Book Review: Perfect Love (5.5 Ways to a lasting relationship)

Book: Perfect Love 

Author: Shubha Vilas

Publisher: Westland Books

Genre: Non-Fiction | Self-Help

Pages: 203

Price: 350 INR

Blurb:

Happily ever afters are easier said than done. How do we choose the right partner, and how do we sustain that relationship so it lasts a lifetime?

Spiritual life coach Shubha Vilas tells you how, with the help of six beautiful love stories from the scriptures. Nala and Damayanti, Krishna and Rukmini, Shakuntala and Dushyanta, Udayana and Vasavadatta, Satyavan and Savitri, Draupadi and the five Pandava brothers—these are accounts we may have heard many a time but have not had an opportunity to understand in such depth and detail, and with such empathy.

But why 5.5 ways and not 6? Because the sixth way is a half-truth, which can be twisted either way.

Combining powerful story-telling with deep philosophical truths, Perfect Love is a treasure trove of scriptural wisdom for the modern age.

An enriching and personal guide for having healthy relationships

"Perfect Love" by Shubha Vilas is a book that has plenty to offer its readers. It does not only teach how to have a long lasting relationship with your partner but makes you feel good about the world that you live in. In this digital world, we often feel that maintaining relationships have become tougher, but reading this book will change your perspective. 

Through 6 classic Vedic stories, the author has imparted his knowledge in maintaining relationships. In Nala and Damyanti's story, the author has shown the importance of forgiveness in a relationship. He says that tolerate first and then forgive. Mistakes are committed by human beings. Even a person with the best qualities can commit an unbelievable mistake. If the relationship is important, you must learn to forgive. 

"Forgiveness comes between bitterness and betterness.

The ability to forgive a mistake is always greater than the rigidity to hold a grudge." ~Page 29

The second story is about Krishna and Rukmini. It is one of my favorite stories in this collection. I loved the way the author has narrated this story. It was a treat to read Rukmini's letter to Krishna. Through this story, the author shows the importance of expressing your love. When a person uses the right words to express his or her love, it strengthens the relationship. 

"Words play with the ball of emotions in the playground of our hearts in the game of love. Choose words well to win the game of love." ~ Page 56

The third story is about Dushyant and Shakuntala, where the importance of trusting your partner is shown. In the story of Udayana and Vasavadatta, the author has shown that good times in a relationship help tide over bad times. Therefore, it is extremely important to spend quality time with your partner. 

"To align with one another, two people need to have deep, meaningful, soul-searching conversations." ~Page 135

The fifth story is about Satyavan and Savitri. It is my another favorite story in this collection. Through Savitri, the author has shown the importance of determination to stay together in a relationship. 

"Do not underestimate the role of determination in a relationship. Ordinary relationships transform into extraordinary bonds when ordinary people show extraordinary determination." ~Page 148

The sixth story is about Draupadi and the Pandavas. Just like Satyabhama, I also wondered how Draupadi had a peaceful married life, despite having five husbands. This story shows that positive conditions can help a relationship blossom, whereas negative conditions can make a relationship wither away with time. 

"Positive conditions are like a rainbow that unites the rainbow with the sun. Negative conditions are like lightning that divides even the sky." ~ Page 190

"Perfect Love" is a book that will enlighten you, one story at a time. All the six stories have thrill and adventure, apart from romance. The book is embellished with plenty of beautiful and enriching quotes. The writing is refined and the editing is perfect. I am going with 4.5 and would love to recommend this book to everyone as it is filled with wisdom. 

I got a review copy from the author for an honest review. The opinions are my own.

Book Review: Into the Great Heart

Book: Into the Great Heart

Author: Kamla K. Kapur

Publisher: Jaico Books

Genre: Religion & Philosophy

Pages:280

Price: 399 INR

Blurb

Into the Great Heart carries forward and concludes the stories of Guru Nanak and Bhai Mardana, his favourite minstrel, from the first volume of the Sikh saga, The Singing Guru. History, legend and fiction merge to populate this book with fascinating personalities from Sikh history. Pivotal to this narrative are forgotten female luminaries such as Guru Nanak’s wife, Mata Sulakhni, his sister, Bebe Nanaki, Bhai Lehna’s wife, Khivi and daughter Amro. Brought to the foreground, their wisdom and insights as they overcome obstacles to spiritual growth embody the basic tenets of Sikhism in everyday living. They enhance Guru Nanak and Bhai Lehna’s tale with their diverse approach to life

A book that fills your heart with an abundance of solace

There are some books that can answer your questions and fill your heart with an abundance of peace. 

