What do you think?
Rate this book
Black, Grey and White
This book gifts its readers five fantastic short stories that has a common aim – to spread awareness about AIDS. It is an opportunity for people to unite in the fight against AIDS and show their solidarity for HIV positive people. The book is an eye opener for anyone who wish to see the wave of positive change in society. Everyone including the brave hearts Savita, Chintu, Mithali has the right to live with their head held high without fear of social ostracization. Life does not have to be like this. The time is ripe to act now with one’s sense and sensibility. Break the myths. Come, be the change!
- GenresFiction
138 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
58 people want to read
About the author
Santosh Avvannavar
26 books47 followersSantosh Avvannavar is presently working as Mentor at QtPi Robotics. He is an alumni of NITK Surathkal and worked as researcher at IISc Bengaluru. He has published his research findings in conferences, national and international journals.
He is passionate about creative activities for kids and educators. Since 2008, he has addressed 11K+ teachers and 70K+ students through seminars, training and workshops.
He has given talk for TV and Radio on Gender Equality. His book She: Ekla Cholo Re has become acclaimed writing. His new book, Classroom Communication aims to help educators and students to make classroom engaging and fun place to be. His presents several inquiry based ideas in his illustrated book.
He has organised 2 TEDx events and presented idea that is worth sharing for 11 times.
He is passionate about creative activities for kids and educators. Since 2008, he has addressed 11K+ teachers and 70K+ students through seminars, training and workshops.
He has given talk for TV and Radio on Gender Equality. His book She: Ekla Cholo Re has become acclaimed writing. His new book, Classroom Communication aims to help educators and students to make classroom engaging and fun place to be. His presents several inquiry based ideas in his illustrated book.
He has organised 2 TEDx events and presented idea that is worth sharing for 11 times.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 25, 2015
Moral Lessons
A huge thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of the book to read and review
The book deals with a heavy topic and unlike the normal trend of laying it heavy with the readers, i liked how the author treated the topic gently and subtly yet leaving the underlying message clear and loud enough for its readers.
The book is a short story compilation based on the theme of HIV and through short stories it shows the various faces of this demon being treated in India. it touches upon the prevalent myths and practices as well.
The book combines five stories. While the initial four stories were on same underlying themes, i found the last story to be a separate entity altogether with a different story line and treatment.
The book runs really fast so it does not demand much of your time and is a pretty quick read that touches upon the crucial elements with required intensity. i did find the layout different from the other books. The author has used a play format narration and layout to tell his stories. As in we have characters followed by their share of dialogues. For those of us who are not used to this style may find it taking a little while to ease into the style. I love the language quality but i am afraid for the "shayaris" in between but fortunately there are only two or three of them (for those who are not aware "shayaris" are small yet annoyingly powerful poetic outbursts in Hindi by Indian authors and is a new found trend in the Indian fiction field. It is not that they are bad or something but these Hindi outbursts breaks an otherwise free flowing english language literary work). That being said let me dodge a bullet by just pointing out that i was saying this in a general context and not for this book in specific.. Narration can be a little smoother but considering that this is a short story compilation, i guess it is fair enough and even the super speed of the book is justified
Thankfully the book does not go heavy on preaching inspite of such a heavy topic being taken as its basic theme and instead it is a quick, sweet and short read that echoes its purpose quite well. Narration runs pretty fast and touching upon the surface of the topics highlighting the essentials.
To argue on could say that the topic could have used more depth but to me personally the pure fiction treatment got the message clear enough than jostling me with harsh and startling facts. I think it is more effective than commercializing and banking on the emotional vulnerabilities of its readers. Plus for the past few weeks i have been reading some strong content that this book was a pretty serene read for me.
Being under 100 pages i would say that it would not hurt to pick up this book and in fact may even open your eyes to how different sections view the topic of HIV and what are the various outlooks that exists even in this highly educated and modern times.
A huge thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of the book to read and review
The book deals with a heavy topic and unlike the normal trend of laying it heavy with the readers, i liked how the author treated the topic gently and subtly yet leaving the underlying message clear and loud enough for its readers.
The book is a short story compilation based on the theme of HIV and through short stories it shows the various faces of this demon being treated in India. it touches upon the prevalent myths and practices as well.
The book combines five stories. While the initial four stories were on same underlying themes, i found the last story to be a separate entity altogether with a different story line and treatment.
