My Friendship

Book Review: Vitamin H by Abhishek Deepa Thakkar

noreply@blogger.com (Simran) — Sun, 20 Dec 2020 03:29:00 +0530

This book is a vital dose of hope, strength and optimism

Paperback

The Blurb:

Filled with capsules of optimism and hope, Vitamin H is a collection of thoughts, suggestions and advice for the young at heart to nurture their minds and refresh their spirit. It aims to elevate the lives of people by fostering inner confidence and strengthening their faith. In a turbulent and chaotic world, people are in dire need of words of motivation and inspiration. Vitamin H provides the much-needed therapy which will successfully cure diseases such as negativity, pessimism, cynicism and envy. It will awaken the dreamer within you and help you achieve the seemingly impossible.

Excerpt:

Take a look in the mirror.

The person you see will help you adjust the sails in times of strong winds of difficulties

Page: 15

The Review:

‘’Thoughts have power, thoughts are energy. And you can make your world or break it by your own thinking.’’

-Susan Taylor

I strongly believe in a saying ‘You become what you think about’ because that’s what we actually manifest to the universe, unknowingly. In times like these when people are going through disappointment, heartbreak and weak moments, Vitamin H brings a ray of hope, strength and optimism. It brings you an opportunity to embrace the brighter side of life despite the deadlocks, uncertainty and darkness.

The Reviewer's Heart…

‘Vitamin H’ by Abhishek Deepa Thakkar is a collection of one-hundred-eleven motivating quotes. The collection has been curated in such a way that readers can sink into one thought a day and practise it consciously in their daily lives. This book is more like a personal therapy and it will address the much-needed affirmations you’ve been waiting for someone to tell you.

‘You deserve to be loved and accepted

With all your strengths and flaws.

Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise’

Page: 97

Through his words of wisdom, Abhishek has beautifully touched different facets of raw emotions. Rather, I’d like to put it in a way, ‘he has diligently optimised reverse psychology’. His ability to weave unsettling emotions and acknowledgement of the same reflects his balanced sensitive and rational side. I would like to appreciate the poet’s attempt at elevating the lives of people and inspiring them through this compilation. The dose of one quote a day will bring you healing, hope, happiness and heartiness. For anyone going through a rough phase or a bad day, this book can bring sheer joy, solace and contentment. Owing to the simple, short and crisp thoughts, anyone can read it. This book is a treasure and a source of enlightenment. Apparently, I had a bad day when I begin reading it but as I read further till the end, the positive change in my demeanour was quite evident, thanks to the author. I feel the book cover could have been better with more hues of yellow and greens than blue. Also, at a few places, I felt there was some sort of disconnect as it read from one quote to another. It would have been interesting if the author had penned some real-life experiences or inspiration as a reference to his thoughts.

Why should one read this book?

These short, simple yet powerful quotes are sure to empower your ability to self-love. If you are planning to pick a book for motivation and positivity, I recommend you to go ahead with this one for sure.

Rating:

Blurb: 3/5

Description: 3/5

Writing Style: 3.5/5

Editing: 3/5

Book Cover: 3/5

Overall Rating: 3/5

Book Details:

Title: Vitamin H

Author: Abhishek Deepa Thakkar

Genre: Poetry

Type: Paperback

Language: English

Pages: 111

Year of Publication: 2020

Price: 180 INR

Buy: Amazon Paperback

Stars… To this insightful and liberating read, I give a 3-star rating.

I am glad to read and review it. The opinions expressed in the review are my own and remain unbiased and uninfluenced. I have given a 3-star rating on Goodreads and Amazon as I felt nothing less than that would be fair.

Never Had I Ever Thought

noreply@blogger.com (Simran) — Sun, 19 Jul 2020 21:52:00 +0530

This post has been published by me as a part of Blog-a-Ton 59; the fifty-ninth edition of the online marathon of Bloggers; where we decide and we write. In association with IndiCreator. For Creators. By Creators.. Share Your #LockdownTales at indicreator.com

Never had I ever thought

that a day like this would come

when humankind will be shunned

from going outside and dreaming of one

Never had I ever thought

An invisible storm will hit us all so hard

that our lives will come back to square one

and materialism will become a thing of discard

Never had I ever thought

that in a world where people stopped for none

will come to a standstill, silence, and vulnerability

A progressive nation like our would crash into a downturn

Never had I ever thought

that our silly generation will sit back and reflect

on deep scars and damage, it did to mother earth

Vow for real to address them and fix the defect

Never had I ever thought

that locking down the human race

will actually free up the mother earth

which for a long time was confined to

ungrateful bearers, negligence, and dearth

Captured in 2019 at Kodachadri ©simrankaur

The fellow Blog-a-Tonics who took part in this Blog-a-Ton and links to their respective posts can be checked here. To be part of the next edition, visit and start following Blog-a-Ton. Show your support for the hastags #BlogATon59 & #LockdownTales. Participation Count: 11.

Book Review: The Camphor of Night by Samir Satam

noreply@blogger.com (Simran) — Mon, 9 Sep 2019 01:59:00 +0530

This book is like a warm coffee that soothes and rejuvenates you from inside out.

Kindle | Paperback

The Blurb:

This day, Today, when looked at from the window of Future; Wouldn't it seem golden? But today it feels like just another day. Why does all this preciousness have to pass to be seen? Why can't it get its due while it lives? Unfortunately, that's the way it has always been. The Future seems to hold a certain value for The Past. But the present seems to be like an unfinished coin. It's still incomplete to derive any worth. The poems in this collection 'The Camphor Of Night' are little things stolen from life which found their way to a treasury box in which they lay locked for years until these little things developed a life of their own and hence they need to be set free, because now is their time to breathe.

Excerpt:

Titled: Shivers

In those moments,

When I think,

Of his lips on yours...

His skin against yours...

...Little deaths,

Of something I felt once,

Arrive,

To stay in shivers of my petty heart...

Page: 70

The Review:

''Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words''

-Robert Frost

Writing poetry is therapeutic and the mightiest weapon of those who can express their hearts with the choicest of words. To read poetry is, living hundreds of emotions and often coming across your own thought that could not find words. Reading Samir's poetry took me back in time and inspired me to pen-down the lingering ones. It took me quite a while to finish this book because I wanted to absorb it than just going through it. Let's talk about the book without any further ado.

The Reviewer's Heart…

Few years back, I had read Samir's debut poetry book titled ''Postcards from Memory'' which was an absolute delight so when I got an opportunity to review yet another poetry collection by the poet, I knew I am going to relish it to the bits and pieces. 'The Camphor of Night' by Samir Satam is a collection of eighty-nine heartwarming verses, divided among different moods. The collection begins with Blues- adhering to ballads of a hopeless lover in disguise. It talks about the left behind stories, a photographer whose camera couldn't love someone else, a loner with ruins of broken home, constantly accumulating letters in an abandoned house and a few more, but the one I absolutely loved is- Homesickness.

No matter how far you go,

There's this homesickness

That keeps tugging at your heart,

To come back...

...not to your wardrobe or refrigerator,

But wherever that one person is...

Because,

Home is never about roof and walls?

How true is that! Homesickness has never been about the home but the people in it. Next few poems under The language of love takes the reader on a journey where love can bloom from the littlest of things and from the strangest of places. Poem titled Missing Piece made me go Aww, literally!

When the doorbell rings

I already know who it is,

Fatigued...

...after a long day at work,

Straight into my arms,

Here comes my missing piece

Drifting Souls, as the name suggests, has set of poems on stagnant relationship, separation of lovers, an attempt of loving someone else only to fall back in love with the 'Ex', the unforgettable name of the lover etched deep and clear until the last breath, grave possessiveness and fake promises that are more perilous than anything else.

Waiting Room showcase poems talking about the endless despair of holding onto someone who would never come back and the monotonous saga of rumors, small towns and junk music that will continue to go on without a speck of change.

