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: Guy on the Sidewalk

Book: Guy on the Sidewalk

Author: Bharath Krishna

Publisher: Cinnamonteal Publishing

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 318

Price: 399 INR 

Blurb: Who am I, where do I belong and what am I meant for in this short life in this big world?

For Jay, life was a series of defensive detours until he gathered the strength to listen to his inner voice with honesty and decided to take life head on with fearlessness. Making the move from India to America was momentous. He sought to make something of himself, however, his yearning to live in his country and among his people never ceased to bother him. Over six years, despite the luxury of opportunities in the United States, he wondered, is this all there is? He left home to create a better life, but he could have never imagined that though his better life might be found in America, his best life might just be at home, in India. 

My rating: 3.75/5

My review: 

Guy On The Sidewalk is a novel that cannot be categorized to one particular genre. You can't call it romantic, patriotic, thrilling or humorous after reading it. It is a book that tells the story of a confused guy called Jayawardhan who cannot figure out what exactly he wants to do in life. 

Yes, it's the story of many such people whom we see around us who are clueless about their life and their inner calling. However, instead of procrastinating, Jay is fearless enough to go with the flow of life. So after working in India for a few years, he moves to America for higher studies. 

He gets bewitched with America's lifestyle and ends up comparing each and everything of America with that of India. Though his plan was to study MBA in International Trade, he gets diverted to a different career path. His first few months in America were great, but he soon gets under debt and decides to clear all of his debts before moving to India. 

After surviving a patch of bad phase, he gets great opportunities and when he is climbing the ladder of success in America, he makes a firm decision to go back to his own country to that he can do something meaningful for his own people.

Why? Did any particular situation played the role of a catalyst to make Jay yearn for India? The answer is NO and I felt this is one of the drawbacks in the book. Readers won't understand why Jay wanted to leave everything in America and settle in India, when he was so much smitten with America's progressive lifestyle and culture. He returns to India without any plan, but a vague idea to do social work.

One of the best things in the book is its writing style. It is written in first person and readers can get a clear view of whatever is going on in Jay's mind. Despite the lack of twists and turns, readers would like to leaf through the pages of the book just to know where Jay's life is heading. Kudos to the author's narration. The book has a very few editing errors that can be missed.

Another thing in the book that appealed a lot to me is Jay and Siri's relationship that is not bound to the word marriage. They respect each other's decision and choices in life.

Here are a few quotes in the book depicting the relationship of Jay and Siri that I really liked:

"I guess some relationships don't cease to exist just because we cannot describe them. They remain beyond the capability of our understanding and the power of our vocabulary. Most of those relationships die when people try to define them instead of accepting and enjoying the mystery surrounding them."

"Talking to Siri was an ongoing thing for me, either I talked to her on phone or I talked to her within myself."

"In a world where masking has become the new original, finding someone whose presence makes us unmindfully original is a blessing and that was Siri to me.

The book also throws light on the way NRI thinks about India. Overall, the good narration makes the book a decent read. Considering the fact that it's the work of a debut author, I would like to say that the author has done a good job with his storytelling.

Recommended to both people who wants to settle in America and people who long to return to their own country. 

Buy the book here:

Giveaway: 2 author signed copies of Asoka Trilogy Book #1

Book: The Prince of Patliputra ( Asoka Trilogy #1)

Author: Shreyas Bhave

Publisher: Leadstart Publishing
Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 382

Price: 350 INR

Blurb:

 272 BC, Bharathvarsha, Land of the Aryas....

Samrat Bindusar, son of Chandragupta and the second Samrat Chakravartin of all the Aryas rules over the massive subcontinent from his holy seat in Patliputra. Almost five decades ago, his father had laid the foundations of this vast Samrajya guided by the famed Guru Arya Chanakya. But now, the wealth and glory of the past has subsided...
As the Samrat’s health continues to decline due to an unknown illness, problems are arising all over his realm. There is infighting and rebellion. No clear successor to him is present. Ninety nine of his sons stand in line waiting for his throne...
Bharathvarsha needs a Chandragupta once again. And it needs a Chanakya too. Can the young Prince Asoka, who is the least favorite son of the Samrat, fill in the boots of his grandfather? Can Radhagupta, a mere Councilor of the Court be what Chanakya was to all the Aryas? 
Begin a new adventure with the first book of the Asoka trilogy as you read to find the answer to one great question- 'That who shall be the next Samrat of this holy land of the Aryas?

