Nirupama P.R.V.'s Blog: Catty Opinions of a Book Loving Couch Potato, page 15

Reading Challenge Updates- April

With the end of another month, it’s time to review how I fared on the 2020 Goodreads Reading Challenge.

This month I am on track by having read a new book and re-reading an old favorite.

The two books I finished reading are:

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I love the subtitle on this one-

Take Action.

Embrace Uncertainty.

Create the Future.

With the pandemic we are living in the midst of, these lines feel very apt. We do live in such uncertain times; so, taking action, embracing the uncertain as the new normal and creating a fresh, bright future is possibly the only way forward.

(Sending everyone reading this hope and strength. )

Ok, resuming our conversation about the 2020 Reading Challenge. I re-read Poirot’s last case this month.

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Unfortunately, I updated my re-reading only yesterday. Sadly, Goodreads considered the Finished Reading and Shelved dates and so, my reading went to nine books completed instead of eight.

So, this is what I look like on the Progress chart:

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While inspirational, the count in View Books shows Curtain read twice this year.

I am running with it as I am still in track! And will report back if I figure how to resolve this .

Book Review Challenge- Day 05

The current prompt on Day 05 for #BookReviewBlogChallenge is Rebel.

And of course, nothing says Rebel, Go against the Tide like this particular cover. Just look at it!

Justification for Prompt:

I feel an explanation is unnecessary after that book cover but I’ll still try to convey what I mean.

Look at the line at the top of the cover. In relatively small print are the words- ‘A guide to breaking the rules…’ Guess what rebels do? Making sense?
What other cover uses strikes out words? Ok, this one does in a slightly different way! But, it fits the Rebel- go the other way tag and thus, prompt so perfectly!

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Conformity, conventional wisdom and ‘You Can’t Have It All’ and other myths are busted in this book.

Review:

‘Darling, You can’t Do Both…‘ by Kestin and Vonk is a book I actually read a while back but like I try to validate above, I feel is totally apt for the challenge theme set on Day05.

My review is 5/5

It is chock full of ideas that you can and should apply. I mean what other book blatantly says ‘Start high and come down if necessary’ as a technique in negotiation. After all, women are usually asked to seek contentment and gratitude not shoot for the stars! Not these authors.

And if this sounds crazily ambitious, don’t worry! The book addresses problems (Hint: Yes-icide) and strategies to soar . (Like Risk Reframe)

Narrative:

It is long, but it is engaging. I found the writing style quite conversational. I won’t say one-on-one personal, but definitely seminar or group setting style conversational. It is fair to point out that the book has two authors, so this would be expected.

Note:

Now I will admit, the book is meant primarily as a guide for women but people of color and minorities are sure to find it useful as well.

Actual Review:

As stated at the beginning of this post, the original review can be found here.

Please note that this post is a response to the book review contest found here.

Book Review Challenge-Day 4

This post is the response to Day4 or the fourth prompt of the #BookReviewChallenge I joined.

Today’s instructions are:

Welcome to Day 04 of #BookReviewBlogChallenge. Today’s prompt is “Family”. Any book that reminds you of strong family ties will suffice for today’s challenge.

The book that I will answer it with is Julia Quinn’s book The Duke and I.

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My rating is 5 /5 stars.

Review-

There’s something about that pink cover, the cute illustrations, the title and the review from Time Magazine, no less, that drew me to the book. (I think this particular cover is the best version of all for this title!)

I had just finished college and was looking for titles and authors to add to my reading list. If the book cover hooked me, the book blurb reeled me in.

And when I read the book, I was a lifelong fan. From page 1 itself. If you find it hard to believe, please read the excerpt of her latest on her website.

Characters-
The characters are amazing- they are not perfect, but they are lovable because of their quirks and foibles.

I love this one because it has all the eight Bridgerton kids and their amazing mother.

The interactions, squabbles, dialogs between the different characters show a range of genuine relationships that exist in any family.

Sibling spats- check.
Parent- child love hate equation- check.


Missing a loved one- check.


Friendship bonds- check.
Family outings , meals and the triumphs and troubles that are invariably a part of it- check.


Seeking love and approval of your parents- check.


Growing up- check.
Social approval and everyone tussle with being ourselves yet conforming – check.

If these pointers do not spell Family- nothing will.

Scenes-

Without giving away spoilers, I can safely say; look out for these cutesy/ amusing scenes in the book-

The hero’s Redemption
Ballroom scenes with the Bridgerton siblings and mother (oh, those dialogs!)
The heroine standing up for her love
Lady Whistledown (she’s introduced in this timeline)

Story-

And no, I have not given away the story. The scenes above are typical of most love stories.

The exact plot of all romances can be whittled down to any of the seven plots that storytellers use.

So, what makes this novel different?

The narrative- it’s crisp and compelling. Set in old England, it’s got enough details to paint a picture of the period but enough of well fleshed characters to keep you engrossed in the story itself.

