Lanterns for the Dark by Rheaa Noor

 Lanterns for the Dark by Rheaa Noor

This poetry book is an intensely personal and emotional trip that will leave you breathless. The author's voice is gentle, honest, and unafraid, as if you were reading a message to your own heart.

The poems address themes of grief, heartbreak, and resilience, yet they do not dwell on the agony. They are about healing and discovering power in vulnerability. The author's words are like candles in the darkness, guiding you through difficult moments and reminding you that you are not alone.

Each poem meets the reader exactly where they are: in sadness, doubt, or desire for something they can't quite put a name to. However, each piece serves as a reminder that your emotions are valid, your scars are real, and your light continues to matter.

Overall, Lanterns for the Dark is a comforting, sympathetic companion for anyone going through emotional healing. It is not a book that dazzles with technical experimentation; rather, it is a book that cares and does so in astonishing detail.

Purchase here.

#Bookishlife2022_ #OpinionMatters #bookrecommendations 

Arsenal of The Gods by Ajeet Pratap Singh

 Arsenal of The Gods by Ajeet Pratap Singh

"Arsenal of the Gods is a fast-paced, immersive mythological thriller that pulls you in from its very first mystery and never quite lets you breathe. The idea of waking up with eleven days erased from memory is unsettling on its own, but the novel quickly deepens that unease with haunting visions, cryptic symbols, and the growing realization that nothing about Rudra’s life is what it seemed.

Rudra is found thousands of miles away from his factory in Goa, in his home in Allahabad. Gradually he begins to join the pieces of this puzzle. In his adventure, Kshitip is his ally and together they must solve cryptic riddles hidden in ancient temples across India. Each riddle unlocks a piece of the weapon that has the power to burn the entire earth down. Are they succesful in keeping the balance of the power of not? Well I am not going to tell you everything here. Pick up the book and find out more.

For the most part, the pacing is excellent, keeping the reader on edge and looking forward to the next clue and destination. Every chapter feels like a new adventure, but the Covid-19 lockdown creates a strong sense of nostalgia and adds another layer of emotional and narrative depth.

The author maintains tight control over the story's parts, balancing pace with emotions and walking a fine line between keeping the reader interested in the story and allowing the main character to mature at a comfortable rate. He skilfully develops his characters, gradually leading them into twists and turns. 

Have a look:
"He tries to focus more on these patches, but cannot identify anything because of the claustrophobic feeling. He looks up and finds that the ceiling of a temple is just a few inches above his head. He sees snakes everywhere on it, some of them slithering too. He hears some noise and turns his head in fear to see. Rudra wakes up breathless and sweaty."

The author has created this world extensively but gradually, providing information in little doses and not overwhelming the reader with a flood of knowledge. That manner, the reader's curiosity stays on top of the crest without having to recall anything.

Overall, it is fast paced and thrilling read.

Purchase here.

#Bookishlife2022_ #OpinionMatters

Finding our Forever: A frenemies to lovers, slow-burn office romance! by Manisha Vashist

 Finding our Forever: A frenemies to lovers, slow-burn office romance! by Manisha Vashist

Manisha Vashist's Finding Our Forever is a slow-burning office romance that draws together Ruhi Sharma, a responsible, career-driven lady who only falls for fictitious men and has sworn off real ones, and Samar Malhotra, the charming but guarded CEO who no longer believes in forever.

Two years after an accidental encounter on a solo walk that resulted in heartbreak and misunderstanding, fate brings them back together. Now working together, their polite professionalism conceals an unmistakable chemistry that threatens to revive old sentiments and create something neither of them anticipated.

This beautiful story, with supporting families and a sweet happily-ever-after, is the ideal combination of love, fun, and warmth. The chemistry between the leads is evident, making their journey to the altar enjoyable to watch. The text is lush, dramatic, and unabashedly emotional - extravagant at times, but that indulgence is exactly what makes it memorable.

Overall, "Finding Our Forever" is a romantic comedy that focusses on second chances, slow-burning romance, and the courage to open one's heart. If you appreciate cosy office romances with depth and heart, this book will have you smiling long beyond the last page.

Purchase here.

