Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from August, 2023

You And Your World : People Leadership Section of Leading Self and Others Concept by Venkatesh S. | Book review

Book review : T his book is an assortment of leadership skills, qualities, and behavioural patterns that are practicable by any individual with the thirst for bringing a positive change in their world. As this book advocates leadership as a lifestyle, it encourages to practice leadership at all aspects of life, not just in businesses or ‘when you get to the top.’ Few of the quotes that really piqued me: 💦"Great leaders follow the golden rule to treat other people the way they would like to be treated. If you can treat somebody else with respect or be nice to someone else, they will treat you the same way." 💦"Leadership is not about changing others, but achieving the objectives with the available individuals." This book offers insightful advice and doable steps for anyone wishing to have a good effect in their personal and professional lives, whether they are seasoned professionals, aspiring entrepreneurs, or just average people. It provides a pathway for all indiv...

Maa by Rashmi Rameshwar Gupta | Book review

Book review: माँ ही वह पहली इंसान होती है जो अपने बच्चे को जन्म देने के लिए सारे कष्ट दूर कर देती है और अपने बच्चे के पालन-पोषण में हर संभव प्रयास करती है। वही माँ जब बुढ़ापे में पहुँचती है तो कहीं खो जाती है क्योंकि वही बच्चा काम के दबाव या प्राथमिकता बदल जाने के कारण उसका दर्द नहीं सुन पाता। यह किताब एक मां के सामने आने वाली स्थिति को दर्शाती है और कैसे उसका जीवन नरक बन जाता है। "मां" एक अत्यंत भावनात्मक और विचारोत्तेजक कहानी है जो परिवार की गतिशीलता और सांस्कृतिक मानदंडों की जटिलताओं को उजागर करती है और साथ ही मां-बेटी के रिश्ते के सार को भी बखूबी दर्शाती है। कहानी मुन्नी के इर्द-गिर्द घूमती है जो अपनी बीमार मां को घर लाती है। उसकी माँ के साथ उसके बेटे के परिवार ने दुर्व्यवहार किया है और उसके कारण उसका स्वास्थ्य ख़राब हो गया है, बिस्तर पर घाव, पैर हिलना और बदबूदार त्वचा हो गई है। वह दिसंबर में अपनी मां को अपने घर ले जाती है और दिन-रात उनकी पूरी देखभाल करती है। वह उसे आवश्यक दवाएँ और डॉक्टर उपलब्ध कराती है। महीनों की लंबी देखभाल के बाद उसकी मां ठीक हो गई लेकिन चलने में असमर...

Seduction at Sea by Gwen Kleist

Synopsis: She’s determined to keep her distance. He’s determined not to let her… Rachel Hennessey always puts her career first. So when an important client pushes up a launch date, Rachel is all in on making it happen. Even if that means working through her cousin’s wedding cruise. Until she finds out the guy who once broke her heart and nearly derailed her career is the best man. But while he  might  be able to distract her as they sail around the Hawaiian Islands, she will not fall for him. Not again, anyway… Michael Porter never thought he’d see Rachel again. But if fate wants to give him a second chance with the one who got away, he’s not about to fight it. Just months after selling his share of a seven-figure business, Michael is at a crossroads in life. A luxury cruise seems like the perfect time to evaluate his next move. Now all he has to do is figure out what he did to make Rachel hate him so much so he can make it right. All it takes is a little forced proximity—and ...

Dear Prudence by Karen Janowsky

Synopsis: Two lost souls find a tether in the power of love. Pru Blum’s life hasn’t been easy, but working as a cellist with the Lower Georgia Symphonic Orchestra is her solace. She depends on her friends and uncle for support, but she’s resolved to become stronger and more independent. However, avoiding her abusive ex, Cliff, isn’t easy… especially since he’s a member of the orchestra too. His overbearing personality and unwanted attention stop her in her tracks each time she tries to move forward. Shawn Levinson’s life seems disjointed, almost as though it’s someone else’s. His parents adore and expect him to marry his girlfriend, Helena, and for him to work for her father’s corporation. Deep down, he knows their relationship is a sham. Besides, sitting at a desk and wearing a tie forever isn’t his dream. Whenever he tries to follow his own path, though, everyone dismisses his hopes as foolish. He doesn’t have the strength to oppose two families, so he es...

