Bookishlife2022_

 Women’s Guide to Navigating Midlife by Dr. Pratiksha Prashant | Book Review “Envy is the art of counting the other fellow’s blessings instead of your own.” The combination of realistic guidance and sympathetic narrative in Dr. Prashant's work makes it unique. She normalises the volatility of midlife, portraying mental turmoil, physical changes, and relational complications as a normal—yet profound—human journey, rather than dramatising or dismissing it as "just a phase." The author has included an insightful and empowering tool that is especially made for women to embrace the adventure and change that comes with midlife. The book examines the changes that frequently occur during this stage on an emotional, physical, and psychological level. This book provides some of the most useful strategies and guidance along with sympathetic understanding to help women who are struggling in nearly every stage of life.   For women starting midlife and beyond, this book is essenti...

 MAYA’S MIRAGE: UTOPIA BOOK 1 by MANISH REDDY | Book Review "Maya's Mirage" is an engaging novel from start to finish. It is an admirable start to Manish Reddy's Utopia series. In a distant galaxy,  Rodas  is born into a world called  Utopia . In the very first moments of his life, he hears the voice of his creator, Maya, reassuring him that he is a blessed inhabitant of a heavenly paradise where peace and prosperity reign. Two parallel storylines are used to tell the book's plot. One takes place in the year 2140, when humanity is in danger of going extinct. Professor Ivan's last-ditch effort to preserve Earth from an extraterrestrial race using CO₂-80 meteoroids to destroy atmospheric CO₂ and cause an unprecedented decline of vegetation and oxygen levels is what we follow. In a last-ditch attempt to change Earth's inevitable fate, Ivan sets off on a risky trek via a wormhole with his ROG (robotic dog), Coco. The novel delves into themes such as  power ,  ...

 Cuckoo & Koyel: Journey of a Juvenile Friendship by Avtar Saksena | Book Review   In Cuckoo & Koyel, the author deals with the strict social norms of his or her childhood while capturing tender moments of friendship blossoming into love.  It considers the deeper one, which includes gender discrimination (with a particular emphasis on females), the roles of child raising in a family, and the making of persona.  The oppressive familial atmosphere in Cuckoo and Koyel’s homes, marked by their fathers’ unnecessarily strict demeanour and lofty philosophical musings, drove them to seek affection elsewhere. They found themselves trapped in an unwelcoming environment that lacked parental warmth and nurturing, essential for growing children. The emotional disconnection between fathers and their children left a lasting impact; the widening indifference left indelible scars, etching a profound sense of yearning and hope into their hearts. The book captures a time when l...

 Modi's Bharat: A Decade of Achievements by Amit Bagaria and Savio Rodrigues This book provides a thorough overview of Modi's ten years in office. This book stands out because it not only enumerates the government's accomplishments but also conveys the enormous amount of work that went into them. The essence of a decade characterised by groundbreaking accomplishments and imaginative government is painstakingly captured in the book. From the building of the tallest statue in the world and the biggest office complex to the upgrading of Indian railways with initiatives like the Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat Express, the story is full of evidence of India's success. In addition to improving infrastructure, these developments have increased middle-class Indians' access to travel. The writers also point out India's advancements in space science, such as ISRO and NASA partnerships, which demonstrate the country's expanding international clout. The book compares the...

 Kaliyuga: The Awakening of the Tenth Kaliyuga is a captivating debut novel by author Harsheath Chauhan. The story is an imaginative reimagining of Kalki, the prophesied tenth avatar of Vishnu, set in the modern world. It follows the story of Gautam Yadav, who is prophesised to be the tenth avatar of Vishnu. There's already a cryptic and shady man who exists in the future, and he claims to be the Kalki avatar. He is hell-bent on destroying Gautam. But who is who? Is Gautam even the real Kalki, or is he only an imposter? The book is fast-paced and detailed, and it’s clear that the author has done thorough research. I loved how the story was filled with twists and turns, especially as I got to know more about Veeraram (another name for Parshurama, Vishnu’s sixth avatar), who is supposed to train Kalki. Additionally, the other characters, like Vijay Chauhan, Professor Vikram Rathore, and Eviya Kali, also added so much to Gautam’s journey. Chauhan’s writing is sharp and vivid, d...

