Kritika Sharma's Blog, page 16

Book Review: Super Women by Prachi Garg

#BookReviews
Title: Super Women
Author: Prachi Garg
Publisher: Srishti Publishers
Pages: 168
Price: Rs. 105
My Rating: 5/5

Blurb:In a nation that reveres women as goddesses of wealth, knowledge, power and infinite energy, there are a few who have gone on to prove why. Not only have they carved a niche for their talent, but have also inspired and empowered many others in the process. 
This book brings forth the stories of twenty women entrepreneurs who have struck a perfect personal-professional harmony, and a chord with their immediate consumers. Their innovative ventures encompass a varied range of services – from supporting victims of acid attacks, to providing free skin care solutions; from online retail of lingerie, handmade bags and fashion accessories, to eco-friendly products of everyday utility; from pet care products, to quirky merchandise; from empowering folk artists, to providing clinical assistance to those going through tough times; from image consulting to house hunting; from arty solutions, to innovative marketing and corporate communication; from creating happy readers to making religious ceremonies simpler – these entrepreneurs have opened avenues formerly unexplored. Superwomen is an interesting journey of how they played all their roles to perfection, aligning their families with their ambitions, showing the world their true mettle.
My Review:I read very few non-fiction books as they usually don't interest me. However just the tile here intrigued me - well it is called 'Super Women', it was bound to lure :P
The book narrates real life stories of twenty successful entrepreneur women who have done something that not just brought difference to their lives but also to the society. Each story holds a strong message regarding how an independent woman brought change in life. When I think of 'women' in India, myself included, I feel we are so dependent on men. Our husbands, fathers, brothers etc. We can't do anything either without their approvals or support - no offence to any female out there, we all are self- sufficient but most of us don't even try to do something without a 'he'. The stories narrated in this book showcase how much can be done if you have the willfulness and desire to do something. A woman can do so much in her life and... well lets leave it there.
The book is well crafted and well narrated. If read properly and with right intention, it can be a big motivator as it forces a person to think - 'what the hell have I done in my life?'
The cover of the book is beautiful and intriguing. It depicts the right scenario i.e. a woman can do anything and everything she wants starting from household chores to office to raising kids, in short everything.
I really liked the book and I am glad Anuj Kumar from Kalamos Literary Services offered me this book for the review. My rating: 5/5
You can grab a copy here.
Hope you like the book too.
Love and Cheers

Introducing my book: Live-in with a Ghost

#Books  #Personal
I have received many feedbacks regarding how writing reviews on my blog have helped other authors. So, given it is my 100th post yay!, I decided to something for myself.
Through this post I would like to introduce my book (which was published almost a year ago) to all my blogger and reader friends. The title of my book is - 'Live-in with a Ghost' which is a romantic fantasy and touches upon supernatural aspects.

Many people have asked me how I came across with this idea and here is how. When I wrote the book we were in South Africa and like always my husband was super busy. Given we were in foreign country, we had literally no friends and I had no one to share my feelings and grievances. Hence, just like we used to do in our childhood I created an imaginary friend and started talking. People laugh at this notion and some called me crazy but it helped me - it helped me my sanity and marriage. My imaginations took a wild turn when I thought what if I had a partner who was just for me? Unlike my super-busy husband he would pay full attention only to me - I know it's selfish - but through this thought I started a story in my head which eventually turned into a novel.
The story of my book is a simple love story where a girl meets a boy in most unusual circumstances. Where she, Jia, is a human, he, Jai, is a ghost. And not just a regular haunting ghost but a ghost of a man who is in coma for quite sometime. Yes, he is alive and it complicates things. Initially super scared of him, she later befriends him and then falls in love. Their love story is obviously complex as people from two dimensions cannot survive together long but somehow they manage... How? Is the part which you can know if you read the book.
Many reviewers have told me that the book reminds them of a Hollywood movie but I cannot repeat it often but the creation of this story was my own, I don't indulge in plagiarism. On a positive note, I take proud in thinking that I was able to cook up a story which was worthy enough to have a movie on similar lines.
The blurb of the book is: "Jia & Jai have a unique love story where she is human and he is a ghost. They meet during an out-of-body experience after an accident. Although from different worlds, she is simple middle-class journalist and he is a rich playboy, they fall in love instantly. During the adventure of their relation they both go through various exciting events which include tears, laughter, love and even fighting-off goons. Throughout their relation, the only thing Jia fears is what if he wakes up and forgets her. And in the end of the story he does wake up but if he remembers her is yet to be known..."
I hope I was able to intrigue you a bit about my book and you would like to check it out. If so, please help out a fellow blogger and click on links below to grab yourself a copy.
Paperback on Amazon: http://www.amazon.in/Live-Ghost-Kritika-Sharma/dp/9384315133
Kindle Edition: https://www.amazon.in/Live-ghost-Kritika-Sharma-ebook/dp/B01CIYUSHU
Flipkart: http://www.flipkart.com/live-in-ghost-english/p/itmeczumaythzdn3?pid=9789384315139
Or, you can get a copy from me. Just message me your details. :)
Please leave your comments, I would love to hear from you.
Love and Cheers,