Falling In & Out by Nishant Prakash | Book review

Book review:   “Falling In & Out” is a captivating novel that transcends traditional storytelling boundaries. The book's exploration of time, destiny, and the profound impact of choices creates a rich and thought-provoking narrative.  It skillfully weaves philosophical inquiries into a poignant narrative, offering readers an opportunity to explore their own relationship with time, choices, and personal growth. The book delves into the lives of three childhood friends  Neil, Waheed, and Paaki  whose destinies are intricately woven together.    What unfolds is a poignant tale of friendships tested, emotions entwined, and destinies rewritten.    As one of them embarks on a mission to rectify their shared past, the narrative challenges the limitations of time and destiny.  It makes the reader wonder the innocence of children that they don't accept the bars of caste or creed . A longing for parents attention , desire to speak or express your l...

Beerfest by Lilo Moore

  Synopsis: Two best friends, a tipsy Oktoberfest dare and one kiss that could change everything. It’s been fifteen years since big-shot marketing manager Fi first met her bi best friend Max. Living on different continents has had its challenges, but she’s determined that their friendship will be as strong as ever when she arrives in Munich for an Oktoberfest reunion with their study abroad friends. There’s no one she loves like her Max, even if he has finally grown up a bit and now runs a microbrewery. But instead of lazy conversations and comfortable day-drinking, as they’d always done when they were younger, the reunion is a slightly desperate meeting of disillusioned millennials escaping real life – until Fi’s jetlagged, drunken rant about being a woman working in beer marketing goes viral and they’re roped into a bad-taste beerfest challenge. As she and Max and their friends from the international dorm tackle fairground stunts, physical challenges and bad karaoke, the one dare...

Cusp of Redemption by Olivia Preya

Synopsis: Salvatore de Marco It was always about her. Taking care of her. Making sure she had everything she needed. School. Apartment. Living expenses. I took care of it all. For her. And I’ll never regret the decisions I made to keep the smile on her face. But she left me once, and I’ll be damned before I let her leave again. As the Cafarelli family enforcer, I can provide her with more than I could before–money and protection. I’ll do everything in my power to protect her from whatever demon made her run the first time. But what if it turns out the demon was me? If there’s one thing I know, it’s that our connection is undeniable; I can feel how hot she is for me. Even if she won’t admit it. Yet. — Naya Okpara It took a long time to get to where I am now. From foster kid to private investigator, I do whatever it takes to get the job done. Even if that means working for the Cafarelli family. I thought he was long gone—a distant memory tainted by a figure from our past. But time and di...

Little Girl Vanished by Denise Grover Swank | Book review

Book review: "Little Girl Vanished", a Harper Adams Mystery is fast-paced, nail biting drama. It is a phenomenal start to Denise’s new series!   Harper is a fierce heroine who finds herself begrudgingly returning home after leaving her job as a detective in Little Rock, to live with her parents. When the daughter of a childhood friend goes missing Harper is haunted by the similarities to her sister’s kidnapping two decades earlier.  Harper has to make alliances with people she wouldn’t normally trust, but she knows if she doesn’t do something, Ava is likely to meet the same fate as her sister, and Harper is determined not to let that happen.  But, has Ava just run away, as is being claimed by some of the family members or has something more sinister taken place? How is is connected to Harper’s sister’s case? The author's talent for world-building shines in the first book of this new series. The dialogue, the characters and the unexpected twists all kept me turning pages t...

Maribelle’s Shadow by Susannah Marren | Book blogger

Book review: T his is a book about money - lots of it -, power and how family secrets can affect lives and keep a family divided. Maribelle, Caroline and Raleigh Barrows are sisters. Maribelle is the eldest and Raleigh the youngest by ten years. She is the most sensitive and Caroline is the most driven. Maribelle is the Editor of the “PB Confidential”, a magazine she has made more successful, and her husband Samuel Walker was CFO of the family business. Maribelle and Samuel were sweethearts when they lived in Kesgrave, located in the panhandle of Florida, on the Gulf Coast.  The Barrow sisters and their mother are all well known in Palm Beach Society. They always dress to impress and support philanthropic causes that are popular. The three sisters appear to be close friends but are really in competition with each other.  Maribelle is the oldest sister. As the novel begins, her beloved husband, Samuel, has just died in a boating accident. Even though she knew that he was unfait...

Mystical Narratives: Mesmerising Conversations between Moonlight and Moonshine by Karishma Udit Chhatrapati | Book review

Book review: "Mystical Narratives" is a compelling journey into the heart's depths, a reminder of poetry's capacity to mirror our emotions and kindle courage in the face of life's challenges. T his anthology of poems comprises of magical conversations between Moonshine and Moonlight.     Moonshine, the protagonist, opens her heart to Moonlight, seeking solace and guidance in the face of anguish, pain, fears, and anxieties. Few of the poetic verses that piqued me : 💟 " Put to sleep -  The mind that confuses,  The intellect that judges,  The ego that discriminates.  Awaken! The soul that is aware For the Divine is here, there and everywhere ". Our mind is never at rest chasing one thing or the other. For a directional approach or healthy well being one need to put his mind at rest as it confuses us. Our ego never let us discriminate between right or wrong so we need to awake. Our divine soul is aware of the holy existence of the almighty. As Almighty Go...

