Corporate Eagle: A Soaring Success Story by Madhukant Acharya

   

Corporate Eagle: A Soaring Success Story by Madhukant Acharya

Corporate Eagle by Madhukant Acharya

Author: Madhukant Acharya

ISBN: 978-1685233372

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Length: 180 Pages

Publication Date: 23^rd August 2021

Publisher: Notion Press

Order your copy right now: https://amzn.to/32oEoaS

About the author:

Madhukant Acharya was educated in some of the best schools and colleges in India and was adjudged the best student in his class. Soon after he joined the corporate world, working with eminent multinational companies and rose from a management trainee to the company’s board position in a short span of twenty years and was awarded 'Marketing Man of the Year' from the President of India. He has widely travelled in India and abroad and continues to be an avid reader. The author leads an active social life with friends and family and is a popular member of premier clubs. His interests involve being a fitness enthusiast and doing social and charitable work in rural areas. Many of his friends call him ‘people happy’.

Settled in Mumbai for nearly forty years with wife Kalpana, his children pursue careers in the US and Mumbai being doctors, engineers and MBAs. The idea of writing a novel motivated him some years ago after professional retirement when he rescheduled his priorities and lifestyle to devote required time to creating his debut novel Friends and five seasons in two volumes — Rupen's Early Years and Publishing hero Rupen.

Madhukant Acharya

Instagram: @authormadhukant

Twitter: @authormadhukant

Disclaimer: This review is only intended for initiating discussions. The opinions and views presented in this article are my own and do not reflect anything about the book's author. 

REVIEW

Corporate Eagle by Madhukant Acharya is a fiction book spanning Mohan Dutt’s twenty-five years long corporate life that is indeed, as the title suggests, successful and always moving in an upward direction; set in India, it covers a handful of remarkable events that took place from the late 1970s to the mid-2000s; the book depicts the journey of its canny, perspicacious and enterprising protagonist from being a management trainee to becoming the chairman and country head of the fashion and clothing company, for which he worked doggedly and made contributions that proved indispensable to the making of one of the top corporate giant conglomerate in India; gives you an insight into the challenges and crucial decision-making processes faced by companies and the ethics and policies to go by to keep soaring high in the air; lastly, it shows how giving back to the society (CSR) is important, not only for the economic and social upliftment of the country but also the company itself.

The stated corporate theme here has strong political overtones, which is obvious because the influence of politics within and outside industries cannot be overlooked in any case. The book also starts with the communists winning the elections and what followed was the exodus of industrialists from West Bengal to other parts of India because of the labour disputes and lock-outs. There are a lot of such political events in the book inspired by Indian political history. For instance, finance minister Manmohan Singh and prime minister PV Narsimha Rao doing away with the license-raj regime. The other part of the theme is corporate warfare, which includes dealing with other rival companies, countering their efforts of a hostile takeover, remaining competitive in the market, warding off unwanted influences, etc. The protagonist Mohan deals with it very tactfully and manages to keep his records clean. Additionally, he looks for opportunities to expand the company in whatever aspects he could. Being a chairman, he keeps every department head in check and provides required guidance dutifully. There come a lot of obstacles and challenges pertaining to income tax, shifting of headquarters, politicians withholding raw materials, the factory shut down, legal battles, etc. The author has given detailed insights into the decisions that the protagonist takes while dealing with the obstacles as well as while planning for the expansion of the company into various other fields such as Information Technology, Finance, Sports, etc. 

