LAUGH WITH ME by Ruskin Bond

 LAUGH WITH ME by Ruskin Bond

Laughing is the best medicine. But we hardly laugh at ourselves. I hardly read any of Ruskin Bond's books. But today when I stumbled upon this book that revives me with laughter, or "How to Live with a Smile," I picked it up. "Laugh with Me" by Ruskin Bond is a colorful amalgamation of thoughts and laughter altogether.

He begins narrating how the cats laugh by sharing the anecdote of his pet cat, especially when no one is watching them. He shares how he overcame the guilt of being caught in the photo where the caption said, "THE DREADED MAN-EATER OF LANSDOWNE." He feels that his name was combined because of the article, but it appeared in the wrong manner. 

"It's easy to laugh at others—at their follies, their blunders, their pitfalls—but not so easy to laugh at oneself"—a quote from the book. He has narrated the funniest parts of his life and how it changed his perspective. One of the most hilarious ones was the one when he was caught with books stuffed in his pants. The first book that came out with whack was "AS YOU LIKE IT" by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE. The second book that came out was "GREAT EXPECTATIONS" by CHARLES DICKENS. The extreme comic part was a bonus whack.

What I liked the most was the colorful pages with no numbering on them. Each page shows a variety of depictions of life with a rainbow of colors. It indirectly depicts that life is full of ups and downs. Each person goes through a panel of highs and lows. This is another way of perceiving your failures and moving towards success. The vibrant illustrations serve as a reminder that every experience contributes to our growth, much like the characters in the story who navigate their own trials. This artistic approach not only enhances the reading experience but also encourages readers to embrace their journeys with optimism.

In one of his episodes, he shares about his story, "The Sensualist," which aroused an ire of certain moralities in the political hierarchy. He was arrested (but given bail) on a charge of "obscenity." The case was tried in Mumbai, where the complaint had been made, and he visited from Dehradun to Mumbai to attend the first hearing and plead guilty or not guilty. In the morning hours, when the train stopped at Vadodra, he had to lead a tug of war with the thief to save his spectacles. 

He has shared memorable books on humor that I began reading with. I still remember the characters TOM SAWYER, ALICE, and many more. His spectacular way of sharing his episodes with life-changing perspectives is commendable.

Overall, this is a book for all. I enjoyed the book and read it with my kids, who relished the colorful pages and the drawings. This made a smile on each one's face. The joy of sharing these stories created a special bond between us, fostering a love for reading that I hope will last a lifetime. Each turn of the page sparked our imaginations, leading to lively discussions about the adventures and lessons learned.

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Buildit: Building Blinkit in An Evolving India by Albinder Singh Dhindsa

 Buildit: Building Blinkit in An Evolving India by Albinder Singh Dhindsa

This book is not a how-to manual for overcoming the challenges of entrepreneurship in India but a realistic picture of the "why" and "what could work." The author shares his experiences and lessons from his journey. He shares that true progress lies in the economic opportunity created by many and will be enabled by an understanding of how the world of technology and that of everyday operations in India merge. 

He shares that in a country like India, many people join scrupulous works at lower wages as they need work. Companies don't pay much as they don't feel you are a reliable or dependent employee. He observed that he needs to create opportunities of work for people. In his initial days of building Blinkit, intimidating workers to come and work for him was not an easy task. It took time to make them trust him.

With the increase in mobile usage, an increasing number of workers started working on delivery stations and Grofers. I get to know about gig workers who are heavily overindexed on the amount of income and flexible timings. This has proven that gig work is not just a way to get entry-level workers to earn slightly more and graduate to something else.

He shares that no one was ready to invest in their start-up. With the rapid increase in Flipkart and Snapdeal, their competition was increasing incredibly. Even when they used to count money after a long day, it was very tiring for him and his colleagues.

He pinpoints that pivots were made by different organizations and probably the real-world equivalent of a laboratory conducting an experiment. If one pays close attention, different organizations are probably the real reason that gave him an idea to boost his start-up.

What I liked the most was his line: "The customer is not a moron. She's your wife. It is meant to make businesses and marketers realize that the person they work for—the customer—is not some unrelatable and mythical creature but a real person making complicated choices.

His deep innovation of creating or opening up his facilities in lockdown was one of the ways the families could get their essentials. His hardcore initiative was for humanity but was not an easy task. To build in this chaotic environment was a bit frustrating and challenging too. He shares that it is the time to think differently about developing our cities and recognize the chain reaction of better outcomes, especially in the productivity of human capital.

I am deeply inspired by his consistent hard work and deep innovative skills. He laid a strong foundation that if you wish to create a change, then it will definitely happen. He has not only shared the positives but the negatives too along with the tricks to come out of these situations.

Overall, it is an inspiring read. I enjoyed reading it and would recommend this to all.

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Trauma Nation: Fighting India’s Silent Epidemic by Nishtha Lamba

 Trauma Nation: Fighting India’s Silent Epidemic by Nishtha Lamba

In Trauma Nation: Fighting India’s Silent Epidemic, Nishtha Lamba shows that trauma in India is not just personal—it is shared, passed down, and often unseen. She moves from individual experiences like anxiety and emotional numbness to larger historical events.

Using deeply personal stories from the survivors and personal anecdotes, the author analyzes how trauma is handed down generations like a cursed heirloom. She draws clear connections between the past, our bodies, and our behavior. She indirectly gives voice to what many feel but are unable to articulate.

The book brings a perfect balance between scientific understanding and a deeply human perspective, making these complex ideas feel real. She provides a path in dealing with mental issues and building a psychologically safer society.