The Unlikely Heir by Jax Calder | Blitz

Synopsis: What happens when the Prince of Wales falls in love with the Prime Minister? My boring life working in an insurance call center in sunny California just took an unexpected turn. Thanks to my misbehaving relatives, I’ve leapt from obscurity to royalty as the new heir to the British throne. But my welcome in England is about as warm as the weather. I arrive to discover a country horrified at the thought of an American version of Prince Charming and ready to revolt against the monarchy. I vow to my grandmother, the Queen, that I will do everything possible to help her save the crown. Unfortunately, royal life isn’t easy. From bewildering traditions, traitorous friends, and malevolent swans, the only thing I’m succeeding in is providing entertainment for the tabloids and social media trolls. And then the broodingly handsomePrime Minister, Oliver Hartwell, bursts into my life. With his meteoric rise from poverty to the most powerful man in the country, Oliver un...

Waves and Tides by Gulshan Kumar | Book review

 Book review: "Waves and Tides"  lies its ability to elevate the spirit and stir a symphony of emotions within.  This collection of poems masterfully weaves words into a mesmerizing tapestry of the world's essence.   The poems explore  many moods and facets of love, capturing both the intensity and emotional depth.  Few of the poetic verses that piqued me : 💗"  Thoughts of thee are lurking fire ambers  Underneath my mind's frolics and gambols,  Will set ablaze a conflagration so painful,  Forcing me to forsake this life ungainful.  Come back, return, before my soul departs,  Leaving me a lump of mud and frozen blood. " 💗"  Your words are sweet like honey  And when I weave them into songs  And sing them in lofty elation,  Become hymns for me,  Born of divine inspiration.  When I am in deep slumber  Your words become golden dreams. " The author skillfully weaves themes of motivation throughout...

Agriculture in Ladakh: A Step Towards Sustainable Mountain Development by Stobdan Tsering | Book review

 Book review: ''What do people eat in Ladakh?''; ''Why apricots of Ladakh are so sweet?''; ''Are the crops grown in Ladakh organic?''.....many such questions arise when we talk about Ladakh..  Here I got to read about agriculture in Ladakh.. The details regarding agricultural space , types of crops , optimum temperature or time of harvesting crops and much more. The book gives readers a detailed insight of the topography, climate, and difficulties that farmers in Ladakh endure. It emphasizes Ladakh's potential as a center for study and examines efforts made to practice organic farming, which is an important step toward sustainable agriculture. The acceptance of new technologies by farmers and their openness to change are other topics covered in the book.  He emphasizes the use of organic fertilizers, crop rotation, and water-efficient irrigation methods as essential components of sustainable farming systems.  By combining traditional ...

Hung on the Horizon by Bhuwan Khanduri | Book review

Book review: "Hung on the Horizon" is a powerful tale, diverse characters, and a perceptive commentary on societal processes. It  is a compelling narrative exploring the intersecting realms of class struggle, personal determination, and persistent hope, with its diverse cast of characters embodying multifaceted viewpoints of social inequality and resistance. The story revolves around Gaje Singh who finds himself among the Naxalites. What he wanted was simply to be of help to the poor labourers and peasants. But he finds himself in this awkward position where the Naxals are fighting against the system. The system on one part is aiming to make development possible in these backward areas thereby aiming betterment of their people. However, in reality, they rarely get any improvement. In this mix, a young Maoist is captured and the story takes a turn. What will happen to the captive? How Gaje Singh will survive among the Naxalite? Is there hope for the poor and weak section?  Quo...

