Bookishlife2022_

 What Light Was by Shawn by Callaway Hays | Book Review " What Light Was"   is a truly unique and thoughtful book that beautifully blends history, literature, and emotion. This is not your typical novel; rather, it feels more like entering the minds and hearts of well-known authors like Mary Shelley and F. Scott Fitzgerald and their families. The book is written in a creative style, combining dialogues, poetic verses, and deep reflections. It takes you back to different times and places, yet everything feels connected through the universal struggles of love, ambition, reputation, and the need to be remembered. The story mainly follows two important threads. One is about Mary Shelley, the woman behind Frankenstein. After losing her reputation and feeling abandoned by the two people she admires most — her father and her lover — Mary finds strength again when her book is finally published. The other thread is about F. Scott Fitzgerald, the famous author of The Great Gatsby. ...

 The Unspoken Truth: How to Decode Intent, Influence Decisions, and Lead with Clarity by PANKAJ PRASOON The book focuses on the most essential skill of all, the art of understanding. Divided in 4 parts, the book starts with decoding what people mean followed by handlingtough conversations and practical insights into mastering the art of communication.  The final part covers the Transformative Power of Perspective- Driven Communication. It also includes a couple of bonus sections including common interview questions which I found really useful. The book not just helps you understand what makes communication effective but also helps you connect and convey ideas in a purposeful way. With well- researched strategies, insights and actionable exercises, it helps you sharpen your ability to engage, influence, and inspire.  Most importantly, It helps you build the habits and mindset to improve your communication skills. The multiple practical examples and an easy to understand la...

 The Realm: Mirage by Andrea Myon | Book Review A Mesmerizing Dance Between Dreams and Reality " The Realm Mirage" is a spellbinding tapestry of historical fiction and fantasy. Set against the tumultuous backdrop of the 17th century, it follows Annie Glover, a London maid, and Garreth Primm, a man entrenched in the New World. Their lives intersect not in waking hours but within a vividly conjured dream realm. Here, they flee witchcraft charges aboard a ship to Ireland, navigating tempests of danger, desire, and betrayal—only to awaken to separate, lonely realities. Lonely realities that threaten to pull them further apart. Yet, the connection forged in their dreamscape lingers, compelling them to seek a way to bridge the chasm of their waking lives and reunite in a world where magic and fate intertwine. The narrative oscillates deftly between two layers. One was the lovers’ shared dreamscape, brimming with swashbuckling peril, and the other was a pansexual captain’s seductive...

 Lovestruck and Confused: A Romantic Comedy of Love | Friendship | Tale of Romance | Romantic Mystery | Lot of Family Drama by Harini Srinivasan  The book "Lovestruck and Confused" by Harini Srinivasan functions as an enthusiastic contemporary rom-com by transforming ordinary peculiarities into hilarious emotional scenes.  The book kicks off with 26-year-old Priya Kaushik, a professional in KintechLearning who falls for a newspaper advertisement while working. Her life involves Nitin Ranganathan, initially known as the "paan masala model" and now the new client of her company. Detective Sanjay Dhamija steps in after Tanya becomes doubtful about this man’s true identity when she decides to conduct an investigation through his best friend, Priya. The story is a romantic comedy with lots of drama and chaotic twists and turns that keep you hooked. It has all the ingredients of a romantic comedy: the crazy romance, the wacky side characters and of course, the drama inf...

 When Hate & Love Collide- Part 2 by T Shree | Book Review In When Hate & Love Collide—Part 2, T. Shree creates an intense, emotional, and angsty second-chance romance that deeply touches the reader's heart. The protagonists are Arsalan and Minha, two souls marred by betrayal, heartbreak, and unresolved love.  The painful stages of love and regret are explored in Arsalan's journey as he struggles with the consequences of his own choices that tore them apart. The character development in this part is far better than the previous one.  The struggle between holding on and letting go, the confusion, and the displayed emotional maturity are all portrayed very naturally. There are moments when you get frustrated with the characters’ decisions, but that’s what makes it real — we all make mistakes when emotions are high. The conversations feel honest and not overly dramatic, which helps you connect with their journey. This isn’t a story of easy forgiveness between each o...

 Greatest Philosophy Books Ever Written: Works of Marcus Aurelius, Niccolo Machiavelli & others This anthology is a treasure trove for anyone who wants to dive into the minds of history’s greatest thinkers. The range is impressive, ranging from meditations' stoic wisdom to The Prince's political realism to Buddha and Confucius's Eastern philosophy. Each work has been thoughtfully presented, maintaining the original tone while making the text accessible. It's more than just a book; it's a trip through time and thought. Readers will find themselves not only absorbing the ideas presented but also reflecting on their relevance in today's world.  This collection encourages a dialogue between the past and the present, inviting us to reconsider our beliefs and values in light of these enduring insights. This book contains major philosophies of the greatest thinkers of the world and an attempt has been made to explain those ideas in a simplified manner. It provides ...