 Kaliyuga: Awakening of the Phase by  Harsheath Chauhan   " Kaliyuga : Awakening of the Phase” by Harsheath Chauhan is a book that completely pulled me into its world of mythology, destiny, and intense battles—both physical and emotional. After Gautam fails to awaken his chakra in the previous book and sees the future through Kali's visions, this is the second book in the Kaliyuga series. The story follows Gautam Yadav as he gets closer to his fate as the prophesied Kalki Avatar. But this isn’t just about being a hero—it’s about doubt, struggle, and tough choices. The visions of betrayal, the deepening mysteries, and the tension between characters kept me hooked. Every time I thought I understood a character, something surprising happened. He stops trusting his own guru because he gets to know that his guru will be the one to kill his lover and who betrayed them in the Swapan Lok. But is Veeraram the only one deceiving him, or are there many other people who have dece...

 Life Without IF: A Motivational Roadmap for Intentional Living Life often feels like a chain of “what ifs.” What if I fail? What if I am not good enough? What if circumstances don’t work out? These questions weigh heavily on our decisions, often pushing us into hesitation and doubt. The book Life Without IF by Sudipto Chowdhury and Joyking Birje takes this familiar word: IF, and turns it into something powerful. Rather than seeing it as a barrier, the authors show how it can become a catalyst for courage, action, and transformation. Unlike the average self-help book, this isn’t about short bursts of inspiration that fade the next day. Motivation may push us temporarily, but it rarely tells us exactly what to do next. This book is different. It not only provides a roadmap but acts like a GPS for transformation, guiding readers step by step toward intentional living. *Why This Book Stands Out* Most motivational books rely on lofty ideas. Life Without IF is firmly grounded in scien...

 Don't Cut The Sugar Just Cut The Sugar Cravings: A Sustainable Approach to Curbing Your Sweet Tooth Sugar has become a routine indulgence, a silent reward, and often, a secret comfort. What’s more dangerous, however, is not the sugar itself, but the urge, the craving, that hijacks your willpower and insists, “You need this.”  “Cravings Are Not Random - They’re Wired” Don’t Cut the Sugar - Just Cut the Sugar Cravings is not another manual on clean eating or restrictive discipline. It is an invitation to develop a sustainable, honest, and peaceful relationship with food. One rooted in science, but guided by compassion. This book is not about restrictive diets, fad trends, or detox gimmicks.  Instead, it guides you using scientific insights and practical tools. towards understanding cravings, managing them wisely, and building a lifestyle where sugar no longer pulls your strings. I learnt about the Cue-Driven behaviour and the habit loops: G Time of day (post-lunch, late ni...

 Icons of the Mahabharata – Book 1: Undefeatable Krishna: The Supreme Strategist’s Timeless Wisdom for Navigating Modern Life by Shubha Vilas This book serves as a manual for achieving success in life and provides solutions for any challenging circumstances you may encounter. There are nine important chapters in the book. The wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, which includes passages from the Bhagavad Gita, represents the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and their relevance in today's life has been presented in a deeper way, which is extremely praiseworthy. This leads to another really lovely chapter at the end of the previous one. A few chapters were really well explained; let me share one with you. Page 52's section was titled "A Birth Like No Other." A story was told. This book masterfully translates traditional knowledge into a contemporary setting, giving Krishna's lessons a very contemporary flavour. The author bridges the gap between traditional spiritual teachings...

 Wisdom Tales From Gita For Children by Deepak Bharwani It is a charming and insightful book that makes the Bhagavad Gita's lessons relatable to young readers. The book subtly conveys virtues such as kindness, bravery, selflessness, and the importance of carrying out one's responsibilities through Nara and his friends' experiences in the Lalavan forest. Children can be introduced to the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita in a great and simple way with this book. Children should be taught the virtues of the Bhagavad Gita from an early age to promote moral development. The author has created a fascinating universe with entertaining animal characters that make it easy for the kids to understand the lessons. Each chapter concludes with a Bhagavad Gita shloka (with translation provided) and the moral it imparts, revealing the story's central idea. Additionally, a list of characters is provided, which helps kids remember them. The book's pages are glossy and well-ill...

 Be in Love with by Yashodhara P "I seem to have loved you in numberless forms, numberless times – in life after life, in age after age, forever." Love is a tender feeling that, if not nurtured properly, can create a lot of repercussions. I delved into reading three stories of love that created a different zone where there are expectations from family, no thought process by lovers and an extreme desire to be with a loved one at any price. "Be in Love With" is a mesmerising compilation of three stories. The first story is about an adolescent love story where they decide to be together without thinking about the repercussions. The second story unfolds the journey of lovers who face the odds and struggles and are happy later. The third story makes you cry with its tragic set of events in Mita's life and her ring. The author has blended prose and inspiring quotes that remind you of love and passion for love. She has meticulously added the Bengali proses and trans...

