Sahara
Publisher              - Rupa Publications
Number of Pages - 298
Publishing Year   - 2016
Edition                  - Paperback
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Rating : 4.0


Blurb
"After having gone through the book, you will definitely and convincingly realise that to achieve peace, true happiness, contentment, satisfaction and also to attain continuous progress in life in terms of material gains, respect and love, you need not depend on anybody in this world. It all depends on you. It is all in your hands."—‘Saharasri’ Subrata Roy Sahara
"Nobody does anything for anyone. All do for themselves either for more and more material gains or to save and escape from any kind of material losses or from mental-emotional dissatisfaction or for getting more and more mental-emotional satisfaction. Therefore, no one sacrifices for anyone. When no one does anything for anyone, there is no justification in expecting any returns."
The author goes on to explain that to make life truly beautiful, one also needs to understand the basic truths with which we are born or the basic instincts inherent in us all. So for a positive outcome one has to learn the psychological or the emotional aspects of life, in other words, the realities of life or the entire philosophy of life. As you get immersed in the potent energy of these 'Life Mantras', you will slowly find a change, a sense of fulfillment, a self-motivation coming in you. You will thus be led to the ultimate realization that the journey of life is indeed a truly blissful and an enlightening experience.

My Review
Experience is the best teacher. A person with life experience can provide more education that any highly qualified professional. Because these professional will be able to teach us, make us literate but will not educate us if they don't have life experience.  Author of Life Mantras is one such educator. His life story has been a roller coaster ride with most variations. This made him qualified to teach us the mantra's for attaining a peaceful, happy and content life. It all lies in you.
Unlike many other books about spirituality and philosophy, Life Mantras is applied philosophy. Author explained each point with such examples that any laymen can relate to. He has made sure to make it so simple that every single person will be forced to read on and on.
Simplicity in description is the greatest virtue of the book. Author forces s to let go off our ego and let us shed the persona of pseudo sacrifices and obligations. The book makes us view life through a different kaleidoscope. Author shatters the general conception attainment of spiritual enlightenment is possible only for those who are content with his life.
Some of the examples were unilateral, assuming that someone will act in a particular way in a particular situation. Another side of the story could have also been shown.
Nevertheless I can assure you that  by the end of the book, you will be receptive, content and enlightened in a way that you never expected.
Reviewed for the publisherDisclosure of Material Connection: I received this book as a complimentary copy in exchange for a honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
About the author


Subrata Roy Sahara (born 1948) popularly known as 'Saharasri', is one of the most successful, bold, vociferous and talked-about figures of corporate India. When he laid the foundation of Sahara India Pariwar in 1978 with a capital of `2,000 (about $32) and three workers, who would have imagined his company's meteoric rise to a worth of `1,80,000 crore (about $27 billion) within a span of thirty-seven years! A teacher, guide and a proud guardian to his over 1.2 million fellow workers, he ascribes his success to his philosophy of 'Collective Materialism' which means continuous collective growth for collective sharing and caring. Renowned institutions like Harvard School of Business, USA; the Indian Institutes of Technology; the Indian Institutes of Management; and Banaras Hindu University have invited him to address their faculty and students, besides which, a host of awards have been bestowed on him that include the 'Indian Business Icon of the Year' at the Powerbrands Hall of Fame Awards in London; the Doctor of Business (honoris causa) by the University of East London; and the highest honorary degree, 'D. Litt.' by the Lalit Narayan Mithila University, Bihar for his contributions in various fields.

Review of Beyond the boundaries Rajat Kanti Das

Book Name           - Beyond the boundaries
Author                  - Rajat Kanti Das
Publisher              - Leadstart Publishing
Number of Pages - 396
Publishing Year   - 2015
Edition                  - Paperback
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Rating : 3.0


Blurb

Ajoy was searching for an ideology to find the meaning of life, but Sabitri kept the ideals aside to keep her family survive through economic constraints, while a section of Bengalis of the northeast India had lost connections with their ancestral land due to country's partition in 1947. The former generation had their old doctrines of faith, based on caste anbd creed, and unlike them, Ajoy, the next generation youth, developed his faith in Marxism to live for a cause, while Sabitri's living without choice compelled her to leave aside the age-old social values and customs. Both of them had to confront the fast changing social scenario surcharged with communal antagonism due to political upsurge of religious fundamentalism. With the conflicts and contradictions, they had to straddle through a relentless journey of life beyond the boundaries to find new horizons of romance and aspirations.

