Book Review: The Chronicle of Golgotha Days by Sujith Balakrishnan

Book Review

The Chronicle of Golgotha Days by Sujith Balakrishnan

The Chronicle of Golgotha Days by Sujith Balakrishnan

Author: Sujith Balakrishnan

ISBN: 978-9352011780

Genre: Crime & Thriller

Length: 202 Pages

Publisher: Frog in Well (25 March 2019)

My Ratings: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

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

About the author:

Sujith Balakrishnan is a novelist, a short story writer and a poet as well. He lives and works in the UAE in a reputed multinational company. He has recently made his debut with his novel based on a true event – the 1996 Suryanelli rape – The Chronicle of Golgotha Days. In his novel, Sujith has raised serious questions on the system of justice, corruption and humanity. He has weaved a serious fiction that not only establishes him as an author with purpose but also asks many questions of the readers.

Sujith Balakrishnan with Paul Zacharia

Follow him on Instagram: @sujithauthor2018

Twitter Handle: @sujithb234
Check out his Website: https://authorsujithbalakrishnan.in/
Email: sujithwriter2018@gmail.com

REVIEW

Narration

The Chronicle of Golgotha Days is a crime-thriller based on true incident occurred back in 1996. ‘Crime-Thriller’ just to classify into a main-stream genre. So, The Chronicle of Golgotha Days is a book that put on a view about inhuman acts and intense cruelty faced by their victims. Yes, this is about sexual offenders/rapists and victims of their brutality, and in this case a sixteen-year-old child Abhaya. The prologue successfully channels the horror of such acts and that it won’t be an easy read for delicate hearts but it will leave you with nothing but strength. The story is narrated by Abhaya’s voice. The author has put all the efforts to present the clear voice of the protagonist throughout the seven years of changing voice and writing this book.

Location and Setting

The story, or rather Golgotha Days take place in Kerala. There is a map of Kerala with all the locations Abhaya had to travel against her will and with the numb yet overall stinging body. Abhaya would look out to the mist-covered hills with tea crops on her frequent and excruciating bus journeys to hell full of monsters. She got always locked in the dark hollow rooms for worst that is to live with such intense pain.

Theme

The Chronicle of Golgotha Days is the gut-wrenching 40 days long journey of a ninth-grader girl. She gets trapped but she believes that it was her mistake. Also, she accepts it for her fate as she had no choice. There is a large network of perverts including child traffickers, sex traffickers, rich and their attendants, lawyers, government servants, politicians and all types of men with power. All of these monsters are extracting pleasure regardless of being brother, son and worst father. Their perversity knows no limit and their inhumanity makes them worse than demons. They create such a gloomy atmosphere that Abhaya loses all hopes. There is no escape even if there are ladies who have suffered through the same but have accepted their fate under influence and fear of evil.

Plot

Abhaya lives in Munnar with her family. She has an elder sister, Amala. Her father works at the post office. Abhaya, because of her poor performance in academics, decides to run away from her current life of hostel and studies. Little did she realize what was forthcoming. And her Golgotha Days begins. The days of torments and tortures. The monsters she’s going to fight no matter what, but all in vain.

My Views

People won’t step up and speak for the victims unless they are their near and dear ones. People don’t recognize the intensity of this crime and the pain they’ve gone through until it’s their loved ones. It is a reality. Yes, that’s why there are people like Balakrishnan who take a big step and try to make a change in society. The least we can do is, call it what it is and talk about it because violence doesn’t just happen in the vacuum. This book will open your eyes and call you out to stand with the young victims and their family. Because here’s the thing, because of the current condition of our societies, making it to justice is much more harrowing than the pain victims are already carrying.

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Book Review: Shhh! Don't Talk About Mental Health by Arjun Gupta

Book Review

Shhh! Don't Talk About Mental Health by Arjun Gupta

Shhh! Don't Talk About Mental Health by Arjun Gupta

Author: Arjun Gupta

ISBN: 978-1645469711

Genre: Psychology (Non-Fiction)

Length: 203 Pages

Publisher:  (June 28th, 2019)

My Ratings: 5/5

Order your copy right now: https://amzn.to/2yccA6L

About the author:

Arjun Gupta is a mental health activist. He has been raising mental health awareness through his blog and YouTube channel for two years, after having battled severe clinical depression between 2015 and 2017. Hailing from Hisar in Haryana, Arjun is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Applied Psychology from Delhi University. Supported by the love of his family and admirers, Arjun works to make the world a better place. A world that is sensitive to those battling their own mind.

