This was a
modern-day marriage-of-convenience story that was a beautiful combination of
tradition, romance and family values. I love how the author has given an
Eastern twist to it – since most of the stories that follow this trope are set
in the western world. I feel that when it comes to the Eastern side of the
world, it just gets a lot more complicated. We have a family to deal with, we
have extended family to deal with and so on.
I loved how these characters were well rounded. Apart from the budding romance, there are also the subplots – mostly the hurdles the two characters are trying to overcome. Garrett and Natalie are two people who are goal-oriented and know what they want. Garrett was the perfect alpha male – he was so encouraging and applauded Natalie’s business acumen.
I also loved that he was not the obsessive possessive lover that seems to be the equation nowadays. The way they blossomed was great – both as a couple as well as individually. The power imbalance, however, surprisingly was not much of a deterrent in their relationship and I huffed in satisfaction at that. Also, the sexual build-up was great although they did seem to have instant chemistry.
However, one thing that I did not particularly like was how each chapter would begin suddenly. There was no thread of continuity there and I would have appreciated it if there were. However, it was a quick and interesting love story! I rated it 4/5 stars!
Sixteen Stormy Days is about the sixteen days of debate in 1951, which led to the controversial first Amendment of the Indian Constitution. This book was a truly well-researched treatise on the why and how behind the major change in Indian Constitutional history.
In eloquent prose, the book goes over the changes that
were made in the Constitution, which had been worked on for three years prior
to this abrupt and fast sixteen-day debate. With the passing of the Amendment
as the Constitution (First Amendment) Act of June 1951, various changes were
brought in – most of which cause heated debates even today. To name a few, the
fundamental rights were qualified in favour of the State, enabled the
caste-based reservation system, restricted the right to property, to name a
few.
Most importantly, the book also sheds light on the
support as well as the opposition that this Amendment garnered. The author also sheds light on the various
icons behind it – such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajendra Prasad, etc. Most
importantly, it depicts how the originally liberal Constitution was
reconfigured in a way that would be favourable to India’s first government,
which turned to be authoritarian. What started as a major move by Jawaharlal
Nehru and the super-majoritarian government, radically led to a system of
coercion and repression on a vast majority of the Indian people.
The narration is smooth, however, having never had
political science or history as my subjects, I found it a bit exhausting to
read. Perhaps that is something a few readers may face but let me tell you that
the end is worth it. You will come out a bit wiser and also perhaps with more
questions, which will lead you down on a path of learning. I think this was a
really well-penned book by the author. It was informative and with the eloquent
writing, the reader really captures the attention of the reader. It was also a
really quick read once I got into it.
Raavanputr Meghnad by Kevil Missal is a new mythological fiction that follows the lesser-known Meghnad, Raavan’s favourite son, who fought on Ram’s side!
Ravanputr Meghnad
Mythological Fiction in Raavanputr Meghnad
Towards the beginning of this month, I had picked up Vyasa, a graphic novel on the Mahabharata. As such, it was only fitting that I also read a fictional twist on the Ramayana as well. Ravanputr Meghnad by Kevin Missal is based on the Ramayana, more specifically, Raavan’s favourite son Meghnad. However, the storyline is not true to the actual Ramayana and has been fictionalized, so do keep that in mind before picking up the book.
The plot was an interesting one and it helped me to imagine another way in which the story may have happened. I quite enjoyed the path it took especially in regards to the development of Meghnad’s character. The change, which occurs especially after his meeting the love of his life, a Naga princess, was quite fast towards the middle. It is at this point that he realizes that his ways may not have been entirely right.
Narrative style
Changing narratives also kept the plot interesting and I liked getting glimpses into the actions, and thus, the minds of the various characters such as Meghnad, Prameela, Suparnika, and Laxman.
What I did not like about this mythological fiction
However, since it was inspired by actual mythology, the setting has been the same. As such, I think it was a strike against the book that the characters used modern slangs, which seemed out of time for the characters. Moreover, the author tried to bring in comedic elements through the familial bonds, which I do not think worked very well.
Verdict:
Overall, it was an enjoyable and quick read. I was absorbed while reading it and did like the overall arch. If you like mythological stories written with a twist, this is definitely one you should pick up soon. I rated it 3.75/5 stars.
Dream Beyond Shadows: No Ordinary Tourist was a unique autobiographical travelogue that I really enjoyed. It was greatly introspective.
Dream Beyond Shadows
Synopsis:
If you are holding this book, there’s a chance you may be at a crossroads in your life, as once the author of this book was. Feeling stuck and overwhelmed by society’s pressures, how can we learn, in today’s fast-paced and results-driven world, to truly dream beyond shadows? Having touched the hearts of readers across the globe, Dream Beyond Shadows has now been published in its second edition, to celebrate the raw and compelling art of storytelling inscribed in its pages. The book chronicles a turning point in the author’s life, a moment when he decided to turn against the current of his life and move in the opposite direction of social expectations and his own conditioned fears.
Author:
Kartikeya Ladha
This was a 4
star read for me. I really fell into a thinking pit of introspection as I went
over the words of the author. A few points of note:
Visually appealing!
The cover was the first thing that drew me towards this book. It was just very aesthetic and almost psychedelic. The pink and the purples in the new cover design was out of this world. On the same note, the chapter cover pages were also very aesthetic with the inclusion of the design. The book was also a visual treat along with the deep content. The inclusion of the pictures from the author’s life also gave a glimpse and made it easier to understand the life of the author and thus, his words too.
Inclusion of Poetry!
The poetry pieces were also great. I think they really brought together the narrative and gave outbursts of poetic emotions throughout, at regular intervals.
Imagery in the travelogue!
The book also has wonderful imagery. I love the way the author transitioned from the concrete jungles of the city (perhaps arguably the most famous city of the world) to beautiful Peru and then the dense Amazons. The book is also a travelogue in this sense and it gives you an amazing experience. I could almost see myself right in the center of it all.
An autobiographical travelogue
Overall, I think this was a beautiful book – a sort of a mix between an autobiography and a motivational book. However, the fact that it was a personal story made it all the more effective and thus the reader became undoubtedly more empathic while reading. I myself was sucked in. I am at a stage in my life where I am happy and confident about what I want and how I feel. But at the same time, I also have seen around me, people going through quarter-life crises regarding what they want, their future, etc. As such, it was a book I could really feel in my bones.
Verdict:
The narration is crisp and amazing and it totally gives you the ultimate traveling experience, while also making you ponder over the deeper questions of life. I really liked this book and am happy that this was my first non-fiction of the year, and most possibly the first travelogue I have ever read. I rated it 4/5 stars and recommend it to you all.
A truly atmospheric read, I Will Miss You Tomorrow by Heine Bakkeid, was a strange and compelling read. I quite enjoyed it!
I Will Miss You Tomorrow by Heine Bakkeid
A Stephen King heir?
Firstly, I have never read anything like this before. But seeing as to how the author has been called Stephen King’s Norwegian heir, I will take that as a sign to go pick up King’s book soon.
Unreliable narrator
Moving on, this book is also the epitome of a thriller with an unreliable narrator. Recently, ‘domestic thrillers’ seem to have taken the reading sphere by storm and something that is common to them all is the unreliable narrator trope. So perhaps if you have been a fan of Gone Girl, The Girl On The Train, Into The Water, The Woman in cabin 10, etc, this is the book for you. And another thing that I have not come across before is an unreliable male narrator. So it was quite a new angle.
An atmospheric and thrilling edge-of-the-seat plot!
The overall plot takes place roughly across two weeks but the terrible weather makes it feel much longer. The details are vividly written and in its realistic portrayal, this book was novel for me. I really enjoyed reading it a lot.
A realistic atmospheric sense
There were weird paranormal/supernatural segments which were another twist added to the tale. I think this has been the perfect book for me to read, in order to expand my reading in this genre.
Characterization and timelines
The character is one of real interest – Thornkild Aske has many dimensions and the way his mind works was unique. His experiences and the way they have shaped him into the person he is now is quite a journey. The shifts in timelines were also a great addition to the narrative style that the author has taken up.
This classic poetry collection is an intensely private reflection on Walt Whitman’s attraction to and affection for other men.
The classic poetry collection is an intensely private reflection on Walt Whitman’s attraction to and affection for other men.
One of the most beautiful books that I have ever owned, Live Oak, With Moss, is simply filled to the brim with the poet’s haunting love for the beloved. Whitman’s longing just soaks the page and flows to your heart. The way the poet has combined nature with these poems is stunning. It made these so much more potent, real and raw. Apart from this burgeoning sense of longing, these subtly erotic poems are filled with the hope for a distant time and place when there will be a wholesome space for all these men to gather and simply be themselves.
I am reading Song of Myself from Leaves of Grass, for a class this semester. So, reading Live Oak, With Moss was illuminating in a way I never thought possible. I was overwhelmed by the words and the emotions they swelled up in me.
Live Oak, With Moss, is without a doubt, one of the best collections I have ever read and felt.
Hey guys! So today I have two poetry recommendations for you. I read both poetry collections recently and I adored them for their raw individuality.
Swallowtail by Brenna Twohy
Swallowtail: A deep dive into the dissection of popular culture, and how the brightness and horrors of it can be mirrors into the daily lived experiences of women in America.
Swallowtail by Brenna Twohy was a great read. The most prominent themes include loss, grief, and coping. The words penned by the author, though burgeoning with the grief of a broken heart, are poignant and resonates with the deepest sadness in the reader. Rape culture has also been addressed here and it is stark in its imagery and leaves the reader gasping. Pop Culture References from Survivor as well as Harry Potter have also been brought in.
I absolutely loved it and rated it 4/5 stars! Including here, links to Amazon, Goodreads
Poetry by Atticus
I admit I like THE DARK BETWEEN STARS much more than I did LOVE HER WILD. This one does not only revolve around love but also delves into the deeper themes of self-love, etc. There is a certain dichotomy and duality with both the happiness and the sadness that trouble us. In this collection, the poet writes about falling in love, being in a relationship with someone, and then the aftermath of a breakup as well. He includes scenes from Paris, Jazz clubs, wines, sunsets, etc. Thus the whole collection is a sensory experience that is experienced wholeheartedly by the reader. As such, it is as if the reader is in the moment, experiencing this whole slew of emotions and the beauty lives on.
Impossible Causes was an atmospheric thriller and it was one hell of a ride, and when I first picked it up, I had not expected it to take the turn that it had.
Atmospheric
setting
The whole idea of a secluded island with a tightly knit religious community was very interesting, hence, no wonder I pounced on it as soon as I could. However, I have to admit that the synopsis did not do justice to the actual story.
The world-building, so to say, was on point and could give you goosebumps because of its excellence, and the book has an atmospheric feel. The fogs on the island made me feel claustrophobic and such was the imagery presented by the author.
We have two-time lines – one is the current one where we follow Viola after the ‘discovery’ of the body, and the other is a past timeline from the time of Viola’s arrival on the island; but the continuous jumps between the two timelines and the narrators were a bit abrupt and took me by surprise. It took some time for me to get used to that.
The beginning was a bit slow and I had to push myself; however, contrarily, I was hooked on in a strange way. The thing was that in the beginning, there were bits, which were unnecessary and yet, I kept reading on because I wanted to resolve the entire issue. In was only towards the latter half that I was actually on the edge of my seat trying to wonder where it was going. For all the hype, I think that this book falls short and I wasn’t that very excited to know much about the actual death, but apart from these issues, I think the story was well made.
Themes
The book covers themes such as secrecy, the power of voice, collective conscience, rape culture, misogyny, sexism, etc. The way in which the author has written the plot to encompass the universal issues that plague us was mind-blowing. The themes were excellent. I could not really guess what was happening until quite a bit past from the midway point.
Overall, it was quite an interesting read and I rate it 3.75/5 stars.
I had read the poet’s previous work Unlocked Silences some time ago and had quite liked his writing style. It had come out in 2018 and was widely accepted. I remember finishing it in one day, as I devoured the words one by one. I put page flags on almost every page and it is only perhaps due to the absence of flags right now that I did not do the same thing to Ease.
Ease, by Mukhpreet Khurana, 2019
Ease: A Poetic Journey Within is a poetry collection that focuses on spirituality, self-love, healing, and gratitude. This poetry collection is a collection of raw, unfiltered and simple poems.
In Unlocked Silences, the author had focused a lot on spirituality and the individual. This has continued in Ease and being of a spiritual turn myself (as much as I am able to), I related with it a lot.
Themes in this poetry collection
Ease is a collection of ‘raw, unfiltered and simple poems’, poems that will touch you each time you read them. And no wonder I got so many queries asking me which book it was after I posted snippets on my stories. Many of the poems, abstracts, and musings revolve around the themes of self-love, individuality, healing, and gratitude. In today’s fast-paced world, it provided me relief.
The individuality of this work
The poems are all thought-provoking and especially because of its non-romance centric scenario, it was a panacea to me. I loved it too and look forward to more of the author’s works. Khurana’s rhythmic and lyrical tunes and spirituality permeate through the works and render a sensory experience to the reader.
There are also collaborations with other writers and the end product is magical. It is always interesting to see how the voice of an artist comes out in case of collaborations. It was also a great pleasure and surprise when I found that one of my dearest friends Tahoora has also lent her talent to this collection. She is an amazing artist and I am so happy to see her work manifested into this book!
I rate this
book 4/5 stars and wholeheartedly recommend it to all those who are looking for
a dose for spirituality, self-love, and gratitude through non-romance centric
poetry.
Taking female empowerment up by a few theoretical notches, Girl Power by Neha J Hiranandani is a visual treat, a collection of inspiring women.
Girl Power by Neha J Hiranandani
Female Empowerment and GIRL POWER
Girl Power is a powerful book, with an immense potential to influence many young girls. There are amalgamated some very powerful stories of ordinary girls who made it big through sheer hard work and conviction. They have transformed from rags to riches, but without a prince charming to help and protect these non-damsels in distress. In fact, these are no damsels-in-distress, rather, warrior princesses who dare to fight for their own rights and overcome and slay every dragon that stands in their way.
Female empowerment through a diverse bunch of women
From doctors to space astronauts, royal queens to radical writers, priests to boxers, there is nothing women cannot achieve if they set their minds on it. yes, it may take time, but through perseverance, everything is possible. After all, can you imagine that there was a time when a woman was not allowed to have a bank account of her own? Or that, women could be dismissed from their jobs just for being pregnant?
With beautiful illustrations from the lives of these women, as well as their portraits, the book is a visual art. I love the bright and bombastic cover which is a foreshadowing of the power that will be emanating from the pages once we open the book. The author has also diversified the group, including women are various different fields of work and as such, revelations were made in this book. I for instance never knew about the presence of women priests! Likewise, there were many surprising stories.
