Book Review: Hope in Paris! by Donnalyn Vojta (The Teddy bear Chronicles #1)

Book Review

Hope in Paris! by Donnalyn Vojta

(The Teddy Bear Chronicles Book #1)

Hope in Paris! by Donnalyn Vojta

Author: Donnalyn Vojta

ISBN: 978-0999241028

Genre: Crime, Thriller & Suspense

Length: 292 Pages

Publisher: New Traditions Publishing (1st June 2018)

My Ratings: 4.5/5

Order your copy right now: https://amzn.to/2FBRGCl

About the author:

"I have a B.A. (cum laude) from North Central College in Naperville, IL with a major in Humanities (Philosophy emphasis) and a minor in Literature. I also have a Juris Doctorate degree from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago, IL. I practiced law as a litigation and real estate transactions attorney for over 13 years, but then quit that career to do something that makes me happy.

Thus, here I am writing novels. I love it! As far as my accomplishments in the publishing arena, I have a traditional publisher, and both of the first volumes of my unique thriller series have launched. Volumes I and II have been met with wonderful ratings and reviews which, I must say, warms my heart. Volume I is entitled HOPE IN PARIS!, and Volume II is entitled CHLOE'S CRUSADE! When I am not writing, I am working as a private academic tutor to students ages 4 and up."

Donnalyn Vojta

Follow her on Instagram: @suspense_author

Check out her Website: https://www.donnalynvojta.com/

Twitter Handle: @DonnalynVojta

REVIEW

Narration

Hope in Paris! is a suspense thriller book amazingly narrated by three teddy bears. And it is not a story for KIDS. Yes. Talking about narration, it is the best-est part of Hope in Paris! There are three Teddy Bears at different locations who narrates the story, like they can read and listen and have minds that can store the memories. But like any other non-living objects, they can’t move by themselves or smell or eat. Donnalyn Vojta is so intelligent that she took care of this very well, the Teddy Bear learns as they watch and observe. At sometimes they are funny also. They got their names. Fair Bear, Sleepy Time Bear and Love Bear. First few chapters are the introduction to their surroundings, with whom they live and their past. The story remains steady until the suspense struck hard and it speeds up.

Location and Setting

Fair Bear is in Chicago, Love Bear at Madison and Sleepy Time Bear is in Paris. Fair Bear lives (if that can be a thing) with a couple, Kelly and Mark. Kelly is about to become an RN (Registered Nurse). Mark is her boyfriend who provides her with finances. Kelly and her sister have had a very horrid past with their parents so they happen to leave their parents. Love Bear stays with Richard who is searching for ‘the one’ but never succeeds further than the third date. Sleepy Time Bear rather works at an orphanage at Paris with Ms. V (Rachel Verona), singing and drama instructor. As the story moves, Fair Bear and Love Bear travel to Paris. And most of the story revolves there. The author has described the beauty of Paris so very well that one would not stop cherishing it. The hotels, cafés and the orphanage itself.

Theme

Hope in Paris! is Crime, Thriller & Suspense. After three or so years after, the body of the victim is IDed and news spread across the US and Paris. There is one psychopath who is involved in that murder. I hope it is not a spoiler to say that they all are interconnected that all end up in Paris for some reason. Kelly reunites with her elder sister in Paris after so many years. Richard (Pharmaceutical Engineer) is there for completing his romance novel and to find ‘the one’.

Plot

I cannot explain much because of spoilers and the suspense. Well, the story is all about these two sisters, Kelly and Victoria Donovan. They’ve suffered enough and now their lives are in danger because they have pieces of evidence against the murderer! Will they survive? Opening and ending are at their best. There is one side-character named Chloe, friend to Kelly, plays a strong character and will be continuing the story for the sequel (That’s what I think). The characters are well developed that one can get attached to them emotionally and care about them. Character arcs are also well maintained. There is mention of Schizophrenia (chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves) which develops a kind of awareness for mental disorders. It also depicts how bully parents erode kids’ self-esteem and create long-lasting damage.