Arjun Gupta

Follow him on Instagram: @_knightofsteel

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/knightofsteel2017/

Twitter Handle: @_knightofsteel
His Website: https://knightofsteel.com/

REVIEW

Shhh! Don’t Talk About Mental Health is an initiative by author Arjun Gupta for not just spreading Mental Health awareness but with the context of the current situation of Mental Health/Mental Illness/Psychology subject in India. The author also used Yashasvi’s (his) case as an example to make the explanation easy to understand. If you do not belong to the psychological background then this book would help you with an introduction to Mental Health and all the related aspects of it through stories, researches, facts and statistics. The book will answer all your doubts and questions about depression, mental illnesses and collectively about mental health.

The structure of the book is divided into six sections to make the reader understand from history of psychology to the modern-day need of forming a community to stand with those who are suffering from mental illnesses and make the world a better place.

SECTION I

This first section is dedicated to the history of Psychology and that how it began across the various parts of the world. How Mental Illnesses came to the larger picture and how those patients were treated back in time until the 17^th century. There were few revolutionary scientists and activists who made remarkable changes in the subject of psychology.

SECTION II

This section helps you understand what exactly Mental Health is, i.e. the definition of Mental Health. The author has described all the important aspects of the current official definition given by WHO. And also what significant changes need to be done according to the current time.

SECTION III

In this section, the author Arjun Gupta has provided information about identification of the mental illnesses and stages that follows about curing it.

SECTION IV

In this section, the Author talks about why Mental Health awareness is as necessary as it was for AIDS and HIV. There are many people who talk about Mental Health for just the sake of it and inserting words ‘Mental Health’ everywhere is going to make no difference. So, as the author says informed discussions about mental health on a meaningful platform is also key apart from using modern treatments to minimize risks of mental illnesses.

SECTION V

This section was about stigma! The obstacle that stands in the way of mental healthcare that exists globally─ Stigma. How people with mental illness are treated as their sole identity is their illness. How movies, series and media develop stereotypes about mental disorders as patient being just schizophrenic or unstable or violent. Also, there are people who spread misinformation that suffering from mental illnesses is related to being rich or poor. Arjun Gupta tries his best to break such stereotypes.

SECTION VI

In this last section, author discusses the same with Indian context to define problems and proposes many solutions that can help with mental health awareness. Author Arjun Gupta concludes with the story of Yashasvi and how he revived himself after two years of clinical depression.

When I picked this book, I knew it will help me to a certain extent to understand Mental Health. And now after finishing this, I am thankful to the author for I really needed this. As the author said we can make this world a better place that is sensitive to those battling their own minds. Where there is no shame in asking for help. This is the time to know what mental health is and better not led by misinformation in this era of social media. The least we can do as a responsible community is, stand with the patients of mental disorders and treat them with compassion and talk about it.

 Happy Reading!

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Author Interview with Jitender Kumar | Author of Love Tennis

Author Interview With

Jitender Kumar

Author of Love Tennis

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 the author of  'Love Tennis', most welcome Jitender Kumar.

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

About the author:

Jitender Kumar, also called “Musafir” by his near and dear ones was born and brought up in Delhi but his roots were back in Bihar. He completed his graduation in Political Science from Delhi University and has in-depth experience of being a personality developer and tennis coach. His immense experience in the field of retail made him a strong observer. Although, he loves to write contents like poems, “Love-Tennis” is his first attempt at writing a fiction piece.

He lives in Ahmedabad and looks forward to your valuable feedback for “Love-Tennis”.

Follow him on Instagram: @musafirr

Reach out to his Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musafir.dost

Twitter Handle: @jkmusafir
Email: jk.musafir@gmail.com

Order your copy of Love Tennis here: https://amzn.to/2Y95iAc

Let's Start!