The book runs really fast so it does not demand much of your time and is a pretty quick read that touches upon the crucial elements with required intensity. i did find the layout different from the other books. The author has used a play format narration and layout to tell his stories. As in we have characters followed by their share of dialogues. For those of us who are not used to this style may find it taking a little while to ease into the style. I love the language quality but i am afraid for the "shayaris" in between but fortunately there are only two or three of them (for those who are not aware "shayaris" are small yet annoyingly powerful poetic outbursts in Hindi by Indian authors and is a new found trend in the Indian fiction field. It is not that they are bad or something but these Hindi outbursts breaks an otherwise free flowing english language literary work). That being said let me dodge a bullet by just pointing out that i was saying this in a general context and not for this book in specific.. Narration can be a little smoother but considering that this is a short story compilation, i guess it is fair enough and even the super speed of the book is justified
Thankfully the book does not go heavy on preaching inspite of such a heavy topic being taken as its basic theme and instead it is a quick, sweet and short read that echoes its purpose quite well. Narration runs pretty fast and touching upon the surface of the topics highlighting the essentials.
To argue on could say that the topic could have used more depth but to me personally the pure fiction treatment got the message clear enough than jostling me with harsh and startling facts. I think it is more effective than commercializing and banking on the emotional vulnerabilities of its readers. Plus for the past few weeks i have been reading some strong content that this book was a pretty serene read for me.
Being under 100 pages i would say that it would not hurt to pick up this book and in fact may even open your eyes to how different sections view the topic of HIV and what are the various outlooks that exists even in this highly educated and modern times.
July 1, 2015
I read three novels by the same author , this was his best one. Absolutely the best. Very nicely written, the five stories , some like a long essay whereas some like a play. The last story and the second were the ones which touched me most. This novel was not just a collection of five stories but anthologies that spread general awareness about HIV virus except the last chapter which was about two brothers, Cain and Abel ( reference from Bible) who are divergent. Cain wants money, desires all the wrong things , disobeys his father and befriends Lucifer( the Lord of darkness and hell). Only Cain can see Lucifer, I think Satan here was that negative part of our brain that manipulates our thinking, intentionally injures our pride and makes us do reckless things. Abel on the other hand was the brother that obeyed his father, Abram and respected his brother, Cain. He was the better son and Cain was jealous of him. What would happen when Cain tries to kill him? That is a spoiler.
At last , I would conclude by recommending it to everyone, & also ask to recommend it to their friends to spread common awareness about disease like AIDS and supress the myths and depreciate them.
At last , I would conclude by recommending it to everyone, & also ask to recommend it to their friends to spread common awareness about disease like AIDS and supress the myths and depreciate them.
July 9, 2015
I won this book through GoodReads first reads-Giveaways..I thank the authors for sending me this book safely ..It was an interesting book to read which gives us many insights about some of the trending problems in the modern world..I can say it has a great influence..Thanks to the authors once again :)
July 15, 2015
There is no beating around the bush with this book of five short stories. The authors claim that these short stories deal with the misconceptions around HIV. But the fifth short story doesn’t have anything to do with HIV and AIDS, even remotely. I guess, the authors didn’t know where to put this short story and just stuffed it in the end. I am not saying it is bad; it is good, but is definitely misplaced.
The first short story, Shahid – the Martyr, throws light upon the killings that occur around the world thinking that would help ailing people get cured. This particularly deals with virgin sacrifices in the name of black magic to get rid of HIV.
The second short story, Chintu: The Earth is Round, tells you how helpless children, who are infected with HIV, are treated by this society as untouchables and this in turn leads to deprivation of basic necessities.
The third short story, A Game of Life, Lust and Death, is about how a woman uses HIV to take revenge on her enemies. I don’t know how this helps in supporting the infected and affected community.
The fourth short story, Highway Sex: A Journey of Hope, explains how having unprotected sex can lead to HIV infection. Through this story, the authors explain how it is not only the infected person who suffers, but also his/her family.
The fifth short story, Abram and His Prodigal Son, is the misplaced story in this book. Anyway, this story tells you how a person in good influence too can turn bad with just a pinch of evil. It is a modern take on the Parable of Lost Son. So, this story won’t disappoint you either.
