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Book Review: The Little Book of Everything by Ruskin Bond
A Little Book of EverythingAuthor: Ruskin BondPublisher: Penguin Publishers With a treasure trove of experiences and learnings, Ruskin Bond holds the secret to a peaceful and enjoyable life. In his new book, ‘A little Book of Everything’, he collates life lessons in the form of short quotes that can be read on a daily basis to feel motivated, to feel hopeful and to feel alive. There is a magic about this book that each page speaks volumes even though there are very few words printed on the page. The Little Book of Everything is a book that is a storehouse of optimism, courage, hope and love. When one is down…
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Book Review: Unfulfilled Desires by Rachi
Unfulfilled DesiresAuthor: RachiPublisher: Half Baked BeansRating: 2.5/5 It is said that if it does not involve walking on fire, it is not love. Love tests your endurance, it tests your loyalty and it also tests your willingness to give up your most prized possession. When you truly love someone, it might be difficult expressing it in words. But your actions compensate for those unsaid words, for you do not even think twice before putting everything at stake for the one your love. Unfulfilled Desires explores the pathos associated with love and its aftereffects. It is a poignant tale of affection, sacrifice and loss. Caught in a whirlpool of turbulent emotions,…
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Book Review: Done With Love by Shuchi Singh
Done With LoveAuthor: Shuchi SinghPublisher: Rupa PublishersRating: 3/5 One of the most vexing concepts that surround us is that of love. Knowing fairly well that love is intangible and abstract, we still battle with our instincts to redefine love in the ways we find comfortable. Done With Love is a total Bollywood-style romantic comedy that explores the pathos and elation that comes with the feeling of love. It is funny, genuine and exhibits plenty of raw emotions. Kairavi, as the protagonist is called, is a girl who believes that she and her boyfriend, Vivian, are meant to be together. Even though Vivian has some apprehensions about moving in together, or…
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Book Review: The Incredible Adventures of Mr Cheeks by Tasmeen Amna
The Incredible Adventures of Mr CheeksAuthor: Tasmeen AmnaPublisher: Puffin Books (Penguin) Knowing that the brain of a child is under development during his childhood days, it wouldn’t be wrong to teach the norms of the society right from the very beginning. Tasmeen Amna takes up this responsibility to bring forth the importance of ‘being you’ and not changing according to the expectations set by society. Her words are magical and they have the power to influence children by taking them into a wonderful world where even the animals seem more sensible than humans! The Incredible Adventures of Mr Cheeks is a novella that narrates the story of three friends who…
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Book Review: Flyaway Boy by Jane De Suza
Flyaway BoyAuthor: Jane De SuzaPublisher: Puffin Press (Penguin Publishers) It is said that a child’s mind is not a container to be filled but rather a fire to be kindled. Every child is different and hence, it is important to nurture the talent that the child possesses and encourage him/her to follow the dream. Childhood is a stage when mind imbibes everything with an easy span and thus, children should not be bound by rules that prevent their magic wand (the mind) to do the magic! ‘Flyaway Boy’ is the book that explains the same idea in a very interactive and comical way. Sounding like the written version of the…
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Book Review: The Secret Commonwealth: The Book of Dust Volume Two by Philip Pullman
The Secret Commonwealth: The Book of Dust Volume TwoAuthor: Philip PullmanPublisher: Penguin Publishers Pullman’s wordplay and his prowess to juggle many themes together are delectable yet baffling at times. It takes a lot of patience and focus to understand the metaphorical references in the world that he calls his own! It was definitely a challenge to understand this part of the series as I hadn’t read the previous part. Amidst kindle shopping and long reading hours, I finally did finish reading this masterpiece. No wonder I am now tempted to read ‘His Dark Materials’ now to understand the author’s point of view in more depth. In the previous part of…
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Book Review: The Speaking Stone by Ratnadip Acharya
The Speaking StoneAuthor: Ratnadip AcharyaPublisher: Aksora Publication LLPRating: 4/5 Dorothy Parker said that the cure for boredom is curiosity but there is no cure for curiosity. It is the curiosity that keeps our brain active. Based on the similar concept, The Speaking Stone, set in the astir streets of Colaba, Mumbai, brings forth a story of a stone that houses a tale of love, sacrifice and belief. A historical fiction that encompasses elements of mystery and romance as well, this book traces the journey of protagonists who decided to uncover the truth that remains hidden from the naked eye. Saikat and Shuvashini are the two main seekers in the story…
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Book Review: The Monsters Still Lurk by Aruna Nambiar
The Monsters Still LurkAuthor: Aruna NambiarPublisher: Rupa PublishersRating: 4.5/5 “I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I’ve bought a big bat. I’m all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!” ― Dr. Seuss Life happens to us when we are busy making plans while looking at the world with rose-tinted glasses. ‘The Monsters Still Lurk’ is a poignant tale of love, sacrifice, strength and courage. Set in the post-independence era, this tale uses symbolism and talks about the troubles that never cease to exist. In fact, these troubles always skulk…
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Book Review: Lucknow Diaries by Partha S. Sharma
Lucknow DiariesAuthor: Partha Sarthi Sen SharmaPublisher: Rupa PublishersRating: 3.5/5 ‘Lucknow Diaries’ is a pot-boiler with all the necessary elements of love, greed, politics and revenge. The plot is new and revolves around the lives of three major characters- Rahul, Feroz and Dinesh. The story is set into motion with the assassination of the young, former prime minister. The religious sentiments are hurt and the blame game is on. Amidst all this chaos, the life of three good friends unfolds. Conceding to their circumstances, Rahul, Dinesh and Feroz begin treading on paths that looked quite unfamiliar sometime before. While Dinesh follows his father’s footsteps and plunges into diplomacy (politics), Rahul and…
