Outset Books

Sri Aurobindo by Roshen Dalal - Evocative, Spiritual and Enlightening

2023-08-21T18:29:00.001+05:30

A few years back, when I visited Puducherry, I have been to Aurobindo Ashram. A serene calm space which is brimful with positivity. Since then I have been intrigued by the life and teachings of Sri Aurobindo. Hence when I saw the book by Roshen Dalal, I didn't have to think twice.

Sri Aurobindo by Roshen Dalal

My review

The childhood of Sri Aurobindo gives us a glimpse of how his ideology developed in the formative years. Through miraculous voyage called life, me it the illness in the prostrate or his foray into vedas, the readers are set for a new perspective about religion, spirituality and philosophy.

While we walk with the writer through the streets of Pondicherry watching Sri Aurobindo change the lives of the masses, the secret behind the serenity of the Aurobindo Ashram is revealed. It is eternal positive energy left behind by the great human being.

Teachings of Sri Aurobindo

The author has preserved the essence of the visionary's take on Sanathana Dharma which was synonymous to Hinduism and gave it a more inclusive and cosmopolitan picture encompassing spirituality and philosophy.

The book deftly depicted his teaching alongside the biography making the book a learning experience for the readers and researchers alike. Aurobindo teaches us that Nirvana is not the aim of life but it is a pathway to light and life. It is endearing to read how he preps the readers for becoming a supra mental being.

Mystics And Sceptics by Namita Gokhale

2023-08-20T05:42:00.003+05:30

The magic of the mystical Himalayas never fails fo entice us. The snow-capped mountains tell the stories of unbelievable miracles and have always been the reservoir of spiritual enrichment. Mystics and Sceptics by Namita Gokhale is a collection of works by various authors who share their experiences as well as the biography of spiritual leaders on the mountains. How they came about, what mystical actions they showcase, and how they influenced others - the book is sure to put various so-called human Gods to shame. Because these are the lords of universal energy.

Mystics and Sceptics

Blurb

It is best, in one's sojourns across the Himalaya, to be cautious in chance encounters, for one could well encounter a saint, a siddha, a madman or a charlatan. Mystics and Sceptics, edited by Namita Gokhale, comprises essays on all of these. This uniquely insightful anthology traverses the sacred geography of the Himalayan range, encompassing different cultures and religious traditions in its living legacy. Through myth, legend and anecdotal memory, it includes narratives of wanderers and seekers, gurus and enlightened souls, tricksters and delusionists. The spiritual seekers discussed here include Guru Milarepa, Neem Karoli Baba and Siddhi Ma, Paramhansa Yogananda, Swami Rama, Guru Nanak, Swami Vivekananda, Haidakhan Baba, Yeshe Tsogyal, Lal Ded and Sri Madhav Ashish. Also discussed are the sacred traditions of the dhuni and chimta, the shakti peeths in the Himalayan region, trance runners of Tibet and Bhutan and the Khasi rituals of divination and prophecy.

My Review

The book confines the readers to mysticism and forces them to manifest the Enlightenment that authors have experienced. Some of them are anecdotes from the authors. For instance, the tale of Neem Karoli Baba. Some others like Milarepa's are biographical accounts. How he graciously held his hand out to embrace his last moments is indeed a mystical reader experience as well as spiritual enrichment.

The readers get a chance to acquaint themselves with the enlightened gurus as well as tricksters.

While reading the book, any reader would think of how futile the human gods in front of whom we prostrate ourselves. When the readers are engrossed in the book, it sucks us deep into the multidimensional strata of human spirituality. To have a glimpse of this through the book itself is an achievement to revel about.

The Evolution of E-Books and Digital Reading - A Look into the Future

2023-07-29T17:11:00.009+05:30

e-books are handy! No? Anytime - anywhere available. Digital reading has certainly added value to the lives of Gen-Z readers who are always on the go but still want to read. The advent of online reading books has revolutionized the way we all consume information and literature.

In the past few decades, electronic books have undergone significant changes, making them a viable and popular alternative to traditional printed books. As technology continues to advance rapidly, the future of e-books and digital reading is brimming with exciting possibilities. In this blog post, we will delve into the evolution of e-books, explore the current state of digital reading, the upsurge of ebooks free download, and examine the potential developments that lie ahead.

The Birth of online reading books aka E-Books

The concept of electronic books dates back to the 1930s when American inventor Bob Brown first proposed the idea of a "Readies" machine, which could store and display books on a screen. However, it wasn't until the 1970s and 1980s that the groundwork for e-books was laid with the advent of personal computers and electronic displays.

In 1971, Michael Hart created the first e-book by typing the United States Declaration of Independence into a computer. This marked the beginning of Project Gutenberg, which aimed to digitize and archive literary works in the public domain. The development of electronic ink (e-ink) technology in the 1990s was another crucial milestone, offering a more comfortable and paper-like reading experience.

The Rise of E-Readers and Tablets

The real breakthrough for e-books came with the introduction of dedicated e-readers and tablets. In 2007, Amazon's Online reading Kindle was launched, offering a vast selection of e-books and the convenience of a portable library. The Kindle's e-ink display mimicked the appearance of ink on paper, reducing eye strain and enhancing the reading experience.

Following the Kindle's success, other companies like Barnes & Noble with their Nook and Sony with the Sony Reader joined the market. Additionally, tablets such as the iPad brought online reading books app to a broader audience by offering multi-functionality, allowing users to read, browse the web, ebooks free download, and use apps, all in one device.

The Impact of E-Books on Publishing and Reading Habits

The proliferation of e-books has had a profound impact on the publishing industry and reading habits. Authors can now publish their works independently through self-publishing platforms, bypassing traditional publishing houses. This democratization of publishing has allowed more voices to be heard, leading to a greater diversity of content available to readers.

Furthermore, digital reading offers several advantages over print books. They are often more affordable, eco-friendly, and easily accessible, eliminating the need to visit physical bookstores or libraries. Digital reading has become a preferred option for travelers and those with limited space, as a single device can hold thousands of books.

1. Enhanced Reading Experience: Multimedia and Interactivity

As technology progresses, e-books are evolving beyond simple text-based formats. Enhanced e-books now incorporate multimedia elements such as ebooks with audio, video, and interactive graphics. This convergence of text and multimedia enhances the reading experience, making it more engaging and immersive.

Educational e-books, in particular, have embraced interactivity to facilitate better learning. Features like embedded quizzes, interactive diagrams, and multimedia explanations help students grasp complex concepts more effectively. As these features continue to advance, e-books will become invaluable tools in education and training.

2. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in E-Books

The integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology opens up entirely new possibilities for e-books. AR can overlay digital content onto the physical world, allowing readers to experience a more interactive narrative. For example, historical fiction could come to life with virtual tours of ancient cities, and science books could showcase 3D models of molecules.

VR, on the other hand, immerses readers in virtual environments, blurring the lines between the real and fictional worlds. Readers could step into the shoes of characters, explore fantastical landscapes, and actively participate in the story's unfolding. The integration of AR and VR in e-books will undoubtedly transform the reading experience, creating a new form of storytelling.

3. Personalization and Adaptive Learning

Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) have already begun to impact e-books through personalized reading experiences. By analyzing a reader's preferences, reading habits, and engagement patterns, AI algorithms can recommend books tailored to individual tastes. Personalization enhances reader satisfaction, leading to increased reading frequency and broader exposure to different genres.

