Kritika Sharma's Blog, page 6

February 20, 2018

Words Watch #9

#WordsWatch  #HindiShayri

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Published on February 20, 2018 03:26

February 13, 2018

Book - The Bearded Prince: A Simple yet Cute Kids Story

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Title:  The Bearded PrinceAuthor: Rajesh TalwarPublisher: Createspace Independent PubPages: 118Price: Rs. 64 (Kindle Edition)My Rating: 3.5/5
Blurb:After much persuasion, Princess Roopali, ‘the beautiful one’, agrees to have a swayamvara. This is an ancient Indian ceremony in which an unmarried girl who has come of age chooses a husband from among several suitors. According to the tradition, at the end of the ceremony, the princess is required to place a marigold garland around the neck of the prince she has decided to marry. She is happy to meet with all the princes who will attend the ceremony, and are keen to be chosen by her. She explains to her parents, the king and queen that she does not, however, wish to meet anyone with a beard. Over the past few years there have been a string of armed robberies by a gang of tough-looking bearded thugs. The princess has come to dislike beards. Her father, the king, explains to her that it would be discourteous for them not to extend an invitation to any eligible prince, but he would be surprised if any of them still sported a beard. Will Princess Roopali find the prince of her dreams? A delightful tale set in Ancient India the story provides a window into an exotic culture and will appeal to children from all age groups – particularly those from the ages of five to one hundred.
Review:This is a story of Roopali who is set to get married. She meets fifteen eligible princes from various kingdoms.Roopali is a kindhearted princess who wants one true love. And as is in all fairy tales, she meets him.The story is pretty straightforward and predictable. But while reading it soothes. It is like one of those romantic soft tales which is known, yet it appeals.I like the narration and character-description of all.The cover doesn't do justice to this book. To me it is simply one of the books you can read to your kids.
I enjoyed reading it.You should try it too.
Love and cheers
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Published on February 13, 2018 06:26

January 24, 2018

Book: Scent of an Undiscovered Writer - Good Cover and Title, but the Content...

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Title:  Scent of an Undiscovered WriterAuthor: Callre (Abhishek Mohta)Publisher: SelfPages: 256Price: Rs. 245My Rating: 2.5/5
Blurb:This is the story of a guy who started life in an ordinary way ... but adversity and hardships prepared him for an extraordinary destiny. A fickle-minded youth, without really meaning to, becomes a graphic designer. Despite having passion to execute something incredible, he loses his path and becomes confused about the next day. But if he has to make it large, he should start making meaningful choices that would instill dedication in him. He starts his journey laced with deep, heart-felt emotions, obstacles, enthusiasm and motivation.Join him on an enthralling, entrancing and inspiring journey, encrypted with the meaning of life.
Review:Starting with the title of the book, it is very intriguing. I just wanted to read it them moment I read it. The cover of the book is also very interesting. It depicts so many aspects... but does the pages do justice to it? 
Talking about the story, it is about a boy (Abhishek Mohta, aka author) who moves to Delhi as a graphic designer and how his various decisions changes him and his perceptive towards life. It revolves around ups and downs on his life and how he survived. However, to me the flow was not up to mark. It seemed like story was going in one flow and then, in middle, a mixture of thoughts are added without prior context. I found a lot of disconnects which was a mood downer aspect.
The characters are okay, and I feel a little more background, a little more depth would have done them much more justice.
Overall it is an okay read, but author do need to invest in good typesetting and editing. There are a lot of issues in typesetting of the book. The sentences break in middle and while reading in a flow, it comes as a setback. Also, the grammar needs significant improvement.
My overall rating (for now) is 2.5/5 for the book. If author works on the book and revisits all the issues from a professional lens then this book can gain a higher rating.
You can find the book on amazon.
Lots of love


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Published on January 24, 2018 11:14

January 22, 2018

Vitamin E: A Must Have Daily Supplement

#VitaminE #Evion
Always in my Purse :)I was introduced to Vitamin E when I was barely a teenager. Unlike many others, I was introduced to this supplement due much graver reason.I was undergoing massive hormonal changes and had developed serious pains around my breasts area. After much-much hesitation, I was taken to a doctor (rather forcefully). She did her checks and after many blabbery words (I didn't understand any) she prescribed Vitamin E and handed my mother the green stripped medicine. My first thought was 'why is she giving me Pudin hara', LOL!. Only once my mother showed me the medicine I realized it was the magical pill that not just takes away your weird pains but also nourishes your skin and adds shine to your hair.
Vitamin E was also prescribed to me for better conception. I don't know how it helps but I was more than happy to consume it daily. If nothing else, it added luster to my hair...