#Bookishlife2022_ #OpinionMa

THE RIVER KNOWS HER NAME: A novel of sisters, secrets & mysteries by Dr GEETHA KARIAPPA

 THE RIVER KNOWS HER NAME: A novel of sisters, secrets & mysteries by Dr GEETHA KARIAPPA

"The River Knows Her Name" is a delicate yet powerful book about grief, memory, sisterhood, and healing. At its core, this tale is about love and grief; it is about sisters who are connected not only by blood but also by secrets that run underneath their lives like an invisible stream.

It begins with a devastating heartbreak: Revati, a bright sister, was killed and found dead on their family's Coorg estate. Swati, her sister, is upset and left with a lot of unanswered questions.

It follows Swati, a woman shattered by her sister Revati’s death, who seeks healing in a monastery far from home — and there encounters Jayanti, a monk whose calm presence stirs memories she cannot explain. 

Their journeys, through grief, guilt, forgiveness, and transcendence, reflect my own fascination with how pain can become a teacher and how the search for peace often begins in the depths of suffering.

The author weaves a veil of redemption through them: suffering does not always end with acceptance; it can also end when secrets are revealed and wounds are addressed. The novel suggests that the healing process is not a straight line; it may be chaotic and traumatic; nonetheless, listening, remembering, and embracing it might be the first steps.

Overall, "The River Knows Her Name" is a powerful and emotional contemplation on how facing loss and realising our internal reality can result in silent but profound healing. It is a story that sticks with you long after the last page.

Purchase here.

#Bookishlife2022_ #OpinionMatters 

Unconventional: Love and Distraught in the time of Corona by Kalam Babu

 Unconventional: Love and Distraught in the time of Corona by Kalam Babu

Unconventional is a collection of raw stories that make you feel the pain of a person through varied angles. The stories give a glimpse of real life from an eye of the victim and get more struck due to covid when he/she is locked with the same person who is hated from the core of his/her heart.

There are 16 stories that make you dive into the lives of different person who make you feel their pain especially in the covid period. Their dilemna faces the reality where it is hard for them to either live or leave the person. Among these stories I liked "Scarlet"; "Ash of the Snow"; "Alive" and "Dhaman".

In the story Scarlet, the author paints the hard faced time of a wife. She is getting dream of scarlet as she is just a piece of flesh for his husband. Her relation with her husband is depicted that make you absorb the scars of a woman who is nagged day and night without pause. Yet the same woman has to come to satisfy the needs of the same person with a smile on her face. Will lockdown remove her scars or more deepen it?

Quotes from the book that piqued me:

🍉"Invisible to the naked eye, you have to dig deep and look for the scars in the reflection to see them. The eye lies, but the mirror never lies."

Here the author depicts the scars made by the partner who is hard to stop or move out of the bond due to societal norms or pressures. But the unbearable pain is also made by the same person whom you might expect more.

🍉"Dreams can be the maps to this stranger’s heart, whom I have come to love in my dreams, but they are definitely not the location pins to his place. And at times like these, I wish there was magic in the world."

Very true. Dreams have a callibre of taking you to a different world where you assume and feel what you might desire in the waked life. But still you desire that magic may prove your dream a reality.

🍉"Every time I look in the mirror, I see two faces. My old face fading out of the mirror and the new face coming into prominence. Every time I look in the mirror, I see two faces. Mine, the memory. And his, now. Every time I look in the mirror, I see rain falling.

Our mind wants to look for the things we deeply desire and long for. Our loniliness make you feel the things or emotions or persons you long for or have deeply effected your heart in one or the other way.

The author has well penned the emotions of a woman who longs for respect and love. His vivid descriptions of the place or the person give a glimpse of how one person effects the life of the other person.

Overall, it is journey of vivid dreams of a person aspiring for love and safety. I enjoyed reading the stories and would recommend them all.