How can I express the awe-inspiring feeling that I got as I read the book? Or the goosebumps that I got so often? Or how frequently my eyes would well up, learning about the triumphs and sheer determination of these women? They are a source of inspiration! And if these snippets could inspire m, imagine how much sway they could have over the impressionable minds of young girls.
My verdict
I rate this
book a solid 5/5 stars and recommend you all to read them yourselves and then
gift them to the young girls in your lives.
The Octopus Curse is a poetry collection by Dr. Salma Forook and I have yet to come across a more aesthetic anthology of poetry. Needless to say I loved it!
The Octopus Curse by Salma Farook is a collection of powerful poems, focusing on love, heartbreak, resilience, travel, self-love, feminity and women’s issues, etc. I have read What Your Soul Already Knows by the author last year and I had found it to be the best motivational book there ever was, without sounding too preachy and such. As such, when the author approached me for her second book, of course, I had to say yes!
Like her previous book, the words in this book too continue to be just as meaningful and full of depth. I love how the execution has been made. The words are rhythmic and lyrical and thus very heart warming as well as soothing to the ears. Through these different pieces, the author has inspired the reader to confront their feelings and accept them and most importantly, to be at peace with themselves.
How stunted,
Limited,
This language is!
I have searched and searched
But, never found a word
For pain coming so surely,
That you feel it already,
Long before it
Even arrives.
-‘Visceral’
Aesthetic:
The book is a work of art and a more aesthetic poetry collection, I have yet to come across. I am so glad I got to read this book when I did because this was just the right time for me. Perhaps, if I had read it at some other moment of my life, it wouldn’t have touched me as much as it has. Many thanks to the author for providing me with a review copy.
I pray that death be kind,
Not as much to the buried,
As to those left behind.
-‘Funerals are for the living’
Here’s one poem that I absolutely loved. Check this one out!
You lift your chin up
Like the cocking of a gun
Your eyes flash the coldest fire,
Your words erupt,
The hottest ice.
I see you wear your anger
Like a bulletproof vest
Over your pain; I must say,
Even as you walk away,
It looks bloody glorious
On you
-‘Woman’
You can also check out the book here: Amazon (the ebook is free upto 5th of November), Goodreads
I received a review copy from the publishers in return
for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
With that
catchy title, the book sure did capture my attention from the very beginning. I
was excited to pick up the book and although it was a good enough read for me,
I think maybe my expectations were too high going in.
The book
roughly covers the time period from the arrival of Alexander until the very
recent headlines-making event of the 370 article ruling. For those who did not
know, the argument of the secret of the Rozabal Line too will be one of a great
shock perhaps.
For the
most part, the book read like a cross, somewhere between a historical fiction
tale, and a political and/or historical textbook. While it does give a solid
base to the history of Kashmir’s ‘origin’, the book, I feel, pretty soon turns
towards conspiracies and such theories. It is entertaining, yes, to humour
them, but I felt that it moved away from the original course it was supposed to
have taken. I also believe that this book has the power to capture the reader’s
mind and turn it into the direction the authors want them to take – as a
certain blurb says, this book is a pretty “forceful statement of the Indian
case in Kashmir” and as such, it was not really very neutral. However, in the
larger context, bringing in the relation of China is a pretty powerful move and
sheds light on some important situations in the past, and hence, the present as
well.
The naming
of the various chapters was also done in terms of water, such as Unfathomable
Depths, Lashing Waves, Emerging Abyss, Rising Tsunami, etc., and in a way, I
really liked that. I feel that these titles really justified the social and
political scenario of the times that the chapters were focusing on.
Verdict:
I rate it
book a 3.75/5 stars!
About the reviewer:
Nayanika
Saikia, is one of the foremost book reviewers from the North-east and Assam,
and is also an admin for the official India bookstagram page on Instagram. She
publishes her own reviews and recommendations for poetry, fiction, non-fiction
etc. on her bookstagram account @pretty_little_bibliophile which won the NorthEast
Creator Awards 2018, as well as in daily newspapers, online magazines etc. She can be contacted at nayanikasaikia98@gmail.com .
Title: The
Conspiracy Unknown Book I: The Vengeance of the Fallen
Author: Abishek
Babu
Publisher: NotionPress
Genre: Fantasy
Format: Paperback
Synopsis:
The story starts with the birth of a prince and the series of events that follow. Fifteen eons ago, the ‘Great War’ was fought between the Anndas and a group of revolutionaries, in which the revolutionaries came out victorious. The Anandas were chased out of the empire and were made to live in the forest like nomads. The revolutionaries named Ragupta Moriya as their king, and thus the Great Moriyan Empire was formed. Great songs and stories were written about Ragupta Moriya and his ten war generals who fought out the evil Ananda Empire. After fifteen years, a plot is made to overthrow the Moriyan Empire. And it all falls on the shoulders of Ragupta to win the battle.
After nearly 2300 eons, the life of Dr Sebastian Stein is under peril. A mysterious man in a black suit is in pursuit of capturing Dr Stein, but Sebastian is saved by his father’s old friend. When Sebastian starts to learn about the death of his father, he realizes there’s no other way to escape but to run for his life.
What exactly happened in Before Clearance Existence (BCE) for it to affect the life of Sebastian Stein in After Clearance Existence (ACE)?
My review:
I received
a review copy from the author in return for an honest review. Opinions
expressed in this review are completely my own.
The
Conspiracy Unknown: The Vengeance of the Fallen was quite a heavy read. With two different narratives, from two
starkly different eras, weaving in and out, it was a story with a great plot,
and great storytelling.
So basically, there are two different storylines – in an eon way
back in the past, there is the majestic Moriyan Empire. The monarch is King
Rasabind, who’s son Hisoka possesses the famed third eye! After he is attacked
during his naming ceremony and the attackers surprisingly do not remember any
of their action, the king goes on his own hunt to know the truth.
Eons later,
in a future quite distant, we have Sebastian Stein who is trying to figure out
the mystery surrounding his father’s death. And out of nowhere, he finds
himself chased around with threats on his life.
these are two seemingly unrelated things and yet, w strive to understand
the root relationship between these people from eons between them.
With this interesting premise, I jumped headlong into the book and it didn’t really disappoint me, but to be honest, I felt like there was a certain something missing. While it is well packed with wars, the thirst for vengeance (as the title suggests), conspiracies etc., I felt that the narrative lagged a bit in parts and may have simple been filler material. Apart from that, the presence of the multitude of characters confused me for a bit in the beginning but then they do not really have much presence later on, so that threw me off a bit. The overall effect could have been a bit more polished.
Verdict:
It was a good read overall and I rate it 3.5/5 stars!
About the reviewer:
Nayanika Saikia, is one of
the foremost book reviewers from the North-east and Assam, and is also an admin
for the official India bookstagram page on Instagram. She publishes her own
reviews and recommendations for poetry, fiction, non-fiction etc. on her
bookstagram account @pretty_little_bibliophile which won the NorthEast Creator
Awards 2018, as well as in daily newspapers, online magazines etc. She can be contacted at nayanikasaikia98@gmail.com .
It’s common knowledge that Kamasutra originated
from India – the “how-to” guide of how to pleasure each other. Many centuries ago
they thought deeply into the subject of erotic love. Though in modern India sex
is always a hushed subject, something happens behind the closed doors,
something never almost never publicly spoken. What can you expect from a
society where now also most marriages are arranged by family, where most people
have their first sex after marriage, where so many people never even see the
naked bodies of their partners?
There are a plethora of stories to be told from
every nook and corner of this big country. Stories around love, lust,
frustration, despair, loathing – stories around real man and woman and the
complications of life.
Nasha is the first compilation of Maya Balsi`s stories.
The stories include are :
Red Earth , Blue Sky, Green Sea
The light I see Through Darkness
Never Deny Me Your Laughter
Have A Nice Journey!
We walked in the woods
My review:
I received
a review copy from the author in return for an honest review. Opinions
expressed in this review are completely my own.
The
last time I read erotica was when I
tried reading Fifty Shades of Gray. Keyword : Tried. And I couldn’t do
it. The details were sort of too explicit for me – it’s not that I am
uncomfortable reading about sex, but rather the sex in the book made m so. So
for quite some time, I stayed away from them. But then, I also came across
books by Alexa Riley and Penny Wylder, and I was quite happy.
A
few days ago, the author approached me and asked if I would be willing to
review her book. Since I have not read any erotica by an Indian before, and
since the synopses of the stories seemed quite good, I decided to say yes. I
thought I would pick this book up for some leisurely weekend reading but when I
read the acknowledgement, I knew I had to dive right in. Sex is surely a
paradox in India because like the author says, and is corroborated by
statistical data, there is a huge market revolving around it. And with a
rapidly growing population, we know it is not cranes that drop off brand new
babies into the arms of eager parents.
In
the first story, Red earth, Blue Sky,
Green Sea, there was a good buildup of the story and it was quite
atmospheric. It is about the sexual awakening of two girls, a silent rebellion
against society’s rules, norms and the taboos.
Although short, the characters in this story are well fleshed out.
The
second story The Light I See Through
Darkness, is one told through the point of view of a prostitute. Her
helplessness in well shown here and in a few words, the author has described
her mental agony. At 42, the protagonist says that she feels and looks like a
grandmother, which in itself shows how difficult her life has been. As she
scouts for potential customers, we understand that her main aim is to collect
enough money for her daughter’s education. There was one remarkable line said
here, and I quote, “Little do they know, we are keeping them safe from the
clutches of rogues who would do anything to satisfy their lusts”. This is more of a magical story with a very
unexpected, yet nice, ending.
The
third story, Never Deny Me Your laughter,
aptly showed the restlessness of our modern lives. Apart from the obvious,
there are a lot of human emotions and feelings contained in all of these
stories. Very dynamic in its entirety.
The
fourth story is Have A Nice Journey.
It featured infidelity so I am not sure how comfortable I am with that because
cheating is a big NO for me. This was an okay story, and not one that I enjoyed
much, unlike the others.
The
last story was We Walked in the Woods. This
story did focus a bit on mental health, I felt. It was apt in depicting the
moral dilemmas we often face because of our own feelings. Pritha is one such
person. There is such an underlying connection between sex and the multitude of
emotions that come with it. the ending was open-ended and I was thought of
various ways it could have ended.
Nasha
was a good read overall. I do think that a bit more editing can be done
regarding the typing errors, and some grammatical refining. I also did find
certain discrepancies. Nonetheless, this is a book I can easily recommend to
you all. If you want to explore the erotica genre more, then this is also a
book you can pick up.
Verdict:
I
rate this book a 4/5 stars.
About the
reviewer:
Nayanika
Saikia, is one of the foremost book reviewers from the North-east and Assam,
and is also an admin for the official India bookstagram page on Instagram. She
publishes her own reviews and recommendations for poetry, fiction, non-fiction
etc. on her bookstagram account @pretty_little_bibliophile which won the
NorthEast Creator Awards 2018, as well as in daily newspapers, online magazines
etc. She can be contacted at nayanikasaikia98@gmail.com .
Toni Morrison’s debut novel immerses us in the
tragic, torn lives of a poor black family – Pauline, Cholly, Sam and Pecola –
in post-Depression 1940s Ohio. Unlovely and unloved, Pecola prays each night
for blue eyes like those of her privileged white schoolfellows. At once
intimate and expansive, unsparing in its truth-telling, The Bluest Eye shows
how the past savagely defines the present.
My review:
I read The Bluest Eye for the #tonimorrisonreadathon organized by Vidya @letsdiscussourbooks. Thanks a lot for arranging this readathon!
The Bluest Eye was her first novel, published in 1970,
and it is a controversial novel still, for showing themes of incest, child
molestation, racism etc. By the time I had finished reading the last page, I
was blown away by the lyrical quality of Morrison’s writing. The repetitions
sometimes sound like a mantra that beats at your mind as you read of the
terrible beauty that is this book.
The shifting narratives offer glimpses into the lives
of the various characters – letting us understand how certain past events
shaped them into what they were in the present. What is important, is the
psychological implications the book also portrays throughout these shifting
perspectives. It is a wonder, that Morrison wrote things that still affect the
human race today – in that she is a writer on the human tragedies that are
eternal and everlasting.
The mental space is a big motif in this book. Later
on, when we see a life of Soaphead Church, we can infer from the writing that
his disgust against the dog directly reflects his internal feelings toward
himself. Much like Cholly, he uses Pecola for his own pleasure, although not in
a similar manner.
The Bluest
Eye was a beautifully terrible book – for its simplicity, and yet, the stark
truth reflected within the pages. No matter what the era, one will always seem
to relate on a micro level with the characters, their struggles and hopes and
wishes. Replete with the truest essence of humanness, Toni Morrison’s The
Bluest Eye is one of the best books ever. I rate it 5/5 stars.
About the
reviewer:
Nayanika Saikia, is one of
the foremost book reviewers from the North-east and Assam, and is also an admin
for the official India bookstagram page on Instagram. She publishes her own
reviews and recommendations for poetry, fiction, non-fiction etc. on her bookstagram
account @pretty_little_bibliophile which won the NorthEast Creator Awards 2018,
as well as in daily newspapers, online magazines etc. She can be contacted at nayanikasaikia98@gmail.com .
Hey guys! How’s it going? I have had quite a hectic week
this week. We had the freshmen social on Thursday and after that it has just been
very tiring. I hope to rest and recuperate on the weekend! Also, I have got a ton of work to do…
Here’s a book that came in the mail a couple days ago. Tene
Edwards was kind enough to send me her book and I am very excited to read it. I
have already read a couple of pieces and I really connected with them. I hope
to read some more on the weekend. Thanks a lot for the book!
Walk With Wings by Tene Edwards is a poetry collection split into five chapters: Monsoon Love, Winter Sorrow, Autumn Grace, Spring Resilient, and Summer Freedom. In short, poignant verses, Tene’s poems are a compilation of reflections on her experiences, thoughts, and feelings through love, loss, pain, healing and resilience. The collection takes you through the life story of the author while offering advice, notes, and affirmations, which were written to empower the author during difficult times. Walk With Wings tells the story of Tene falling in love, making bad decisions, learning from her mistakes, and discovering how to love her life and herself.
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What are your plans for this weekend? Any trips planned or
is it dedicated to catching up with work?
Selkies, wyverns, witches, and giants. Perilous
quests, true love, and animals that talk.
The traditional stories of Ireland, Scotland,
Brittany, and Wales transport us to the fantastical world of Celtic folklore.
These timeless tales brim with wit and magic, and each on is brought to life
with elegant silhouette art in this special illustrated edition.
My review:
I received
a review copy from the publishers in return for an honest review. Opinions
expressed in this review are completely my own.
This
was an absolute delight! I am so glad I could read this amazing set of tales,
so full of magic and fantasy! I have never read any folktales from these places
in the world, to be honest, and I loved every second I was immersed in them!
