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Footprints
- A story about the return journey of a man on foot from Kedarnath temple at 12,000 ft altitude in stormy weather. While covering the 14- kilometre journey a do or die situation arises towards the last lap, and death seems just a few steps away!
- Driver Prakash is an uneducated but a very innocent driver, who in his effort to learn English and please his boss, provides some hilarious moments.
- A 17 year old boy struggles to fulfil his parent’s dream. The fear of failure pushes him to a corner to suffer alone in silence. He survives to narrate the incident 30 years later.
- Certain incidents occur which do not have logical explanations and we term them as mere coincidences. Yet some of these incidents refuse to get erased from our memory and constantly prick our mind forcing us to ponder about them. These are beyond explanation!
- Two successful and competing executives from an oilfield company take different approaches for growth of their careers. One wins, the other loses. Who is the real winner in true sense of life?
- To kill time, a group of students decides to do something naughty with a bottle gourd. Little do they realize that all hell will break loose out of their fun.
Chandan Kumar Pathak, in “Footprints”, has offered a collection of 18 stories of varied tastes to the readers. These are a mixture of real life incidents and fictions which readers will be able to relate to easily.
- Driver Prakash is an uneducated but a very innocent driver, who in his effort to learn English and please his boss, provides some hilarious moments.
- A 17 year old boy struggles to fulfil his parent’s dream. The fear of failure pushes him to a corner to suffer alone in silence. He survives to narrate the incident 30 years later.
- Certain incidents occur which do not have logical explanations and we term them as mere coincidences. Yet some of these incidents refuse to get erased from our memory and constantly prick our mind forcing us to ponder about them. These are beyond explanation!
- Two successful and competing executives from an oilfield company take different approaches for growth of their careers. One wins, the other loses. Who is the real winner in true sense of life?
- To kill time, a group of students decides to do something naughty with a bottle gourd. Little do they realize that all hell will break loose out of their fun.
Chandan Kumar Pathak, in “Footprints”, has offered a collection of 18 stories of varied tastes to the readers. These are a mixture of real life incidents and fictions which readers will be able to relate to easily.
103 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
1 person is currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Chandan Kumar Pathak
9 books12 followersChandan was born and raised in scenic Assam in North East India and he lives with his small family in Mumbai. He is a wanderlust, avid photographer and a philanthropist. He is fascinated by the majestic and the mystical Himalayas and is rooted to his motherland - enchanted by her amazing heritage, culture and diversity.
He works in the oil & gas exploration industry and writing is his hobby. Chandan has authored three books so far – Footprints (short stories), The Beckoning of Gyanganj (a spiritual thriller) and very recently released A Leap into the Dark (a romance fiction). In addition, Chandan has also experimented with a single short-story eBook 72-hour Ordeal (travel memoir).
Chandan regularly writes in his blog https://careermantras1.blogspot.com/ which is primarily a collection of life-changing incidents, thought-provoking articles, tips for career success - all wrapped with lucid narratives.
Chandan desires to experiment with various genre and believes in conveying positive messages through his work.s.
He works in the oil & gas exploration industry and writing is his hobby. Chandan has authored three books so far – Footprints (short stories), The Beckoning of Gyanganj (a spiritual thriller) and very recently released A Leap into the Dark (a romance fiction). In addition, Chandan has also experimented with a single short-story eBook 72-hour Ordeal (travel memoir).
Chandan regularly writes in his blog https://careermantras1.blogspot.com/ which is primarily a collection of life-changing incidents, thought-provoking articles, tips for career success - all wrapped with lucid narratives.
Chandan desires to experiment with various genre and believes in conveying positive messages through his work.s.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 3, 2015
Chandan Kumar Pathak’s ‘Footprints’ is a collection of 18 pieces of writings. Most of these pieces are very short. Some of these are fictions and some are real life incidents of author himself. According to the author, real life incidents are masked with imagination at a number of places. Though I detected a slight touch of ‘fine writing’ in the book, the book as a whole disappointed me. I would love to read a full length novel by Chandan Kumar Pathak as he certainly has the ability to weave the words into beautiful sentences. While one notices this skill in certain places in the book under review, reader doesn’t get connected to even a single story of the book. Like novels, short stories can also furnish an astonishing variety of subject matters, a diversity of characters and a whole gamut of modes and viewpoints. However, one should have the aptitude to achieve that and this is what we miss in this book. At the same time, we should also keep in mind that this is author’s first book.