#Bookishlife2022_ #OpinionMatters 

सीमा प्रहरी - कर्त्तव्य, साहस व समर्पण की अमर गाथाएं

 सीमा प्रहरी - कर्त्तव्य, साहस व समर्पण की अमर गाथाएं

"सीमा प्रहरी" BSF जवानों के रोमांचक पलों का एक कलेक्शन है, जिन्हें वीरता पुरस्कार मिले हैं। यह आपको इन जवानों की ज़िंदगी के सफ़र से थोड़े समय के लिए गुज़ारता है, लेकिन इसका असर लंबे समय तक रहता है।

BSF के हर जवान की कहानी आपको अपने फैसलों पर सोचने पर मजबूर करती है और कैसे ये फैसले दूसरों की ज़िंदगी में फर्क ला सकते हैं। मैं इन जवानों की प्रेरणादायक और अनुशासित ज़िंदगी से बहुत प्रभावित हुआ, जिन्हें अपने परिवारों के साथ समय बिताने का मुश्किल से ही समय मिलता है, फिर भी वे मुस्कुराते हुए देश की सेवा करते रहते हैं।

मैं BSF के उप महानिरीक्षक नरेंद्र नाथ धर दुबे की यात्रा से प्रेरित हुआ, जिन्हें कीर्ति चक्र से सम्मानित किया गया था। उन्होंने खुशी-खुशी 8 गोलियां खाईं, लेकिन गाजी बाबा के साथ मुठभेड़ में हार नहीं मानी। ये गोलियों के निशान आज भी उनके शरीर पर हैं, जो उन्हें देश के लिए उनके प्यार और बलिदान की याद दिलाते हैं।

वह याद दिलाते हैं और इस बात पर ज़ोर देते हैं कि युवा पीढ़ी को इस वर्चुअल ज़िंदगी से बाहर निकलना चाहिए और अपने देश और इंसानियत के प्रति अनुशासन, बलिदान और समर्पण की सच्चाई को अपनाना चाहिए। अगर कोई व्यक्ति समाज को बदलना चाहता है, तो उसे पहले खुद को बदलना होगा।

उनके जीवन के गहरे विचार या एजेंडा आपके देश और सबसे ज़रूरी, खुद के प्रति आपकी ज़िम्मेदारियों के बारे में सोचने पर मजबूर करने वाले सवाल उठाते हैं। ये यात्राएं पढ़ने वालों के दिमाग पर गहरा असर डालती हैं, उन्हें एक सरल, अनुशासित और दयालु जीवन जीने के लिए प्रेरित करती हैं।

लेखक ने इन सभी जवानों के बारे में अच्छी तरह से रिसर्च किया है और उनके विचारों और सोचने के तरीकों को बताया है कि उन्होंने अपनी यात्राओं में कैसा महसूस किया होगा। छोटी-छोटी कहानियों को असरदार कविता की पंक्तियों के साथ जोड़ा गया है।

Purchase here.

#Bookishlife2022_ #OpinionMatters #bookrecommendations 

कुल मिलाकर, एक असरदार किताब।

The Turning by Shannaaya Chopra

 The Turning by Shannaaya Chopra

Kiara Sharma, a young student living with her widower father and a bunch of crazy friends, is happy and carefree until she turns eighteen. Just like Cinderella, at the stroke of midnight, and when a full moon rises, her life takes a 360-degree turn. Cinderella’s life changes for the better, whereas Kiara’s life takes a turn for the worse. To her dismay, she turns into a dangerous werewolf.

The icy hands of fate take her to the land of werewolves – Ordenia, a secluded forest. There, she meets fellow werewolves and acquaints herself with the ways of the werewolves. Immediately after she settles down there, their community is attacked by enemies. A surprise encounter with the head of the werewolves leaves her stupefied with shock and pain.

She sets out on a quest for an elixir that could save her friends. As she navigates a treacherous landscape filled with both allies and foes, she discovers that the journey for the Elixir is as much about self-discovery as it is about saving her friends. With each challenge she faces, her resolve strengthens, compelling her to confront not only the external dangers but also the tumultuous emotions that threaten to overwhelm her.

Is she able to find the potion? Can she save her friends and bring her life back on track? Does emotion sway her, or can she control her emotions for a more positive outcome? 

The world-building is a bit sketchy, but there is enough to get an idea of the place. There are wonderful B&W illustrations at the start of each part, which provide the required visual detail for readers to imagine the setting and characters. Love these illustrations!

They add a unique charm to the narrative, bridging the gap between text and imagination. As the story unfolds, these visual elements become essential in enhancing the reader's connection to the unfolding drama and the characters’ journeys.