Separated
into the categories of Tricksters, the Sea, Quests, and Romance, the stories
all come with some amazing illustrations by Kate Forrester, and as is common to
all folktales, morals. I found some similar tales in Nordic Tales as well and
so it is really interesting to see that there are such overlaps in all our
different cultures too! I absolutely enjoyed it and am giving it to my brother
to read!
Verdict:
A gem! 5/5 stars!
About the reviewer:
Nayanika
Saikia, is one of the foremost book reviewers from the North-east and Assam,
and is also an admin for the official India bookstagram page on Instagram. She
publishes her own reviews and recommendations for poetry, fiction, non-fiction
etc. on her bookstagram account @pretty_little_bibliophile which won the
NorthEast Creator Awards 2018, as well as in daily newspapers, online magazines
etc. She can be contacted at nayanikasaikia98@gmail.com .
And I have an amazing new book for you today! Chantal Gadoury is one of my favourite authors to go to for some amazing fantasy retelling and this time, when she wrote a retelling of Hansel and Gretel (can you imagine?!) along with A. M. Wright, I could not stop still! So I am so happy to be doing a cover reveal for this amazing book! I am also so grateful to the authors for sending me an eARC! I loved every part of it!
Title: The Shrike and the Shadows
Author: Chantal
Gadoury and A. M. Wright
Publisher: The
Parliament House Press
Genre: Fantasy
Format: Kindle
ebook
Language: Englsih
Synopsis:
Men have gone missing before. The village of Krume is plagued by a haunted wood and a hungry witch. It’s been that way for as long as Hans and Greta can remember, though they have never seen the witch themselves; no one has. When men start to disappear once again in the cover of night – their bloody hearts turning up on doorsteps – the village falls into frenzied madness. Hans and Greta, two outcast orphans, find themselves facing accusations of witchcraft and are met with an ultimatum: burn at the stake, or leave the village forever. With nowhere else to go, they abandon their only home. As they venture into the strange forest, their path is fraught with horrific creatures, wild and vivid hallucinations, and a mysterious man tied to the witch’s past. The Shrike is watching, just beyond the deep darkness of the woods.
My review:
I received
a review copy from the author in return for an honest review. Opinions
expressed in this review are completely my own.
Having
read Gadoury’s work before and being an avid lover of them, I was totally
excited to pick up this Hansel and Gretel retelling! The Shrike and the Shadows
is truly one of a kind, and I have never come across such a retelling before.
The
book was really full of emotions and action throughout – there was never any
boring part and each word weaved together with the other to fulfill the
reader’s appetite and also kept him wanting for more. There is an amazing
brother-sister bond and the world-building – the setting, to be precise – is
eerie and whimsical and almost fantastical. We see various facets of human
natures – the Reverend is a bad man who uses his power for all the wrong things
and he is a vengeful person too. The same vengeance also shows itself
through Alda and her lies. There is
darkness, yes, but there is also the infallible human goodness too – Barin is
an excellent example of that.
Throughout
the story, we see the characters growing – the character arc of Hans is
especially significant to read.
The
thrills throughout continue to send chills down your spine and the brilliant
imagery rend The Shrike in the Shadows an awesome read.
Verdict:
I really enjoyed this book and I rate it a 4.5/5 stars.
I am also featuring this beautiful art piece done by my dear friend Subhalaxmi – this is just how I imagine the Shrike to be! (a more beautiful version, at least!)
Also, all credits go to Gayatri for this amazing edit! Thanks a lot darling! You are always there to help!
About the reviewer:
Nayanika
Saikia, is one of the foremost book reviewers from the North-east and Assam,
and is also an admin for the official India bookstagram page on Instagram. She
publishes her own reviews and recommendations for poetry, fiction, non-fiction
etc. on her bookstagram account @pretty_little_bibliophile which won the
NorthEast Creator Awards 2018, as well as in daily newspapers, online magazines
etc. She can be contacted at nayanikasaikia98@gmail.com .
Hi guys! Thank
you for the love you shared in my last post. I have decided on a few changes I am
going to make in my life. I have recently been taking in a lot of pressure – I
am dealing with a lot of work right now and I let it overcome me. In addition, I
have realized that it is so very unhealthy. So I hope to take it a bit slow and
steady. The number of review projects, some other literary projects that I had
been doing, my college work – all of it, coupled with my innate need for excellence
just got a bit too much. This weekend I took a mental break from it all and I
am feeling so very fresh to have left aside all the unnecessary pressure.
Moving on,
here is my august wrap up for 2019. I read a total of 30 books and I am very
happy with my progress. I’m sharing a few of these here, since i read most in
the ebook format.
Black Panther
The Bluest Eye
Emperor Chandragupta
Emperor Vikramaditya
Very Nice
The Raven’s Tale
The Case that Shook the Empire
Delayed Rays of a Star
Celtic Tales
Nordic Tales
I also
listened to the audiobook of BECOMING by Michelle Obama and I honestly love this
book and I think that it should be made a compulsory read for school students
and upwards.
Have you
read any of these books? Did you enjoy them?
How many
books did you read in august, and are you happy with your progress?
He’s known as the Black Panther. His home is Wakanda. Welcome to T’Challa’s world. During the last ten centuries, as European colonial powers spread their guns and armies throughout the continent, the African nation of Wakanda stood alone as an unconquerable land inhabited by undefeatable warriors and filled with incredible technological advancements. T’Challa – the latest in a lineage of warrior-kings – is Wakanda’s Black Panther, a hero endowed with enhanced speed, strength and agility – along with a suit made of the metal that secured his country’s future: the indestructible Vibranium. Now, outsiders have returned to plunder Wakanda’s riches, including its store of the rare metal. Leading this brutal assault is Klaw, an assassin with the blood of T’Challa’s father on his hands. Klaw brings with him a powerful army of super-powered mercenaries, all hell-bent on raining death and destruction on this pristine land. Even with Wakanda’s might and his own superhuman skills, can the Black Panther prevail against such a massive invading force?
My review:
I received
a review copy from the publishers in return for an honest review. Opinions
expressed in this review are completely my own.
I
had very high expectations from this book honestly. And perhaps that is the
reason why I was so very excited to pick it up. The book is very different from
the movie and as such if you have watched the movie beforehand, it will
probably also be a nice read.
We
see T’Challa as having developed into this assertive man who is a just king.
His relations with his mother and sister is amazing. Throughout the book, the
author has placed in past events through reminiscences made by the characters
and it is refreshing to get this perspective into the inner lives. Shuri’s
story is especially an interesting one as we get her vies into various
traditions of Wakanda and her feelings regarding them. It also portrays her
brother as a real man and not just as a divine king. However, I did not particularly
like the mother – I think sh way too obsessed with her son.
Klaw
on the other hand was an interesting character – both as a villain and as a man
with a vengeance. The glimpse offered into the ‘villains’s’ lives in this book
was very interesting and their back stories and interrelationships were very
interesting as well!
However
I was not very interested in this book. I felt that it dragged for a bit to be
honest and I am not sure if I will ever pick it up again, at this point. In the
last bit especially, I had to drag myself to turn the pages one after the
other. I just had no wish to continue reading this book. However, I do think
that I will pick up this book and see if I will like it someday.
My university opened today and we had a creative writing workshop with Mr. Dhruba Hazarika. It was a wonderful event and I was inspired to write a fantasy piece! I was struck by inspiration and I really loved how I sudden the idea was. I’m hoping to work more on it.
Anyway, July was my summer vacation and so I had a splendid time reading some great books! I read a total of 33.5 books and it was great!
Review Books
What Mina Did by Geeta Menon
Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Secret of Palamu Fort by Razi
Narasimha by Kevin Missal
Let’s Hope for the Best by Carolina Setterwall
Love in the Time of Affluenza by Shunali Khullar Shroff
The Monsters Still Lurk by Aruna Nambiar
The Dark Side of the Moon Vol 2, by Shubham Arora
Heart of Mist by Helen Scheuerer
Silence Between the Spaces by Abir Sinha
The Kosher Delhi by Ivan Wainwright
Reading Rush 2019
By the Brahmaputra and other poems by Srutimala Duara
Africa’s Tarnished Name by Chinua Achebe
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo
Lips Touch by Laini Taylor
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides (also a review book)
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K.Rowling and illustrated by Jim Kay
Personal Choices
Escaping from Houdini, and
Becoming the Dark Prince by by Kerri Maniscalco
Friends with Benefits by Kelly Jamieson
Just Friends by Jenika Snow
From Friends to Lovers by Mia Ford
Bride by Contract by Kendra Riley
Virgin Wife by Alexa Riley
Wife for Now by Penny Wylder
Back to Her by Dani Wyatt
Best Friends, Secret Lovers by Jessica Lemmon
Restored by Alexa Riley
Pretty Virgin by Alexa Riley
Stay Close by Alexa Riley
Perfect Boss by Penny Wylder
Dangerous Love by Penny Wylder
Edgar Allen Poe’s The Raven
How did your reading go in July? How many books did you read? While compiling this list, I have noticed that I love reading romances during the summer! Do you have any such preferences as well? Is your reading preferences affected by the weather?
Hey guys! I
just wanted to thank you all for your wishes! My 21st was what I expected. I
was actually doing #adult works – cleaning the house and stuff. Lol. Anyway, it
was good as I did spend some time with my family and cousins and I also did
some reading. It was like every other day but your love and wishes made my day!
Thank you so much! Also, the haul picture is coming up soon!
Moving on,
here is my July book haul, although these are only review copies and books i
have otherwise bought. The books I was gifted for my birthday, although acquired
in July too, will be shown in another post.
The Broken Amoretti by Sudipto Das
and Aparajita Dutta
Of Love and Other Demons by Gabriel
Garcia Marquez
Very Nice by Marcy Dermansky
Love in the time of Affluenza by
Shunali Khullar Shroff
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Spelbook of the Lost and Found by
Moira Fowly-Doyle
Love Letters to the Dead by Ava
Dellaira
Emperor Chandragupta, and
Emperor Vikramaditya by Aditya Kay
Birdy Flynn by Helen Donohoe
Silence Between the Spces by Abir
Sinha
The Monsters Still Lurk by Aruna
Nambiar
Celtic Tales
Well-Read Women
The Raven’s Tale by Cat Winters
As for my
reading, I just finished my second book of august – Reign of War. It is the
second book in the Oremere Chronicles trilogy by Helen Scheuerer. I had love the
first book Heart of Mist and I rated it 5/5. It is no surprise that I loved the
sequel too and rated it 5/5 stars. It is just so complex and a really
well-written series. If you have not yet read it, I definitely recommend you to
pick it up as soon as possible!
#qotd :
what is your current read? Are you enjoying it?
Vik is a twenty year old English boy of
Jewish/Indian mixed heritage. He wants to become a chef, but his experiences of
racism in restaurant kitchens hold him back.
Until he meets Yvonne: Scottish activist, hedonist, who
strives vehemently for social justice. She shows Vik what he has been missing
in life.
Vik is increasingly exposed to further bigotry, and witnesses
homophobia in his community, with more violent and fatal outcomes. And as
Yvonne ventures into the music scene, their relationship becomes increasingly
strained. When Vik reaches a point where he can’t ignore his issues any
further, will he stand up for what he believes in?
Set in the early 1990s, the novel follows Vik and Yvonne on
their journey from Leeds to London to New York. A contemporary novel with a lot
of food, plenty of music and the zeitgeist of the era. The issues and themes
will strike a chord with anyone who is concerned with inequality or struggled
in their own relationship.
My review:
I received
a review copy from the publishers in return for an honest review. Opinions
expressed in this review are completely my own.
As
the book opens, we are introduced to Vikram Cohen, aka Vik, who is an aspiring
chef, with Jewish-Indian roots and Yvonne, a Scottish woman and a very
politically conscious activist. In the first few pages we see how a small
argument becomes something bigger, culminating in a sort of accident which
makes them run away to London.
Vik
seems like a person who is not as ambitious as we perceive Yvonne to be, and
there were a few times when I was thinking that Yvonne held all the reins in
this relationship – and not in a good way either. At times, I found her to be
very aggressive and impractical, but she is also very passionate and it is
something that you cannot help but be drawn to. Vikram is thus a foil to her in
this matter- he is calm to her inflammable anger. Vik’s character growth – his arc
is very significant and human development has been shown in a very real way
through his story.
Throughout
the next chapters we see how their relationship grows – there are certainly
various ups and downs but Yvonne is a good girlfriend, always sticking up for
Vik. Just as Vikram, I too was very curious and intrigued by the repeated
mentions of Kirstine and the song named ‘K’. The issue of racism is very
evident in the book – Vikram is a person who is always suffering for it, and it
is truly eye-opining to see how his indifference is wrong. I loved how Yvonne
brings in the example of Nelson Mandela to explain the importance to standing
up against the wrong. The other issues we come across are homophobia, sexism,
chauvinism, love, hate as well as bigotry. The book has tried to show that
human nature is truly dynamic and everyone thinks differently.
I
loved the easy flow of the narration – the author has done a great job in this
and I hope that others will enjoy the writing just as much as I did. The reader
is bound to fall into this land and read the events as if they were really happening
to them.
Verdict:
This
was a really enjoyable read and I rate it 4/5 stars!
About the author:
Ivan Wainewright lives in Kent (England) with
his partner, Sarah and their slightly neurotic rescue dog, Remi. Before moving
to Kent, he lived in North London, Leeds and Singapore.
When not writing, he can be found watching (and occasionally) playing football,
running, listening to music from Chumbawamba to Led Zeppelin, arguing over
politics and trying to cook. He has been an independent IT consultant for many
years, working solely with charities and not-for-profit organisations.
The Kosher Delhi is his first novel, and he is currently working on his second
book.
About the reviewer:
Nayanika
Saikia, is one of the foremost book reviewers from the North-east and Assam,
and is also an admin for the official India bookstagram page on Instagram. She
publishes her own reviews and recommendations for poetry, fiction, non-fiction
etc. on her bookstagram account @pretty_little_bibliophile which won the
NorthEast Creator Awards 2018, as well as in daily newspapers, online magazines
etc. She can be contacted at nayanikasaikia98@gmail.com .
The Dark Side Of The Moon is a collection of
short stories that is dark, grim and flirts ambitiously with notions of the
unexplained.
Volume 2 marks the return of the series with
another set of three thrilling, crisply narrated tales –
DECEMBER
Cold. Rainy. Windy. A typical December night in
Mussourie. The police receives a distress call. Typical for stormy nights, as
they say. But this night will be different. This night will be longer. This
night will remain unexplained.
THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON – THE STORY
Humans haven’t been on the moon since 1972. They
have decided to return – though this time to the dark side of the moon, where
no human has ever set foot before. What does the unknown hold?
SEVENTY METERS
The swift morning breeze soothes her hair. The
tinkling wind-chimes call her to the window. She looks at him smiling in his
sleep. She smiles too. But that’s been a rarity for them.