Some of the stories in the book describe author’s childhood experiences. One of the stories titled ‘From the Diary’ tries to portray both the excitement and tension that prevail in a boy’s mind. In this story, we are taken into the world of a boy who is under pressure to fulfil his parents’ desire to perform well in the exams. This story ends with a subtle message which is quite relevant in the present society. In another story ‘My Childhood’ the author describes his troublesome nature of his childhood. A story titled ‘Stop This Child’s Cry’ shows how humans forget the child hidden in them and keep running after different goals to achieve success. One of the stories deals with an innocent driver’s attempts to learn English.
However, what interested me a lot in the book was the story titled ‘Were We More Advanced Earlier’. In this piece of writing, the author, on the basis of some excerpts from the Bhagwat Purana comes to conclusion that there existed a civilization in India that was far more advanced than today. Some of the arguments put forwarded in this chapter by the author are unreasonable. At the same time, the author seems to have forgotten about one of the oldest civilizations of the ancient time – the Harappan Civilization. This civilization is dated much earlier than the time of Bhagwat Purana. I think, it is better to pay attention to the archaeological evidences than to the literary evidences for which we have no proof.
Overall, this book was a mixture of both reminiscences and fiction. Many of the stories end abruptly, which makes you frustrating. However, there was certainly a potential to expand the subject matter in some of the stories.
The only thing which impressed me about this book is its cover. The cover of the book is done brilliantly and will certainly lure you in.
Note: I received my copy of ‘Footprints’ free from the author via Goodreads’ First Reads program.
Read More On:
https://pgalmora.wordpress.com/2015/0...
Some of the stories in the book describe author’s childhood experiences. One of the stories titled ‘From the Diary’ tries to portray both the excitement and tension that prevail in a boy’s mind. In this story, we are taken into the world of a boy who is under pressure to fulfil his parents’ desire to perform well in the exams. This story ends with a subtle message which is quite relevant in the present society. In another story ‘My Childhood’ the author describes his troublesome nature of his childhood. A story titled ‘Stop This Child’s Cry’ shows how humans forget the child hidden in them and keep running after different goals to achieve success. One of the stories deals with an innocent driver’s attempts to learn English.
However, what interested me a lot in the book was the story titled ‘Were We More Advanced Earlier’. In this piece of writing, the author, on the basis of some excerpts from the Bhagwat Purana comes to conclusion that there existed a civilization in India that was far more advanced than today. Some of the arguments put forwarded in this chapter by the author are unreasonable. At the same time, the author seems to have forgotten about one of the oldest civilizations of the ancient time – the Harappan Civilization. This civilization is dated much earlier than the time of Bhagwat Purana. I think, it is better to pay attention to the archaeological evidences than to the literary evidences for which we have no proof.
Overall, this book was a mixture of both reminiscences and fiction. Many of the stories end abruptly, which makes you frustrating. However, there was certainly a potential to expand the subject matter in some of the stories.
The only thing which impressed me about this book is its cover. The cover of the book is done brilliantly and will certainly lure you in.
Note: I received my copy of ‘Footprints’ free from the author via Goodreads’ First Reads program.
Read More On:
https://pgalmora.wordpress.com/2015/0...
October 13, 2014
book is beautiful written and it was based on real stories which is a little shocking that In every ones life there is pain.
But yes it's true as well, when I was reading that college story where that kid wanna commit suicide it was soooo shocking.
The way you written I was feeling that pain too, in other hand way don't you give this stories to some good movie director. I mean truth is truth . People should know the pain . What students are feeling and few pupil commit suicide due to pressure of studies.
And plain crash story was pain full too . I mean every story has a beautiful meaning about life and relationship which reminds about that story that girl marry to a gay guy.
In that story I got to know that guy was not gay something happend in his childhood . How can a kid live a normal life . When society's different people , with different thought want to force someone else life too. And there pain starts.
But yes it's true as well, when I was reading that college story where that kid wanna commit suicide it was soooo shocking.
The way you written I was feeling that pain too, in other hand way don't you give this stories to some good movie director. I mean truth is truth . People should know the pain . What students are feeling and few pupil commit suicide due to pressure of studies.
