BOOK REVIEW 12 - SORRY YOU'RE NOT MY TYPE...

AUTHOR - SUDEEP NAGARKAR

GENRE – FICTION

CHARACTERS – VIKRANT – ANAMIKA – YUVI (VAYU)

THE PLOT

Vikrant – a perfectionist, Anamika – a free spirit, Yuvi – a diehard music lover, become close friends and start hanging out regularly. How does Aditya, a stranger, become a part of their life and what happens next??

MY TAKE

The story starts at Mia Bella Pub, New Delhi where two friends (Aditya & Sakshi) meet up and notice Vikrant performing. Mesmerized by his music, Aditya wishes to have a word with Vikrant, who happen to narrate the flashback of his music band VAYU, his love and friendship.

The novel has a good start, where in Aditya & Sakshi listens to Vikrant. But I somewhere didn’t understand the need of those characters that hardly have any role to play. Anamika’s idea of having Anurag as a boyfriend is too filmy. Yuvi, a drug addict’s character is described in a nice way wherein he turns to be the anti hero of the story. It’s such a ill fate for girls like Kashish, who literally give up their life for a relationship and end up getting ditched for no fault of theirs. Though Anurag ends it up with Sanaya, his character is worth noticing at the climax. 

The paperback promises us, this is a true story that will redefine friendship, affection and infatuation and it sure does justice to that and ONLY THAT. The story isn’t much gripping and I felt I was in middle of nowhere suddenly. It takes a mild turn at the Goa trip where Vikrant’s life takes off. Yuvi’s character is at times irritating as the drugs names are often mentioned. This novel is purely decent with zero obscenity. 

Positives :

1. Simple language

2. Maintains the flow

3. Some related quotes & forwards in start & end of every chapter

Negatives :

1. Too much of Hindi lyrics

2. Over usage of drug names

3. Boring train scenes

4. Sluggish at times 

Book Details:

Publisher: Random House India

Year of Publication: 2014

Cover: Paperback

Pages: 200

MRP: Rs. 150

 Rating – 3/5

BOOK REVIEW 11 - WHO WILL CRY WHEN YOU DIE?

Book - Who will cry when you die? 

Author - Robin Sharma

Robin Sharma is a Canadian lawyer, leadership expert and a writer. He has written several self help books on personality development and leadership. Every book of him, has promisingly changed rather enlightened so many lives across the globe. 

About the book - 

In this book, the author has gifted the readers with 101 life’s lessons. Every lesson is dropped down so neatly in a single page. The language is so simple yet crisp and it is purely meant for every person and every age. At some lessons, the author quotes examples from his own life and relates to the situation. 

My take – 

I am not exactly the person who looks out for motivational/self development books as I am already super motivated in the first place. I had this kindle edition of the book, for months together and never even had an idea to open it. It happened today. Not that I was so overconfident that I was already a positive person, I just wanted to see what else do I lack, and what other qualities can be value added to my living. 

I completed this book in 2 hours and it just touched my heart. Here are some of the life’s lessons which I felt is too important for anyone – 

 Everyone who enters your life has a lesson to teach and a story to tell. 
 The golden thread of a meaningful life is self-discipline.
 Every time you fail to do the right thing, you fuel the habit of doing the wrong thing. 
 Every minute you spend focusing on your problems, you take away from finding solutions.
 Learn to say NO gracefully.
 To live life to your fullest, start taking more risks doing the things you fear.

All of us know everything which has been told, but how many of us in our real lives do actually implement it?

This is such a feel good book and gives a deep sense of satisfaction. I confess this is an amazing book I have ever read on self-help and am really hunting for the other books by the same author. 

Free tip – Gift this book to next gen children and students. You will get the contentment of nurturing their life. Life is to live to the fullest, after all! Isn’t it?? 

Rating – A straight ***** 5/5

WORLD BOOK DAY - APRIL 23RD!

A good book is the best of friends, the same today and forever.

World Book and Copyright Day, is a yearly event on 23rd April conducted by UNESCO to promote reading, writing and copyright. This is one of the important days in the English Literature, as it commemorates the birthday and death day of William Shakespeare.  

World Book Day was celebrated for the first time on 23rd April, 1995. 

Today, is the 450th Birthday of William Shakespeare. 