Adaptive learning is another application of AI in e-books, particularly in the realm of educational content. E-books can analyze a learner's progress, identify areas of difficulty, and adapt the content to suit their learning pace and style. This approach fosters a more efficient and effective learning process, making education more accessible and engaging for all learners.

4. E-Books and Social Reading

The fun of physical reading lies in social reading! At least I enjoy this a lot. However, the day isn’t far when ebooks will also see the integration of social features, transforming solitary reading into a communal experience. Social reading platforms enable readers to discuss books, share annotations, and even collaborate on projects directly within the e-book environment. Virtual book clubs and online reading communities will strengthen the sense of connection among book enthusiasts worldwide.

Moreover, authors can engage with their readers in real time, conducting live Q&A sessions or providing additional content related to their books. This interaction fosters a deeper connection between authors and readers, leading to increased loyalty and support for their work.

5. Blockchain and Copyright Protection

As the digital publishing landscape expands, concerns about copyright protection and piracy arise. Blockchain technology offers a potential solution by providing an immutable ledger to track the ownership and distribution of digital content. Smart contracts can automate royalty payments to authors, ensuring fair compensation for their work, even in a global marketplace.

Additionally, blockchain-powered e-books can provide readers with proof of ownership and authenticity, mitigating concerns about counterfeit or altered copies as well as ebook-free downloads. The application of blockchain technology in the e-book industry promises greater transparency and security for both authors and readers.

6. The Future of E-Books in Education

E-books have already begun to reshape education, but their full potential is yet to be realized. As e-books become more interactive, personalized, and adaptive, they will play an increasingly critical role in modern classrooms. Students will have access to a wealth of learning resources at their fingertips, fostering independent learning and exploration.

Virtual classrooms and online learning platforms will further complement traditional educational settings. E-books will be integrated seamlessly with learning management systems, offering educators better insights into students' progress and facilitating real-time feedback.

7. Challenges and Considerations

While the future of e-books is undoubtedly promising, it also comes with its challenges. Technological advancements may lead to a digital divide, where not everyone has equal access to e-books and digital reading tools. Addressing this disparity will be crucial to ensure that all individuals, regardless of socioeconomic status, can benefit from the educational and cultural value of e-books.

Additionally, privacy concerns may arise as AI-driven e-books gather more data about readers' preferences and behaviors. Striking a balance between personalized reading experiences and respecting readers' privacy will be essential to maintain trust and confidence in digital reading platforms.

Wrapping up

The evolution of e-books and digital reading has been nothing short of remarkable. From humble beginnings as basic text files to interactive multimedia experiences, e-books continue to evolve, reshaping the way we read and learn. As technology advances, we can expect ebooks to become even more personalized, immersive, and socially integrated.

How comfortable are you with digital reading? If you need to choose between an ebook or a physical book, which one would you prefer? Do you prefer an ebook with audio to a physical copy? Have you ever done an ebook free download?

About the Author

This post is written by Jaishree Nenwani.

She is the author of a self-help book “Tiny Habits Massive Results”. Based out of New Delhi, India Jaishree is an Author, blogger, and homepreneur. She is passionate about journaling and loves to share wisdom and journaling tools that invoke deeper authenticity and Personal transformation. She writes about Self-improvement, Personal growth, and ways to become happier in your life. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Linkedin.

Twisted Tales and Turns by Smita Das Jain

2023-07-28T17:13:00.001+05:30

It is easy to write a novel but to brings the plot forth within a short span of time and in limited words is a challenge. Smita Das Jain has mastered the craft and with her new short story collection, Twisted Tales and Turns has opened a new world of imagination for the readers.

Twisted Tales and Turns by Smita Das Jain

What if reality was a carefully crafted illusion, and every truth you thought you knew was a mirage? Get ready to experience a roller coaster of emotions. Just when you think you have it figured out, the unexpected will leap at you from a page, leaving you stunned and breathless. A daughter waiting for her father to return from war... An artist struggling to create a masterpiece... A scientist having her own definition of a better world... A friend who loves without being loved back... A man who has eyes only for another woman on his wedding night… Twisted Tales and Turns is a captivating collection of short stories where nothing is as it seems. Are you prepared for the buried truths and shocking revelations that lurk beneath the surface?

My review

Smita Das Jain is an author who knows how to make the readers emote and connect with the characters' emotions. The stories that she has shared were either published in magazines like Story mirror or winning pieces of writing competitions.

Every story has an emotion that predominantly connects the reader with. Another classic trait of the author is the twist in the end. As the title prescribes the Twisted Tales and Turns would leave us thinking and being haunted with the feelings left behind by the characters.

Being a part of a short story, the characters weren't dispensed the time to evolve but the author deftly maneuvered the character traits with her fitness of craft.

Other wordly

The dystopian story like guided missiles, misguided men, is a futuristic yet introspective account how the humanity and its existence could be at stake due to actions of men. We could see a responsible writer there when there is fantasy that could be reality in future.

The after death experiences of the book are at a metaphysical level rather than a story of ghost or horror or anything explicitly depicted.

Overall the book is the best from the author so far. Can't wait to read more from her.

Dogboy VS Catfish by Luke Gracias - A Surprise Package

2023-07-26T18:04:00.000+05:30

Legal thrillers have always been the game changers in literature. The wave that has been set by John Grisham has taken the readers and authors who follow them along. However, most of the legal thrillers that followed, lacked the mettle of the fabulous writer and the depth and layers of his characters and circumstances. For the first time since, I came across an author who has mastered the craft, backed up with research, and enriched with personal experience. Luke Gracias, through his book Dogboy Vs Catfish, has left no stone unturned in laying bare the atrocities suffered by men when women set out to misuse the pro-female marriage laws in Australia.

Dogboy vs Catfish

Blurb

On the day of her second wedding, Katherine Fisher, aka ‘Catfish,’ set the date for her divorce. In precisely 18 months, she would be entitled to half of their combined assets and receive maintenance payments until her five-year-old daughter, Emma, turns 18. Just as Catfish was about to take her husband, Lindsay ‘Dogboy’ Kramer (a successful businessman and dog whisperer) to the cleaners, he goes missing. The police investigation into Dogboy’s disappearance leads them into the dark world of counterfeit designer goods, money laundering, and drug smuggling. With Dogboy’s assets frozen and the mob protecting their interests, the missing person's case escalates to homicide. Catfish is in a race against time to get hold of Dogboy’s assets before the police get hold of her. One question remains - is Dogboy dead or alive?

My Review

The plot shifts the base at various levels giving a varying impression about the genre. It takes off as a horror thriller, to contemporary fiction, to a murder mystery to a legal thriller. On a totality, the book is an amalgamation of all genres. In the first chapter when the protagonist is introduced as a shy dog whisperer, the plot takes off from the very moment. The author deftly maintains the mystery surrounding the character of Lindsay Kramer, more so because direct interactions of the protagonist are limited to a couple of sequences in the first chapter.

Further, Katherine Fisher aka Catfish comes into the picture when she claims her rights to Dogboy's asset, her character portrayal reminded me of a classic Danielle Steele craft, but the author has a personal style that stands out, which makes the book unique in its own right.

The Alimony Scam

Divorce laws have been formulated in such a way that the exploitation suffered by women could be prevented. However, there are numerous women out there who use this as a stepping stone to gain money. The author has laid bare this scam through his book.