As you can see that the corporate journey of the protagonist as well as the company is very compelling, although the novel as a whole is not as compelling considering the plot, narration, and setting. The book reads as if being non-fiction, documenting the life of a veteran industrialist in a particular company, stating data and information without any regard for surrounding elements. This also makes it an overview of the many modifications and expansions that the company has undergone. For instance, a single chapter runs you through several years of company-related happenings but doesn't offer how it is executed on the ground. While the corporate-specific insights may be interesting, the novel falls prey to the problem of ‘too much information’, where each chapter has the potential to be an independent novel. Being a successful story, this novel doesn’t even have a single falling moment, a crisis or a disaster, which also discards any possibilities of having any climax. However, as compensation for the missing action, the novel has two significant sports events that will keep you on the edge towards the end. The book is definitely not what you would expect after reading the synopsis on the back cover, because the novel exceeds your expectations in the corporate aspect, while also failing to deliver what it promises—the presence of Kumud and Cindy. They were mentioned in the book now and then, but they didn’t have even the littlest of roles to play.

Happy Reading!

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It Must Have Been Love by Jigar Prajapati | Book Review

 

It Must Have Been Love by Jigar Prajapati

Book Review by Dhiraj Sindhi

It Must Have Been Love by Jigar Prajapati

Author: Jigar Prajapati

ISBN: 978-9390441068

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 168 Pages

Publication Date: 8th December 2020

Publisher: Srishti Publishers & Distributors

Order your copy right now: https://amzn.to/3y8WHM0

About the author:

Jigar Prajapati holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. Having finished his schooling in regional language, writing a book in English seemed like a distant dream. But writing became his passion during his post-graduation in Construction Management. Now, along with being a well-known builder in Ahmedabad, he is also writing to his heart’s content.

Jigar Prajapati

Instagram: @jigar_author

Facebook: @JigarMPrajapati

REVIEW

It Must Have Been Love, as the title and cover suggest, is a contemporary romance book written with the plainest of words that stirs up a storm of thoughts, questions, opinions, and judgments regarding the characters’ actions; whether they are right or wrong, appropriate or inappropriate, good or bad. While some dramatic fragments seem to be inspired by Bollywood and daily soap operas, other segments are creative, fun, and cleverly plotted that keep you rooted in the story being told. 

The book starts with chapter zero called ‘The Beginning’ where Jigar has used author surrogate to narrate the chapter with humour. However, that doesn’t last long as he finds one of the lead characters Maan crying at the airport. The rest of the chapters are narrated by Maan, telling his story until the last chapter, which is again narrated by the author surrogate.

Maan’s story starts with his first day at college followed by the making of friends and their hostel adventures. Here, he becomes best friends with Naaz, who is a brilliant character. While they are still not sure about their feelings for each other, Maan decides to marry the girl he met in the process of matchmaking upon his parents’ insistence. This results in subsequent imprudent choices that they both are going to regret later. Maan and Naaz are pretty decent characters but confused AF nonetheless. This makes them classically tragic hero and heroine. 

What I liked:

My most favourite part of this book is the ending that starts shortly before the author surrogate takes over the narration once again. The end makes it up for the mess that has been created by these two. Again, Jigar and his wife, Mona steal the show with their humour-filled venture. 

Secondly, I liked many scenes that could be viewed independently of the storyline, character arcs, etc. These are mostly witty situations sprinkled throughout the book. For instance, Hostel Diaries, College Fun Moments, Attending Marriage and Other Functions, Friendship Goals, etc.

Lastly, I admire the fact that this book is balanced in every way. For instance, I think there is the presence of karma, which serves the characters well. There is also a balance of misery and pleasure, love and deceit, f-ups created by Maan and Naaz, etc. 

What I disliked: 

The book is written in plain language that obviously goes to follow ‘tell, don’t show’, which is quite understandable, although it leaves the onus on readers to wholly interpret and comprehend the storyline, scenes, character arcs, and most importantly, relationship dynamics with the text constrained by limited creativity and exposition.

Another thing that I didn’t like about this book is that I found Maan to be an unreliable narrator. 

Lastly, the typical dramatic stuff, particularly, the ones that went to an extent to make you believe that it’s not the choices of a person but the destiny that is to be blamed.

Happy Reading!