And plain crash story was pain full too . I mean every story has a beautiful meaning about life and relationship which reminds about that story that girl marry to a gay guy.
In that story I got to know that guy was not gay something happend in his childhood . How can a kid live a normal life . When society's different people , with different thought want to force someone else life too. And there pain starts.
January 21, 2015
*I won a copy in First Reads Giveaway and this in no way influenced my review and I also want to thank Mr.Pathak for the giveaway and the humble note he sent with the book.
This book consists 18 short stories based on the author's personal encounters in different phases of his life and the people around him but some stories are fictional as well.
I liked this book it got something for everyone, my favorites are 'My Driver', 'From The Diary', 'Engufing Darkness' and 'Tele-Torture'. 'My Driver' and 'Tele-Torture' were hilarious and I was laughing like hell while reading them. While 'From The Diary' and 'Engufing Darkness' were the serious one and full of pain, both of them deals with the pressures of our society.
And the most annoying one was 'Who Is The Winner?', I literally struggled to finish this story. The story was made up for a spiritual and who-is-wrong-who-is-right ending and I liked the idea which MrPathak wants to convey but the story was boring, it didn't excited me and I really wanted to leave it unread but I finished it anyway.
Despite good stories I felt that the writing was plain and there were also many typos. The writing was kind of... straight! it could have been more creative. It was more about telling rather than creating a picture on the pages with words, like in 'Summer Vacation' it is clear that author wants us to know the beauty of his grandfather's village but he is clearly failed to draw a clear image of the beauty of the old beautiful village and the small forest at the back of his grand parents' house. And there were also some unrequired references which eventually gave birth to ugly brackets like in the end of 'Engufing Darkness' he refers Raj's father and mother with their names in brackets which was not required as I remembered their names because I've read the story! but if that was because he wants us to know that he is referring to Raj's adoptive parents not his biological ones in that case I think that was quite obvious that father and mother meant ADOPTIVE parents (and just for record I pretty from the beginning figured out that Hemant was gay! because that probably can be the only reason one will not even kiss his wife on their very first night).
All in all it was worth reading because of the lessons these stories gave us to live with positivity and belief in God.
I wish author all the very best for his future :)
This book consists 18 short stories based on the author's personal encounters in different phases of his life and the people around him but some stories are fictional as well.
I liked this book it got something for everyone, my favorites are 'My Driver', 'From The Diary', 'Engufing Darkness' and 'Tele-Torture'. 'My Driver' and 'Tele-Torture' were hilarious and I was laughing like hell while reading them. While 'From The Diary' and 'Engufing Darkness' were the serious one and full of pain, both of them deals with the pressures of our society.
And the most annoying one was 'Who Is The Winner?', I literally struggled to finish this story. The story was made up for a spiritual and who-is-wrong-who-is-right ending and I liked the idea which MrPathak wants to convey but the story was boring, it didn't excited me and I really wanted to leave it unread but I finished it anyway.
Despite good stories I felt that the writing was plain and there were also many typos. The writing was kind of... straight! it could have been more creative. It was more about telling rather than creating a picture on the pages with words, like in 'Summer Vacation' it is clear that author wants us to know the beauty of his grandfather's village but he is clearly failed to draw a clear image of the beauty of the old beautiful village and the small forest at the back of his grand parents' house. And there were also some unrequired references which eventually gave birth to ugly brackets like in the end of 'Engufing Darkness' he refers Raj's father and mother with their names in brackets which was not required as I remembered their names because I've read the story! but if that was because he wants us to know that he is referring to Raj's adoptive parents not his biological ones in that case I think that was quite obvious that father and mother meant ADOPTIVE parents (and just for record I pretty from the beginning figured out that Hemant was gay! because that probably can be the only reason one will not even kiss his wife on their very first night).
All in all it was worth reading because of the lessons these stories gave us to live with positivity and belief in God.
I wish author all the very best for his future :)
October 24, 2014
'Footprints' is principally based on this first-time author's experiences, oftener childhood experiences. Some stories end with worthy messages as in 'From The Diary'.It is the story of a child burdened with fulfilling the expectation of parents,peers and teachers.Thus, exams put a lot of pressure on the student.In a peculiar situation when there is no expectation the student shows spectacular results. Similarly, 'Stop This Child's Cry'tells how man forgets the child in him and runs after goals and yet other goals.Where as 'Who Is The Winner?'is a rambling story which ends without fulfilling the reader's expectation it raised.