MY LIFE, AS A READER - 

I have been a voracious reader since my childhood and I have read about 300 books including short stories, novels, non-fiction, self development, management books, journals, magazines, blogs etc. Reading is not my hobby; but my SUPER POWER! The immense joy of reading them can never be described in words. Yes, they must be felt by heart for real! 

THINGS I LEARNT/ACQUIRED FROM BOOKS - 

1. When I was in 4th grade, I used to read Bedtime Stories, O’clock and other series tales by Enid Blyton. I confess that it has developed my imagination and creativity. It also helps in logical thinking. This is basically because when we read, our brains translate those places, people and things as pictures.  For example – A donkey fell into a well, every book-reading kid would have imagined thus.

2. No matter how well a student reads and writes English as a subject in his/her academics, it is the book reading habit which develops the Vocabulary in them.  It leads to more highly developed language & communication skills, when a person gets to know different new words and their synonyms. 

3. Reading connects directly to the brain! This helps us learn, grow and feel from the author’s point of view and hence you shape a better self. It is good for physical health as it prevents from brain diseases and ageing. 

4. Reading builds self esteem. The more you read, the more knowledgeable you become, which in turn builds confidence and growth. It also improves memory and concentration. 

5. Books are the tangible, valuable from which we learn, imagine and sometimes (Read : Most of the times) you can escape from the World around you. You get the insight of different cultures, customs and lifestyles. 

BEEN THERE! DONE THAT! ;)

THIS REMINDS ME OF A QUOTE -

I've travelled the world twice over, 

Met the famous; saints and sinners, 

Poets and artists, kings and queens, 

Old stars and hopeful beginners, 

I've been where no-one's been before, 

learned secrets from writers and cooks 

All with one library ticket. 

A FEW TIPS TO KICK START YOUR READING HABIT - CLICK HERE

Okay then! Haven't you grabbed a book yet?? 

HAPPY READING ! ~

NOVEL VS MOVIE - (4) 2 STATES

Novel – 2 STATES (2009) by Chetan Bhagat

Movie – 2 STATES (2014) by Abhishek Varman

Characters – Krish Malhotra, Ananya Swaminathan

THE PLOT

2 States is a story of Krish (a Punjabi) and Ananya (Tamilian) who meet each other at India’s best educational institution, IIM-A, become friends, fall in love and eventually plans to get married. They get down into the art of convincing their parents and their to-be in laws instead of eloping. 2 States are involved and so the culture, tradition, mindset, way of living of their parents differ. Krish and Ananya struggle a lot and finally make it to a big fat Indian wedding! 

NOVEL VS MOVIE

There were not many differences between the novel and movie. But the second part of the film which was the crux to the whole story, seemed like quite hurriedly taken. A few scenes (included in promo) were cut off, just not to hurt the sentiments of the South Indians (Offo!) and there were some changes with the Companies where Krish and Ananya gets placed. The boring episodes of Krish getting transferred, his boss and his colleagues at Chennai are omitted (Thank God)  

NICE QUOTES FROM THE NOVEL

1. “Life is not to be taken seriously, as we are really temporary here. We are like a pre-paid card with limited validity. If we are lucky, we may last another 50 years. And 50 years is just 2,500 weekends. Do we really need to get so worked up? It’s ok, bunk a few classes, goof up a few interviews, fall in love. We are people, not programmed devices.” 

2. “Why should any guy want to be only friends with a girl? It’s like agreeing to be near a chocolate cake and never eat it. It’s like sitting in a racing car but not driving it.” 

3. This is the absolute, last humiliation I will go through to get the love of my life. 

4. See now all your wedding pictures will have mickey mouse, uncle said, confirming that my humiliation would continue for the rest of my life. 

5. I love you and your father and your mother and your brother  and your relatives, I said.

I love you and your clan too, she said.

MY REVIEW

Firstly, Arjun and Aliaa’s cross culture romance is subtly adorable. Ronit Roy plays an amazing role of Krish’s father and their relationship is well shot. Amrita Singh, who casts a typical Punjabi mom role, does her best but is quite annoying from a South Indian’s point of view, especially when she assaults Madrasis. “90% of the Tamilians are literates” – the reply from Ananya’s mom (Actress Revathy) makes us raise the collars. Anyway am not in here to create a clash between Punjabis and Tamilians as the roles have been played just based on the novel. It has to be understood that every individual irrespective of caste and community are special in their own way!! 