This book is a good attempt at bringing awareness in our society, which still behaves primitively when it comes to being around HIV infected people, by trying to burst the myth around it. You read it or gift it to someone. Help in raising awareness about HIV.
The first short story, Shahid – the Martyr, throws light upon the killings that occur around the world thinking that would help ailing people get cured. This particularly deals with virgin sacrifices in the name of black magic to get rid of HIV.
The second short story, Chintu: The Earth is Round, tells you how helpless children, who are infected with HIV, are treated by this society as untouchables and this in turn leads to deprivation of basic necessities.
The third short story, A Game of Life, Lust and Death, is about how a woman uses HIV to take revenge on her enemies. I don’t know how this helps in supporting the infected and affected community.
The fourth short story, Highway Sex: A Journey of Hope, explains how having unprotected sex can lead to HIV infection. Through this story, the authors explain how it is not only the infected person who suffers, but also his/her family.
The fifth short story, Abram and His Prodigal Son, is the misplaced story in this book. Anyway, this story tells you how a person in good influence too can turn bad with just a pinch of evil. It is a modern take on the Parable of Lost Son. So, this story won’t disappoint you either.
This book is a good attempt at bringing awareness in our society, which still behaves primitively when it comes to being around HIV infected people, by trying to burst the myth around it. You read it or gift it to someone. Help in raising awareness about HIV.
July 9, 2015
A very hard topic picked by the author. An eye opening book on HIV awareness, the book is informative but according to my view the last chapter was not needed, because book is a researched material on AIDS, it’s a non fiction then why to put the story of Abram. The controversial issue narrated by both the authors in very simple way.
I still remember there was a patient suffering from AIDS, so when he met with an accident even doctor told bluntly that he will not help or will not take his case. I don’t know why Doctor rejected his case, but after reading many such cases through this book it became clear that even family members keep a distance from his own member, they are being treated very negatively.
The book is very short can be completed in one sitting; also language is very simple and is written in conversational way. And the writing style is very much appreciable. There are five such stories in the book. The first chapter is about myth. The journalist receives letters from different places, so tracks the source of this letter and came to know how an educated people think while he suffers of HIV, even to kill innocent girls. It’s also a story of human trafficking.
The second story is of a boy named Chintu, who was not accepted in the school. He suffers the punishment which he has not done. The third story is about casting-couch a burning issue in media. How in the name of publicity many people ruins the life of upcoming stars. This is one of the best story among all five. The fourth one is the story of a teenage girl who unknowingly becomes the victim of AIDS because of his husband. And the last one is a lesson from Bible to the parents.
Great job done by both the authors, it’s a must read book, especially for the today’s youth, who takes sex in a liberal way. It’s an eye opening book.
I still remember there was a patient suffering from AIDS, so when he met with an accident even doctor told bluntly that he will not help or will not take his case. I don’t know why Doctor rejected his case, but after reading many such cases through this book it became clear that even family members keep a distance from his own member, they are being treated very negatively.
The book is very short can be completed in one sitting; also language is very simple and is written in conversational way. And the writing style is very much appreciable. There are five such stories in the book. The first chapter is about myth. The journalist receives letters from different places, so tracks the source of this letter and came to know how an educated people think while he suffers of HIV, even to kill innocent girls. It’s also a story of human trafficking.
The second story is of a boy named Chintu, who was not accepted in the school. He suffers the punishment which he has not done. The third story is about casting-couch a burning issue in media. How in the name of publicity many people ruins the life of upcoming stars. This is one of the best story among all five. The fourth one is the story of a teenage girl who unknowingly becomes the victim of AIDS because of his husband. And the last one is a lesson from Bible to the parents.
Great job done by both the authors, it’s a must read book, especially for the today’s youth, who takes sex in a liberal way. It’s an eye opening book.
August 15, 2015
I would like to thank the authors of this book for a free digital copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is a story compilation, it consists of five stories, from which four are about HIV/AIDS affected people and the last one seems to be a part of a different book as it is nothing like the others. Nevertheless, I liked the last one the best.
I had a hard time reading this book, because of the writing, it was mostly written in a screen play manner and I in general hate that type of writing. A lot of things were left untold, like I should already know them or, just because the authors would have to repeat themselves. I don’t think that I am bringing news with the fact that the same thing can be written differently many times, instead of just skipping it with three dots and making the reader understand that it’s the same description over and over again. And because of the spacing and missing indents it seemed more like a unfinished and unedited manuscript, which is the main reason for my rating.