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

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Book Review: Pokhran by Uday Singh | Indian Crime-Thriller

Book Review

Pokhran by Uday Singh

Pokhran by Uday Singh

Author: Uday Singh

ISBN: 978-9387022874

Genre: Crime, Thriller & Mystery

Length: 213 Pages

Publisher: SrishtiPublishers and Distributors (15^th July 2020)

My Ratings: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Order your copy right now: https://amzn.to/2CbYQ1E

About the author: 

Uday is a philosopher, economist, and engineer with a firm belief in the progressive march of humanity towards a better and brighter future. He has traveled and lived across countries and continents, which has given him a unique outside-in perspective on India. With a Masters of Business Administration from Columbia University, when he is not writing, he works at an investment bank in New York City and likes to spend time with his family in Princeton, New Jersey.

Uday Singh

Instagram: @uday_singh_0000

Twitter: @udaysingh007

Author's interview at GovernanceNow: ‘Always write (or live life) with all passion and heart in it’

REVIEW

Summary

Pokhran by Uday Singh is a thriller fictional novel based on the true events that took place in India following the ‘Smiling Buddha’ operation – a successful nuclear bomb test, in 1974; the book shows how it impacted the lives in Pokhran; moreover, the story follows the protagonist whose life is closely connected with ‘Smiling Buddha’ operation; with a wonderful cast of supporting characters and an excellent fast-pacing and enthralling plot, the book touches numerous thought-provoking subjects highly relevant to the current circumstances; packed with shocks and surprises at every page, surely makes it an enjoyable read.

Narration

Pokhran is narrated in first person POV most of the times by Chaitanya, the protagonist. The writing style is natural and easily comprehensible, perfect for the kind of novel it assembles. The language is simple and can be read by anyone including children. The structure of the novel complements the mystery element of the book that makes you eager to read more every time the chapter ends.

Setting and Characters

Pokhran by Uday Singh, as it suggests, begins with the ‘Smiling Buddha’ operation at the Pokhran Test Range, Rajasthan, and a prologue with a glimpse of the situation in 2019. Firstly, the book focusses on the childhood and school-life of Chaitanya in Pokhran and his trips to Payradanga, Calcutta, and Kakekapura, a village his best friend belonged to. The portrayal is so vivid that it makes us reminisce about those invaluable moments of our golden age. Chaitanya’s character arc remains tremendous throughout the book with the same amount of ups and downs. Apart from these locations, the book travels you through MIT, Boston, and Syria.

The supporting characters include Paramvir, his father who brought up Chaitu to be strongest. Radhika, Chaitanya’s sister who stands by her brother throughout her life and supports him at every stage. Ramesh Sir, Chaitanya’s favorite teacher and his mentor who sees the great potential in his student. Divyani, her childhood friend and crush from Payradanga. Zara, his wife, and a persecuted Yazidi from Syria having a fearless and lively personality. There are even more pivotal characters from diverse backgrounds.

Theme

The theme of the book can be collectively described as crime, thriller, and mystery. The book addresses many subjects varying from religion to human trafficking. It sheds light on the communal riots in parts of West Bengal after the Bangladesh Partition. It also discusses land redistribution and greedy politicians. The subjects that are highly relevant at this time in 2020 such as discrimination, equality, refugees, immigration, and encounters to conceal their felonies. The author shares the objective behind writing this novel, an idea of the formation of the government and society that eradicates the generational build-up of the wealth gap, which I strongly disagree with. But the intent is indeed very good that of level playing field.

Plot

The plot is about the ups and downs in Chaitanya’s life. There are several heart-breaking moments in his life. There are delightful moments too, marking his success and celebrating emotional bonds with other characters. The book is filled with meaningful dialogues providing different perspectives.

My Opinion

The book is engrossing that I never felt bored reading the book. It is a fast-paced book that lures you to complete the book in one sitting. There are a lot of elements involved that somewhat don’t keep up with what readers might be expecting which makes it highly unpredictable. The plot and the concept, as I said earlier is excellent. However, the purpose of writing the book, introduction to ‘Paracratic society’ which I think is very unrealistic and dangerous for humankind. Instead, I would like to take away this great thought from the book – “It is in the service of others that you will find true joy and happiness”.