This collection further explores the power of Individualism by finding oneself and setting oneself apart from the prejudices and social stigma. Harsh Realities captures a brilliant analogy of Airports and Hospitals. Yet another powerful piece is Mannequins that projects this world a 'showcase' and us wearing the wares of others' ideologies, morals and religions. Cityscape talks about how a city so dear becomes a strange to dwell in all of a sudden without 'that one person'. The poem titled Constipated City is about agony of city life with flooded lanes, floating vehicles, empty platforms and passengers turning into prisoners. Unaccustomed, Music and Nomads have some outstanding compositions the beauty of which cannot be justified in an explanation. Quoting a few lines from the poem Fading Away that left me thinking for a quite good time-

Life is a process of fading away,

Continuously ... Consistently...

While arriving aren't we departing?

From some place to somewhere else!

While living aren't we dying?

One millisecond at a time!

In his poems, Samir has beautifully created the images and brought life to the characters through mere words. His ability to weave unsettling emotions and acknowledgement of the same reflects his balanced sensitive and rational side. The poet majorly writes in free verse. The usage of metaphors and personification shows his creativity and strong imagination power. Even for someone who recently developed an interest in poetry can enjoy this book equally owing to the simple, short and crisp compositions. This book is a treasure full with gems of words and juxtaposed emotions.

What I liked?

At first, the title 'The Camphor of Night' intrigued me but by the time I finished reading the book, I could already feel the thoughts and emotions out of it lingering for a few days, because there are a few poems that felt like my own story from past and present. The crisp, white and perfectly aligned pages are comforting to hold, touch and read.

What I disliked?

I didn't feel like ending the book, wish it had a few more poems. So yes, hoping Samir will come up with another book soon.

Why should one read this book?

These crisp, short and simple poems are a sure short to win your heart and seamlessly connect you to one of those memory lanes you crossed but never forgotten. If you write or love to read poetry, I recommend you to go ahead with this one without any second thoughts.

Rating:

Blurb: 4/5

Description: 4/5

Writing Style: 5/5

Editing: 4/5

Book Cover: 5/5

Overall Rating: 4.5 /5

Book Details:

Title: The Camphor of Night

Author: Samir Satam

Genre: Poetry

Type: Paperback

Publisher: Anybook

Language: English

Pages: 119

Year of Publication: 2018

Price: 150 INR

Buy: Amazon Paperback

Stars… To this heartwarming, a ride back to the memory lane, ecstasy and sublime emotions, I give a 4.5-star rating. Recommended to poetry lovers.

I am glad to read and review it. The opinions expressed in the review are my own, and remain unbiased and uninfluenced. I have given a 4.5-star rating on Goodreads and Amazon as I felt nothing less than that would be fair.

Book Review: Sondai- The Dowager Bride by Payal Kumar

noreply@blogger.com (Simran) — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 16:18:00 +0530

This book is a journey of Sondai towards self-discovery by beating the societal stigma.

Amazon

The Blurb:

Sondai, who is about to die, reminiscences her entire life of transformation. She is a widow, which is a taboo in our society till date, particularly in the villages of our country and in the state Bihar. The story revolves around the indomitable beliefs of Sondai, the main character, and how this ultimately brings a progression in the fate of her family as well.

Excerpt:

Life had trained her with experiences. A childhood spent in fairy tales of her beauty myths to stepping into a life that's all white and blank, the transformation of her audacious persona was not at all a tranquil journey- it had been a rough and rocky conduit all the way.

***

The strong gingery aroma of the boiling tea and the splashing sound of kachadis in the pan could not stop Sondai's baffling emotions from thinking about Manoj. He still had the boyish charm, irrespective of the mustache that had developed on his face, the same twinkling eyes, large forehead and he had become duskier with age, it seemed.

The Review:

''Change is inevitable in life. You can either resist it and potentially get run over by it, or you can choose to cooperate with it, adapt to it, and learn how to benefit from it. When you embrace change you will begin to see it as an opportunity for growth.'' - Jack Canfield

To accept the change and unravel the path of uncertainties is often easier said than done. The desperation of comfort zone often resist us from walking down the road less traveled. After all, we are the choices we make- to let oneself scummed by the loss or let go off past, embrace what life has to offer. The protagonist of this story, Sondai has been on both the sides- slave of her fate and later the captain of her destiny.

The Reviewer's Heart…

'Sondai- The Dowager Bride' is an imprinted harsh reality that society has been practicing mindlessly since ages. This story is an honest portrayal of disregard and soreness that every woman has to go through because of their submissive nature and societal pressure. Sondai which literally means gold-like is the protagonist of the story. She is a juvenile carrying a child-like enthusiasm and zeal. Her mesmerizing beauty and sheer intelligence are the prominent part of her personality.

Belonging to a society where women are not looked at beyond their physical attributions, Sondai being attractive was expected to live life like a fairy-tale but, destiny had some other plans for her. Sondai was married to Suraj, who already was a father to five children. On the fifth day after their wedding, Suraj dies unexpectedly, having no sign of health issues. The entire family, who earlier treated Sondai like a queen, started calling her a ''Chamain'', an inauspicious woman who ate her husband. The same girl to whom Suiraj's family was admiring, were now treating her like a complete outcast.

She was partly disowned by the family- given a dungeon kind of room to live in. On the day Suraj died, she planted a mango tree in a memory of him and started believing it as her only companion. Sondai wasn't ready for the U-turn her life took so abruptly but one thing that helped her make a little space in hearts was her incredible cooking skills. No matter however the terms were of family members with Sondai, everyone used to relish the food she made especially samosas, kachori and hot pepping chai.

The only support that Sondai had was her step daughter Badamia. Both of them had 'despair' in common and hence they had a strong bond shared 'secretly'. Widowed at a very young age, Sondai had physical desires which often used to make her uneasy and restless. That's when she came across Manoj, who admired and loved Sondai since a very young age. Manoj's presence often led to butterflies in her stomach imagining a wild intimacy, which Sondai often regretted about.

Will Sondai re-marry? Will she be ever able to make her place in family's heart? Will she ever make Suraj's family realize that his death was a mere co-incidence and Sondai had nothing to do with it? Will she be able to take a stand for herself or would she be scummed to her fate?

Trust me, there are many more mysteries that are to be answered. I don't want to make this review a spoiler for others and thus I would recommend you to read and discover Sondai's journey by yourself.

What I liked?

The story-line is set in North Bihar and the author has beautifully incorporated the local terms and location, making the story much more authentic. Also, it's thoughtful of Payal to bring up such a delicate issue with a path breaking story that speaks for thousands of women out there, struggling to make their presence felt and recognized. Although, the story starts with a tragic beginning but further carries on to a new and positive dimension. All the characters are well-developed and speaks for themselves. The narration is engaging enough to stir the curiosity chapter after chapter. The book cover having a red streak on a white background resonates perfectly with Sondai's life.

What I disliked?

A few repeated statements could have been avoided, for example, the sudden death of Suraj and what it led to Sondai's life. The chapter titles could have been more catchy.

Why should one read this book?

It's an insightful book aiming to convey the dreadful customs which our society follow mindlessly. It's an awakening after a dead dark night.

Rating:

Blurb: 3/5

Description: 4/5

Writing Style: 4/5

Editing: 4/5

Book Cover: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4 /5

Book Details:

Title: Sondai- The Dowager Bride

Author: Payal Kumar

Genre: Fiction

Type:Paperback

Publisher: Artson Publishing House

Language: English

Pages: 71

Year of Publication: 2019

Price: 245 INR

Buy: Amazon Paperback

Stars… To this tale, a ride full of upheaval, struggle and ecstasy, I give a 4 star rating. Recommended to all

I am glad to read and review it. The opinions expressed in the review are my own, and remain unbiased and uninfluenced. I have given a 4 star rating on Goodreads and Amazon as I felt nothing less than that would be fair.

Book Review: Ink of Pain by Fiona Kaur

noreply@blogger.com (Simran) — Tue, 9 Oct 2018 20:51:00 +0530

This book gently caresses the stronger you.

Amazon Paperback

The Blurb:

It's a saga of pain where my heart aches and my ink bleeds every unvoiced emotion of life. So much I kept unsaid yet revealed my heart in words. It's been after years of cocooning till I gathered the courage to ink every pain I felt as a girl, lady, a mother. At last as a woman...