Ghost Fever by Tanvi Nishar Tanvi Nishar's Ghost Fever is a light-hearted and touching tale that takes place in the village of Saraari, where spirits coexist with humans.   Three ghost siblings—Toddy, Yuki, and Noba—are followed throughout the narrative as they work to save their home and establish their father's innocence. The book does a great job of fusing mystery, humour, and passion. The siblings are likeable, courageous, and humorous. The three siblings are immediately endearing because they provide heart, charm, and mischief. The plot is kept interesting by the rich world-building, deft twists, and the subtly introduced larger themes of justice, loyalty, and resistance, even when the pacing occasionally slows down. The pictures give important scenes a cinematic touch, and Nishar's text has a poetic yet light-hearted tone. With fantastic pictures and maps that make the planet come to life, the language is lively and quick-paced. This novel is ideal for middle sc...

 Human Superpowers : Unlock, Unleash, Uplift | Awaken Your Inner Strength | Master Gratitude, Mindset & the Subconscious Mind by Nihit Mohan Human Superpower serves as a powerful reminder that inner happiness, not happiness obtained outside, is what matters most. By guiding readers to explore their inner selves, Nihit Mohan skilfully demonstrates how transforming ourselves into our own superpowers can be achieved by connecting with the divine Superpower within. The book emphasises that although material prosperity and achievement may provide momentary joy, self-realisation and alignment with the Creator—who bestows upon us life, oxygen, water, and other necessities—are the paths to long-term fulfilment. Its methodical and patient approach, which leads readers through introspection and culminates in the motivational vision of "The Quiver of Human Potential," is what really sets this book apart. Each chapter skilfully combines insightful scientific information with mov...

 Viksit Bharat: India at 2047 by Aditya Pittie | Book Review The well-written and inspirational book "Viksit Bharat: India @2047" lays out a precise plan for India to become a developed country by the time it celebrates its centenary of independence. The author starts out by outlining the purpose and vision of "Viksit Bharat", establishing challenging but attainable objectives for social progression, economic expansion, and technical development. Economic reforms, infrastructure development, smart cities, digital innovation, education, entrepreneurship, sustainable energy, environmental preservation, and social welfare are the main topics of each chapter. First, giving the existing setting, then describing the difficulties, and ultimately providing thoughtful recommendations and a thorough 2047 roadmap, the format is highly captivating. This structured approach not only engages readers but also encourages them to envision a future where these goals are realised. By ...

 ACE UMBRA by PB Flower "Ace Umbra" by PB Flower is a book that is surprising. It's an experience rather than merely a tale. I was astounded by this brilliant blend of romance, intrigue, science fiction, and mysticism. The murder that occurs at the beginning of this book has a twist: the victim's body refuses to decay. Detective Ace Slavic and his lover Lux are at the centre of the plot. They are tasked with looking into the death of an elite, but soon after, odd things start happening. Not only do the witnesses start to modify their statements, but the evidence also starts to change significantly. Will Ace's futuristic abilities be sufficient to unravel the mystery? From the surprising beginnings of the hybrid killer to the Man-Lion mythological tie-in, the story's twists kept me guessing right up to the very end. A haunting emotional weight was given by the link between Ace and Venus, which had a melancholy undertone. I became a fan right away because of the...

 The Book of Bones by Krishnarjun Bhattacharya "The Book of Bones" is a compelling dark fantasy that will captivate you from beginning to end. From the start to the last page, the book is a singular experience, unfolding like a gloomy fairy tale. The story revolves around Konstantin, who chooses to set out on a quest to hunt a mysterious, horrific beast known only as the Eater and save his two older brothers who got lost on the same mission. His purpose is to save his family's terrible curse and get the crown.  His quest takes him to a place in the forest and hence makes him a forest walker. This fantasy world is filled with mythical monsters and magic. He was provided with a cloak and food by his parents to make his journey a bit easy. He knew that his path would not be easy, and on the way he was guided by the varied magical creatures about his journey and path. It is intriguing to read the path he chooses and how he gets rid of the curse, grabs the crown and saves his ...