Book Review: The Triumph of Love by Shivdutt Sharma

BookReviews
Title: The Triumph of Love
Author: Shivdutt Sharma
Publisher: Yogi Impressions
Pages: 160
Price: Rs. 245
My Rating: 3.5/5

Blurb:
'A greatness in thy daughter's soul resides
That can transform herself and all around,
But must cross on stones of suffering to its goal.'
Sage Narad to Aswapati, father of Savitri
- Savitri, Book VI, Sri Aurobindo

Ancient India's legendary romance of Savitri and Satyavan has been told and retold through opera, ballet, on stage, on film and television, across continents. One of the best-loved tales of ancient India, it has continued to weave its magic on the Indian as well as the global psyche.

Unique among women in the Indian epics and scriptures, Savitri embodies not just the complete love for and commitment to her husband, which all epic heroines display, but matches that with the power of absolute will and action. Like Sita, Shakuntala and Draupadi, she is also a victim of circumstances; unlike them she does not seek help from without to free herself and her husband from a tragic fate.

Once she has decided to marry Satyavan, even with the dire foreknowledge of the catastrophic event, she does not regret or waver from her choice. In fact, she becomes determined to confront and challenge fate and bend it to her indomitable will.


What is perhaps unique to The Triumph of Love is the depth of its narrative that lends credence to the romance of Savitri and Satyavan, which has endeared itself to everyone down the ages, to this day.

Review:
The epic love of Savitri and Satyavan has been talked about since forever. When I was growing up, everyone said if you want to love your husband, do so like Savitri who took back her husband's life from 'Yamraj' himself. The story of this novel is more or less based on the same story and while reading it, it felt like a remake of the old one.

The story revolves around the two main characters, how they meet, their life together and love. The sad fact of his death and her persistence and struggle to get him back.

The characters of the story are beautifully written and woven together. The way scenes are depicted, you feel them come alive.

In terms of story, book and everything, it is evident author has put in extra efforts to make it perfect.
What I could not digest in the story is the certain weird instances, which just sort of happen. They seem acceptable in the old ages but now, they seem curious and little funny.

Overall, it is a rather fine read. And my rating is - 3.5/5.

You can grab your copy here.

Hope you enjoy the book too.

Love and Cheers

Zika Virus: A potential threat to all mother's to be

#AllAboutHealth #ZikaVirus
I received a very informative article today about Zika virus and the stats worried me a little. It said that out of 544 Americans affected by Zika, 300 are pregnant women. Well, the numbers are very small considering population size but the % of pregnant women is really high.
The first thing that we need to know is that so far India is unaffected from this virus. The hot zones are Latin America, Pacific Islands and Africa. The second thing to know is that it spreads through mosquito bites and sexual transmission. Hence, if male partner has contracted it, it is highly likely that he may pass it on to females. And lastly, there are no vaccines or treatment available so far but Zika virus is not deadly. As per reports it goes away like in 2-3 weeks with simple symptomatic treatments. According to WHO, the list of symptoms for this are: 
Fever and RashMuscle and Joint Pain HeadachePain behind the EyesConjunctivitis (itchy, red eyes)The worst part of this virus is that in 80% cases no symptoms occur hence for most people there is no way to know if they have it.
Now the question that arises is that, if it is not deadly then why to worry?
Well to answer here, it is not deadly to you or your family but it is very dangerous for unborn children. Many organizations have taken out warnings saying that all pregnant women or likely to conceive women should avoid travel to infected zones. If the husband has traveled to these zones recently then also doctor should be consulted as it can be transmitted easily.Unfortunately if mother-to-be contracts this virus then she can pass it to the unborn child. In certain cases fetus affected by Zika does not have any impact but there is always a chance that baby's head and brain may get impacted. Zika can cause microcephaly to the baby, which may cause mental retardation, as well as delays in speech, movement, and growth.Given the severity of it to unborn children it is advised to take necessary precautions to save and protect future generation.
I know it is a good to know information but given I fall under the segment of 'mother to be' I felt it is important to share it further.
Hope you stay well and your kids do too.
Love and Cheers