My Views

First things first, the narration got me by surprise. The humor that Teddy Bears added was very entertaining in this suspense thriller. The characters and their backstory that the reader can directly connect to. At first, the story was slow paced but gradually paced faster. The wonderful description of Paris. I googled one hotel mentioned in Hope in Paris! and surprise, the exact hotel I saw in the pictures the one I imagined while reading. So, to enhance your experience you can read watching the pictures of these extremely beautiful locations for that Paris vibes. There are a few flaws in the storyline and the writing, for which I will give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

The romance factor was really interesting and was moving along the plot very well. It is really charming how the Donnalyn Vojta has carried out good two relationships considering the fact of their being in Paris.

Last but not the least the mental disorders factor. And the bully parents issues.

I would recommend it to everyone out there above age 14. Not just because of suspense or thriller but surprisingly amazing narration.

Happy Reading!

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Book Review: 150 Brilliant Ideas To Keep YOUNG MINDS Fit & Fine by Neeraa Maini Srivastav

Book Review

150 Brilliant Ideas To Keep YOUNG MINDS Fit & Fine by Neeraa Maini Srivastav

150 Brilliant Ideas To Keep YOUNG MIDS Fit & Fine

Author: Neeraa Maini Srivastav

ISBN: 978-8122316094

Genre: Personal Development & Self-Help

Length: 128 Pages

Publisher:  Pustak Mahal (2017)

My Ratings: 3.5/5

Order your copy right now: https://amzn.to/2X22Gnf

About the author:

Born and brought up in Mumbai, Neeraa Maini Srivastav is a writer and an advertising professional of Indian origin. The compelling need to express has made her contribute her sensibilities to India's largest movie production and media houses such as Mukta Arts and The Times of India. From building brands to penning mindful features for publications, she straddles both worlds with equal elan and is now making a foray into screenwriting for both television and cinema. Her unparalleled panache and grace in her narrative shines through her previous tomes.

Neeraa Maini Srivastav

With 3 works of acclaimed young adult fiction to her merit, 'The White Crow' (introduced as syllabus by a reputed school in Mumbai), 'The Adventures of the Bubblegum Boy' (successfully adapted to a theatre production) and '1 friend request sent from Hanuman', Neeraa seamlessly flows into her first work of non-fiction. Neeraa's avid interest and education in new age spirituality and metaphysics makes her reflect the more profound truths beneath  the obvious, egging her on in her own way to make a difference, however small to every life encountered.

Email: neerauthor@gmail.com

Website: neeratheauthor.com

Twitter: @Neera_M_S

REVIEW

150 Brilliant Ideas To Keep YOUNG MINDS Fit & Fine is a self-help book which contain 150 stimulating and motivational ideas to empower your personality, make you positive and enhance your intellect.

Structure

The book is divided into three sections based on the three levels of our human-existence─ body mind and spirit. Each section contains 50 ideas/advise/suggestions that would either motivate you or suggest you to do something that ensures your health and happiness and welfare of yours and of earth. Each idea is of average 120-130 words maybe (not accurate calculation) and are very brief, but are to the point. There are illustrations also at every second page and that is really cool and helpful remembering the particular point or idea.

Mind Your Body- There are tips to stay fit and healthy from hair to bones. There are some ‘ideas’ as they call it, for boys as well as for girls, separately if needed. I like how author talked about hygiene of genital areas and related content, stating that it is as important as anything else.

Mind Your Mind- It is filled with Be Positive, De-stress, Being Humble, Value Money (especially your parents’ hard earned money) and list goes on. How to contribute to your society and country. Meanwhile, be a good person, leave all your anxiety and speak to all different kind of people, be a learner and stand tall.

Mind Your Spirit- This section depicts how to and where to drive your energies and keep your spirit clean. It shows the importance of being humble, speaking truth and thinking of others and not just about your wellness. How power of faith and gratitude can help building positive attitude towards life. And keep close with Mother Nature.

My views

First I will discuss the negative points. There are plenty of ideas like 150 and most are like we all know about. We know that it should be done, so this book works as a reminder that have many ideas assembled at one place and made it accessible. Most of the titles for these ideas give away the image that what it would be about.