Q: What was your answer to the question ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’

 when asked in your childhood?

A: In my early childhood, I wanted to be an army officer like every other boy but later on it changed into being an international Tennis player and if someone will ask me now, I want to be the prime minister of India.

Q: According to you, what is the importance of sports in one’s life?

A: Actually it differs from people to people but, I love sports and for me, sports are like the soul of leadership. You learn so many basics of life from sports which you can use in your day to day life to sort your daily issues. It gives you passion and builds your character.

Q: Which genre do you like reading and who is your favorite author?

A: I read fiction and I mostly read romance, sometimes I read non-fiction too when I feel it needed to shape up. My favorite author is Chetan Bhagat honestly. He does not write to impress critics. He writes for his readers and himself.

Q: How was your experience writing Love Tennis?

A: I always wanted to write this story but I am a lazy guy. It was not an easy job always but whenever I was in front of my laptop, I enjoyed writing it. Money Kapoor my friend and buddy for life, she helped me and motivated me a lot to write this. It’s more of her hard work than mine that you read this book.

Q: What difficulties you faced and how your surroundings and surrounding people supported you?

A: There were no such difficulties. I don’t think people care that much what you are doing or what you are not, you just have to be focused to complete whatever you want to so people can see what were you up to.

Q: Which is your favorite word or phrase?

A: Passion

Q: What does being a successful author look like to you?

A: I don’t know, once I will be successful I will answer your question.

Q: Has Love Tennis brought any change to your life, even a slightest?

A: Not much, but yes now, I came to know that I can write and writing is not everyone’s cup of tea. There are people who have stories and they want to pen it down too but it’s not that easy. So I am thankful that I did this by the grace of God and the support of my friends.

Q: What would you like to say to the youth who want to pursue their passion for sports?

A: It is required that you stay focused and plan your career with your coach to set your targets and don’t look back and keep going. You will surely achieve what you want to but for that, you will have to make yourself eligible for the same.

Q: Finally, parting words to the readers of Love Tennis.

A: Thanks to you all that you chose #lovetennis to read while there are lakhs of books are available in the market. You can reach me on my social media handle if you have any feedback. I would surely try to address those in my next book. Thanks.

Thank you so much for being here Jitender! We all wish you the best!

Show some love!!

Order your copy of Love Tennis here: https://amzn.to/2Y95iAc

Instagram: @musafirr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musafir.dost

Twitter: @jkmusafir

Email: jk.musafir@gmail.com

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

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: Love Tennis by Jitender Kumar

Book Review

Love Tennis by Jitender Kumar

Love Tennis by Jitender Kumar

Author: Jitender Kumar

ISBN: 978-9353472160

Genre: Romance Fiction

Length: 136 Pages

Publisher: Blue Rose Publishers (7 March 2019)

My Ratings: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

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

About the author:

Jitender Kumar, also called “Musafir” by his near and dear ones was born and brought up in Delhi but his roots were back in Bihar. He completed his graduation in Political Science from Delhi University and has in-depth experience of being a personality developer and tennis coach. His immense experience in the field of retail made him a strong observer. Although, he loves to write contents like poems, “Love-Tennis” is his first attempt at writing a fiction piece.

He lives in Ahmedabad and looks forward to your valuable feedback for “Love-Tennis”.

Jitender Kumar (Musafir)

Follow him on Instagram: @musafirr

Reach out to his Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musafir.dost

Twitter Handle: @jkmusafir
Email: jk.musafir@gmail.com

REVIEW

Narration

Love Tennis is a short romance book with a pinch of passion. The story is narrated in the first-person point of view. The main character Jatin is narrating his story. The book is written in a very simple style that anyone can read it. The beginners who are not comfortable with English much also can read this book. The author has made it very much relatable and easy-going. And all the tennis match scenes are something to savour.

Location and Setting

Love Tennis set in Delhi and the time period is of the 2000s. That time period and the teenage lives in Delhi, influence the story. The book brings nostalgia with it that you cannot hold back your own memories from school and college. There are few locations especially school and Delhi University colleges gives you the back-to-college/school vibes and those silly struggles we’ve gone through.