How Lindsay successfully bypassed the scam is a brilliant plot to read. The three snakes of the scam and how the tail of one snake is inside the head of another is a shocking read.

While everything was good, the book cover turned out to be a disappointment. Though it is not right to judge a book by its cover, an attractive and representative cover would undoubtedly enhance the book. The cover of Dogboy VS Catfish gave an impression of a YA fantasy while the book is a thrilling mystery.

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2023-07-24T12:10:00.002+05:30

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Book Spotlight - Twisted Tales and Turns: A Journey through the Unexpected by Smita Dad Jain

2023-07-23T00:00:00.001+05:30

Book Spotlight

Name: Twisted Tales and Turns
Author : Smita Dad Jain

What if reality was a carefully crafted illusion, and every truth you thought you knew was a mirage?

Get ready to experience a roller coaster of emotions. Just when you think you have it figured out, the unexpected will leap at you from a page, leaving you stunned and breathless.

A daughter waiting for her father to return from war...

An artist struggling to create a masterpiece...

A scientist having her own definition of a better world...

A friend who loves without being loved back...

A man who has eyes only for another woman on his wedding night…

Twisted Tales and Turns is a captivating collection of short stories where nothing is as it seems.

Are you prepared for the buried truths and shocking revelations that lurk beneath the surface?

5 Reasons Why Reading is Great for Your Mental Health

2023-07-22T08:19:00.011+05:30

In today's fast-paced and technology-driven world, finding ways to take care of our mental health is more important than ever. While various activities can contribute to our well-being, reading stands out as a powerful tool for improving and maintaining mental health. Whether you prefer novels, non-fiction, or poetry, the act of reading can bring numerous benefits to your mind, emotions, and overall sense of well-being.

Let’s explore the reasons why reading is great for your mental health.

1. Reading helps in Stress Reduction and Relaxation

In a world filled with stressors, reading serves as an effective escape from reality. Engrossing yourself in a captivating story or informative text can transport you to different worlds, taking your mind off everyday worries and reducing stress. Research has shown that reading for just six minutes can lower heart rate and ease muscle tension, inducing a state of relaxation. By providing an outlet for mental and emotional release, reading helps in managing stress and promoting a calmer mind.

2. Reading brings Cognitive Stimulation and Mental Sharpness

Reading is a mentally stimulating activity that exercises your brain and keeps it sharp. The process of reading requires concentration, focus, and the ability to comprehend and interpret information. Regular reading enhances vocabulary, improves analytical thinking, and boosts memory retention. Additionally, reading exposes you to diverse perspectives and new ideas, broadening your intellectual horizons and enhancing cognitive flexibility. These mental exercises contribute to overall mental well-being and can even lower the risk of cognitive decline.

3. Reading induces Emotional Empathy and Self-Reflection

One of the prominent benefits of reading is its ability to evoke emotions and foster empathy. Engaging with characters and their stories can create a deep emotional connection, allowing you to experience different perspectives and empathize with their struggles and triumphs. This emotional engagement enhances your capacity for empathy in real life, leading to improved relationships and a greater understanding of others. Furthermore, reading provides an opportunity for self-reflection, as you may relate to characters' experiences, gain insights into your own emotions, and find solace in shared human experiences.

4. Reading helps to build Stress Resilience and Improves Sleep

Reading before bed has been shown to have a positive impact on sleep quality. The habit of reading a book, rather than scrolling through electronic devices, helps signal to your brain that it's time to wind down and relax. This routine can lead to better sleep patterns, as the blue light from screens is known to disrupt sleep. Quality sleep is vital for mental health, as it enhances cognitive function, emotional regulation, and stress resilience. By incorporating reading into your bedtime routine, you can promote healthier sleep habits and reap the benefits of improved mental well-being.

5. Reading leads to Personal Growth and Escapism

Reading offers a gateway to personal growth and self-improvement. Books provide knowledge, insights, and wisdom from diverse authors, allowing you to expand your understanding of the world and yourself. Through reading, you can explore different cultures, historical events, and personal journeys, which can foster personal development and empathy. Moreover, reading can serve as a form of healthy escapism. Immersing yourself in a captivating story can transport you to different times, places, and realities, offering respite from daily stressors and providing a renewed sense of energy and motivation.

What should I Read?

Do you have the same question that I had? What should I read?

If you're looking to incorporate reading into your life, it's important to choose books that align with your interests. The genre or type of book doesn't matter as much as the act of reading itself. Even if you can only manage to read a few pages at a time, it still makes a difference.

To begin your reading journey, start by visiting your local used bookstore or library. The staff there, whether librarians or bookstore employees are usually more than happy to offer recommendations based on your preferences. Before purchasing a book, take a moment to skim through the first few pages. Do the characters or the setting intrigue you? The key is to find books that capture your attention and pique your curiosity.

Once you establish a reading habit, you'll likely notice improvements in your sleep quality and mood. Whether you're fully engrossed in an audiobook during your commute or sneaking in a few pages while doing household chores, reading can have a positive impact on your overall well-being.

Even when the weather turns colder and you find yourself spending more time indoors, reading allows your mind to escape to any place you desire through the power of a good story.

Closing Words

Reading is not only a source of entertainment and knowledge; it also has numerous benefits for your mental health. From reducing stress and promoting relaxation to enhancing cognitive abilities and fostering empathy, the act of reading can have a profound impact on your overall well-being. By carving out time in your routine for reading and making it a priority, you can unlock the transformative power of books and experience the positive effects on your mental health. So, grab a book, find a cozy corner, and embark on a journey of self-discovery, learning, and emotional well-being through the pages of a good book.

About Post Author:

Kiran K Adharapuram is an ecstatic techie with a decade-plus of technical expertise, currently outperforming as "Lead IT Consultant Engineer" in one of the top-notch IT companies. Without limiting himself to a vicious "9-5" job, he extended his arms to become a successful Bibliophile, Bookstagrammer, Blogger, Social Media Freak, Book Reviewer, Casual Writer, Spiritual Believer, and Occasional Journalling Practitioner.

More about him here:

https://www.instagram.com/kiran_ kumar_adharapuram

You may follow him professionally here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adityakirankumar/

The Swag Family Travels : Visits Mumbai by The Madhatter - A Refreshing Style of Kids Book

2023-07-20T17:40:00.003+05:30

My 7-year-old is a book enthusiast but he is picky when it comes to the appeal of books. He needs attractive colors, flashy texture, and intermittent tasks to perform. In short, he looks forward to a complete activity package. The Swag Family Travels is one book that fits his description of an ideal book. Let me walk you through why?

The Swag Family Travels: Visits Mumbai by The Madhatter

Blurb

While reading this simple story to a child who has not learned to read or sitting by a child who can read, the parent needs to engage in back-and-forth conversations while introducing them to problem-solving techniques. There’s an old saying, children do not come with manuals, so parents often struggle with raising a mentally strong kid. Here’s a piece of quality advice; Constantly introduce new ideas, concepts, items, colors, or numbers…But don’t teach the child. You’ll be surprised how quickly they'll catch on. Then it's left to you to move progressively forward. The Modern day Tottler can multitask, believe it. This little book is created small enough to carry around with you, the story is a series, the book is interactive, and stretches the child’s mental aptitude at a reasonable rate. Most of all it's FUN and NOT JUST A STORY BOOK!!