About the Author:

Karandeep Kaur- writing under pen name 'Fiona Kaur', born and brought up in the city of Taj (Agra) in a middle class family. Studies as usual were burden to her, till she got introduced to Shakespeare in Grade 9. It was a twister for her- the creativity, the display of emotions, as if it was happening right around her- it was fascinating. In grade 11, the Great Expectations happened and she was in complete awe of Charles Dickens. These were two major turning points in her life, which made a book phobic student, a craver for words.
She traveled to many places like UK, Europe, Dubai, Malaysia, Australia and all she did was, looking for bookstores. The smell of paper, those book racks and beautiful hard copy covers were just attractive and by then she had started to scribble here and there. Never knew it was poetry, waiting to be poured out of her.

The Review

''Pain can change you, but that doesn't mean it has to be a bad change. Take that pain and turn it into wisdom.'' - Anonymous

Happiness and Agony are a part and parcel of everyone's life. No matter how hard a few days, a few weeks, a couple of months or probably a year looks like but eventually those days are overshadowed by happiness, if we wait for that one day. Everyone of us goes through pain at some point of our lives but dealing with them differs. A few of us hurt over selves for what others did, most of us hurt those people to take revenge. But then can't we just hold on and decide to learn or do something productive out of it? without harming ourselves and others? I sincerely appreciate the poetess, Fiona Kaur for bringing out such a beautiful version of all the hardships she has been through.

The Reviewer's Heart...

'Ink of Pain' by Fiona Kaur is a collection of forty-nine poems based on the theme Pain and outburst of intense emotions. The book has been divided into five sub categories of strong emotions such as ache, anger, fake, hate and cage. Each of the poem reflects the poet's personal encounter with incidents that made her feel alone, depressed and vulnerable at some point in life. The poetess empathize with her readers in the journey of heartbreaks and heartaches by resonating her own experiences and inner struggles. These anecdotes are less of a poem and more of a muse which have been pen-down in a crisp and precise manner. I could relate and found myself agreeing to many of her muses. Sharing two intense pieces from the book, Gain Wishes and Life Wishes.

I sent my feelings in the

envelope of love,

you just again made

them words of gain...

* * *

Life's made her feel more

than inner sustainability knew,

now the pain of life

only hurts her ears...

Her poem Thread Wishes conveys irony about how poetess realized her creative skills in the presence of her beloved but it was after the heartbreak she found her words. In her poem Darkness Wishes she talks about the comfort of confiding in darkness and fear of being exposed during the daylight. Unrequited Wishes talks about the natural process of seeking oneself after one-sided love. Incurable Wishes tells how silence can kill communication and leads to death of relations.

The language is lucid and easy to understand however, I felt, a few poems could have been better. Although these poems convey hardships which the poetess' has been through, it doesn't tell about when and under what circumstance things took place. Adding these elements would have had helped in subtle connectivity with the readers.

The book cover with black background exposing the red rose is attention grabbing and it very well justifies the strong emotion these poems carry in themselves. An outline is mentioned before each poem which I found really helpful in understanding the poetess' core message. The overall book quality is too good with crisp-white pages and well-aligned content.

To read more insightful poems, grab this book from Amazon.

Rating:

Blurb: 3/5

Poems: 3.5/5

Writing Style: 3/5

Editing: 3/5

Book Cover: 4/5

Overall Rating: 3/5

Book Details:

Title: Ink of Pain

Author:Fiona Kaur

Genre:Fiction

Type:Paperback

Publisher: Petals Publishers

Language: English

Pages:111

Year of Publication: 2018

Price: 150 INR

Buy: Amazon Paperback

Stars… To this poetry collection full of insights, recollection and introspection I give a 3 star rating. Recommended to all poetry lovers.

I am glad to read and review it. The opinions expressed in the review are my own, and remain unbiased and uninfluenced. I have given a 3 star rating on Goodreads and Amazon as I felt nothing less than that would be fair.

Book Review: A Study Of His Mind And Art by Vihang A Naik

noreply@blogger.com (Simran) — Mon, 9 Jul 2018 11:25:00 +0530

Amazon

The Blurb:

The present book is a humble attempt to look at the undertaken subject-matter with a fresh perspective in order to make the readers more enlightened. It is hoped that the present study will serve its purpose and all sections of readers shall welcome its advent.

Excerpt:

In the poem entitled ''Pen'', the poet shows his great concern that these days Pen is not able to make words for poem:

These days the pen

It's at the end

Of making words

That could be

A poem for you

Intolerance in the name of religion, and casteism is at the peak especially in Asian sub-continent. The writers are returning their awards to protest against this. The poet raised his voice also by poems like ''The Winter Pen''. He gives a voice to his pen:

You hear

The rattle of pain

Through your pen in turmoil

About The Author:

Vihang Ashokbhai Naik, also known as Vihang A. Naik born in Surat, India on September 2, 1969, is a contemporary poet writing in English, widely published and won many awards.He is educated from The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda with English Literature , Philosophy and Indian Literature in English Translations. His travels gave him unique insight into life and humanity and he wrote “City Times and Other Poems” which enters Limca Book of Records : 2016. His collections of poems includes City Times and Other Poems (1993), Making A Poem(2004) and Poetry Manifesto ( New & Selected Poems) (2010). His Gujarati collection of poems titled Jeevangeet (Gujarati poems) (2001) is dedicated to the cause of victims of Gujarat Earthquake 26th January, 2001. He also translates poetry written in Gujarati language into English including his own Gujarati Language poems into English. His poems have appeared in some of the most noted literary journals and anthologies. He lives and works in Gujarat, India.

The Review:

This book is an acknowledgement to the versatile and renowned bilingual poet, Vihang A Naik. Various professors and research scholars have diligently analyzed his poetic creations and shared their perspective on the same, admiring Vihang A Naik sensibility and sensitivity. I believe for readers like me, there are two important points. One is for the good editing and the other, how it catches my attention. Kudos to this book for surpassing both the points. The book has been wonderfully edited by Dr. Sanjay Prasad Pandey and the eye catching book cover has been designed by Tirthankar Dutta.

The book has been divided into fifteen chapters, each of them has a critical analysis of the poems, a book review and lastly, a very interesting book talk between the poet and Dr. Sanjay Prasad. After reading ''Making of A Poem'', I already had decided to read more from him and this book definitely came to me as a pleasure.

Vihang A Naik is more vocal towards the urban lifestyle, optimism, bringing needful changes in society, power of the mighty pen and the poet. The beauty lies in poet's prowess at expressing his thoughts with sheer preciseness and clarity. In ''The Banyan City'' the poet has personified city, in his poem ''The Winter Pen'' he has given voice to his pen. While in his yet another masterpiece titled ''A Poem Comes Alive'' he suggests how to live life as he believes that poetry impacts human psychology. The most beautiful statement I found in the book is mentioned by Ms. Meenakshi Rana. Quoting her words, ''Love in human life has important value because only due to love every relationship can in life of a person. Love depends on person's trust or behavior. Successful versus unsuccessful love relationship develops under the situation that a successful love is measured by the desires of exchange of affectionate behavior between love and beloved whereas unsuccessful or failed love refers to be broken heart or scatter person.''

It is difficult to bring out the beauty of this book in this review because the kind of in-depth analysis and perspective the professors and research scholars have brought out can be felt and acknowledged by self-reading only. Overall, I would say, if you admire the literary gem, Vihang A Naik's previous works and readers who are keen at reading poems with an amalgamation of philosophy, reality and varied perspectives, must go for this enlightening book.

Rating:

Blurb: 3/5

Description: 4/5

Writing Style: 4/5

Editing: 4/5

Book Cover: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4 /5

Book Details:

Title:A Study Of His Mind And Art

Author:Vihang A Naik

Cover page designer: Tirthankar Dutta

Type:Hardcover

Publisher: Authors Press

Language: English

Pages:100

Year of Publication: 2018

Price: 400 INR

Buy: Amazon (Hardcover)

Stars… To this enlightening read, I give a 4 star rating. Recommended to poetry lovers.