The descriptions are so brief, that mostly doesn’t seem to help, not more than title could have served. For example, there are simple things like, keep away from junk food and drive responsibly or be it taking advice/guidance from trustworthy elders, are not that easy and can be difficult. Author has mentioned the reasons and why to follow a particular idea but it would be helpful if provided with various ways and methods to apply them effectively.

Let’s discuss the positive. The book is filled with positive and motivational ideas that will just lift your energies. There are very small things addressed that we ignore and seek our attention which is simply best. Like, breathtaking matters, decluttering and maintaining screen time. Illustrations were so interesting and engaging. Thanks to them, that I could read the book with all interest I got.

Also, there are some life saving ideas. My favorite of them all was ‘Choose Mindstyle over Lifestyle’. The book also signifies the moral values. If taking in all the tips and applied in life, it really can empower one’s personality and make a wise person.

Thank you, TheBookGeniePR for this review copy!! Happy Reading!

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Book Review: Ashok and the Nine Unknown by Anshul Dupare | Dhiraj Sindhi

Book Review

Ashok and the Nine Unknown by Anshul Dupare

Ashok and the Nine Unknown by Anshul Dupare

Author: Anshul Dupare

ISBN: 978-9353047641

Genre: Historical Fiction (Fantasy)

Length:  224 Pages

Publisher: RupaPublications India (20 November 2018)

My Ratings: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Order your copy right now: https://amzn.to/30PLT4Y

About the author:

Anshul Dupare likes to explore novel ideas and unexplored avenues through his writing. Originally from Nagpur, he was brought up in Madhya Pradesh and has spent most of his life in different parts of India.

An alumnus of Sainik School, Rewa and Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), creative writing has been his hobby for a long time and he also writes poetry. He is an avid traveller, a voracious reader and is fond of chess and basketball.

He currently resides in Dallas, USA.

Anshul Dupare

Follow him on Instagram: @anshuldupare

Check out his Goodreads Page: Anshul Dupare

Twitter Handle: @anshul_dupare

REVIEW

Narration

Ashok and the Nine Unknown is the first of a two-part series which is based on Ashoka the Great, an Indian emperor of Maurya dynasty, who ruled almost all of the Indian subcontinent from 268 to 232 BC. The story is narrated in third-person point of view. The writing style is mostly descriptive and thus, poetic in nature. It captivated me from the very first chapter and with each chapter, having something to reveal, kept me to the edge. The narration follows two main characters, Ashok and Amartya. So, the story switches between two of them. 

Location and Setting

The story begins with the post-war scene of Kalinga War, which he conquered and defeated Kalinga (Modern Odisha). Then, he finds himself responsible for devastating countless lives and for the first time meets Amartya, a Kalingan warrior. Then, to achieve peace of mind, Ashok travels all over India (Bharat), visits famous dhamas, converts from Hindu to Buddhism. It all takes place between 261 BC and 239 BC and moves further to the end of the first book (231 BC). Major events of this book take place in Kalinga, Patliputra (Empire’s Capital, Present Day- Patna), and Mayong (Also known as the land of Black Magic in Assam). The story reflected Indian archeology, Indian culture and its heritage, be it arts of medicine or great rivers. 

Theme

Ashok and the Nine Unknown is a work of Historical Fiction. The author has researched well, Ashok’s kingship and all the facts and myths related to it. The author Anshul Dupare carried out them well to put the tales altogether and created this masterpiece. There are battles, magic, black magic, mysteries, more cultures other than Indian, brutality, love and only one king to be considered responsible for all that happens. There is one more important aspect to the story, Nine Unknowns. Ashok secretively forms this group to preserve the knowledge and to prevent further destruction. The story doesn’t ever slow down for a bit, because there is happening a lot, page after page.

Plot

First, characters. Amartya plays a very important role in the story and Vatsal is his brother and only family member alive. As a proud and freedom-loving Kalingan, Amartya stands against Ashok, who, now feel remorse for what he has done and seems to be changed. Amartya, in search of a purpose for his life, travels to Mayong. Ashok, with the help of Radhagupta (Chief Minister) gathers Nine Unknowns. Characters are well crafted and their arcs are really interesting. As the story progresses, mysteries are discovered. As they all are moving towards uncovering the secrets, they are unaware of the danger of shadows looming over Ashok and the Nine Unknowns. Following the conflicts, many deaths prevail. Eventually, the characters who survive, find their motivation. As I said before, author Anshul Dupare has brought many cultures together other than Indian. All the characters meet to conclude the first book. The ending brings greater mysteries along with it. Characters get new purposes for their lives. And I am already looking forward to the second and the final of ASHOK duology.