Both the language and style need polishing. Uncountable slips and errors discourage involved reading;I award this book only two stars on this account, though otherwise I would award three stars.
I thank Goodreads and the author for this giveaway.
Both the language and style need polishing. Uncountable slips and errors discourage involved reading;I award this book only two stars on this account, though otherwise I would award three stars.
I thank Goodreads and the author for this giveaway.
October 10, 2014
Chandan Kumar Pathak, Autor of "Footprints" has written an extraordinary collection of 18 short stories. I liked the reason for naming this book as "Footprints" given in Acknowledgement.
Some of the stories are from real life incidents and he has described those stories even more vivid, detailed and also in humorous way. I liked the whole collection of stories but following are the stories those touched my heart:
1. The Ten Second Eternity
2. The Driver
3. From The Diary
4. My Childhood
5. Were We More Advanced Earlier
6. The Comfort Zone
7. The Unforgettable Journey
8. Stop The Child's Cry
9. Who is the Winner
10.Undelivered Letter
11.Death of a Bottle Gourd.
I have experienced some of the situations from all the above stories at some point of my life.
I really liked this book. And I wish author for his future endeavors in writings and in his life!!!
Some of the stories are from real life incidents and he has described those stories even more vivid, detailed and also in humorous way. I liked the whole collection of stories but following are the stories those touched my heart:
1. The Ten Second Eternity
2. The Driver
3. From The Diary
4. My Childhood
5. Were We More Advanced Earlier
6. The Comfort Zone
7. The Unforgettable Journey
8. Stop The Child's Cry
9. Who is the Winner
10.Undelivered Letter
11.Death of a Bottle Gourd.
I have experienced some of the situations from all the above stories at some point of my life.
I really liked this book. And I wish author for his future endeavors in writings and in his life!!!
January 9, 2015
I received this book through goodreads giveaway. A great thanks to the author for such a quick response. As mentioned by the author, Mr. Chandan Kumar Pathak, there are indeed some footprints of life that remain with us as bitter or sweet memories. This is the first book by this author, and after reading this book I can say that, if this book can't be said to be a masterpiece, it can fairly be called a good effort for the first experience. This book is a collection of 18 short-stories, based on real life stories, as said by the author. Some of these stories are common to many of us in some form or another and we are able to connect to them through the words of the author.
October 28, 2014
I would like to thank Goodreads & the Author as I recieved the book as a Goodreads giveaway. The personal note provided by the author with the book shows the humble nature of the Author.
This being author's debut work I would like to appreciate the efforts put in by the author to fulfill his dream. Most of the stories have the realistic touch in them; but according to my view these can be best suited to a blog or something like that instead of a book.
Would love to read an actual book by Mr. Pathak as I loved his ability to narrate the small scenes in detail; which would be interesting to read in a full-length book.
This being author's debut work I would like to appreciate the efforts put in by the author to fulfill his dream. Most of the stories have the realistic touch in them; but according to my view these can be best suited to a blog or something like that instead of a book.
Would love to read an actual book by Mr. Pathak as I loved his ability to narrate the small scenes in detail; which would be interesting to read in a full-length book.
November 6, 2014
It is a honest effort by the author to bring small experiences in life be it personal or professional. Being at the helm of a corporate world and observing even the minute things of ones day to day activities and penning it down is an effort by itself...i am sure it is just a beginning and will have more from CK...
Professionally i was associated with the author and had certain perceptions built around me....but it thought me a big lesson in life perception most of the time turn to be deceptive.
Keep up the good work.....
Professionally i was associated with the author and had certain perceptions built around me....but it thought me a big lesson in life perception most of the time turn to be deceptive.
Keep up the good work.....
September 12, 2014
Some of the stories were really touching. 'From the Diary' was very touching and could be narrated such vividly only by the person who went through it. This story should be read by all parents.
'Stop This Child Cry' is another lovely narration of the state of mind of a disillusioned adult chasing happiness in life.
There were few stories that I could not connect but overall the book was worth the money. Congrats Chandan. Keep writing!
'Stop This Child Cry' is another lovely narration of the state of mind of a disillusioned adult chasing happiness in life.
There were few stories that I could not connect but overall the book was worth the money. Congrats Chandan. Keep writing!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews