Review of 100 stories that you will never forget

Title: 100 stories you will never forget

Author: J.P. Vaswani

100 stories you will never forget

Rare to find are the books that touches your heart as well as your soul.”100 stories you will never forget”, by J.P. Vaswani , as the title itself says, all the hundred stories hold prowess to never let the readers forget them, if by chance they forget the story, but the lesson it teaches needs to be with the readers forever. This book is a collection of hundred inspiring stories that will make you ponder over it and you will be forced to instill the dose of life it gives.

As the back cover says:
”Rev. Dada J P Vaswani has always been a raconteur par excellence. His informal discourses as well as his books have always been liberally interspersed with though-provoking stories, interesting anecdotes and tales from our myths and scriptures, chosen judiciously to bring home the point that he wishes us to absorb. These stories are so memorable, that they linger long in our hearts, allowing us to internalize the message or the value that he has so creatively put across to us!

In this book, we bring together 100 stories chosen from his recent talks and books, neatly packaged with Rev. Dada’s thoughts offered for your reflection, and his trademark practical exercises in the form of tips for you to follow!
Happy reading-and happy reflections!”

When I started reading this book, I hadn’t thought that this book would work this much well for me, as my experiences with short stories is not that much good and I’m not much familiar with the writing of the author J P Vaswani. A 204 paged book consists of hundred short stories that very thing itself makes me to doubt on the content of the book, as how well the stories would be able to communicate when they are only two pages long? All these questions and doubt came to a halt, when I discover the beauty of each and every story penned in this book.

Every story though very small in length has a great message to tell to readers, has a lesson to learn from. Humorous stories are interwoven in this book and are blended with intelligent lessons to filter reader’s mind. Some of the stories you might have heard before, but when the complete dosage of hundred stories being served together, it plays a new role altogether. Stories are simple in nature but the message they convey is magical.

Writing fashion is effective and friendly in nature and language used is moderate in nature. Narration and presentation of the story both works up to the mark. Nothing goes offbeat or irrelevant.Along with meaningful and inspirational stories you would a thought of some great thinkers below the story, and below it a practical tip is given as how to incorporate the learning and lessons it teaches and in order to make the message clearer and brighter.

No flaws at all or you could say I was not in a condition to count any flaw. Such a deep impact it made on me. A book that could lead your mind to peace.

A must read and highly RECOMMENDED to everyone out there!

Rating: 5/5

Reviewer: Shweta Kesari

The Complete Handbook of Nature Cure

Title:The Complete Handbook of Nature Cure

Author: Dr. H. K. Bakhru

Nature Cure

With the enhancement in technology, diseases go in parallel. The use of technology cannot be stopped at this stage, what we could do is to keep ourselves healthy from even minuscule of diseases with the help of the book “The Complete Handbook of Nature Cure: The most comprehensive family guide to health, the natural way”, by a nationally acclaimed neuropath, Dr. H.K.Bakhru. Natural ways are considered to be the best way to be healthy and fit, as one could easily get the equipments (ingredients) and has no or diminutive amount of side-effects. And the main pro is we can safeguard ourselves in advance from the diseases which could attack us.

As the back cover says:
”Naturopathy has taken rapid strides and gained significant acceptance in recent years. People are gradually realizing the limitations of allopathic drugs and traditional western medicine. As a result, they are now turning to natural medicines and methods to treat their ailments.”

In this book, Dr. H.K Bakhru explains the details and benefits of a variety of natural therapies. He explains how natural food, natural elements, yoga and more generally, the observance of the laws of nature, can allow patients to overcome their diseases. He also reviews the ingredients of a healthy and nutritious diet. The author affirms that “good health ought to be everybody’s concern, not solely the medical professions. In following this principle, he uses simple language to explain his treatment and the underlying reasoning behind his theories.

This well-illustrated book will be beneficial for those who are seeking natural cures for their ailments. The book will also serve as a useful guide for those who are interested in leading simple and healthy lives. In addition, the book will be a very useful reference guide for students of naturopathy and practitioners of nature cure.”

The book is partitioned into five parts:

The first part holds nature cure and natural methods of treatment which includes suggestions as how to practice nature cure, benefits of fasting, importance of exercises and yoga, vital role of sleep, therapeutic baths, role and power of earth in curing us, significant value of therapeutic Massage and how colors help in healing.

The second part covers how to maintain health through nutrition. This section talks about various nutritious foods that helps to cure to a tremendous level and proves to be very helpful. It showcases the crucial involvement of alkalizing diet, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, dietary fibre, raw fruits, wheat grass, sprouts, lecithin and many.

The third section covers diseases and their natural cure. With more than hundred diseases, this sections tells us about how to get rid of those diseases. It incudes from the very basic problems like falling of hair, common cold, cough, headaches to the diseases specially I’m not familiar with like anorexia nervosa, dermatitis, impetigo and many.

The part four is especially for women. It includes women related problems and how to cure them in best possible way. This section is must read for all the women as it covers the basic diseases many of you are friendlier with.

The last and fifth part concludes by showing some prerequisite charts and tables giving information about valuable resources, amount recommended to adults and children, deficiency symptoms and side effects and over dosages. You would get the charts of Vitamin, Minerals, amino acids, Calorie and height/Weight chart.

A very simple language is used so that anybody could go through it easily. From index to description of a particular disease everything is so well maintained and presented in a friendly manner. Reader could get needed knowledge of disease that too in an approaching manner in this book. By adopting the tactics scripted in this book, one could build a new relation with nature that too a healthy relationship that serves you heart fully, bringing a new you, a better you and a healthy you.
If you are health conscious (or those who are not they should) or students of naturopathy, a must read book, it would help you to a great extent. Even I would recommend this book to everyone out there, because healthy you is the key to healthy life. Before the diseases reach you, you reach to this book!

Rating:5/5

Reviewer: Shweta Kesari

Review of And…They Fell in Love!

And they fell in love

Title : And…They Fell in Love!

Author : Vikas Singal

No one knows when the spice of love will get sprinkled over their heart.Sometimes it chose the track where the probability seems lesser.Vikas Singal’s book ‘And they fell in Love’, comprised of three short stories ,different from each other, precise and vibrating, higlighting the same phenomenon that the flower of love can blossom anytime,with anybody.Just wait for the right time and fingers crossed!

I completed this book in about 20 minutes.I think these type of books are good to have over a short journey where you can engaged yourself in the short stories in order to come out of boredom.Such books sounds good to accompany you over a short period of time.

A simple writing fashion has been chosen and narration has also done in an cogent manner.Characterization has been done nicely, though in short stories one couldn’t go in much depth.I wouldn’t say that the story goes in a smooth flow or the switching of events is perfect,but they are maintained quite well.As I rarely read short stories, because in my case they fail to create a proper ambience.Vikas Singal’s book does good work in this case.

Now let’s put a broader light on the content of this book :

The first story named ‘Mr. Right’,is laced with simplicity that starts on an interesting note.This is the story of a common guy and girl who on the demand of their parents meet each other being strangers just to see whether they fall perfect for each other.The author has lucidly showcased the feelings each of them has gone through.Many of us have encountered the same thing in life or some of you may soon going to encounter(:p).You would like the way author has descripted the feelings of the exemplar in a lively manner.

The second story played its role pretty-well.A common story that I had already encountered in many of the stories where the story portrayed by author has been a facet of many stories already told.Although,the basic motive behind the story is charming and likeable.

The third story ‘The Capri Girl’, is my favourite among these.A story of thundering and then rainining.I love those stories which starts on a negative note but ended on a positive one.This story is one among them where two strangers destined to meet in a journey and initially they find themselves uncomfortable in each other’s company ,but later on the ball changes it’s court and destiny plays its role.

The only thing I wish to have is : the stories would sound more fruitful if some more events had been amalgamated. And articulation of sentences could be done in a better manner.

Undoubtedly, facile stories offered to readers which can switch your mood onto a sweet tune for some time.A very good luck and success to the author for his upcoming ventures.

Rating :3/5

Reviewer: Shweta Kesari

Review of Via Delhi : A twisted tale of love

Via Delhi

Title : Via Delhi : A twisted tale of love

Author : Sabi Shaikh

Caste difference has always been a major hinderance throttling many love stories.Sabi Shaik’s debut book “Via Delhi : Twisted tale of love”, showcases one such love-story where the protagonist fights to get their dying love-story a life.

As the back cover says: ‘The country that is proud of its “Unity in
Diversity” is just a myth. Is love a deal between two religions or a pure relationship between two
individuals?

Saifuddin Khan was a Sunni Muslim boy who was pursuing his MBA and resided in the city of Nawabs, Hyderabad where as Mridu Bhattacharya was a Bengali Brahmin girl who was preparing for her BBA entrance exams and hailed from the beautiful city of Dehradun. Destiny strikes and they meet in the early morning hours one day in a very unusual manner and they become each others moral support in no time. Will their love story survive this ride or will it break down?