Theme

Love Tennis is a Romance Fiction and portrays love between these two main characters. Jatin is from lower-middle-class family and Priya is as rich. But that is not a problem for them, there is something else. Well, the author has done very good job in portraying the romance and not the typical drama between two families. Again sports play a significant part in the story. And for romance lovers, there are meetings and dates.

Plot

The plot is something that I didn’t like as I expected more from the story. Indeed, there are conflicts and I liked reading them but was still wasn’t triggering. The plot and story solely focused on this couple of characters. Though I enjoyed reading because it was relatable and its writing style. The characters lack the depth but it’s a short book so that is fine. And the connections between characters are good and well carried out. 

"Love never loses on you, it's you who does that."

My Views

All in all, it was a really entertaining and very easy read. There is a lot the author has conveyed through the book. There were lots of Bollywood references which I loved. It made me reflect on my memories that were warming. I reminisced the times when I used to wait for the calls on the wired telephone. It was very light and easy flowing read and I just enjoyed this short book full of relatable experiences and a bunch of excitements of school and college life.

Happy Reading!

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

Book Review: Chloe's Crusade! by Donnalyn Vojta (The Teddy bear Chronicles #2)

Book Review

Chloe's Crusade! by Donnalyn Vojta

(The Teddy Bear Chronicles Book #2)

Chloe's Crusade!

Author: Donnalyn Vojta

ISBN: 978-0999241059

Genre: Crime, Thriller & Suspense

Length: 394 Pages

Publisher: New Traditions Publishing (20th June 2018)

My Ratings: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Order your copy right now: https://amzn.to/2XCOLPQ (Kindle)
Order your copy right now: https://amzn.to/2YCD90B (Paperback)

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

Chloe’s Crusade! is second in the series, The Teddy Bear Chronicles. As the first book Hope in Paris! was extraordinary, I expected so much from this sequel and guess what! Author has done astounding job writing such an epic suspense thriller. The narration in Chloe’s Crusade! was so much enhanced than in the previous book. This book introduced two new Teddy Bears, Rocco Bear and Tiny Bear. There is more humor, more suspense, more action and more fun! The writing style is as it was in previous one but seems improved with different languages and narration style of Rocco Bear.

Location and Setting

This time the story set in Paris and Venezuela, where New York plays a little part. Most of the suspense and thrill occurs in Venezuela. The Fair Bear stays at Sidney and Kelly’s home on Paris countryside while the Love Bear stays with Tori at Richard and Tori’s House in Paris. Tiny Bear hangs from Chloe’s belt loop as her key chain. Chloe’s in Caracas, Venezuela on her new FBI mission─ drug trafficking operation as a Special Agent. Sleepy Time Bear is at orphanage as before with Ms. Keller. Rocco Bear is with Alessos in New York, who are suspected to be involved in drug trafficking.

As always (I mean previous installment) Donnalyn Vojta has created a great setting. Chloe’s Crusade! is all about the investigation and that thrill of dealing with mafias. The locations included the hangar bays, makeshift FBI office, Tori’s and Kelly’s home, théâtre du châtelet and Alesso’s home in New York as well as Venezuela. And these all added their values of suspense in the book.

Theme

Chloe’s Crusade! is literally a fine piece of Crime, Thriller & Suspense. Tori and Richard has got married with two kids they adopted from orphanage, Bea and C. These kids also play a significant part in the book and again the author, Donnalyn Vojta made these characters even more adorable. Tori and Kelly’s mom realized her mistakes and they’re begin to develop a good relationship with the help of professional counselor. Kelly marries to detective Sidney. Chloe contacts Richard and Sidney asking help for her drug trafficking operation and the plot just blows mind now and then with enrapturing writing style.

Plot

The plot drives through internal and external conflicts of almost every character. Each character is struggling through something, be it mental, physical or emotional struggle. They are conflicted by some external tragedies like this FBI operation, stalker and love triangle. The plot is really fabulous and I am amused that it holds you till the very last word of the book! Such honorable work by Donnalyn Vojta.

