Bookishlife2022_

Book review: "Wet Brain" by Mark C. Hull is a darkly comedic mystery that skillfully balances suspense, humour, and discomfort, leaving readers both puzzled and amused. At the heart of the story is Toby Sinclair, a man gripped by an unwavering belief that a serial killer will soon end his life, a fear that simultaneously alarms and oddly satisfies his conviction in his tragic fate. When Toby reluctantly assists his friend in aiding Baron Corley with the clandestine burial of a steamer trunk deep within the woods, he initially suspects he has encountered his own murderer. However, the plot takes a captivating twist when he realizes he has transitioned from being a prospective victim to becoming an unwitting accomplice in whatever sinister secret Baron has concealed within that buried trunk. As the story unfolds, it unravels a series of unknown truths and absurd situations. Toby's erratic behaviour and his palpable sense of impending doom create a compelling depiction of hi...

 Book review: Seetha Anand Vaidyam's "Parenting Manual" is an invaluable guide for new parents embarking on the rewarding journey of raising children. With an empathetic and understanding approach, this book addresses the common concerns and anxieties often experienced by new parents, especially when their child's development doesn't adhere to rigid timelines. Spanning a comprehensive array of topics, from developmental milestones to essential parenting tools and engaging activities, this manual offers indispensable insights for parents seeking to comprehend and nurture their child's growth and development. Expert quotes are seamlessly woven throughout, enriching the reader's understanding and providing diverse perspectives on various facets of parenting. The book not only imparts guidance but also encourages parents to trust their instincts and exercise their best judgment when implementing the suggested tools and activities. It underscores the uniqueness...

 Book review: "Lust" serves as the inaugural entry in the Seven Princes of Sin series, unfolding the tumultuous narrative of Donna and Adam. This is a gripping, dark tale centered around a woman who has endured the brutality and oppression of her abusive boyfriend. Donna's life is a harrowing ordeal. Abandoned by her father at a tender age, she is left in the care of her drug-addicted mother, all while her enraged and abusive boyfriend holds dominion as the leader of the ruthless Saints gang. When a chance presents itself for her to break free from his tyrannical grasp and rescue her mother from the dubious institution he has consigned her to, Donna makes a fateful decision. She agrees to infiltrate and eliminate one of the new club owners who is exploiting their clientele. However, in this treacherous game, the lines between seduction and manipulation blur. Donna, having weathered the harshest of trials, seizes an opportunity for a different path, leading her to encounte...

Book review: Talya Blaine's 'Entirely' marks the third installment in the Transformation series, a compelling journey that revolves around Quinn and her evolving relationship with Jonathan. Within this book, Quinn grapples with challenging decisions and life-altering events, and it delves deep into the development of each character, exploring their impact on Quinn's future and her connection with Jonathan. Quinn's life takes an unexpected turn as she begins to question what lies on the horizon, particularly in relation to her partnership with Jonathan. In the blink of an eye, she discovers how a seemingly simple request can wield the power to reshape everything. The writing in 'Entirely' is immersive, enveloping the reader completely within the story's embrace. I found myself utterly unable to set this book aside, staying up through the night to reach its conclusion. It was as though I was walking alongside Quinn and Jonathan as they navigated the comple...

Book review: "The Legend of Bahirji-Naik" is an enthralling historical rollercoaster, replete with characters as vibrant as a carnival parade. In the second instalment of this series, titled "Siege of Panhala," the author guides readers on a captivating voyage into the heart of Maratha Swarajya in the year 1665. This compelling narrative revolves around the besieged Maratha nation, grappling with dire circumstances as the formidable Mughal army, under the command of Dilerkhan, and the Rajput Commander Mirza Raje Jaysingh, lay siege to the impregnable Fort of Purandar. Within these pages, readers will discover the profound wisdom of Raje Shivaji and his audacious plan to break free from this encirclement, echoing an earlier daring escape from the Panhalgad Fort. As the gripping tale unfolds, the novel transports readers to a pivotal moment in history, where the Mughal and Adilshahi forces had once trapped the Swarajya, leaving the indomitable Maratha leader, Raje Shi...

Book review: "I Kick and I Fly" is a deeply inspirational narrative that unfolds in Bihar, India, portraying the incredible journey of a young girl who defies the looming threat of the sex trade with the help of a compassionate local hostel owner and the transformative power of kung fu. Within these pages, we are introduced to Heera, a resilient fourteen-year-old, whose story serves as a testament to courage, resilience, and the inner strength needed to break free from a life of entrapment. Her tale resonates as a symbol of the indomitable spirit of women worldwide, while the compelling narrative imparts valuable lessons on determination and self-discovery. The narrative delves into the formidable challenges Heera confronts, shedding light on the pervasive issues of human trafficking and the harsh realities of her community. Heera's transformation from the periphery of the Red Light District to a local hostel is both moving and powerful. Through her dedication to kung fu,...

Book review: "MOTHERSON" is an enthralling thriller that immerses readers in a multi-dimensional and fervent journey. The narrative revolves around Abhik Burman and Lipi, the protagonists who unwittingly find themselves entangled in a series of gruesome murders haunting the streets of Kolkata, their hometown. Abhik's life spirals into chaos when he stumbles upon a bloodstained knife belonging to his own mother, coinciding with the onset of the Parnasree murder spree. Driven by a fervent desire to uncover the truth, Abhik embarks on a relentless quest to unmask the killer, all the while grappling with his internal turmoil. He is torn between his unwavering belief in his mother's innocence and the mounting evidence suggesting otherwise. As the story unfolds, Abhik's personal vulnerabilities and vivid imagination further blur the lines between reality and illusion, right and wrong. Will Abhik succeed in identifying the elusive murderer? Can he unearth the true motive...