My review
The historical fiction unveils the most turbulent age of India since independence. The political, geopolitical, communal and emotional scenario of a nation that invited every religion, caste, creed, language, showing the unreal dream of unity in diversity. The male protagonist Ajoy, a hardcore believer of Marxism is confused with the mental tug of war. The female protagonist Sabtri, succumbs to pressures of supporting a family, and subjects herself to exploitation. The author had put forward the folly of centuries old barbarian practices.
The discussion between Ajoy and his various acquaintances regarding proletariat, bourgeoisie masses, discussion on the geo polotical scenario in various countries and the analysis provides a new light to the thought process of the new generation. Some of the philosophies discussed were distorted. Author put forward the important message that above all beliefs including religion, humanity should reign
There were a lot of sequences that were dragged too much, which forces the reader to skip a few pages. The twist in the story for a happy ending was unwanted.Overall the book will attract readers who have hunger for a serious read, especially with a historical framework. The cover image is misleading. 
Reviewed for the publisher
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book as a complimentary copy in exchange for a honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

About the authorBorn in mid-fifties of the last century, Rajat Kanti Das is a committed reader of literature and has inclination towards creative writing. Following his graduation from North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, he has worked in diverse fields, such as teaching in the remote village schools of Meghalaya or serving in one of the leading pharmaceutical companies; he did various jobs. These migrations, from one field to another, were the result of his unbound inquisitiveness to see and feel the lives in the diverse areas of the northeastern region. He has written articles based on the diverse subjects including economics, science, religion, cinematography, art, literature, and other topics. ‘Beyond the Boundaries’, is his debut novel based on observation of the society, in which he lives.

Walk to beautiful by Jimmy Wayne(with Ken Abraham)

Book Name           - Walk to beautiful
Author                  - Jimmy Wayne
Publisher              - Thomas Nelson
Number of Pages - 
Publishing Year   - 2014
Edition                  - e-book

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Rating : 5.0

Blurb
Imagine being thirteen, in a strange city, hundreds of miles away from home, and your mom abandons you at a bus station, driving off into the night with her lover.

It's a miracle Jimmy Wayne survived his growing-up years. Hungry, homeless, and bouncing in and out of the foster care system, Jimmy spent more nights wandering awnd sleeping in the streets than he cares to remember. His father left before he was born. And his mama, when she wasn't in a mental hospital or behind bars for various small offenses, was simply too overwhelmed, trying to survive herself.

Walk to Beautiful is the powerfully emotive account of Jimmy's childhood and the unconditional love and acceptance Russell and Bea Costner gave to Jimmy. This elderly couple provided a stable home and the chance for him to complete his education. Jimmy says of Bea, "She changed every cell in my body." After his high school graduation, Jimmy went on to earn a degree in Criminal Justice because, as he says, "I knew a lot about it." But in his heart Jimmy wanted to write songs and sing.

A music company opened its doors to Jimmy, and he moved to Nashville to pursue his dreams. He had several memorable hits, such as I Love You This Much, Paper Angels, and Do You Believe Me Now?, which remained at #1 for three consecutive weeks on the Billboard Chart.

But success was not satisfying. Jimmy remembered where he came from, and he wanted to give back. With his Meet Me Halfway campaign—a 1,700 mile walk from Nashville to Phoenix—Jimmy walked halfway across America, raising awareness for foster children. Along the way he not only found a lot of crazy things, such as coins, keys, a plastic Jesus, and a Lucille Ball ashtray; but he also found himself. And more important, he found a way to forgive the people who had hurt him. Jimmy learned how to walk to beautiful—and so can you. 

My review

I generally don't post the review of books by legends. I feel that I am not qualified to judge them. Here I am in a dilemma. Should I review this book or not? Since I got the review copy, I ought to. Hence I am posting this review.

Autobiography of Jimmy Wayne. With this single sentence, the review could be done. Great language, touching events and what not. The book made me realize that truth is stranger than fiction. If it were a fictional story I would have written off as a story with too much of drama because I would not have believed that these much can happen in a single lifetime. 

I salute the singer's will power and fighting instinct. If you think that your life is not worthy, grab this book. More than an autobiography, this is a self help book, inspirational and touching. I had tears running down my face. Very few books do this to me.