'Until the power of love overcomes the love of power, there can be no peace.'

My Views

There is mention of Kunala, one of Ashok's son but never mentioned any of his queens. Haha... That's not my concern. JK. 😂

First of all, I never expected it to be this magical. Bringing together these Timaeus and Critias, Egyptian Mythology, Chinese Mythological creatures, the great Indian Empire and powerful enough characters to lead this fictional exemplar that I’ve ever read regarding History of India and Indian Mythology. The book depicts that one’s arrogance and ego can destroy humanity. And there would be much more I couldn’t extract, the greater meaning, maybe one of you can do that. With those brutal fights, there is love too. Vatsal and Karnika (One of the Nine Unknowns) fill that desired portion of love/romance in the book. I would recommend this book to every fiction, fantasy, history lover. Now, I am already anticipating the other half after this unforeseen experience.

Thank you Bookgeniepr for this review copy!! Happy Reading!

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Book Review: Narasimha by Kevin Missal (The Mahaavatar Trilogy Book 1)

Book Review

Narasimha by Kevin Missal

Narasimha by Kevin Missal

Author: Kevin Missal

ISBN: 978-9353570767

Genre: Mythological Fiction (Fantasy)

Length:  350 Pages

Publisher: HarperCollins India (10th June, 2019)

My Ratings: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Order your copy right now: https://amzn.to/2X0IZMw

About the author:

Kevin Missal wrote his first book at the age of 14, and at 22, the St Stephens graduate is a bestselling author and a fulltime writer, with the first two books in his Kalki series being runaway successes. Dharmayoddha Kalki: Avatar of Vishnu and its sequel Satyayoddha Kalki: Eye of Brahma have sold one lakh copies in under a year.

Kevin Missal

Kevin loves fantasy fiction and has always been a fan of mythology. His books have been featured in publications like The Sunday Guardian, The New Indian Express and Millennium Post.

Follow him on Instagram: @kevin_9695

Check out his Facebook Page: Kevin Missal

Twitter Handle: @kevin_missal

REVIEW

Narration

Narasimha is first of ‘The Mahaavatar Trilogy’, the reimagining of mythological tale about Lord Narasimha, fourth Avatar of Lord Vishnu. Narasimha is written in third-person narrative, where chapters are narrated through different POV characters. The thoughts of particular characters are presented in each chapter. The story starts with prologue, where POV character is Kayadhu, Hiranyakashyap’s wife. Hiranyakashyap is ruler of the Asura Empire. The writing style is simple yet gripping.

Location and Setting

As we all know that Narasimha is the fourth Vishnu Avatar from time of Satya Yuga according to Hindu mythology. The story takes place in the world of Illavarti, a fictionalized fantastical version of Vedic Age. The conception of this world is just amazing and more realistic. Asuras are foreigners from island of Pataal and Devas are foreigners from island of Swarg. Apart from Manavs, there are Danavs, Nagas, Shivas, Ganas and Simhas. And Nara belongs to the Tribe of the Simhas, thus Narasimha. The story reflects the rich architecture through fortresses and palaces. There are mountains and rivers; Mandara hills are talked about often as almost half of the story revolves around Sonitpur (where Andhaka rules─ Hiranya’s nephew) and the mini kingdom of Shiva, which are situated at the feet of these hills. City of Kashyapuri is ruled by Hiranya and the story depicts the type of corrupt government he leads.

