Bookishlife2022_

 The Roaming Bihari and His Bagful of Stories by Ehtesam Shahid Residing in a different country to earn a living here and there is a bit difficult. But many Indians opt for going out and working for their families over here. But their journey of cutting down their expenses for living and trying to save more is not a piece of cake. In this book, I get to read about the author who went to Saudi Arabia after the 9/11 attacks.  The author shares interesting anecdotes from the lives of diverse personalities, even the fascinating career and contributions of the UAE's ruler, Sheikh Zayed, and many other implications of influential persons. He has explored how Indians have bonded with one another and accommodated the demands made upon them by the diverse rules, norms and cultural mores that prevail in different Gulf states. Overall, this is an excellent introduction to the dynamics of West Asia for travellers, businesspeople, and those seeking fortune beyond their native shores. Purch...

 Uneasy Spaces by Shubira Prasad "Uneasy Spaces" is a collection of nine stories that made me engrossed with thoughts and linger out many questions unsettled. These stories speak instead of the fraility of human ties and the shadows that stalk us.  Each story is very different and yet shares a tsunami of emotional terrain that binds them. The author has well weaved the narrative leaving you pondering on the turns or how the characters might have taken decisions. This choice made challenges the readers who expect momentum of actions. There were moments that demanded the stillness and patience. It provide ample time for the reader to decide and think both sides of the situation. In story, Jai Bhirali, the character of Gaurav and his first love or wife and their tragic end made me feel sorry for the couple. This story depicted so many aspects from the tough life of the air force officials to the dutiful son who remarries to keep her mother happy. But will the first love die or p...

 Lanterns for the Dark by Rheaa Noor This poetry book is an intensely personal and emotional trip that will leave you breathless. The author's voice is gentle, honest, and unafraid, as if you were reading a message to your own heart. The poems address themes of grief, heartbreak, and resilience, yet they do not dwell on the agony. They are about healing and discovering power in vulnerability. The author's words are like candles in the darkness, guiding you through difficult moments and reminding you that you are not alone. Each poem meets the reader exactly where they are: in sadness, doubt, or desire for something they can't quite put a name to. However, each piece serves as a reminder that your emotions are valid, your scars are real, and your light continues to matter. Overall, Lanterns for the Dark is a comforting, sympathetic companion for anyone going through emotional healing. It is not a book that dazzles with technical experimentation; rather, it is a book that c...

 Arsenal of The Gods by Ajeet Pratap Singh "Arsenal of the Gods is a fast-paced, immersive mythological thriller that pulls you in from its very first mystery and never quite lets you breathe. The idea of waking up with eleven days erased from memory is unsettling on its own, but the novel quickly deepens that unease with haunting visions, cryptic symbols, and the growing realization that nothing about Rudra’s life is what it seemed. Rudra is found thousands of miles away from his factory in Goa, in his home in Allahabad. Gradually he begins to join the pieces of this puzzle. In his adventure, Kshitip is his ally and together they must solve cryptic riddles hidden in ancient temples across India. Each riddle unlocks a piece of the weapon that has the power to burn the entire earth down. Are they succesful in keeping the balance of the power of not? Well I am not going to tell you everything here. Pick up the book and find out more. For the most part, the pacing is excellent, keepi...

 Finding our Forever: A frenemies to lovers, slow-burn office romance! by Manisha Vashist Manisha Vashist's Finding Our Forever is a slow-burning office romance that draws together Ruhi Sharma, a responsible, career-driven lady who only falls for fictitious men and has sworn off real ones, and Samar Malhotra, the charming but guarded CEO who no longer believes in forever. Two years after an accidental encounter on a solo walk that resulted in heartbreak and misunderstanding, fate brings them back together. Now working together, their polite professionalism conceals an unmistakable chemistry that threatens to revive old sentiments and create something neither of them anticipated. This beautiful story, with supporting families and a sweet happily-ever-after, is the ideal combination of love, fun, and warmth. The chemistry between the leads is evident, making their journey to the altar enjoyable to watch. The text is lush, dramatic, and unabashedly emotional - extravagant at times, ...

 THE RIVER KNOWS HER NAME: A novel of sisters, secrets & mysteries by Dr GEETHA KARIAPPA "The River Knows Her Name" is a delicate yet powerful book about grief, memory, sisterhood, and healing. At its core, this tale is about love and grief; it is about sisters who are connected not only by blood but also by secrets that run underneath their lives like an invisible stream. It begins with a devastating heartbreak: Revati, a bright sister, was killed and found dead on their family's Coorg estate. Swati, her sister, is upset and left with a lot of unanswered questions. It follows Swati, a woman shattered by her sister Revati’s death, who seeks healing in a monastery far from home — and there encounters Jayanti, a monk whose calm presence stirs memories she cannot explain.  Their journeys, through grief, guilt, forgiveness, and transcendence, reflect my own fascination with how pain can become a teacher and how the search for peace often begins in the depths of suffering....