Does love, like time, wither away as it’s consumed?
My review:
I received
a review copy from the author in return for an honest review. Opinions
expressed in this review are completely my own.
I
have not been much of a horror fan but… Shubham Arora had me hooked with his
first volume. And when he reached out to me for the second one, I was already jumping
with joy. That is another story in itself so we’ll keep that aside for now.
In
comparison to the first volume, I think the author’s writing has improved
immensely. Most importantly, he knows how to deliver a punch at the end, just
as succinctly.
In
the first story, December, the writing is very atmospheric and is enough to
give you the chills. When the story actually starts, and we venture into the
mansion, I almost felt as if something is going to jump out of the shadows, at
me. As a reader, I couldn’t help but feel as if I was a part of the story
itself and the instances were happening to me too.
The
stories have become creepier, with the eponymous The Dark Side of the Moon
being the creepiest of them all. I loved how he has taken on this urban myth
and given it his own twist. The idea itself, when you sit back and think about
it – being stranded on a strange place (the dark side of the moon, for God’s
sake!) The way this story is told – especially in day counts, is one that
really makes you tensed up as if awaiting the climax, the twist you know is
coming.
The
last story is Seventy Meters, and from the name, I could guess what the ending would
have been. Although the least favourite from all three, this was, a good story
too, although I did not think it was scary. In a strange sort of way, it was
actually sad.
Verdict:
It
was an enjoyable read and I hope to read more of the author’s writing. I rate
it 4.5/5 stars.
About the
reviewer:
Nayanika
Saikia, is one of the foremost book reviewers from the North-east and Assam,
and is also an admin for the official India bookstagram page on Instagram. She
publishes her own reviews and recommendations for poetry, fiction, non-fiction
etc. on her bookstagram account @pretty_little_bibliophile which won the
NorthEast Creator Awards 2018, as well as in daily newspapers, online magazines
etc. She can be contacted at nayanikasaikia98@gmail.com .
Fantasy has
always been a love of mine. In my own culture, we have the famous ‘Burhi Aair
Sadhu’ by the great Lakshminath Bezbaruah. It is a collection of fantastical
stories, full of adventure and romance, which are told to us all. I myself have
various editions of the book. From my childhood itself, fantasy has been fed to
me and today, I am an addicted soul. It is no wonder that even after the decades;
fantasy has remained a favourite of mine and I am never late at grasping onto
new series. With this, I want to introduce you all to The Oremere Chronicles, a
trilogy which is bound to hook you into it.
There are
amazing cliffhangers for the books and since all three books in the trilogy are
out, I am so very excited to pick it up! There are heroes who are human and
flawed and yet so very lovable. There are so many secrets to unravel as you keep
on reading the books and I bet you will be at the edge of your seats, biting
your nails off, throughout! And full points if you can make out the hints of
the book covers of the next book in any one book.
I’ll be
starting with this readathon from the 28th of July and you are
welcome to join me!
Heart of Mist
In a realm where toxic mist sweeps the lands
and magic is forbidden, all Bleak wants is a cure for her power.
Still grieving the death of her guardian and
dangerously self-medicating with alcohol, Bleak is snatched from her home by
the Commander of the King’s Army, and summoned to the capital.
But the king isn’t the only one interested in
Bleak’s powers.
The leader of an infamous society of warriors,
the Valia Kindred, lays claim to her as well, and Bleak finds herself in the
middle of a much bigger battle than she anticipated.
Heart of Mist is the gripping first book in The
Oremere Chronicles, a fantasy series of epic proportions.
Reign of Mist
The realm’s darkest secret is out.
The cruelty of the capital and the power-hungry
King Arden have scattered Bleak and her companions across the continents.
On the run in a foreign land, Bleak finds
herself tied to some unexpected strangers. When the answers she yearns for are
finally within reach, she must face the hard truths of her past, and take her
fate into her own hands before it’s too late.
Meanwhile, secrets and magic unravel as a dark
power corrupts the realm. Bleak’s friends are forced to decide where their
loyalties lie, and who, if anyone, they can trust.
But one thing is certain: war is coming, and
they must all be ready when it does.
Intriguing and action-packed, Reign of Mist is
the second instalment in Helen Scheuerer’s epic YA fantasy series, The Oremere
Chronicles.
And the last book in this trilogy is finally
out!
War of Mist
War is here.
Toxic mist drives all life to the brink of
destruction and the conqueror queen, Ines, has her talons in the kings of the
realm.
Bleak, having discovered her true heritage, must
now scour the lands for the one thing that might save them all.
But the search is a treacherous one – and it
will push her to the very limits of endurance.
Amidst secrets, lies and the intricacies of
battle, Bleak and her companions learn just how far they’ll go for the ones
they love. But will it be enough?
As deadly forces grapple for power across the
continents, families, friends and allies unite to take one final stand.
Explosive revelations, heart-wrenching betrayals
and breathtaking magic soar in the epic conclusion to Helen Scheuerer’s
bestselling trilogy, The Oremere Chronicles.
About the
author
Helen Scheuerer
is the YA fantasy author of the bestselling novels, Heart of
Mist (2017) and Reign of Mist (September 2018). Both books
are part of the action-packed trilogy, The Oremere Chronicles.
Helen is the Founding Editor of Writer’s
Edit, an online literary magazine and learning platform for emerging
writers. It’s now one of the largest writers’ platforms in the world.
Helen’s love of writing and books led her to pursue a Bachelor of
Creative Arts, majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Wollongong.
Helen also completed a Masters of Publishing at the University of Sydney.
Her work has appeared in Voiceworks, ACTWrite Magazine, The
UEA Creative Writing Anthology, Tertangala (UOW), Capital
Letters and of course, on Writer’s Edit.
Hey guys!
Hope you are doing well! I have been having terrifically hectic days at my new
internship and although it gets cumbersome at times, I just tell myself that this
will teach me a lot. Working in a private workspace has been an enlightening
experience, as I have only ever worked from home and that has been much more liberal.
Nonetheless, I have made some great friends and we have been having a blast.
Anyway, I
am back with my June Wrap up! I could read 16 books in June and that was impressive
I think, considering that my finals were going on throughout June. I am very
proud of myself. Therefore, here are the books I read:
This was a great month and thanks to all the publishers for sending me these amazing books! I never fail to thank God for these wonderful opportunities.
Also featuring the stone I painted at the Etsy session! Loved attending it and I believe it was the highlight of the month!
Publisher: Rock the
Boat, an imprint of Oneworld Publications
Publication date: 6 June
2019
Genre: Science
fiction/fantasy
Format: Hardcover
Language: English
No. of pages: 470
Synopsis:
From the internationally bestselling authors of THE ILLUMINAE FILES comes an epic new science fiction adventure.
The year is 2380, and the graduating cadets of Aurora Academy are being assigned their first missions. Star pupil Tyler Jones is ready to recruit the squad of his dreams, but his own boneheaded heroism sees him stuck with the dregs nobody else in the Academy would touch…
A cocky diplomat with a black belt in sarcasm A sociopath scientist with a fondness for shooting her bunkmates A smart-ass techwiz with the galaxy’s biggest chip on his shoulder An alien warrior with anger management issues A tomboy pilot who’s totally not into him, in case you were wondering
And Ty’s squad isn’t even his biggest problem—that’d be Aurora Jie-Lin O’Malley, the girl he’s just rescued from interdimensional space. Trapped in cryo-sleep for two centuries, Auri is a girl out of time and out of her depth. But she could be the catalyst that starts a war millions of years in the making, and Tyler’s squad of losers, discipline-cases and misfits might just be the last hope for the entire galaxy.
They’re not the heroes we deserve. They’re just the ones we could find. Nobody panic.
My review:
I received
a review copy from the publishers in return for an honest review. Opinions
expressed in this review are completely my own.
Superfluously
saying, if the cover does not make you pick up the book itself, then I’m sure
the synopsis will. Aurora Rising is an adventure story, set in space, one that
is bound to keep you turning the pages on and on, eager to know what happens
next. I was literally at the edge of my seat when I was sitting and reading,
and had to actually sit up in attention, when I had been lazing on my bed while
reading. Such is the writing of this powerful duo. I finished this book in like
5 hours and I went crazy throughout!
I’ve
never been a fan of sci-fi, to be honest. So many of us are not. But Aurora
Rising has completely made us switch sides! Although this book is so often described
as a SIX OF CROWS set in space, the only similarity I found was the presence of
this crew, where each one is so very different from the other. Through all the different
characters in this bunch, we see similarities in what each of them faces. The leader
of this team in known as the Alpha and he is Tyler, the golden-boy. He misses
the Draft because he is rescuing a girl frozen in time. So basically instead of
having his pick from the best, by the time he returns, the ceremony is over and
the other Alphas have picked the cream. Throughout the story, we see the inner
conflict in Tyler – he regrets that he was missing at the Draft but then again,
he was rescuing this historically significant person in their universe. Later on,
he is conflicted as to whether be the good pupil he has always been and follow
the orders of his superiors, or to do what he believes is right.
There
is also Scarlett, Tyler’s twin sister who is bold and flawed and yet is so very
caring. The brother-sister bond that these two share is so much beautiful to
see. Their love is always shining bright between them. And may I just say how
wonderfully charming she is? Scarlett is the Face of the group, the diplomat
basically and is an amazing people-person.
Then
we have the Ace – Cat. She is a very passionate person I feel. She hates with
all her might and she loves with all her might. Her love is real and made me
choke so many times. Her character arc is very relatable – her feelings towards
Aurora change from hate to respect and I love that the authors have made her so
bold. Women are too often subdued anyway.
Aurora
is literally the girl out of time. She had been cryogenically sleeping, you
could say, for 200 years, without ageing. And now, her dilemma and confusion as
she comes to terms with her new surroundings and learns more about what happened
to her that has led her here, is heartwarming. Her behaviour is funny and so
very awkward at times with the rest of the team and I couldn’t help but laugh
at so many parts. Her character arc is also significant in this story and
although I think there could be more to it, I look forward to the rest of the
books in this series. She is a person of our times and the references she makes
were like Easter eggs to me. Especially Middle Earth!
Finnin,
the alien (that rhymed!) is also another team member. He has always felt different
all his life and his struggles with it – underneath all that sarcasm, is slowly
revealed throughout the story. Zila is a character whose back story has still
not been properly explained in the book and I am very curious about her, I admit.
I look forward to reading more about her.
Lastly,
Kal is oh0my-god hot! If you have a thing for the tall, dark and brooding,
handsome kind. Especially, elfin-handsome kind! Aurora describing him as
Middle-Earth is so relatable and that is how I imagine him too. And may I say
that I am an absolute fan of the mate trope!
The
writing felt very interactive in nature and the reading just flowed for me. I am
absolutely in love with this duo’s writing and so I think that I am slowly going
to pick up and read all of their books. The world-building was also very
fascinating and made me stop and wonder myself, how it would feel like to stay
there – after remembering that I was not actually in the story. There’s humour
and the characters are so fierce in their natures, it was a fast-paced ride of
a read! The plot was very strong and the inclusion of multiple POVs worked
wonderfully with it. When there are so many characters, having multiple POVs
often make the story lose its beauty but in this case, it only gave more depth
to it.
Verdict:
I loved this book and I rate it a solid 5/5 stars! I know this review sounded more like an ode to these amazing complex but lovable characters, but god! You all need to pick it up ASAP!
About the reviewer:
Nayanika
Saikia, is one of the foremost book reviewers from the North-east and Assam,
and is also an admin for the official India bookstagram page on Instagram. She
publishes her own reviews and recommendations for poetry, fiction, non-fiction
etc. on her bookstagram account @pretty_little_bibliophile which won the
NorthEast Creator Awards 2018, as well as in daily newspapers, online magazines
etc. She can be contacted at nayanikasaikia98@gmail.com .
Narasimha, once a brave soldier, has left the war and lies low as a physician in a village. But a familiar face from his past seeks his help to stop the tyranny of the blind usurper Andhaka. If Narasimha refuses, the world might just end. What will he do? And why did he leave the war in the first place? Prahlad, the interim king of Kashyapuri, is torn between the ideals of his unrighteous father and his love for Lord Vishnu. Whom will he choose? Hiranyakashyap, the ruler of the Asura Empire, wants to avenge the death of his wife. To do that, he must go through the Trials and get the ultimate weapon – the Brahmastra. But the Trials have sent so many others to their death. Can Hiranyakashyap survive?
My review:
I received
a review copy in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review
are completely my own.
I
picked up this book because I was in the mood for something like fantasy but
with an Indian twist! And besides I have had this book in my TBR pile for so
long, that when I remembered that this totally was a fit for my reading hunger
pangs, I knew it was destiny!
Firstly,
I really like the cover (Please don’t judge me; I’ve got a serious thing for
covers!) and this interpretation that the author has regarding this famous
character from our mythology is really refreshing. And I did not really notice
his face but after I read how the author has portrayed the simha tribe, I could
see the difference! Comment if you can understand my drift!
One
of the most important yet underlying themes I saw was the background to Andhaka
– his past basically, that has shaped him into the man he is. Child abuse is
something not talked about as often in these books and I really applaud the
author’s inclusion of it. it just is important in making us aware how such
behaviour can scar a person for life.
Moreover,
Narasimha’s character arc is very significant in this story I think and I enjoyed
reading it. The other characters, although not all good, and some not very bad,
are really fascinating nonetheless. There was depth to their thinking, their
behaviour and their action and so I really enjoyed the web that he author has weaved
around them all, to create a thrilling storyline.
The
book was evenly paced, bordering on the faster side of the spectrum and it never
let you get bored. The world building was also great. Also, the focus on
relationships that these characters had with each other were also great for us to
explore. Filled with vengeance, ambition, revenge, etc. this was a mythological
thriller!
Verdict:
It
was an enjoyable read and I rate it 3.75/5 stars.
About the reviewer:
Nayanika
Saikia, is one of the foremost book reviewers from the North-east and Assam,
and is also an admin for the official India bookstagram page on Instagram. She
publishes her own reviews and recommendations for poetry, fiction, non-fiction
etc. on her bookstagram account @pretty_little_bibliophile which won the
NorthEast Creator Awards 2018, as well as in daily newspapers, online magazines
etc. She can be contacted at nayanikasaikia98@gmail.com .
Television
correspondent Alix Phillips dodges bullets and breaks rules to bring the most
important news to the world. With her daughter in college, and working
alongside cameraman Ben Chapman, an ex-Navy Seal, Alix exhilarates in the risks
and whirlwind pace of her work. But her latest assignment puts her at the
center of an explosive story that will reshape many lives, including her own:
investigating damning allegations involving the vice president of the United
States, Tony Clark.