Enter the simple Rafflecopter Giveaway to win an author signed copy of this fast paced historical thriller. Names of the 2 winners will be declared here on 26th Feb, 2016. 
a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Excerpt from my review: 

"The Prince of Patliputra" is a historical fiction that deals with the life of Asoka, one of the towering figures in the history of India. In the first few pages, it was a bit difficult to comprehend the direction where the story was heading, but once you read a couple of chapters, you will surely be hooked to the book.

Garnished with conspiracies, clever strategies, subtle romance and bitter betrayals, the book is a fast paced read. What appealed to me the most in this book is the way Chandragupta'sjourney (grandfather of Asoka and the first Samrat Chakravartin of all the Aryas) is shown in parallel to Asoka's journey. We can see Chanakya, the legendary personality reminiscing about how Chandragupta came into power. 

With good story telling skills, powerful characters and enough twists, Shreyas Bhave makes a great debut with his historical fiction. This book will appeal a lot to people who are fascinated by history and love reading historical fiction. Though I don't belong to this category, but I still enjoyed reading the book.

You can read my complete review here

Note: This giveaway is in association with Word Bite and is valid only for residents of India.

10 things that make Neerja a must watch biopic!

"Neerja" is a biopic made on the life of an extraordinary brave woman, Neerja Bhanot, a 23 year old bubbly and beautiful model and air hostess who lost her life saving the lives of her passengers in the ill fated Pan Am Flight 73 which got hijacked in Karachi on 5 September, 1986. She was the youngest and the first woman recipient of the Ashok Chakra award.

The movie has been made with a lot of heart and soul, which makes "Neerja" an outstanding biopic and a movie to remember. Here are the 10 things which make Neerja a MUST WATCH biopic:

1. More Fact, Minimal Fiction

In order to commercialize movies, Bollywood often pours a lot of fiction, even while making a biopic or a movie based on a real incident. However, Neerja relies heavily on fact and that is the reason why you will be able to connect to this movie on an emotional level.

2. Sonam Kapoor's credible performance

Just like everyone, I was also skeptical about Sonam's acting skills and doubted whether she can do justice to the character of Neerja Bhanot. Sonam surprises immensely with this movie. Right from the first scene when we spot her, talking to a cabbie and telling him "Babumoshai! Zindagi badi honi chahiye, lambi nahi", it feels we are watching Neerja on screen, not Fashionista Sonam Kapoor. Her performance is honest and touching. We can see her reading two letters at two different situations and she impresses both the time. Her vulnerability is palpable and her liveliness is infectious. Sonam makes us believe that she is Neerja and that no other actor would have looked more believable as Neerja than her.

3. Shabana Azmi as Neerja's mother

The speech of Shabana Azmi during the last few minutes of the movie will move anyone to tears. She reminisces how Neerja was a simple and a bubbly girl who was fond of Rajesh Khanna's movies. She can't fathom how Neerja got the courage to save so many passengers, without caring for her own life. But even when she died, she taught her mother how to live life by sending a message to her through a kid "Pushpa, I hate tears". 

4. Perfect screenplay and cinematography

The movie could have been easily boring as all we see is more than 350 passengers hijacked in a plane, but the screenplay is so tight that you don't get bored for even a minute. The flashback scenes of Neerja's abusive marriage are wonderfully weaved with the scenes where she battles with her fear against the terrorists.
The cinematography makes things look realistic and believable.

5. No subplots and every actor justified in his/her role

Unlike most Bollywood movies, Neerja is not crowded with several subplots of the passengers in the flight that could have taken away the soul of the biopic. Each and every actor was justified in his/her role, be it Yogender Tiku as Neerja's father or Shekhar Ravjiani as Neerja's lover. The terrorists were really terrifying.