The stories were predictable, but at the same time I enjoyed them. I liked how they were written from different angles to give perspectives of the illness and make you understand different positioning. I think that it shows great deal of problems society has with HIV and honestly also some problems in culture – things that should be modernized and changed in the conservative way of thinking and living. I don’t know, if all those things are really present in real life situation, but if there are, there should be a change.
If it wouldn't have been for the writing problems I encountered, I would have enjoyed this book a lot more.
Full review!
This is a story compilation, it consists of five stories, from which four are about HIV/AIDS affected people and the last one seems to be a part of a different book as it is nothing like the others. Nevertheless, I liked the last one the best.
I had a hard time reading this book, because of the writing, it was mostly written in a screen play manner and I in general hate that type of writing. A lot of things were left untold, like I should already know them or, just because the authors would have to repeat themselves. I don’t think that I am bringing news with the fact that the same thing can be written differently many times, instead of just skipping it with three dots and making the reader understand that it’s the same description over and over again. And because of the spacing and missing indents it seemed more like a unfinished and unedited manuscript, which is the main reason for my rating.
The stories were predictable, but at the same time I enjoyed them. I liked how they were written from different angles to give perspectives of the illness and make you understand different positioning. I think that it shows great deal of problems society has with HIV and honestly also some problems in culture – things that should be modernized and changed in the conservative way of thinking and living. I don’t know, if all those things are really present in real life situation, but if there are, there should be a change.
If it wouldn't have been for the writing problems I encountered, I would have enjoyed this book a lot more.
Full review!
September 15, 2015
3.5 stars actually!
This book is all about the most dreaded and misunderstood disease - AIDS. The book consists of 5 short stories, each of which strive to create some awareness. The most sensitive topic like AIDS is handled with so much dignity in these stories.
The first story - Shahid - The Martyr deals with the myths associated with this disease. It also has a touch of mystery which makes the story more interesting. I liked how the story progresses as Lalitha puts all the clues together. This was one of the very well written stories.
The next three stories deal with issues faced by the victims - their social status, their humiliation, their worries and their life in general. Chintu's story tugs at your heart strings while Savita's dedication and determination will leave you awe struck and as per Mithali, the protagonist of the third story, well I was just shocked! Each story manages to rise a different emotion in the reader's mind.
The fifth and the last story is an adaption from the holy bible. This was another story that I enjoyed reading.
All stories are different in that they deal with different emotions yet they are similar; their goal is to spread awareness. I must say the authors have succeeded in this to a great extent. Simple and dignified way of dealing with such a controversial topic. A good read!
This book is all about the most dreaded and misunderstood disease - AIDS. The book consists of 5 short stories, each of which strive to create some awareness. The most sensitive topic like AIDS is handled with so much dignity in these stories.
The first story - Shahid - The Martyr deals with the myths associated with this disease. It also has a touch of mystery which makes the story more interesting. I liked how the story progresses as Lalitha puts all the clues together. This was one of the very well written stories.
The next three stories deal with issues faced by the victims - their social status, their humiliation, their worries and their life in general. Chintu's story tugs at your heart strings while Savita's dedication and determination will leave you awe struck and as per Mithali, the protagonist of the third story, well I was just shocked! Each story manages to rise a different emotion in the reader's mind.
The fifth and the last story is an adaption from the holy bible. This was another story that I enjoyed reading.
All stories are different in that they deal with different emotions yet they are similar; their goal is to spread awareness. I must say the authors have succeeded in this to a great extent. Simple and dignified way of dealing with such a controversial topic. A good read!
September 7, 2015
In India AIDS is not only a disease but a social problem . In our country if anyone is infected by AIDS makes that person a social pariah irrespective of what was the behind the infaction . The reason of people get victimised by this deadly disease is lack of awareness and somewhere the overconservative thinking of our nation is highly responsible for this .
It is not a topic on which we should remain quite we should talk about it , we should be aware about it . Here in this book the authors have done a commendable job to spread awareness about AIDS through the short stories . The stories not only focuses on the awareness of the disease but also on the social perspectives and even myths related to the disease (in story - 1, Shahid - The Martyr) . All the stories have same agenda with different social backgrounds and different takes on AIDS . A really great book and a book needed to be read .