Book Review: Not Worth Living For by Shreyan Laha

noreply@blogger.com (Simran) — Wed, 4 Jul 2018 20:47:00 +0530

This book is laced with suspense!

Amazon

The Blurb:

Ishita Singh, a student of an esteemed college in Mumbai was living a normal life along with her group of friends, a caring senior and scarily enough, a creep who stalked her.

Shweta wakes up in an unknown planet with an advanced civilisation and sets out with Alexander Ishutin, a former spy of the RSV to discover about the far future.

Underlying the lives of these two girls in different worlds, there lies a dark secret. Will they ever come across this dark secret or will it be so chilling that it won't be worth living for? Prepare yourselves for a psyched, dystopian adventure. Not for the faint hearted.

Excerpt:

As the loud-mouthed rant of Devesh came to an end, Meet and Kunal were palpitating. The temperature soared around the room, and everyone came to know what really happened. Devesh sighed heavily believing that he had just gone over the limit ''I'm sorry, I'm...''

''It's okay, Devesh,'' said Harshit, ''After all we are humans. Superior human. If you throw a stone at a dog, it runs away. If you don't have a quick reflex, the mosquito on your arm flies away. Had we been other animals, we could have acted rationally, but we're far too superior humans- creatures who can willfully camouflage and it is this camouflage which proves our superiority.''

The Review:

''Change is hard at first, messy in the middle and gorgeous at end'' -Robin

The changes we seek and fight for becomes a source of content while unforeseen changes often come with discomfort and disgust. Adaptability becomes the only way to keep afloat and survive in such situations and that's what makes everything alright at the end. The characters in the book 'Not Worth Living For' goes quite exactly by the above quote.

The Reviewer's Heart…

'Not Worth Living For' by Shreyan Laha is an incredible saga that takes place on the earth and to a planet called Isthenope which seems too good to be real. Both the story on the earth and the Isthenope runs alternatively. The story begins in the unknown land of Isthenope where Shweta finds herself lying comfortably. Bewildered she moves around only to be surprised again and again. She is welcomed by ''Keepers of Isthenope'' named as 54, 64, 74 and 84 who basically helps the new comers to survive on the planet and get habituated to it. She meets Amal and Tanay who were struggling to decipher how come they reached on Isthenope and for what purpose,to their relief they had been told that they would be able to return back on earth after some period. One thing that all of them shared in common is, they had no memory of their pasts and if something they recalled, it was all in bits and pieces, no less than a jigsaw puzzle. Shweta is a keen observant and thus, her incessant quest leads her to Alexander (a former spy of the RSV) during her stroll at Rhinestone. I personally love the Alexander's character in the book because he is wise, a gentleman and kind. He unfolds the beauty and advancement of Isthenope in comparison to the earth majestically be it in terms of technology, innovation, architecture, medicine and judicious planning. While Shweta starts adapting the new environment Alexander falls in love with her and gradually express in one of their light moments only to be loved back.

On the other hand, the story on the earth, to be more precise, St. Pierce College, Mumbai begins with the admission of Ishita to her dream college. Ishita is an emotional, introvert and thoughtful girl. While her first few hours goes in oddity but soon she gels with her roommate Aakriti and later she befriends with Devesh, Vivek, Preeti and Kevin. Each of them are very different from each other in terms of their family background and habits. During one of their night out on a beach-side, Vivek and Ishita express their juvenile love and promise to be there for each other always. On their way to the college, though half drunken Devesh noticed a car was chasing theirs consistently but all of them chose to ignore but who knew that it would be the last time they were all together? On the same night Ishita's body is found raped and in a half-dead condition in her hostel. Who could have attacked on her? Did Ishita had an enemy from her past or did someone from her college did that to her? Will she recover and get back to fight for herself? Shweta often had cliche' dreams of college, parents and friends, did Ishita and Shweta had something in common? Will Shweta, Amal and Tanay be back on Earth again?

Trust me, there are many more mysteries that are to be answered. I don't want to make this review a spoiler for others and thus I would recommend you to read and discover the beautiful Isthenope and Ishita's culprit yourself.

What I liked?

It was quite enthralling to discover the picturesque beauty at Isthenope. I would like to appreciate the extra-ordinary imagination power of the author and diligence to put his ideas in right words. The minute details mentioned in the book is convincing and shows the deep research author has done. The book is attractive and radiant and quite vividly describes the theme. Similarly, the title ''Not Worth Living For'' seems obvious and relatable especially after reading the last page. I would like to acknowledge the writer's effort for carrying out two different stories together and hold of so many characters, how difficult it would have been to juggle in between different emotions.

What I disliked?

Although it was a thrilling read with umpteen suspense throughout the book but there are a few things I wish could have been better.
*The alternate sequence of the two stories seemed more intervening than pleasant because it was too often and somehow broke the connection of the last chapter and the new one.
*Ishita and Vivek's chemistry could have had been described better. Also, it was awkward to believe that Vivek didn't care to visit Ishita at her worst not even once.
*The language used is quite fluid and engaging but a few spelling errors and punctuation mistake here and there was disrupting.

Why should one read this book?

The above suggestions could have definitely made this book a better read but in no way it takes away the credit of well-built plot and author's ability to maintain the suspense throughout the read.

Rating:

Blurb: 3/5

Description: 4/5

Writing Style: 4/5

Editing: 3.5/5

Book Cover: 4/5

Overall Rating: 3.5 /5

Book Details:

Title:Not Worth Living For

Author: Shreyan Laha

Genre:Science Fiction

Type:Paperback

Publisher:Bigfoot Publication

Language: English

Pages:178

Year of Publication: 2018

Price: 175 INR

Buy: Amazon Paperback | Kindle

Stars… To this tale, a ride full of chills, surprises and chaos, I give a 3.5 star rating. Recommended to all

I am glad to read and review it. The opinions expressed in the review are my own, and remain unbiased and uninfluenced. I have given a 3.5 star rating on Goodreads and Amazon as I felt nothing less than that would be fair.

Elegy

noreply@blogger.com (Simran) — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 18:52:00 +0530

because I wanted to be

one among them

there was no chance

I could have been

different from the rest

while I spoke less

they had so much to talk

my struggle of scrounging

for spaces to speak

though gifted me with

art of an epigram

but somehow, I remorse over

how it took me away

from the empathetic myself.

This poem has been inspired by APM Nation's Prompt ''WRITE AN ELEGY TO A PART OF YOU THAT YOU LOST SOMEWHERE ALONG THE WAY''

Book Review: Making a Poem by Vihang A. Naik

noreply@blogger.com (Simran) — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 01:26:00 +0530

This book has a philosophical subjectivity towards art of writing poems and poets.

Amazon

The Blurb:

Making A Poem is a powerful affecting collection of poetry that sheds a fascinating light upon the writing process and poet's personal aesthetics. These are eloquent pieces where the poet displays a confident command of the poetic form to bring his ideas and observations to life. The pieces that ponder the reality of poetic expression are perhaps most fascinating. Their reflexivity results in a most engaging collection of poems. Making A Poem is an intuitive, thoughtful and creative pieces that work together as a cohesive collection.

Excerpt:

Poem title: The Absent Poem

before you search

your pockets

drawers and shelves

looking for

a misplaced pen

leaving a trace

the poem

takes a leave

before

you even

pen a line

About The Author:

The Review:

"Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words." -Robert Frost
Often poetry is an outcome of strong emotions, keen observation and deep thinking. Being a poet myself, I understand how steeply it flows straight from the heart. Reading poetry has always been a pleasure and I would like to thank the poet for writing such a masterpiece.