Alix starts with a nationally revered woman who may be the key to exposing
frightening secrets. Olympia Foster is the fragile, reclusive widow of
America’s most admired senator, who had been destined for the presidency before
an assassin’s bullet felled him. Since then, Olympia has found emotional
support in Clark, who once wanted her as his wife and now stands as her
protector and confidant. When Alix begins to dig deeper, federal agents pick up
the trail. Then the threats begin.
As the stakes rise in this dangerous game, Alix needs Ben’s help as never
before. Soon they realize they are grappling with an adversary far more
sinister than they had imagined.
My review:
I received
a review copy from the publishers in return for an honest review. Opinions
expressed in this review are completely my own. I read this book for the
#lostandfoundreadathon hosted by @PanMacmillanIndia .
Dangerous
Games is unlike any other Danielle Steel book that I have ever read because
this book has an almost thriller-like vibe to it which is quite fast-paced and
interesting. As such, I think that thriller lovers would find this book to be a
good start if they want to read reading Danielle Steel.
In
Dangerous Games, we come across Alix Phillips who is a really genuine and brave
news reporter on top of her game. She is really unlike any reporter we might
envisage when it comes to the idea of one. She covers dangerous and daring
events from around the world, along with her trusted cameraman Ben Chapman. Now
Ben is another admirable figure. I love how he is dedicated to his job and respects
and appreciates what Alix dos. He just gives off an amazing reliable vibe that I
could get even from reading about it.
Olivia
Foster is a woman in whom we see the after effects of a great tragedy. She is a
kind and brave woman within her own and you cannot help but admire her
optimistic and idealistic personality. I found her character very much based on
Jackie Kennedy who was a formidable woman in her own rights as well. Danielle
Steel has yet again portrayed the various problems people go through, with the help
of these people and it is very interesting to see them conquer their
inhibitions and come on top.
These
characters really felt tangible to my reader senses and this realistic element needs
to definitely be applauded. In the end, Danielle Steel has come through as
usual with an admirable and strong protagonist, who is just as inspirational a
heroine as any other. This is what keeps me coming back to Steel books, again
and again (as well as the plot, of course!)
Dangerous
Games is a rollercoaster of a ride, and although the beginning is just a teensy
bit slow compared to the middle and the end, I quite liked sailing through it. The
language was coherent and flowed easily. However, I just did not enjoy it as
much as I hoped I would. There is just not enough conflict in this book, I feel.
Something was missing for me.
Verdict:
I
rate this book 3.5/5 stars!
About the
reviewer:
Nayanika
Saikia, is one of the foremost book reviewers from the North-east and Assam,
and is also an admin for the official India bookstagram page on Instagram. She
publishes her own reviews and recommendations for poetry, fiction, non-fiction
etc. on her bookstagram account @pretty_little_bibliophile which won the
NorthEast Creator Awards 2018, as well as in daily newspapers, online magazines
etc. She can be contacted at nayanikasaikia98@gmail.com .
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER – Filled with heartbreak and betrayal,
triumph and fulfillment, The Right Time is an intimate, richly
rewarding novel about pursuing one’s passion and succeeding beyond one’s
wildest dreams.
Abandoned by her mother at age seven, Alexandra
Winslow takes solace in the mysteries she reads with her devoted father–and
soon she is writing them herself, slowly graduating to dark, complex crime
stories that reflect skill, imagination, and talent far beyond her years. After
her father’s untimely death, at fourteen Alex is taken in by the nuns of a
local convent, where she finds twenty-six mothers to take the place of the one
she lost, and the time and encouragement to pursue her gift.
Alex writes in every spare moment, gripped by
the plots and themes and characters that fill her mind. Midway through college,
she has finished a novel–and manages to find a seasoned agent, then a
publisher. But as she climbs the ladder of publishing success, she resolutely
adheres to her father’s admonition: Men read crime thrillers by men only–and
so Alexandra Winslow publishes under the pseudonym Alexander Green, her true
identity known only to those closest to her, creating a double life that
isolates her.
Her secret life as the mysterious and
brilliantly successful Alexander Green–and her own life as a talented young
woman–expose her to the envious, the arrogant, and Hollywood players who have
no idea who she really is. Always, the right time to open up seems just out of
reach, and would cost her dearly. Once her double life and fame are
established, the price of the truth is always too high.
My review:
I received
a review copy from the publishers in return for an honest review. Opinions
expressed in this review are completely my own. I read this book for the
#lostandfoundreadathon hosted by @PanMacmillanIndia .
The Right Time
starts on a somewhat sad note. With a female protagonist, Steel has been able
to capture my senses once again and I was diving headlong into the story from
the first few pages onwards. Being an avid fan of literature, I really liked
Alexandra and her passion for reading and writing. On some levels, I could
really relate to her – like her passion for learning, keeping her work as her
main priority etc. are some things that I share with her. Alexandra is like an
almost real person and feel like I’ve known her for ages, seeing her grow up.
Going through what
Alexandra did in her childhood, is never a happy thing for any child to have
gone through. It is heart-wrenching and often leaves a child doubtful about
himself, suspecting that it is a fault of his that led to the mother or the
father leaving. Mother, in Alexandra’s case. And this effect stays in the
psyche of the child for a long time.
One the one hand,
we might hate Carmen for what she does to the family. On the other hand, we
cannot help but feel sad. She chose
wrongly – she thought that she could be happy married and with a kid but it
turns out she wasn’t. It was like life playing a sad joke on her – despite what
we feel regarding her behaviour towards the family, we can understand that she
is one of those women who are not made for marriage and motherhood
perhaps.
Also lets talk
about one other thing that really pissed me off – the problem with the
education system. When you do something exceptionally well for your age
(something not as common as sports, say), the authorities, by default, think there
is a problem with you. There was seriously a problem with the English teacher
in the story who thought that a young girl writing a brilliant story, albeit a
gruesome thriller, has some problem in her mindset.
Excellence makes
me happy. Seeing someone do well makes me happy and gives me a sense of pride
as if I’m the mother or something. But god, was I proud of Alexandra as a kid!
She is driven and is an inspiration for any girl out there. I wish many more
girls will read this book and be inspired by Alexandra. She is one amazing
person.
Moving to a new place and adjusting often
seems difficult and painful. However, one as to really commend Alexandra’s bold
nature and spirit. The nuns are really fun and totally different from the ones
I knew, having studied in 2 convents for the 13 years of my education. The
atmosphere is like a family in the story and I loved this big one full of so
many sisters and the mother.
Verdict:
I
absolutely enjoyed this book and I rate it 4/5 stars and I surely will pick up
this one again soon.
About the
reviewer:
Nayanika
Saikia, is one of the foremost book reviewers from the North-east and Assam,
and is also an admin for the official India bookstagram page on Instagram. She
publishes her own reviews and recommendations for poetry, fiction, non-fiction
etc. on her bookstagram account @pretty_little_bibliophile which won the
NorthEast Creator Awards 2018, as well as in daily newspapers, online magazines
etc. She can be contacted at nayanikasaikia98@gmail.com .
✨🎇🎆🎉🎊 Annnndddd! Are you ready to hear about an amazing readathon?? . @panmacmillanindia is hosting the #lostandfoundreadathon along with a few bookstagrammers, including yours truly! . Did you know that @writer.daniellesteel ‘s new book LOST AND FOUND is coming out soon? I bet so many of you all love her writing, and moreover, so many of our mothers love her too! My own mother’s and aunt’s collection of #daniellesteel books have been passed down to me and I have some great vintage copies! I’ll surely share them soon! (Click here to see my Danielle Steel book collection!) . So, for this readathon, I’ll be picking up a total of 4 books, and they are- 1. The Right Time (see review) 2. The Good Fight (see review) 3. The Duchess (see review) 4. And ofcourse, Lost and Found! (see review)
I actually ended up reading one more book by Steel – Dangerous Games! (see review)
The readathon ends on 30th of June and I’m so excited to be picking up these books. The top 3 have a female protagonist is the stories are about their coming of age, you could say, whether physically, emotionally, or psychology! I love these kinds of stories! PS. I’m actually planning on going into #lostandfound blind so no surprises please!! . You just need to pick up any of the author’s book and tag me, @panmacmillanindia and @writer.daniellesteel in your posts! Don’t forget to use #lostandfoundreadathon ! . #qotd : are you planning on participating in any other readathons this year?
Like I said in the earlier haul post, let’s continue with the health-chat. So currently, I’m working out everyday, and have a proper 8 hour sleep every night. I admit I have been seeing results – I do not feel lazy like I used to earlier and I am so happy that my productivity has risen. As for food, I have cut down a lot on sodium, fast food and thus totally removed MSG from my intake. As for drugs, I take Omega fatty acid pills and Vitamin-C supplements. I have also seen a great development in my skin and I’m ecstatic.
Moving on, here is #part2 of my #maybookhaul . Here are some of the books from the 14 that I acquired this month.
Panir Majot Hema Malini by Ira Das
Ananya by Tridip Goswami
Wake Up, Life is Calling by Preeti Shenoy! (And it is signed!)
100 of the World’s Greatest Poems by FingerPrint Publications
Mehboob Murderer by Nupur Anand (I really enjoyed reading this book!
Give Your Heart a Break, by Anuj Tiwari
I am so happy these beautiful editions are mine now! Aren’t they a sight for sore eyes?!
Eid Mubarak guys! I wish you and all your families happiness and all the love and success in the world.
#qotd : How did you spend this beautiful day?
I am so grateful to have been able to spend the day with my dear friends. We had a great time eating, talking and basically catching up. It was also a sort of get-together after a long time and I am so very happy. I took a lot of pictures too for memories’ sake.
Moving on, here are the books I read in May. They were a total of 16 books and I think May went quite well in terms of reading, considering the fact that it was my last month of classes before finals and I had to run around writing and finishing essays and presentations and surveys and other assignments and so on…
It seems like it was only a few days ago that 2019 actually started but now we’re almost halfway into the year. Time does fly fast, I guess! I’m going to appear for my 3rd semester finals soon and I am kind of tensed (obviously!). Finals week is damn hectic. I’ve also been going to the gym regularly now and I feel great. It’s worked a lot on my health – my sleep pattern specifically, because I don’t like to sleep at all, but now I am so tired by the time it’s 11/12, I fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow! I’ll continue with the health stuff in another post, but for todays #qotd , do tell – what are you doing for your physical health these days (I’m asking because resolutions mostly wear off by the time April rolls in!)
Moving on, here is #part1 of my #maybookhaul . I got a total of 14 new books in May (including review copies, books I bought for myself and also a couple for gifting purposes)
The Anarchists’ Club by Alex Reeve – thanks to Bloomsbury!
Circus Folk and Village Freaks by Aparna Upadhyaya Sanyal – thank you so much! And isn’t that a beautiful cover?!
Upon a Burning Throne by Ashok K Banker- thanks to Simon&Schuster! It is my current read and I am immensely enjoying it!
The Illicit Happiness of Other People by Manu Joseph – Thanks to my friend to lending it to me!
Womb of Butterflies by Ambika Barman – Thanks a lot for sending me this book! Eager to pick it up soon!
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl – I love this book and I already own a copy but I just had to buy this beautiful edition by FingerPrint Publications!
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie – I bought these 2 ACs to gift them to my friends actually, and I’m happy to say that they both loved them!
So, I’ll share the other books day after tomorrow in another post! I love displaying the book cover instead of just the spines and so many of you seem to love it too!
A nineteenth
century French priest discovers something in his mountain village at the foot
of The Pyrenees which enables him to amass and spend a fortune of millions of
pounds. The tale seems to begin with buried treasure and then turns into an
unprecedented historical detective story – a modern Grail quest leading back
through cryptically coded parchments, secret societies, the Knights Templar,
the Cathar heretics of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries and a dynasty of
obscure French kings deposed more than 1,300 years ago. The author’s
conclusions are persuasive: at the core is not material riches but a secret – a
secret of explosive and controversial proportions, which radiates out from the
little Pyrenees village all the way to contemporary politics and the entire
edifice of the Christian faith. It involves nothing less than… the Holy
Grail.
Originally published on 1st December, 1982, The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail is a really interesting book. I first learnt of it when I read Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code and then subsequently watched the book. I loved them both so much that I so wanted to get my hands of this book. Really grateful to Sankalpa for lending me this book!
If you are a lover of conspiracy theories then this is for you definitely! Having read The Da Vinci Code which was explosive on its own, I was surprised that I never knew about it and about this book too. However, it is not to be taken as the ultimate truth. The authors do claim that this is a hypothesis they have put forward. However, reading such ‘scandalous’ matter may make the reader forget about the disclaimer put at the beginning. Nonetheless, it is an interesting read, so to say.
(This edition was reissued in the United Kingdom by Arrow Books in 2006)
I am hoping to pick up some more books on such matters – lesser known facts in the religious or philosophical areas. Have you read this book yourself? What are your thoughts about it?
It’s been a year since Leo Stanhope lost the
woman he loved, and came closing to losing his own life. Now, more than ever,
he is determined to keep his head down and stay safe, without risking those he
holds dear. But Leo’s hopes for peace and security are shattered when the
police unexpectedly arrive at his lodgings: a woman has been found murdered at
a club for anarchists, and Leo’s address is in her purse. When Leo is taken to
the club by the police, he is shocked to discover there a man from his past, a
man who knows Leo’s birth identity. And if Leo does not provide him with an
alibi for the night of the woman’s killing, he is going to share this
information with the authorities.
If Leo’s true identity is unmasked, he will be thrown into an asylum, but if he
lies… will he be protecting a murderer?
My review:
I received
an Uncorrected Proof copy from Bloomsbury in return for an honest review.
Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Recently
I have been watching crime thrillers on Netflix and I was only very delighted
to pick up The Anarchists’ Club by Alex Reeve. I had not read the prequel to
this – The House on Half Mon Street, and so I kind of went in pretty blind.
This book has a really original voice, I feel, and it was so atmospheric that I
felt as if I was with Leo in London, investigating this crime.
In
the backdrop, we see a radical rising, what today we can call a Socialist
uprising and having read Dickens, I guess I can say that Reeve might have made
him make a run for his money!
Moreover,
since I had not read the first book in this Leo Stanhope series, I was
surprised when I realized the identity of the protagonist. I have never read of
transgender people in those times and I’m sure that so many of have not either.
I have always wondered and thus, reading this book made me realize what a
serious ‘problem’ it might have been in those times – to be born as such. The
author has also brought in another LGBTQ person in Peregrine Black, who is a
bisexual an and it is interesting to read about him.
The
author has also brought in the angle of family drama and it is just as
interesting. The narrative is very gripping and as we rush along with Mr.
Stanhope, we are compelled to turn the pages – ‘just on more chapter’ albeit
the fact that its half past 2 at night!
The
plot is well made and I was totally clueless until the very end. The narrative
structure is very engaging as well – you cannot help but be a part of this
mystery and have your heart thudding just like Mr. Stanhope, afraid that your
hiding place may be discovered!
