A Gutterful Life (Change Stories - Book 2) by Kapil Raj

A Gutterful Life (Change Stories - Book 2) by Kapil Raj | Book review

Book review:

" We live how we think, and we think how we choose to live. Progress is hard; change is heroic".

In a country as diverse as India, people from various regions, castes, creeds, and religions strive to coexist harmoniously. Regardless of their background, one common struggle that unites many individuals is the battle against poverty and the quest for a safe and healthy environment. This book eloquently and captivatingly addresses one such issue – the aspiration to rise above religious divides and work towards the betterment of one's surroundings.

The story unfolds in a neighbourhood situated along an open gutter or 'naala' at the city's edge. On one side reside the majority of Hindus, while on the other side, Muslims call it home. Amidst this divide, young children Somu and Aklaq form a friendship that transcends the murky politics of religion. However, the elders of the area often find themselves powerless in resolving disputes.

Billu and Arif are two budding businessmen striving to make a livelihood. Fate leads them into the web of inter-community politics. Though they had a cordial relationship in the past, Arif's revelation of Billu's earnings, which disrupts his monopoly outside the college campus, strains their friendship. Thus, a journey begins marked by taunts and relentless bullying.

The narrative takes a compelling turn as tensions escalate, threatening peace and harmony in the locality. Will religious propaganda succeed in making people forget their shared struggles and sow the seeds of division under the guise of unity? Who will bridge the chasm between Hindus and Muslims across the 'naala'?

The author employs an artful narrative style to vividly illuminate pressing social issues in a lucid manner. He skillfully highlights matters related to health, religion, and community politics that erode the existing traces of love and minimal affection among people, exposing their intentions and needs. His tales of transformation underscore the imperative need for societal change and individual reform to create a better India.

In summary, "A Gutterful Life" is a gripping read that delves into a multitude of emotions, culminating in a poignant climax. It is certainly a worthwhile read; I highly recommend it!

Purchase: Change stories #2

Comments

Taming the Turbulent Mind: Yogic Meditation and Mindfulness by Deekay

Taming the Turbulent Mind: Yogic Meditation and Mindfulness for Combating Overthinking, Achieving Stress Relief, and Attaining Absolute Peace Deekay | Book Review What is turbulence? Any thoughts, or have you ever tried to tame any animal? I remember watching circus shows organised once a year in the city's open area for all the locals to enjoy. There I used to cherish the person who tamed the elephants or the lion (if any). But today I thought of taming my mind. Every second our thoughts are randomly moving and giving us goosebumps. Nowadays people have so many threads of work looming in their minds that they feel like completing but fail to prioritise. To dive into a river is not easy. But only a few people have the calibre to do that. The same is true with diving in your mind. This practice needs calmness of mind and anxiety levels to be very low. I had heard about meditation and its techniques to apply in your daily routine, but when I stumbled upon this book, my myths w...

Nectar on the Seven Hills - The Pure Seed - An Epic Fusion of Indian Mythology | Fantasy Adventure by Prabhu Ram

Nectar on the Seven Hills - The Pure Seed - An Epic Fusion of Indian Mythology | Fantasy Adventure by Prabhu Ram | Book Review The first book in the trilogy by Prabhu Ram, " Nectar on the Seven Hills: The Pure Seed," is a gripping fantasy adventure that skillfully combines Indian mythology, historical elements, and high-stakes action. During a pandemic lockdown in the dense forests of the Eastern Ghats, Magadh and Yukti, siblings, and their friend Rudra become stranded. When they uncover an old threat, their situation takes an exciting turn, putting them in a perilous race against time to avert disaster. The focus on details, particularly in explaining the settings, the psychology and emotions of the characters, and the description of events, is truly commendable. As they navigate the labyrinth of towering trees and hidden trails, the siblings grapple with their mounting fears and the weight of their responsibility to protect one another. Each rustle of leaves and distant ...

The Psychology of Marketing: How Marketers Trick Us Into Buying More by Harinder Singh Pelia

The Psychology of Marketing: How Marketers Trick Us Into Buying More by Harinder Singh Pelia | Book Review Marketing is such an in-depth concept that it always transitions according to consumer preferences. The extent to which marketers go to sell their products will blow our minds away, as money comes first rather than people's needs. Even the bare detail that hints at our desires is manoeuvred to boost sales figures, often overshadowing the genuine connection between a brand and its audience. This relentless pursuit of profit can lead to practices that prioritise persuasive tactics over transparency, leaving consumers feeling manipulated rather than empowered. sales. How to make money might be in our control, but how money goes out of our pocket might not be, as psychology is in cohesion with marketing. Harinder Singh Pelia’s “The Psychology of Marketing” is all about how marketing creates a bond with the audience, thus tricking the audience into dwelling deep into purchasing th...

Bookishlife2022_

Search This Blog