 The Final Experiment | The Mystery Thriller of the Year | Witness the Fall of our World by Yogesh SY  The book is a suspenseful novel with many layers that looks at politics and technology. Yaksh and Yudhishthir are both on the lookout for the truth and a solution to the mystery as the narrative takes unexpected turns. In the tumultuous streets of Delhi, it all begins with a struggling salesman by the name of Yaksh. Like a ticking bomb, this book builds tension, and when it finally does, it does. The juxtaposition of Yaksh’s everyday struggles and Yudhisthir’s polished corporate life is brilliantly done. As the story unfolds, you realise they are both caught in a web far larger and darker than they can imagine. The highlight, for me, was Dyēus—the fictional tech company that’s both fascinating and terrifying. The book's science is speculative but not impossible. You can totally imagine such experiments happening behind closed doors in the name of “progress”. And that’s what ...

 FASTING SAVED MY LIFE AND MIGHT SAVE YOURS This book demonstrates that fasting is a transformative practice for healing, energy, and inner strength that goes beyond simply skipping meals. Through the powerful autophagy process, I learnt how fasting affects metabolism, brain health, inflammation, and even longevity. It particularly made me realise that men and women experience fasting in different ways and that women should tailor their fasting to their particular hormonal requirements. The personal stories woven throughout make it inspiring and relatable. It’s not just about skipping meals—it’s about healing your body, mind, and spirit in a way that feels natural and deeply personal. It made me think about my own life as the author so candidly describes their lowest points. The seemingly insignificant act of fasting suddenly made perfect sense. The author conducts a thorough and well-researched examination of various fasting practices, offering readers a variety of options to mee...

 How to Win Admissions and Influence Visa officers: A Guide to Writing an Effective Statement of Purpose - For ‘Study-Abroad’ Aspirants by Dinesh Pundir | Book Review Clearing the visa formalities and seeking a visa for your desired country is tricky. One needs to follow proper guidelines and satisfy the needs of the visa officers. I was looking for guidance to clear my visa formalities. When I stumbled upon this book, it served my requirements completely. The book covers various stages of the application process, from securing admission to obtaining a study permit and reapplying after visa denial. The additional section, "Miscellanea", offers useful advice for entrepreneurial readers. Because he breaks down successful strategies into their fundamental components and explains how to modify your narrative to achieve maximum impact and clarity, Pundir provides more than standardised templates.  His insights encourage readers to think critically about their unique circumstances ...

 MOTHER. FATHER. DAUGHTER. DOG. by RONNIE DESAI | Book Review "𝐌𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑, 𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑, 𝐃𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐄𝐑, 𝐃𝐎𝐆" is a compelling novel by 𝐑𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐚𝐢, a real page-turning novel narrative that intertwines legal drama with 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐲𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐬. The book examines the profound connections that exist between humans and animals. Through Desai's narrative, the book asks readers to consider how family, love, and justice are changing in today's society. In this moving and well-written book, the story is about a dog that loyally served his master but who, after his owner's death, was very unceremoniously thrown away by greedy relatives. He is left behind, alone and furious, but an extraordinary lawyer takes up the fight—not just for the sake of a "perpetrated pet" but also to redefine the extremely narrow definitions that society assigns to a family—and makes him the hero of an elaborate legal battle. The case grows beyond expectation...

 My Air Force Days: Memoirs of a Wing Commander by M K Devidasan | Book Review The memoir My Air Force Days provides insight into the life of an Air Force officer and is written elegantly. M.K. The way Devidasan tells the story makes it a good read because it gives readers both technical information and personal insights. From his time as an airman in the IAF in 1959 to his remarkable accomplishments as an officer and missile systems expert, this inspiring biography details his journey. It is incredible how hard he works, how determined he is, and how he manages to balance a demanding career with training, education, and both. His expertise in missile systems and contributions to the Indo-Pak war in 1971 are impressive. The book also emphasises his leadership and his leadership of important figures like Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's Guards of Honour.  His ability to inspire those around him is evident, showcasing not only his tactical knowledge but also his profound commitme...