This was a greatly enjoyable read for me and I’m hoping to pick up the prequel
soon!
Verdict:
I
had no option but dived right in – such is this read. I really recommend it to
all crime-thriller lovers and hope that you will enjoy it just as much as I
did. I rate it 4/5 stars.
About the reviewer:
Nayanika
Saikia, is one of the foremost book reviewers from the North-east and Assam,
and is also an admin for the official India bookstagram page on Instagram. She
publishes her own reviews and recommendations for poetry, fiction, non-fiction
etc. on her bookstagram account @pretty_little_bibliophile which won the
NorthEast Creator Awards 2018, as well as in daily newspapers, online magazines
etc. She can be contacted at nayanikasaikia98@gmail.com .
When seventeen-year-old Ashley Watson walks
through the halls of her high school bullies taunt and shove her. She can’t go
a day without fighting with her mother. And no matter how hard she tries, she
can’t make her best friend, Matt, fall in love with her. But Ashley also has
something no one else does: a literal glimpse into the future. When Ashley
looks into the mirror, she can see her twenty-three-year-old self.
Her older self has been through it all already—she endured
the bullying, survived the heartbreak, and heard every ugly word her classmates
threw at her. But her older self is also keeping a dark secret: Something
terrible is about to happen to Ashley. Something that will change her life
forever. Something even her older self is powerless to stop.
#1 Amazon Bestseller: Books for Teens (Oct 2015)
My review:
I received
a review copy from Netgalley in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed
in this review are completely my own.
I
read this book as a part of the Underrated Book Club by Kajree, for May 2019.
#underratedreadsbookclub
I
am happy I read this book myself. Being a high-schooler is really tough. I sometimes
feel lucky that I never had to face it.
The
protagonist Ashley is a really dynamic character – we see her facing a lot of
issues that have led her to where she is presently, which is to say, when the
book starts. In the beginning, we may infer that Ashley is really only wrapped
around her own head but as the story progresses, we kind of see her as a victim
and really feel bad for her. The themes of bullying, both at home and school,
and consequently, mental health; of facing the consequences of one’s decisions
etc. the constant bullying is heartbreaking to read about and not at all a
pleasure. It really surprises me still, to see how people can be so unkind to others
sometimes.
Mom twitched under my glare. “There are plenty of parents who wouldn’t allow you to go tonight, Ashley. And I’m sure they’d all mean well. But if a girl like you wants to keep a guy’s interest – “ “Are you seriously telling me to use sex to keep a guy interested?” Her lips thinned. “I’m telling you I would understand if you did.”
Can
you imagine what it would feel like if someone’s mother says that to her? Would
it not obviously affect the self-esteem of the person?
And
thus, it is no wonder to me when the psychologist says this to Ashely,
“It concerns me, though, that you are willing to accept such a vaguely defined relationship. It says a lot about how you gauge your own value”.
I
quite liked Matt although he really pissed me off at times. (Why is it that
boys are so blind sometimes?) nonetheless, he is quite a really good friend and
towards the end, we actually see that he has stayed true over the years. The author
has portrayed him as a real fleshed out character with flaws of his own and that
really gives a realistic nature to the narrative.
The
element of the fantasy and the magical realism, through the use of the mirror
selves, is great and adds another spatial depth to the book. Mostly, this book
is hopeful and I love it for that.
Despite
all the hate and the pain, Ashley emerges victorious and I don’t know what that
can be called except hopeful for the rest of us readers as well as for herself.
The author has also made Ashley so real, it is almost as if I can stretch and
touch her.
Verdict:
I
really loved reading this book and I rate it a 4/5 stars.
About the reviewer:
Nayanika
Saikia, is one of the foremost book reviewers from the North-east and Assam,
and is also an admin for the official India bookstagram page on Instagram. She
publishes her own reviews and recommendations for poetry, fiction, non-fiction
etc. on her bookstagram account @pretty_little_bibliophile which won the
NorthEast Creator Awards 2018, as well as in daily newspapers, online magazines
etc. She can be contacted at nayanikasaikia98@gmail.com .
The second StoryWorld novel set in the
glamorous, pressurized world of a live London TV station.
StoryWorld is the nation’s favourite morning show, and producer Liz Lyon wants
to keep it that way. Her job is to turn real-life stories into thrilling TV – and
keep a lid on the cauldron of conflicts and resentments that constantly simmers
off-stage.
In this gripping novel of power, rivalry and betrayal, Jane Lythell draws on
her experiences of working in the heated world of live TV. Liz Lyon must
balance the monster egos at work with the demands of her teenage daughter – and
the man she’s just started dating – at home. It’s all in a day’s work.
My review:
I received
a review copy from the author in return for an honest review. Opinions
expressed in this review are completely my own.
After having read Woman of the Hour, I knew that I simply had to pick up Bhind her back as well. Liz Lyon returns with her crew in this sequel and it is a delight to see her navigate the rarely stable environment at work. Just like the first novel – Woman of the Hour, this one too just compels you to dive right in. Compared to the first book, I felt like this went at a slower rate, not that I am complaining.
Lythell
has brought back the various themes we saw in the previous book as well, and
she has not failed to keep them fresh. It is undoubtedly a new scenario and
thus, new ways to work with. There is a new character this time in – Lori Kerwell,
who is the new Head of Sales and Marketing. She is a difficult character I admit,
one of those we see sucking up to the authority and trying to build a power
base around their colleagues that they can dominate over.
I
am quite happy to see Fizzy back and Zachary sounds amazing. I do have my
complaints regarding her, but oh well! Ledley’s character has gone over some
drastic change and it is bound to give you a shock when you read through. It is
not pleasant but very understandable for the reader that power truly does
something to the people.
Explosive
secrets are nothing new on the StoryWorld station and this time it is no
different. The romance element has a strong suit here and I really loved it. I
found Douglas very understanding and ideal, although human and flawed in his
own ways. Moreover, I loved how Harriet, Flo and Ziggy’s character arc have
developed.
through
Fizzy, we also get to see the, what one may call, the ‘darker’ side of
motherhood/pregnancy. She is too worried about her figure, breastfeeding etc
and hardly seems to devote enough time to her son. She repeatedly sems to be
confused whether to choose her career or her baby. And oh my god, I still hate
Bob.
Whatever
your reactions may be, I bet they were as if you have known these characters in
real life. That is how real Lythell makes them and I personally would not have
them any other way.
Verdict:
I
really enjoyed this book too and rate it a solid 4.5/5 stars!
About the author:
I live by the
sea in Brighton, East Sussex, UK.
My debut novel THE LIE OF YOU has been
translated into seven languages and will be released as a feature film later
this year starring Tuppence Middleton, Lydia Wilson, Rupert Graves and Luke
Roberts.
My two psychological thrillers THE LIE OF YOU
and AFTER THE STORM were published in 2014 and 2015 and were USA Today
bestsellers.
My next, WOMAN OF THE HOUR, reveals life at the
TV front-line through the eyes of producer Liz Lyon. It came out in July 2016
and the follow-up BEHIND HER BACK was published in 2018. My publisher is Head
of Zeus and my agent is Gaia Banks of Sheil Land.
I love to hear from readers and I’m on Twitter:
@janelythell and Instagram: jane_lythell_writer
About the reviewer:
Nayanika
Saikia, is one of the foremost book reviewers from the North-east and Assam,
and is also an admin for the official India bookstagram page on Instagram. She
publishes her own reviews and recommendations for poetry, fiction, non-fiction
etc. on her bookstagram account @pretty_little_bibliophile which won the
NorthEast Creator Awards 2018, as well as in daily newspapers, online magazines
etc. She can be contacted at nayanikasaikia98@gmail.com .
Title: The Holy
Shit Moment: How lasting change can happen in an instant
Author: James Fell
Publisher: Thorsons,
an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers
Genre: Self-help
Format: Paperback
Language: English
No. of pages: 278
Synopsis:
From internationally syndicated fitness
columnist and author, James Fell, comes a no-nonsense guide on how to get in
shape, fix your finances, alleviate depression and change your life for good.
We’ve all been there. Wanting to change your
life forever, but only doing it in fits and starts. Feeling inspired to be
disciplined one day, then falling back into old habits on the next. Or changing
for a few weeks or even months, but then slipping back into familiar
behaviours. Bad habits are hard to break for a reason. But you still try
because the goal is worth it: slowly and painfully forming new habits to the
point where you are able to adhere to a new lifestyle, long-term.
Not only do we struggle with all of it but the
failure rates of these models are staggering.
What if there was a different way? What if
sudden moment, which happens to be a surprisingly common occurrence among those
who succeed would allow you to skip the struggle of behaviour change and just
become a different person in a moment? What if all the motivation they would
ever need to change could arrive unbidden because of a life-altering flash of
insight? It is the power of epiphany – a triggering event when drive and
clarity of purpose for changing one’s life is instantly attained. James Fell’s
THE HOLY SHIT MOMENT is about that who have sustained change. The stories
outlined in this book examine an abrupt awakening, where a person’s purpose
switches course in the space of a few seconds; their life is partitioned into
the time before that moment occurred, and what comes after. In an instant, the
gradual steps of behavior change are bypassed and life transformation takes
hold for good. But is an epiphany something that can be generated?
Yes. THE HOLY SHIT MOMENT is a self-help book written in a brash, audacious and informal, your-good-friend-giving-you-the-scoop style, but with the knowledge, research, wisdom and personal anecdotes to back up James’ words in the vein of Jen Sincero’s You Are a Badass.
My review:
I received
a review copy from the publishers in return for an honest review. Opinions
expressed in this review are completely my own.
The
book begins with a very interesting tone. I love how the author has made it an
understandable and easy read for all. Beginning with a extensive explanation of
epiphanies and the ‘Euphoria of the Life-Changing Moment’, the author goes on
over a multitude of other topics. Bringing in an intimate and personal note is
a great addition, as it totally made it easy to relate to for the reader. I
love how the language is so very understandable despite the fact that there are
some topics that are not essentially very easy to do so.
The
author does not fail to add however, that this epiphany, this life changing
moment is never really truly separate from whatever work we may have done – “But it is no such thing. It is simply that
last piece of the puzzle… being put into place… conversely, it truly can strike out of nowhere…”
After
recognizing the epiphany it is also important to find some reason and purpose
via it so that we can turn it into something productive. The author then also
goes into the science behind it all. The parts that I ranked topmost myself
were however, the use of these epiphanies to work over various issues that we
may face everyday. For instance, battling addictions.
There
is also something called religious epiphany and while I did know something
about it, I honestly never knew it had a dedicated term for it. The power of
love is another thing the author talks about – how it can be caused due to the
passion for life and love. Moreover, using dreams to b more productive is great
too.
Verdict:
I
think this is absolutely one of the best self-help books I have ever read. I
rate it 4.5/5 stars!
About the reviewer:
Nayanika
Saikia, is one of the foremost book reviewers from the North-east and Assam,
and is also an admin for the official India bookstagram page on Instagram. She
publishes her own reviews and recommendations for poetry, fiction, non-fiction
etc. on her bookstagram account @pretty_little_bibliophile which won the
NorthEast Creator Awards 2018, as well as in daily newspapers, online magazines
etc. She can be contacted at nayanikasaikia98@gmail.com .
Tigun, Misarel, and O’blame decide to embark
upon the biggest hunt of their age in Elt-duk (a mystical mountain) with
Tigun’s son Asto. They start out bigger and stronger than ever before, but a
chance encounter with a mysterious man on their journey reveals to them that
something horrible is underway at Elt-duk. An unknown terror is spread all over
the Earth, and all of humanity is unaware of it. Evil is growing, angels are
falling, men are confused and scattered, decisions are tough to make and makes
men cry, but the angels say, Let men try. With the agreement for the hunt
survive? They only wished to hunt for gold, but this turn of events has brought
them face to face with the biggest enemy himself, evil incarnate. How will they
cope? Will help come in time? Elt-Duk wants its ruler and the evil is ready for
It.
My review:
I received
a review copy from the author in return for an honest review. Opinions
expressed in this review are completely my own.
Elt-Duk
was an interesting fantasy read. I assume this is the first in a series the
author intends to do. However, without giving a spoiler, I felt that the
synopsis did not do justice to the story. I went in expecting a different pace,
but while the story was good, it seemed only as a back-story to the events
described in the synopsis.
The
narrative was gripping and the mystery and adventure element was replete in the
story. The author has done well in representing various types of behaviours and
human values in the characters as we see such variety in their natures. For
instance, the author shows the issue of friends fighting among themselves under
pressure, albeit verbal. The blame game is common in our lives and the author
uses it here too. Like, when O’blame and Misarel start to blame Tigun in the
beginning, before the trip even starts. The themes of good over evil, bravery,
war and universal and as such, I believe, easily relatable for the readers.
However,
I think that perhaps the author needs to use more pronouns as the use of names
for so many times makes it a bit cumbersome to read through. There are also a
few grammatical errors…
Verdict:
I
enjoyed reading this book and I rate it 3/5 stars.
About the
author:
Yash Sharma was born in Kota, Rajasthan – the
city renowned for its medical & engineering studies, but he didn’t follow
suit. Instead, he choose commerce and carved out his path in this field, not
wanting to continue with Maths and Science as his subjects of study. He has
been working in the real-estate sector for the past five years, but has gained
experience in various domains and areas of work before, not wanting to be tied
down to just one.
He loves outdoor sports, football being his
favourite. He holds a special interest for writing and has penned down multiple
short stories and poems before.
About the
reviewer:
Nayanika
Saikia, is one of the foremost book reviewers from the North-east and Assam,
and is also an admin for the official India bookstagram page on Instagram. She
publishes her own reviews and recommendations for poetry, fiction, non-fiction
etc. on her bookstagram account @pretty_little_bibliophile which won the
NorthEast Creator Awards 2018, as well as in daily newspapers, online magazines
etc. She can be contacted at nayanikasaikia98@gmail.com .
“Still loved…Still missed! The myriad hues of
souls” is a collection of 14 short stories and a poem. These stories span
characters and emotional states with canny details that touch the depths of
your soul. Picturing the complexities of love, misery and mystery, the stories
try to gnaw your heart like never before
• What does a flower teach us we often fail to see?
• “The belly is an ungrateful wretch.” Is it
true?
• Ever wondered about the sparseness and
illusions in life?
• Does death put an end to true love?
• Have all the ascetics won over their emotions?
With the power of simple language, this book transports the
readers to a world scarcely thought of in our bustling lives. The allegories
maintain an intense rhythm of life prompting the readers to perceive things
from a unique angle.
“A whole bookful to make you think, cry, think
again and move on.”
My review:
I received
a review copy from the author in return for an honest review. Opinions
expressed in this review are completely my own.