I am not dragging the review. The book is one of the best reads. A five star from me. Thank you book lovers for this book. My review came late since I have been thinking that I am not qualified to review this book. Since I got a review copy I am posting the review. Else I would have just given a five star without much explanations because the book doesn't need one.


Reviewed for book lovers Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book as a complimentary copy in exchange for a honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Review- Gumrah by Ira Trivedi

Book Name           - Gumrah
Author                  - Ira Trivedi
Publisher              - Rupa Publications
Number of Pages -  199
Publishing Year   - 2016
Edition                  - Paperback

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Rating : 4.5

Blurb
‘… if we are not careful about who we trust, we could be used or even harmed.’—Chetan Bhagat, from the Foreword
Drawn from real-life events, and based on a popular tele-series Gumrah by Star India Pvt. Ltd this book holds tales revolving around adolescent crime, deceit, treachery and bad judgement. In ‘Soulmate’, a case of sibling rivalry leads to disastrous consequences, while in ‘Heartbreak’, the dark side of the nicest of people is exposed. ‘Naaz’ reveals how cultural differences can sometimes lead to danger and ‘Double MMS’ shows a college girl’s stabs at popularity going horribly awry.
Written by bestselling author Ira Trivedi, Gumrah: 11 Short Teen Crime Stories is a must-read, with every story revealing the consequences of wrong choices. Like the show, the message of the book, aimed especially at the younger generation, is: ‘Be aware, be prepared, be safe!’

My review

11 crime stories of how the teenagers are swayed from the reality and succumbs to various pressure. They end up doing things which they would never do otherwise. Being a mother, I would recommend that every household should own this book and make sure that their children read this. Not that every teenagers will  be good children but I am sure at least half of them will get influenced.

I have watched many episodes of Gumrah and hence I can authentically say that authoress has successful extracted the correct flavour of the stories. Needless to say about authoress's mastery over the language. While reading the stories, I felt like I am watching a repeat telecast of the book.

A post script could have been added as an analysis of why each incident happened and how it could have been prevented. Just like how it was done in the series.

Reviewed for the publisher
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book as a complimentary copy in exchange for a honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.


About the author

Ira Trivedi is the bestselling author of four books, most recently of India in Love, a seminal work of non-fiction on India�s social revolution and sexual violence. Her first novel, What Would You Do to Save the World was published when she was eighteen to critical and commercial success. Ira is a contributor to Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy and several others where her work on gender and culture has won several awards. She has been called one of India�s most important youth voices and she speaks regularly to media and forums in India and internationally. She recently won the UK media award for her story on bride trafficking and was honoured at the House of Lords in England.

Review of Russian Tattos Obsession by Kat Shehata

Book Name         -  Russian Tattoos Obsession
Author                  - Kat Shehata
Publisher              - Limitless Publishing
Number of Pages - 300
Publishing Year   - 2016
Edition                  - Kindle

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Rating : 3.0

Blurb
Falling in love isn’t a crime—but falling in love with a Russian mafia boss could be deadly.

Competitive tennis player Carter Cook wants a taste of freedom. Her overprotective father monitors every aspect of her life, so when he becomes employed by Vladimir Ivanov—a sexy Russian with an array of tattoos and an accent that weakens her knees—a bit of danger is within Carter’s grasp. Behind her father's back, she enjoys spending time with Vladimir at his lavish estate. But is he really the upstanding businessman she believes him to be?

Vladimir Ivanov reigns as godfather of a Russian mafia crime ring.

Vladimir spent five years of his life in a Siberian prison camp and has earned every tattoo inked into his skin. He is a powerful man who gets what he wants, and after stalking the gorgeous tennis player for years—he wants Carter. A little charm melts her heart, and behind the scenes, he orders his henchman to track her every move.

He’s a tattooed stick of dynamite ready to blow at the slightest spark.

As their romance reaches deadly levels, Carter senses something’s not right. When she’s lured into a compromising position at the hands of a shady European drug dealer, she calls in Boris, Vladimir’s right hand man, to rescue her—without telling Vladimir. With his authority questioned, he sets out to teach Carter a lesson about loyalty she’ll never forget.

When Carter realizes she's in too deep, she must fight for her freedom before the attraction turns fatal.

But the Russian bratva plays for keeps, and Vladimir’s fierce lust to possess her spirals their romance out of control. 

