Fragmented: Kolkata in Pieces by Sabarna Roy

 Fragmented: Kolkata in Pieces by Sabarna Roy

"Fragmented" is a combination of two distinct stories, each portrayed with a different lens. The stories haunt you to stop and listen to their fragments of perspective.

In the "Alipore Chronicles", it is a story of four friends who come together to create a mural in Alipore. Gradually this mural transforms into the mirror for their friendships, fractures and hopes. This artwork becomes the canvas of the city itself, layered with nostalgia, anger and tenderness. The way the story shifts, making the reader feel the varied colours of life, is commendable.

In the "Monologue of a Serial Killer", it is a story of a killer and what circumstances made him the killer. As I was reading the narrative, I felt why he is blamed. The killer is correct in his perspective. Here the lines between the hunter and the hunted blur; I was finding myself doubting who to blame.

The author's spectacular way of highlighting the words and laying emphasis makes the reader feel and empathise with both sides of the character. His unique way of portraying the grey shades with purity is commendable.

Overall, it is a thrilling read.

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A Better Me by Maushumi Lata Padhi

 A Better Me by Maushumi Lata Padhi

"A Better Me" is a heartfelt collection of poems that relate to nature, daily life chores, struggles we face and the way we feel when winning a task. Beginning from childhood to adulthood, it covers most of the precious moments that made us experience and learn new things and turn into a unique person with a smile.

These poems remind us of the fact that we are caught in the web of changing social dynamics, stress and rising expectations. With declining moral values and intolerance, living a smooth, hassle-free life is not easy. It attempts to reflect on our daily struggles and how one can come out like sunshine.

I like all the poems, but "Love Against All Odds" is my favourite. It made me remember how I fought against all odds to be with my love. A few verses that laid before me many hidden secrets:
❤️" The pictures portray a different me.
But the mirror in front says it's all me."

❤️" She soaks in life's goodies, both gentle and strong.
Sweet, sour or bitter, they all make her song.

The author has meticulously penned the harsh but TRUE aspects of life. Her vivid words painted a picture of life with different colours.

Overall, it is an adorable and mesmerising read.

  

The Library That Remembers by Rhea Noor

 The Library That Remembers by Rhea Noor

Reading books is one of my favourite hobbies. But when I stumbled upon this book that says 'Library Remembers', I was intrigued to know more about it. The story revolves around the library where Sunita, a heartbroken researcher, finds Maya and a building that reacts to truth.

I was curious to know how Maya and Sunita follow a hand-drawn map to a cedar grove where the library's oldest account waits to be settled. The diary entries were making me seek deeper into the narrative and know more about the account and the person.

The story softly covers issues such as nostalgia, sadness, and the human desire to be remembered. It has a reflective tone. Rather than depending on dramatic turns, it gently asks readers to consider how memories influence identity.

The author has well penned the story, making the readers feel the essence of truth and fear of revealing secrets. She highlights that the library holds many secrets hidden, and if revealed, may cause chaos in lives.

Overall, it is a thrilling read.

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Behind Those Eyes: Through muddy paws, silent language, and unspoken devotion – the story of us by Tushar Chatterji

 Behind Those Eyes: Through muddy paws, silent language, and unspoken devotion – the story of us by Tushar Chatterji

Animals too have emotions and are well expressed when seen with love. The complete emotional rollercoaster was felt when I picked up the book. The book cover said 'ample stories' than I read inside of these cute dogs. The insensitivity towards these innocent yet unpredictable animals tells the unsaid stories of many of us.

The story revolves around Piku, Nala, Laila, Chelsea, Dolly, and Rani. The author explains the story through their eyes. Each of them have a unique story to tell. I felt the huge difference between humans and animals. Their aspect of forgiving is much more than us. We may tend to make a lot of mistakes and pretend insensitive yet they remain loyal towards us. Here I learnt how as a person I could improve by learning from my shortcomings.

The author presents that unspoken communication between humans and dogs and how a look towards these lovely pets explains so much. He firmly presents that the look says everything, the loyalty that survives disappointment, the way they love without keeping score. 

I felt joy in these pages but also sensed the loss, confusion, waiting, and forgiveness. It doesn’t shy away from the painful parts of companionship, which makes the love feel even more genuine.

I appreciated how each story had its own mood and emotional tone, keeping the book interesting throughout. The storylines were reflective and tranquil at times, but often conveyed a subtle sense of desire. The writing style is straightforward but expressive, allowing the emotions to flow effortlessly. 

Ultimately, Behind Those Eyes is both a celebration and contemplation. It honors the loyalty, resilience, and moral clarity of dogs while inviting readers to reconsider their own capacity for empathy. By the time you reach the final pages, you may find yourself reflecting on the animals who have passed through your life and the quiet ways they shaped you.

This is not simply a collection about pets. It is a reminder that beneath every pair of watchful eyes lies a story of survival, tenderness, devotion, and hope.

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When the Moon Burned White by Mohan K. Thangaraju

 When the Moon Burned White by Mohan K. Thangaraju

"When the Moon Burnt White" is an intriguing story that makes the reader dive into situations that change your perception of perceiving things. It helps the reader to undergo emotional turmoils with ease and face the power of love and self-discovery.

The book pulls you straight into the dangerous world of the Golden Triangle. Here, Kathir is just an ordinary chemical engineer living in Thailand. He gets trapped in the brutal heroin trade. 

That incident turns his whole life upside down. From then onwards, it becomes a struggle for survival, but when he meets Sanda, it reminds him of his past love. I was curious to know how they stake their lives for survival. Their inner guilt, memories and fear of losing loved ones is palpable.

The writing makes you feel like you’re walking every risky step with Kathir, constantly wondering how he’ll escape the mess he’s fallen into. What makes this story hit hard is how raw and real everything feels. 

The author narrates the story that feels achingly real and raw.  The emotional depth of the characters draws you in,relationships and understanding the struggles faced by an ordinary person. It mirrors the complexities of human relationships, and how one could face the hardships without losing faith in oneself and loved ones.

Overall, this is a compelling and enjoyable thriller. It's an exciting read with a twist.

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The Loopiness of life by Tanima Das

 The Loopiness of life by Tanima Das

"The Loopiness of Life" is a second book in the duology "The Sorcery of the Senses". I had heard a lot about the book and was intrigued to read the sequel. So I grabbed the book in sequence and read a little story about it in the prologue. I was intrigued by the poetic lines.

🌷"Take from him,

   The man from the sea,

    Two great seeds,

     Don't set him free.

    First you take,

    The seed of need.

    Then it is time.

    For the seed of deed.

    One can unlock,

    The power of the other.

    Do it and your rule,

    The land, waters and all that's farther."

Through this story, we follow the life of Dhruv, a recently divorced, betrayed and wary man, who is still trying to put his life together when all the five senses, personified as characters, meet him one by one, giving him fragments of one of his many previous births, letting him know and explore more about his purpose. 

The mystery element of the magic stone in his ex-wife's heirloom ring, the perfect crown with a missing stone, and a thrilling epic quest to achieve his purpose to restore balance back to the world sets the mysterious premise of this book, with its engaging narration and lasting impression, even beyond the book's end.

The narrative shifts fluidly between modern-day Kolkata and forgotten realms, revealing how every past life, love, and betrayal leaves an imprint. The author’s imaginative concept of the five senses and the sixth sense adds depth to the story while keeping the plot engaging and accessible.

The final uniting of the stones feels earned, not because he defeats evil, but because he never becomes it. The pacing rarely dips. Action, suspense, magical realism, and emotional reflection blend seamlessly. Each reincarnation's side character, whether from lost villages or ancient courts, feels thoughtfully developed rather than rushed. The quest for the holy and magical stones ties everything together while still allowing room for self-discovery.

By the time the story ends, it doesn’t feel like a conclusion but like a completion of one loop. The book left me with the feeling that life itself works the same way: we return to lessons until we choose rightly. 

Through the tales of Dhruv’s previous births, the author has brought out many aspects of social norms and their rigidity. Reincarnation has been handled prudently and fits into the story wherever used. The author’s imaginative power deserves special applause, and putting it into words easily understood by readers is laudable indeed.

With Dhruv’s ex-wife Juthika coming into the picture again, things take a different turn. She, as a much more mature female, seems capable of handling things that Dhruv may not have been able to handle alone in his search for the Holy Stone!

Overall, "The Loopiness of Life" isn’t just about destiny or rebirth; it’s about the quiet, difficult act of choosing goodness again and again, across lifetimes, even when no one remembers your past efforts. It reads less like a story I finished and more like one I carry with me!

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This review is sponsored by Blogchatter.

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Breaking Politics, Empowering Experts by Roshan Bhondekar

 Breaking Politics, Empowering Experts by Roshan Bhondekar

Politics is found in every scenario, but to deal with it efficiently is not everyone's cup of tea. I was looking forward to some tricks to handle it when I stumbled upon this book. It helped me with the core values required to boost my efficiency and made others value it too.

This book delves into the intricate workings of corporate politics, revealing the hidden agendas, power struggles, and manipulation tactics that can derail even the most ambitious of initiatives. 

Throughout this book, I find actionable strategies and practical tips for navigating the political landscape, building strong professional relationships, and influencing decision-making processes. I learnt how to recognise and avoid common political traps, how to build my credibility as an expert, and how to advocate for my ideas.

Politics is not only exhibited in public speeches and elections but also requires strategy, influence, and negotiations happening behind the scenes. It helped me see how different ways of coping with colleagues enhance working together to shape policies and outcomes. This process of learning and growth can strengthen your conflict resolution skills, fostering a more positive and collaborative work environment.

The author pinpoints that the pursuit of excellence and continuous learning is an ongoing process. So we need to stay curious, embrace new challenges, and seek opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills.

Written in a simple and clear language, it made it easy for me to follow even the more complex ideas. Although I felt that a few more real-life examples could have made the arguments stronger, the book still delivers a strong and meaningful message.

Overall, I think this book is a great read for anyone who wants to better understand politics and the importance of expert knowledge in decision-making..

Purchase here.