What is God?

Where can one find God?

What does one need to do for God realization?

Why do good people suffer?

How to deal with the difficult moments of life?

What is death?

How can you be a yogi while sitting on a throne?

If you have contemplated about at least one of these questions in your life, "Into the Great Heart" by Kamla K. Kapur will definitely provide solace to you. It's a book that has the power to change you, your life, and the way you see the world. 

The book starts with Bhai Lehna meeting Guru Nanak and how their meeting transforms the former in incredible ways. The way Lehna is enthralled with Nanak's understanding of God is beautiful. 

"The sky is the plate; the moon and stars are the lamps and jewels; the forests of sandalwood are the temple incense; all the plants and flowers of the earth are offerings to you, O luminous Beloved, Lord of the Universe, destroyer of fear!"  

Instead of Guru Nanak's sons, Bhai Lehna becomes the successor of Guru Nanak who names him Guru Angad. In the scenes between Guru Nanak and Bhai Lehna, one can see the immense dedication and unflinching faith of a student towards his guru. The way Bhai Lehna surrenders himself to Guru Nanak so that his guru can mould his soul and enlighten him touches the right chords.

The book is sprinkled with stories of Guru Nanak's life shared by Nanak's friend, Mardana and Buddha, a young boy and follower of Nanak. Each of these stories has nuggets of wisdom that one can apply to his or her life. I loved the way death is compared to the wedding with the Lord of the Universe. 

"In that house where the praises of the One are sang and the Doer of all is contemplated and celebrated, pour oil on the threshold for the pre-ordained wedding and sing songs of union with the Beloved. Bless death, which is a wedding. The summons comes for all. Remember the Summoner, and turn your sorrow into praise." 

The character of Guru Nanak's sister, Nanaki touched my heart. Her devotion towards Nanak and her metaphysical experiences were a treat to read. She and Nanak had a connection that was beyond words. Her wisdom, patience, and compassion are beautifully encapsulated in some of the chapters. 

"Within and beyond the whirling, sorrowing, conflicting, noisy circumstances of our lives, at the very center of it," Bebe Nanaki began, "is a holy place which is calm, unruffled, steady, and beyond birth and death. This place, within us, is the truest temple of all, the home of the Beloved, the only place worth making a pilgrimage to. All geographic pilgrimages to manmade places of worship are trivial and meaningless compared with it."

I loved the character of Aziza, a young Muslim girl who faces oppression in her own family. When her freedom gets curbed, she transfers her love and energy to two things: music and God. I loved the friendship of Aziza and Buddha. The scenes between them were innocent, heartfelt and serene. The character of Bhai Lehna's daughter, Amro is equally beautiful. I loved the way she found a balance between her love for Maa Durga and her acceptance of God as formless. She did not abandon one belief for another. She harmoniously blended them with love. 

Although there is so much to learn from the book, the tone of the book is not preachy. With beautiful narration and skilful writing, the author has done a brilliant job with the subject of the book. Highly recommended. I am going with 4.5

'I received a copy from Writersmelon in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.'

Book Spotlight: Vishwa Prasiddh Vyaktitva

Book Summary

इस विश्व के प्रसिद्ध व्यक्तित्व कौशल, व्यक्तिगत गुणों और अन्य बाहरी कारणों के साथ जुड़े वास्तविक प्रयासों के विशाल कारणों को बंदरगाह है जो एक नेता की पूरी तस्वीर को आकार देने में आवश्यक हैं ।

 यदि हम व्यापार, अर्थशास्त्र, विज्ञान, सामाजिक या राजनीतिक क्षेत्र में प्रसिद्ध नेताओं के जीवन को देखते हैं, तो हम सभी पहलुओं में व्यक्तित्व गुणों, कौशल आदि में कई समानताएं देखेंगे।

 यह पुस्तक एक चित्रण है  इस विश्व के प्रसिद्ध व्यक्तित्वों का  और उनके कौशल,और व्यक्तित्व लक्षणों का जो  उपलब्ध होना चाहिए और मौजूद है, फिर आगे बढ़ते हुए हम देखेंगे की किस तरह विभिन्न किवदंतियों , उनकी विभिन्न शैली और उसके प्रभाव ने पूरी पीढ़ी के दिमाग और आत्मा को आकार दिया।

 अंत में, विभिन्न क्षेत्रों में चयनित नेताओं पर प्रकाश डाला है है जो हमारे जीवन पर  मजबूत प्रभाव डालता है और आकार देता है।

About the author

Ashraf Haggag is a senior executive with nearly three decades of experience in close proximity to the corporate market. His more recent experience has also taken him to every facet of the hospitality industry. 