It is not a topic on which we should remain quite we should talk about it , we should be aware about it . Here in this book the authors have done a commendable job to spread awareness about AIDS through the short stories . The stories not only focuses on the awareness of the disease but also on the social perspectives and even myths related to the disease (in story - 1, Shahid - The Martyr) . All the stories have same agenda with different social backgrounds and different takes on AIDS . A really great book and a book needed to be read .
October 3, 2015
Full review @ http://nandhinisbookreviews.blogspot....
Black, Grey and White is a collection of five short stories that throw light on sexual crimes prevailing in our society.
The central motive of the book is to spread awareness about myths and realities of AIDS and essential moral values.
The stories are practical and heart-touching, taking us to a reality ride of the HIV affected victims, their lives and their stand in our society.
Readers, please support the cause by sharing the message!
Black, Grey and White is a collection of five short stories that throw light on sexual crimes prevailing in our society.
The central motive of the book is to spread awareness about myths and realities of AIDS and essential moral values.
The stories are practical and heart-touching, taking us to a reality ride of the HIV affected victims, their lives and their stand in our society.
Readers, please support the cause by sharing the message!
September 28, 2016
Black, Grey and White - when we hear this words, the sudden thoughts passing in our mind is a person stages of life. Yes it is right but no the stages of becoming older. Each characters of this book reflects a person's different suggestions about his life and how it makes good or bad to him through life style. Authors' have given a clear picture that how a person should live in the society and can lead a beautiful life wisely.
July 6, 2015
I liked the Book very much over all.
It has multiple heart squeezing stories,
Stories I liked the most are,
Shahid-The Myrtyr.
Highway Sex:A Journey of hope.
Abram and his prodigal son.
It has multiple heart squeezing stories,
Stories I liked the most are,
Shahid-The Myrtyr.
Highway Sex:A Journey of hope.
Abram and his prodigal son.
August 10, 2015
The premise of the book was good. Though I didn't like all the stories, some of them were put very well and were very real. The author has done a commendable job raising real world issues through short stories!
Read
October 12, 2015Link to the Book Review at ALOP
Nikhimenon says "On the whole,despite it's flaws,'Black,Grey and White' is one work which needs to be appreciated for the good intentions behind it.It's definitely a one time read!"
Nikhimenon says "On the whole,despite it's flaws,'Black,Grey and White' is one work which needs to be appreciated for the good intentions behind it.It's definitely a one time read!"
December 28, 2015
‘Black, Grey and White’ by Santosh Avvannavar and Santosh I. Biradar is a compilation of five short stories, which attempt to create awareness about HIV positive people. While no other disease has attracted as much attention as AIDS, basic knowledge about HIV/AIDS is still lacking among people. At the same time, this deadly disease is still accompanied with various myths and stigmas, discrimination, depression, violence and even suicidal tendencies. Stigmas attached to this disease bring misconceptions. Consequently people identified with this disease are shunned, thrown out of their family’s house and even left to die. Despite various campaigns to spread the awareness about this disease by both government and NGOs, lots still need to be done. The book under review is one such attempt. This book tries to open an evocative window for us into the struggle, the suffering and the hope of ordinary people suffering from this disease.
So, what is my impression of this book? Well! I have mixed feelings about this book. I liked this book in bits and pieces. While I liked a couple of stories, the rest of the stories failed to evoke any sort of emotions in me. Of the five short stories, I was particularly moved by the second story titled ‘Chintu – The Earth is Round’. This is the tale of an orphaned boy Chintu (a born HIV positive) and society’s approach towards him. This story is poignant without being melancholy and deep without being maudlin. Though very short in length, this story effectively passes the message it intended to pass. The other story, which somewhat impressed me is ‘Abram and His Prodigal Son’. This is the longest of all the stories in the book and does not deal with AIDS related issues. This tale, based on the concept of ‘The Parable of Lost Son’, is a thoughtful story about the values of morals in human life. The rest of the stories of this book can be passed as run of the mill type of stories and, by and large, this book was a pretty generic experience for me.