6. Top notch direction

Ram Madhvani's top notch direction made this movie outstanding. The director knows how to tell the story of a hero, without any melodrama and exaggeration.

7. Neerja teaches you to love life

Neerja is in love with life. She spreads happiness and love all around. Her infectious energy and liveliness makes you adore her. She believes that life needs to be worthy and notable, not lengthy.

8. Nothing is more important than being a good human being

Neerja inspires you to find the humanity within yourself. She inspires you to be kind and compassionate. She makes you feel that there is nothing more important than being a good human being. We all will die one day...leaving back our small acts of kindness. The scene where she dies saving the lives of three kids will teach you the essence of humanity.

9. Think of solutions without getting nervous

During danger, we panic and tend to lose our judgment. This movie teaches you that it's okay to panic, but when you are in a problem, you should first think of solutions.Instead of getting paralyzed with fear, Neerja gives the hijack code to the pilots that helps them to escape. She also saves more than 350 lives due to her wit and quick thinking.

10. You need to know the story of Neerja Bhanot

Lastly and most importantly, you need to know the story of Neerja Bhanot. Her incredible bravery and kindness stems from her own personal struggle. She is a hero, a true Indian and a beautiful human being, Watch this movie to know her story!

What did you like the most in Neerja? Haven't watched it, yet? Then please go see the movie!

Book Review: The Prince of Patliputra (Asoka Trilogy #1)

Book: The Prince of Patliputra ( Asoka Trilogy #1)

Author: Shreyas Bhave

Publisher: Leadstart Publishing
Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 382

Price: 350 INR

Blurb: 272 BC, Bharathvarsha, Land of the Aryas....

Samrat Bindusar, son of Chandragupta and the second Samrat Chakravartin of all the Aryas rules over the massive subcontinent from his holy seat in Patliputra. Almost five decades ago, his father had laid the foundations of this vast Samrajya guided by the famed Guru Arya Chanakya. But now, the wealth and glory of the past has subsided...
As the Samrat’s health continues to decline due to an unknown illness, problems are arising all over his realm. There is infighting and rebellion. No clear successor to him is present. Ninety nine of his sons stand in line waiting for his throne...
Bharathvarsha needs a Chandragupta once again. And it needs a Chanakya too. Can the young Prince Asoka, who is the least favorite son of the Samrat, fill in the boots of his grandfather? Can Radhagupta, a mere Councilor of the Court be what Chanakya was to all the Aryas? 
Begin a new adventure with the first book of the Asoka trilogy as you read to find the answer to one great question- 'That who shall be the next Samrat of this holy land of the Aryas?

My Rating: 4/5

My Review:

When I learnt that the book is authored by a 21 year old guy, I was quite skeptical if he could handle this historical fiction with deftness. The author managed to totally eradicate my doubts by the time I was in the middle of the book. 

"The Prince of Patliputra" is a historical fiction that deals with the life of Asoka, one of the towering figures in the history of India. In the first few pages, it was a bit difficult to comprehend the direction where the story was heading, but once you read a couple of chapters, you will surely be hooked to the book.

Garnished with conspiracies, clever strategies, subtle romance and bitter betrayals, the book is a fast paced read. What appealed to me the most in this book is the way Chandragupta's journey (grandfather of Asoka and the first Samrat Chakravartin of all the Aryas) is shown in parallel to Asoka's journey. We can see Chanakya, the legendary personality reminiscing about how Chandragupta came into power. 

Chandragupta came into power due to Chanakya's strategies. The same way we can see Radhagupta, the Prime Minister of Patliputra devising some clever strategies to put Asoka on the throne of his father. Asoka is the least favorite son of his father, Samrat Bindusar whereas Maharaja Sushem, the elder son of Samrat Bindusar is loved immensely by his father. So, it is natural that he has high chances of sitting on the throne, but Radhagupta and Chanakya think otherwise.