My Review

There has been quite an obsession towards romantic stories between powerful, famous, abusive male protagonist and unknown, gorgeous, submissive, helpless female protagonist these days. We have seen several similar stories in our mills and boons collection but then we were spared the abusive part. But from the time of Grey or so, it has been portrayed that the woman is again and again attracted towards the man who doesn't respect her,who mistreats and humiliates her in the name of care, protection! Why? I don't understand. So the story itself disappointed me.

The writing style is quite impressive. The narration is first person narration of the female protagonist. Her character build up is done with finesse and the way she explained the happenings is interesting. The rest of the characters, including the male protagonist failed to excite me.

I expect that author will come up with a sequel where in Carter strikes back.

Reviewed for Xpresso Book Tours

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book as a complimentary copy in exchange for a honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

About the author


Kat Shehata's first career involved caring for exotic, dangerous, and adorable animals as a zookeeper. As an author, Kat weaves her love of animals into her work. She is the co-author of the New York Times bestselling children's book Animals on the Other Side written with Sylvia Browne.

She is an avid tennis player and spends her free time playing matches in a recreational league in Cincinnati, Ohio. She holds a bachelor's degree in theatre from Wilmington College, a professional writing certificate from the University of Cincinnati, and a master's degree in creative writing from Spalding University.

Review- Spirit Raiders by Savio Dawson

Book Name          - Spirit RaidersAuthor                  - Savio DawsonPublisher              - CreateSpaceNumber of Pages - 366Publishing Year   - 2015Edition                  - Paperback




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Rating : 4.0

Blurb“A chance discovery leads to unearthing a plot against humankind; a plot to steal the very fabric of human creation.” 

Mark is in the middle of a spate of abductions by two different sets of extra-terrestrials. Around the same time, the U.S military unwittingly discovers few alien vessels in Earth’s atmosphere while testing a new technology called GAM. The knowledge of the alien vessels around the periphery of Earth drives a team comprising of Mark, an agency called XTRA-T and the security agencies to unearth the intentions of those aliens. 

In the pursuit of truth, some bone-chilling revelation of Earth’s history comes to the fore. Unexplained events like Tunguska Explosion and many others are answered but nothing compares to the one that is in store for Earth. Mark and team have to find a way out and in many ways invoke the assistance of unexplained powers to redeem them at the time of need.

My Review
The story of extra-terrestrials have always excited us. The curiosity to know how they look, act, live etc have been always debated. Neither did the demand for similar stories die out. What we have been reading were about inhuman creatures with a different language and dissimilar actions. 
Spirit raiders is a fresh diversion to the heard about stories. ET as living beings similar to humans with highly advanced technology which can bypass our Radar and other devices is a fresh treatment. The book is definitely a treat to Sci Fi lovers with abundant scientific fictional and non-fictional ideas. More that science fiction, it could also be counted as historical fiction citing the similarities of construction of Eiffel Tower and statue of liberty.
The relation between Anita and Mark is a breezy distraction from the hardcore scientific atmosphere. Notwithstanding the fact that the book is a treasure of information and fantasy, at some points the surge of information was too much that the reader would be forced to skip pages. 
The book cover is really good in quality as well as the cover design. There were no copyright details in the book, which could be detrimental to the author since it is easier to plagiarize the work without any copyright details.
The genre has a highly targeted readers. Those who are craving for core science fiction stories will not be disappointed.



Reviewed for the author
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book as a complimentary copy in exchange for a honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
About the author
Savio is a resident of Mumbai, India, who grew up on everything sci-fi. Science Fiction has its own charm of unravelling mysteries, boldly going where no man has gone before [yeah I know it is from Star-trek :)] and to seek and find explanations for the unexplained. This is more or less what excites a true sci-fi enthusiast. Savio is one of the enthusiasts too and he is presenting his own version here. Mystery surrounds us in many ways and it is mammoth in proportion to what we know. No one knows what lies beneath the ocean; no one knows what lies beyond our solar system; no one knows how vast the universe is; no one knows if any other extra-terrestrial form exists, but still the pursuit of knowing the unknown will continue unabated and will continue to excite us. This excitement is what Savio attempts to bring out in his books. Savio is blessed with a supportive family and has a day job in India. Writing is his passion and he also writes for many blogging sites. When not writing and not working, which, of course, happens a lot of time, Savio likes to while-away and watch sci-fi movies.

