Book Review: Love Sutra: Secret to Happily Ever After

Book: Love Sutra: Secret to Happily Ever After

Author: Urvashi Pahwa

Genre: Fiction | Short stories

Format: Kindle Edition

Pages: 170

Price: 65 INR

A unique book on modern day relationships!

Love Sutra: Secret to Happily Ever After by Urvashi Pahwa is a collection of 5 short stories on relationships. What makes the book stand out from other short story collections is that the author has given solutions for problems that frequently occur in relationships.

In a unique manner, the author has diagnosed the cause of the problem and prescribed some easy solutions in reference to each story. The solutions are simple and effective. The problems that the author has talked about in the five stories are common problems in a relationship such as boredom, depression, diminishing self-worth, oppressed opinions, excessive suspicion, excessive display of love and affection, loneliness, etc. 

All the 5 stories are well narrated. These are very real stories that anyone can relate to. The first story, "Cassanova's Lover" is about a girl who unknowingly falls in love with a Cassanova and gets heartbroken and later gets repeatedly blackmailed. The second story "The Rich Wife" is about a married couple where the wife feels lonely because the husband is a workaholic. The third story "Love Birds" is about a young couple who battles with insecurity and the need for personal space. The fourth story "Miss Belligerent" is a story that shows the importance of a supportive life partner. Love is not enough for a marriage to work; it also requires understanding, respect, trust, and support. The last story "Mr. Always Right" is about a dominating husband who never cares to listen to what his wife wants. 

Love Sutra: Secret to Happily Ever After is a quick and light read. It can be seen as a self-help book for people who are in relationships. However, the book doesn't sound preachy or didactic. I believe that young couples can learn a few things by reading this book. I am going with 4 stars. 

Book Review: My Friendship with Yoga

Book: My Friendship with Yoga

Author: Revathi Raj Iyer

Publisher: LiFi Publications

Genre: Non-Fiction | Health and Fitness

Pages: 185

Price: 240 INR

The perfect book for yoga aspirants and yoga enthusiasts!

"My Friendship with Yoga" by Revathi Raj Iyer is a very well-written book that will help yoga aspirants, beginners, and yoga enthusiasts. The book is divided into three parts. In the first part, the author talks about her foray into yoga and how yoga can help you lead a beautiful life. Her experience at the Sivananda Ashram was beautiful to read. In very simple and engaging language, the author has acquainted the reader about the monkey mind, bandhas, meridians, and chakras. The author has included some beautiful quotes and interesting anecdotes to make the readers get interested in pursuing yoga.

"There is no fetter like illusion, no force greater than yoga, no friend greater than knowledge and no enemy greater than ego."- Gheranda Samhita 1:4 (Page37)

In the second part, the author talks about the several asanas in a very simple manner. The language is easy to comprehend and the illustrations given for each asana makes it easier for readers to understand. After mentioning the steps for every asana, the author has talked about the benefit of each asana in detail. I enjoyed reading the benefits of each asana as they enhanced my interest in many asanas which I have never tried yet.

I am doing yoga since 2016. Yoga and meditation are a huge part of my life. They help me lead a holistic life, but sometimes I miss my yoga regime for weeks when I have a lot of work. This book was the perfect thing that a yoga enthusiast like me needed.

In the third part, the author has shared her yoga regimen. This section is extremely helpful for people who want to have a disciplinary approach towards yoga. There is a regimen for each day of the week. Following the Monday to Sunday regimen will help you stay fit and healthy always. The tips mentioned at the end of every regimen is very helpful. 

Overall, this is a book that should be read by anyone who is interested in yoga. Even if you have never done yoga but find it fascinating, you must read this book. It will instill your interest in this holistic practice. The best thing about the book is its friendly tone. You will feel that a friend of yours is holding your hand and guiding you to embrace the world of yoga. And trust me, you will enjoy it! I am going with 5 stars. 

Remember yoga is a dance- practice it with grace, poise and fervour (Page 161)