 Shameless in Stilettos by Ell P. | Book Review Ell P.'s "Shameless in Stilettos" is a true gem! I was captivated by the intricate, captivating characters and the incisive storytelling from the first page. The novel is tough to put down because of the protagonist's path through ambition, betrayal, and atonement, which is equal parts exciting and relatable. After falling from the seventh floor of a Green Meadows apartment building, a wealthy business magnate is discovered dead. Because they discovered a sharp object in his eye, what was once thought to be a suicide probe is now being investigated as a murder, much to the annoyance of Meenakshi, the investigating officer.  Her suspects include a Christian woman who is a closeted lesbian, a pregnant wife, a mother who has become a dominatrix, and a woman who wants to get pregnant but is unable to do so since her husband is unable to do it on his own. How would Meenakshi Rao identify the murderer among all these suspects ...

 A Family Man by Chaitali Hatiskar | Book Review ' 'A Family Man'' by Chaitali Hatiskar eloquently conveys the natural and dynamic essence of life and the relationships that arise. They come without warning, cause chaos and unscheduled detours, and gradually shape us into someone we never would have imagined. The story revolves around Anini Mathur, Zoram Rathore and Reva. Zoram, a spoilt brat, turns responsible on adopting Reva. He appoints a nanny, Anini, who helps him handle this tricky situation and the burden of the baby with care. The blame and the differences in their opinion and attitude are vividly depicted. It is intriguing to read about how this adoption leads them closer and binds them together, facing each challenge and making a real family. A few lines from the book that piqued me: 🌸 “Everyone talks a big game. You, however, walked it. Good job, my lad!” 🌸 “Your mother cries herself to sleep. Do you even care? Or is it easier to hide behind Anini’s clever...

 BEYOND POTENTIAL, The Art Of Intentional Self-Leadership, Your guide to high performance through champion mindset mastery by Janick Loewe Life is not about reaching a final destination—it’s about evolving through the journey. Growth is the true goal. Success is not something you achieve at the end of the road; it’s embedded in every step along the way. “You don’t see the world as it is; you see the world as you are." This subtle shift allows us to engage with empathy and build stronger connections. Just as we adjust our personal map to fit new experiences, we can also adjust our communication style to understand and connect with others more effectively. I learnt to reframe limiting perspectives into empowering ones by choice. It became the key to upgrading my thinking, breaking out of limiting beliefs, and aligning with the mindset of my highest-performing self. “Challenges are opportunities in disguise; I am curious about what opportunities are hidden in this.” I began to set SM...

 Echoes of Love, Footsteps to Glory: A Gentle Call to Purpose in a Distracted World In an era where noise often drowns out nuance, Echoes of Love, Footsteps to Glory by Ratish Ravindran offers a refreshing, deeply moving narrative that doesn’t shout to be heard, but instead resonates. It is the story of Rohan, a 15-year-old boy whose quiet journey toward greatness is shaped not by accolades or ambition, but by humility, presence, and timeless values. From the opening pages itself, Ravindran positions Rohan as a stark contrast to the hyper-connected, yet often emotionally distant generation he belongs to. While his peers are caught in a constant scroll of distractions, Rohan listens — genuinely and with intention. He listens to his parents, to his grandparents, and more importantly, to the silence between their words. That silence becomes his sanctuary, a space where seeds of wisdom take root. The story gains momentum not through dramatic twists, but through soulful shifts. A modest...

 Crown of Wings and Thorns by Mary Ting | Book Review This book has it all: a captivating story, characters that jump from the pages, and an intertwining love story that will entice even the darkest of hearts. The book has a chaotic world of angels, demons & vampires. It introduces us to Evangeline, who is a fierce & unyielding lead. The slow-burn enemies-to-lovers plot with Victus is layered with tense, undeniable chemistry. The main idea is that Evangeline and her squad must attempt to stop the terrible demon King Asmodeus from taking over the planet, but it will undoubtedly be a difficult assignment. I remained on the edge of my seat the entire time since there are so many twists in this vibrant world. It seemed like hit after hit was coming at my face, so I was definitely kept guessing until the very end. All I will say is that there are vampires, humans, angels, and devils in this world, and who knows what they are doing? Betrayal is easy to find. Mary Ting has c...

 Dogisthaan: A Mythic Reawakening of the Bond Between Man and Dog In Dogisthaan: Kingdom of the Dogs, debut author Shayon Moitra has crafted a riveting tale that transcends the boundaries of myth, morality, and modernity. Set in a world where ancient pacts and sacred responsibilities are forgotten amid the chaos of urban decay and human apathy, Dogisthaan is both an epic fantasy and a sobering, almost humbling, reflection on the cruelty often meted out to voiceless creatures. Through richly imagined and coherently constructed lore and characters that resonate on a deep emotional level. Shayon has explored a unique concept of what happens when humanity breaks a promise it barely remembers making. At the heart of the story is a powerful legend – the ancient pact between Kram, the Dog Lord, and humankind. This pact, centuries ago, guaranteed harmony with humans entrusted to care for and respect canine life. But in the industrialized present, where stray dogs are seen as nuisances and ...