My Review

The book makes an instant connection with the little readers, thanks to the impeccable illustration and choice of color combinations. Since my son has ADHD getting his attention to the book was imperative. He immediately grabbed the book and started going through it. Next moment I saw him reading the story out loud. The flashy papers and bright colors contributed to the visual appeal of the books.

The narration that endears

The narration is in such a way that the child will find it easy to read while they learn vocabulary. The story is for all ages and hence this can be a bedtime story as well. The author takes us through the tourist destinations of Mumbai and maneuvers the imaginations of the little readers deftly. The plot begins with a snippet of the daily life of the swag family. It is relatable and every child in an average Indian household would relate it with his/her life.

The activities

The activities in the books are helpful in the sensory learning of the child. My child has ADHD was engrossed in the activities. They are short and simple and hence the child would want to do more. A matter of secret is that once or twice I did the activities myself as I was amused with the tasks. If you are reading out the book to a toddler, we can still connect with them as the activities are appropriate for kids of varying age groups.

Overall the book is a refreshing change from the same old princess and Grandma tales.

Moms in The Wild by Nidhi Raichand - Brutally Honest, Sarcastically Rich

2023-07-14T13:22:00.006+05:30

If you have been following me for a while, you would know about y initiative Moms of Kochi. When I was reading the book, I was surprised to see how the mom’s community across India is similar. Having been a part of the mom influencer groups, parents’ groups of kids, and also moms of Kochi, I found the book relatable at various strata. Moms in the Wild is a murder mystery cum women’s fiction cum contemporary fiction.

Moms in the Wild by Nidhi Raichand

The plot begins with the murder of Natasha Babani, a celebrity mom, who has been instrumental in the Clean Ahalya initiative. SnehaTalwar, a young journalist discovers her body when she goes to her residence for her debut interview. Having encountered many moms living around and being involved with Natasha, Sneha is introduced to a new world of competition among mothers about bethe st school for their child to the most popular mother. While Sneha is in the process of writing a posthumous post about her, the news of the possibility that Natasha's death is a murder arises.

Though the tribute is published amidst the hush-hush about her death, Sneha is disappointed with the cold response. She writes another post under the influence of the transpiring circumstances. The second half of the plot is about how this goes down with the mom's fraternity and the speculations about Natasha's murder.

Relatability

The book is relatable to me at various levels. Be it Natasha's initiative or the politics inside the school or having a community - I have been everywhere Nidhi Raichand has touched. I could relate closely to Natasha's works with mine in terms of Moms of Kochi. Though I am not having a glamorous social media profile, the relationships of Natasha with fellow mothers are closely relatable and hence left me wondering how the author has come so close to reality. Probably the mom's life is the same everywhere.

The author has deftly woven the mystery around Natasha's character. The plot begins with Natasha's demise but she is alive throughout the book. While the readers are connecting with Natasha's past, the author simultaneously makes them travel along with Sneha's present.

The vileness of the unforgiving social media, the baselessness of the rat race, the superficial relations - the author has, directly and indirectly, pointed out the pros and cons of the society.

The Best Seller She Wrote By Ravi Subramaniam - A Different Yet Cliche Trope

2023-07-12T17:49:00.002+05:30

When I got the book The Bestseller She Wrote fore review, the subtitle ‘adapted into an Amazon Prime Web Series named Bestseller is what caught my attention. I had watched the series and had shared a review that the story was good but the execution especially the acting of Shruti Hassan didn’t fit the bill for me. Keeping this prejudice in mind I grabbed the copy just to see if the ‘book is always better than the visual media adaption’, the belief that I have always kept is proven again.

The plot takes off in a slow pace when the protagonist Aditya, a celebrity author, was attending a fan meet wherein he meets a random girl, whom questions his ideology that a book is a product. Further we see how their equation changes the shades and how Aditya’s life changes irreversibly – both professionally personally.

The different attempt

I have read Ravi Subramaniam’s previous books and have felt that there is an Indian version of John Grisham in his books. But on the contrary, the Bestseller She Wrote is crafted more like a romantic stint with some thrilling element. I liked how the author has deftly added layers to the characters and established a preset notion about everyone which connected with the audience instantly. The effortless narration hooks the readers both out of curiosity and interest.

However, the antagonist has been in a template that we have read before. Hence the pattern was predictable, unlike the author’s previous books. The climax which lacked substance dampened the plot significantly but how the author finally brought the shades of all characters on one layer is an interesting observation for someone who wants to analyse how human mind works.

Infidelity, ethics and logic in relationships

The author has shared several observations about how a relationship works and also how infidelity slowly creeps into a relationship. I have highlighted several lines as they resonate with many real stories that I have come across. The book left me wondering how the author has a deep understanding about the human minds. The parts where he is narrating the layers of an extramarital relation as well as how if affects the both parties are relatable at several levels.

The web series and the book

Though the book is adapted into a web series, I could not find much parallels between the plots. There were several references of the discrepancies in the stories written by the antagonist, which was probably extrapolated in the web series. Hence comparing both was not easy as both are being placed at different levels. However, the character portrayal of the antagonist is much more engaging in the book than was executed by the actress. The character could have been explored more in the book because it is a layered character with lot of possibilities of having engaging subplots.

Overall the book is an engaging, quality read. You will love it if you like Indian style contemporary fiction with a tinge of suspense

Outset Books Kids' Anthology

2023-07-06T09:42:00.005+05:30

After two seasons of Little Reader, we are back with a new initiative for the little writers and readers. Outset Kids' Anthology is an initiative to feature the little writers.

Outset Books Kids' Anthology

We are inviting entries from kids of age 7-15 years. They can write about anything under the theme "My Dream". It is not just about your dream of what you want to become when you grow up, I can also be a fantasy that you imagined. In the nutshell it can be a daydream or an imagination too...

Word count

The ideal word count of the short story can be 2000 words. We are not strict about the word count if the writing quality is good but try to keep the word count under this.

For poems, the word count would be up to 200 words and not more.

Submission

Send the entries in Microsoft word format (.doc /.docx) to outsetbooks@gmail.com.

The last date to submit the manuscript is 15-08-2023

Selection process

You will get an email if your entry is selected. There is a panel of people who would scrutinize your child's work.

Format of the book

Once your entry is selected we will be editing the work and the collated works would be published as an ebook.

You will get a pdf copy of the book and also a certificate. Your child will be featured in our blog as well as social media platforms.

A to Z of Death by AiR

2023-06-27T15:51:00.005+05:30

Death is a phenomenon that creates various emotions in someone's brain. Fear, pain, disgust, uncertainty, anxiety, depression, or even happiness? Depending on our basic belief systems, we perceive our experiences related to death. AiR (Atman in Ravi) has given us a comprehensive account of the different perspectives on death.

Blurb

Death is certain. Every ‘body’ must die. Still, we do not accept the reality of death. We fear death because of the loss of all that we own, all that is known and we fear death because of the unknown beyond death. However, we are ignorant about the truth of death. Death is not the end, it is just a bend. Only the body dies. We never die. We are the immortal Soul. At death, either we will be reborn based on our Karma or we will be liberated and united with the Divine. The A to Z of Death reveals everything we need to know about death, the truth of death which will make death a moment of celebration.

My Review

The author has systematically categorized the book into different parts so that the readers get to walk through the spiritual, religious, philosophical and scientific aspects of death. We don't know what happens after death but as a fact, we know that matter can neither be created nor destroyed.

The energy that our soul is, how it is transformed? After reading the book, we remain clear in our minds.

I am personally someone who believes in Karma. Quite often we used to justify the injustices in the lives of pure souls as previous life's karma. The author convinces the readers as to how Karma plays a role in lives and afterlives. The author also explains the emotions associated with death.

The book is simple and easily comprehensive and delivers the matter to the readers with clarity. The book is a therapy, a learning opportunity, and a treasure for years to come by.

Compendium of Original Creative works by Children 2023 by Madhatter for Children

2023-06-23T06:10:00.003+05:30

Quite often than not, books/ Anthology that showcase kids work seldom screen the work. They tend to think that rejecting the work would hurt the child and it affects the overall quality of the book. When Madhatter send me the book I was expecting something on that level but I was flabbergasted to see the quality of the work. Compendium of Original Creative works by Children 2023, as the name suggests is the collection of creative works by kids. On the foot note of the book, author himself has explained how the selection process has been and has encouraged the little ones who didn't get selected to do more and more so as to improve. I personally believe that rejections help a child to grow and understand the value of quality. Speaking of quality, the book is a guarantee for quality of creative talent.

Compendium of Original Creative works by Children 2023

Blurb

Compendium of original stories and Art, this book represents a cornucopia of children’s talent and also demonstrates their great capacity to imagine. The Madhatter4children selected each piece of work based on the merit of the content and style. There are stories of the fantasy genre, magic and issues that occupy the young minds. Beautifully composed, each piece is a delight to read and appreciate.

Review

The book has works from all genres. It is reflection of how well exposed kids are in their genre of work, be it drawing, painting, story writing or poetry or any kind of art displayed in the book.

Some of the stories left me thinking that I should work more on my craft as an author because for their age, they have delivered something beyond expectations. The drawings that give us messages teaches us that kids should never be underestimated because their social responsibility outlives ours.

I have my favorites in the book but would not want to name them here because of course they are kids and all are talented. I don't want to compare the works. Having said that I have never seen a charcoal painting and when I saw the craft I was initially shocked and then surprised to see how children get to know the various aspects of art.

This book is not a mere collection of creative work by kids but the ones that have merit. However, the book cover could have been better and the pages could have been better with coated paper. Having said that it didn't affect the quality of their craft, just that humans tend to judge a book by its cover.

The Highway Murders by Sourabh Mukherjee - The Real Terror

2023-05-28T10:15:00.003+05:30

If you are a South Indian you would have definitely heard of Psycho Shankar. The notorious serial killer spread terror on the highways of South India. The Highway Murders by Sourabh Mukherjee is the fictional yet real adaptation of the cold-blooded murders carried out by the heartless criminal.

Highway Murders by SourabhMukherjee

Blurb

n August 2009, a thirty-nine-year-old policewoman went missing in Tamil Nadu. A month later, her heavily decomposed body was discovered in a drain by a graveyard. She had been brutally violated and killed.

As the investigation started, the police detected a pattern in more than a dozen unsolved rape-and-murder cases with mutilated bodies of women turning up in graveyards, drains and empty fields along the highways.

It didn’t take the police too long to find out that the perpetrator was a trucker named M Jaishankar.

What followed was a cat-and-mouse game across states, many more gruesome killings, one of the most sensational jailbreaks in the history of the country, and a controversial suicide in a high-security cell.

The Highway Murders is the breathtaking true story of 'Psycho Shankar', one of India's most notorious serial killers, and one policeman's relentless decade-long battle against the 'terror of the highways'.

My Review

The author has taken up a scenario that has been in the news for a long time. Hence it is very tough to pull off a thriller as everything was out there already. But there lies the brilliance of the author that he shifted the narration to the point of view of the serial killer. How senseless he can be. The cruelty stares down at the readers and chills their spines about how apathetic someone can be. The plot as such is a cliche that we have been reading but the fact that it is real and has happened is what makes the book endearing.

Also how a police officer dedicated his whole life to a single cause, finding and incarcerating Shankar, and how he manages to escape and wreak havoc again is the highlight of the book. The craft is marvelous. If you like to read blood-chilling thrillers this is for you. There are not many characters to connect with the readers and hence the murders are what dominate their psyche.

The Betrayal of Anne Frank by Rosemary Sullivan - Hardhitting

2023-05-28T10:15:00.001+05:30

When I read The Diary of a Young Girl, my heart bled for Anne Frank. Living inside the annex for two years without sunlight, without a sliver pf sky, without being about to talk properly, eat properly. What a horrible life. And when the diary remained unfinished, I spent days thinking how she would have suffered. Rosemary Sullivan, through her book Betrayal of Anne Frank, intends to give closure to Anne Frank's tale.

The Betrayal of Anne Frank by Rosemary Sullivan

Blurb

‘Hums with living history, human warmth and indignation’ New York Times

Less a mystery unsolved than a secret well kept

The mystery has haunted generations since the Second World War: Who betrayed Anne Frank and her family? And why?

Now, thanks to radical new technology and the obsession of a retired FBI agent, this book offers an answer. Rosemary Sullivan unfolds the story in a gripping, moving narrative.

Over thirty million people have read The Diary of a Young Girl, the journal teenaged Anne Frank kept while living in an attic with her family and four other people in Amsterdam during World War II, until the Nazis arrested them and sent them to a concentration camp. But despite the many works – journalism, books, plays and novels – devoted to Anne’s story, none has ever conclusively explained how these eight people managed to live in hiding undetected for over two years – and who or what finally brought the Nazis to their door.

With painstaking care, retired FBI agent Vincent Pankoke and a team of indefatigable investigators pored over tens of thousands of pages of documents – some never before seen – and interviewed scores of descendants of people familiar with the Franks. Utilising methods developed by the FBI, the Cold Case Team painstakingly pieced together the months leading to the infamous arrest – and came to a shocking conclusion.

The Betrayal of Anne Frank: A Cold Case Investigation is the riveting story of their mission. Rosemary Sullivan introduces us to the investigators, explains the behaviour of both the captives and their captors and profiles a group of suspects. All the while, she vividly brings to life wartime Amsterdam: a place where no matter how wealthy, educated, or careful you were, you never knew whom you could trust.

My review

Nearly a century after the arrest of the Franks, retired FBI agent Vincent Pankoke and his team set out to investigate who betrayed the Franks and reported them, which ended up destroying the family. The investigation starts with Otto Frank, Anne Frank's father, the only surviving member of the family. The horrors that they had to endure are unimaginable. The author has an excellent craft wherein she has portrayed everything without losing its intensity, at the same time trying not to merely sensationalize it. What happened to Anne Frank, how Otto Frank learn about it, what happens to him further. The book is all the more heart-wrenching b for the readers.

Through the book, the author takes the readers through each and every step taken by the cold case investigation team. Each piece of evidence they get, how they followed it and struck out the irrelevant ones. The book is huge but informative and engaging for everyone who is interested in the cause.

Towards the second half of the book, it started getting saturated, and the pace drops. Further, it picks up towards the climax. However, the author finds a closure in the climax which also leaves the book open-ended. If you are looking forward to the journey. the book will blow your mind. If you want to get a proper closure, you will be disappointed. The book is undoubtedly a treasure for your library.

Evoked by Manasi Babbar - Thrilling and Palpable

2023-05-05T18:18:00.001+05:30

Write India Campaign by Write India Campaign is an initiative by Ravi Subramanian to pick unique talents across India. Manasi Babbar was one of the top performers handpicked by Ravi Subramanian. True to the talent of the writer and the author Evoked is a thriller that keeps you at the edge.

Ravi Subramanian presents Evoked by Manasi Babbar

Blurb

Something has been evoked in the dark corners of a mind . . .

Sevita and Sama are identical twins, but they couldn’t be more different. Sevita is popular and outgoing while Sama is a loner who never really fit in. As the two enter their first year of college, tragedy strikes-one of them dies a sudden death. Barely has the town come to terms with this, when the news of another death rattles them all. As the death toll keeps rising, police are perplexed. What is plaguing the idyllic town of Lavasa?

As Inspector Mohite investigates the deaths and soon secrets tumble out, it soon becomes clear that underneath the placid surface of Lavasa lurks a complex web of lies and deceit. Can he uncover the truth before more people die?

Plot

Sevita and Sama are twins. As identical as they look, they are equally extreme in their characters and idiosyncrasies. Sevita is jovial, the center of attraction who makes friends equally while Sama is cold with a plain expression, brutal in hurting insects, and reclusive. Sama's hobby is to catch moths and insects and pin them to a board. Her scary hobbies used to creep her mother out while her father has been sensibly trying to understand his daughter. Sevita is head over heels in love with Kunal while Sama has secretly bred her feelings for him. The story takes an unexpected turn when one of the twins Sama, dies in an accident.

The plot becomes eery and gruesome when more deaths follow. More so when the deaths are revolving around the class that these kids were studying in. Inspector Mohite, the investigating officer knows things are not as plain and single-layered as it seems on the periphery. He decides to dig deeper and get to the bottom. How the instances unfold and how the investigation proceeds are what make the crux of the movie.

Review

The plot develops through the characters. Sevita and Sama's characters are developed slowly and on a large canvas. One-fourth of the book establishes various characters along with Sama and Sevita. Their friends Sruthi and Aastha, Sevita's boyfriend Kunal, a bully Nik and his cronies... The characters slowly slither their way up to our hearts.

The author has successfully gotten deep into the antagonist's psyche and how the person is instigated or scared. The other characters have a cliche craft with some preset character traits which are mandatory in a college scenario. The author's finesse lies in bringing forth the details of the deaths, and the eeriness of the situations while not making it scary yet conveying the gruesomeness of the situation. The mystery however gave away right from the beginning which affected the reading experience.

Overall the book is a thrilling experience that visually magnifies the scenario which enables the readers to let their imaginations go wild.

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Zero Day by S Hussain Zaudi - A Mirror That Faces The Society.

2023-04-29T17:14:00.006+05:30

As the technology grows, our lives become easy and so does the threat of misusing the technology. When knowledge becomes two edged sword, life becomes uncertain. Zero Day by S Hussain Zaudi is a mirror that faces the society. Terrorism is no longer about the guns on the border of Kashmir.

Zero Day by Hussain Zaidi

Blurb

Mumbai is in a state of chaos. All traffic signals across the entire city have stopped working.

Shahwaz Ali Mirza, head of the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad, receives an anonymous email claiming it to be a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack. He quickly puts together a crack team that includes his protege, IG Cybercrime Vikrant Singh, and gets to work trawling the dark web for more information on this mystery attack. However, a move to bring forward the hacker backfires, leading to a second, deadlier attack on Mumbai's lifeline, the railway system.

It is their first brush with cyberterrorism: a zero-day vulnerability in the Indian government's system that could bring the country to its knees. Racing against time and investigating a case unlike any other, in Zero Day, Mirza and Vikrant face the most dangerous mission of their lives.

The plot

Shawaz Ali Mirza, the head of ATS, receives a mail from the terrorist who claims to come back with more attacks. Mirza along with his protege Vikrant raises the matter with the CM and against all odds and deliberate intervention by the DIG , they sets up a team and starts the investigation. While dredging the dark net,they are appalled to know the gravity of the possible cyberattack in future.

What happened further forms the crux of the story.

My review

The plot takes off at a slow pace unlike the thrillers which are set in a background of terrorist attacks. Once the team is set the plot thickens and have several layers. The complications of carrying out a clandestine investigation inside the ATS office with a representative of the DIG in the team comes across as an engaging add on to the already enchanting investigation.

Other characters that are accomplices are also given space but mostly the plot revolves around vikrant..
The style of narration, particularly the idiosyncrasies of Vikrant points to the fact that the book would possibly be adapted into a movie or web series.

Vikrant's character develops slowly with the plot and as the plot thickens his character receives a definition. However, Mirza comes across as a stereotypical senior who is in support of the protagonist, without any more detailing.

The book is an indication of what might happen to the country and the possible loop holes in the system. Hussain Zaidi, the master of terrorist stories has once again proven his finesse

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Yesterday's King and King maker - VAJPAYEE: THE ASCENT OF THE HINDU RIGHT, 1924–1977 by Abhishek Choudhary

2023-04-27T10:39:00.007+05:30

COVER REVEAL

VAJPAYEE: THE ASCENT OF THE HINDU RIGHT, 1924–1977 by Abhishek Choudhary

Book Description

A man of unusual gifts and dangerously consequential flaws, Atal Behari Lal Vajpayee was the Hindu Right’s most glamorized and enigmatic face until now. Drawing on a natural talent to pull in the crowds with his eloquence, he elevated his physically frail and academically mediocre self to become a powerful spokesperson of historical victimhood.

In this singularly gripping account, Abhishek Choudhary sets out to prove that Vajpayee was far more critical to the project of Hinduizing India than is commonly understood. He uncovers how Vajpayee’s early life, of which we know shockingly little, lies at the heart of his political character: essentially conservative yet curious and conciliatory, detached yet quietly ambitious. Weaving previously unseen documents with revealing interviews, Choudhary layers this definitive biography with details of Vajpayee’s underground activities in the wake of Gandhi’s assassination; his early obsession with foreign policy; the shock from the premature deaths of his parents; his tortuous private life and maudlin poetry; his key role in the SVD coalition experiment; his defense of the Sangh Parivar inside the parliament and his averments and deferments outside. In so doing, this extraordinary debut revises several lazy myths and false binaries that have come to dominate Indian political discourse. The sympathy of Congress conservatives and Hindi intelligentsia for the RSS, Patel’s own extended ambiguity, Nehru’s innate conviction that East Pakistan would merge back with India, Indira Gandhi’s fleet-footed attack on the Jan Sangh’s finances and electoral chances, the foolish fantasies of JP’s Total Revolution and the Sangh Parivar’s dubious heroism in the Emergency are also revisited to reveal the complexity of India’s democracy.

Praises for the book

‘The finest biography of an Indian prime minister that I have read’

Ramachandra Guha

‘A real achievement, an instant classic and a total triumph’

Shruti Kapila

‘Doubles as a history of Hindu supremacism; it won’t be bettered for a long time’
Pankaj Mishra

‘Extraordinary and unputdownable. This is biography done right’

Sonia Faleiro

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Xenial Relationships and Twisted Reality? Classified by Rajasekharan Nair

2023-04-26T18:04:00.001+05:30

The famous rather notorious spy case has gained more media attention of late when the court and the government has felicitated Sri. Nambi Narayan, the many whose life has been overthrown unfairly after the fabricated case. However, is the spy case only about Nambi Narayan as everyone proclaims it to be? Is there anything else to the picture? Classified by Rajashekharan Nair is a detailed account of the spy case, laying bare the nitty gritty and illegal arrangements that led to the case or which have been subdued under the guise of the case.

Who is who of the ISRO spy story

Blurb

Did you know that the CIA had sabotaged ISRO’s top secret operation to transfer cryogenic rocket technology from Russia to India?

Ever wondered what is the real reason why S. Nambi Narayanan does not want the whole truth behind the ISRO spy story to surface?

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was rocked by a spy case in 1994, taking down in its wake six officials who were a part of the organisation, including S. Nambi Narayanan. They were blamed with passing critical rocket technology to a neighbouring nation and booked for the same.

CLASSIFIED exposes the hidden truths behind the spy story and how it highlighted the fractures of our premier institutions. It shows us how the spy case stripped them bare, down to their bones.

Read this intriguing account of how state agencies are surreptitiously trying to bury the wreckage of a failed operation.

Truth

The author, a journalist had interviewed Mariam Rasheeda and hence the closest to the case. When the author claims that there is more to the story, it comes across as an exaggeration but once we delve deeper into the conspiracies that transpired, the readers see that the rot is stinkier than we think.

The author seems to be hell bent into negating the pain suffered by Nambi Narayan. But further when the read more into the lines, it is clearer that there has been an overtly enthusiastic attempt to frame the scientist so as to sabotage India's space mission. The book, since I am reading after watching Rocket Science, i could relate more because a seemingly illegal activity has been glorified as a patriotic heroism.

The conspiracies and corruption in police force, IB and CBI is alarmingly prominent. The author throws the question in front of the readers as to how and why the investigation officer, ISRO head and officials,the arrested officials including Nambi Narayan haven't pursued the reason why the Spy Case cane into being.

The book is recommended for Eveyone who wants to know about the ISRO Spy Case as well as the politics in History. The author has bravely and authentically stated that the CIA is behind the spy case and how.

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What Could Have Been by Luke Melia - Book Review

2023-04-26T15:48:00.003+05:30

Fantasy has never been a genre that I used to look forward to. However, parallel universes and time travel have intrigued me to no end. Hence What Could Have Been by Luke Melia is a book in the fantasy genre, amalgamated with suspense, that hooked me to it.

What Could Have Been by Luke Melia

Blurb

What Could Have Been tells a story of trauma, expectation, obsession, and loss, explored through five distinct parts spanning over three decades. Two strangers, Dale and Heather, meet by chance while on holiday in Greece. As their hands touch for a fraction of a second, they experience a day in an alternate future where they are married and have a family. When the day ends, they are pulled back to reality, weighed down with the memories of a lost lifetime. This vision causes their lives to intensely intertwine, impacting their decisions, relationships and identities. The two must navigate the complexities of what they mean to one another, as they struggle to rationalize an event nobody else could possibly understand and mourn a life that never existed.

Plot

Dale meets Suzanne and instantly gets connected with her. On a Holiday with Suzanne, Dale meets Heather and Lyndon, who are deeply in love with each other. On the brief trip, accidentally Dale and Heather's fingers touch and they are taken to an alternative reality. They live the reality for thirty years in a few seconds in the current world. However, those thirty years of vision in the future change their present lives so as to change the future in the current reality as well. Everything changes, right from Dale and Heather's feelings for each other to their relationship with their partners, friends, and family. Deeply pained by the tug of war between two worlds, Dale end up worrying What if they hadn't boarded the boat, What if their fingers hadn't touched, What if they didn't get pulled into the future. What could have been...

Narration

The author has time and again proven that his craft is impeccable. But here the unprecedented plot, with such untoward incidents rattle the brains of the readers. Nonetheless, the author has managed to put everything in place and make sense for the readers to go about. The plot takes off at a supreme speed but it drops somewhere in the middle. With a complicated plot like this, the book could have been monotonous or indecipherable but the author has prioritized the characters and the emotions. When Dale and Heather live different lives the vision and the turmoil that they go through is beautifully depicted. One more round of developmental edits could have been done. Like Dale and Heather, it left me wondering What Could Have Been, had the book been holding a tighter plot. But the same has not taken away the reading experience for the readers.

The two realities are seamlessly merged and the readers are connected to the people in both. The relation between Anne and Dale is one that stands out in the whole book. How they care for each other while pulling each other's legs and also how the rejection from one hurts the other which in turn changes everything for them is endearing and heartwrenching to read.

Overall the book, despite being a fantasy, is a touching one that pitched into the various realms in the matter of the heart.

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Vijaypat Singhania's Autobiography - An Incomplete Life

2023-04-26T11:26:00.002+05:30

Taking birth in an aristocratic and ending up without a roof over his head, Vijaypat Singhania's life is no less than a grandma's tale. Once at the apex of the legendary Ramond Industries how this great man ended up settling his family dispute in court is something that should be taught in all management classes.

An Incomplete Life - The Autobiography of Vijaypat Singhania

Blurb

‘If only I knew then what I know now, my life would be completely different.’In February 2015, an unforeseen setback cost Vijaypat Singhania, the erstwhile Chairman Emeritus of Raymond Group, the work of his life and his cherished family home. One of India’s most legendary industrialists, today he is fighting a battle to recover all that he has lost. In his first and only autobiography, he traces his extraordinary life from an anguished childhood to the many dynamic decades he spent at Raymond and the tumultuous years after. Born into the famed Singhania family, Vijaypat was always expected to take up the storied family business. But not one to be deterred from pursuing his own passions, he also nurtured his love for adventure in the skies and broke two world records as an aviator, served a brief stint as a professor, and even became the sheriff of Mumbai for a time. All the while, under his stewardship, the Raymond Group diversified into new segments, with Raymond soon being recognized as one of India’s most trusted apparel brands. And then a singular misstep set in motion a grave misfortune … Intimate, candid, and deeply moving, An Incomplete Life is in fact a rare glimpse into a life lived to the fullest but marked by the painful sting of regret and heartbreaks.

The unbelievable tale

We have heard and read a lot of success stories but to tell a tale of failure or loss takes immense courage. An Incomplete Life by Vijaypat Singhania is a no-nonsense account of the simple yet majestic life of the great man.

Did you ever know that he is responsible for an airport in Surat? This and many unheard stories are mentioned in the book. The book does not have a straight trajectory of experiences. He has adopted an informal style of narration wherein he shares his memory with his readers with an ease that connects the reader with the author so as to think that the story was narrated over a cup of coffee or glass of drink.

The author has circumvented some of the uneasy circumstances, probably to safeguard the privacy of his family members but simultaneously he has been brutally honest about some of the situations.

However, he hasn't shown any qualms to anyone throughout the book. The book is about the lessons he learned from life and the author has spread the message of positivity at the end of the day.

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Ultimate Sugar-free Desserts by Harsh Kedia - Review

2023-04-22T07:15:00.004+05:30

While formulating my diet plans, going sugar-free has been the first step that I suggest to my clients. However, they used to ask me if they could at least have something that tastes sweet. Jaggery and honey have been my choices of substitutes because they had an immense amount of iron and other minerals. However, their glycemic indexes used to be high and could not be suggested to those with diabetes. Hence Ultimate Sugarfree Desserts has been a valuable add-on for me as now I can suggest various recipes for my clients in terms of weight loss as well as diabetes treatment.

Ultimate Sugar-free Desserts by Harsh Kedia

Blurb

DELICIOUS SUGAR-FREE TREATS FOR DESSERT PEOPLE

Diagnosed with diabetes at age fifteen, Harsh Kedia spent the next few years of his life having to forego all of his most-loved desserts. Deprived of birthday cakes, laddus and all things sweet as a teenager, he decided to create recipes that would allow everyone suffering from diabetes to have their favourite foods again.

In Ultimate Sugar-free Desserts, Kedia, popularly known as ‘A Diabetic Chef’ on social media, shares more than 50 recipes to whip up delectable treats using stevia, a plant-based sugar substitute. With home cooks in mind, he covers an astonishing variety of some of our favourite desserts, from indigenous sweets such as gajar ka halwa, rasmalai and sandesh to gourmet delicacies like strawberry custard tarts, éclairs and peanut butter cookies, along with a mouth-watering array of healthy smoothies and lip-smacking beverages. It’s time to have your cake and eat it too!

My Review

The author is called a diabetic chef for a reason. He has shared 50 recipes that are slurp-worth and healthy. For someone looking for a sugar substitute, Stevia, and Erythritol is the choices with the least glycemic index but recipes that can bring about the maximum taste with these substitutes is tough to find as stevia is often found in the indigenous western cuisines or so I thought.The author has deftly incorporated the substitutes in Indian desserts like rasmalai and Gajar ka halwa making them enjoyable for everyone and helping us in a guilt-free indulgence.

The book is divided into four parts - Desi Desserts, Videshi Desserts, Smoothies and Bowls, and finally Beverages. All recipes can be prepared within half an hour. The author has refrained from any unwanted gimmicks to make the book look huge. This is one put-off factor that I used to find in the cook books of late. We need to literally skim through the books to find the recipes but ultimate Sugar-free Desserts are just simple and in tact. The author has also given a conversion table at the end which makes it possible to be read and used across the globe. Another seemingly menial yet important factor is the quality of the pages. We often use the cook books inside the kitchen and while checking and rechecking the ingredients and methods, we tend to use wet hands and spoil the book. Here the pages are set in such a way that we can use them with even wet hands (not always).

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The Pleasure and Pain of Love and War in Bosnia by Humayun Kabir

2023-04-22T07:15:00.001+05:30

Is it possible to fall in love with someone amidst the gory scenes of death and dead bodies? If the story was not been narrated by someone who has been there in the middle of the chaos it would have been tough to believe. But Love and War in Bosnia by Humayun Kabir is a tale of the pleasure of the matters of the heart amidst the pain of death, narrated by someone who has been there in Bosnia during the civil war.

Love and War in Bosnia by Humayun Kabir

Blurb

'With great reverence, I spread flowers on the skull, brought soil from the surroundings and made a grave for it. It was clear that she had been tortured. I also knew that there would never be a trial for the killing of this girl, but I felt we, as human beings, had done our duty.'

Bosnia is reeling under the effects of the Bosnian War and the large-scale ethnic cleansing of Bosniaks. Beaten and destroyed, the country needs to be brought back to life with care and compassion. Sabyasachi, a disillusioned and exhausted police officer of the West Bengal cadre, lands in Bosnia on deputation duty with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force.

Suzanne, a language assistant working with the UN Mission in Bosnia and a true-blue Bosnian, has experienced the war first-hand and has a past that still haunts her.

The two meet in the gloomy winter landscape of Bosnia and fall in love. Will the ghosts of the war-torn country let their love endure?

The plot

Sabyasachi, a mod-ranking police officer was sent to Bosnia on Deputation duty with United Nations Peacekeeping Force. He hails from Calcutta (now Kolkata) where it never snows to somewhere it snows more often than not. From the peaceful environment, he is replanted to the middle of blood mongering warzone. While he tried to accustom himself to the new country, their new life, language, and cuisines he meets Suzanne. Suzanne is his translator in Bosnia. The war-torn country and the snowcapped landscape translated into a romantic destination for them as they come close to each other. But nothing is permanent in Love and war. What if both are juxtaposed? How their romantic voyage endures the gruesome deaths and the diplomatic give and takes is what leads the plot.

My Review of Love and War in Bosnia by Humayun Kabir

For an ordinary Indian like me, the World War brings the names of India and Pakistan to mind. The army holding guns and firing at each other is my visual grammar of war in post-independence India. I was unaware of the fact that not only army by the Indian police force also have things to do in terms of war, but that too in a foreign land. Had the author himself not been someone who went for the deputation, everything in the plot would have come across as an exaggeration.

However, it doesn't take away the fact that the author's narration is impeccably believable. The author has managed to teleport the readers to the snow-filled alleys of Sarajevo. The relationship between Sabyasachi and Suzanne, the acquaintance, the friendship, the romance - everything grew over time and naturally. There are no unrealistic proclamations of love or unwarranted love-making sequences. The author has beautifully narrated the relationship between two mature human beings.

Of late, I refrain from taking review copies of the so-called love stories by best-selling authors because all we could see is the forced attraction between the protagonists, and comes out as a namesake erotic romance that underestimated the readers' capability to fathom matters of heart otherwise.

I am so entangled in the pain and pleasure shared by Sabyasachi and Suzanne that I want to read this book again. I wanted to keep on writing more about the book but I leave it unsaid because "i don't like spoilers, Pushpa'

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Stirring the Sleeping Soul Inside - Booming Stars by Harsh Pamnani and Manish Pandey

2023-04-21T00:00:00.000+05:30

I knew them as Be You Nick, Mostly Sane, and Beer Biceps, and not by their real names. Yes, Social media lives are different, and the person out there would have a different life. Booming Digital Stars by Harsh Pamnani and Manish Pandey is a book that felicitated the hardworking successful and talented creators who have become a part of our lives.

Booming Digital Stars - 11 Inspiring Journeys From India's Creator Economy

Blurb

There are many books about becoming the CEO of a large corporation or a fast-growing start-up. But not much has been written about creating and managing a single-person brand in an emerging Creator Economy. The size of this economy is humongous, and the available opportunities are immense. However, in the crowded market of creators, the chances of getting lost are higher than those of getting noticed. If you want to be part of the Creator Economy, the lessons derived from the 11 journeys of India’s leading Creators, covered in this book, will help you carve your niche and build a strong brand.

Creators Covered

Bhuvan Bam, Ashish Chanchlani, Kabita Singh, Nikunj Lotia,Prajakta Koli, Ranveer Allahbadia, Madan Gowri, Team Naach, Yashraj Mukhate, Abhi and Niyu, Ujjwal Chaurasia

The inside stories

The book has been designed in a cartoonish tone which emanates the funny and exuberant energy of the creators featured in the book. The authors have done an extensive research to bring about the story of the creators to the masses. Probably the unseen undisclosed snippets of their lives. The incident when Bhuvan got a box of condoms and his family judged his craft speaks volumes about how successful creators are judged by family. Probably no one knew that Ashish Chanchlani, the brilliant human being who has been owning the funny bones of the viewers was bullied. Prajakta the most successful creator was a failure once is a fact that hardly anyone knew.

The authors have done extensive research on the creators and they have depicted the stories without sensitizing them. Each story tells us why we should not give up no matter what. They held up with the failures because they knew their mettle. How systematic, how persevering they were is something that we have to learn from the creators.

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