There is one very funny instance in the book, where Radhagupta fools Sushem's wife and uses her to intensify the animosity between Maharaja Sushem and Asoka.The subtle romance between Asoka and Devi is also narrated well. Those few instances provide a soothing relief from the conspiracies and the betrayals. 

The author has given importance to each and every character, out of which Chanakya and Asoka will win the heart of most readers. In the flashback scenes, the character of Alexander is also well sketched,

A few editing errors could have been avoided and some scenes could have been a little more crisp.

However, with good story telling skills, powerful characters and enough twists, Shreyas Bhave makes a great debut with his historical fiction. The book ends at a very interesting juncture which will compel the readers to wait for the part 2 of the trilogy, "The Scourge from Taxila".

This book will appeal a lot to people who are fascinated by history and love reading historical fiction. Though I don't belong to this category, but I still enjoyed reading the book.

Buy the book here:

Book Review: Ramayana: The Game of Life Book #3 ~ Stolen Hope

Book: Ramayana: The Game of Life Book #3 ~ STOLEN HOPE

Author: Shubha Vilas

Publisher: Jaico Publishing House

Genre: Religion & Philosophy

Pages: 296

Price: 299 INR

Blurb: In the evil labyrinths of Dandakaranya forest, human values are put to test. Rama’s righteousness, Lakshmana’s loyalty and Sita’s endurance reflect our own sense of values and judgment in difficult times. The story unfolds the facets of human life – the conflict and the trickery, the praise and the slander and, above all, the hope and the despair in the eventful forest life of the Exiled Royals.

Stolen Hope is about extreme deception and extreme love. It is about arrogant power and deep devotion. With every twist and turn, Rama, Sita and Lakshmana find themselves robbed of whatever and whoever they value most. 

Exploring the dynamics of human relations – between father and son, husband and wife, teacher and disciple – and the complex game of power and greed, Stolen Hope mirrors our own dilemmas in the modern world and teaches us how we must overcome them. 

Seek courage when everything, including hope, is stolen.

My Rating: 4.5/5

My Review:

I had read the last book of the Ramayana Series, which was Shattered Dreams. You can read my review of Shattered Dreams here. Just like the earlier book, Stolen Hope was a beautiful and enriching read. I could learn various facts about Ramayana by reading this book and they were narrated in such an engrossing manner that I was hooked to the book. The footnotes in the book provided profound philosophies and some beautiful wisdom that changed the way I thought about many things.

The author had written a message for me that he hopes the life lessons stated in the book become my lifetime companions. Well, he was right because the life lessons were indeed life changing and enriching.

The Book #3 of Ramayana, Stolen Hope starts from the point when Rama, Sita and Lakshmana relocates to the Dandakaranya Forests. Their days are filled with adventure. Sometimes, they come across ferocious demons, whereas other times they learn interesting stories from the various sages who inhabit the jungle.

When Rama learns about how the demons have been tormenting and killing innocent sages in Dandakaranya, he takes a vow to erase them from earth. As destined, after meeting the super sage Agastya, Rama, Lakshmana and Sita relocates to Panchavati which is closer to Janathana, the hub of demons. 

They complete 13 years of their exile and feel exhilarated with every passing day because their time to return Ayodhya had almost arrived. However, a catastrophe hits their life in the form of Surpanakha when she falls in love with Rama as soon as she sets her eyes on him.

The abduction of Sita, the death of Jatayu while saving her and Rama's misery on knowing the truth is beautifully narrated. The book ends with Rama meeting Shabari in Matanga rishi's ashram, who has been waiting for Rama's arrival in the ashram since 13 years. Shabari gives Rama a trail map to reach Sugriva, the leader of wonder-monkeys who can help him to reach his wife.

The beauty of this Ramayana Series is the philosophies it contain along with narrating the events from the epic. Here are some glimpses:

1. When people are inspired, they depend on themselves and in turn, become dependable. When people are impressed, they depend on others and in turn become dependent.

2. Doubting another's character is like whipping a relationship. Character assassination is actually relationship assassination.