Indian households: The war field

Attention all the soldiers! (or is there a female term for soldier?? assuming that the word is unisex, I continue...)
Your schedule for the month is published. [Well nothing new is there. It has been the the same for years.. or centuries??? Well, doesn't matter]

Morning Session. (Shift for Cook- Role played by wife)

05.30 AM- 6.00 AM Breakfast Cooking [Cooking lunch if wife is working. Starting time subject to change according to the requirement of husbands and children.]
6.00 AM  Wake up call for kids (Shift for Nanny - role played by mother/wife)
6.15 AM  Bathing kids, potty training (Shift for Nanny- role played by mother)
6.30 AM  Cooking Tea and preparing milk with supplements (Shift for Cook- Role played by wife/mother)
6.35 AM  Getting kids ready ( Shift for Nanny - role played by mother)
7.00 AM Serving breakfast for kids and husband (Shift for maid/cook/nanny- role played by mother/wife)
7.05 AM Cribbing on quality of food and number of side dishes (Role played by kids and husbands)
7.05 AM Listening to cribbing while packing tiffin (Shift for none since no servants would listen to B*LL $H@T- Role played by mother/ wife)
7.15 AM  Husband and kids leave for office and school/college.

Well, If wife/mother is working, getting ready for office could be added. and yes if you stay with In-laws,  * Conditions Applied.

My dear readers,

Are you bored reading this! This is the daily routine of 90% women. You just read the two hours in the Morning session. 
Noon session, Evening session  and night session still remains. After all this, cleaning up the mess!! Phew!
They live this same life for years and years but fortunately or unfortunately they never get bored.  All they ask for is appreciation. 
                                                                                                    Photo courtsey www.west-info.eu

Don't think that an unemployed house wife is doing lesser job than a working house wife. Working house wives get the consideration of a employed woman at least. They go out of house and face a change in atmosphere at least. But for an unemployed house wife, even that is a luxury. And the taunt beginning with " You are just sitting inside the house, I travel whole day, You just have to work inside a 1000 sqft house, you don't have to take responsibilities."

Dear husbands and children, 

Before complaining about the quality of food, unironed clothes, unkempt floor etc, please put yourself in their shoes and see for yourself. Just think if you would be able to handle so much things alone.

Dear wives, 

Please let your family know the value of what you do. When husband insist on having channa curry and kids on paneer curry, instead of making both, make them understand that it is difficult without a help, instead of spoiling them by fulfilling all their silly obstinacy.
                     Photo Courtsey : http://www.returnofkings.com

Why is it considered unmanly to help one's wife? 
I am so proud to say that my mother was blessed with a husband who used to lend his hand in household chores. He used to do the dishes, tie up my hair, sweep the floor. Except cooking, he could do anything. When I used to tell this to my friends, they used to think that I was lying. Because such a thing was unbelievable and unheard of. It was not that he was jobless. He was a Gazetted officer himself. He was brought up in a scenario where he never witnessed his own father help his wife. Still he volunteered to help his wife because he loved her and respected her for what she did.  So, it has nothing to do with what you witness at home.This is all about your heart which accommodates respect.
 And don't forget, this started thirty years back. So which century are you living in? Still brooding the house hold work for wife attitude??

I have heard men who decided to stay back home to let his wife work, being termed a 'Sisupalans'. Why? If you don't intend to help your wife, that's your problem. Why do you try to belittle those who are willing to?

My aunt used to say that a housewives job is a thankless and pay-less job. No appreciation, No pay, No union. In an office there would be performance appraisal, but when there is no pay at all, what's the point in appraisal!! 

For an instance just imagine replacing your wife with a maid and see for yourself what she deserve. 
Cook: 9000 per month
Nanny : 15000 per month
House hold maid: 5000 per month for Sweeping and wiping. 
+ 50 for everything extra like washing clothes, doing dishes, washing bathrooms.
Cumulatively nearly thirty thousand per month.
What I cited is the least pay package. The real one is something else. 

 If you are one among the husbands who used to say, 
"Oh! my wive's attire sucks. Her night wear looks dirty and sweaty."

"Dude, if your want her look like a diva, lend a hand. Because the divas you oggle at never have to do what she does"

This is not only a husband's job. Children should do their share of work. They might be studying but that doesn't mean that they should not wash a plate that they eat from. If they can wash their clothes and plates in a hostel, why don't they do it at home? Because, if they don't do it, their mother will.

 Haven't you all heard of the year old dialogue " You are a girl. You have to manage a home when you grow up and get married. So study household chores." This dialogue is the first seed to this discrimination which sprouts in the mind of both boys and girls. The moment you stop speaking this at home. The change starts. 