 MINDFUL MARCH MANTRAS by Dr GEETHA KARIAPPA | Book Review "Mindful March Mantras" are personal notes to self, insights drawn from my interactions with parents, elders and siblings. The goal is to cultivate self-awareness, nurture patience and build compassion. To recognise that you are already enough—you just need to fine-tune yourself in the way you wish to be. This book prompts:  What if these mindful notes to self, became weekly prompts for introspection? What if they helped you see your life through a new lens, drawing connections between your experiences and deeper truths?  Quotes from the book that piqued me:  💗"Always be prepared to defend yourself, kick the person in the groin to escape." 💗"Reflect on how it makes you feel, to revisit your parents’ hardships, your hard childhood, but also the fun and togetherness. How would you let it guide your life differently now?" What I loved most about this book is its simplicity. It doesn’t preach or over...

 SHADOW STRIKE by PRAKASH NARAYAN SHUKLA | Book Review "Shadow Strike" is not your is a well-thought-out, intense look into the world of secret battles, clever deceptions, and warfare that cannot be seen.  The book challenges our perceptions of power from the very first chapter. The one who masters the game in the shadows often prevails over the one with the largest army. It’s a dark, absorbing exploration of ambition and consequence.  Each chapter uncovers how the smallest moves in the shadows can collapse empires or elevate kings. It has brilliantly calculated intensity. Set in a world where influence flows through whispers, it explores how manipulation and misdirection can reshape entire empires without ever drawing a sword.  The way that it reveals the fragility of trust and the cost of ambition is what makes this story so compelling. Power is now psychological rather than physical. Every rumour and alliance becomes a weapon. With each move, the tension builds, a...

 Story of Mahabharata: Part 1 by Kaushal Kishore | Book Review " Story of Mahabharata: Part 1" is the fourth book in the Puranas series and the first book in the Mahabharata series. It contains stories narrating the events in the Mahabharata in story form. This volume focuses on the epic's beginning, covering the first two major chapters (Adi Parva and Sabha Parva) and selectively including portions from others like Vana Parva and Virata Parva. The storytelling is clean and direct, capturing the essence without overwhelming the reader. The characters are vividly portrayed, allowing readers to connect with their struggles and triumphs. As the narrative unfolds, it sets the stage for the monumental conflict that defines the epic, inviting readers to immerse themselves in this rich tapestry of ancient Indian history and mythology. Kishore begins with the divine intention to rid the Earth of its burden, slowly walking us through the grand design that leads to the birth of t...

 August Slipped Again by Mahendrawada Kamesh | Book Review I was eager to explore the story of Arun after reading "August Slipped Away" . So I picked up the sequel soon and was hooked by the narrative. The sequel, " August Slipped Again" came out to be thought-provoking and captivating narrative.  This sequel picks up seamlessly from where the prequel left off, taking readers through the evolving bond between Arun and Samvarshani. Her warmth and true love helps Arun to come out of gus grief and follow his desires.  Just as their connection deepens, the story takes an intriguing turn—Priya re-enters Arun’s life under mysterious circumstances at London Airport on his way to New York. This sudden encounter sets the stage for suspense, keeping readers eager to see how Arun’s love story will unfold.  I was intrigued to unfold their mysterious circumstances and how each one of them responded to their hearts.  The book’s cover captures this essence beautifully: a soft ...

 Untamed by Sandhya Mridul | Book Review "Untamed" by Sandhya Mirdul is a powerful and evocative read that lingers long after the last page. As a reader, I found myself deeply moved by the raw honesty and emotional intensity of the storytelling. The book doesn't just tell a story—it invites you into the heart of the protagonist's journey, making you feel every high, every low, and every moment of reflection in between. The poetry collection written by the author is like a mirror to the soul, raw, reflective, and remarkably relatable for all kinds of audiences. Each poem touches on a different chord of human emotion, from strength and fear to discovery and love. The author’s ability to breathe life into words is truly admirable. Whether it’s “Paper Cut”, “I Chose”, or “Only Love”, every title pulls you in with curiosity, and the content delivers with depth. The language is rich yet accessible, making it a joy for both seasoned poetry lovers and new readers. The cove...

 THE FRMA MANTRA by Ratnesh Jain | Book Review The thoughtful and action-orientated book "FRMA Mantra" by Ratnesh Jain goes beyond the typical motivational speech. This is a self-help book that decodes the success mantra through the FRMA format. FRMA stands for "Focused, Rapid, Massive, Action" and provides readers with practical strategies to implement in their own lives. By combining insightful anecdotes with actionable steps, Jain encourages individuals to break free from inertia and embrace a proactive approach to achieving their goals. The idea behind this book is not just to make us think or plan the areas of improvement in our lives but to guide us on how to implement those changes and make them work through action. This transformative journey is designed to empower readers to take tangible steps towards their aspirations, fostering a mindset of resilience and determination. With each chapter, Jain delves deeper into the psychology of motivation, offering too...