 Ring Twice for Mrs. Naren: Romantic crime and seduction for that perfect murder - with plenty of twists... by Vijay Medtia  Watching thrilling web series makes you gripped and longing for the next episode; the same was the case with this book. I was reluctantly waiting for the next chapter to be turned. This book is deliciously amusing with all its shady characters, and it provides you with a fascinating dose of leisure reading. The story revolves around the protagonist, Mrs Naren, a typical femme fatale—the irresistibly gorgeous wife of a wealthy man and a greedy lawyer. From the very beginning, the lawyer who is struggling in his career gets infatuated by the beauty of the client's wife. He remains stunned by the extremely gorgeous wife of his client, Mr Naren. Initially, it becomes clear that Mrs Naren is going to seduce her husband's lawyer. Her tempting beauty makes lawyer Anand confess all the secrets of her husband's will, and then their clandestine adventure begins...

 The Fast Before the Feast - Biblical Principles for Spiritual Breakthrough: Renew Your Heart, Sharpen Your Hearing, Break Generational Chains, and Unlock Kingdom Power by Raquenel  In Scripture, fasting almost always precedes feasting. And it’s not a coincidence—it’s a design. This rhythm is purposeful:  • Fasting prepares the heart.  • Feasting celebrates the breakthrough.  It’s a pattern of surrender before abundance, humility before honor, dependence before provision. The book explores how fasting isn’t just about repentance or breakthrough. It’s about relationship. It’s about coming closer to the Bridegroom—not for what He can do, but simply for who He is. It explores how fasting becomes a spiritual tool for guidance when decisions matter most. The author's knowledge of hormone-conscious and medically sensitive fasting is crucial. Scripture-based affirmations and prayers are effective instruments for spiritual development. I strongly suggest this book to a...

 Shetty Vs Shetty: A Contemporary Family Drama by C.A. Rajeev Kothari | Book Review "Shetty Vs. Shetty"  is a gripping story about a business family. The story is about ambition, betrayal, legacy, and high stakes. The main character is business magnate Ravi Shetty, who runs Eterna, a chain of luxury resorts in India and other countries.  Ravi has built a formidable business empire despite growing up in poverty. However, when he has a heart attack, his children start looking for his place and a fight for the throne begins. Soon, Akshara, Nikhil, and Prasad, his three children, start competing for control, kicking off a power struggle. Who will win this battle as secret begin to be revealed and conspiracies emerge?  Kothari’s storytelling truly shines as he makes every moment feel both personal and political.  The family drama is full of calculated betrayals, corporate intrigue, and emotional flashpoints that help us understand the reasons behind each character's ...

 New Age HOAX: Manifestation Exposed by Shekhar Kaushik | Book Review In a manner that is both approachable and comprehensible, the book expertly combines modern psychology with profound Indian philosophy. It challenges the notion that the subconscious mind is like a magic wand or that the law of attraction alone is sufficient.  Instead, it shifts our attention to the things that really matter—self-awareness, effort, emotional maturity, and karma. It discusses the distinction between perception and perspective, which we frequently fail to draw a line between; its impact on our lives; superstitions; gender bias; mental health stigma; how perception ignites self-doubt and erases our true intentions; how perception surrenders our creativity; the rigidity of perception, from flexibility to stagnation; and how to break free from perception.  It also discusses how we frequently fail to draw a line between perception and perspective. The Indian philosophical concept of the Antah...

 Smart Kids vs Internet Tricksters by Prisha Dixit ,  Aman Archika | Book Review This comic book is entertaining, vibrant, and simple enough for young readers to grasp. It imparts valuable knowledge about internet safety, including how to handle frauds, bullies, and protecting personal information. Five illustrated stories that follow the experiences of five children—Lily, Amelia, Emma, Alex, and Akiko—as they encounter various risks while using the internet are included in the book. The book examines the various threats that are present in cyberspace, including malware, phishing assaults, and account hacking. In addition to warning children about potential risks, the book instructs them what to do in the event that they come across any potential scam. Young readers can learn about the risks associated with the internet by reading these stories. Each of them is placed in situations that are incredibly realistic and highly relatable. The author takes the reader on differe...