Few scenes from the novel were excellently adapted and depicted, which made me spell bound (Ananya’s speech at Duke’s wedding).The scenes have various locations like Ahmedabad, Chennai, Punjab, Goa and there is a strong connectivity between the happenings in different states just like it did in the novel. The marriage scene (climax) was the shortest and all the expectations dropped down when it ended so quickly.  The songs, potrays their intimacy and strikes the chord thereby attracting the young gen of the Country. 

Overall a very nice movie and is definitely worth a watch, but needless to say the essence of the story is still retained back in the novel. 

Rating 4/5

BOX SET BOOKS (3) - SUDHA MURTY

Fiction set - 

•          Dollar Bahu
•          Mahashweta
•          Gently Falls The Bakula
•          House Of Cards

Author - Sudha Murty

SNIPPETS & REVIEWS

1. DOLLAR BAHU 

Characters – Shamanna – Gouramma – Chandrakanth – Girish – Surabhi – Vinuta – Jamuna

A story of how money corrupts the way people look at one another and how it can almost tear a family apart! 

A typical story of an Indian family. Shamanna, the head of the family, a sanksrit teacher, who lives honest yet modest life. Gouramma, his wife, is over ambitious and always dreams of affluent life with cars and bungalow. Shamanna wants his children Chandru, Girish and Surabhi to have a good education. 

The story starts with Chandru’s love on Vinuta who he meets in a train journey towards Dharwad. The career oriented Chandru, suppresses his feelings towards Vinuta and goes to US of A. He earns dollars and when he decides to tell Vinuta, it is too late! She is married to Girish, a bank clerk, coincidently Chandru’s brother.  Vinuta has to listen to the constant comparisons made between her and Chandru’s wife, the ‘Dollar Bahu’, whose husband earns the valuable dollars that has brought the family its recent affluence. Vinuta slowly loses her peace of mind and health. Then Gouramma decides to visit her US-based son and daughter-in-law. Once there, she sees how liberating life can be, away from the strict norms that govern Indian middle-class life.

 REVIEW

Vinuta, is very honest in her approach and carries her duties selflessly with love and affection but she is constantly been pricked by her inlaws. On the other hand, Chandru gets married to Jamuna (from the richest family) and hence mentioned as “Dollar Bahu” throughout the story. Now , Vinuta suffers even more tantrums from her mother in law for lack of cash and jewellery. Vinuta slowly gets into depression mode.  

Dollar Bahu is on the family way and the proud Gauramma is all set to take a flight to US to take care of the to be born grandchild. That is when she gets to know the true color of Jamuna. She realizes how she has danced to the tune of evil minded Jamuna and how she has been used by her bahu like a maid. 

That entire night Gouramma cried, and her wet pillow was testimony to her uncontrollable grief – is one of the best lines in the book. 

Gauramma realizes how she has ill-treated Vinuta and she felt dreadful that she hasn’t gifted Vinuta for her pregnancy or any occasion. She sees world from different perspective and lacks the love, respect, culture which lay in abundance in India.  

The invincible “dollar” had fallen. 

Shamanna, a balanced human, completely understands the situation of his sweet daughter in law, who lives with him, makes her get out of the house to have a happy and peaceful life without the intervention of her taunting mother in law, Gauramma. 

The story takes a turn after the transformed Gauramma lands in Bangalore, India. 

Candid, Endearing and Unembellished novel. 

Very simply written, strikes the chord totally.

Worth a read.. 

RATING - 4.5/5

2. MAHASHWETA

Anupama, the beautiful, talented and intelligent female protagonist is the daughter of village school master Shamanna. She has a step mother and two step sisters.

Dr Anand, falls in love with Anupama when he witnesses her acting in a drama “Mahashweta”. Anand is basically affluent and lives with his mother (Radhakka) and sister (Girija). He convinces them and gets hitched to Anupama. He then leaves for America, leaving back his dear wife with his mother and sister. 

Anupama looked into the mirror and shivered with shock. A small white patch had now appeared on her arm.' Anupama's fairytale marriage to Anand falls apart when she discovers a white patch on her foot and learns that she has leukoderma. Abandoned by her uncaring in-laws and insensitive husband, she is forced to return to her father's home in the village. The social stigma of a married woman living with her parents, her steother's continual barbs and the ostracism that accompanies her skin condition force her to contemplate suicide. Determined to rebuild her life against all odds, Anupama goes to Bombay where she finds success, respect and the promise of an enduring friendship. Mahashweta is an inspiring story of courage and resilience in a world marred by illusions and betrayals. This poignant tale offers hope and solace to the victims of the prejudices that govern society even today. 