Still Loved… Still Missed! was a quick
read that I was done in about an hour. I liked the writing style of the author –
it is flowing and easy to understand. I am sure that even beginners will be
able to understand the book.
This
book is a collection of 14 short stories and a poem. Despite what I said in the
previous paragraph, it is also a complex work – the narrative may seen a bit easy-going,
however, the undercurrents that the author has lent to the writing is
transcendental. It is easy to relate to these works and thus makes the entire experience
an enjoyable one.
The dread of loneliness is greater than the fear of bondage.
This is one quote from the book that leaves an impression in one’s mind after reading…
The
undercurrent of love, intertwined with loss, and the whimsical melancholy is
prevalent in ach one of these stories. As you read you cannot help but
contemplate and introspect within your own life.
Verdict:
It
was really enjoyable and I rate it a 4/5 stars.
About the reviewer:
Nayanika
Saikia, is one of the foremost book reviewers from the North-east and Assam,
and is also an admin for the official India bookstagram page on Instagram. She
publishes her own reviews and recommendations for poetry, fiction, non-fiction
etc. on her bookstagram account @pretty_little_bibliophile which won the
NorthEast Creator Awards 2018, as well as in daily newspapers, online magazines
etc. She can be contacted at nayanikasaikia98@gmail.com .
Genre: General
Fiction (adult), Mystery and Thriller
Format: E-arc
Language: English
Synopsis:
Two sisters raised in fear are about to find out
why in a chilling novel of psychological suspense from the author of The Thinnest Air.
Ignorant of civilization and cautioned against its evils,
nineteen-year-old Wren and her two sisters, Sage and Evie, were raised in
off-the-grid isolation in a primitive cabin in upstate New York. When the
youngest grows gravely ill, their mother leaves with the child to get help from
a nearby town. And they never return.
As months pass, hope vanishes. Supplies are low. Livestock are dying. A
brutal winter is bearing down. Then comes the stranger. He claims to be looking
for the girls’ mother, and he’s not leaving without them.
To escape, Wren and her sister must break the rule they’ve grown up
with: never go beyond the forest.
Past the thicket of dread, they come upon a house on the other side of
the pines. This is where Wren and Sage must confront something more chilling
than the unknowable. They’ll discover what’s been hidden from them, what
they’re running from, and the secrets that have left them in the dark their
entire lives.
My review:
I received
a review copy from Netgalley in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed
in this review are completely my own.
I
went into this book really intrigued – the synopsis was enough to arouse my curiosity
and the narrative gripping enough to keep me hooked in until the very end. The whole
trope of the unreliable protagonist is an interesting one and I personally love
it. After reading books like The Woman
in the Window, Gone Girl, The Girl on the Train etc., I was looking for more such domestic thrillers
and this book’s synopsis promised to deliver.
The
plot was well stitched together. At one point, I thought I knew how it was
going to end, but boy, was I wrong! The entire narrative had a jigsaw like feel
and in the beginning I had no idea how the author would possibly intertwine the
two storylines into one. The themes were universal and as such, I believe that
many readers will b able to relate to
them; some are relationships, dealing with authoritarian figures, infidelity,
keeping secrets, identity crisis etc. Of course, there are my interpretations.
The
character of Nicolette also underwent growth – she is absolutely different at
the end, from the way she was at the beginning of the book. The anagnorisis in
relation to her character is enormous and lends the narrative great depth and
feeling. Brant is also an interesting character and although not the
protagonist himself, his role is just as important.
Wren
and Sag also undergo growth and this is very important as we see them dealing
with various issues that most teenagers may perhaps relate to, (I am talking
about the happenings towards the end; needless to say, I wish no one has to go
through what they did).
The
writing style is flawless – it flows and gives a very lucid effect to the narrative.
Apart from the twist and the jaw-dropping end, the characters too were amazing
and had such great depth!
Verdict:
I
absolutely enjoyed the book and I hope to read something similar from the author
soon! I really enjoyed the book and I rate it a 4/5 stars!
About the reviewer:
Nayanika
Saikia, is one of the foremost book reviewers from the North-east and Assam,
and is also an admin for the official India bookstagram page on Instagram. She
publishes her own reviews and recommendations for poetry, fiction, non-fiction
etc. on her bookstagram account @pretty_little_bibliophile which won the
NorthEast Creator Awards 2018, as well as in daily newspapers, online magazines
etc. She can be contacted at nayanikasaikia98@gmail.com .
“Powerful, enchanting, and spirited, this novel
will delight.” —Patti Callahan, bestselling author
of Becoming Mrs. Lewis
Love,
friendship, and family find a home at the Printed Letter Bookshop
One of Madeline Cullen’s happiest childhood
memories is of working with her Aunt Maddie in the quaint and cozy Printed
Letter Bookshop. But by the time Madeline inherits the shop nearly twenty years
later, family troubles and her own bitter losses have hardened Madeline’s heart
toward her once-treasured aunt—and the now struggling bookshop left in her
care.
While Madeline intends to sell the shop as quickly
as possible, the Printed Letter’s two employees have other ideas. Reeling from
a recent divorce, Janet finds sanctuary within the books and within the
decadent window displays she creates. Claire, though quieter than the acerbic
Janet, feels equally drawn to the daily rhythms of the shop and its loyal
clientele, finding a renewed purpose within its walls.
When Madeline’s professional life falls apart, and
a handsome gardener upends all her preconceived notions, she questions her
plans and her heart. Has she been too quick to dismiss her aunt’s beloved shop?
And even if she has, the women’s best combined efforts may be too little, too
late.
“The
Printed Letter Bookshop is a captivating story of good books,
a testament to the beauty of new beginnings, and a sweet reminder of the power
of friendship.” —Rachel McMillan, author of Murder in the City
of Liberty
My review:
I
received a review copy from the publishers in return for an honest review.
Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The
Printed Letter Bookshop is just as amazing a read as the title makes it sound.
I am joyful that I could read it before it officially publishes. Katherine Reay
has done a great job with all the aspects of the novel.
Firstly,
talking about the characters – this is very much a novel of growth – a
bildungsroman of sorts. We see the women emerging out at the end as totally
different, albeit better versions of themselves by the end of the novel. I
found it very inspirational to say the truth. The author portrays these women
as persons of their own – faulty, yes, but human in their hearts. Each
undergoes an odyssey (see what I did there?!) different from the others’ and it
changes them for the better – as well as those around them, and their inter
relationships. Thus, the character arcs were done in a very realistic manner
and one could find traces of oneself in each of these three women. The
character of Maddie is very significant. Like it is pointed out by the
characters in the book itself, her presence permeates throughout the book and
this influence is very much like that of the eponymous Rebecca from Daphne du Maurier’s
classic.
The
plot is well laid out, although this is very much a character driven novel. The
themes of family, acceptance, friendships,
dealing with one’s own choices, literature (my favourite, I believe!) as
well as love – both romantic and familial, understanding, forgiveness, guilty
conscience etc. are very important ones that the author explores through all
the characters in the book.
The
narrative is entirely engrossing and I loved every bit of it. The allusions to
the different books were also a plus point and the list at the end is one I am
definitely going to cross every book off (I intend to read all of them)
Verdict:
I
absolutely love this book and I rate it 4.5/5 stars!
About the reviewer:
Nayanika
Saikia, is one of the foremost book reviewers from the North-east and Assam,
and is also an admin for the official India bookstagram page on Instagram. She
publishes her own reviews and recommendations for poetry, fiction, non-fiction
etc. on her bookstagram account @pretty_little_bibliophile which won the
NorthEast Creator Awards 2018, as well as in daily newspapers, online magazines
etc. She can be contacted at nayanikasaikia98@gmail.com .
Non-binary poet Cyrus Parker
returns with an all-new collection of poetry and prose dedicated to those
struggling to find their own identity in a world that often forces one into the
confines of what’s considered “socially acceptable.”
Divided into three parts and illustrated by
Parker, masquerade grapples with topics such as the
never-ending search for acceptance, gender identity, and relationships, and the
struggle to recognize your own face after hiding behind another for so long.
My review:
I
received a review copy from the publishers in return for an honest review.
Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I
believe that including Poe’s lines in the very beginning is a brilliant stroke
in itself. In hindsight, it really says a lot about the poetry the reader will
be delving into as she flips the pages.
The
poems deal with various topics such as abandonment, alcohol abuse, death,
gender dysphoria, harassment, as well as intimate partner abuse, lost
innocence, identity, chasing your dream, and the masks that people wear. Self-care
also is explicitly stated by the poet to be practiced after reading the poems
and it was real advice, because I did have to do it in the end. The reason
behind this, I believe, is that the poems are so real and vivid and so
reflective of our own lives that it is impossible for a reader not to find
atleast a couple of poems with which she can absolutely relate. The poems are
raw and poignant, and that furthers this cause. Moreover, the illustrations also provide a
nice yet related break.
Verdict:
I
enjoyed the poems and I rate this collection a 4/5 stars!
About the reviewer:
Nayanika
Saikia, is one of the foremost book reviewers from the North-east and Assam,
and is also an admin for the official India bookstagram page on Instagram. She
publishes her own reviews and recommendations for poetry, fiction, non-fiction
etc. on her bookstagram account @pretty_little_bibliophile which won the
NorthEast Creator Awards 2018, as well as in daily newspapers, online magazines
etc. She can be contacted at nayanikasaikia98@gmail.com .
Acclaimed Instagram poet F.D. Soul
(@featherdownsoul) debuts a new poetry collection,telling her own
invigorating, unapologetic narrative of love, loss, and adversity. Soul’s words
pulse, they are alive on the page, attesting to the significance of Between
You and These Bones in the modern world.
From celebrated New Zealand poetess F.D. Soul
comes her highly anticipated second collection of poetry, prose,
illustrations, and wisdom. Her messages grapple with relationships:
interpersonal relationships, her relationship with herself, and the
relationship between poetry and the world. Unchaptered and raw, Between
You and These Bones reads much like a memoir or meditation yet
maintains all the musicality of poetry. “This book is a garden, a hymn, a
forgiveness. A falling back in love. It is all the pieces of light you forgot
you held, remembered.”
My
review:
I
received a review copy for Netgalley in return for an honest review. Opinions
expressed in this review are completely my own.
This
collection of poems was a welcome break to the otherwise fiction reading that I
had been engrossed in for a long time now. The poems were beautiful and spoke
on familial love, mental health and healing – and starting to open up about it,
as well as about people who help us sope with their kindness and love; human
vulnerability of opening up oneself to others; hope, prayer and faith; family
and the “weight of generations”; the act of consent/societal pressure and why
saying ‘no’ makes us feel guilty; the difference between living and being
alive; the strength and power of a mother’s love; the understanding of one’s
own qualities and accepting them and subsequently working on them; being human
and dealing with loss and breakups and many others. The poet also talks about
growing up, falling in love, the beauty in everyday objects, chasing and living
your dreams, gratitude, fighting for your life, living one’s life,
self-empowerment, memoris, the power of love, the act of giving; about when we
want to give up, it is the human body that goes on, and how poetry is the
poet’s prayer.
The poet’s
writing style is also very novel and experiments with the format of the syntax
etc. and complex lines are used. There are many layers to the meanings. Also, I
feel that there was also a lot of repetition in the poems. The poet often uses
“which is to say” and “but God”/”God!”/:and God”, which makes the words lose
their evocative power at times.
Verdict:
This was a
pretty good book and I rate it a 3/5 stars.
About
the reviewer:
Nayanika Saikia,
is one of the foremost book reviewers from the North-east and Assam, and is
also an admin for the official India bookstagram page on Instagram. She
publishes her own reviews and recommendations for poetry, fiction, non-fiction
etc. on her bookstagram account @pretty_little_bibliophile which won the
NorthEast Creator Awards 2018, as well as in daily newspapers, online magazines
etc. She can be contacted at nayanikasaikia98@gmail.com .
In a thrilling new fantasy from the bestselling
author of the Storm Siren Trilogy, one girl makes a stand against society and
enters a world made exclusively for boys.
Every year for the past fifty-four years, the
residents of Pinsbury Port have received a mysterious letter inviting all
eligible-aged boys to compete for an esteemed scholarship to the all-male
Stemwick University. The poorer residents look to see if their names are on the
list. The wealthier look to see how likely their sons are to survive. And Rhen
Tellur opens it to see if she can derive which substances the ink and parchment
are created from, using her father’s microscope.
In the province of Caldon, where women train in
wifely duties and men pursue collegiate education, sixteen-year-old Rhen Tellur
wants nothing more than to become a scientist. As the poor of her seaside town
fall prey to a deadly disease, she and her father work desperately to find a
cure. But when her mum succumbs to it as well? Rhen decides to take the future
into her own hands—through the annual all-male scholarship competition.
With her cousin, Seleni, by her side, the girls don
disguises and enter Mr. Holm’s labyrinth, to best the boys and claim the
scholarship prize. Except not everyone is ready for a girl who doesn’t know her
place. And not everyone survives the deadly maze.
Welcome to the labyrinth.
My review:
I
received a review copy for Netgalley in return for an honest review. Opinions
expressed in this review are completely my own.
When I read
the description of the book, I was mesmerized. To Best the Boys has all the
elements that make an amazing fantasy read, replete with romance, adventure, a
bit of family drama and friendship. With a dash of some je ne sais quoi, the
author has created a veritable masterpiece.
Throughout
the novel, we see a strong and dynamic female lead in Rhen Tellur, who pursues
her passions without being afraid of what society will say. Her cousin, Seleni
is placed against her, and oh! What an amazing contrast. We see Seleni as what
you would call a ‘girly girl’, but the her own words when she says that there
is the difference between them both – Rhen was more career-oriented, but Seleni
would like to get married and have kids with her beau, is a joyful one. It
speaks of the essence of feminism – a feminist does not have to be always a
career oriented person or such as so many believe, but a woman in her own right
– who knows herself and accepts herself as she is. Rhen and Seleni are great
role-models. They do not take any nonsense from their male counterparts and
dish out just as well as they get.
the plot
actually spans just a few days – under a week, but the narrative is wrapped up
in such a way that as a reader, as you start reading, you get sucked in and get
absorbed with it. The sci-fi element in the book is also fantastic and curious.
The twist regarding the identity of The Holm is also an unexpected one albeit
happily welcome.
And I do
not think I shall elaborate much on the beautiful romance, which, although not
placed at the center, is really inspiring. The respect and support these two
lovers give each other is ideal.
One problem
that I found was that the sentences often tended to be long and rambling and I
am not sure if I am a fan of that. But the overall effect was great and gelled
well with the narrative.
Verdict:
I
really enjoyed reading this book and I rate it a 4/5 stars.
About the reviewer:
Nayanika
Saikia, is one of the foremost book reviewers from the North-east and Assam,
and is also an admin for the official India bookstagram page on Instagram. She
publishes her own reviews and recommendations for poetry, fiction, non-fiction
etc. on her bookstagram account @pretty_little_bibliophile which won the
NorthEast Creator Awards 2018, as well as in daily newspapers, online magazines
etc. She can be contacted at nayanikasaikia98@gmail.com .