Laundry Goes Odd Even - A Wonderful Initiative

#ShortStories  #LaundryGoesOddEven
PC: www.huffingtonpost.caAriel has taken  a big initiative of making laundry not just 'women's chore'. Unlike the super flop
Delhi's odd even rule, Ariel's "Laundry goes Odd-Even" is a wonderful initiative.
In most households people believe washing clothes is a women's task and so is being promoted by many other players like Surf Excel, Tide etc. Even in an advert of Surf Excel they say - 'we cannot wash clothes better than your mom', as if a mom's hands will add magic touch which will magically disappear all stains. The perception is wrong and the concept is wrong. And Ariel is trying to change it and hats off to this initiative.
My family is very different, I believe it is one of the very few families in India where my father supports my mother by doing laundry and my husband supports me. It's not like they wash it with their hands but doing so using washing machine is also a huge help. Every woman (working or homemaker) will agree. However, I have seen so many other families of my friends and relatives where still the husband sits on the couch watching TV /reading something /or just pretending to do so while the wife works her ass off. We should stop that and all husbands should understand that if they will act like this, similar will be the situation of their daughters.

Laundry is just one part of daily chores and all men should understand that in today's world where women go out and work equivalently with men, men should also help equivalently at home.

I am taking part in the #LaundryGoesOddEven Challenge by Ariel India at BlogAdda. And in this initiative I received a complimentary 1KG pack of Ariel Matic which both my husband and I used alternatively. Given its just us in our home we don't get many soiled clothes to wash every day to follow odd - even by dates, but we have decided to go odd - even on turns to wash in a loving peaceful way. I wish every couple decides to do this and not just by dates or days but through turns. Because, I wonder (not accusing anyone) if, for example, all odd days are assigned to men, will any clothes be ever washed on those day ;)

This initiative is a big step in right direction and we all hope it brings a positive change in Indian culture.


I hope this post/video/initiative brings some change in your household too.

Love and Cheers

Poem - Her Melancholy

#MyPoems
When you are harassed Nothing comes to mind Just that you are alone And the world is blind
The same she feel some days Some days when she is sad Wondering if things will go back ever To times when it was not so bad
As the loneliness surround her And misery envelopes her to core She hopes he realizes her pain And let it not become a chore
It's not him who is at fault She is miserable because of his name He still loves her to his soul But sadly he is only the 'one' she can blame
~~Kritika Rajat Sharma
PS: Not written basis personal experiences
Love and Cheers

Book Review: Beyond by Honey Tripathi

#BookReviews
Title: BeyondAuthor: Honey TripathiPublisher: Power PublishersPages: 37Price: Rs. 90My Rating: 2.5/5
Blurb:This is a story of a young lady in her early 30s, who one day out of inquisitiveness enrolled herself into one stress management course and experienced altogether different world. This book is based on her personal experience. The book starts with some funny incidents that took place during the five days journey and ends up on some thinking notes. Hope u enjoy reading...
Review:When I was offered to review this book I was intrigued. I have been reading books forever and never have I seen a book of only 37 pages. Yes, you read it right, the book is simply 37 pages. As stated in blurb it revolves around a girl who enrolls in a meditation class and the story is about her experience. What I liked about the book is the ultimate message, that 'through meditation and being yourself you can get closer to almighty' and if you are an amateur in the field, instead of taking it on yourself or using Google, start meditating with an expert. He/She will guide you properly.
The story is a rather simple one but it is definitely thought provoking. After reading it, the first thing that came to my mind was, Yoga and meditation once were  the golden crown of India, however, now we have to pay and motivate people to indulge in same. It is a shame how this wonderful practice has been lost with years. 
Overall it is simple read and I really liked the pictorial representation. And given it is only 37 pages (actually only 25 pages of novel to be precise) you finish it like in 10-15 minutes tops.
On the flip side, there are a few drawbacks in the book which forced me for the rating on a little lower side. To start with, grammar. Yes, the language is simple but there are a few spelling mistakes.The narration is on the down side. While reading the book like this, you would expect to learn something of your own, however, the book doesn't say what the girl learnt. There are some brief narration of her experiences but that's all - which I found very disappointing.The story felt a little torn at places i.e. the continuation was flawed. Also, it would have been great if author would have indulged a bit more in the story which would have helped readers to connect.
And not to mention the price, Rs. 90 (paperback price) for 25 pages book feels a little too much. Ebook still feels better prices, Rs. 49.
Well, with above opinions, my rating is 2.5/5 but you can have total different opinions. Basis the overall message, the book can be considered a good read. You can grab your copy at:


The book was sent to me by Anuj Kumar, Kalamos Literary Services..