REVIEW

 Words fall short indeed! Such a marvelous novel. The social stigma attached to the novel is the disease Leukoderma, (Skin disorder) which Anupama gets affected with. The girl who acted in plays which had only happy endings, has her rendezvous with tragedy, that too in real life.  It portrays the boldness and courage Anupama has, how she fights her fate and emerges as a winner in her life and much stronger. 

It is very painful when she is been ignored by her husband who himself is a doctor. Such a strong female and totally inspiring. Anand attends an “International Medical Conference” in India where Anupama with Dr Vasant’s help gets her theatre group to perform a drama. Anand recognizes her voice, gets her contact details and meets her after the drama. Will she accept back Anand and his so-called love? Or will she accept the genuine love of Dr Vasant?   

   

The novel ends with Anu’s students deciding on their next play – Mahashweta.

The play that began the novel ends it, too, causing tears to flow out of the reader’s eyes.

A must-read. 

A treasure to my book-shelf ! (Needless to say! )

RATING - 4/5

3. GENTLY FALLS THE BAKULA

Shrimati and Shrikant are neighbours and star students of their school in the small north Karnataka town of Hubli. It leaves no one in surprise when they come first and second respectively in the final Board exams. Soon Shrikant discovers he is strangely attracted to Shrimati, a plain-looking yet charming person, who always does better than him in the exams. Shrimati too falls in love with the amiable and handsome Shrikant and the two get married. Shrikant joins an IT company and starts rapidly climbing the corporate ladder. 

He works relentlessly and reaches the pinnacle of his industry, while Shrimati abandons her academic aspirations and becomes his uncomplaining shadow, silently fulfilling her duties as a corporate leader’s wife. But one day, while talking to an old professor, she starts examining what she has done with her life and realizes it is dismally empty . . . 

REVIEW

The author has dedicated this book 

" To all those women who allowed family commitments and responsibilities to overpower their own aspirations "

  Shrikant is portrayed as an ambitious person right from the beginning, because of which their marriage life takes a toll. His self interests drive him insane. He anyway tastes the recipe of success. He wants more. So he uses his beloved wife Shrimati as a personal secretary, who remains an encyclopedia of her husband’s career. Shrimati, had put her career on hold and totally gave up on the doctorate degree which she was passionate about. When Shrikant reaches the Top management, Shrimati accentuates to loneliness. She realizes her life has gone so empty and decides to move on with what her heart craves. Shrikant turns back and realizes his folly. But it’s too late for him to modify anything after all. 

The Bakula tree whose flowers symbolized the love between them, had fallen, so miserably..

The characters are well described and it’s such a simple story with strong plot. There are many females just like Shrimati who have done so much for their husbands and throwing their life at stake. Every Indian woman would feel connected to Shrimati in one way or the other. 

RATING - 4/5

4. HOUSE OF CARDS

Click HERE to read the review !! 