Talking a bit about Vitamin E, it is extremely useful. Ideally one should consume it naturally - rich source of vitamin E are almonds, sweet potato, spinach, avocado etc. But unfortunately these days neither we lean towards healthy foods nor we get pure enough vegetable and fruits to get best of vitamins. Hence, in my opinion, it is best to lean on vitamins.
Apart from Vitamin E, (owing to my weak health) I also take other daily supplements of multi-vitamins, calcium etc. I always plan and space out the medicines so that none react with other or lose its potency. The ideal time to consume Vitamin E is empty stomach. Sadly I found it only last year -after consuming hundreds of my precious green pills.
To me Vitamin E is a kind of raam-baand ilaaz for many issues. And I am a regular customer of Evion Vitamin E pills and I don't think I can ever survive without it. Do you want to give Evion Supplements a try? I am sure it would help you and you won't be disappointed. You can know more at: http://www.evion.co.in/

Lots of Love






Evion
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Published on January 22, 2018 10:03

January 17, 2018

Meet Abhishek Mohta: A Novelist, A Screenwriter and An Entrepreneur


 #AuthorInterviews

Hi Abhishek, please tell us something about yourself?
Ans - Me...? A Novelist, A Screenwriter, An Entrepreneur, A survivor currently working/ residing in Mumbai. I'm also a significant team member at Saffron Broadcast and  Media Ltd.You have recently published a book, please tell us something about it.
Ans - I wanted to write an inspirational tale about the meaning of life. Since it was my first novel, I was unaware of some facts. Too my great regret... It somehow lacked. But I believe... it's never too late to learn. Will make the second novel even better!
What inspired you to write your recent book?Ans - Well... I was dreaming of becoming a storyteller from past 7 years. But was never too sure, if it's the right time. Later I was impelled "The time will never be just right"
What do you like more – writing your stories or working in your profession?Ans - My profession and passion are intertwined together. The only difference- in my profession I need to write screenplays along with the story line.
What kind of books do you read? Any favourite authors/books?Ans - I usually read novels based on romance, thriller and science fiction. Besides, memoirs and entrepreneurial books catches my eye.

Some of my favortite books are "Shoe Dog" by Phil Knight, "The girl on the train" by Paula Hawkins, "Anna Karenina" by Leo Tolstoy, "The New Pyramid Age" by Philip Coppens, "The Polyster Prince: Rise of Dhirubhai Ambani" by Hamish McDonald, Dan Brown series, Harry Potter series, etc.
 What were the key challenges that you face while you write?
Ans - There's a proverb - "The weak died and the coward never tried."

There were lots of challenges, I faced throughout my journey, "from a fickle minded graphic designer to an author... now screenwriter."
My working schedules were hecking. After my work, I used to write till late night, 3 A.M. And half of the book, I completed while traveling in the metro train... since my workplace was faraway. But I never gave up, "In a certain phase of life when we get trap, There’s always a chance to swap." (proverb from my book).Which phase of book you hate most? Writing, Editing, Marketing, or something else?Ans - Honestly speaking, I wasn't aware of the marketing strategies. Earlier, I use to hate marketing headaches, later realized it's as important as writing a book. And even if / when you're going for self-publishing... you need to research and find out the most promising publishers, there are few. And never depend on your publishers entirely. It's your book and your responsibility to make the most of it.




Are there any words of wisdom that you would like to share with new authors?Ans - "Do something which arouses happiness in your own bones." - C A L L R E
Any other projects you are working on? Yes, what are they?Ans - Currently I'm working on several projects (as a screenwriter), "The Sun is Mine", untitled projects which is my first and foremost priority as of now. And I'm also assisting a team of writers for a web series named "Kalyug" , to be broadcasted on Netflix. After that I'll be completing my second novel titled "Aashiqui" (which is half written, expected to release somewhere in March 2018).
Lastly, if you have to describe your book in few lines, how will you do it?Ans - In journey of life we learn, earn and sometimes decide to scribble the whole story in a book. Get it for yourself if you aren't a grammar Nazi and love to read journals. (Chuckles)

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Published on January 17, 2018 11:03