3. When one falls in love, one can't find any fault in the beloved. The real test of love comes when there is a reason to find fault...do you still find perfection?

4. External competition is a sign of internal discontent. 

5. The science to control things also brings in the desire to control people. Whereas things behave the way you want, people behave the way they want.

There are some beautiful moments in this book that touched my heart. The place where Jatayu meets Rama, Sita and Lakshmana for the first time and the place where Shabari tells Rama how she has been waiting for him for the last 13 years are heart touching. This book also shows Lakshmana's patience and the deep bonding between Rama and Sita. 

If you want to know about Ramayana in detail, you must read this series. It is written in a very interesting and gripping way. This book can be a perfect self-help book for anyone. As the book contains the summary of the earlier 2 parts, it is not mandatory to read the earlier 2 books in order to understand it. 

I am looking forward to the Book #4 of the series where Rama will meet Sugriva and Hanuman.

Buy the book here!

Book Review: She: Ekla Cholo Re

Book: She: Ekla Cholo Re

Author: Santosh Avvannavar | Dr Shayan Haq

Publisher: Hoffen

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 58

Price: 149 INR

Blurb: Set in the backdrop of 1990 Calcutta, She is a story about finding one’s own identity in spite of all odds. The story spins around the life of Kusum, a brave heart whose identity is often untitled and blurred; it does not belong anywhere, definitely not under the ‘he’ or ‘she’ bracket, thanks to our social conditioning. Will she be successful in her mission? Find out in She, an utterly absorbing read that derives inspiration from Tagore’s “Ekla Cholo Re” song, which urges everyone to move on despite the fear of abandonment from others. 

My Rating: 4.5/5

My Review: 

I completed reading this book in less than an hour and after finishing this book, I thought about it for the entire day. One of the little gems that I have been able to discover because the author was generous to send me a copy for review.

When I saw the book, I was skeptical about the impact that this small book of 58 pages can bring. However, as I began reading, I was totally hooked to it. The narration is lucid and the language is simple yet profound. The pace of the book is so fast that I finished it within an hour. 

The book deals with the life of a person named Kusum who doesn't fit into the conventional male female category. Despite the several stones and pebbles that society have hurled at her for being a transgender, she stood up on her own feet, undaunted. She embarked on a new journey after being abandoned by her parents and lover. Following the song of Tagore, Ekla Cholo Re, she chose to walk alone. She created her own identity and completed her graduation in psychology.

A professor called Rajendra notices a beautiful, young woman on an isolated road one day and immediately offers her a lift. She introduces herself as Kusum and he introduces himself as Raj.

Their conversation in the car forms the crux of the story. They instantly share a great rapport and start talking about a lot of things from marriage to music. Raj also invites Kusum to his house to have a Bengali lunch with his mother. She obliges and forms a nice rapport with Raj's Mom too, who initially thinks that she is Raj's newly wed wife.

As they begin their journey again, the conversation diverts towards family and that is when Kusum starts narrating Raj her heart wrenching story. The patience of Raj and the subtle vulnerability of Kusum is beautifully portrayed by the authors. Kusum is vulnerable and emotional while sharing her story, yet she knows how to keep her composure and not appear as someone weak.

The best thing about the book is definitely the way Tagore's famous song "Ekla Cholo Re" has been used to symbolize Kusum's journey. 

Jodi tor dak sune keu na ase

Tobe Ekla Cholo Re

Ekla Cholo, Ekla Cholo, Ekla Cholo Re

If no one answers your call

Then walk along,

(be no afraid) Walk alone my friend!

The book ends on a perfect note with a lovely surprise. The book is embellished with beautiful and profound quotes, some of which I am mentioning here:

You are what you choose to be.

Make people and situation powerless by not reacting to reactions from the society.

I would say that love isn't enough because there is always a suspicion within us. This has led to a phenomenon called marriage.

Overall, this is a book to remember. I admire the way the authors have packed so much in just 58 pages. Beautifully written, the character of Kusum will surely motivate and inspire everyone. No matter what your circumstance is, you are what you choose to be. 

Highly recommended!

Buy the book here!