Will this twisted Love story actually prove to be greater than any religion or will the Char log kya kahenge factor murder their love story?

Who will be victorious in this Romantic, Bizarre, Rollercoaster Journey? ‘

A bubbly cover design with a pinkish flavour over it seems enchanting and attracting.To add on it, cover design pefectly suits the title.On the other hand, blurb vividly speaks of the story, and the interested reader could get a hold on it at the very first sight.

The story accelerates with a trial to attemp suicide and then goes into flashback juxtaposing present and past events. The story geared up after initial few chapters.Story started to sound interesting only after the mid-half.Events were moving in a constant speed and I was excited to reach to the end of the story and discover how the story would end.The story ends on a positive note and that’s what I was expecting from it.After reading the book, one would be left with a good feeling, a feeling of victory and winning over all the odds.

A very familiar and simple writing fashion has been adopted by the author.A simple and common theme chosen by the author to write on and present it before readers.Though it ended on a good note, but I was expecting some more twists and turns as the subtitle says : a twisted tale of love.Narration of the story goes in a facile way with no interruption of confusion.Limited characters are introduced in the story and characterization has also been maintained in a well-manner.

Downfalls:
The events that are jumbled together can be presented in a more juicy way. The story could be narrated in such a way that it feels more relatable. The storyline is good but could be presented in a better way.Articulation of sentences at some places could be much better. Some grammatical and printing mistakes here and there are noticable. Many a times the story little way drifted from the main story. Repetitve conversations seemed clumsy at times.

A one time read and a nice book to go on with.For the folks out there who are seeking for a one-time-read love tale with a pinch of twist can go through this book.

Rating : 3.4/5

Reviewer : Shweta Kesari

Review of How to Get Government Jobs

How to get...

Title: How to Get Government Jobs : A must -read for career information and guidance

Author : K.P Shashidharan (Former Director General, CAG of India)

Government Jobs are considered to be the most safest job in today’s era.People seeks for Government Job who are from different fields and having different kinds of degree, but they found it to be the best suitable job, as it ensures a lifetime secutity.People who are highly-paid ,leave their job to become a worker of Govt. Job.

As being an Government employer ,ensures so many advantages and many aspirants wants to drive for the examination, Professor K.P Shashidharan came up with a book with a motive to support and help all the aspirants who seeks for Govt. Job.Let’s give a broader light on how and how much this book proves worth:

As the back cover says : ‘HOW TO GET GOVERNMENT JOBS is a must-read for aspirants seeking jobs in the government sector.The book gives a clear roadmap and easy-to-follow guidelines to help the job seeker find the right job at the right age as per eligibility.Government jobs include the Indian Civil Services,technical services and uniformed services at the Centre and State levels,jobs at Central and States’ Public Sector Undertakings, Banks, Autonomous Bodies and many other organizations.

Key Features

– Will help aspirants to choose the right job as per eligibility and enjoy optimum career advantage

-Information provided will help candidates to prepare methodically as per requirement’

This book provides you details about several government jobs, how you can crack the exam and get the job through Recruitment Agency,the job opportunities available,what is the most suitable job,what is the minimum qualification and eligibility criteria for a particular job, how to prepare yourself for competitive examinations and the most important WWW-Win-Win-Win strategy for achieving your career objective.

The book at first introduces with the Govt. of India:it’s heirarchichal structure & Government Services.Thus created a good base in the very beginning for a newbie who wants to get recruited in the government field.Further on, it highlights on categories of Government services i.e Group A, Group B and Group C, so that reader could get a rough idea which group is best suitable for him/her.This book also constitues of pattern of examination paper, it’s course ,time duration and the maximum marks.Involving schemes of different examination, this book helps the aspirants to a great extent.

Author has broadly emphasized on each and every kind of government examinations, providing proper amount of details that too in a simple language and he has tried very-well to make readers understand the pattern of examination-paper.So,in short, if you’ve read this book you’ve climbed the first step and it’s time to get geared up.

For all the folks out there, who are wishing to have a government job or preparing for it,this book may help you to a pretty good extent.If you are a newbie and wishes to give an exam for government job or seeking for a particular job, this book is must to read once.

Warning: Don’t misunderstood the title, it’s not like after reading the book you can crack any type of government job, this book just shows you the path , where to go and how to reach there.It just works as a ladder.

