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Book Review: A Murder in Mussoorie and Other Tales by Ruskin Bond
A Murder in Mussoorie and Other TalesAuthor: Ruskin BondPublisher: Rupa PublishersRating: 3/5 Who doesn’t know about Ruskin Bond’s love for nature, especially the mountains? With that said, it wouldn’t take rocket science to figure out the theme of the book titled ‘A Murder in Mussoorie and Other Tales’. The book is a collation of stories by Ruskin Bond, some true and some fictional. The common element of all stories is the mighty Himalayas in the backdrop. Another commonality that is evident is the mention of Rudyard Kipling in each story. Rudyard Kipling was a British man who lived and wrote in India. It is strange how Bond’s connection with India…
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Book Review: Dhruv by Karan Verma
DhruvAuthor: Karan VermaPublisher: Rupa PublishersRating: 3.5/5 When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too. ― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist Love is that intangible object that lures you into a world where everything seems possible. Viewing the world with rose-tinted glasses becomes a habit. And when things begin to fall apart, it is love that keeps you afloat. Love is all about smelling the roses and taking pleasure in whatever the destiny has to offer. The only catch here is to be ready to rise from the ashes like a phoenix and…
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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: Irrfan Khan by Aseem Chhabra
Irrfan Khan: The Man, The Dreamer, The StarAuthor: Aseem ChhabraPublisher: Rupa PublishersRating: 4/5 I’ve never looked to create an image where people fall in love with my face or style. It does cross my mind. But I’ve been trying to create a space for myself where I don’t depend on that. Irrfan Khan by Aseem Chhabra is a biography that is composed of anecdotes of personal meetings, interviews and events. Following a strong narrative and an even stronger approach, this book is promising as it delivers what is expected out of it. Describing the life and works of Irrfan Khan, Aseem does a wonderful job in bringing forth a story…
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How to Become Rich by Devdutt Pattanaik
How to Become RichAuthor: Devdutt PattanaikPublisher: Rupa PublishersRating: 3/5 Devdutt Pattanaik is known for his simple yet pragmatic approach towards mythology. His derivations and logical explanations have often amazed me! In his new book ‘How to Become Rich’, he deciphers the role of Vedic scriptures in helping us understand the management of finances. Learning from the stories of Ganesha, Kubera, Hanuman, Brahma, Vishnu and several other prominent characters of mythology, the author gleans information and strategies and encourages the readers to use those methods for efficient management of money. ‘How to Become Rich’ is more like a self-help book that procures its basis from the wisdom of those who gave…
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Book Review: Boyhood Dreams and Other Tales by Ruskin Bond
Boyhood Dreams and Other TalesAuthor: Ruskin BondPublisher: Rupa Publications If there is one thing that everyone has a right to, it is dreaming. Dreams and desires form the soul of our existence. No one can be deprived of dreaming and building castles in the air. ‘Boyhood Dreams and Other Tales’ is a collection of stories penned by Ruskin Bond. These tales radiate joy and happiness through simple yet sensible characters. Whether it is Binya, who falls in love with the frilly blue umbrella or the boy, who had lost his father or Kishan, who knows his workaround the forest and considers himself to be a part of that realm- most…
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Book Review: Yakshini by Neil D Silva
YakshiniAuthor: Neil D SilvaPublisher: Rupa PublishersRating: 4.5/5 It is said that love has the mystical power to heal every scar on the soul. One of the most powerful emotions, love, conquers all fears and triumphs over hatred too. Based on this power of love, Neil D Silva’s new horror-thriller is something to look out for. Tracing the complicated journey of a young girl, Meenakshi, ‘Yakshini’ is partly mythological and partly horror in the genre. Exploring the theme of supernatural presence within the human body and highlighting the pathos one goes through when possessed by another power, ‘Yakshini’ is not only promising but also an engaging fantasy novella. The story is…
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Book Review: Lights! Scalpel! Romance! by Jas Kohli
Lights! Scalpel! Romance!Author: Jas KohliPublisher: Rupa PublishersRating: 3/5 Love is known to cure everything. Well, ‘Lights! Scalpel! Romance! takes this proverb literally. Not quite a mushy love tale, the austere setting and the inappropriate circumstances that bring the protagonists together add spice to the drama stored within these 260 pages. Jas Kohli, yet again, brings forth a story from the corridors of a hospital (after Anything to Look Hot) and entices the readers with anecdotes from the life of doctors. ‘Lights! Scalpel! Romance!’ revolves around a sardonic Nipun and unequivocal Nishtha. While the former keeps his nose to the grindstone for finding love, the latter is more tenacious and goal-oriented.…
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Book Review: The Last Love Letter by Kulpreet Yadav
The Last Love LetterAuthor: Kulpreet YadavPublisher: Rupa PublishersRating: 3.5/5 It was not long ago when I read Nicholas Sparks’ Every Breath and fell in love with the concept of love all over again. When on one hand my mind always told me that nobody can give Sparks a run for his money, ‘The Last Love Letter’ made me question my critical standpoint! In his first attempt to present a story that is based on love and second chances (not villains and mystery), the author of ‘The Last Love Letter’ assembles a delightful cast of young characters who seem and sound so genuine that you might end up assuming that you…
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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…