The writing is decent and easy to read in a general sense. The editing needs to be better. In quite a few instances, it took time to figure out who spoke the dialogue and who reacted to it. Improving the clarity of dialogue attribution could significantly elevate the overall experience. By refining these elements, the author can ensure that readers remain fully immersed in the world they've created, allowing for a more seamless engagement with the plot.

I adored the story's setting and friendship development. They have succinctly described how friendship maintains you in your own bubble when circumstances around you change, but it doesn't allow you to handle it on your own. Krish's support is admirable, and we also have Advik, Aisha, Anjali, Amara, Aidan, and Alice. When taken as a whole, they give Kiara hope that everything will be okay and that they would always be there.

Overall, it is wonderful read.

This review is sponsored by Blogchatter.

#Bookishlife2022_ #OpinionMatters 

Impossible Makes Possible by Yashodhara P

Impossible Makes Possible by Yashodhara P

Learning about personality traits is tough but not impossible. I wonder how the upbringing of a child can mould his choices and friends. It resonated more when I stumbled upon a new book by one of my favourite authors, who writes to impart deep messages of life in her short and vivid stories.

"Impossible Makes Possible” is a crime story where six friends visited Zion National Park for trekking and hiking. All of them were the students of Phoenix University. One of the friends, Christopher is found dead in the serene waters where he went with his friends for trekking. No one could figure out the reason for his sudden demise or murder.

As the investigation proceeds, the friends are cross-questioned, and the planning is figured out. I was intrigued to know how he was separated from his loved ones and why. The way the childhood memories are pondered one by one and the real reason comes upfront shocked me. 

The story is related to peer relationships and real friendship. The question always is whether it is difficult to find a real friend. Here the author makes you realise that whatever happens, happens for a reason. Only God knows the real reason behind every doing.

Verse from the book that piqued me
💓 Two words with D: duty and destiny. 
    Nobody can judge which has entity. 
     Performing duty is a worldly fact. 
    Achieving destiny is the karma’s nest.

💔“Do not believe in words because they are hallowed by tradition. Find out the truth for yourself. Reason it out. That is realization. Feel nothing, know nothing, do nothing, have nothing, give up all to God, and say utterly, ‘Thy will be done.’ We only dream this bondage. Wake up and let it go. Love is the joy of the good, the wonder of the wise, the amazement of the Gods. The only true wisdom is knowing yourself and know nothing."

The story is fast-paced and thrilling, making the reader learn many facts about the place and humans. The added poetic verses make it more enthralling.
Overall, it is a thought-provoking read.

Become The Boss Of You: A No Bullshite Guide by Ishall Dogood

Become The Boss Of You: A No Bullshite Guide by Ishall Dogood

Become the Boss of You bridges the gap between cumbersome works on self-help and the practical use of our natural human abilities. This is a guide for using your mental tools and actions practically. 

It can guide anyone and everyone. It is organized to be functional, easy to understand, and implement. Most will find the book practical. You will also find it inspiring, rewarding, and fun. This book is a set of tools that can help you achieve results and help you cope. As you master these tools, you become a more skilled craftsperson, capable of tackling complex projects and achieving self-control.

The book provides hacks for navigating from complexity to simplicity. We, the humans are complex creatures, and guiding ourselves can be tricky. Yet, everyone can apply these principles. All that is needed is the willingness to do the work and use these tools to become the craftsperson [A1]of life. Secondly, it doesn't sugarcoat the truth.

Overall, it is a commendable read.

 

12 Years: My Messed-up Love Story by Chetan Bhagat

 12 Years: My Messed-up Love Story by Chetan Bhagat

I am a firm follower of Chetan Bhagat as I started my reading journey through his books. Today when I get to know that he is launching his new book. I was unstoppable and I picked up my copy at the earliest. 

In 12 Years: My Messed-up Love Story, a thirty-three-year-old divorced stand-up comedian and a twenty-one-year-old rising star in private equity have a relationship that society would quickly discount. This story's main source of tension and heartbeat is the twelve-year age difference.

The narrative poses a central query that permeates all love tales: how can one determine whether someone is "the one," particularly when all the signs point to the contrary? Through Saket Khurana and Payal Jain, two people who shouldn't work on paper but develop unmistakable chemistry in real life, Bhagat addresses this common conundrum.