Theme

Narasimha falls under the category Myths, Legends and Sagas. There are different beings with opposite beliefs. Devas stand for Dharm and Asuras stand for Adharm. So the wars are being fought for one reason or another. And Indra has made it worse by breaking the truce, not once but twice. Kevin Missal has done great job by putting in perspectives of both Devas and Asuras without being biased that reader will find it difficult to sympathize with either of them. We all have heard this tale at some point of our life as a part of Holika Dahan tradition. An epic of the legends like Prahlad, Hiranyakashyap, Holika and Narasimha. Prahlad who being son of Asura king, starts worshiping Lord Vishnu, however that was most essential for eradicating Adharm and that provides the central point for this novel.

Characters

Narasimha is full of characters and I think, is the sole essence of the book apart from the story itself. Kevin Missal has provided with such distinct voices through the POV characters that I loved all of them. Kevin presented such definite vision through the third-person POV of such discrete characters that made me question whether the character is wrong at all even if he/she is rebellious and depraved. Kevin Missal has created such strong and phenomenal characters. Narasimha the soldier. Anuhrad and Prahlad. Anuhrad goes to help his cousin Andhaka (main antagonist for this novel) by the orders of his father. Prahlad remains in the city for being interim king of Kashyapuri while his father Hiranya, goes to fight with Vigyasa against Lord Agni. Hiranya’s sister Holika is searching for the mastermind behind the Vishnusena, a threat to the Asura Empire. 

SPOILER ALERT!

Plot

Well, the storyline for this first installment is all about Hiranyakashyap getting that ultimate boon/weapon from Lord Brahma and Prahlad converting from non-believer to believer and betraying his own subjects. The book ends with the epilogue stating that it won’t be that easy for Narasimha to protect Dharm.

“In the name of religion, one must preach and spread peace, not violence.”

My Views

The story was very unpredictable and bit slow at first until Holika made her first appearance. Then it started to build speed and remained steady but was still unpredictable. The story then accelerated when Hiranya discovers about Brahmashastra but it still remained unpredictable despite the fact that we all know this tale since childhood. The character arcs are very dynamic, be it Holika or Prahlad. Each supporting character contributes to the storyline. The conception of weapons and the stones that fuels them, like any other modern fiction but is meaningful for the future of story. Romance is the inevitable part of the storyline and gives the very reason for the succeeding plot. The end is satisfying and I am already waiting for the sequel.

Final words. This book is an epic in the true sense for author has mind-blowingly written providing multi perspective view of ancient epic, makes it more realistic and more stimulating.

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Author Interview with Dr. Priya Dolma Tamang | Author of Ivory Gleam

Dr. Priya Dolma Tamang

Author Interview

Dr. Priya Dolma Tamang

Author of Ivory Gleam

One of the most popular InstaPoets from India

follow this blog for more such content!!👉

Hey Readers' Fam, we are back with another Author Interview. This time we will be having a conversation with one of the most popular InstaPoets from India and author of her magnificent piece of poetry 'Ivory Gleam', most welcome Dr. Priya Dolma Tamang.

If you don't know about 'Ivory Gleam' book, then check out my review of Ivory Gleam here.

About the author:

Priya Dolma Tamang was born in Sikkim, India, to Nepali parents. She is a medical graduate. Her first book, "Ivory Gleam," is a compilation of poetry and prose. It captures the essence of learning, longing, and loving, through self-reflective insights. With Buddhism as a way of life, her work reflects a hint of practical spirituality and healing with the help of words. 

Follow her on Instagram: @poetryandprosebyk

Check out her Goodreads Page: Priya Dolma Tamang

Like her Facebook Page:  @poetryandprosebyk

Follow her on Twitter: @kulvadana

Order your copy of Ivory Gleam here: https://amzn.to/2L4H6af

Dr.Priya will discuss poetry and purpose behind writing. She will also tell us about her writing environment, about Ivory Gleam journey and will share some life saving tips for budding writers. And will unveil secret about her next project.

So, before you dive into this interview, grab some coffee/tea and enjoy!!

Q: How do you define poetry? And what does it mean to you?

A: Poetry is art. Art is beauty. Beauty is subjective. Subjects are chosen. Choices are imbibed. Thus, poetry is what I have chosen as a medium of my artistic expression. It is how I picture life. There is beauty in everything. Every little creation is a gift. A joy. And art is how we define this beauty. There is Nature's art in serenity of the hills, and human art in advancement of the metropolitans. We can heal others with written words of kindness and the dexterity of a doctor's scalpel alike. Cooking is an art. So is music. All of us are artists celebrating our choices. Likewise, poetry has been mine.

Poetry from Ivory Gleam

Q: What was your purpose behind writing, when you first started?

A: Many people write for the masses. A few write for classes. Some of us write for ourselves. I began my journey into a world of metaphors to decode the emotional growth that I was subjected to. And to find a relaxing way out of it.

Writing has been extremely personal, an instrument of venting and a tool of self-assessment. I do not expect people to clearly understand what I write, unless they empathize. At times, there are layers of hidden angst and animosity. This is my pain and my happy. I talk to myself through my poetry. But as I shared my work online to a very positive reception, I got encouraged to get officially published. Hence the book for people to read full of pieces written for myself.

Q: Who is that author, you admire and why?

A: I wish I had a template answer to this. I get asked many times about favourites. Truth be told, I have none. Yes, I do appreciate the work of a few of them. Yet whenever I read a book, a poem or a story, whoever is behind that product, and invested in it with his heart, mind and soul, becomes my favourite for that while. It is not hard to discern genuine effort. A good author is one who is wholehearted in his approach and portrayal.

Q: What inspired you to write Ivory Gleam involving that hint of practical spirituality?

A: Spirituality is mere acknowledgement of the fact that we are much more than these bodies we carry. The day we start recognizing ourselves as energies, and not attach our identity to material matters of the physical plane, we become spiritual. Ivory Gleam is a proponent of the soul theory. It talks of soul lessons, soul longing and soul love. I have dealt with common issues through complex poetry as stepping stones to spiritual evolution. This book is testimony to my own baby steps into spirituality. I had hoped it would help others or at the least offer them a fresh perspective when dealing with their emotions. Life becomes easier minus the ego. Ego is a human flaw that souls do not entertain.

Ivory Gleam

Q: What is that ideal environment for you to write?

A: Noise reduction ear muffs, ear plugs or the deep night's quietude.

I need pin drop silence to be fully functional as a creature of my mind. Distractions, as sounds or otherwise, generally tend to disrupt my train of thoughts. 

Q: How has your homeland influenced your writing?

A: Sikkim epitomizes pristine peace. The air smells of compassion and warmth. Our state is enveloped in a blessed cocoon of holiness and heights. At an altitude that clouds dance, and to be living amidst such sweetness, my homeland has provided clarity to my thoughts and pride in my roots. These aspects play an instrumental role in shaping my overall personality, and eventually in my writing.

Gangtok, Sikkim

Q: Apart from writing, what else do you enjoy doing?

A: I am a loner and enjoy my typical loner activities. These include cooking, watching movies, doodling, painting. On sober days, I meditate. I am also fond of learning about different cultures. I like making people happy.

Q: Any message you want to convey to readers of ‘Ivory Gleam’?

A: When you read my book, or any book for that matter, please do so with an intention not to criticize and fault-find, but to accept and appreciate points of view, manners of expression, and dispositions that differ from your own. There is no fun in regularity. Books should be experimental, unique and a source of knowledge. If my work adds to your vocabulary, then why not? There are many simple, straightforward and obvious books out there. I never signed up to be one of them. If it makes you think, re-think, and re-read a different meaning each time, then I'd consider this exercise of comprehension well-done.

Q: A simple yet life saving tip for budding authors?

A: I understand that authors are suggested to pay heed to constructive criticism. Reviews and opinions have gained a foothold in making or marring the confidence of new writers. If XYZ loves your use of rich vocabulary, but ABC finds it incomprehensible, does it make sense to please ABC by catering to their need of trite language and depriving XYZ of something that they actually enjoyed? Maybe person 1 loved a certain character in your story, but person 2 detested it. Will you remove that character from your book or twist the persona to suit person 2's needs? What about person 1's liking for the same character? This is the problem with projection. When we keep moulding our creation to fit different boxes, the ultimate loss will be of our original voice. If your work is purely commercial, it is practical to take a consensus. But when your work is an intimate expression close to your heart, please avoid anyone who thinks you should change. You are the best judge of your work.

Q: What will be your next book about?

A: My next book will be a collection of better framed poetry and prose. The working title is "My Sonder Sky".

Awesome!! Thank you so much for this wonderful interview, Dr. Priya. You have been very kind and honest throughout the session. We all wish you the best for your next book.

Hello readers, I hope it provided you with new perspective to look at poetry and enhanced your vision towards art. And authors, I hope it helped you too. Let me know in comments down below.

Show some love!!

Order your copy of Ivory Gleam here: https://amzn.to/2L4H6af

Instagram: @poetryandprosebyk

Goodreads Page: Priya Dolma Tamang

Facebook Page:  @poetryandprosebyk

Twitter: @kulvadana

==================================

Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Don't forget to subscribe. Don't forget to subscribe for more content. Thank you so much for reading!

Will see you in the next post. Till then buh-bye. Take Care. Peace. ☮

Book Review: Ivory Gleam by Dr. Priya Dolma Tamang | Poetry and Prose

Book Review

Ivory Gleam by Dr. Priya Dolma Tamang

Ivory Gleam by Dr. Priya Dolma Tamang

Author: Dr. Priya Dolma Tamang

ISBN: 978-9352010462

Genre: Poetry and Prose

Length: 236 Pages

Publisher: Leadstart Publishing (June 22nd, 2018)

My Ratings: 5/5

Order your copy right now: https://amzn.to/2WFcoXm

About the author:

Priya Dolma Tamang was born in Sikkim, India, to Nepali parents. She is a medical graduate. Her first book, "Ivory Gleam," is a compilation of poetry and prose. It captures the essence of learning, longing, and loving, through self-reflective insights. With Buddhism as a way of life, her work reflects a hint of practical spirituality and healing with the help of words. 

Dr. Priya Dolma Tamang

Follow her on Instagram: @poetryandprosebyk
Check out her Goodreads Page: Priya Dolma Tamang
Like her Facebook Page:  @poetryandprosebyk
Follow her on Twitter: @kulvadana

REVIEW

Ivory Gleam is accurately a deluge of poetry and prose. Talking about the basic structure of the book, it is divided into three chapters of learning, longing and loving.

The first is ‘Colloquial delicacy of learning’. In this, the author talks about life and death, and everything in between. Trust me, there is almost every state or feeling, we humans are dealing with.

The second one is ‘Soliloquy of longing’, where Dr. Priya depicts different stages of relationships between two souls, longing for love.

The last chapter is ‘Chivalry of loving’. This section is all about love. The myriad hues of love and the things we do for love.

The best thing about Ivory Gleam is its raw and pure form. The very essence of poetry as it should be, is the words. The writing style is so organic that you dive into it quickly and you never wish poetry to end. As I mentioned, its rich set of words, gives you opportunity to learn and savour the art of literature. (See. I used that word.) Also its raw form, it seems like the author mused and directly inscribed on the paper, thus organic and pure.

Moving to the content. Ivory Gleam is about different states and feelings from life to death, loss and love, I can’t even count number of topics addressed. Poetries are not easy to comprehend, just like dreams. It is as complex as the feelings it talks about. You will need to recite it again and again until you are able to sink in the truth being told. Once you get deep into it for realizing the meaning, you’ll start devouring it. The analogies used are at their best.

Have you ever felt that breathing was a sin for the life you lived? You inhaled elixirs of borrowed air from vendors who respired ‘payback demands’ for a truth, as essential as your existence.

This is just a glimpse. There is one poetry under the title ‘grandmother’ which I became emotionally attached to. You’ll find several of relatable poetries in this collection, because it is about us, humans. I loved many and are my favorites. Not all of them are complex, there is balance in it. I would never stop reading them, would keep it handy and relish whenever I want.

At last I would like to thank the author, Dr. Priya Dolma Tamang for creating such a paradise of words that, creatively took over my mind and I found nothing but peace of mind. At the end you will learn.

Thank you, Dr. Priya for this review copy!! Happy Reading!

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Will see you in the next post. Till then buh-bye. Take Care. Peace. ☮

Chamaeleonaire by Dhiraj Sindhi | Fantasy Fiction Story

Hello, readers fam, friends and fiction lovers! I am back with another endeavor and to practice storytelling via this blog. Thank you so much for your support all the way here.

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Featuring

The Art of Animation

Picture credits: The Art of Animation

Email: theartofanimationtumblr@gmail.com

DISCLAIMER

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Chamaeleonaire

A Fantasy Fiction by Dhiraj Sindhi

Book Review: Rewind and play by Tarun Gautam

Book Review

Rewind and Play by Tarun Gautam

Rewind and Play by Tarun Gautam

Author: Tarun Gautam

ISBN: 978-8193642474

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Length: 166 Pages

Publisher: TreeShade Books (16 February 2019)

My Ratings: 3.5/5

Order your copy right now: https://amzn.to/2QSb2HP

About the author:

Tarun Gautam or TeeGee is a free thinker and a writer with a soul. When not penning books, he is the Regional Sales Head for a leading banking technology firm and has travelled to over 20 countries. He believes experiencing varying cultures of countries such as Latvia and South Africa have given him a unique world-view.

Tarun Gautam

An engineer and an executive MBA from IIM Lucknow, Tarun played a key role in the formative years of two consulting start-ups. Tarun is also a keen golfer and yoga enthusiast.

Follow him on Instagram: @tarungautam4777
Check out his Goodreads Page: Tarun Gautam

Twitter Handle: @tg4777

REVIEW

Narration

Rewind and Play: Hostel diaries of a frustrated B.Tech is, as the title suggests─ collection of hostel memories. The story begins with Raghav Diwan accepting the award for ‘most innovative consumer product of the year’. The story is narrated in the third-person point of view. Later, Raghav Diwan meets his batch mates from the hostel in evening get-together and the story kicks off. They all start reciting their best memories from their graduation days. So, each chapter is the third person narration of those stories, making it a sort of collection of different short stories with even different characters. The language is simple but there are many grammatical errors as well.

Time, Location and Setting

Being contemporary fiction, Rewind and Play sets in current time but the most part of the book is flashback which set in the late ’90s and most of the events happening around their hostel. The story starts and ends with one main character, Raghav Diwan but he cannot be called a protagonist because there are lot other characters and have their fair share in the stories, or maybe more than Raghav (if neglected opening and ending). Of course, we would follow his character to see what changes the get-together brings to him, would it be any helpful? As being B.Tech hostel diaries, it gives that back-to-college vibes. Competitions, events, exams and projects are happening. And like many other college books or specifically movies, there is ragging and conflicts.

Theme

As I mentioned before, Rewind and Play is a contemporary fiction based on engineering-hostel life in India. First of all Tarun Gautam describes Raghav’s life in America, who then faces some consequences at his work. However, the main essence of the book is the life of an engineering student. Which author has depicted very well using these short stories. Harpreet, Venky, Aadil, Nafisa, Francis are his former batch mates and are in the US only so they all meet for an evening get-together. It wasn’t predictable at all as there is not anything to look forward other than what happens with Raghav Diwan after get-together. 

Plot

Talking about the plot, there are 14 out of 19 chapters which are the stories from their college days. First, there is a flashback of their childhood, portraying how they grew to be engineers. Nafisa is the only girl in their group but she is brilliant enough to not give up on her dreams. Harpreet is that techie guy having coding skills. These are the stories of their triumphs, from conquering their ragging task to acing inter-college competitions. With each story, there is a learning lesson for their lifetime. That makes it a worthy read that provides with unique and memorable experiences. Though the end is satisfying and meaningful.

'The Universe tries to reveal its plan for you. If you get what it is, don't mess with it.'

My Views

Finally. I loved the element of politics in inter-college competitions. Also, corporate politics. At some points, it was really funny that I couldn’t control my laugh. There are lots of references used by the author here and there. The stories were all worth it, but opening and ending seemed quite disconnected to the stories being told. But that is my opinion. I’m sure anyone who has been through engineering, like me, would love to read this book. It is evocative to relive your college memories and it sometimes moves you.

Thank you Bookgeniepr for this review copy!! Happy Reading!

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Will see you in the next post. Till then buh-bye. Take Care. Peace. ☮