I also think that my difference of opinion should not be considered a part of this evaluation. The author has done a commendable job in jotting down this remarkable story of Pokhran and her son. If Pokhran doesn’t get recognized by the readers all over the country, then I'll consider it an underrated work of Indian literature. I’m truly looking forward to reading more from the author.

Happy Reading!

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

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Book Review: Freedom by JNK | Human Trafficking and Encounter with Soul

Book Review

FREEDOM by JNK

Freedom by JNK

Author: JNK

ISBN: 978-1646787821

Genre: Children’s Crime & Thriller

Length: 245 Pages

Publisher: Notion Press (21 October 2019)

My Ratings: 🌟🌟🌠

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

About the author: 

JNK is the pen name of the author. Born and brought up in Chandigarh, she comes from a middle-class family. She studied at Punjab University, Chandigarh. Writing stories has always been her passion, but the wings to her passion were given to her by her daughter and her father. Apart from writing, she enjoys travelling and cooking.

Instagram: @jnk129 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JNK1902/

REVIEW

Freedom by JNK is a ‘Children’s Crime & Thriller’ book addressing a few serious subjects with very plain writing and a simple plot. The book contains two parts, Human Trafficking and Encounter with Soul. The first part is narrated in first person POV by the main character, Honey. And likewise in the second part by Rasbeen. Talking about the writing style, it really needs work because there are numerous grammatical and formatting errors which really wouldn’t go well with children’s linguistics. However, it is like informal and smooth that one couldn’t stop reading despite all these issues. Apart from that, the author has tried to be very vulnerable about telling sentiments of the protagonists which is good as long as it conveys the seriousness of the matter, but not while mentioning the same element as often as done in this book rather showing why one should feel what they are feeling. The author has put out every little detail there, which I think can be proven good.

The book is set in Ahmedabad where a huge human trafficking racket is active. They perform all the illegal activities with the help of their international network and some local fraudsters. And the women and children of underprivileged communities become their victims. Honey is working for a famous detective when she receives one such case of disappearance. The second part depicts the struggles of a young student, the agonies and spiral of thoughts when one is compelled to perform best in order to survive this unfair world with no other choice. The author succeeded in connecting through those vulnerable main characters and suggested that something is very wrong with this humankind.

About the plot, it really kept me to the edge of my seat as it was interesting and I couldn’t wait to discover how the protagonist would deal with the situation. She was in danger and part of a much greater plan. I cared about the main character as she connected directly through personal diary-like writing. However, it ended rather abruptly without any conflict. And about the second part, the conception was excellent but again the execution could have been better.

Like any other book, this also had pros and cons. What I really liked was how the author connected through this vulnerable narration despite flawed writing style and hooked me till the end.

Happy Reading!

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

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Bittersweet : A Debut Novel by Rajesh Konsam | Book Review

Book Review

Bittersweet: A Debut Novel by Rajesh Konsam

Bittersweet by Rajesh Konsam

Author: Rajesh Konsam

ISBN: 978-9388424622

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Length: 200 Pages

Publisher: VishwakarmaPublications (19 August 2019)

My Ratings: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

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

About the author: 

Rajesh Konsam is a young software engineer and writer. A geek at heart, he loves programming and feel-good novels in equal measure. When not writing poems, he ticks travel destinations off his bucket list. Although Rajesh hails from Manipur, he works in Chennai after completing his B.E. in Coimbatore.

Rajesh Konsam

Bittersweet is Rajesh’s debut novel, and he is working on his next. Rajesh tweets as @RajeshKonsam, runs a feed on Instagram as @rajeshkonsam, and responds well to feedback at rajeshkonsam@live.com. More at rajeshkonsam.com

Follow him on Instagram: @rajeshkonsam

Twitter Handle: @RajeshKonsam
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRajeshKonsam/

REVIEW

Narration

Bittersweet is a piece of art, an art of storytelling through stirring thoughts, authentic dialogues, songs and a creative plot. Apart from that, Bittersweet is a work of contemporary fiction following the protagonist Roshan, who is an artiste with excellent songwriting skills and limited vocal talent. Bittersweet is narrated in first-person point of view and is narrated by Roshan only. The book is divided into two parts preceded by epigraphs. The writing style is really dope and complements the genre and overall theme. The opening passage is awe-inspiring which makes you dive right into an artiste’s bittersweet life.