However the newer covers of the novels in this box set comes thus  - 

HATS OFF TO SUDHA MURTHY MADAM FOR GIVING THESE WONDERFUL BOOKS, ADDING UP TO THE BOX SET!  

~~~~ 

Publisher - Penguin India

Paperback - Purchase online here

BOOK REVIEW 10 - LOVE AT FACEBOOK

BOOK REVIEW 10 – LOVE @ FACEBOOK

  

AUTHOR – NIKITA SINGH

CHARACTERS – VATSALA-JAANVI-ANKIT-RONIT 

GENRE - FICTION

THE PLOT

Love at Facebook (L@F) is the debut novel by an Indian author Nikita Singh. The protagonist Vatsala Rathore, a college going teen,  develops a huge crush on MTV VJ Ronit Oberoi. The crush turns into obsession when VJ RON accepts her friend request and likes few of Vatsala’s photos. Meanwhile, there is Ankit Rai, Vatsala’s best friend for four years. He loves Vatsala unconditionally and proposes her a few times but she shows no interest. Jaanvi tries a lot to convince Vatsala about the true love Ankit has on her, but in vain. Vatsala goes far away from reality, continues to stalk Ron’s profile and tirelessly texts him. He hardly replies.  At the end, Vatsala is in a strange situation wherein she has to choose between the Virtual Ronit and Realtime Ankit. 

MY TAKE

This is a happening love story across the globe. Getting connected to known and unknown people through social networking sites, it is always a bane unless one finds a true partner. There are so many guys like Ronit, who takes relationships very light and careless. It’s fascinating that the author has used Fb tool to emphasize the love story. By describing the chats, photos, likes, comments, statuses with smileys, it definitely gets you going throughout the book. Jaanvi, her friend plays the best role. She makes Vatsala realize who is who and gets her back to senses. 

The story is narrated in the first person (Vatsala) and the author clearly confesses that this is not her love story ;) Though Vatsala, Jaanvi and Ankit are college teens, they are very matured. Jaanvi’s love with Nilaap and her reactions of first kiss, being loved, bruises are exotically described. The author has weaved all the chapters with cute-crisp titles and an amazing flow of language and writing style. Every feeling of Vatsala is the feeling of every desperate SINGLE GIRL. 

One thing which I didn’t like about the novel was, why would even Vatsala consider the (available yet invisible person) Ronit as on option to choose from, when she already has her Prince Charming around and all through?  Ridiculous.  

IMPACT ON YOUNGER GENERATION - HIGH!! 

A breezy, refreshing one time read and my bad moods could not have been any better without this.

Rating - 3.5/5

Paperback - 208 pages

Publisher - Cedar Books

Published - 2011

Grab the copy online at - AMAZON.COM

BOOK REVIEW 9 - NOW THAT YOU'RE RICH

NOVEL - NOW THAT YOU’RE RICH! 

                                 .....LET’S FALL IN LOVE

     

AUTHOR - DURJOY DUTTA & MAANVI AHUJA

GENRE – FICTION

CHARACTERS ~ 

ABHI~SAURAV~

SHRUTI~GARIMA

THE PLOT

The story is about the four achieving nerds., who land themselves in a job paying at a higher rate, with which someone could think spending upon. 

But is life is all about money? Can life be a bed of roses?  

In this age old battle between money and love, what wins this time?

But life isn’t all rosy as Abhi and Shruti grapple with ridiculously workaholic yet charming bosses in crisp suits hired right out of hell. Saurav doesn’t find the going easy either, as he struggles to make this way into the skirts of the incredible hot female colleagues. Garima on the other hand, aloof and distant, doesn’t give a shit.

MY TAKE

This is a second book of “DEB-AVANTIKA” Trilogy. 

This is a story of how the four of them enter into a corporate world, their life after college. It shows their friendship, relationships, pestering bosses, recession and how do they tackle and overcome the situations. The characters are well described in separate chapters. Saurav’s character promised to irritate me at times. Through the eyes of Shruti, one can feel what a work pressure actually means. Abhi & Shruti are allocated under Deb & Saurav & Garima are allocated under Avantika. 

Those who are just out of college and looking for jobs or the ones who have stepped into Corporate world now, can easily relate it to them. The story is very realistic and gripping. I have always loved the way Durjoy selects title for his novels. Quite witty. Amazing flow, very practical and a gripping novel. 

Rating - 3.7/5

Paperback - 215 Pages

Publisher - Grapevine India

Year of Publication - 2009

MRP - Rs 125/- 

BOOK REVIEW 8 - ANYTHING FOR YOU MA'AM

NOVEL - ANYTHING FOR YOU MAM (AN IIT'IAN'S LOVE STORY!)

     

AUTHOR - TUSHAR RAHEJA

GENRE - ROMANCE FICTION 

THE PLOT

Tejas Narula, an IITian, a fun loving guy, insanely falls in love with his sister’s friend Shreya Bhargava. She is shifted to Chennai and Tejas wants to meet her. His college arranges for ten days Industrial trip, and Tejas plans in all means to bunk the whole of it and go to Chennai to meet his ladylove. On this verge, he tries all adventures which turn into misadventures. 