Out of five stories, four stories are in the form of play. To be frank, I did not like this play like conversational structure of these stories. This type of story structure neither helps in building plot nor characters. On the other hand, it kills the potential to expand the subject matter further. And, that is what happened with these stories. Not even a single character of these stories leaves any sort of impression on you. These stories could have been more effective if written in a simple narrative style. Take the example of second story of this book, which leaves a long lasting impression on you as it is written in a simple narrative style.
The language of the book is simple and the authors have also been successful in producing some of the heart touching dialogues. These dialogues successfully deliver the messages they intended to. The book is also quite short and you can finish it within an hour. The cover of the book is done quite well. The same can be said about the title of the book. It appears that a lot of thought has been gone into the planning of the book. However, as a book ‘Black, Grey & White’ still fails to deliver on certain aspects. Most probably, my expectations were higher.
Despite the weaknesses of this book, the authors of this book should be patted on their back not only for playing their part in spreading a consciousness about HIV/AIDS in the form of this book, but also for contributing a part of this book’s earning to a girl’s education.
Note: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange of an honest review.
Read more reviews on:
https://pgalmora.wordpress.com
So, what is my impression of this book? Well! I have mixed feelings about this book. I liked this book in bits and pieces. While I liked a couple of stories, the rest of the stories failed to evoke any sort of emotions in me. Of the five short stories, I was particularly moved by the second story titled ‘Chintu – The Earth is Round’. This is the tale of an orphaned boy Chintu (a born HIV positive) and society’s approach towards him. This story is poignant without being melancholy and deep without being maudlin. Though very short in length, this story effectively passes the message it intended to pass. The other story, which somewhat impressed me is ‘Abram and His Prodigal Son’. This is the longest of all the stories in the book and does not deal with AIDS related issues. This tale, based on the concept of ‘The Parable of Lost Son’, is a thoughtful story about the values of morals in human life. The rest of the stories of this book can be passed as run of the mill type of stories and, by and large, this book was a pretty generic experience for me.
Out of five stories, four stories are in the form of play. To be frank, I did not like this play like conversational structure of these stories. This type of story structure neither helps in building plot nor characters. On the other hand, it kills the potential to expand the subject matter further. And, that is what happened with these stories. Not even a single character of these stories leaves any sort of impression on you. These stories could have been more effective if written in a simple narrative style. Take the example of second story of this book, which leaves a long lasting impression on you as it is written in a simple narrative style.
The language of the book is simple and the authors have also been successful in producing some of the heart touching dialogues. These dialogues successfully deliver the messages they intended to. The book is also quite short and you can finish it within an hour. The cover of the book is done quite well. The same can be said about the title of the book. It appears that a lot of thought has been gone into the planning of the book. However, as a book ‘Black, Grey & White’ still fails to deliver on certain aspects. Most probably, my expectations were higher.
Despite the weaknesses of this book, the authors of this book should be patted on their back not only for playing their part in spreading a consciousness about HIV/AIDS in the form of this book, but also for contributing a part of this book’s earning to a girl’s education.
Note: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange of an honest review.
Read more reviews on:
https://pgalmora.wordpress.com
December 29, 2015
You can find the review at my blog : MessingWithImagination
Title : Black, Grey & White
Author : Santosh Avvannavar & Santosh Biradar
My Rating : 3.5 / 5 stars
Black, Grey & White is a very good attempt by the author at spreading awareness about the misconceptions revolving around AIDs.
It basically incorporates 5 short stories, each with a different plot. Shahid's story keeps your attention but it lacked the spark, as the repetitive dialogues keep dragging you out of the plot scenario and the very dramatic ending doesn't give you a satisfied feel. Chintu's story was the one I really enjoyed as it brings out the emotions the author is so earnestly trying to arouse within us; we really feel the hurt behind the innocent's heart when he has to face and live through people with the untouchable misconception around AIDs.
Even though the third story of Mithali lingers around the fashion world, it is quite believable and an eye opener whereas Savitha's story gives us an insight into how people unknowingly become victims of AIDs and how their families gets affected.
The last story is an retake on the lost son's parable from the bible.
The book being a short read is a good one. I would have loved it more if the author could have undertaken a different writing style rather than the screen-play manner.
I give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for everyone as it a short and useful read.
Note: I received this book as a complimentary copy from the Author in exchange for a honest review. The opinions expressed in the review are my own, and remain unbiased and uninfluenced.
