Bookishlife2022_

 Design Your Career: Lead Self, Lead Others, Lead Change by Pavan Soni | Book Review This book guides the reader on how to discover your interests, systematically analyse your options, take tough decisions, navigate uncertainties, course correct and inspire others to follow their passions, meaningfully. It sheds light on passion, though: passion is blind.  The book has six chapters, each offering a specific insight on how to shape your thinking and harness it to build a rewarding career, as an individual contributor, as a manager and as a leader. Each chapter has sub-sections detailing key concepts, with associated models and relevant examples. Quote from the book that piqued me: "Live content with small means; seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion. Be worthy, not respectable, wealthy, not rich; study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly; bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasions, hurry never." The book gleans insights from t...

 The Kaliyuga Secret by Ravi Kumar | Book Review Ravi Kumar's book, The Kaliyuga Secret, is both intriguing and well-written. It's a combination of mythology, history, and mystery. The plot alternates between ancient and modern periods, and the writer does a good job of connecting the two. It catches your attention from the very first chapter. The scenes of ancient storms and destruction were quite vivid as I read. I could vividly recall such situations in my thoughts. The novel begins with Arjun, a third-year English honours student at Delhi University who is obsessed with mythology. His professor, Keshav, excels in the subject. Meanwhile, a mysterious murder occurs in Geneva, where a senior scientist named Ajay was working on an AI-driven project for AEMARF. The narrative continues Arjun's quest to solve the mystery of the scientist's death, uncovering several hidden mysteries, including a single person who has been journeying through time while carrying an old curse....

 In Pursuit of Salman by Ekta Kandhari | Book Review "In Pursuit of Salman" is a story of obsession, redemption, and deep longing for love. The book narrates the life journey of a girl who is dismissive of her mother's love and faces numerous threats.  The story follows the story of Tara, a beautiful girl with sharp features. Her mother's reaction to her birth is cold, and she keeps her distance from her, as she was not expected to be her wish. Tara is taken care of by her father and grandparents. They become the only form of love and safety for her. But a mother's love is always longed for by a child. Instead, she is only subjected to her mother's anger and threats and cold feelings for her. This becomes part of her life, and gradually she becomes used to it. But when her mother is expecting again, her mother's perspective changes, and she showers all her love on her second child. This coldness and warmth to the other child infuses a longing for her mothe...

 Pixel the Time-Traveling Cat by Sameer Mehra | Book Review "Pixel the Time-Travelling Cat" is an exciting adventurous read. The story  features a cute, tabby and curious cat, Pixel on a time travel adventure. This adventure combines humour, adventure, and a little bit of history to make everyone laugh.  Pixel's inquisitive, bold, and curled tail, twitching ears, and everything catches the reader's eye. Professor is a tall, wiry man, classic absent-minded genius with a heart that beats for his furry companion.  The visit of Pixel at the Pharaoh's palace explores the vast, unknown worlds only to find his true home in the familiar manner. It is gently yet powerfully presented. Each chapter uncovers new adventure, and each return is a warm sigh of relief. The story flows like a collection of memory snapshots. The pace is just right for young readers but still interesting enough for adults. I was most affected by the final chapter's tender sadness. No spoilers, b...

 The Ballads of Niam by Amit Verma | Book Review " The Ballads of Niam " is a highly captivating and engrossing read. It intrigues the reader through its catchy narrative and unique narrative. I was hooked from the beginning till the end. The story revolves around Niam, Prisha and their daughter. In the initial pages, the reader is introduced to the persona of Niam and how he is today. He has a loving wife, Prisha, who is expecting a child. They have a peculiar bond that connects them despite their different personas.  One day Niam goes on a walk and meets two ladies who pretend to know him better than he knows himself. He doesn't even remember who they are and how they were connected to him. Here the story narrates the background of his work tenure in India and how his roommates and these ladies befriended him.  As Niam listens to their stories, fragments of his past begin to resurface, each memory weaving a tapestry of laughter, late-night conversations, and shared drea...

