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Book Review: Rukmini by Saiswaroopa Iyer
RukminiAuthor: Saiswaroopa IyerPublisher: Rupa PublicationsRating: 4.5/5 With a magnificent cover and an intriguing plotline, Rukmini is mythological fiction that is based on the life of one of the fiercest and bold women of that time, Rukmini, Krishna’s wife. Rukmini is a character in mythology who is seldom spoken about or discussed. Her indomitable spirit is praised yet her choices are questioned and critically judged. This book presents the readers with an account of what transpired behind so many decisions that Rukmini took right from the one of eloping with Krishna and standing by his side at times of trouble. Even though Rukmini’s marriage with Krishna was on the cards, her…
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Book Review: The Art of Writing by Peter Yang
The Art of WritingAuthor: Peter YangPublishers: TCK PublishingRating: 4/5 Writing is an art and for a piece of art to be acknowledged and valued, it needs to pass the muster. Peter Yang introduces the readers to the basic nuances of writing that determine if the written material is worth getting the necessary attention. The points are basic and common yet the way he goes on to explain the value of each of them is what makes the difference. The book comprises several principles of writing. To begin with, economy (with respect to the words used) occupies the first place. Writing precise and lucid text often gives an impression that the…
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Army of the Dead: All Sizzle and No Steak! #Review
The Army of the Dead is another Snyder movie that has become the talk of the town owing to its brave cinematography and experimentation with the digital gears. The movie is about a heist that is set amidst a zombie apocalypse. The premise is not new yet there are certain aspects that successfully capture the attention of the viewers and provide much-needed relief. With a new take on the appearance, behaviour and purpose of the zombies, The Army of the Dead establishes its intention right in the very first scene. Hence, the opening and the closing become statement scenes of the movie and the viewers are not left disoriented amidst…
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Mare of Easttown: A Calculable Yet Compelling Thriller #Review
When Kate Winslet leads the story to the finish line, who can question the credibility of the plot? Starring in Mare of Easttown, Kate Winslet delivers a promising and convincing performance that not only evokes empathy but also sympathy for her character. Well-crafted and well-executed, Mare of Easttown is my new favourite thriller series. The story is set in a small town, Easttown, where everyone knows their neighbour and doesn’t shy away from sharing their apprehensions with others. Mare, a divorced detective, lives with her mother, her grandson and her daughter. Battling with a tumultuous past and deprived of any peace of mind, she devotes her time to solving cases…
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Book Review: Happy Sexy Millionaire by Steven Bartlett
Happy Sexy MillionaireAuthor: Steven BartlettPublisher: Hachette IndiaRating: 4/5 Success is defined differently for every individual. Hence, even if you read several books on how to achieve contentment in life and be blissfully happy, there are chances that you might not be able to implement all the principles correctly. In a way, those are just suggestions that might or might not help you climb the ladder of peace. Therefore, Happy Sexy Millionaire is one such book loaded with anecdotes and personal experiences that act as alternative pathways which can lead to satisfaction and happiness. Happy Sexy Millionaire has an interesting layout and lucid language. The author calls this book his intervention…
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Book Review: Teaching a Horse to Sing by Delshad Karanjia
Teaching a Horse to SingAuthor: Delshad KaranjiaPublisher: Aleph Book CompanyRating: 5/5 Characters like Akbar-Birbal, Vikram-Vetal, Krishnadeva Raya and Tenali Raman have always had enough occasions to teach strong morals using their witty instinct and humour. Their stories hold a special place in our heart even now as an adult. Hence, when I got ‘Teaching ahorse to Sing’ for review, I was overwhelmed at the opportunity of walking down the memory lane and relishing the old gems once again. The book is a compilation of 150 stories that have been divided into three sections: The Misadventures of Mullah Nasruddin, An Emperor and His Wise Wazir and The Lore of Common Sense.…
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Book Review: The Untold Tales by Paras Binny
The Untold Tales: Love and Other DemonsAuthor: Paras BinnyPublisher: Lab Academia PublishersRating: 3/5 It has been very well said that adversity makes men while prosperity makes monsters. Based on a similar theme, ‘The Untold Tales’ is a collection of short stories that bring out the best and the worst in humans more by choice than by accident. As long as men are taking the dose of happiness and comfort, the monster remains dormant but the moment circumstances change, the monster is unleashed. Right from thoughts to actions, everything changes. Thus, these stories have the calibre to make the readers do a double-take! A perfect blend of emotions, actions and consequences,…
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6 Feel-Good Series That Will Make Your Lockdown Better
Tough times don’t last but tough people do. While Coronavirus is wreaking havoc in every possible way, the only way we all can remain sane is to be indoors and indulge in activities that don’t steal our mental peace and sanity. One of those activities is watching television. The OTT platforms offer an embarrassment of riches and to choose from the given options often becomes a bone of contention. Hence, I shall make this task easier for you. Here are six feel-good series that will warm your heart and provide a momentary escape from all the negativity that’s going on in the world. Aspirants (Web series) (YouTube) This series focuses…
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Out of Love (Season 2)- A Twist in the Tale? #Review
It came as such a relief when I saw the trailer of Out of Love (season 2). With no more interesting series/ movies to watch on any of the OTT platforms, the release of OOL was a balm to my soul. With the lead pair reappearing in the second season, hopes were set high and entertainment was promised. Rasika Duggal as Meera and Purab Kohli as Akarsh are fabulous and their chemistry is something that forms the USP of the show. The second season of OOL follows the story post the divorce of the lead pair. While Meera was busy raising her beloved son singlehandedly, Akarsh paved his way to…
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Book Review: That Night by Nidhi Upadhyay
That NightAuthor: Nidhi UpadhyayPublisher: Penguin PublishersRating:3/5 Weaving a paranormal account into a thriller is no ordinary feat. Hence, when I first chanced upon the blurb of ‘That Night’, its relation with the occult and the element of surprise seemed quite promising. Revolving around the lives of four friends who end up playing a game of Ouija one night and the death of one of the participants the same night, this story is a total roller coaster ride, for it never gives you a chance to predict what happens. This quality just won me over. Katherine, Anjali, Natasha and Riya were busy in their own personal struggles when someone from the…