Location and Setting

Bittersweet sets in Mumbai, that means opportunities. As for any artist, it is not logical to holdback ideas and staying in comfort zone, author Rajesh Konsam has taken a risk, developing a different theme, setting which promotes English song composition in the country of Bollywood. But that is not the issue here because we all love listening to them and for your better experience there are songs written by Roshan tainted with sorrow, heartbreak, and some nourished by joy warmth and love. Each song holds a different story and meaning, understanding which would take some time and I tried citing them rhythmically until I got its meaning otherwise it made no sense to me.

Theme

The novel introduces you to such many characters who are striving for their choice of career. A vocalist, a painter, an actress, a composer and a songwriter. These artists are looking for opportunities to showcase their talent and hope to succeed. Any type of art needs a source of strength and confidence which come from love, appreciation, & acceptance and if these sources are crashed it gets just gloomy, it may still be considered as a craft but there remains no space for improvement thus these sources need to get refilled time and again. This happens to the protagonist, he is still bound in chains of heartbreak & anger from past five years and is not able to forgive or forget. And before he can do any of that, his love of life returns and that’s where story starts. Author Rajesh Konsam has titled each chapter very correctly for example this first one ‘Beautiful Disaster’.

Order your copy now!

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

Plot

Roshan thinks he is the odd one out in every aspect of life and why not? You’ll discover that in this novel. Besides he’s got this very cool family (Mom and Dad), a boss like a sister (Sheryl) and a best friend Sunny. Ragini (ex-girlfriend) is the reason for his devastating condition. And then comes this girl (Shanaya) into his life who unlike Ragini respects and appreciates his art and brings sunshine to Roshan’s life. Roshan also reunites with his old friend Alston and they get along really well despite their past disputes. The first half depicts how Shanaya helps Roshan emerging from the dark and cold phase. The second part was totally unexpected, where you ride the roller coaster and you don’t know where you will end up. There are all sorts of twists and turns which I would crave for in any contemporary fiction, it just created a magical reading experience. And finally, the story ends on good terms.

"You can't just get a free ticket to stardom. You have to earn it the hard way, sweat it out every single day, fall time and again, stand on your feet. dust the dirt off and keep moving until you succeed. You need to keep surviving, remind yourself every day that clinging on to hope is the only strategy because hope is all you have when everything else is lost."

My Views

Let’s start from the beginning, as I mentioned above, an impressive opening is all you need to dive right into a book. It didn’t consume any time to get along with the narrative, also it is straight forward. Author Rajesh Konsam has made Bittersweet very relatable. Characters are really strong and dialogues on top of that help connecting us to them at such level that it brings you the same pain as them. I felt every bit of it. At first, I thought of it as an average read but the second part gave characters and the book itself a new life. There is not just the struggle one make as an artiste, they take almost life-changing decisions. And that’s what you learn from this book and for me, there is nothing of more value than these lessons. Roshan didn’t give up and Shanaya proved to be the best thing happened to his life. Not to forget, the music aspect of the book, it is the heart of Bittersweet. There are musical references from across the globe. There are experiences all related to music, there are failures, and there is romance! Character arcs of Roshan and Shanaya are way transformative, they grow together throughout the novel.

Closure! I loved how the book is filled with life and reality, especially the second part. Shanaya and Sheryl are my favorites from Bittersweet. The way they turn darkness into light every time they appear! The novel is a mixture of bitterness and sweetness of the same amount, no more no less!

Stay Tuned!! We'll be back with an Author Interview very soon!

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

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

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