Love and Cheers

Book Review: The Mortal Instruments Full Series

#BookReviews
I have written review of first book, City of Bones couple of weeks ago, and I planned to write each part individually. However when I was second book I could not stop myself and review each individually. I read them in continuation and here is my review of all 6 books.
The set of six books comprises of:City of BonesCity of AshesCity of GlassCity of Fallen AngelsCity of Lost SoulsCity of Heavenly FireAnd all six are awesome.
To start with story line is brilliant. You will find yourself mesmerized from start to end. It is one of those fantasy worlds that you want to live in, however, given it is full of danger you might don't want to :P. And given it is full of all mystical creatures like Angels, demons, shadowhunters (i.e. part angel, part human), vampires, werewolves, warlocks etc. It makes it even more interesting.
The characters are beautifully woven. The love story of Jace and Clary is just as romantic as it is complicated. You can feel the need for them to be together, sadly that doesn't happen till the end but still. Even the story of Isabel and Simon & Marcus and Alec is wonderful. You don't feel lost anywhere. I really like the whole plot with Simon and all weird stuff. It was crazy...!
The antagonist change after first three books. Valentine was a ruthless villain but Sebastian, the villain of next three books is even worse, pure devil if I might say. You should read to know...
In terms of write up, just like any other author you can see how Clare has matured as a writer in each book. Where first book 'City of Bones' was all haphazard, the last one 'City of Heavenly Fire' was perfectly written.
The only drawback of the book is at place it is stretched. Where you are aching to know what is happening with your beloved characters, the scenic description gets in between. At some places it even got boring for me so I had to read real fast through them, but it was only at a few places.
Overall, it is an awesome read and you would definitely fall in love with one Jace - well I did...
My rating for the book - 4.5/5. I actually miss it a bit ever since I finished it, so I might read it again, bit slower this time. Ha! Ha.
You can grab your copies here:

I hope you enjoy them too.
Love and Cheers

Quick Titbits - Granny's Prescriptions #7

#QuickTitbits  #Tried&Tested
Dadi Maa ke Nuskhe ~ Dandruff Free Hair
Dandruff is one problem that is faced by many...We try so many shampoos but it always come back...Below are 2 tips to get rid of dandruff permanently:
Tip #1: LemonIt is well known fact that rubbing lemon on scalp leads to dandruff free hairHowever it is acidic so regular use can make your hair dry and frizzy
Tip #2: SavlonA popular antiseptic which works miracles on dandruffAdd savlon in water (1:5 ratio), a small tea spoon of Savlon should doRub it on scalp for few minsLeave it for like 10-15 minutesAnd wash off for clean hairIt's TRIED & TESTED
Love and Cheers

Book Review: Yama by Kevin Missal

#BookReviews
Title: YamaAuthor: Kevin MissalPublisher: Half Baked BeansPages: 166Price: Rs. 175My Rating: 3.5/5
Blurb:A violent saint... A man who claims he is Yama, is punishing sinners by killing them according to the twenty eight hells described in the Bhagavat Gita.
Who is he? What does he want? Is he a vigilante or a psychopath?
A delusional hero... Iravan Rajpoot, an Ex- Black Cat Commando with a dark past is receiving letters with names and time limits. It's no sooner that he learns about the intended victims than they die within the mentioned time frame.
An ambitious reporter... Swati Kaushik, a widow and a woman who can do anything for success, must team up with Iravan to stop the God of Death and Justice.
Review:I came across this book through its PR agent. When he introduced me to the book I was intrigued by the title and the cover. You have to admit that it is interesting and weird (in a good way). The first thought that came across my mind was - 'is this based on Yama God?' and I am sure if you read about it you would feel same, however, it is not the case.The book is basically about a man who is sick and tired of what is happening in the world and decides to take matters in his own hands... While reading you get this dubious feeling like if he is a vigilante or a psychopath? In my opinion he is mainly vigilante, you can decide for yourself.
In terms of story, it is a good thriller. It is written in great detail and you feel it growing on you. In terms of other Indian thriller stories, it is very good. The suspense is well maintained, mostly...At times, you are forced to self-reflect on your own acts as well, which can be good and also be very unnerving (depends on your acts :P)
Characters are nice portrayed as well. You can feel the frustration and stigma that they go through. 
There are couple of drawbacks in the book as well, which forced down the rating for me...To start with the book reminds me of certain Bollywood movie. It might be a coincidence but it does create a weird aura when reading such heavy book. Another thing about the book, given its genre you cannot read it in one go, despite the length. I prefer reading books in one go but I couldn't. Took me four sittings...Another issue is that there are 90 chapters... which makes it broken unnecessarily. With a book with 166 pages, 90 chapters is a little over-do...Also, the type-setting of the book is weird but that is not a fault of author, this is how HBB publishes.Another down side of the book is that it has couple of typos...
Apart from the above, it is a good read and if you like to read thriller, then it is a book to pick from an Indian author.
You can get your copies from:
Hard Copy:              Ebook:  


I hope you enjoy the book.

The book was sent to me Kalamos Literary Services..

Love and Cheers