The Reviewer's Heart…

'Making a Poem' by renowned literary gem Vihang Naik is a collection of beautifully woven poems that subjectively defines the poet, poem and the readers. The poems have been judiciously divided under the five different sections, Are you looking for that poet? talks about the struggles of becoming a poet. A Poet as a Young Man talks about the apprehension of young poets and their likeliness of falling into trap of words and temptation of using alluring terms and thus losing the meaning itself. Making a Poem is the most beautiful poem in the book which ecstatically talks about how poetry takes its form. Personifications like Words bare themselves, the dance of the blank ink and little light, the pen has to slide making a line adds cherry on the top. A Poem Comes Alive ironically has its first poem 'The Pen' which talks about the silent death of poetry. The main title poem couldn't have been described in better words ''a poem injects life in the rib of words''. The last section A Poet, in the poem titled Wanted, Mr. Vihang talks about the essence of a poet and his vulnerability at giving life to it in black and blue. Another poem titled Making of a Poet conveys how strong imagination fuels the power of expression and thus makes one Poet. My favorite pick from the collection is The Absent Poem because its completely relatable to me, often a thought, an observation and realization strikes to me only to be lost and forgotten.

All the poems in the book depicts a very natural insight to a poet's life in general and various co-related perspective. I appreciate the poet's flair in conveying depth in his thoughts using a few words. The book has been written with utmost simplicity and readers of all age can easily comprehend it. However, at a few places, it was a little difficult to build the connection between the lines. I believe that is due to translation. Also, it would have been more interesting to read this collection if the poet would have mentioned a short snippet of his personal account or caricatures to complement the poems. The book cover in black color having the author's (Vihang A. Naik) picture on it definitely sets a serious mood and also adds credibility a hundred times more. Overall, it was a quick yet a sagacious read.

Rating:

Blurb: 3.5/5

Description: 3.5/5

Writing Style: 4/5

Editing: 3.5/5

Excerpt: 4/5

Book Cover: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4 /5

Book Details:

Title:Making a Poem

Author: Vihang A. Naik

Genre:Poetry

Type: Ebook

Publisher: Authors Press

Language: English

Pages: 38

Year of Publication: 2004

Price: 250 INR

Buy Paperback: Amazon

Stars… To this thought provoking collection of poems, I give a 4 star rating. Recommended to all

This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review. I am glad to read and review it. The opinions expressed in the review are my own, and remain unbiased and uninfluenced. I have given a 4 star rating on Goodreads and Amazon as I felt nothing less than that would be fair.

Book Review: It's Got To Be Love... by Prashant Kaul

noreply@blogger.com (Simran) — Mon, 4 Jun 2018 21:41:00 +0530

This book is in-escape-able!

Amazon | Notion Press

The Blurb:

Meet Dev Sharma, a young student, who has a unique ability – he has nightmares that unfortunately come true.
It’s Got to Be Love weaves around Dev and his friend Vikram. Dev is initially smitten with Carol, a college girl, but due to various reasons, they part ways. He meets Vaani through Facebook and a steady friendship develops between them, which soon blossoms into love. However, Vaani turns down Dev, for reasons known only to her.
Will Dev win back his love?
Will Carol come into his life again?
Join Dev on his emotional roller-coaster ride in Chandigarh, Delhi and Mumbai.

Excerpt:

It was almost 1:00 a.m. so Vikram and I said goodnight to each other and went to sleep. I was alone in a dark tunnel and was struggling to find away out of the darkness, when I suddenly saw Vaani, holding a candle in her hand. I shouted out to her, “Vaani, I’m here! Can you see me?” But she did not hear my voice and kept standing at a distance. After a few minutes, she started walking away
from me. I saw that she had tears in her eyes and she was looking ill. I called her again and again, but soon she was out of sight and now I was completely alone in the dark tunnel. A little later, I heard her crying and saying “forgive me!” I woke up frightened and even though I realized that it was just a dream, I was scared out of my mind. I looked at the clock and it was only 4:00 a.m., but no matter how hard I tried, I could not go back to sleep. (Page 125-126)

About The Author:

Prashant Kaul is a vivid thinker and dreamer. He started writing four years ago, and this is his first novel. His love for cinema inspired him to write this beautiful love story. He loves to blog and has written several short stories too. He works for an NBFC in Chandigarh. Besides writing, he loves to read books and watch movies.

The Review:

''I've always believed that dreams were both the love letters and the hate mail of the subconscious.''

-Pat Conroy

Dreams are both beautiful and scary. They are a mix of illusion and reality in connection to our subconscious mind. It paves us in a situation where we have no control over people or anything around, leaves us with a feeling of being powerless. I see dream almost every night in it having people I know, and a few strangers too. I see, pious things such as temple and river whereas there are nightmare that haunts me; the entire vicinity is covered in darkness and am all alone, listening to weird sounds coming from a distance. It's fascinating to know that there is some connection between the dreams we see and the reality. We often forget and ignore them remarking as 'just a dream', but what if those dreams have a tendency of coming true and impacting your life and people in it?

The Reviewer's Heart…

'It's Got To Be Love' by Prashant Kaul is a mesmerizing tale of love and friendship. Dev Sharma, the protagonist of the story, hails from Chandigarh goes through a dynamic personality transformation, from being physically lean, aloof among the crowd, under-confident about his abilities to being a martial-arts practitioner, fitness freak, attractive, confident and a better performer in academics. Being single child, he is an apple of his parents' eyes. Though Dev is an introvert by nature but as he shapes his personality later, it breaks his self made cocoon and thus, he becomes quite popular after winning the silver medal in martial arts for his college. Dev falls in love at first sight with his junior named Carol. She has a magnetic aura around her that makes it irresistible to pass by without noticing her sharp features and perfect body shape. Dev is head over heels in love with Carol but the frequency from both the ends fails to match thus, leaving Dev a little upset and worried. Carol's closeness with her friend Vaibhav dishearten Dev and later leads to so much confusion and doubts that it ends up breaking the relationship cord between Dev and Carol.

The breakup takes a toll on Dev's health but very soon he realizes how grateful he is to have friends like Vikram, Vaani and Amrish who clutches to him no matter what, his parents who keeps Dev's wishes before anything else and of course his source of joy; his pet dog (Buddy) who loves him unconditionally. Healing after the breakup was only possible due to constant emotional support from Vaani Sharma whom Dev had befriended on Facebook. Vaani Sharma from Delhi is charming by her looks, a very patient listener and genuine at heart. While things were falling apart between Carol and Dev, Vaani made her place to Dev's heart naturally by showing understanding, cheering him up and holding him through his thick and thin days. It was when Dev came Delhi to write his MBA entrance in Zenith University he met Vaani in person for the first time. Slowly their sweet friendship turned into a true love with Carol fading away from Dev's life, heart, but wait! no from his dreams. Vikram, to be with Dev and his first love, Radha decides to study in Delhi too. While everything looks perfect in their lives, something goes wrong and suddenly Vaani disappear leaving a message for Dev not to contact ever. What could have gone wrong between them? Will Vaani ever come back? Will Dev try and find her? Why does Carol still comes in Dev's dreams? Would Dev be able to find out a way to solve the mystery with cues in his dreams?

In order to unleash the curtains, you need to read this book and I am sure you won't regret reading it. I would like to appreciate the author for his excellent efforts in maintaining the essence of the story till the last page of the book.

What I liked?

The setting of the story is so realistic that the reader gets empathetic towards the Protagonist. The flow of the story is intrigued enough which persuades the reader to vividly imagine the story line. All the characters in the story are well-developed and sounds way too genuine. I admire all the characters in the story because they all have been very well-woven and each having their own importance in bringing out this amazing story. The language used is simple yet sophisticated which accounts to one of the aspects of a worthy novel. Plus, kudos to the author for bringing out through detail of each city- Delhi, Chandigarh and Mumbai. Although many incidents were predictable but the author managed quite decently to keep me hooked till the end by putting a little drama and action in the right places.

What I disliked?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. However, I felt, a few repetitive parts could have been avoided.

Why should one read this book?

For all those who are looking for a light read yet unfolding a series of surprising events 'It's Got To Be Love' would be a good pick for you.

Rating:

Blurb: 3/5

Description: 3/5

Writing Style: 3.5/5

Editing: 4/5

Excerpt: 3.5/5

Book Cover: 3.5/5

Overall Rating: 3.5 /5

Book Details:

Title: It's Got To Be Love

Author: Prashant Kaul

Genre: Romance

Type: Paperback

Publisher: Notion Press

Language: English

Pages:280

Year of Publication: 2017

Price: 250 INR

Buy Paperback: Amazon and Notion Press

Stars… To this tale, carrying out a beautiful essence of love and friendship, I give a 3.5 star rating. Recommended to all

This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. I am glad to read and review it. The opinions expressed in the review are my own, and remain unbiased and uninfluenced. I have given a 3.5 star rating on Goodreads and Amazon as I felt nothing less than that would be fair.

