The Backwater Remembers by Husna .

 The Backwater Remembers by Husna .

"The Backwaters Remembers," a thriller that makes you visualize people and places while solving a murder. The story makes you realize how kids are put into boarding schools just to improve them. But discipline or emotional goings-through of the child are prime factors of it being spoken about. I could vividly feel the essence of boarding and solving a murder mystery altogether.

The story follows Krishna Iyer, who returns to Misty Meadows, Kerala, to investigate a murder in the tranquil backwaters. Then the narrative switches to 17 years before when he was a child and used to live with his parents and Joseph, who secretly applauded him for the boy he was becoming. He didn't like to accept injustice and sometimes took part in rallies and fought with his age mates.

Fed up with his weird behavior, he is sent to the hostel by his parents. Where Kris struggles being away from his parents. But eventually he adapts to the boarding school life. But during Christmas, Kris is forgotten by his parents; he has to make his way back on his own. And when he returns, he discovers something horrifying: the caretaker, Thomas, has been brutally murdered in the backwaters near St. Joseph’s Boarding School.

Inspector Jayaram takes up the investigation, but despite everything, the killer is never identified, and the case eventually goes cold.

Seventeen years later, Krish still hasn’t been able to completely escape what happened. As the case somehow resurfaces, the search for the truth begins again.  The investigation unfolds steadily, with clues carefully placed throughout the story. The inclusion of a journal adds another layer to the narrative.

Husna's descriptions of Kerala are rich and cinematic, making the landscape feel like another character in the story. The lush greenery, winding waterways, and monsoon-soaked villages create an unforgettable backdrop for the mystery.

I liked that the mystery unfolded patiently. Every chapter revealed just enough to keep me invested without relying on one twist after another. The story takes its time, letting you get to know the people before revealing what really happened. I found myself caring as much about their lives as I did about solving the mystery, which made the final reveal even more satisfying.

The Kerala setting added so much to the reading experience. The backwaters, quiet churches, and close-knit community created an atmosphere where it felt believable that a secret could stay buried for years.

By the end, all the loose ends came together neatly. Nothing felt added just for a dramatic twist, and I closed the book thinking about how the past has a way of finding its way back.

Overall, it is a gripping read.

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Bhagavad Gita’s Guide to Corporate Dharma: Timeless Strategies to Navigate the Corporate Jungle by Ashok Kumar Bhatia

Bhagavad Gita’s Guide to Corporate Dharma: Timeless Strategies to Navigate the Corporate Jungle by Ashok Kumar Bhatia

 This book is a manual for skilful action for leaders in the market place. This book demonstrates the relevance of the eternal knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita. It cites typical instances from the world of management.

At its core, the book is not about religion—it is about decision-making, mindset, and inner clarity. It vividly depicts that the corporate world is filled with ethical conflicts, pressure, ego clashes, and one  needs to often make choices between right and wrong.

Bhatia cleverly positions corporate professionals as modern-day Arjunas who are capable enough to find out their path amidst the chaos. He offers bite-sized reflections that can be consumed and contemplated individually.

From topics like “The Risk of Sweating over the Small Stuff” and “Values: The Real Soul of Organizations” to “Ego: A Serpent or a Saviour?” and “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”, the book maintains a fine balance between philosophy and practicality. Each chapter feels like a standalone lesson, yet collectively, they build a cohesive framework for what the author calls “corporate dharma.”

The author has rightly pointed out certain facts and figures we ignore by being busy or too occupied to focus on. It has taken a modern approach aligned with our ancient scriptures to improve and enhance the work life as a corporate.The captivating examples from all over the world the author has borrowed Krishna's teachings to Arjuna and has created a thought provoking guide that can be practiced in a workplace and have the potential to provide spiritual contentment towards one's work.

The author has used both his wit & wisdom in writing this book. The quirky captions & witty anecdotes/ made up scenarios add a zing of energy to reading this around 300 pg book. His personal stories, experiences are also peppered in the book.

Mention of Maslow's Need Hierarchy, Peter Drinker at regular intervals, Newton, Einstein etc reminded me of college days & the simulated versions of office situations, of my own work experience. I could relate to the book at numerous junctions.

Overall, this is an insightful book.

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Things We Never Said by Parekhit Bhattacharjee

 Things We Never Said by Parekhit Bhattacharjee

"Things We Never Said" is a collection of small stories and lyrical short prose that explores the inner lives of ordinary people. These stories are brief, distilled emotional narratives. It vividly predicts the silence about silence imposed by power, the silence of longing, and much more.

Each story predicts a snippet of life that could be usually ignored amidst busy schedules. Divided into five thematic sections, the stories inhabit classrooms, trains, stations, cafes, and distant landscapes. Quiet brief, distilled emotional narratives, designed to accumulate.

I enjoyed all the stories, as they allowed me to ponder emotional trauma that is unspoken yet understood through your eyes. From the cricket ground, where one child hopes to win the world one day and the other hopes to earn a piece of bread for himself.

But in the story "The Piercing," it made me realize the rebellion of a girl to get her nose pierced. She did it but was cheered by all her hostellers. Her mother gave her a piercing look, as it mattered to the attitude and the long list of do's and don'ts and the plenty of questions. Each look pretended to ask a question, and the other look vividly depicted that I wanted to do it.

The author has vividly presented the silences and the ongoing looks that say more than words. Each of his stories represented a facet of life unsaid. The language has a depth that is palpable.

Overall, it is an intriguing read.