Saket and Payal's romance grows organically as they talk on window ledges, have midnight snacks at the beach, and share vulnerable moments. Their bond is not based on great gestures, but on understanding, acceptance, and the simple magic of being present with one another.

Bhagat maintains his characteristic conversational approach, which has made him India's best-selling English-language novelist. The text flows smoothly, making the work accessible to readers of all demographics. Sentences are clear, conversation flows naturally, and the tempo keeps the pages turning. The author uses contemporary references—Instagram influencers, private equity deals, and Dubai's opulent lifestyle—to root the story in modern India.

It's messy, confusing, painful, and ultimately hopeful—just like true love. Bhagat succeeds in crafting characters that make errors, harm each other, grow apart, and eventually reunite not because destiny demands it, but because they choose each other despite all odds.

The plot is straightforward but interesting, with plenty of humour, drama, and memorable moments. Some scenes are clichéd and unrealistic, but that's part of the appeal, like seeing a Bollywood romance that knows precisely what it is.

The book delves at profoundly ingrained topics in Indian society, including the oppressive weight of societal expectations, generational strife, class and caste divisions, social media facades, and gender injustice. The repeating thought of "log kya kahenge" (what will people say) serves as a haunting refrain, demonstrating how parents may destroy their children's pleasure while believing themselves that they are doing the right thing.

I appreciated how they overcome everyone's perception of their love as nothing more than lust--an older man's fantasy about a younger lady and a young woman's obsession with someone older, stable, and confident. But, beyond the surface, there's always been something more between Saket and Payal--an unspoken understanding, a magnetic pull that neither can explain or deny.

Their bond extends beyond physical attraction; it is oddly genuine, making their struggle to be together all the more intriguing. Even though the timing of their relationship was not ideal at first, their sentiments remained strong.

What genuinely astonished me was how her parents treated her: manipulative, emotionally abusive, and blatantly hypocritical. They were more concerned with image and social position than with her education, career, and achievement. Even after everything falls apart, they exhibit no guilt or self-awareness. Their son, who has performed worse by every metric, is nonetheless the golden child simply because he is "the son" for the most part.

The book also skilfully addresses the toxic aspect of social media via Payal's friend Akanksha, who curates the ideal online life for approval. Payal's parents view her "picture-perfect" marriage as ideal, despite the fact that it is shallow and theatrical. It's a stinging commentary on how individuals only present the polished parts of their lives online, obscuring the chaos.

The second half of the story gets more interesting as Saket rebuilds his life and crosses paths again.I appreciated how they get to know each other's worth in their life.

Overall, "12 Years My Messed Up Love Story" is more than just a romance; it's also a social mirror. It discusses desire, difference, and the guts to advocate for love that does not conform to the world's "normal."

Purchase here .

This review is for the Blogchatter review program.

#Bookishlife2022_ #OpinionMatters #Bookrecommendations 

The SIS Story: How an accidental entrepreneur from Bihar created a global services conglomerate by Prince Mathews Thomas

 The SIS Story: How an accidental entrepreneur from Bihar created a global services conglomerate by Prince Mathews Thomas

The book does more than just revisit India's corporate history; it also places SIS in the backdrop of tremendous changes in India's socioeconomic landscape, from the days of the so-called Licence Raj to economic liberalisation and the marketplace today.

The founding of SIS by a reporter who earned barely Rs 250 per month gave it a fresh perspective that anybody who wishes to change the society can do it easily. It's incredible to watch how a little company idea based on compassion and social responsibility has grown into a global giant with hundreds of thousands of people and operations on every continent.

Ravindra Kishore Sinha formed SIS Group Enterprises Ltd, which stands for Security and Intelligence Services Ltd, in 1974. It started as a social project to enable former army jawans and officers to find work as security personnel. Over time, Ravindra Sinha and his son, Rituraj Sinha, built it into a conglomerate that now employs approximately 3 lakh people.

What I find most amazing, and what I believe young people can learn, is that success does not always require silver spoons or the best pedigree; it can be attained through grit, discipline, humility, and a sense of purpose.