Once
upon a time, you believed anything was possible. You never got tired of being
happy. Once, upon a time, you knew no fear. You never got tired of doing what
you did. Once upon a time, all aspects of your life were perfect and blissful.
Once upon a time, you were the source.
But
over time, things around you didn’t seem to make sense. So you set yourself
apart from the source trying to understand the world and how it works. Days,
months, and yars passed by and the source was lost.
But
that does not mean the source doesn’t exist. The Superhero Soul has been designed for a purpose – to take you
back to being the source.
If
there are closed doors in your life, this is the key. If it’s treasure you
seek, this is the map.
Everything
you once knew, the Superhero you once were… Re-Dsicover!
My review:
I
received a review copy for the author/publishers in return for an honest
review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This
is one of the best self-help books I have ever read. It was truly useful and
actually works – and that is not something I would say for most other such
books that I read.
The
author has divided the whole topic into various other small units and thus made
the whole process look very systematic and thus very achievable. The writing
style of the author is very interactive in nature and it increases the overall appeal of the book. It
is an overall book that aims to help the reader in all spheres in their life. It
is accurate and compact, and uses brevity. The end product is a book that
actually helps one practically and not one that just preaches.
The
units have also been divided by beautifully illustrated pages that are really
pretty and it really ensures that a readers going into the chapter with a happy
and eager minds. I also think that the cover of the book is very attractive.
The
tips were increasingly useful and I think it would really help people would
need this book.
Verdict:
I
really enjoyed reading this book and found it very helpful. I rate it a 4.5/5
stars.
About the author:
Dilip Bathija is the author of The Superhero Soul: Quest for Inspiration, Happiness, Success and
Greatness, a
human-artist, visionary entrepreneur, speaker and a humanitarian.
He believes every individual is capable of
attaining personal and professional greatness. All relationships can be
harmonious and all goals attainable, once we connect ourselves to the source of
powers within. For then, the powers are ours to unleash, for mental, physical
and spiritual joy and abundance. His
programs are conducted across 40+ cities each year. When not reading, writing
and contemplating, Dilip devotes his time as the co-founder and visionary at
Dream Is Now, an integrative media/publishing brand.
Nayanika
Saikia, is one of the foremost book reviewers from the North-east and Assam,
and is also an admin for the official India bookstagram page on Instagram. She
publishes her own reviews and recommendations for poetry, fiction, non-fiction
etc. on her bookstagram account @pretty_little_bibliophile which won the
NorthEast Creator Awards 2018, as well as in daily newspapers, online magazines
etc. She can be contacted at nayanikasaikia98@gmail.com .
The definitive story of Harley Quinn by her co-creator, Paul
Dini, and Pat Cadigan, revealing the secrets of her history even as she seeks
to kill Batman.
Dr. Harleen Quinzel grew up in an abusive household with a
criminal and became a psychologist to deal with her own broken family. At
Arkham Asylum, she attempted to treat the Joker and instead fell hopelessly in
love with him, helping him escape and becoming a member of his organization.
Quinzel became Harley Quinn, a bizarre contradiction of violence and mercy. She
blames Batman for her inability to maintain a stable relationship with the
arch-villain, and that causes her to have an abiding hatred for the hero, who
she seeks to kill. Upon capture she becomes a violent inmate at Belle Reve
Penitentiary, and is assigned to the group of government-maintained super
villains known as the Suicide Squad.
I
received a review copy for the publishers in return for an honest review.
Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Mad Love
was a fun and truly mad read and I enjoyed every bit of it.
This book
gave quite an insight to this infamous villain’s life – why she is how she is
and what made her that way. The most major themes that I saw throughout the
novel was the deceptiveness of appearances and how crucial it is to know the
reality of things. On a deeper level, things are never as they appear to be on
the surface. In the beginning the tone is in third person limited – Daddy this
and Daddy that. It is as if Harleen cannot really make all of her own decisions
and looks up to her Daddy for them. In retrospect, it is so much the situation
that occurs when she is under the Joker’s spell. She looks up to him this time.
I think, the underneath all of these,
Harleen does not lose her innocence and faith in these two authority
figures. Is she naïve? Or dumb? I understand that this is a polarizing concept.
But I believe that there is not always a good side and a bad side – we often
forget about the grey areas and only look at the startling black and white.
Mad Love is
a psychological novel to boot! There were so many nuances regarding human
behavior – as Harleen grew up and studied psychology, and then started
practicing it at Arkham Asylum. There is also a great play at words – both in
the narrator’s case and the Joker’s as well. The manner of writing was just as
enjoyable and easy to understand. The character arc of Harleen was a very
dynamic one – I feel that she goes through a lot and her story is one that had
needed to be told. The writers did justice to the character as well as the
plotline.
Verdict:
I quite
enjoyed reading this book and I rate it a 4/5 stars!
About
the author:
Paul Dini is an American television
producer of animated cartoons. He is best known as a producer and writer for
several Warner Bros./DC Comics series, including Star Wars: Ewoks, Tiny Toon
Adventures, Batman: The Animated Series, Superman: The Animated Series, The New
Batman/Superman Adventures, Batman Beyond and Duck Dodgers. He also developed
and scripted Krypto the Superdog and contributed scripts to Animaniacs (he
created Minerva Mink), Freakazoid, Justice League and Justice League Unlimited.
After leaving Warner Bros. In early 2004, Dini went on to write and story edit
the popular ABC adventure series Lost.
About
the reviewer:
Nayanika
Saikia, is one of the foremost book reviewers from the North-east and Assam,
and is also an admin for the official India bookstagram page on Instagram. She
publishes her own reviews and recommendations for poetry, fiction, non-fiction
etc. on her bookstagram account @pretty_little_bibliophile which won the
NorthEast Creator Awards 2018, as well as in daily newspapers, online magazines
etc. She can be contacted at nayanikasaikia98@gmail.com .
Title: Never
Again: Moving On From Narcissistic Abuse and Other Toxic Relationships
Author: Dr. Sarah
Davis
Publisher: Troubadour
Publishing Ltd.
Publishing Date: 16 March,
2019
Genre: Nonfiction/Self-help
Format: Ebook
Language: English
No. of pages:
Synopsis:
Dr. Sarah Davies draws from her
clinical expertise, largely gained from working with individuals
at her Harley Street practice in London, as well as from
her personal experiences with narcissistic abuse, to put together
this practical guide to understanding and moving on from toxic relationships.
If you have experienced narcissistic
abuse and want to avoid a repeat experience, Never Again – moving
on from narcissistic abuse and other toxic relationships can help you
to:
• Learn about Narcissism
& identify Narcissistic Abuse
• Develop tools and coping strategies
including emotional regulation, mindfulness and grounding techniques
• Learn a range of practical tips and tools
to break the cycle of abuse.
• Learn a 4-step refocus tool
helping you to move on more quickly
• Work on your self-esteem, values,
self-compassion and forgiveness
• Address any unhelpful thinking or beliefs that
may be holding you back
• Learn about trauma and narcissistic abuse and
how to manage emotional overwhelm or distress
• Learn about healthy boundaries and how to hold
them
• Develop clearer, healthier communication
In this new book, Dr. Davies shows readers
how to identify narcissistic abuse, but also the tools needed to move on
and potentially end destructive relationship patterns once and for all.
My review:
I
received a review copy for Netgalley in return for an honest review. Opinions
expressed in this review are completely my own.
I
really like the systematic nature, which the author has undertaken to talk
about this issue. As a reader I think it really helps in the healing process –
apart from being a self-help book, it is also a practical guide as it takes the
reader by the hand and help him or her to recover. In this, it has proved a
very practical and useful tool.
Bringing
in the abuse factor little by little and then relating it to a relationship (in
the surprisingly quite a few cases that it appears in), makes it a smooth
transition for the reader to understand. The author has kept the psychological
well-being of the reader in mid, for she does not spring facts suddenly at the
reader thus shocking him/her, but by slowly transitioning in a slow manner.
Acceptance
is a significant phase in this situation and the author has done it in a good
manner. She then leads the way to understanding and realizing if one’s partner
is a narcissist, and then moving ahead. Her research is very fact based and as
such, increases the dependability of the text. Lastly, she also talks about
recovery, which is perhaps the most important post stage. The author also
guides the reader in developing a new mindset – one that is supportive of the
person’s own being and how compassion and forgiveness goes a long way. Apart
from the ‘victims’, the author also addresses the friends and family, for which
she scores one more amazing point!
On
a personal front, I think the book has been useful. It made me realize that in
the end, we really need to take care of our own selves.
Verdict:
I
quite enjoyed the book except where I felt that it was a bit too repetitive for
my taste. Overall, helpful read. I rate it 4/5!
About the
reviewer:
Nayanika
Saikia, is one of the foremost book reviewers from the North-east and Assam,
and is also an admin for the official India bookstagram page on Instagram. She
publishes her own reviews and recommendations for poetry, fiction, non-fiction
etc. on her bookstagram account @pretty_little_bibliophile which won the
NorthEast Creator Awards 2018, as well as in daily newspapers, online magazines
etc. She can be contacted at nayanikasaikia98@gmail.com .
An extraordinary debut that explores legacies of abuse,
redemption, and the strength of the human spirit–from the Boer Wars in South
Africa to brutal wilderness camps for teenage boys.
South Africa, 1901. It is the height of the second Boer War. Sarah van der Watt
and her six-year-old son Fred are forced from their home on Mulberry Farm. As
the polite invaders welcome them to Bloemfontein Concentration Camp they
promise Sarah and Fred that they will be safe there.
2014. Sixteen-year-old Willem is an outsider. Hoping he will become the man she
wants him to be, his Ma and her boyfriend force Willem to attend the New Dawn
Safari Training Camp where they are proud to make men out of boys. They promise
that he will be safe there.
You Will Be Safe Here is a powerful and urgent novel of two
connected South African stories. Inspired by real events, it uncovers a hidden
colonial history, reveals a dark contemporary secret, and explores the legacy
of violence and our will to survive.
My
review:
I
received a review copy for the publishers in return for an honest review.
Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I
absolutely loved reading YOU WILL BE SAFE HERE. This is a poignant story that
really touched my heart and I have changed after reading it. There are 4 parts
in the story.
The first
part is written in an epistolary format – in the form of a diary. The ton of
Sarah van der Watt is so tragic. I found – not overtly so, but in its
undercurrent – I could feel it as I read – Sarah’s knowledge that the need of
her world as she knew it, was near. Things would greatly change and it is as if
she is deliberately and often times forcefully trying to be cheerful – why not
enjoy the last few days before all hell breaks loose?
Some lines
I liked were –
“There is
strangely little to do now but wait.”
During this
period of the second Boer War, the Kaffirs were freed by the English. The
resulting chaos was a great scar on the lives of so many people – both whites
and blacks. I was also pleasantly surprised by the resilience of the people –
specifically Sarah van der Watt and basically everyone else. It also talks about the feminine issues –
both social, and historical – the suppression of women and the masculine power play
over them, their objectification, etc. I
also loved that Samuel, the husband had been such a supportive husband to
Sarah, as we learn from the diary entries. Later on, the entries make you cry –
just reading of the utter inhuman situations that they, along with so many
other people were subjected to. The flashback method was also great and gives
great depth to the story.
One thing
that I really enjoyed was the inclusion of the literary references. It made the
text very relatable to the reader, as it surely did for me!
Throughout
all the different parts, the Southern Cross is a recurring motif. I interpreted
it as an objective correlative for the concepts of hope and strength that it
bestowed on the different characters. The use of regional words at certain
places give a certain authenticity to the text and a sense of reality.
In part 2,
Willem says “They wouldn’t understand, they never understand” which I think
resonates among so many teenagers, when thinking of adults and authority
figures.
One of the
major themes that I saw throughout Part 2 is that of toxic masculinity. For
instance, seeing Willem cry in desperation once, Jan had turned away – after
all, boys do not cry. We also see domestic abuse scenario in this part.
Later, when
Willem is at the camp and Rayna misses him. She understands that at the camp he
would be forced to do what they have wanted him to do always – things that
other boys do generally. “It’s these markers of his willingness to try that
break her heart”.
I really loved Rayna’s character. She is the
epitome of an independent and hardworking woman. When Irma accuses her saying
she could never “keep a man” Rayna says, “I never needed one… Maybe I wanted
one, sometimes but I never needed one. Not like you” and that is such a
powerful sentiment. Rayna is an inspiring woman just as Sarah.
Verdict:
This is one
of the best books I have read in my life, let alone in 2019. I rate it a 5/5
stars and will definitely be picking it up again.
About
the author:
‘Maggie & Me’ is my memoir and ‘You Will Be Safe Here’ is
my first novel (out in April 2019). You can follow me on twitter @damian_barr
and insta @mrdamianbarr. I host my own Literary Salon at the Savoy: www.theliterarysalon.co.uk
‘Maggie & Me’ is my memoir of surviving small-town
Scotland in the Thatcher years. It won Sunday Times Memoir of the Year:
“Full to the brim with poignancy, humour, brutality and energetic and
sometimes shimmering prose, the book confounds one’s assumptions about those
years and drenches the whole era in an emotionally charged comic grandeur. It
is hugely affecting.” BBC Radio 4 made it a Book of the Week. Following
Jeanette Winterson in 2012, Stonewall named me Writer of the Year 2013.
I host my own Literary Salon at the Savoy.
Guests include: Jojo Moyes, Bret Easton Ellis, John Waters, Mary Beard, James
Frey, David Nicholls, Colm Toibin, Taiye Selasi, Susan Calman, David Mitchell
and Rose McGowan. Do enjoy our podcast!
Commended as Columnist of the Year, I’ve also
been a journalist for over a decade writing mostly for The Times but also the
Independent, Telegraph, Financial Times, Guardian, Evening Standard and Granta.
I’m currently a columnist for the Big Issue and High Life. My first book, based
on a Times column, was published by Hodder in 2005. ‘Get It Together: A Guide
to Surviving Your Quarterlife Crisis’. I’ve
also co-written two plays for Radio 4 and appeared on PM, Midweek, Broadcasting
House and Today as well as The Verb and presented on Front Row. I live in
Brighton with my partner and our intensely demanding chickens.
About
the reviewer:
Nayanika
Saikia, is one of the foremost book reviewers from the North-east and Assam,
and is also an admin for the official India bookstagram page on Instagram. She publishes
her own reviews and recommendations for poetry, fiction, non-fiction etc. on
her bookstagram account @pretty_little_bibliophile which won the NorthEast
Creator Awards 2018, as well as in daily newspapers, online magazines etc. She can be contacted at nayanikasaikia98@gmail.com .