Thus begins Tejas’s extremely eventful and humorous journey where Mr. Fate pits him, as only he can, against Professor Sidhu who would do anything to stop him; and conjures a host of interesting characters who travel some part of his journey with him weaving together extremely witty plots….and well, Mr. Fate, it seems, has more roles in his ingenious mind for "Biobull" than just remain a rocking bus.

MY VERDICT

A very simple tale. The touch of bollywood style remains throughout. Just gets you going through the usual love drama. The author has good narrative skills and a flowing style with humor. The story seems realistic but in a few chapters it deviates away. The scenarios where Tejas fights with his sister (Palak), flirts with his sister’s friends are quite funny. The professor’s episode was amazing. The first few pages were real slow. The author has neatly written the romance story without adding vulgarity to it. Happened to pick this book after reading some positive reviews, nevertheless it failed to impress me. Not that I hated it, but it was a not-so-gripping-tale and I completed within few hours.

Very comical & cinematic! !

A page-turner and a one time light read.. 

Rating – 2.5/5

Paperback - 256 pages

Publisher – Srishti Publishers

Price – Rs 80/- 

BOOK REVIEW 7 - A DILLI MUMBAI LOVE STORY

               NOVEL - A DILLI MUMBAI <3 STORY             

AUTHOR - ABHIMANYU JHA

GENRE - ROMANCE FICTION 

THE PLOT

2008 - the year in which the world became poorer and India less safer, there was a couple passionately in love. Aniruddh and Apu.

"My Ducati and my 6' 1" height was enough to impress or intimidate most people. I didn't want to bring my IQ in on top of that." - Aniruddh.

Not a word more. I am Aparajita... remember? The unbeatable." - Apu

Aniruddh. a Ducati riding, economics loving dude studying in St. Stephen's. And Apu - a girl from Goa who loves the lawala food and super large ear rings. Opposites in a lot of ways, they fell for each other the Instant they met.

But then on a pleasant November night, when India was going to sleep, Aniruddh's love for his saanwli memsaab met a terrifying enemy...

Will it survive the horror they bring?

BOOK TRAILER - LINK HERE

MY REVIEW

A touching tale from an Indian author. 

I picked this up because I was specifically looking into the works of contemporary Indian authors’ works, irrespective of the genre. It turned out to be a very nice read. It’s about two passionate lovers Apu and Ani, well educated, from different family backgrounds falling in love and getting married against the wishes of Ani’s family. Their love story is so matured and the way it has been narrated is so modern with all those jargons. Initially the story runs in a slow pace but the last 50 pages of the book runs just fast so interestingly and every single emotion is beautifully expressed. It is a clichéd story with modern words and definitely a page turner. A very light read overall! 

Pros – 

1. No wonder author is an IITian. His language speaks it all.

2. Maintains the flow with Past-Present, Delhi-Mumbai-Goa.

3. Well captured emotions and neatly described.

Cons –

1. Hindi phrases in between (Takes away the flow totally)

2. Over-usage of the word “CRUD!”

3. Might be a tough read for those who are not so proficient in the language. 

Rating – 4/5

Pages – 221 

Publisher – Srishti Publishers

Price – Rs 80/- (Paperback)

BOX SET BOOKS (2) - PREETI SHENOY

Novels 

• 34 Bubblegum And Candies 
• Life Is What You Make It
• Tea For Two And A Piece Of Cake
• The Secret Wishlist
• The One You Cannot Have

Author - PREETI SHENOY

Snippets & Reviews

1. 34 Bubblegum And Candies 

Preeti Shenoy’s first book. Creative nonfiction. It comprises 34 incidents from day to day life, which most of us would have experienced in our lives as well. Very interesting and emotional to read the very happening of the events revolving around every Indian home. Very simply written book with many splendid eye-openers. Its up to the readers in connecting the instances and in getting the best out of it. Though I prefer only fictional novels, this one really gave me different experience. It was very refreshing. 

Very cute light read :) 

Rating 4/5

2. Life Is What You Make It 

Ankita, the protagonist, has the world in her feet. She is young, good-looking. College life is what every youngster dreams of and she also manages to get into a premier management school for her MBA. Six months later, she is a patient in a mental health hospital. How did Ankita get here? What were the events that led to this? Will she ever get back her life again?

REVIEW

The whole story is narrated from the point of view of Ankita Sharma, the author has elegantly put forth the inner feelings of a girl. This is quite unpredictable romantic fiction, which sets it start in a very happy mode, then takes too much of twists and turns leaving Ankita with Bipolar Disorder. She begins to feel guilty for ignoring the love of her late boy friend and completely stresses herself. It maintained a depressing tone throughout and kept me going with the drama happening. It explained the bipolar disease well and gave a good awareness about it. Each emotion was expressed well. Needless to say it put me in depressed state as well :( We should always make the most out of our life and at the end of the day, it’s all about having “No regrets” 

In the words of the author,

'The book is not just about bipolar disorder. It is a story of courage, determination and growing up. It is about how life can take a totally different path from what is planned, and yet how one can make a success of it. It is a story of faith, belief and perseverance too and charting your own destiny.'

Finally Ankita did it, and made her life the way she wanted. 

Good read for those who aren’t so emotional! 

Rating 3/5

3. Tea For Two And A Piece Of Cake

After 8 years of marriage and two kids, Samir decides to leave Nisha. The narration then goes back to the beautiful story of how the couple met first, dated, loved and how Nisha was swept off her feet by the suave Samir. After the separation, Nisha decides to live independently and shifts to her old house where she spent her entire childhood. Being a single parent to the kids and shortage of money she battles her life all alone and realizes her wedding is not “a-happily-ever-after-story” Can Nisha find love again? With the same person or with her best friend who is 6 years younger to her? Can she make amends to save her marriage? A warm heart touching story! 

REVIEW

This novel is my personal favorite of this box set. I had always believed life is a mystery. It can anytime put us in any situation, leave us alone from the world or whatever. And we are compelled to face it and cannot escape. Nisha’s story took me on a roller coaster ride, made me feel elated, teary eyed etc. It was a mixture of all emotions. One should be blessed to have a neighbor like loving and caring Billimoria. I could visually imagine all the scenes. I felt as if I am the one who underwent whatever that was narrated after completing the book. So-realistic & gripping. Must read for all the couples who don’t respect the differences but bug each other pointing out the differences. 

A very breezy read.

Rating 4.5/5

4. The Secret Wishlist

The Secret Wishlist revolves around Diksha, Ankit, Tanu, Sandeep and Abhay. A single kiss has really changed Diksha’s life. She got married at the age of 19 to Sandeep, a Company Secretary. At the age of 35, a mother of 9 year old son Abhay, Diksha’s life takes a U turn. Tanu – has been portrayed as Diksha’s best childhood friend, reenters her life and tells her Ankit has been wanting to get in touch with her since long. Diksha’s cousin Vibha’s husband passes away and that is when irreversible change happens in Diksha. Diksha makes a secret wishlist of all those things she had always longed to do but couldn’t really do. The twists and turns happening post this incident, adds spice to the novel.

REVIEW

An interesting blurb and a promising story. An awakening to all the women out here, facing discontent in their marriage.  Sandeep’s character has been shown to be a typical, selfish, male chauvinist who only cares for his well-being without giving a thought to what his wife wants while Ankit is caring, compassionate and concerned. This novel shows the alternative way which a woman bravely takes at the right juncture and sets her life right. Life is certainly not about merely accepting what it offers. It is when you are poised to turn your dreams into reality.  The most important thing in any marriage is there must be proper communication and respect for each other. This message is very clearly conveyed in the novel. Preeti shenoy has the talent to create a magical story from a mediocre plot. The characters are well etched out and needless to say it is a wonderful novel. 

Rating 4/5

5. The One You Cannot Have (TOUCH)

Preeti Shenoy is back with her latest book “TOUCH”. It is a romantic fiction with three main character’s take on their love and life. Shruti is married to Rishab and is living a normal life with him. Rishab is unaware of Shruti’s past. She secretly longs for Aman. Aman Mathur is a young, good-looking man, successful in his career and after a brief stint in UK for 2 years, he’s all set to return to India. Anjali is a journalist in Tiara magazine and gets acquainted to Aman through her cousin Dipika and Vikram ( Aman’s close friend). Aman returns to India with a hope of fresh beginning. Will he ever be able to forget Shruti and move on in life with Anjali?  Will Anjali ever confesses her feelings to Aman? Grab your copy to know more about their story!! 

REVIEW

What I loved in this novel – 

• A female writing in a male’s point of view is totally elusive. 
• The story-line is very casual and at peaks of reality as if it is happening in the next door.
• The narration changes chapter wise and is told by three main characters of the book, but never it confuses the reader. 

             The book is a lesson to many youngsters of today, who get into relationships, so early in life, and later get separated due to unavoidable circumstances. Their premarital affairs surface at some point in life and haunt them. The author’s self styled jargon of expressing the feeling of both male in female is fantastic. 

Rating 4.5/5

I have a very pleasant memory annexed with this novel, as it gave me a chance to meet this splendid author along with my best friend Srilakshmi (Soon to be author) 

Pic below :) 

At Crossword Bookstore, Chennai

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