The tale emphasises that SIS was founded on accountability rather than greed. The root cause of SIS was to provide ex-servicemen with dignity, identity, and structured living, which serves as its cultural backbone, influencing hiring, training, trust mechanisms, and field ethics even as it expands globally.

The author examines India's transition from Licence Raj to liberalisation and global integration, highlighting how national policy reforms facilitated SIS. According to the book, macroeconomics not only influences enterprises but can also affect destiny.

The author provides a detailed description of the company's history and how the father-son team founded it. His writing is honest, and he is not afraid to highlight the challenges the company experienced. At the same time, he skilfully emphasises the ideals, culture, and driving forces behind its success.

Overall, it is a commendable read.

Purchase here.

#Bookishlife2022_ #OpinionMatters #bookrecommendations 

Stitching Stardom by Madhav Agasti

 Stitching Stardom by Madhav Agasti

"Stitching Stardom" is a gripping autobiography. It provides a unique, behind-the-scenes glimpse into Bollywood and Indian politics via the prism of fashion. This book focuses more on resilience and what it takes to continue pursuing your passion in the face of adversity. Unlike other traditional autobiographies, it helps to know more about the reasons for the chosen job.

The film business anecdotes are particularly fascinating, and the knowledge that Agasti was responsible for classic looks like Mr India's Mogambo adds an exciting element to the reading experience.

His work with political personalities like Balasaheb Thackeray is equally fascinating. The book also describes the craft, the long hours, the ingenuity, and the strain of getting the smallest details correct that millions of eyes will see on screen. These chapters provide a unique behind-the-scenes look at how identity and power can be conveyed through apparel.

The book masterfully illustrates how tenacity, enthusiasm, artistry, and individuality can mould a career as well as a legacy. The memoir offers a deeper, more intimate look into his journey by including observations and thoughts from those close to him in addition to his own tale.

Overall, "Stitching Stardom" serves as a motivational reminder that, with commitment and confidence, no dream is too large.

Purchase here.

#Bookishlife2022_ #OpinionMatters #bookrecommendations 

The First Wave: Life of a Covid Warrior by Prashant Nayak

 The First Wave: Life of a Covid Warrior by Prashant Nayak

Dr. Prashant Nayak's remarkable book "The First Wave: Life Of A Covid Warrior" is a heartbreaking and very personal biography that takes an unvarnished look at the life of a frontline healthcare worker during the traumatic first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in India.

The book is a detailed account of the author's hospital's evolution into a fully operational COVID institution, reflecting the hardships and unique perspectives of healthcare personnel. Dr. Nayak's coping strategies, like as rediscovering his love of writing and singing during lockdown, bring a human element to the plot.

The narrative dives into the pandemic's broader social impact, tackling problems such as the misery of migrant workers, political blame games, and prejudice against healthcare staff. These insights help to provide a thorough grasp of the many difficulties that confront us in these unique times.

His writing, in particular, emerges as an effective technique for digesting the turmoil around him, and the book itself demonstrates the healing potential of storytelling. These moments of personal rediscovery serve as a contrast to the book's harsher themes, giving readers glimpses of hope and resilience.

Overall, a heart-touching read.

Purchase here

True Spirit by Pratima Jaidev

 True Spirit by Pratima Jaidev

The book TRUE SPIRIT tells the real-life tales of women who have persevered, overcome adversity, and possessed faith. Their approach to life has been enlightening, inspirational, and had a profound effect on me.

There are twenty-one real-life stories that are heartfelt and sensitive. These accounts of twenty-one women employed in a variety of fields, including media, education, IT, and more, transported me to various stages of their development. In order to overcome all obstacles, discover their life's purpose, and realise their aspirations, they have gradually transformed their lives with grace and grit.

The stories span across different cultures and circumstances, but they share a common thread: the recognition that grace and peace isn’t the absence of struggle, but it is the way we choose to move through that matters the most.

And grit isn’t about never failing or falling down, but it’s about having a ‘never give up attitude’, the will to rise up again and again, dust off all the challenges and keep marching forward in life.

In the story, "Be in the Now", I could feel the pain of Sweta when she finds her son, Kstij, an autistic child. But no one could feel the pain or even said that she was overreacting. But her husband helps her and understands her. 