January 15, 2018

Book: Forever is True - Drama, Romance and Mystery




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Title:  Forever Is a LieAuthor: Novoneel ChakrabortyPublisher: Penguin  Pages: 166Price: Rs. 148My Rating: 4/5
Blurb:
Six months have passed since Prisha was pushed to death by the person she loved the most, Saveer. But she doesn't believes that it was him till she stumbles upon the first clue to the mystery that Saveer is, which leads her to his twisted past: he is not who he says he is.
Forever is True is a riveting thriller exposing the deadly limits that a person can go to because of a ruined childhood.
Review:Some scars only heal superficially and the pain resides still. The same has been showcased in this story. It is mystery romance that has it all. While reading it, you feel the misery and pains of the protagonist and at the same time you feel irritated as well.
Being the concluding part of Forever series, I expected so much more from the book, and though the book is good and the story is gripping, it couldn't satiate my hunger for the suspense. Post-mid, it got very predictable for me, which was disappointing. But, I still enjoyed it.
The characters portrayed are pretty good and the pain they feel, as a reader you feel it too. Don't want to reveal much, but there was a time when I felt deep sorrow for certain character. 
My biggest disappointment of the story is the ending. The story was so good but it felt like you are climbing at a perfect pace and suddenly, it came to a dead-end. 
But apart from this, it is pretty good.
Lots of Love
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Published on January 15, 2018 03:48

January 1, 2018

Book: Forever is a Lie - Suspense, Fear, Romance, Sex or Murder... this book has it all.

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Forever Is a Lie by [Chakravorty, Novoneel]

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Title:  Forever Is a LieAuthor: Novoneel ChakrabortyPublisher: Penguin Pages: 166Price: Rs. 148My Rating: 4.5/5
Blurb:
The best thing happened to her... but in the worst way possible...Prisha Srivastav turned eighteen two months back. Hailing from Faridabad, she studies mass communication in Bengaluru. She meets a mysterious man, double her age, who goes by the name 'the mean monster' in the Bengaluru party circuit. Intrigued, she pursues him and falls for him. However, there's a problem. Prisha doesn't know he kills the one who loves him. Literally.
Review:"Hmm..." is the first thought that comes to my mind when I think about this book. Forever is a Lie is a masterpiece in itself. Be it suspense, fear, romance, sex or murder... this book has it all.
The story revolves around Prisha and Saveer - both names are pretty attractive - and it pretty simple yet weird. Author has written the book from both perspectives, which makes it even better. The innocence of Prisha, her heartbreak, her falling in love is typical teenage stuff. But the entry of Saveer - his maturity and his 'mean monster' persona makes it more mature. At times you feel irritated with Prisha and her persistence, but I guess that's the beauty of the story. It brings that originality. The character of Saveer is dark and full of suspense. However for me, honestly it was pretty predictable but I still enjoyed it.
The characters are well defined and narrated. Shy and weird Diggy and flimsy Gauri are good value addition to the story. 
I overall liked the story but I didn't like is the elaborate Erotica sections. I hate reading detailed sexual encounters and from the second instance I was forced to skip them.
My overall rating for this story is 4.5/5
Hope you enjoy reading the book too.
Lots of Love



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Published on January 01, 2018 03:32

December 27, 2017

Book: The 365 Days - Life's tale of Immigrants

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Title:  The 365 DaysAuthor: Nikhil RamtekePublisher: Write India PublishersPages: 192Price: Rs. 110My Rating: 3.75/5
Blurb:
This is a story that falls through the crevices of pitiless anonymity, yet miraculously waits to be told. Shijukutty, a Malayali fisherman, leaves his tiny hamlet of abject poverty in the coastal village of Vizhinjam on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, that picturesque vignette of searing beauty on the southwestern coast of India. Shiju, like millions of other Malayalis, seeks his destiny in Dubai, that gleaming global hub of fortune on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf. What unfolds is a stirring story of distilled hardship, exploitation, identity, and friendship, and the heartbreaking choices Shiju is often forced to make. So what he sees is not what he experiences when he lands in a world of glimmering towers, fast-paced life, and unabashed opulence. For what he was not prepared for was the dark underbelly of Dubai beyond the shimmering mirage. Shiju's life is no more the same. But he holds his ground, drawing on ancient instincts of his seafaring ancestry. As things settle down around him, he is inexorably pulled into the canyon of recession...Will Shiju be able to hold on to his dreams? Will he able to pull out himself from the whirlpool? Will he survive against all odds? Will he redeem himself? Nikhil Ramteke unfolds an extraordinary saga about Indian expatriates, their struggles, their alienation, and their dreams. The 365 Days is more than a story of a year in Shijukutty's life. 
Review:Some dreams are fulfilled and some are shattered. While some turn into a living horror. The 365 Days is a book which comprises of the latter. It is a story of migrants from Indian continent and how they suffer and endure everything that's thrown their way.
Shiju, leaves his home and peaceful life and moves to Dubai in order to make money and earn himself a name. However what he gets is a big shock. The story revolves around his life and all the disastrous choices he make (or is forced to make) in name of his job.
Overall the plot is good. What I liked is the touch to the reality. While reading we can feel the pain and sufferings of Shiju and other migrants. We feel like killing the agents and others. And no matter the cost, we feel like saving these poor souls from the brutal torture. 
The characterization is decent. However at times I felt like losing touch with the lead characters. For other characters, author has done a good job in maintaining a balance between story requirement and character exposure.
What I didn't like about the story is the week narration at a few places and the way it felt dragged (to me) on certain pages. But that's just my opinion - I like fast pace on novels.
Overall it is a pretty decent read. It touches heart and leaves you with a feeling of solemness and wet eyes.
My overall rating to the book is 3.75/5
Do grab a copy.
Lots of Love
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Published on December 27, 2017 03:12