My Views

First things first, the narration and writing style is just phenomenal with different and distinct voices, like of Rocco Bear and Charlie. The characters are powerful with their unique strengths and weaknesses. Opening and ending are as entertaining and thrilling as the whole book is.

Now I think that this is one of those underrated books which has to be recognized and deserves all the attention in the world.

Happy Reading!

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

Book Review: Ringo and the Yogi by Prasun Roy | Children's Literature

Book Review

Ringo and the Yogi by Prasun Roy

Ringo and the Yogi by Prasun Roy

Author: Prasun Roy

ISBN: 978-9387022621

Genre: Children’s Literature and Fiction

Length: 184 Pages

Publisher: Srishti Publishers & Distributors (10th June 2019)

My Ratings: 4.5/5

Order your copy right now: https://amzn.to/2Je3uwT

About the author:

Prasun Roy lives with his family in Kolkata and writes stories in genres of adventure, mystery, thrill and young adult fiction. He is the Director of his family-owned business of pharmaceutical manufacturing and marketing. Professionally trained in western classical piano, he is also an active blogger.

Prasun Roy

Follow him on Instagram: @prasun.author.2018

Check out his Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/prasun.roy.581

Twitter Handle: @PrasunRoy1981

REVIEW

Narration

Ringo and the Yogi is a fictional story mainly for children between ages 6 to 12. The story is narrated in the third-person point of view. The story follows a kid named Ringo, who has just turned ten. Ringo and the Yogi mostly contain exposition and there are fewer dialogues and conversations comparatively. Considering the age group, the writing style is great and expositions are very well written that it emotionally connects with you. There are all sorts of experiences we face in our childhood and make us reminisce those memories.

Location and Setting

Ringo lives in Kolkata and is a member of Bharat Scouts and Guides, a boys scout group, in which he would be able to experience adventurous activities like trekking, skating, nature studies and so on after he has turned ten. Ringo gets selected for a ten-day long expedition to a trekking camp at Joshimath, Uttarakhand. So, the book contains all the expositions about the beauty of those hills and Mother Nature. The author Prasun Roy has mentioned every detail about the camp and about trekking.

Theme

Ringo and the Yogi is a children’s literature and fiction book. At first, Ringo is yearning for his parents to spend time with him. His father’s job and the timings don’t allow him to do so. His mother always working at household, doesn’t realize that she’s spending much time with her son. As being parents they love Ringo and when he goes far away for trekking and alone for the first time, they realize it. Whereas Ringo meets his best friend Sambhu, the Yogi. Yogi says he is a hundred years old and carries a lot of stories and experiences with him. Ringo listens to his stories of bravery, Mother Nature and the wrath of God. Also when Ringo was feeling alone, he consoles Ringo and teaches some great life lessons which are worth reading.

Plot

The story begins with Ringo’s birthday and we get to know much about Ringo and his family and friends and what he is suffering from. Later, as he has turned ten, gets selected for the ten days long expedition to trekking camp, where the Yogi resolves his all confusions and leads him towards self-confidence and shows him a direction to follow. Also, there is a big message about Mother Nature and the calamities we are facing, that how we continue to bleed Mother Nature even after facing such wrath of God. Yogi’s character is very very interesting and I loved his character personally. A sudden and unpredicted cloudburst in Uttarakhand causes devastating floods and landslides. At this time to rescue his campmates, Ringo takes a brave step and try to reach the nearby army camp which is two valleys ahead of their base camp with the help of Yogi, but it is an impossible task. So, you will need to read the book to know what happens.

"The path to success and victory needs to be walked alone; only at the end you would find the company of your loved ones to cheer over your triumph."

My Views

The book contains illustrations also that is great for a children’s book like this. The Yogi became my favorite character and his lessons are really worth applying in real life. The book holds a great message about climate change and now at this point in time, we know how things will turn out if we continue to harm Mother Nature. The exposition is the very essence of the book as it directly connects with you without the need for dialogues. In the end, I would say that you need to read this and recite to young kids or children and it will definitely make a positive difference.

Happy Reading!

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