 Book review: "The Reluctant Doctor" is the memoir of Dr. Balesh Jindal, a poignant account of her life journey, filled with experiences, challenges, and moments of joy and blessings. Dr Jindal's odyssey commenced in 1982 as a newlywed doctor eager to join her husband in London and practice pediatrics there. However, fate had other plans, leading her to a tiny clinic in the rural area of Kapashera near Gurgaon. She reluctantly began her work there while waiting for her husband's return from abroad, a decision that would shape her destiny. This memoir meticulously chronicles her experiences over four decades, offering clear insights into not only her medical practice but also a range of socially significant topics. These subjects encompass the farmers' attitudes toward medicine and the transformative impact of globalization on the village. Dr Jindal's firsthand exposure to evolving social norms led her to candidly address a myriad of issues, including dowry, ge...

 Book review: "Ladies' Tailor" emerges as a venture born of necessity when three men residing in a refugee camp pool their meagre resources to carve out a livelihood, embarking on an ambitious journey fraught with peril yet promising rich rewards. While the book subtly alludes to the political and social climate of the era, its primary focus lies on the bonds that form amidst adversity. The central characters exude individuality, with women stepping into the spotlight rather than lingering in the shadows cast by men. Although the male lead occupies more page space, the women characters shine brightly. At the heart of this narrative is Gurdev, a refugee yearning to establish a life in India with his wife Simrat and their two sons. The tale commences with Gurdev's fateful trip to the hospital with Simrat, who absconds with priceless diamonds, blessed by her mother-in-law. She flees with their sons, leaving Gurdev to grapple with both the loss and his unforeseen alliance...

  Redeeming Rabbit by Harley Stone (Dead Presidents MC Book 11) Publication date: September 25th 2023 Genres: Adult, Contemporary,  Romance Synopsis: Rabbit : They say combat trauma can be the noose you hang from, the cross you bear, or the cliff you scale to survive. But I was a f*ck up long before my Army enlistment and the resulting PTSD. Thanks to the veteran MC that took me in, I’m coping with my condition. Mostly. Until her. The Complete Package. She’s way out of my league. I shouldn’t have a chance in hell with Elenore, but I got a peek under her hood and the sexy scientist has a screw loose. Good thing I’m the best damn mechanic in Seattle. Elenore : I never once contemplated murder until my sister showed up bruised and bloody on my doorstep. Now, my intellect has overridden my morals to create an extermination plan with a 98.3% success rate. Relax, I won’t actually kill anyone. Probably. But  he  might. Who knew I’d find a kindred spirit in my self...

One Bossy Disaster by Nicole Snow Publication date: September 20th 2023 Genres: Adult, Contemporary,  Romance Synopsis: A wild twist of fate throws together two total opposites in this steamy and hysterical grumpy sunshine romance from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Nicole Snow. Trust me, I’m not falling for a human porcupine. I don’t do older men with baggage a mile long. Billionaires? Nope, I’m Miss Independence, thank you very much. And when a man with the emotional intelligence of a cucumber decides to boss me around? Hoo boy. Shepherd Foster and I are utterly incompatible. He still can’t get over the day we met when I questioned Mr. High and Mighty’s judgment. He’s also holding the key—and the moolah—to my animal rescue dreams. I’m only putting up with this torture for the cute otters, I swear. And we’re only camping together so I can prove him deliciously wrong. My ideas  will  outshine Seattle’s grumpiest egomaniac. If only Shepherd’s scowls ...

Hott Shot by Serena Bell Publication date: September 19th 2023 Genres: Adult, Comedy,  Contemporary, Romance Synopsis: Beauty salon… and the Beast Quinn: Working at the family wedding resort wasn’t exactly on my Bingo card. But it’s the only way for my siblings and me to get our grandfather’s inheritance, so here I am, staffing the Hott Spot Spa and Salon front desk. It’s an absurd gig for a man who makes Oscar the Grouch look like a people-person. Still, I’m a hard worker. I’ve made a fortune off my scientific discoveries, and if I can engineer groundbreaking drugs, I can do anything, right? Not according to Sonya Rossi, the spa’s smoking hot and relentlessly perky manager. My grumpy approach is testing even sunshine-y Sonya’s patience. Meanwhile, I’m not sure whether I want to rain on her parade—or kiss the smile off her face. Then the universe throws another curveball, putting us under the same roof. The closer Sonya gets, the more I like it—and her. I want to get...

Book review: In "7 Steps to Joyful Living," Suresh Kumar offers a practical user manual for human life, guiding readers toward self-discovery, success, and the ultimate source of happiness. The book presents a concise and straightforward roadmap to success, beginning with essential life stages, such as birth, body, mind, and education, and encompassing various aspects of well-being, including mindfulness, yoga, meditation, exercise, nutrition, sleep, relationships, work, excellence, and even death. The author's writing delves into effective lifestyle management concepts and practices, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness, fitness, dietary habits, sleep patterns, education, work, relationships, and more, all crucial for personal success and happiness. This book serves as a valuable guide for those seeking genuine happiness by unravelling life's complexities from birth to death. It offers practical steps for self-discovery, career development, and nurturing relatio...