December 23, 2017

New Year's Resolutions

#NewYearResolutions
It's time to make some resolutions... Add these 5 for a better 2018.Instead of wishing ‘Good morning’ to the entire world on WhatsApp, Facebook etc. Start your day by wishing ‘Good morning’ to the person next to you with a heartfelt smileInstead of picking up phone or laptop all the time to pass your time, look up to your family members and talk. Talking to them will bring you closer, WhatsApp, Facebook won’t!Hug your partner instead of your phone or laptop at night. Hugging phone/laptop will not blossom anything, hugging your partner will blossom your relationshipWhile spending time with your kids, keep your phone and laptop aside. They will remember the attention you give them, your phone or laptop wontSpending time with family bring true happiness and solve problems. ‘Likes’, ‘Compliments’ etc. from social media don’t.
Take a Pledge today to make 2018 more loving and caring…
All the Best! 
Happy New Year.
Lots of Love
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Published on December 23, 2017 11:17

November 28, 2017

Book - Karna's Celestial Armor: Mytho - Fiction - Thrill - Suspense: It is the Ultimate Combo

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Karna's Celestial Armor by [Nath, Surendra] Read Review Policy Here
Title:  Karna's Celestial ArmorAuthor: Surendra NathPublisher: KindlePages: 281Price: Rs. 65My Rating: 3.5/5
Blurb:We all know that in MAHABHARATA, Karna had, on his body, his Kavach-Kundal (set of armor and earrings) which rendered him invincible in battle against any foe. God Indra tricked Karna and took away the divine set. So, in the final battle Arjuna killed Karna.
That’s the back-story. After that, what did Indra do with the all-powerful Kavach-Kundal? Did he hide it somewhere? What if someone can find it today? That’s what this novel is about. Vasu, from the present time, sets off to find the set. The spirit of Karna guides him through the search.
Indra always knew someone would come looking for it. So he used all his ingenuity to hide it in most impossible of places. That makes Vasu’s task so much more challenging. And he is not the only one who is interested in this quest. There are others trailing him.
Join Vasu in this thrilling adventure through mysterious locations in India to know why the armor was all that potent, and if it still is. 
Review:The book is very hard to classify - it cannot be said as purely mythological, nor can it be classified into fiction. It is a combination with hints of suspense, thrill, treachery and present day drama.
The story revolves around Vasu, kind of an alter ego of Karna, who sets out to hunt for Karna's long-lost celestial armour. Evidently it is a very powerful object and in hands of enemies it can wreak havoc. Vasu, an army man, travels around to find it's missing pieces. The story is entertaining and gripping. However it lacks a pace. At times you feel like it is flying and at times you feel like it is dragging - its the parts where it drags when you feel like taking a serious break.
The characters are fine. The depth of Vasu's character is pretty good and you can simply relate to him and his ambition.
The most important angle to the story is its linkage to the epic Mahabharata. It's very satisfying the way it has been linked. The only issue here is that if you have no knowledge or poor recollection (like in my case) of Mahabharata then you will find it a bit difficult to read this book. However no harm there, Google always come to aid for forgetful people like me, LOL!
What I disliked about the book are two things - to start with cover. Cover is the image of the book and author has done a poor job in it. Just by looking at cover one would feel it is a poor monotonous book - which is tottally wrong. Author should definitely get it remade so that it can do justice to the content of the book. And secondly, it needs proof-reading. Errors in pages is bit disappointing and off-putting to some.
Overall, it is a pretty decent book, bit lengthy but good. I am sure you will enjoy reading it.
Lots of Love

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Published on November 28, 2017 00:58