 Love Mondays! A Proven Process to Bring Joy Back Into Your Work Week and Life by Ron Monteiro | Book Review "Love Mondays! A Proven Process to Bring Joy Back Into Your Work Week and Life"  is a comprehensive guide that goes deeper into this Monday fear, which comes from job dissatisfaction and unhappiness. It is a practical book that tells the interesting story of Ron's transformation from a top-notch finance professional to a world-class trainer and coach. It also sets a foundation for us to do the same. In fact, most people are unhappy with their jobs, but they are not sure or willing to take the steps necessary to improve that situation. It reminds us that at the heart of every successful career and business are people—people with dreams, fears, and untapped potential. Monteiro not only tells his story; he provides you with a straightforward approach, thoughtful exercises, and amazing real-life examples from the "Monday Mavericks"—people who have aligned the...

 Mom's Story Basket: Nurturing Values through Mythological Stories by Archana Vashistha | Book Review Stories in Mom's Story Basket depict the minor but significant experiences that every child has, such as the excitement of a school picnic, the confusion of making a new friend, or the difficulty of sharing something special.  Each story helps children comprehend feelings they may not be able to articulate. Each tale is rooted in ancient myths but speaks directly to current events, from learning to be sorry to resolving disagreements among siblings. You'll meet Shiva, Durga, Ram, and Krishna, but not as distant gods. Young minds can explore emotions, dilemmas, and values through their relatable characters when they arrive. Each tale incorporates a mythological moment that provides perspective and comfort around a straightforward incident, such as feeling excluded or being afraid on the first day of school.  It is not a lecture on moral science. It tells a story. That's ...

 Lotus Land - The Secrets of Padma Kshetra by Bhuban Patra | Book Review The first book in The Konark Secret Duology series is "Lotus Land" by Bhuban Patra. It belongs to the genre of mythological fiction. The main character, Bishnu Maharana, is an architect who oversees the construction of the Konark temple in 1200 B.C. Odhisa. He stands out because he didn't just go with the flow. He did things that might have seemed impossible at first, but his determination made them possible, proving him right and making him a true inspiration to everyone. He is a hard worker who believes in himself. The journey he took to become chief architect is depicted in the book. Apart from the usual techniques to build temples, they have introduced some new and secret ingredients, which have resulted in the temple being a magnificent one. Untold insider information about the development of the Konark temple is revealed in the plot. It seems like an effort to combine a well-informed explanat...

 Where the Piopios Sing by Hornbill Harcel | Book Review The poems and excerpts in the book "Where the Piopios Sing" sing the song of grief and loss. The book is divided into nine parts, each bringing the reader one step closer to destruction. The book is personified as a person experiencing loss of love, friendships, childhood, home, justice, wars, freedom, innocence, aspirations, and identity, among other things. The book takes readers on a journey through the emotions of yearning and introspection, revealing vulnerable hearts longing for solace, using expressive prose and verse to convey the bittersweet blues of these losses.  Instead, it gives a glimpse of hope, suggesting that new beginnings can come from the ashes of what was cherished। The characters learn to cope with their pain through resilience and introspection, and in the end find the power to rebuild and redefine their identities। The book's wonderful refrains gradually plunge the reader into a well of de...

 The Book Of Nalanda - An Ancient Mystery, A Modern Reckoning  by Gautam Mishra | Book Review This book is a gripping blend of mystery, mythology, and modernity that captures the reader from the very first page. Each chapter is perfectly paced and thrilling—engaging, intriguing, and layered with suspense that keeps you hooked till the very end. The storytelling is rich, layered, and full of suspense. You feel the urgency, the weight of forgotten wisdom, and the looming threat of it being misused. There’s philosophy, espionage, emotion, and action. It’s not just a story—it feels like a warning. This book made me wonder what hidden truths still lie buried in our history. Highly recommend for anyone who loves ancient lore with a modern twist. Gautam Mishra’s writing shines brightest when he shows how ancient wisdom is not dead, just buried, waiting for the right moment to rise again. The book asks an important question: Can the descendants of those who once protected the truth st...

 The Heart that Remembers: Medical Sci-Fi Thriller by M K Devidasan | Book Review " The Heart that Remembers" by M.K. Devidasan is a gripping medical sci-fi thriller that explores the boundaries of love, memory, and ethics in a world where technology meets the fragility of life. This original and compelling tale completely captivated me. The story follows Dr Mukerji, who implants an experimental AI-powered heart, "Athena", into his wife, Meera, after a fatal attack. This decision was driven by love and shrouded in secrecy. He thinks he would save the life of his beloved wife. It is intriguing to read how the story unfolds in both miraculous and unnerving manner. Meera begins exhibiting memories and behaviours belonging to a former donor, Asha Roy—a young girl who died under mysterious circumstances. As Meera's identity blurs, Dr Mukerji uncovers a chilling conspiracy involving organ harvesting within his hospital. The author's ability to blend cutting-edg...