Curtains

noreply@blogger.com (Simran) — Thu, 5 Apr 2018 09:00:00 +0530

The curtains close once again

I hold my breath and bite nails

Wanting to take back my steps

But it's too late by now!

For that micro seconds when I'd closed eyes

The curtains were cleared off the stage

I curse my best friend who forced me

and here I'm, standing all alone to recite poetry

What if I stuck in the middle?

What if people would mock at me after all this?

a thousand pairs of eyes staring at me

expecting me to speak out something

a drop of sweat drips down through my chin

I begin, fumbling and still trying to look confident

my legs are shivering uncontrollably and heartbeats racing

by now my body has lost all its senses

as soon as I finish the last few words ''beat your fears''

in my heart something I realize and smile

Never knew back then, a hall echoing with applause

would suppress my hesitation, awkwardness and fear

for once and forever

5 tips to have a healthy heart

noreply@blogger.com (Simran) — Wed, 4 Apr 2018 02:48:00 +0530

I was sitting on the steps at the doorway

Sad, hurt and lost, everything seemed grey

Why it happened? Why to me? What did I do?

Something has happened of which I had no clue

Why are you so silent today? Is everything alright?

Grandma wiped off my tears and hugged me tight

I shook my head and miserably blurted, ''I had a fight''.

Don't lose heart, believe in your conviction of wrong and right

I never thought Resa would leave me for a better friend

That impossibility of a beautiful friendship like ours would ever end

''Grandma, it feels heavy, weak and broken''. I want to evade the dark

Look here, listen to me. I'll give you 5 tips to have a healthy heart

in this journey of inhale and exhale

life will surprise, shock and challenge you

it would never stay constant

fretting would consume your agility

mold yourself and Move Ahead

there would be umpteen occasions

when your heart and mind would stay at violence

maybe your mind would take over your heart

and the house of cards you arranged would fall apart

but do not ever Regret

iii

everything, wrong and right, good and bad

has it's own reason and inevitable facade

in this world where one has everything more than want

there are many, to whom hunger, diseases and sleeplessness haunts

being Grateful to little things is something this human race needs to address

it's good and wise to keep a few things to yourself

but concealing everything would overburden

express your love, affection, anger and pain

it's better to fight and make things clear than spoiling relations

do not keep Grudges

smile and laughter has no language other than love

smile when you see a kid, an old man or even a stranger

it can mend up things for someone for just those few seconds

laugh hard and never shy at it, it's a chain that multiplies

Smile and Laugh a little more, you would shine and rise

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

noreply@blogger.com (Simran) — Tue, 3 Apr 2018 00:07:00 +0530

When I was eight

carrying chalk and slate

sitting in the corner alone I ate

It's not, I thought, making friends wasn't great

There was something within I couldn't break

While my other classmates played around

I kept mum and made no sound

Something interesting in their stories I found

Sera, mimicking her angry mother, her face frowned

Bella, sailing her paper boat in nearby pound

One day, irresistibly, I broke into a laughter

The entire class looked at me as a disaster

A few befriended me, shared their deepest secrets and banter

There's something which makes happy and empowered

The Perk of Being a Wallflower

This poem is written as a part of National Poetry Writing Month in an association with APM Nation.

Beginning

noreply@blogger.com (Simran) — Sun, 1 Apr 2018 20:02:00 +0530

There is something so different and,

strangely beautiful about beginnings

For, they bring in hope, novelty, zeal

and that profound urge to make it up

after the last fall which almost had

permanently wrecked and hampered

my ship of self-esteem and legacy

Just as the sun rises, radiating in glory

no matter how dark the sky was at night

It reigns and begin afresh everyday

if not on the same page then another chapter

There is a beginning to every ending

Just as a sentence you begin after a full-stop

even when it takes an eternity and all your sanity

This poem is written as a part of National Poetry Writing Month in an association with APM Nation.

Freedom Ride

noreply@blogger.com (Simran) — Fri, 3 Jun 2016 15:00:00 +0530

I count cars to be the biggest fascination during my childhood days. My almirah used to be filled with toy cars of all possible sort, color and design. The collection grew day after day and so the pride of it's owner. Hours and days would pass staring at the minute details but not my curiosity and interest in them. Everyone already knew how to please me - by gifting yet another toy car. As I grew up, I explored more cars, the real ones. Their functioning, design, features and the technology used. It would be not wrong to say that I had started seeing my dream career to be an automobile engineer.

It's lately that I have been looking for a car to finally buy for myself. When one has a deep knowledge about 'to be bought' product it becomes quite difficult to make a choice. I went through hundreds of car brands and their models but the only car which caught my attention was Datsun redi-GO from the very reliable- Nissan. In this write-up I will share the best three features of Datsun redi-GO which are surely going to overwhelm and amaze you.

Modern outside and Classy inside: It's quite rare to find the duo as it is stylish and sporty at the same time. The outlook has been given a touch of silver which makes it look sophisticated. The smooth and dynamic side character lines are sure to take away your heart. It has distinct high stance which helps you to have a wider view of the road while driving. It has 'ground clearance' which means it would help to overcome the little obstacle like uneven road and little objects on the street. It has projector headlamps and tail lamp which turns itself as you per you drive. Isn't that amazing? Being a family person and a passionate traveler it is my deepest concern to adjust all the members along with the luggage. Luckily Datsun redi-GO has a spacious interior which can accommodate up to five people. It has a stylish dash layout with digital tachometer. A long drive without music? Hard to imagine! The audio system has all in one- radio, CD, MP3, USB, Aux-in.
Drives you into a comfort zone: The five speed manual transmission is smooth to handle and precise enough to shift the gear. It has a sensitive air conditioning which makes sure that air flows equally to the passengers sitting on the rear seats. Apart from that it has a drive computer which displays essentials like average mileage and fuel remaining. The shift indicator helps in guiding the ideal time to shift.
A smart performance: It is quite efficient and economic when it comes to fuel. It has an engine of 799cc at the economy of 25.17 Km/L. It has a special I-SAT engine which sparks in response to the quality of the fuel. There are times when we have to put a break all of a sudden. Datsun ready-GO has shortest braking distance which surely in coping with urban driving blues. It has a dexterity of crash protection shell.

Can't wait for a test drive on smooth, tidy and broad roads of Chandigarh to experience the comfort, efficient performance and its take my heart away look.
Book your Datsun redi-GO today.

Fun. Freedom. Confidence. The ultimate Urban Cross - Datsun redi-GO - the capability of a crossover with the convenience of a hatchback.

In my dreams

noreply@blogger.com (Simran) — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 21:14:00 +0530

Dreams are something I have started believing in lately. Each night there is a new dream, some believable, some unbelievable, some scary and some inspiring as well. It's like a reel which starts involuntarily, induced somewhere from the unconscious state of mind. I shared my dreams with a few friends and it was quite interesting to know their dreams, in return. A good friend of mine who believes that ''Dreams are gates to territories that are not explored'' suggested me to start a journal in order to keep a record. I did so and it's satisfying to fill page after page. The most interesting one which I had seen recently had a message. A quote! ''Books are not divergent because they flirt with each other''
Make sense?

It's been a long time since I composed a poem. Here's a try of shaping a dream into a poetry.

She closed her eyes
to open the lock tonight
of another dream door
which awaits her to cite
an unseen story, foretold

She steps into a bookstore
with a little pocket money
and a bundle of hope
''The Secret'' at a cheap price
She moves around in rejoice
Of having a ''wanted'' book

The realm of dream breaks...

As she wakes up; euphoric
slowly, realizing the gist
It tempts her to unfold
the landscapes covered in mist
She goes through online stores
and other bookstores in vicinity

It seems destiny has a way
with its believers...
A friend of her gifts her, the book
As if she read her mind and;
heard her wish.
Dreams do come true
Because...
They have You.