The dialogs are amusing, witty and snarky too! While the language is of those times, the emotions are evergreen.

Notes:

I have to state, the book is 18+ with a few ahem, episodes of marital nature. What’s a few pages in a 300+ novel?

So, what do you think? If you have read the book, does my review concur with yours? Did you like the book? Either way, let me know in the comments below.

For those who did not read, Will you? And if you do, would you then agree with my review? Share your views.

Also, check the blog review challenge this is part of here.

#BookReviewBlogChallenge

Monday Motivation

[image error]Dream it, Do it!

Book Review Challenge- Day 3

This post is the response to Day2 or the second prompt of the #BookReviewChallenge I joined.

Today’s instructions are:

Welcome to Day 03 of #BookReviewBlogChallenge. Today’s prompt is “Golden Classics”. Any book published before 1995.

The book that I will answer it with is Agatha Christie‘s book Curtain.

Originally published in 1975 and the last book featuring Hercule Poirot, this mystery thriller is a masterpiece of human emotions and drama.

You will keep guessing who Poirot is after: who is X? And of course, the Queen of mystery delivers her usual twist in epic style at the end.

Review: 5 on 5 stars (what else can one expect. This is Dame Agatha Christie and Hercule Poirot after all!)

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As far as Golden Classics go, this is a splendid choice because :

the date of publishing is 1975
the narrative is gripping and sensational no matter when and how many times you read
It even references other Classics- Shakespeare, no less in the most artful of fashions. (Trying hard not to give away spoilers here!)
Borrowing Isaac Asimov‘s idea here – but the reader has a good chance of guessing, of playing armchair detective , just as Poirot does and Hastings tries to do. (You won’t although you’ll surely kick yourself for not when Poirot explains it all in the end)
Love, Friendship, Murder, Mystery, Revenge, Deception, the book is a clever concoction of so many elements.

Last but not the least, I have read this book before. I love re-reading this author’s books because
They are splendid
Great for my book count
I find it comforting to peruse books I have already finished. No agonizing over the end, no impatience at not being able to complete a task, especially a lovable one because duty calls (read Kids!)or daily chores beckon.
Keep me in the habit of reading
Help me savor the details at leisure. As these are mysteries, it is awesome to go back to those little points that were unveiled as the cornerstone of the big Reveal (whatever the plot reveals)

How about you? Do you re-read? Do you add that to your Book Counts? Do you do it regularly?

As ever, let me know if you have read the book? What did you think? Do you agree with my opinionated review?

Also, are you part of the book review challenges? What did (if yes) or would (if no) you choose?

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

#BookReviewChallenge

Book Review Challenge- Day 2

This post is the response to Day2 or the second prompt of the #BookReviewChallenge I joined.

Today’s instructions are:

Welcome to Day 02 of #BookReviewBlogChallenge. Today’s prompt is “Travel or Vacations”.

The book that I will answer it with is Rujuta Diwekar‘s book Indian Superfoods.

Simply put, this is a book that makes you journey across the diverse breadth of India’s culinary collection and brings you ten simple but wondrous Superfoods.

Review: 5 on 5 stars

Here are my justifications for why this book holds true to the theme of Travel and Vacation:

– I bought this book at New Delhi airport, India while traveling back to Chicago.

– We were heading back from my home country after our vacation, plus a wedding and a couple of other functions. But those are always part and parcel of Indians traveling anytime, so that was a simply a bonus to meet more folks and relatives.

– The book actually introduced me to the concept of ‘Think Global Eat Local‘. This is a fascinating concept for anyone who lives in a region different from where they grew up. So, pretty much applies regardless of your nationality, gender, build , etc.

– The book was true to its sub title and did change the way I look at food, fads, new ingredients.

– What was amazing was the way the author described the way the superfoods are used in different parts of India. (Travel)

It felt like a delicious journey through varied cultures and topographies as she shares little snippets of conversations and nuggets of traditions. The book is such a great blend of facts, science, ancient food-wisdom and fun tidbits; every chapter is a delectable devour. (Yep, the pun is totally intentional)

I found it so fascinating I finished it before the flight swooped down at O’Hare International Airport. (Not bad while traveling with a toddler) (vacation theme)

And of course, the piece de resistance!

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I also was able to apply a valuable tip I received in this trip. My uncle told me that every book he buys, he writes the Place and the Time (Month + Year), never his name.

This way, each time he reads or shares the book, he remembers the trip (place) or the precious moments of that year (time). I loved the tip and have been following it religiously. It’s more charming on physical books but hey, annotations on ebooks capture the intent just as well.

I’m glad I’ve followed it ever since, especially for T‘s books. I have a whole set of books she bought from various charity sales and those that she won through Reading contests. If it is a gift, we also include the occasion and person’s name. She might have outgrown them but when I read it to little A now, I smile as I recollect. Also, I can’t wait to share those moments with A and make more such memories with her.

