The Leap

by Nita Bajoria

The newest entry in the library of science fiction novels about Mars written over the last century and a quarter is different from the usual gadget-driven or pure fantasy fare. In here the characters are real, fully developed human beings with all the complexities and contradictions that accompany their humanity. Through them, the author explores some significant questions about the mysteries of life. Is it only an explorer like Columbus who is on the lookout for the unexplored? Aren’t we all seeking something unknown to us? Most of us, reluctant to leave our comfort zone, suppress the appetite. Although this hunger keeps gnawing our insides, hurting us continuously, we pretend to be jubilant and content. However, a few are unable to maintain the facade. They become restless, nervous, and edgy. The world calls them crazy. Unable to resist the pull, they finally break open the cocoon and transform into a beautiful butterfly with sturdy wings that carries them to heavenly orchards, where the nectar of wisdom is sweeter than ever. Moreover, it’s not just the outer journey that transpires. An inner pilgrimage runs parallel to the outer sojourn that ultimately leads us to our higher self. However, for this journey to take place, we must first allow ourselves to hit the road to nowhere. Are we ready for the leap, or shall we wait for a disaster to strike first?

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 8, 2018

About the author

Nita may be best described as a lazy bookworm who utilizes her moments of feeling out of place in a social gathering by observing people around her and plotting short stories. Before she started writing fiction, she experimented with various occupations like computer teacher, computer programmer, kitchen designer, kitchen manufacturer, and office magazine editor. But her favourite job is the one she’s now doing full time — weaving stories. Mother of an adoring daughter she finds writing destressing. She loves reading on flights and she is at her best when left alone to scribble on her laptop in a library or a café. Knitting stories around relationships, emotional needs and various perceptions that build up the drama of life is her forte. She believes that travelling opens up her mind and helps her understand life better. Most of her short stories and travelogues have been featured in popular magazines such as Women’s Era, Alive and Airports India. “The Leap” is her debut novel. You can get to her blog by simply typing the word “nitatussiemussies”.

Reviews

[Cookie M. · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. There is too much going on here, and it is told in a very disjointed fractional style, making it hard to follow. I give up.

I received this book free from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.

[Pankaj · Rating 5 out of 5]

The leap ...builds a tapestry of story around multiple characters coming together on the context of a possible oneway odyssey to planet MARS in search of alterate habitat for human beings . For some of them, it is their celestial dream come true , for some it would be, finding an echo in the outer world, of the loneliness they feel within their inner world.... and for some its time to let go and forgive the travesty the past holds.... intricately woven , these multiple stories will nudge the readness to find piece of themselves in these character and will become a unique relection on life mostly made available when one is to loose something permanently....

[Marc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite gripping.

A good story which makes one think about our situation on eatlrth. Thank you Nita, looking forward to more of your books.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I receive this book from Goodreads giveaway for a honest review. The Leap is about a chance to live on Mars would you go if you had the chance if a disaster strike or would we be to afraid to leave. I enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more of Nita Bajoria books Thank you!

[Riya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haven't we all someday or the other have thought about a world beyond this Earth? A life, a person or an animal, we all try to imagine on a different planet.

'The Leap' is a story of courage, something beyond ordinary life and determination towards one's dreams and challenges. It is about not losing hope and not using age as an excuse to not pursue things you believe in.

I am personally very impressed by the author, her imaginative skills, her keenness towards details and her really captivating storytelling.

In this book, it is about the need to save Earth from human exploitation while also creating a space for the new generation, a new world to flourish. 'The Red Planet Project' is a mission to find a life at Mars. With a few enthusiastic people from all over the world with different backgrounds, expertise and experience are selected to participate and contribute towards this one in a lifetime chance.

The book discusses the lives of these candidates, on Earth and on Mars and how they slip in and out of memories for their loved ones.

All of them have inspiring stories and reasons to share and volunteer for such a life changing project despite the challenges and accommodations they will have to make with their life on Earth.

With one way ticket in their hands, these people took on a journey to Mars for their dreams, for the confidence of their loved ones in them and for the good of civilization.

Among all the stories, I loved reading the moments and eternal support of Franc for her husband Ben's dream and Stefan who took it as a challenge and maybe for a lost friendship.

It did sound at times confusing with lots of terms and sudden shift in story, but overall I enjoyed this ride with 'The Red Planet Project'

So, take this leap with many other candidates and climb on the ship to a space, to the Mars and be a part of the history as well as future!

[Kevin Mallik · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I picked up this book, I thought it’s going to be a science fiction, full of space thrillers and AI and crazy robots. However, this book has much to do with human psychic and aspirations and suppressed emotions. A group of people prepare to leave for Mars under a project called The Red Planet. They want to live there and don’t want to come back. However, before getting into the project and during the practice, their stories of anger, sadness, happy moments, and desires not only awe but also surprises me. I think more than the tech terms, the author has focused on exploring the fine threads from circumstances and relations. At times, high and low, this book is different and one needs to be at peace while reading and grasping its content. I liked the main contestants, however, Stefan was my favourite. Full of cross-cultural narrative and innovation, this novel should be on the TBR list of all serious literature lover. Amazing performance by Nita.

[Muskan Dhingra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Book " The Leap " By "Nita bajoria " is a science fictional novel, debut novel by the author.
The story revolves around the characters coming as a group for a way towards PLANET MARS for searching of habitat for humans.
The story talks beautifully about the context between past, present and future. The real talks about humanity, unity and gained knowledge is the core of this book .

Each character in the book stays in my mind even after finishing the book. Every detail in depth about each character working towards a goal by understanding every point done efficiently.
The book cover is made with the relationship to the story properly and the author's writing is easy to understand and kept it medium paced to read.

If you are someone who loves the science concepts and a mix of science and fiction together, this book is definitely a one for you.

[Arzoo Chaudhary · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOK REVIEW

The Leap inspires reflection on human potential and interstellar ambition, making it a worthwhile read for sci-fi enthusiasts interested in social commentary. It succeeds as a debut by posing profound questions about life’s direction without heavy-handed preaching.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

[Stacy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cheesy

Spoiler alert, the last page makes me wish I never bothered to read it at all. They all hugged, said I knew we could do it, and yelled hip hop hooray. Barf.