Through stories of Gayatri and Amrita, the author shares that children typically confide in their mothers, most possibly within five years of sexual abuse. The general question that lingers in our mind is:

"How will my parents react? Will they blame me? Will they believe me over the abuser who is an adult and a more important person? Should I tell my mother, father, or sibling?"

Usually focusing on what saved her or him rather than what may have trapped her is one way of healing through such scenarios. The author shares that no matter what the age of the child might be, the parent-child bond can safeguard a child or put them at serious risk. 

I was spellbound to know that repression of memories is often the brain's response to protect us from emotions we are not ready to handle. Healing isn't a straightforward path. It includes both acceptance of what happened and a space to express anguish that lingers.

Overall, it is a book that stays with you long after one completes reading. I get to know how to handle trauma from the experiences of others. It is always best to trust yourself.

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Love & Liabilities by NIHARA HAREESH

 Love & Liabilities by NIHARA HAREESH

"Love and Liabilities" is a thrilling story with past secrets and hidden desires. Initially i felt it a slow paced story but gradually I get involved with the shades of the characters.

The story follows the lives of Aana and Denzel, two people whose paths cross at a time when neither of them is ready, yet both of them are quietly longing for something real. They wish for something true and not for fame or money.

Their meeting begins as a simple friendship that slowly grows into something beautiful, something neither of them can ignore. There’s a mix of possessiveness, protectiveness, and emotional tension that makes their connection feel alive and meaningful.

Denzel is powerful and successful but still is not the man he appears to be. Beneath the surface lies a past that keeps coming back to haunt him. Even though he has everything laid out in front of him, his emotional scars surface at the most unexpected moments, making him vulnerable in a way that feels real and relatable.

What truly stands out is how beautifully the book explores relationships beyond romance. The themes of friendship, sisterhood, and especially the bond within the D’Melo family add emotional depth and comfort to the narrative. Nihara Hareesh reminds us that love doesn’t wait for the right moment, it finds us in the middle of chaos, fear, and emotional baggage, and still chooses to stay.

Overall, Love & Liabilities is a heartfelt blend of healing, passion, and emotional growth. A must-read for anyone who enjoys romances that feel real, tender, and deeply human. 

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Time-Travelling Watch by Shubira Prasad

 Time-Travelling Watch by Shubira Prasad

"Time Travelling Watch" is an exhilarating story of adventure, thrill, and fun with knowledge. The family went on a trip to Goa with Chutney, where they get to see different places.

It begins with a simple beach vacation that quickly turns out to be an adventurous trip where the trio finds a mysterious time-traveling watch. This was somewhere hidden in one of the desolated forts of Goa where hardly any person wanders. This discovery makes their guide or friend believe that these kids are not like other kids but far smarter than their age group.

This discovery sparks a journey through time, where the trio finds itself unraveling enthralling tales from Goa’s history. I enjoyed reading their encounter with Lavanya Shanbhag, a fierce freedom fighter who bravely fought against Portuguese rule. 

I liked the bond of children with Chutney and XOXO; they keep the peacock feather for him to take the smell to have some energy to roam around. 

I was inspired by Lavanya's inspiring and poignant story. It was intriguing to read about her sacrifice. It evoked a sense of courage and sacrifice and led me to know the complex history of the region.

The author meticulously presents courage and resistance among the characters. The characters are relatable and well-crafted. The language is simple yet evocative.

Overall, it is a heartwarming tale of friendship and discovery. I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend to all. 

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The War of Worth: A deeply personal memoir on Body Image, Anxiety and the Healing Journey to Self-Love by Nisha Shenoy

 The War of Worth: A deeply personal memoir on Body Image, Anxiety and the Healing Journey to Self-Love by Nisha Shenoy

Living a life with too much weight involves a lot of peer pressure, societal pressure or pressure from family. Though none are directly involved with the person, still, they want you to change. They are indirectly or face-to-face making fun of you and your obesity. Such a heartfelt story relatable to me is this book.

I could feel the pain and anguish of the author when she was sent to a detoxification centre at a mere age of 16 just to protect the family's image. The little food served and mockery done by other same-age mates or elder women is heart-touching and definitely life-changing.

I liked the subtle reflections of these incidents that changed her perspective. Though she started admiring herself as a person long after, these moments still haunt her.

Quote from the book:
❤️ Life doesn't always give us what we need. But it certainly gives us what we deserve."

I enjoyed reading the insightful Part 3 where the author learns to love herself before complaining about her body. Her 10 micro-habits are worth reading and imbibing in our lives too.

Overall, it is an adorable and inspiring read.

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Making [I]t Personal by Dr. Ritu Garg Rastogi

 Making [I]t Personal by Dr. Ritu Garg Rastogi

We all could feel the changes occurring in the weather or environment around us. But how many of us do anything or try at least? This book acts as the first step to evoke awareness among people so that they understand it as their problem and do something. The fact is that we are a part of this change, and if we could bring about a little change, it would do wonders.

It begins with the quote from the Bhagavad Gita that the environment is not ours to take or leave; it is ours to make. It is a human community to protect the environment for their survival. Here I get to know about 17 sustainable development goals in detail.

Learning about the technosphere and biosphere was alarming. I was shocked to know about the global boiling era that has begun. The author clearly states that technology should be used to enhance our lives rather than us becoming enslaved in the hands of technology.

I relished the thought-provoking questions given after each chapter. What I liked the most was how to prepare bio-enzymes. The 9R's added to my knowledge and made me a way to rethink and work efficiently.

Overall, this is a commendable get-together of facts and actionable ideas to collectively work on.

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