 The Car with a Soul by Ruchira Khanna | Book Review The car with a soul by Ruchira Khanna is a fictional novel about 4 individuals namely, Rahil, Joan, Tara and Amy. The plot revolves around these characters and their lives are compared with the 4 wheels of a car.  These four people have to face different dimensions and requirements in their life; one is in search of a family, other is trying to find her individuality, the third is happy in living a life that gives her happiness but suddenly one of her tyre is punctured and the fourth is trying to rebond with family. Will they be able to solve their problems and move on in life, this becomes a story. The story is a beautiful and emotional one. There is a lot of character development and backstory is also nicely written. The writer gives you a glimpse of ordinary people in a stressful cosmopolitan culture and their struggles as each character goes through certain experiences in search of a sense of identity and purpose in life...

 Disciple of The Devas by Shalendra Roy | Book Review "Disciple of the Devas" is an engaging fantasy centred around the age-old conflict between good and evil. The book weaves an incredible tale of magic and adventure set in the various realms of humans, demons, and God. It follows the journey of Priya Star, a devout disciple of the deity Arup, who is chosen to confront a rising threat when the malevolent Lord Setana escapes his exile from Naraka (the underworld) and seeks a powerful gemstone. Determined to prevent him from collapsing the boundaries between the realms of gods (Rupa), demons (Naraka), and humans (Earth), Priya is tasked with retrieving the legendary Peeraboo of Destiny, a divine staff central to cosmic balance. Accompanied by a trio of magical animal allies—Handsome the zebra, Papa the wolf, and Guru Gildron the wise shaman owl—she embarks on a perilous odyssey across enchanted landscapes. Along the way, Priya is tested physically, spiritually, and morally as...

 Secret of the Missing Tenant by Aditya Banerjee | Book Review   "The Secret of the Missing Tenant" by Aditya Banerjee is a gripping thriller that begins as an investigation into a missing person, quickly escalating into a murder mystery and something much bigger. In the story, on one side, we follow Inspector Shankar Sen as he tries to find a person who has gone missing in a dubious manner, which is also connected to one of his ongoing cases. On the other hand, we follow Nitya, an investigative journalist for a well-known newspaper, who is also looking for a source for her next big story. And somehow these two people are trying to find the same person. And as they keep investigating, their path collides, and they find themselves in more high-stakes situations. The plot focuses on inference, research, and intuition rather than the crutches of contemporary technology, which heightens the mystery's realism and immersion. With her unwavering quest for the truth, incisive ...

The Silent Genocide: India's Male Suicide Epidemic and the Erosion of Human Rights by Marshall Benjamin | Book Review "The Silent Genocide" is a deeply moving and eye-opening read that confronts a crisis too often ignored.  Marshall Jairaj Benjamin doesn’t mince words—he paints a grim picture of systemic neglect and the emotional devastation faced by men accused without evidence.  As someone unfamiliar with the magnitude of this issue, I found myself shocked by the stories shared and humbled by the bravery it takes to tell them.  It’s not just a collection of testimonies; it blends social insight, legal critique, and emotional depth in a way that is both empathetic and intellectually honest.  The writing is clear, heartfelt, and hauntingly reflective.  Every chapter has the impression that an unspoken truth has finally found its voice. The author doesn’t sensationalize; rather humanizes.   Through deeply personal narratives and powerful reflections, th...

 The Future of Superintelligence by Bernard D'sa | Book Review Bernard D'sa's "The Future of Superintelligence" is a thought-provoking book that explores the relationship between technology and ethics, as well as the potential effects that artificial superintelligence could have on humanity. It delves into fascinating concepts like algorithms collaborating with imagination, AI-generated art, personalised medicine, and even conscious computing. Bernard introduces us to groundbreaking architectures of intelligence, from quantum systems to brain-computer interfaces, all while keeping a keen eye on the ethical landscape that looms large. The book is written in a very simple and easy-to-understand language and is divided into four parts to make it easy and accessible. The book provides in-depth insight into AI-related topics such as algorithms, AI-generated art, science, medicine, education, and more.  Through engaging examples and relatable anecdotes, Bernard not o...

