On a Journey of LifeAuthor (s): Kajal Rai & Nivedita KarmaranPublisher: Self-publishedRating: 3.5/4 On a Journey of Life has two short stories to cater to the emotional side of the readers. Written with absolute genuity, both the stories speak about courage and choices. With characters that are just like you and me and a setting so alluring that it urges you to be a part of the story, the authors have done a wonderful job with the characters. The first story is about a young girl who struggles to come to grips with the fact that her mother is no more. Inspired by P.S. I Love You (or so I…

Teen Sey ChheyAuthor: Bobby GhatakPublisher: One Point Six Technologies Pvt. Ltd.Rating: 3/5 Every man needs to find a peak, a mountain top or a remote island of his own choosing that he reaches under his own power alone in his own good time.— Alain Gerbault Knowing that the Indian Film Industry holds a dominating position in the world, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that every Indian finds the gossip related to the Film industry interesting. Whether it is the usual chores that the celebrities do or the news/ rumours surrounding their personal life, each and every aspect is brought forth in such a glittery way that one cannot avoid…

Your Love Makes Me CompleteAuthor: Ratnadip AcharyaPublisher: Aksora PublicationsRating: 4.5/5 Sometimes all you need is a second chance because time wasn’t ready for the first one. Love is not tough nor tender; it is volatile. If not given proper attention, it vanishes from plain sight. That’s the thing about love stories; they make you realize that true love does exist and charges your soul with the hope that there is someone, in the far and deeper depths of the world, who would surely sweep you off your feet (maybe, not literally)! ‘Your Love Makes Me Complete’ is one such heartfelt tale of love and longing that surely lingers long after…

Empower to TransformAuthors: Niraja Bandi & Arghya ChakrabortyPublisher: Self-publishedRating: 3/5 The idea that women can never be treated as equals or that they cannot match the intelligence and strength of menfolk has been perpetuated in our society right from the stage of inception. While decades back women had no voice, now, things are better than being completely bleak, for the women know what they deserve and are vocal enough to voice out their opinions. But does ‘being bold and straightforward’ alone serve the purpose? No. Since the belief resides in the minds of the men, it is equally important for the men to realize that women are their counterparts and…

Life Unknown: A Passage Through IndiaAuthor: Katikeya LadhaPublisher: Wild AmbroRating: 4/5 I believe that when you are alone in the mountains, the mountains do not miss the chance to communicate with you. This might sound scary but trust me, it is then when you feel alive, when your purpose is as clear as a crystal stream and when you understand where you belong. In Kartikeya Ladha’s new book, Life Unknown, he sets out on another adventure, this time within his own country, and explores the distant depths that burn bright with his energy and spirit. Life Unknown is like a travelogue that highlights the importance of discovering oneself and accepting…

Blood on the SandsAuthor: Sujata S. SabnisPublisher: AmaryllisRating: 3.5/5 Isn’t it beautiful how mere words can haunt you for a long time? Isn’t it stranger that the same words, when read or heard again, make a chill run down your spine as you are forced to relive the moment of fearful pleasure? That’s what Blood on the Sands does to you. Right in the prologue, the author deftly paints a gloomy picture of the desert and sets the wheels of the murder mystery rolling. Gradually, as the layers unfold and the curtains are drawn, the readers are left in bewilderment, wondering at the plausibility of the actions of the characters!…

Brand New StartAuthor: Mainak DharPublisher: Bloomsbury, IndiaRating: 4/5 Personal branding is a technique that plays a very important role in the success of any individual. This technique involves a conscious and intentional effort to create or influence public opinion about an individual. Sadly, not everyone knows the ways of the world. That’s where this book comes into play. Brand New Start by Mainak Dhar is a non-fiction book that will help one realize the power of personal branding.  Written with absolute precision and target audience in mind, this book is a self-help book that takes the reader through the process of making oneself ready to achieve success. Neatly structured, this…

Beyond the Blinding SunAuthor: Jayanta G. BorpujariPublisher: Rumour Books IndiaRating: 3/5 Beyond the Blinding Sun seemed like a perfect allegory of the tumultuous journey of the immigrants into the foreign lands. With just enough number of characters, this story about love, betrayal, pretence and revenge is going to leave the readers thirsty for more. I would especially like to mention that the large font and the standard printing quality further urged me to give this book a try! Beyond the Blinding Sun is a story of three people from different walks of life who end up together in Oman. Their quest to eke out a living by burning the midnight…

Yashasvi BharatAuthor: Mohan BhagwatPublisher: Prabhat PrakashanRating: 3.5/5 India is a nation that exemplifies the concept of unity in diversity owing to its culture, heritage, values and rich wisdom. Yashasvi Bharat offers a comprehensive insight into the attributes of our constitution. With a vision of bringing together people from different spheres of life, it is imperative to understand the common goal/agenda of our country. This book highlights some of the very relevant topics like non-violence, place of women in the society, Ambedkar’s vision for India, the spiritual angle that connects us all and the relevance and importance of Hinduism. Before jumping the gun and reaching a conclusion, one should know that…

Moonlight in a DesertAuthor: R. SethumadhaviPublisher: Leadstart Publishing Pvt. Ltd.Rating: 2.5/5 Moonlight in a Desert is a short autobiography that narrates the experiences of the author and aims to inspire all those who dare to dream and have the courage to take a stand for themselves. This story has been divided into 4 parts, each part signifying the stage of life during which a twist/ turning point was there. The journey from school to becoming a successful banker was tumultuous for Ms. Sethumadhavi. Yet she turned the tide in her favour by remaining persistent and determined to snatch success even from the jaws of death. Whether it is the demise…