Rating: 5/5

Reviewer : Shweta Kesari

Review: Blackmailed By The Boss

Blackmailed By The Boss

Title : Blackmailed by the Boss

Author: Raye Morgan

This is a short and crisp romantic tale of Chynna and Trent who accidently fall in love with each other.This is the story of unconditional love and it also whispers how the flower of love could blossom in no time.It’s just a magic which could happen at any moment, at any place, and to anybody.

As the blurb goes ‘Chynna owes everything she has to her older sister,Melinda.So when Melinda asks her to sneak into Trent Payton’s office one night to retrieve a file she left behind,Chynna can’t say no.

When Trent unexpectedly returns to the office , catching Chynna red-handed, he offers Chynna a choice-agree to his terms or face arrest for burglary.His request seems simple enough-accomapny him to be a party, pretend to be in love with him,and he’ll forget all about the incident.

Trent just needs an escort for one night, to convince his mother that her attempts to marry him off to an heiress of her choice won’t work.Finding Chynna in his office offers him the perfect opportunity.

Imagine their surprise when they find it easy to pretend to be in love- so easy that it’s difficult to stop when the night is over….’

The blurb of the book completely speaks of the storyline playing both the role of good as one as bad, as depicting the whole storyline could loosen the thread of suspense to some extent.On the other hand, reader would get exact idea whether the book would fall in their area of interest or not.

The story revolves around limited characters and there is no confusion at any state to be noticed.From the descriptions of the characters and situations,to the display of emotions ,everything is precise.Author has maintained to portray this short story quite well. The converstaions between the protagonists namely Chynna and Trent seemed interesting to me.

A good storyline it has, and author has framed it nicely.Writing fashion is attentive and easy to go with it.Author has the prowess to beautifully blend emotions in his story.Though the story is not descriptive, but it doesn’t lack feelings and emotions to that extent.

In order to create the perfect ambience for the story,I think the story should go in little depth atleast, if not more.It would make reader more involved.

Folks out there who loves to read petite and crispy romantic tales go for it.It won’t take your much time, and would give you a nice feel.

Rating: 3/5

Reviewer : Shweta Kesari

Review of ‘Four corners of the circle’ by Mohit Jain and Amita Sood

Four Corners of the Circle

Author : Mohit Jain

Before expressing my views about this book, I would like to share a line with you people that I found in the book -‘ We are so lost in the race of being rich and successful that we have actually forgotten the real essence of education.’

‘Four corners of the circle’ by Mohit Jain and Amita Sood, a book or I would better call it a guide written to help students in order to make them understand traits of education.In this book, they say several crucial points regarding education and the way it should carry on.

As the back cover says ‘ Ever heard about the four corners of the circle? Since childhood, it has been taught in schools that the circle has no corners.Life is a never-ending marathon.It keeps on revolving in circles, and everyone is in search of a final destination, a corner, that they never reach.This book is a small initiative to throw light on different aspects of the education system and how could we join hands to make it more productive.

It guides the aspiring students to follow a right approach,take correct decisions,and overcome distractions in their career.It advocates that the educational institutions should focus on enlightening the lives of the students by providing quality education, quality learning ambience, practical grounds to implement class room theories, and by helping students convert their black cat into a white one.The book is neither biased towards students nor education institutes; the sole purpose is to provide their individual perspectives and reach to a common conclusion.

The book contains five theories, which Mr. Mohit Jain has discovered in his sixteen years of teaching experience and which would help the youngsters reach closer and closer to their goals.

This book is about us.’

The first look at the cover couldn’t gave me the slightest of the hint.It made me to ponder what the book would be about. Though it looked appealing and also the title grabbed my attention, but I was unable to guess anything out of it.When I moved forward towards the blurb, undoubtedly, blurb clearly speaks of the content of the book

This book not only portrays but also lays some bitter truths about how education has treated now.I agree with each and everyone author has laid down in this book.A soothing layer has been maintained in the writing fashion which kept me glued to it till the end.

While writing the book, they very well managed that the book should fit in every box. Their thoughts are not one-sided.The book is for both teachers and students. Authors have given peaceful and gentle dictation of thoughts in this book. This book also let you know how both teachers and students should support each other.It should be properly balanced. Also, author has quotted some real life examples in order to let readers better understand their theories about education.