More meandering aside, that is my response to the task of Travel and Vacation. As ever, let me know if you have read the book? What did you think?Do you agree with my opinion? What did you choose?

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Book Blog Challenge- Day 1

This post is the response to Day1 or the first prompt of the #BookReviewChallenge I joined.

Today’s instructions are:

Welcome to Day 01 of #BookReviewBlogChallenge. Today’s prompt is “Dreams & Ambitions”.

The book that I will answer it with is Dorie Clark‘s book Stand Out.

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Here are my justifications:

– All of us aspire to be the best at what we do; or dream to be superlative in some field or sphere. This book shows us just how we can do that. (Dream)

– Already in your dream job? Not quite, but not really looking for a change?

In the ever changing landscape of business and technology today, we still need to progress and more importantly, be prepared for whatever life or work throws at us. Indeed, who could have predicted the epic lockdown we all are in? This book is a guide to being outstanding no matter what your line or stage of life. (Ambition)

– I did read this for the first time a couple year ago. But I do consider this book one of my guides; and refer to it at least once a year. There is enough material to apply in an ongoing basis. After all, work styles and goals evolve as we keep progressing in our careers.

– In fact, the 40 page Bonus material from the book, (think is available on her website) is an excellent resource in itself to make one’s Dreams and Ambitions true! Note: the Bonus material is essentially all the Questions poses in the book in a pdf version.

Have you read the book? What did you think?Do you agree with my opinion? What did you choose?

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Book Blog Challenge – Day 0

Howdy everyone!

Remember the Book Blog Challenge I mentioned last week? Well, it has started. Hurrah!

Day 0 happens to be today and if your did not sign up yet- do it right away. It runs from today until the May 18th with only 8 prompts – so make sure you put your reading efforts to good use! The sign up link is right here.

(Note: You can post at any time as long as you join the contest before April 25 and post at least on 3 distinct days before the deadline. The FAQs are quite detailed and easy to follow and can be seen here.)

If you need another reason- it has a prize for one lucky winner.

If you need yet another reason, easy content for your blog with those blog prompts ought to do it.

Now onto the actual prompt and my response.

Day 0:

Today’s task is to add a post on any book that sparks joy in your life!

For me, it is the Illustrated version of Harry Potter- Chamber of Secrets.

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This book totally sparks joy because of the lovely cover. What fabulous illustrations!
This book belongs to the kiddo but I have read it. And the fact that it is part of my childhood as well brings back so many delightful memories. How’s that for sparking joy?
The kiddo and I are now reading it together in the Buddy Reading style or having the kiddo read it aloud to me (or grandparents on Video chat). This is such a fabulous pivot from me formerly reading to her. I don’t know what is nicer- her love of reading or her developing skills! Oh the Joy!
The book is a gift from my SIL to my LO aka the Pampered One (First grandkid in the family!) My SIL is a huge Harry Potter fan, while the BH is not! So it always would bring a smile on my face to see them squabbling and trying to get baby on board to their point of view. Hilarious! [image error]
Kiddo got converted into a true fan at Disney!

What is your take on this task?

Join in the fun and share your story too!

#BookReviewBlogChallenge

Happy New Year!For all those ushering in the new year to...

Happy New Year!

For all those ushering in the new year today, Happy New Year!

For those that are not, well we all are in a way trying to grapple with a most unusual sort of year; so, it is a new beginning in various ways…

So stay safe, stay positive and remember-

This too shall pass!

Reading Challenge- March

Hello everyone!

March felt like it was dragging by on the worry wave- but it too has passed. A quarter of the year finished in what had to be truly agonizing long drawn days!

Yet, it passed as shall hopefully these dreadfully Days!

Of course, with the new month, it is time for me to update on how I fared with reading and link to a great review contest I joined. (It begins mid April- so plenty of time to join!)

This month I am barely on track.

Calming a teething baby and supervising the first grader’s online studying edged into my reading time. But I have hope! So, inching along with perennial optimism!

This is what I read:

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A mini book, but about the loftiest of duties! Witty and hilarious, this book was so amazing- I can’t wait to read more titles written by this author, especially this one-

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The other book that I completed this month is-

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Unsurprisingly, I am not planning to start a writing business. But I had been told that the book makes some extremely good points that can be applied to blogging. And that is how it came about on my reading list.

This book is truly useful and engaging- I added a short snippet as review on Goodreads and will be adding a detailed one soon here.

The previous book’s review is here.

I did want to ask this wonderful blogging community one question: how are you all faring with your reading?

Is the StayAtHome helping or reducing your reading efforts?

Share your stories and tips in the comments below.

And last but not least- the Review Challenge I joined can be found here – it has prizes too! My motivation is simply to spur my own reading habits a bit more and add another element of enjoyment and achievement . Check it out!