The book covers a wide range of stories of women who have dealt with bereavement, disability, toxic relationships, and domestic abuse, but at the core of every tale is an unwavering faith in potential.

The honesty of "True Spirit" is what sets it apart. These are not tales of spectacular successes, but rather of small victories in which the decision to proceed turns into a subdued act of defiance.

Overall, "True Spirit" is intended for everybody who has ever fallen and had to muster the strength to get back up. It gently motivates you without pressuring you in any way. It serves as a reminder that you are not alone, even on your worst days, and that you can always get back up.

Purchase here.

#Bookishlife2022_ #OpinionMatters #bookrecommendations 

The Chola Tigers: Avengers of Somnath by Amish Tripathi

 The Chola Tigers: Avengers of Somnath by  Amish Tripathi

The book really shines in its portrayal of retribution, showing how the Chola Tigers systematically destroy the forces of devastation out of grief and rage. Amish skilfully depicts a multifaceted mission of vengeance that goes beyond simple military triumph to include honour restoration and the symbolic reaffirmation of a civilization's might.

The book opens with one of the worst moments in Indian history—the brutal devastation of the Somnath temple by Mahmud of Ghazni. Even if many are killed and the Shiva Linga is broken, a pledge is made in the middle of the devastation. a promise of retribution. A Dharma vow.

From the Chola capital of Gangaikonda Cholapuram to the snow-covered summits of the Hindu Kush, Amish weaves a daring revenge story that combines historical vision and emotional intensity. The premise is compelling: five people, driven by grief and spiritual obligation, set out to retrieve what was lost: not only a temple, but the essence of a civilisation.

The Chola soldiers' meticulous preparation, strategic ingenuity, and sheer grit in their pursuit of justice is both a heart-pounding spectacle and a deeply poignant concept, demonstrating that while destruction is quick, the price will be paid in full.

The action in the book is the key focus, and it stems from the emotional connection to the annexed first Jyotirlinga and the subsequent retribution scheme. The temple was robbed numerous times, and the Amish's perspective on how one of India's most powerful kingdoms retaliated by combining with others who shared the same passion and desire to reclaim its lost splendour is incredible.

The author's ability to combine depth with easy writing guarantees that even readers with limited historical understanding may feel the emotional impact of the story. That's unusual.

The author has always written in the style of a traditional storyteller, with the cadence of an oral historian and the urgency of a dramatist. The novel is dramatic, frequently thunderous, and packed with sensory details that make every battle cry and moment of anguish pour through the pages.

Overall, this is not a flawless book, but it is an important one. It's bold, unapologetic, and full of civilisational confidence. It reminds you that pride in your heritage is not arrogance; rather, it represents continuity.

Purchase here.

#Bookishlife2022_ #OpinionMatters #bookrecommendations 

Wai Bangkok: Stories of Culture, Faces and Self-Discovery by Bhuban Patra

 Wai Bangkok: Stories of Culture, Faces and Self-Discovery by Bhuban Patra

"Wai Bangkok" is a collection of short stories for a person who gets transformed personality-wise after facing so many challenges from a change in place. Written in simple English, it enhances the flow of readers in reading these thought-provoking and impactful stories.

It is a collection of 7 stories that explore the hidden corners of the city where expatriates, locals and wanderers intersect. I was overwhelmed with the narrative and how the author explored varied places.

The best part was the prose:
🔥 "What we seek is not an end,
But a beginning, rising quietly,
Like a song in the heart of silence.
The struggles we bear are seeds,
And today, they break into blossoms of resolve."

I was intrigued by the story from his onset in Bangkok, where he gets a place where the author tried pad Thai, a tangy and fiery Som Tam and much more. His indulgence in the workplace and exploration of the city made me feel like I was wandering in the city itself.

In the story "Diving into the Deep", the author shares his journey about chasing landmarks or collecting photographs.  It was his deep and profound insight. He shares that sometimes it is better to surrender than to control.

The author has well curated the core of stories relating readers to ancient wisdom and leading them on the path of knowledge through travel and communication.  His narrative is relatable and practical.

Overall, it is a commendable read for all.

Purchase here.

#Bookishlife2022_ #bookrecommedations #OpinionMatters