Title : Black, Grey & White
Author : Santosh Avvannavar & Santosh Biradar
My Rating : 3.5 / 5 stars
Black, Grey & White is a very good attempt by the author at spreading awareness about the misconceptions revolving around AIDs.
It basically incorporates 5 short stories, each with a different plot. Shahid's story keeps your attention but it lacked the spark, as the repetitive dialogues keep dragging you out of the plot scenario and the very dramatic ending doesn't give you a satisfied feel. Chintu's story was the one I really enjoyed as it brings out the emotions the author is so earnestly trying to arouse within us; we really feel the hurt behind the innocent's heart when he has to face and live through people with the untouchable misconception around AIDs.
Even though the third story of Mithali lingers around the fashion world, it is quite believable and an eye opener whereas Savitha's story gives us an insight into how people unknowingly become victims of AIDs and how their families gets affected.
The last story is an retake on the lost son's parable from the bible.
The book being a short read is a good one. I would have loved it more if the author could have undertaken a different writing style rather than the screen-play manner.
I give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for everyone as it a short and useful read.
Note: I received this book as a complimentary copy from the Author in exchange for a honest review. The opinions expressed in the review are my own, and remain unbiased and uninfluenced.
March 1, 2016
This isn't a normal book that you would be reading.
Anyone with social responsibility and conscience would surely appreciate this book since this book touches upon lot of real time situation which is either hidden or people feel shy/timid to talk about.
This is a bold yet good attempt by the authors and since I am reading Santosh Avvannavar's books for a while, I could say this book is entirely different when compared with his other releases. The book has got 5 stories which revolves around social issues like AIDS, Highway Sex, Women Abuse - which is existing behind the curtains in few industries and author had the guts to bring it out in a polished manner.
There are lot which needs to be improved and though we are much advanced and well informed about these and issues like this is not happening in a wide spread scale like earlier, it is still happening and this would be an enlightenment for those who read - you may either be a victim yourself or you can use this to prevent yourself from being victimised....
Anyone with social responsibility and conscience would surely appreciate this book since this book touches upon lot of real time situation which is either hidden or people feel shy/timid to talk about.
This is a bold yet good attempt by the authors and since I am reading Santosh Avvannavar's books for a while, I could say this book is entirely different when compared with his other releases. The book has got 5 stories which revolves around social issues like AIDS, Highway Sex, Women Abuse - which is existing behind the curtains in few industries and author had the guts to bring it out in a polished manner.
There are lot which needs to be improved and though we are much advanced and well informed about these and issues like this is not happening in a wide spread scale like earlier, it is still happening and this would be an enlightenment for those who read - you may either be a victim yourself or you can use this to prevent yourself from being victimised....
April 25, 2016
This book gives its perusers five awesome short stories that has a typical point – to spread awareness about AIDS. It is an open door for individuals to join in the battle against AIDS and demonstrate their solidarity for HIV individuals. The book is an eye opener for any individual who wish to see the rush of positive change in the public eye. Everybody including the valiant hearts Savita, Chintu, Mithali has the privilege to live with their head held high without trepidation of society.The book manages a substantial point and not at all like the typical pattern of laying it overwhelming with the perusers, i preferred how the writer treated the theme delicately and unobtrusively yet leaving the hidden message clear and sufficiently noisy for its perusers. Finally , I would finish up by prescribing it to everybody, and likewise request that prescribe it to their companions to spread basic mindfulness about infection like AIDS and supress the myths and deteriorate them.
October 20, 2024
I got this book from the author, Santosh Avvannavar, in return for a free and fair review. thanks to the author for sending the book to me.
The book has five stories, and, apart from one, all other are related to AIDS patients.
The first story "Shahid - The Martyr" started well, reached a crescendo in the middle and falls flat towards the end.
The second story "Chintu..." is the best story in this book despite being small. I could feel the pain Chitu was going through.
The third story "A Game..." is ok. the end is predictable.
The fourth story "Highway Sex" is a good story but its not something new. This is one of the common stories that we hear about truck drivers who contract AIDS.
the fifth one, Abram and his prodigal son, has nothing to do with AIDS. The story felt me more like preachy. The story doesn't have any substance.
Over all the book is average. Chintu's story has lifted it a bit otherwise it would have been a below average story book for me . I would rate it 2.5/5.