Haggag has direct experience in many different aspects of business, including sales, marketing, revenue management, and administration. Having worked in Germany, the United States, Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, his global experiences have helped him realize that companies must target new market zones in order to grow and prosper in the international marketplace. He is eager to bring enhanced cross-cultural awareness to today’s business leaders. 

Pre-order the book on Amazon now

Add it on Goodreads

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)

Book Review: Dare To Defy The Destiny

Book: Dare To Defy The Destiny

Author: Roma Gupta Sinha

Genre: Short Stories [Non Fiction]

Format: Kindle Edition
Price: 200 INR

Pages: 75

My Rating: 4/5

My Review: 

"Dare To Defy The Destiny" is a collection of 26 short real life stories of Indian women, trapped in unavoidable, difficult circumstances. In some stories, the protagonist dare to defy the destiny and emerge as a winner despite her brutal surroundings compelling her to accept her fate. In some stories, the protagonist is clueless about how to escape the acerbic circumstances and chose to bear everything silently.

The author, Roma urges the readers to be the "Face of Change" and not to tolerate any situation or circumstance that threatens to take away her happiness and self-respect. In the stories where the woman is unable to defy the destiny, the author voices her helplessness and enlightens the reader to not suffer in silence.

Out of the 26 stories, I would like to mention some of my favorites that left a long lasting impact on me:

End of roads sometimes masks a new beginning: This is the story of a school teacher married to a psychopath who hurts and torments her every now and then. It is how she starts a new life and says no to the everyday torture.

Dare to defy the destiny: This is a very inspiring story of a speech therapist who dares to defy the destiny.

Failed Marriages: Should they be given a second chance? Though this is an open ended story where the author asks the reader what she should have done in a similar situation, this story deeply pained me. The narration was so heart touching that you can feel the suffering of the wife who discovers about her husband's extramarital affair and her husband keeps on denying it.

Justified? You're not a woman if you can't bear a child: This is another painful story of a woman who feels like a reproductive machine. Just because she cannot bear a child, she is subjected to every inhumane treatment.

Only if everyone loved everyone else, the world would be such a beautiful place: This is a very touching and heart warming story about a mother in law who loves her daughter in law like her own daughter after her son's demise.

Role Reversals: Behind every successful woman, there is a man too: This is my most favorite story of the collection because it made me feel so good. It is the story of a supportive husband who plays the role of both mom and dad for his daughters so that his wife can fulfill her dream.

Salary Saga: What if a wife earns more than her husband: This story is about a woman whose husband starts creating conflicts in their lives and ultimately gives her a divorce letter, when she is promoted to a higher designation.

The author has poured her heart and soul in narrating these 26 stories. Most of the stories contain poetic lines at the beginning of it. Overall, it is a wonderful collection of real life stories of Indian women that should be read by everyone.

I would have given the book a 5 out 5 because of the author's sheer honesty in voicing these stories and portraying the emotions of the women, but the only thing the book lacked is editing. Since there are some editing mistakes, I am rating it 4 out of 5 and wishing Roma all the best in her future endeavors.

Buy the book here:

Book Review: Bucket List of a Traveloholic

Book: Bucket List of a Traveloholic

Author: Sarika Pandit

Publisher: Fingerprint Publishing

Pages: 242

Price: 250 INR

Genre: Non Fiction/Travel

Blurb: While her B-School batch mates are busy scrambling for top jobs and grades, a restless Sarika dreams of putting on her running shoes and having all the pages of her passport stamped by the age of thirty.

What follows is a frenzied quest of not just collecting stamps but ticking off items off her ever-expanding bucket list: From learning the local language in Spain to an alcohol trail through Greece; from a tryst with Shakespeare and Jane Austen in the United Kingdom to an encounter with the Vampire in Romania; from straddling the border between two countries in the Middle East to a road trip through Morocco to the Sahara; each experience bringing her just a little closer to reaching that final destination on her passport.

My Rating: 4/5

My Review:

Now, this book is a must read for every traveloholic. The various travelogues shared by the author in this book takes the reader to some very interesting places all over the world. Each travel account in this book offers something new and exciting. The enlightening and bittersweet experiences that the author had gathered while travelling reaches to the readers effortlessly.

"Bucket List of a Traveloholic" consists of 15 travel accounts of the author. The author makes a resolution that within the age of thirty, she wants to visit at least 10 countries and she achieves much more than that. Her first foreign tour was in Spain, where she went to learn Spanish. Once she tastes the liberating feeling of travel, there is no looking back for her.

She cruises the Nile, goes on a literary trail of her favorite authors (Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen) in the United Kingdom, becomes a chocoholic at Brussels, goes on an alcohol trail in Greece, rediscovers art in the Czech Republic and so much more. 

The best thing about this book is that you will be able to experience what the author has seen or felt at that time through her amazing narration. There are also pictures accompanied with every travel account. 

You also get to peek into the author's mindset while leafing through the pages. You can understand her restless and wandering spirit that refuses to stay stuck in one place. At one point of time, she feels frustrated with her job and wonders what she should do. As she gazes at the Sahara desert in one vacation, she makes up her mind to quit her job and listen to her heart's calling.

She also fulfills her wish of exploring a new country alone. She travels with a stranger in Finland and at the end of the day, gains a wonderful friend. All her travel accounts are so full of life and positivity that you would wish that the book never ends. 

And once the book ends, you will crave for an adventurous vacation to some far away place. This book is for anyone who loves travelling. 

Buy the book here:

Book Review: What's Your Story: Facts Tell, Stories Sell

Book: What's Your Story: Facts Tell, Stories Sell

Author: Sankalp Kohli

Publisher: General Press

Genre: Non Fiction

Pages: 40

Price: 199 INR (Kindle Edition)

Blurb: Captivating tête-à-têtes... conclusive sales pitch... impressive business plans... successful job interviews... exciting presentations... they all involve people. 

Your triumph or failure, here, is a function of how deep your impact was. 
For a storyteller, creating an impact can be as easy as striking a conservation, but for those unaware of this prowess it can be as difficult as putting a man on moon. 
People around the world have been increasingly using stories to mesmerize and influence their audiences. 
Storytelling is not a science, it's an art. Only and only practice can help you master it. 
'What's Your Story' delves into the world of stories and offers key mantras of storytelling to the readers. 
A must read for budding managers, entrepreneurs, engineers, leaders, authors and CEOs. 
'Next time you want to create an impact? Go ahead, tell a story

My Rating: 3/5

My Review:

"What's Your Story" by Sankalp Kohli can serve as a great dose of motivation for you if you are interested in telling stories to the world, but are unaware of how to do so. If you keep wondering about the benefit and advantage of telling stories, you must read this book. It will surely inspire you and cement your wish of telling stories to the world.

The purpose of this book is to inspire and motivate people who love stories. It can perfectly unleash the storyteller concealed within you. 

The book has 7 chapters, namely Facts Tell, Stories Sell | So, what is a story? | Am I a storyteller? | The Art of Story Telling | Stories Around Us| Storytelling for Budding Managers | The End

With the help of personal experience and in-depth knowledge about the subject, the author has explained how stories are formed and where to hunt for stories. He rightly says that the human mind is able to remember stories, but have the tendency to forget the facts. Therefore, a story that revolves around facts garners a lot of interest.

He also mentions how reading plays a huge role in making one a storyteller. He has explained beautifully the art of storytelling. According to him, the picture one paints should be brighter. A confused or darker picture will repel readers from the story. 

Not only personal experiences, but the author has also stated examples of Steve Jobs and brands who have successfully created a story around their products. According to the author, stories are needed everywhere for success, be it in politics or in business. 

Overall, this non-fiction book is a good read. The wonderful narration is the best thing about this book. Readers would feel that the author is talking to them directly as a friend or a well-wisher. On the flip side, I felt that some of the topics could have been a little more elaborated. The book ends too soon. 

Although I cannot promise if you can learn something important from the book, but I can assure you that you would be motivated for sure.

Buy the book here!