PS: Fortunately, I am blessed with help at home,a h usband whose lends a hand and a father who taught his children that it's not just the woman's job. Hence I did not have to face the predicament. So none of the sentences above points fingers to my better half.

“I am joining the Ariel #ShareTheLoad campaign at BlogAdda and blogging about the prejudice related to household chores being passed on to the next generation.”

Review- Misjudged Nuances by Garima Bohra

Book Name         - Misjudged nuances
Author                 - Garima Bohra
Publisher             - Blackbuck Publishers
Number of Pages - 243 pages
Publishing Year   - 2016
Edition                  - Paperback

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Rating : 4.0

Blurb
SOUMYA AWASTHI, a medical graduate finds herself in an extremely infuriating position when she is assigned to work with RIDHAAN AHUJA, an arrogant classmate and bitter enemy, who is determined to settle an old score with her. The internship begins on a rough-uptight note where each tries to outshine the other through work, arguments and fights. Until one grave incident which changes the circumstances and makes them forget their grudges. Gradually she starts trusting her foe-turned-friend and soon both develop tender feelings for one another. But the perfect phase of her life shatters when a well preserved secret is exposed causing a serious problem wherein the price of Soumya’s recklessness is paid by her best friends Tarang and Anjali. Will Soumya be able to save herself and her friends? Is Anjali right when she blames Ridhaan for the situation and accuses him of framing them? Can vengeance overpower every emotion? Can your feelings and faith break your own heart and hurt your soul?

My Review

Misjudged nuances is a contemporary fiction, women's fiction, love story, story of friendship and also a book with social commitment. The narrative style is quite convincing and neat. Each character is developed through the story. 

The whole story is a breezy trip through the lives of the characters especially Soumya. There is a lot of sincerity in the book. Let it be the friendship between Soumya, Anjali and Tarang or the relation between Soumya and Ridhaan author explained and easily connected with the readers effortlessly. I have been reading back to back romance stories these days and I must say that this is the first book without filmy scenes and overdose of 'I love you's. 

I appreciate author's effort to bring into light the medical requirements of the neglected sections of the society.


Notwithstanding the positives, the climax failed to impress me. It was a cliche and predictable. With a little more effort on that end, the book could have been a perfect romantic story.



Reviewed for the author
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book as a complimentary copy in exchange for a honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Review - Right fit wrong shoes by Varsha Dixit

Book Name -  Right Fit Wrong ShoesAuthor                  - Varsha Dixit
Publisher              - Rupa Publications
Number of Pages - 250
Publishing Year   - 2009
Edition                  - Paperback
Rating : 3.5
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Blurb


What does a woman want? Shoes? Nope, Sex? Maybe, Money? Yes but nowadays her own . . . Hmmphh so then what does a today's woman really, really deep, deep down want? Still your hearts and hold your breath. LOVE! And Right Fit Wrong Shoe shall give it to her.

My review
I have always been a fan of love- hate relations. The irresistible love and ever repulsive hatred used to pump up my veins with a rush of adrenaline. Nandini and Aditya's love is so touching and rendered palpably. I have become a fan of author's narration. The quirky humor and snappy hurdle of words leave us panting with zest.
Author herself hints through one of the characters about the overworked mills and boons tales of Celebrity meets and undiscovered stunner, which works out as a justification for the cliche story line. The initial friction and discord as well as verbal attacks and counter-strokes are very lively and pulsating.
Another commendable fact is the friendship between Nandini and Sneha. From saving friend's name a crazy cow to the insensitive exchange of curses, shows a deep friendship without emotional overture.
A major setback of the story is the predictability. The twists in the story could be predicted right after the introduction of the male protagonist. Some areas of the book gave me the feeling of a different narration of the 'pyar mohabbat serials'. With such a great writing style, if the a little more effort was taken to bring about multifarious twists especially towards the climax, the book would have done wonders. Climax disappointed me. I had decided on a 4 stars till then but the last three chapters just oozed out the fun.

Reviewed for Book Club
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book as a complimentary copy in exchange for a honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.




About the author  






Varsha Dixit is an Indian writer and the author of this book. She currently lives in the US with her family. She originally intended on writing books on serial killers, but decided against it as she finds it difficult to maim or kill anyone. She did her schooling at St. Mary’s Convent in Kanpur and received a B.A. (Honours) in Political Science from Indraprastha College, New Delhi.