Ek akela ped by Chanpreet Singh| Book review

पुस्तक समीक्षा: पुस्तक में मनोरंजक कविताएँ शामिल हैं जो विभिन्न मुद्दों पर गहरा प्रभाव डालती हैं। क्यूकिं किताब की शुरुआत एक अकेला पेड़ कविता से होती है जहाँ कवि एक पेड़ की बेबसी का वर्णन करता है। हमें जीवन देने वाले पेड़ काटे जा रहे हैं। पेड़ों को जंगल से लेकर उन रास्तों पर अकेले छोड़ दिया जाता है जहां हम इंसानों को हरियाली लगती है? लेकिन क्या हम उन्हें उनके घरों से अलग नहीं कर रहे हैं? हम अपनी आने वाली पीढ़ी को वास्तव में क्या प्रदान करने का प्रयास कर रहे हैं? यह पुस्तक थोड़े समय के लिए पढ़ी गई है लेकिन प्रत्येक कविता में गहराई है जो शब्दों से कहीं अधिक कहती है। यह हमारे कृत्यों के पीछे की क्रूरता को मजाकिया शब्दों के साथ इंगित करता है जो आपको आज की वास्तविकता के बारे में एक बार फिर से विचार करने के लिए मजबूर करता है। कुछ काव्यात्मक छंद जिन्होंने मुझे बहुत प्रभावित किया: 🍎 "लिखना नहीं कला न यह विज्ञान, यह तो मानवता को प्रभु का वरदान, कैसे न अपनाऊँ यह आज़ादी स्वराज, तभी तो लिखने से न आऊँ मैं बाज़।" बहुत सच्चा लेखन न तो कला है और न ही विज्ञान। लेकिन यह कवि के हृदय या भ...

THE BELIEVERS: Real Life Encounters by Glenville Ashby | Book review

Book review: "The Believers," presents a captivating and thought-provoking narrative of the complexities and intricacies of Caribbean religions, as witnessed through the eyes of devoted believers. It explores the intricate depths of human consciousness and unveils the essence of faith, belief systems, and the pursuit of higher truths.  The book comprises of 46 chapters that  takes the reader on an enlightening voyage through the vivid spectrum of spiritual encounters. These encounters serve as a testament to the extraordinary nature of faith and its ability to manifest in tangible ways. The stories contained in this beautiful treasure book not only inspire but also challenge our understanding of what is possible in our existence. The exploration of believers' minds and their adeptness at occult arts is truly fascinating. Some breach the boundaries of the spirit world, seeking to transcend the limitations of self and embrace a higher calling. But does such indulgence lead ...

The Structure of Peace: A Yoga Story by Gnan Thakore | Book review

  Book review: "The Structure of Peace"  is a captivating and heartwarming tale that embark the readers on a journey of self-discovery and ancient wisdom through the eyes of a ten-year-old boy named Badri. This book is a fascinating mix of adventure, mysticism, and philosophy. As he joins a yoga school, Badri navigates a transformative path filled with unexpected challenges, magical experiences, and lessons from great sages. Through Badri's journey, readers learn the importance of mindfulness, compassion, and self-discovery in achieving inner peace.  The author  masterfully infuses the logic of yoga, drawing from ancient texts like the Bhagavad Gita, Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, Hatha Yoga, and Chakra systems. He has laid a  harmonious blend of narrative and ancient wisdom that envelops readers in a profound exploration of peace, self-discovery, and spiritual growth. Yoga is a science of emotions and personal growth. After reading this book made me realize that y...

Failure to make round rotis by Mehak Goyal | Book review

 Book review : "Failure to Make Round Rotis" is a compelling collection that brings to light the voices of young Indian women from childhood to adultery .Their book is a collection of heart warming poems that intricately weaves themes of identity, empowerment, and societal pressures. The poems carry a strong emotional weight, inviting readers to empathize with the struggles faced by the characters. The collection prompts conversations and contemplation, making it a relevant and impactful read. Few of the poetic verses that really piqued me:  🍎 " The bees of happiness         have long forsaken us.        Memories, like broken bottles,         Are strewn around.        Cacti of regret         Flourish by the gate." Very true depiction of such moments when a part or a girl is used, served and betrayed brutally. The only thing left is cacti of regret but to no ava...

Fighting for the Truth by A.B. Medley | Blitz

  Synopsis: You’ve always been mine to love and to hate… Small towns have a way of making you face your past. And there’s two sides to every story. Hawk and Brittney met as kids in a time when they both needed someone. Their worlds were already in a state of unrest when an unexpected betrayal stripped them bare. Words of hate were uttered and promises broken, leaving them bitter enemies. One is left fighting for the truth, while the other is left with nothing but a dream. But time and distance can’t separate them forever and fate seemingly intervenes. Lines blur as they realize things may not have been what they seemed, and old feelings are resurrected. But amid salvaging their connection comes another fight. Hawk’s murky past catches up to him and Brittney is thrust in the middle, leaving him no choice but to fight once more to save the girl he realizes he’s always loved. Even if it means destroying her dreams and wrecking her heart. Fighting for her is the only thing that matters...