The book has five stories, and, apart from one, all other are related to AIDS patients.
The first story "Shahid - The Martyr" started well, reached a crescendo in the middle and falls flat towards the end.
The second story "Chintu..." is the best story in this book despite being small. I could feel the pain Chitu was going through.
The third story "A Game..." is ok. the end is predictable.
The fourth story "Highway Sex" is a good story but its not something new. This is one of the common stories that we hear about truck drivers who contract AIDS.
the fifth one, Abram and his prodigal son, has nothing to do with AIDS. The story felt me more like preachy. The story doesn't have any substance.
Over all the book is average. Chintu's story has lifted it a bit otherwise it would have been a below average story book for me . I would rate it 2.5/5.
October 7, 2016
The book that everyone should read and respect those positive peoples. They are also humans with same feelings. They are physically present but mentally hurted a lot. In this book the authors perfectly brought us what the positive peoples feel and their hurtings in five different ways. I like the second story most since it brings tears. Thanks for the authors...!!
April 14, 2015
HIV – is not merely a medical problem in India, but more than a social problem. So much so is the non acceptability of AIDS patients in India that if in a social gathering a confirmed AIDS patient is seen everyone’s face turns pale-as if seeing a ghost walking in front of them. If someone’s relative is found to be confirmed ELISA positive, he or she thinks that it is better to be swallowed by earth. We are not talking of the victims, because society does think they have the right to be denied of all rights by the society-they are the excluded ones. Everybody tends to forget in a hurry that although 87% of the cases contracted sexually and transfusion associated and the rest are from intravenous drug use and vertical transmitted infections. And anybody including those faces of hate can be the unfortunate victim.
The victims are stigmatized in the society leading to severe social consequences related to human rights, health care services, freedom, human dignity and social interaction. and if the unfortunate victim comes from the marginalized section of the society then he or she will compelled to lead a life that the cattle will not even dream (if it can dream) of living. It is all the fault of the individual….
Standing on this backdrop of despair Black, grey and white co authored by Santosh Awannvar and Santosh I. Biradar is a pious attempt to wipe out darkness, ignorance and untruth- the three greatest enemies of humanity, about the killer disease. The book consists of five stories –each presenting unique shades of colours, judging the problem from different perspectives.
The stories are 1. Shahid-the Martyr, 2. Chintu-the earth is round, 3.A game of life,lust and death, 4. Highway sex-a journey of hope, 5. Abraham and His prodigal son. Out of these five stories we shall discuss at depth the first and the third.
Interested to know further?
Read complete review of it at-
https://jayasreesown.wordpress.com/20...
The victims are stigmatized in the society leading to severe social consequences related to human rights, health care services, freedom, human dignity and social interaction. and if the unfortunate victim comes from the marginalized section of the society then he or she will compelled to lead a life that the cattle will not even dream (if it can dream) of living. It is all the fault of the individual….
Standing on this backdrop of despair Black, grey and white co authored by Santosh Awannvar and Santosh I. Biradar is a pious attempt to wipe out darkness, ignorance and untruth- the three greatest enemies of humanity, about the killer disease. The book consists of five stories –each presenting unique shades of colours, judging the problem from different perspectives.
The stories are 1. Shahid-the Martyr, 2. Chintu-the earth is round, 3.A game of life,lust and death, 4. Highway sex-a journey of hope, 5. Abraham and His prodigal son. Out of these five stories we shall discuss at depth the first and the third.
Interested to know further?
Read complete review of it at-
https://jayasreesown.wordpress.com/20...
November 12, 2015
Though there were mixed reactions with stories but each gave some interesting insights to me as a layman that made me feel to rate it five out of five! I loved the first story that was like nerve bitting till the end. Second one has a magical touch that makes short story of CHINTU an emotional! Fifth was long and fulfilling with interesting learning. Overall a good one that educates, add value on a area that is less spoken.
February 5, 2015
The book is an attempt to generate awareness about the disease AIDS and its repercussions on the patients and society at large. As the blurb says, the book talks about five situations and have woven a story around each. Full review at Natasha'z Words
November 21, 2015
Difficult topic to write but authors' have succeed to certain extent in putting across in simple language. I loved first two stories that leave mark on the stereotyping often people end up doing with HIV/AIDS affected people. A brave and good attempt.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews