Aman Mittal's Blog, page 8

#Book Spotlight: She Walks, She Leads – Women Who Inspire India by Gunjan Jain

Blurb of the book:

She Walks, She Leads which profiles twenty-six iconic women in modern India. These leaders tell their stories, up close and personal. Their relentless ambition to shatter the glass ceiling, their pursuit for excellence and the challenges that came their way – all of this is captured vividly in this exclusive anthology. Each chapter is based on extensive research and has never-seen-before photographs of these luminaries. The chapters are followed by interviews with their companions and close confidants who have seen them grow over the years. The women leaders profiled in the book come from different fields like banking, media, cinema, sports, fashion, philanthropy and industry.

Q & A

Q. What is the book (or books) you’ve given most as a gift, and why? Or what are one to three books that have greatly influenced your life?

A: The one book that I have given as a gift over and over again is When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. One day he was a neurosurgeon treating the dying, and the next he was a patient with not too long to live. This book is an inspiring and uplifting experience because it is full of profound insights on mortality, what it means to be alive and what it feels like to look at impending death in the face and the meaning contained within these experiences.

Q. In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?

A: Now, as I come to wakefulness every morning, I lie in bed with my eyes closed. I think of all the things in my life that I am grateful for—my family, friends, my writing, the books and ideas buzzing inside my head. I have found that feeling gratitude not only helps me to feel good at once, but it helps me live in the present and builds my strength to see me through challenging situations.

Q. In the last five years, what have you become better at saying no to (distractions, invitations, etc.)? What new realizations and/or approaches helped? Any other tips?

A: What I find most distracting is the constant buzzing of smart phones. I don’t just mean my own but everyone’s around me. It’s hard to get through an interaction or a meeting without either you or the person(s) you’re with checking their phones. About a year ago, I started locking my phone in a drawer (the key was with someone else!) for the first half of the day. It was hard going for the first few weeks but the difference to my creativity and productivity was astounding! I’m a better listener and better at my personal and professional relationships. 

Q. When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, or have lost your focus temporarily, what do you do? (If helpful: What questions do you ask yourself?)

A: Sometimes, when I’m working on a book, especially in the initial stages, I have trouble deciding on what I should do first—writing, outlining, conducting interviews or research—and end up feeling overwhelmed. What I find most useful when I’m feeling this way is to go the old-fashioned route. I physically clear my desk and ask myself what is the most important thing I wanted to accomplish that day. On a notepad, I take a minute to jot down my top priorities or tasks for the day. Making that list is like a totem – it always brings me back to where I need to go. 

Q. How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? Do you have a “favorite failure” of yours?

A: Pain builds character they say and I consider failure a chance to recover, reassess and improve. It makes you better as a person, more empathetic, sensitive and opens your mind to seeking solutions in many different ways. When I was a young girl, my father shared his favorite Winston Churchill quote with me: “Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm.” It is advice that has stood me in very good stead through the years.

 

The post #Book Spotlight: She Walks, She Leads – Women Who Inspire India by Gunjan Jain appeared first on Confessions of a Readaholic.

BOOK REVIEW: The Truth and Lies of Ella Black by Emily Barr

The Truth and Lies of Ella Black by Emily Barr
Published by Penguin on 11/01/2018
Genres: Fiction, YA
Pages: 344
Format: Paperback
Goodreads

If you are looking for a young adult fiction with a potential to blow your mind as a reader, The Truth and Lies of Ella Black by Emily Barr might be for you. This book captivated me at the start. This is my first time reading Emily Barr’s work and it did demonstrate me how much potential her writing has to lure a reader in one of her worlds.

The story is intriguing in many ways. It is a fast-paced plot about a seventeen-year-old Ella Black who lives with her parents but suffers from multiple personality disorder. Although she is calm and loving, her second personality is equally destructive in nature. One day, telling her nothing, her parents whisk her off to Rio de Janeiro. Determined to find out why Ella takes her chance and searches for their things. And realizes her life has been a lie. Then she sets on a journey to find the truth and the reason behind the lie she has been a part of for seventeen years. The book mostly follows the unveiling of her past, her parents, and desperation of the visit to Rio de Janeiro.

The plot advances as the story of the protagonist unfold. I had an issue it after being dwelled some chapters that it did contain dragging elements that might set off readers at a certain point. I still went on looking for answers as to there might be a reason for the writer to induce her readers that way.

The characterization based on the novel not fully developed. It lacks depth in that department. The elements of YA fiction is reflected throughout the novel with a writing style that is appreciable. It is Emily’s writing style that got me through the book rather than the plots and characters and a sense of thrill that tries to rise in between the events as to what happens next. The theme of multiple personality disorder does relate to the climax of the book and it was a relief to find out that.

Overall the book is okay if you haven’t read the works of Paula Hawkins and Gillian Flynn but I am afraid, like me, some more readers will be disappointed with the facts I have mentioned about this book.

3 out of 5

The post BOOK REVIEW: The Truth and Lies of Ella Black by Emily Barr appeared first on Confessions of a Readaholic.

BOOK REVIEW: On the Road to Tarascon by Arnab Nandy

On the Road to Tarascon by Arnab Nandy
Published by Niyogi Books on 01/01/2018
Genres: Fiction, Historical
Pages: 208
Format: Paperback
Goodreads

Arnab Nandy latest book published on the new year day of this year is fascinating. Not only because it is released on January the first but story that revolves around by shifting timelines between diverse locations and characters starting from the World War II era to the present day.

Painter on the road to Tarascon is painting by Vincent van Gogh, a painter whose reputation was equally under-appreciated when he was alive in comparison to after his death. Maybe the reason he died. Maybe his paintings truly are captivating. That is for another post to discuss. This story’s main element is the painting that after World War II was thought to be lost or destroyed in Germany. Many years after, a letter from a previous lover an old woman possess by her granddaughter, sets off a chain of events that lead to the discovery of van Gogh’s painting. The chain of events start from Berlin and leads the granddaughter to Kolkata a travel writer, Neil Bose, who falls for her. Little do they know, what lies ahead.

The storyline is marvelous! It has all the elements of an interesting historical fiction. The realistic element, the painting, is enough to attract a reader like me. The fact that painting was actually destroyed during the World War II. This makes the plot appreciable for all the creativity it brings and shows potential.

The characterization is good. Though it could have been deeper in terms of the context, I feel, there is enough focus on the main characters. The writing style of the book advances further with multiple narrative styles, which I am seeing is getting popular with Indian writers these days. The element of thrill does not flourish at all in this book. The plot does sound thrilling but the writing style does not convey that message. Also, the mingling of the protagonists has nothing to do with the actual plot but that can be ignored as I found it to be the only dragging element. In terms of the length of the book, it just over 200 pages.

I recommend you this book if you are looking to read a historical fiction with a blend of European Art and Indian setting.

4 out of 5!

The post BOOK REVIEW: On the Road to Tarascon by Arnab Nandy appeared first on Confessions of a Readaholic.

BOOK REVIEW: The Legend of Kuldhara by Malathi Ramachandran

The Legend of Kuldhara by Malathi Ramachandran
Published by Niyogi Books on 10/10/2017
Genres: Fiction, Historical
Pages: 280
Format: Paperback
Goodreads

This is a historical novel set in Rajasthan in village name Kuldhara, near Jaisalmer. It was abandoned and cursed nearly two hundred years ago and now what remains are broken homes. Something happened in one night that drove its people away to leave their homes and never to return. This is what Malathi Ramachandran’s book, The Legend of Kuldhara is a based on.

The plot dissects between two female characters who are associated with the Rawal King, Saailm Singh or Zaali Singh as the villagers like to call him. Showing excellency in his work, he is well trusted in his position but a cruelty shown in his trait by being a womanizer is where he tries to excel these days. He has already been married to six women and now he has laid his eyes on Pari, a young maiden, unaware of her own beauty. On a visit to Kuldhara, Saalim Singh offers a choice to villagers as they have to pay huge amounts of taxes, and give Pari’s hand to him or prepare themselves to fight the massive army of Maharawal.

Refusing to pay him taxes and rejecting Saalim’s proposal for Pari’s marriage to him, these villagers abandon their livelihood across the span of 80 villages overnight and start a journey with having no fix destination. Though set in Rajasthan, the beauty of it is clearly expressed by the author through her characters’ surrounding and words that are not empty at all. The chase starts and it is for the reader what happens in the end. Will Saalim Singh will get what he wants just to satisfy his cruel nature? Or will Pari’s future will be safe?

Written in third person narrative voice, poetically and in a relaxed manner, with carefully chosen words by the author to fit the scenery. The plot changes its pace in between but overall is smooth. The detailed characterization is the piece that binds this novel and makes it interesting for the reader. The details such as their Havelis, food, dresses and the overall background. The theme of the contrasting lifestyle of Rich against Poor is clearly shown through their emotions of anger, despair, and love which a reader can feel and observe along as I did.

The ending was bittersweet for me. Though I did expect the fate of some characters will come to a halt I did not clearly foresee of what happens to Pari at the end. It is a bit heartbreaking as if she has no control over her destiny. This book has enough twists to engross a reader who is interested in reading historical fiction based in India and explores the nitty-gritty of a regional community along.

4 out of 5

 

The post BOOK REVIEW: The Legend of Kuldhara by Malathi Ramachandran appeared first on Confessions of a Readaholic.

BOOK REVIEW: A Murder on Malabar Hills by Sujata Massey

A Murder on Malabar Hills by Sujata Massey
Series: Perveen Mistry #1
Published by Penguin on 09/02/2018
Genres: Mystery, Fiction
Pages: 304
Format: Paperback
Goodreads

Set in Bombay, India, 1921, A Murder on Malabar Hills is mystery fiction with touches of historical fiction and is written by Sujata Massey. The book follows a female solicitor who has joined her father’s law firm and happens to be the first female lawyer in India.

During that time, women were not allowed to appear in court under British law. One of the touches of history this book provides. Young Perveen Mistry is appointed to execute the will of Omar Farid, a wealthy mill owner and her suspicions are aroused by a curious provision which could disinherit Farid’s three widows and leave them vulnerable. These widows who by the Muslim law follow a strict seclusion and never leave their quarters or speaking to men. Perveen thinks they are being taken advantage by their guardian appointed by the husband on his deathbed.

She decides to investigate the matter and the tension in the Farid’s household starts to escalate. But then, a murder happens at Farid’s home as she discovers the body and soon she realizes that her identity as solicitor changes.

The setting of the plot is something that not many Indian writers have explored. It is an era before the independence of India, just after the world war and full of political tension. There is more than to the plot than a traditional murder mystery. Massey has put a lot of effort in exploring the communities of Parsis majorly. The setting of Perveen’s household, the detailing of Bombay, Parsis’ their religious rituals and marital laws make this book a realistic enough. At that time, the city of Bombay contained a multiplicity of cultures, classes, and languages and Massey has done well in the department of researching it thoroughly. Written in engrossingly in a third person narrative voice, there is a subplot set in 1916-17 that spotlights Perveen’s past and her short marriage and how she came across to be the first solicitor. This backstory is one of the good signs that there will be a second book and pulling skeletons out of the closet of a character is always a delight for a reader, reading the mystery. Not only that, the backstory copes well with the ongoing plot and does not feel at all as a dragging element.

The characterization of in this novel is realistic. The character of Perveen, our protagonist, her family including her father, brother, sister-in-law, and mother. Her British friend and the three widows of Farid household. Even the supporting characters fill well. There is some reflection of a typical Indian household between a child and their parents, especially a girl child, by showcasing Perveen’s relationship with her father.

The major theme of the book is gender equality. It is not only that Perveen’s work as a detective in solving the mystery, though she is not the typical type. A lot of emphases has been put on the theme and I think it is necessary even after almost a hundred years, there is suffering from that all over the world, I am sure. Some might think it is hardcore feminism, but I do not think it that way. I think it is an urgency and an ultimate necessity in such an advanced age to be responsible for it and make a change by eliminating this norm developed by an ancient bunch of men to feel powerful over the infinite. The powerful character of Perveen is 23 years old and in those many years, the author has shown how much she has been through in her span of life.

This book is perfect in many ways. I think I am doing justice to it by writing this review, but to do the justice yourself, you should read this book.

5 out of 5!

Note: I got the invite from the publisher to attend a Blogger’s Meet (including Book signing) with the author herself. Will be posting the recorded session in an upcoming post. Stay tuned.

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The post BOOK REVIEW: A Murder on Malabar Hills by Sujata Massey appeared first on Confessions of a Readaholic.

BOOK REVIEW: Your Creative Career by Anna Sabino

Your Creative Career by Anna Sabino
Published by Career Press Genres: Self Help, Business, Entrepreneurship, Nonfiction
Pages: 192
Format: eBook
Goodreads

Anna Sabino is an entrepreneur and she wrote her debut work, Your Creative Career for budding entrepreneurs in mind who want to pursue a creative path.

I picked her book in during an important phase of my life. When I needed it. Her suggestions in this book are on how to build a business with a creative mindset that reflects one’s skills and by putting one’s effort, one can have earnings. The book starts with some amount of pep talk that I find essential in the genre this book falls under and motivating personally. A reader who wants to pursue long-term success by being creative and escape can benefit from. Her own story she covers along with some anecdotes from modern day and internet age businesses. It prompts a reader to consider their current situation and position in life and how from at that point, no matter where they are, can move forward with a set of clear goals.

She has put enough emphasis in her book creating a lifestyle or designing one as she likes to call, as creative enough to suit you. This does not mean one has to be comfortable and procrastinate all their work for the day or quit the job that is there a major source or only source of income. Her words do not convey this message. She urges you as a reader to find your passion or a niche where you can start putting your effort and time. She urges the reader to work hard on their dreams.

This one of the first book I have read that classifies dreamers into three categories: doers, squeezers, and postponers. On reading the book you will be willing to pick one for yourself. Apart from her analogy on dreams, she offers pragmatic suggestions on actual ways to create a career around your passion and almost lays a blueprint on how to induce one’s creative mindset in a field where one earn and thrive. Her own story of leaving Wall Street and starting a jewelry brand in New York is a great example she provides as an entrepreneur and as a writer in this book.

With a direct and straight-forward writing style, one should read this book to be productive. On reading it, I observed that there must have been a huge amount of research she has to go to pick as if the reality references she provides seem right at the moment she introduces in her book for her readers to aspire.

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BOOK REVIEW: Let Me Go by Shriram Iyer

Let Me Go by Shriram Iyer
Published by Fingerprint! Publishing on 01/11/2017
Genres: Fiction
Pages: 280
Format: Paperback
Goodreads

Shriram Iyer’s new book is about a relationship between two friends. Belonging to opposite gender, it tries to breakaway the taboo, the society has been implementing for many years. Does the book succeed in covering the theme? You will have to read this review to find out.

Anshuman Kale and Indira Kelkar are friends. All it takes to bring them close is a lost school bag, a missed school bus leading to a walk back home, and a few cutlets to beat the after-school hunger. As the now best friends grow up together, there is nothing that can come between their friendship. Or so they think!

Estranged for years, Anshuman, well settled in Australia is looking forward to marrying the love of his life while Indira is waiting to hear back on her euthanasia appeal. A glimpse of their past makes Anshuman to drop everything and return to her friend Indira. Will Anshuman’s soon to be bride accept the relationship? Why Indira appealed for euthanasia?

The plot is constructed in a manner that it brings the best of the characters. It moves forward with an equal amount of past story of both the main characters. The book is not a traditional romance fiction. It is a story about friendship with complexity that is possessed in the mind of an individual. The theme is unique and is touched by displaying the mixture of emotions and brave acts.

There is enough peek into what characters are if one reads the blurb of the book. It only develops further on reading the book. As I dwelled on it by turning pages, I adored the characterization. The writing style is good and authentic.

I recommend this book if you are looking to read something distinctive with a bit heart warmness.

4 out of 5

The post BOOK REVIEW: Let Me Go by Shriram Iyer appeared first on Confessions of a Readaholic.

A Blogger’s Manifesto is on Sale!

After last month reviews and positive feedback on my ebook: A Blogger’s Manifesto, I have decided to reduce the prices to $0.99 worldwide on Amazon since I want my message to reach the maximum number of bloggers whether they are newbies or have already dipped their toes but are struggling to find some answers.

All I want if to help you to produce content both in terms of quantity and quality but enjoy the process of doing so.

Here is the blurb of the book, just in case, if you are visiting my blog for the first time:

A Blogger’s Manifesto is a short ebook about blogging written by a blogger. It covers the story of my book blog Confessions of a Readaholic and other essentials for an individual who is getting started with blogging or is a new blogger.

The book in detail covers:

– Starting a blog with zero followers

– Writing a compelling blog post

– Why Comments are essential part in blogging community

– How to reach your milestones with your blog

– Social Media and money making tips

For book bloggers:

– Writing a Book review

– Blog Tours

– Getting an ARC

– Interviewing

… and many more!

Confessions of a Readaholic is a book blog and is running for almost five years. The writer of this ebook has been nominated as #2 (2015) and #1 (2017) book blogger in India.

If you have already read the ebook, do leave your comments on Goodreads or Amazon and let me know what you think about it.

Heavy Discount for Amazon.in Users Till 25th March

If you have an account on Amazon.in, you can get a cash back up to 50% if you buy the ebook and pay through Amazon Pay Serveice from this link

Thank You

BOOK REVIEW: Treasure Trove of Zodiacs by Tanuj Lalchandani

Treasure Trove of Zodiacs by Tanuj Lalchandani
Genres: Nonfiction
Pages: 176
Format: Paperback

I am among those who are unable to find any consistent logic behind astrology. Yet, an individual who has mastered the art of it can build correct predictions about someone’s characteristic traits on the basis of their zodiac signs.

Treasure Trove of Zodiacs is the debut work of Tanuj Lalchandani. Written in-depth about each zodiac sign this book does an excellent job of explaining things to a novice. The book talks about the personality traits of a person, their behavior, a little light on what kind of careers, in general, she or he might like, suggestions on relationships and how to overcome negative vibes such that one can make peace with himself.

The artwork used as illustrations is amazing. I have to compliment both the author and designer for their effort on this.

 

 See for yourself:




 

Written in third person narrative voice, in an easy to understand language. I was able to finish this book in a day.

Such is the power of stars. Ancient civilizations have all been dependent on things like ruling planet and zodiac signs. Tanuj’s work is an exploration for that. The artwork definitely earned this one a lot of brownie points. Recommended if you want to explore the world of stars, this is a good start.

4 out of 5

The post BOOK REVIEW: Treasure Trove of Zodiacs by Tanuj Lalchandani appeared first on Confessions of a Readaholic.

3 Books Like "The Martian" PART 2

Finches of Mars by Brian Aldiss

Blurb: Set on the Red Planet, it follows the stories of a group of colonists and the problems they have in setting up a new society. Life can be sustained by new life will not prosper – the women on the planet only ever give birth to stillborn children.

Red Mars by Kim Robinson

Blurb: Brilliantly imagined, breathtaking in scope & ingenuity, Red Mars is an epic scientific saga, chronicling the next step in evolution, creating a world in its entirety. It shows a future, with both glory & tarnish, that awes with complexity & inspires with vision.

Desolation Road by Ian McDonald

Blurb: t all began thirty years ago on Mars, with a greenperson. But by the time it all finished, the town of Desolation Road had experienced every conceivable abnormality from Adam Black’s Wonderful Travelling Chautauqua and Educational ‘Stravaganza  to the Astounding Tatterdemalion Air Bazaar.

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