Written for A Week for Writing - In your dreams

Dry grass

noreply@blogger.com (Simran) — Sat, 9 Jan 2016 02:38:00 +0530

Eager birds chirrup biding a goodbye

As setting of the sun embarks

At the horizon meets the sky and the earth

It all seem so serene and stark

Walls painted in rattan beize

decorated with frames and oil paintings

A blue palazzo pant and a red top lies on her bed

with a watch, hand bag and big earrings

She sits there, just before a window

Relentlessly, looking outside

And suddenly the rooster clock buzz, frenzy

She realize it has been days since she cried

Tears trickle down her cheeks

For she know, another day is about to pass

and the fate will guzzle her with woes

life sans love and friendship is a dry grass

Written for Three Word Wednesday

Interview: Olivier Lafont

noreply@blogger.com (Simran) — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 19:44:00 +0530

BLOG TOUR INTERVIEW

Simran: Firstly, congratulations on the grand success of your book ‘’Sweet Revenge’’. Tell us a little about yourself.

Olivier Lafont: Thank you! As for me, I’m a French author and actor. I consider myself a storyteller first and foremost, and acting and writing as different facets of that. I’ve loved stories from as far back as I can remember, reading and watching them, writing them. That’s been the most constant impulse of my life. I talk about my life and passion in terms of constancy because I’ve lived in several different countries, and experienced different cultures up close. So I write from an inherently multicultural experience, and it’s been quite interesting forming my own identity and individual culture and translating that into my stories.

Simran: We know that you are one awesome writer. Tell us about your book Sweet Revenge, what it means to you, and how did you conceive the idea ? How long did it take to write this book?

Olivier Lafont: Thanks again! ‘Sweet Revenge’ is a contemporary romance novel, a classic story of lovers torn apart and brought back together by destiny years later. I actually wrote the book as a bit of a lark, for my wife. So it has that ‘sentimental’ value, as something I did for her. It was a really interesting experience as well, writing with that form and structure. I always like having some romance in the books I write, but having the entire book focused on romance was an interesting experiment. Making the hero French was clearly inspired by my own origin, and the American aspects were inspired by my American influences. All told the book must have taken about a month to write.

Simran: What was your learning from writing your book?

Olivier Lafont: That romance is quite fun to write!

Simran: When do you write the most? Is there a favorite place at your home or office where you write the most? Any props that you feel lucky to keep with you when writing?

Olivier Lafont: When I’m in a writing phase I try to be consistent with my writing sessions. I usually write in the day. I have created a completely comfortable environment in my house, one where everything I need is immediately at hand so that there are minimum distractions. I don’t believe in lucky charms, but I like having my wife in the room somewhere, so maybe she is my lucky charm.

Simran: We would be happy to know about any future projects that you are currently working on?”
Olivier Lafont: I’m giving some thought to a sequel for ‘Warrior’. I also have a new Young Adult novel for which I’m looking for the right publisher.

Before it's too late!

noreply@blogger.com (Simran) — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 23:52:00 +0530

Break the bond that holds you back

Write your story afresh on a slate

Of the dreams you have seen

Before it's too late!

Fly high as if it's now or never

Just for this one moment

Believe you can conquer it all

Rescue life from a repent

Before it's too late!

Say it all that you have kept in heart

Coveted, as your biggest secret

Pain flows out when shared

Don't let sorrows become a threat

Before it's too late!

Written for A Week for Writing for a Picture Prompt

Chocolate love!

noreply@blogger.com (Simran) — Tue, 8 Dec 2015 19:33:00 +0530

Photo credits: Author of My Friendship

There are certain temptations

that you seek in every time and everywhere

enough to get you along the track

no matter how bad you wrote in exams

no matter how low you felt after a rejection

no matter how pissed off you are after a day's work

As soon as that craving is fulfilled

That moment becomes a paradise

when the chocolate caramel

melts helplessly in my mouth

the sheer pleasure comes out as

Yum! Ummm! Yum

Written for Daily Prompts for the topic, Pour Some Sugar on Me

Friday Fiction

noreply@blogger.com (Simran) — Sun, 6 Dec 2015 23:10:00 +0530

55- fiction refers to fictional writings bounded to a maximum of 55 words.
The theme for 55-Fiction Friday is Rain. Participate here

And... I'm back!

noreply@blogger.com (Simran) — Sat, 5 Dec 2015 23:24:00 +0530

As promised here I am after a long vacation, away from my dearest space; my blog. Are you curious what's that kept me so busy? So, read further. This year has been terribly busy from academic perspective. Soon after board exams I applied and appeared for entrance exams, long wait for the results and then brain-storming for making a decision. I couldn't concentrate on anything and so I started my goodreads challenge. One book a day, and which I religiously followed for almost 15 days. I discovered my love for reading, photography, arts and crafts. I am happy that I utilized my time in some constructive work rather than getting lost in boredom. Then came my results. Some negative and some positive. ''Clearing BHU entrance isn't easy. You are very lucky to get admission in a first attempt''. I was surprised equally as I hadn't prepared anything extra. Then things changed dramatically. So rapid that I myself was confused. Everything was done. The admission was taken and the fee was paid but there was no more hostel rooms left. I was told to look for a PG which my parents totally denied as they found, it wasn't safe for me to stay and more likely I myself didn't like that atmosphere. Then, with lost hope I applied for a Hero Group University( BML Munjal University) for a management course. Management? Hahah I hadn't ever thought of it either. And that's how fate plays the game at the most unexpected hour. I got selected. It came as a surprise to me. Being a science student, BBA was something out of league for me. But, that's what was meant fortunately or unfortunately I do not know.

BML Munjal University

I was happy to start a new life where everyone and everything will be new. The first glimpse of my college and I was like WOW!! Totally speechless. Our seniors were ready to do a warm welcome. The best part was, our university had planned a week orientation program which consisted of guest lectures, interaction with faculty, ambassador's night, music concerts, leadership talk and talent hunt for freshers. A full week was given to us to explore every corner, make new friends and adjust ourselves to the routine. Then, first day of class and I must say, there is no day till date I felt bunking classes. We have interactive sessions. Thanks to our professors for being friendly and welcoming as ever to our ideas positively.

Sufi Gospel Project, the famous Sitar player Pt. Prateek Choudhari, Master chef contest ( my team came second)

The campus life is so happening that I can go on writing about it (may be in future posts). Time flies here like anything. In between this new venture, new course, assignment, presentations, quizzes and semester I missed out this place. It was quite challenging for me on an emotional note for leaving home and staying far away from family for the first time. I didn't want to fill this place with negative thoughts so stayed quite for time being.

''Time is a great teacher''. It taught me to live on my own, to be more responsible, to adjust, to mold myself according to situation. From now onward, I will be regular because you live where your heart is :)

Cover Reveal: Encounters- Someone's Always Waiting by Sumana Khan

noreply@blogger.com (Simran) — Sun, 29 Nov 2015 01:04:00 +0530

Encounters by Sumana Khan

Blurb

Someone Is Always Waiting

EXCERPT FROM THE NOVELETTE “THE STORYTELLER” IN ENCOUNTERS COLLECTION

I stare at the cement bench covered in pigeon shit and spot the dim outline of the granite slab embedded in the backrest. Years ago, when the bench was new, the granite slab was a shiny black mirror inscribed with the words ‘Dedicated to the courageous people of Thirukadal’. Four cyclones and many pigeons later, the words have disappeared. The place is so choked with weeds that the bench appears to rest on the thorny plants. Behind me, beyond a muddy track, the Bay of Bengal hisses and sighs in a treacherous language.

I look up at the sky, as if to decode the time. My watch says it is half past seven in the morning, but the sky, clotted with grey clouds, remains secretive. It could be evening as far as the heavens are concerned. A depressing form of rain is assured; the kind that only occurs in this eastern coast of South India—skies that sob continuously for forty-eight hours, increasing humidity, mosquitoes and the stench of choked drains, damp walls and wet clothes. I wonder if the sky had been just as morose on the morning of 26 December, 2004.

I tie a handkerchief around my face, covering my nose and mouth, and hack away at the weeds. Swarms of mosquitoes and flies rise in a static buzz and hover over my head like a satanic dark halo. It takes me an hour to clear a small area around the bench. The sky starts its weeping just as I scrub the bench with a coconut husk and Vim detergent powder.
After half an hour, the granite slab gleams into existence once again. I’ve got my memorial ritual paraphernalia in a Food World plastic bag. I bring out a strand of jasmine that I loop around the granite slab, its fragrance weak in the rain. I crouch under my umbrella that won’t open fully and light a couple of incense sticks. I’ve forgotten to bring the incense holder, so I stick the smouldering incense into a banana that was to be my breakfast. I place it on the bench in front of the granite slab and hold the umbrella over it. I close my eyes in an attempt to pray. All I can think of is the angry allergic rash that’s spreading on my legs and hands thanks to the weeds and that the incense smells like a cheap aftershave.

I give up and sit on the bench, still holding the umbrella over the incense. The rain stings my skin like the rash. The hard, wet seat numbs my thighs instantly and a dull arthritic pain blooms in my knees and lower back. I squirm, shifting my weight from one butt cheek to the other. I wait, just as I’ve waited in vain for the last seven years, for the storyteller to show up. The incense is all ash now. I may as well eat the banana and tell you the story of how I met this mysterious man.

About The Author

Sumana Khan was born and raised in Bangalore and currently lives in the UK. She is a blogger and a student. Her debut novel was The Revenge of Kaivalya.

Author website: http://www.sumanakhan.com

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Author Interview with Madhu Vajpayee, Author of Seeking Redemption

noreply@blogger.com (Simran) — Sat, 28 Nov 2015 22:05:00 +0530

Book Blurb:

Story of a girl Meera, who is unwittingly drawn into a conflict from where she finds it difficult to emerge unscathed. It's her journey from being a simple, medical graduate belonging to a middle class family to the uncharted territories of corruption and caste based politics. Her path is crossed by the two men, both compelling yet completely contrasting characters, who are forever going to change her life. If it is Aman who can challenge her ideals and defy her resolves, and makes her the person she finally becomes, it is Abhay's sublime love which enables her to go through the vicissitudes of life. It's also the story of her loss as well as triumph against her own demons to find her true self.

Buy a Copy from Amazon

About the Author:

Dr.Madhu Vajpayee- the writer was born somewhere in those hospital corridors where she has spent the last two decades of her life. Witnessing life at such close quarters pushed her to capture its enigma in her words and slowly it became her passion. After writing several scientific papers and chapters in books, this book is her first step in literary world.

Having done her graduation, MBBS from King Georges Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow she went ahead to pursue her post-graduation, MD from AIIMS, New Delhi. She was a consultant at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi having been associated with management of patients living with HIV/AIDS. She is now settled in Melbourne, Australia with her family, where she is devoting most of her time to writing, the passion that she couldn’t pursue earlier because of the demands of medical profession and commitment it requires.

When not creating stories, Madhu enjoys reading and travelling.

Reviews for the Book:

It was a perfect book and can motivate one. ~ Nidhi Author on Goodreads

Wonder full book.Clearly highlights the current problems faced in India as a result of reservation! ~ Nikhil Dave on Goodreads

It is one of the amazing fiction I have read in the near past. Highly recommended. Cocktail of Corruption, politics and love. ~ Akshay_Tripathi on Amazon

What Madhu does well with this story is to highlight many factors that need change. She brings out facets like reservation. She talks about the more rigid mindset of an Indian family ~ Vinay Leo @ Booworm's Musings

Contact the Author:

Blog * Facebook Page * Twitter * Goodreads

Check out the Tour Stops:

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

As long as I remember. Although I was not able to write in a formal way, I always wanted to write.

How long does it take you to write a book?

Almost a year, including the first draft then process of reading, re-reading, editing and re-editing!!

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

I don’t have any particular schedule, I try to write whenever I can. It’s funny, sometimes I just cannot write when I have plans for it. Other times, I can write even when I am in midst of something. It all depends on my thought process and creative burst.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I read a lot and when I find something heartwarming …some dialogue, sentence or scene, I somehow try to invoke exactly similar kind of feeling in my writing.

How do books get published?

Very complicated question indeed. It seems to be a very complex process. You have no idea what can click to publisher. You just have to believe in yourself and pursue your writing as passion and forget everything. The alternative route of self-publishing demands lot of conviction on your part.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

It depends. Sometimes from what I hear about the lives of people. At other times what I read in newspapers, social media or by watching movies. But whatever it is, a small part of me is quintessentially present in what all I write in a way that how I perceive things.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

Although I wrote my first book of 50 pages when I was perhaps around 17 or 18 year old…but I never had the courage to tell my parents and formalize my writing into something worthwhile.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I am a doctor by profession. I also enjoy reading and travelling.

What does your family think of your writing?

Fortunately, they are very supportive about it. They like my passion and encourage me with full enthusiasm. But sometimes, my son do get irritated by my obsession!!!

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

When you create something, it’s like having your own baby. I was surprised to find the same kind of feeling for my books. I not only love them but also so protective about the story and characters!!

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

Not many….just two. I can’t really comment on this. I love the one I am writing at that particular time only to be replaced by my love for other.

Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?

Definitely, reading is the first. It opens up a new world. Besides learning how to write, it inspires and challenges us to excel. Secondly, observation. I observe a lot. How people interact, express or show their emotions help you to create the dialogues, emotions and feelings in your writing.

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

I have just published so still waiting for the feedback from my readers. I hope they will have something nice to say.

Do you like to create books for adults?

Ideas have no limits. Who knows, one day!

What do you think makes a good story?

For me, a good story is one where you don’t lose interest in it while still reading.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

A medical doctor

What Would you like my readers to know?

Believe in yourself. Never quit!

Moments of Togetherness

noreply@blogger.com (Simran) — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 16:15:00 +0530

In this hi-tech generation almost all of us have a smartphone. We carry it throughout the day to check messages, latest updates and even during spare hours in a day which we get to relax for some time. While journeying in metro, partying with friends, dinning with family, during class lectures, evening walk and even while driving on road; our eyes remain glued to the phone screen as if it is going to give solution to all problems. It's an addiction eating up our real world little by little. To be precise, our virtual world is superseding our real world. Even the warmth of love, gratitude and relations have become digital; easy to manipulate (status). No commitment. There are days when we feel a void inside; wanting someone to just sit and listen what we have to say, to exchange a few kind words and get inspired by someone's life experience. It becomes hard to start up a conversation with a person sitting next to you with all his attention either in mobile screen or an ear- plugged to music. This is an act of ignorance, unintentionally though. We have made a private world of our own and that's the major reason for weakening of relations, friendship and understanding.

It's high time to reconcile the gap between us and our real world where there are people waiting for us to have our attention… to love, share and care. Nature follows the notion of giving and receiving. So, why not associate our happiness of togetherness with the nature.

Last month when dad asked my elder brother to buy grocery from a nearby shop, he refused to go just because he wanted to spend some more time chatting with his friends over his phone. Realizing his constant change in behavior and cut-off from his responsibilities, dad and I came up with a plan. We decided that every day for one hour we will close all the lights in our home except in our drawing room. No use of electric appliances other than the fan and an LED tube light in the room. Initially, it was very discomforting to stop all work sharp at 9:00 pm till 10:00 pm and sit in a room for random discussion. Many a times, my brother and I lost our patience sitting without gadgets in hand. It was surprising to notice after a week, that one hour became our most favorite part of the day in which mom and dad shared about their past experiences, their childhood, college days and professional life. I was amazed at the fact how less we knew about our own parents. After a month, my brother asked dad that why we have to switch off every electric appliance for an hour during our conversation. To which dad replied, ‘’each day for one hour we not only do family get-together and discussion without disturbance but also we save up energy. Think, all this while when you don't use your laptop, printer, mobile phones, television; you contribute a support to the global mission of saving energy. Let nature too smile with us’’. And we both hugged him tightly.

This post has been exclusively written for Kissan India .