Destiny Conspired | Book review

 Book review: "Destiny Conspired: To Follow My Dream" is a gripping and captivating tale of chasing dreams id you really want a big change in your life. The book navigates themes of destiny, ambition, and resilience. It highlights the power of dreams to motivate and inspire individuals to push beyond their comfort zones. The story takes readers on a journey with Aditya, a software engineer who is grappling with life's challenges and his aspirations. He hastily accepts a job offer in a start up company after sitting idle for an year or running after jobs. This job included a service agreement for three years. Bit merely after eighteen months of his job he was devastated to why he accepted that job. But no avail.  On the contrary , he had a dream of purchasing an OMG Car that was only forty lakhs. But is it easy thing to dream of a luxurious car belonging to a middle class family owing to so many loans? It was his dream to get that car one day. So he started following hi...

Shahar me shayar ki shadi ki saalgarah |Book review

 शहर में शायर की शादी की सलगिरह" कविता और गद्य का एक रमणीय मिश्रण है जो एक अमिट छाप छोड़ता है। अपने हार्दिक छंदों और स्पष्ट चिंतन के माध्यम से, पुस्तक पाठकों को मानवीय भावनाओं के स्पेक्ट्रम का पता लगाने के लिए आमंत्रित करती है। यह पुस्तक कुछ कहानियों के साथ काव्य छंदों का संग्रह है। लेखक के शब्दों में कच्ची ईमानदारी एक भावनात्मक प्रतिध्वनि पैदा करती है जो लंबे समय तक बनी रहती है। कुछ छंद जिन्होंने मुझे बहुत प्रभावित किया: 🍎"झूठा तेरा वादा पर सच्चा  मेरा इरादा,      थोडी अच्छाई देदूं , तुझसे कुछ बुराई लेके ॥" ज्यादातर लोग जो प्यार में असफल हो जाते हैं या प्रेमी से धोखा खा जाते हैं, उनके पास कहने के लिए एक ही बात होती है कि मुझे एक गलत इंसान से प्यार हो गया, लेकिन फिर भी मैं आपको अपनी कुछ बेगुनाही पेश कर सकता हूं। 🍎 "उठाते हो सवाल , कभी जवाब भी रखा करो,    मचाए कितने बवाल , हिसाब भी रखा करो !     सभी को देते हो जिसको पढने की नसीहत ,     तुम अपने पास में वो किताब भी रखा करो !" प्रश्न पूछने से पहले अपने कर्मों का हिसाब अवश्य रखें..या ...

Explore Experience Evolve: A Story of Perseverence by Ashwini Koteshwara | Book review

Book review: The book is a memoir of his life containing various anecdotes about his life transforming experiences and life lessons that he got on the way.  These tales testify to her unyielding thirst for knowledge and unwavering commitment to continuous learning, propelling her towards success and happiness.  The storytelling is so powerful that it triggers nostalgia and resonates with the reader's memories, bringing back cherished moments from the past.  The word building of the book is very good and the way the life experiences are portrayed as teachings for the readers, is very entertaining to read. The cover is beautiful and the title is very apt. Overall,    "Explore Experience Evolve" revolves around the author's own life experiences challenges and triumphs making it relatable to readers who may be facing similar obstacles in their own lives. Purchase:  https://amzn.to/45SYtBp  

A Million Times Over by Shuchi Batra | Book review

 Book review:  "A Million Times Over" is a triumph of artistic expression that seamlessly merges poetry and prose to deliver a poignant and unforgettable tale.    The poetry allows for a deeper exploration of their thoughts and feelings, creating an intimate connection between the characters and the audience. The story is a saga of romance which took place between two college students, Siddhartha and Sia.  Sia was Siddhartha's crush and after a few month's of friendship she also started feeling something for Siddhartha and came into a relationship. But do love stories are really real or a hope of being real? Poetic verse that touched me a lot : 💗Will you be my forever and make me your life? she said ‘yes, for sure you feel like home, and that’s more than enough for me to survive’ 💗  It is so painful when you realize that your dream love story will always remain in your dreams T he author skillfully captures the essence of love, taking readers on a heartfe...

What - Reason Behind Every Desire by Abdul Ghaffar | Book review

Book review: “ The first step towards achieving anything significant in life is to  understand 'WHAT' you truly desire." This book explores the hidden depths of your mind, uncovering the secrets of your heart and purposeful connections within.  obstacles. Having a clear understanding of your  "what" instills a sense of motivation and resilience, allowing you to  navigate the ups and downs of life with determination. In essence,  the "what" question is a powerful tool for personal and professional  growth. It unlocks the doors to self-discovery, decision-making, and  fulfillment. By embracing this question and seeking its answers, you  embark on a transformative journey towards realizing your dreams  and creating a life that aligns with your true desires.    The author offers a fascinating examination of the causes and motivations for every thought and desire through a synthesis of psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy. ...