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The Brave Little Dinosaur Achoo: Inspiring Dinosaur Stories | A Beautifully Illustrated Picture Book by Armaan Farid

 The Brave Little Dinosaur Achoo: Inspiring Dinosaur Stories | Moral Tales of Bravery, Exploration & Growing Confidence | A Beautifully Illustrated Picture Book by Armaan Farid

Usually every mother tries to teach her child good habits and keep him safe. But this quality is also predominant in animals. One such animal is dinosaurs. I liked the efforts and inspiring Achoo, who loves to explore the world around him.

This is a story of a little, brave Achoo who lives with his mother. He is a sweet and obedient child, but he loves to explore the forest and feels like running and climbing the trees. On such a trip of climbing, he hurts himself and is scolded by his mother. His mother warns him of any such adventures, and he agrees like a good son.

But one day, his mother, Blessey, did not return home, and this made Achoo very worried. But he remembers the warning of his mother not to go out and explore the forest. It is intriguing to read how he overcomes the fear of losing his mother, not adhering to the wish of his mother and the responsibility of taking care of his mother.

Will he be able to find out his mother? Will he be scolded or rewarded by his mother? Who will come to help him out?

The author has well penned the fear and emotions of a child when he does not see his loved ones for long. The way Achoo overcomes the scare of the forest and takes up his responsibility is commendable.

Overall, it is an inspiring and heartwarming read.

The Velvet Hotline by Arsh Verma

 The Velvet Hotline by Arsh Verma

Mental health is becoming crucial these days. But every time one feels suicidal, is anyone there to help or not? This question strikes me whenever I think of it. In such thoughts, my eye struck on the book "The Velvet Hotline."

The Velvet Hotline is an intriguing story about a hotline that helps persons trying to commit suicide with some positive thoughts and stops them from suicide. It explores the dark and complex realities of suicide and mental health.

The story revolves around Ayingbi, a compassionate and courageous woman who works as a primary teacher. As a volunteer, she is working at a suicide hotline, hoping to make a difference in people’s lives.

However, she soon discovers that her job is not as simple as it seems and that she is entangled in a web of mystery, danger, and supernatural phenomenal scenarios. One such day, a phone call gets disconnected, and even her boss acts weird. She finds herself helpless. Something happens with the cats of the locality. This is just the beginning of the real encounter.

I was intrigued to find out the difference between her helpline and Dr. Rastogi's helpline. Her face-to-face reality that she can't save everyone breaks her but not her wit to outdo others and save humanity.

Verma's writing style is funny, bringing readers into Ayingbi's universe with a rich tapestry of surrealistic imagery and thought-provoking philosophical underpinnings. However, sensitive readers should be informed that the story explores major topics of suicide and sadness, which may be upsetting to some.

The advanced vocabulary and literary depth may challenge some readers, but they will ultimately enrich the reading experience for those who are willing to delve into its complexities.

Overall, it is a thought-provoking read.

Still She Rise: A Tale of Resilience by Sahar Quaze

 Still She Rise: A Tale of Resilience by Sahar Quaze

"Still She Rises" is a powerful, unflinching tale of defiance and resilience. It makes you ponder on this male-dominated society and how women, if they collaborate, can bring about a difference in society. This is filled with raw humour and thought-provoking facts.

The story revolves around three women, Kaali, Bhrami and Chakori, who are controlled by men. It begins with Kaali crying for pity from her mother, Bijli, in the stormy, thundering night. She was kicked out of her home as she started with her menstruation, and instead of guiding her or consoling her, she was heartlessly abused by her mother.

Kaali's only comfort was her friends. She used to stay out in the menstrual hut during her menses. But this is just the beginning of this village, Palanpur. Here girls are married off as they hit puberty to avoid any complications. The ones who are educated are considered of no value, as they could not satisfy their husbands well.

The complications of the trio begin when they are in their teens and raped and no justice is provided to any of them. But it is intriguing to read how Kaali faces off against Jagan, the uncrowned prince of that village who mistreats women as if they were tissue paper. Her journey to attain respect in her village is worth reading.

Quote from the book that piqued me:

💘 "Challenging nature was easier, as nature had its intrinsic rules, unlike humans who would change like the nasty chameleons."

The author has well penned the emotions and pain behind women's faces. Her innovative and peculiar way of depicting ideas and challenging the generations is commendable. It is a rollercoaster journey of women's empowerment.

Overall, it is a fierce and haunting journey of women towards freedom.

Power Play: Video Games, Politics, and the Battle for Global Influence by George E. Osborn

 Power Play: Video Games, Politics, and the Battle for Global Influence by George E. Osborn

In today's scenario, video game and social media influence is becoming a part of daily life. Every person wants to find out how to become more influential. In this book, how technology developed for entertainment became a way for political campaigns and regimes to influence millions.

It is a great book that introduced me to the most important cultural technique of this century and how it is used by our adversaries to corrode and undermine our democracies.

The author has well captured the need of each sector and how it played an essential role in building the consumer market for computing products. He depicted vividly how in mid 2000's, games hardware built a player base that was ready to be reached to communties as they needed high speed internet access to congregate, communicate and create content.

The main side effect of the adoption of video games hardware is that it created the conditions upon which the ownership of a cheap, high- powered computer shifted from the dream of consumers in a few wealthy nations to a part of life for billions of people across the world.

Even the democratization of video game development has built the architecture of a video game information revolution; those games still needed a way to reach an audience.

The author has well penned each phase in detail and explained in simple language the need and evolution of video games. His well-researched details added to my knowledge and enhanced my focus.

Overall, it is an insightful read. 

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