 Lanka: The Prophecy of the Bloodline by Prakash Mohandas | Book Review "Lanka: The Prophecy of the Bloodline" presents a daring approach to the Ramayana. It depicts generations after Rama's victory. Readers are put into a world where Lanka is on the edge of darkness, and evil has a new face, Shurpanakha. Shurpanakha, Ravana's sister, could not process the defeat of Ravana. She emerges as a cunning and dangerous force and attempts to take the throne of Lanka for herself at any cost. She plans a prophecy and creates an heir to the throne. It adds a layer of suspense that kept me hooked till the last. The prophecy adds mystery and excitement. Who is the true inheritor of Lanka's peace? Can divided clans ever unite again? These questions keep the story moving at a steady pace.  The author blends myth with fiction beautifully so that it gives the whole story an exciting, bold, and almost cinematic feeling. He explores deeper themes like legacy, justice, and what it me...

Dhanaisha: Cherished Wealth by Priti Goel | Book Review "Dhanaisha" represents a balanced, mindful approach to wealth management, integrating emotional, ethical, and generational elements to create long-term prosperity, purpose, and fulfilment. It’s wealth that transcends material gain, aligning financial resources with your deepest values and life goals. It is a complete guide to wealth management, including not only short-term goals like liquidity but also building lasting wealth for the future. Every case study feels personal, like a conversation with someone who’s been there. Whether it’s navigating retirement or redefining self-worth, this book grounds finance in humanity. It gently nudges you to see money as a meaningful companion, not a distant goal. Personal finance is transformed into a journey of self-awareness and balance in this book. This book is more than just a good read; it's an experience that's worth embracing for anyone who is looking for calm, c...

 Things Left Unsaid: Tales of Love and Loss by Sujata Rajpal Each of the 14 short stories in the book has a unique theme. from an elderly woman's search for a new purpose in life to her profound regret over never having made a friend. Every story takes you on an emotional journey, whether it's about a son who is haunted by the death of his mother or the dissolution of a marriage. Every short story has genuine, lived emotion that is flawlessly balanced and never overdone. This collection is significant because it balances melancholy and hope. Instead of drawing sweeping conclusions, Rajpal allows emotional truth to blossom.  Her writing becomes incredibly relatable and cathartic, especially in the stories that capture the emotional fallout from the pandemic. Her writing becomes incredibly relatable and cathartic, especially in the stories that capture the emotional fallout from the pandemic.   All things considered, Sujata Rajpal's collection of short stories "Things Le...

 Escape from Media: Where Magic is Forbidden and Love is Dangerous by Brandy Stoker | Book Review Brandy Stoker’s Escape from Media is a gripping, heartfelt tale of forbidden magic, fierce love, and the desperate fight for freedom. Set against the grim backdrop of Media—a city where magic is ruthlessly outlawed and tightly policed—the novel plunges readers into a dangerous world where hope is a precious commodity and rebellion simmers just below the surface. The novel follows Will Hawkson—a smuggler haunted by the death of his sister—and Malin Neldoreth, a mother who learns of her daughter's magical gifts too late. Will sees Ellie, who is eleven years old, using magic. A dangerous chain of events ensues, forcing the three of them to escape the city and face relentless police pursuit. Together, they must defy a regime that crushes difference, uncover hidden strengths, and learn to trust each other in a desperate bid for freedom. Media is a place where magic and freedom are crush...

 Manifest Your Infinite Riches: Master the Art of Living an Abundant Life by Pushkar Anand | Book Review "Manifest Your Infinite Riches: Master the Art of Living an Abundant Life" by Pushkar Anand appears to be a powerful guide for anyone seeking to unlock their full potential and achieve a life of prosperity. The book's dark, elegant cover with gold accents and the striking circular motif of dollars transforming into growth immediately conveys a sense of sophistication and promise. This book goes beyond traditional paradigms of wealth creation, which often focus on competition, scarcity, and external validation. It guides you on a journey of self-discovery, encouraging alignment with your soul's purpose, your primary mission, and outlining a creation process that results in making a significant impact on your life, to the benefit of everyone. This book goes beyond traditional self-help literature; it is profound and rooted, resembling guidance one might receive fro...

 he Startups of Bharat: Stories of India’s Million-Dollar Founders under Thirty by Aditya Arora ,  Surya Pasricha  "The Startups of Bharat" stands out because it has a rare combination of soul, structure, and relatability. It uses a familiar but never simplistic tone to speak directly to the young Indian reader, especially those from non-metro backgrounds. The book takes us through the lives and lessons of young Indian entrepreneurs under thirty, some of whom have raised millions of dollars and achieved unicorn status. But it's not just about IPOs or funding rounds. It is about the initial itch to solve a real problem, the confusion of figuring things out, and the joy (or sorrow) of starting from scratch. Each of the 15 chapters breaks down different stages of the startup journey, from idea generation to scaling. The fact that it departs from the conventional startup narrative of Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi is refreshing. It brings in voices from Indore, Surat, and Luckn...

 Half-Baked Love by Pooja Darda | Book Review A moving tale of love, self-discovery, and finding one's actual purpose in life is "Half-Baked Love." It is a touching, uplifting, and emotionally stirring story that combines the comforting smell of freshly baked bread with romance, resiliency, and reinvention. The protagonist of the story is Radhika, who recently got divorced from her husband and turns to baking, her one and only passion, for comfort. She soon meets Nakul, who owns a chain of cafes, and becomes the owner of the town's most well-known bakery. Both become romantically involved soon after, but do their other plans for life change? Radhika learns that the path of self-discovery is frequently paved with unforeseen obstacles as she works through the complexities of her developing relationship with Nakul.  With each loaf she bakes, she learns to blend her past with her hopes for the future, ultimately realising that true empowerment comes from embracing both lo...

 Carved by Love and Loss by Arunima Sharma This isn’t just a memoir; it’s a deeply intimate portrait of a young woman navigating life's maze of abandonment, betrayal, and the silent scars of an absent father figure. At its heart lies the unshakeable bond between a daughter and her mother — a relationship that not only anchors the narrative but also becomes a symbol of strength, sacrifice, and silent survival. The book beautifully portrays how love can shape us, leave indelible scars, and ultimately lead to self-discovery and resilience. Readers are drawn into a journey that oscillates between the depths of despair and the hope of redemption, making it a compelling read for those who appreciate emotional depth and introspection. The poems aren't overly complex or drenched in heavy metaphors, and that’s their power. They communicate clearly but deeply, allowing you to feel rather than decode. Whether you’ve loved deeply or lost silently, this book finds a way to sit beside y...

 Bee-Witched by Aruna Sankaranarayanan ,  Brinda S. Narayan | Book Review The "Some words are easier to spell than to live by" tagline encapsulates this profound realisation. "Bee-Witched "is more than a kinky title about a spelling bee prodigy. It’s a richly layered, emotionally strong narrative that intricately weaves themes of identity, intergenerational trauma, emotional expectations, and cultural duality. It depicts what it means to grow up in a diaspora, bearing not only the pressure of performance but also the invisible emotional inheritance of immigrant dreams, in a vibrant, humorous, and ultimately heartbreaking manner. The story depicts varied perspectives through the lens of an Indian-American teenager’s life of Neel. He has a lot of dreams and hectic schedule related to studies. He delves into a competition apart from normal study that puts him into a loop of efforts he cant avoid. For Neel's parents, winning the Spelling Bee is the ultimate v...

 Voices in the Void: Through the Broken Hour by Saloni Vijay ,  Harshita Bhargava ,  Mehak Sharma "Voices in the Void" is a haunting symphony of horror, grief, and psychological unravelling. It grabs you from the first page and drags you, breathless, into Olivia Mansion, a place where shadows remember everything and silence never ends. Ghosts are just as much a part of Fiama's story as grief, guilt, and the ghosts we all carry inside of us. Each chapter slowly unwrapped a new part of her reality, and while there are chilling moments that made me shiver, it was the emotional depth that truly stayed. The authors have beautifully penned the entire book, with a unique storyline that is very intriguing. Additionally, the characters are truly amazing, creating a successful effect on readers' minds and providing a perfect blend of haunting experience. Overall, "Voices in the Void: Through the Broken Hour" is a thought-provoking and evocative piece that challenges...