Authors have the prowess to express the complicated things in a friendly way.This book reflects positivity everywhere. This book is not just to read and put it aside in a shelf.It is to understand and learn what it says. Mohit Jain’s long time experience is lucidly shown in this work.His thoughts are sharply directed towards what is morally right not just because others think them right.

For all the folks out here who are seeking to have an MBA degree or wants to pursue MBA, I would like to recommend this book to all of you,guys read it before pursuing MBA.A must read and I’m sure it will help you to understand whether MBA is your forte or not. Our shelves require such books that deals with reality. This book accomplishes its task.Author has done his job in showing you the direction.Now its upto you which path to tread on.

Rating : 5/5

Reviewer Shweta Kesari

American Microreviews and Interviews

AMRI

“It is so hard to make a good work of art, I think: for me, if it is intentional it is intentional the way you try not to drown…” — Robert Pinsky, American Microreviews and Interviews.

Thanks to Kyle McCord for a bang-up job with the new issue of AMRI. In addition to my interview with Robert Pinsky, there are great reviews and interviews by Jordan Williams, Charlie Riccardelli, Clint Peters, Rebecca Ligon, Megan Turner, Courtney Craggett, Winnie Khaw, JoAnna Novak, Wesley Rothman, Michael Levan, Laurie Saurborn Young, Robert Torres, Vlad Frederick, Zach VandeZande, and Sebastián H Páramo.

http://www.americanmicroreviews.com/current-issue/ — with Melissa Studdard.

Melissa Studdard

Melissa Studdard is on Facebook and Twitter. She writes on Johntext. Visit her personal homepage www.melissastuddard.com and find out about events and her books and contact her on http://www.melissastuddard.com/#!connect More information is available on Wikipedia.

Review of The Quest of the Sparrows

DIGI1-48c64771-7646-4576-a13f-cb29cef7dc2f

Author : Kartik Sharma and Ravi Nirmal Sharma

“The Quest of the Sparrows” by Kartik Sharma and Ravi Nirmal Sharma is a story which depicts the spiritual journey of a common young man, Partiban. It basically revolves around the paramount aspect of life which is related to non material values. The story constitutes of divergent encouraging elements which as a whole make it a gripping tale.

As the front cover says ‘explore the joy of freedom’.. the book is all about searching a real self. Moreover, the book title suggests, that the story is inspired by the peaceful and free life of a sparrow. The book deals with the life of a man, Partiban, a reluctant guru. He begins an interesting journey which is filled with several ups and downs. According to Partiban, this spiritual expedition of 600 kilometers on foot to Ganpatipule in Ratnagiri was a practical spirituality workshop to achieve one’s true potential. He sets out this trip in order to make his followers realize that survival isn’t the goal of life. A much significant contribution still awaits us, which is related to holy beliefs and ideas. The group of followers is composed of several distinct types of people who were going through some or the other wretched conditions of life. As Swami Partiban and his disciples didn’t carry any sort of money or belongings with them in the journey, the story contains different anecdotes of how they manage their stuff and try to sustain in this trek. The book also takes you to the past of Partiban’s life where he was bewildered about certain situations and how he comprehends some amazing lessons of life through his father. Also, the book consists of an important character, Shruti ( Partiban’s girlfriend), daughter of a rich industrialist, but he couldn’t marry her because of his financial crisis. The story basically reveals the concepts of joy, peace and freedom via several characters that are represented in the book.

As you gradually get involved in the story, it will raise numerous questions in your mind. Will guru Partiban and his followers complete the journey? Will they reach to their destination? Or will they give up in the middle of this spiritual test? Will they perceive the true meaning of life and their existence?

The cover picture of the book is noticeable and of course the title perfectly suits the story. The thoughts expressed in the story are certainly deep which also shows author’s great intellect and research. It is a simple tale but very effective. The insights of life mentioned in the book can change one’s perspective of looking at things. The book is capable of lifting you up and can absolutely swing your mood.

I liked the author’s writing style as he presented some of the supreme notions of life without much preaching. The book in a way answered many questions that were constantly going in my mind while reading. Besides narrating about the carefree life of sparrows, the author has discussed about self evolution, meditation and the importance of connection to divine.

Several points which are mentioned in the book are thought provoking. Through this book one can introspect in his/her life which is extremely valuable. It was an easy and a fast read for me. The theory of “Practical Spirituality” is captivating and can help people to link to their spiritual side. The book can take you to an entirely different world where you can search a real meaning of happiness, liberation, courage, selfless attitude, and faith. Apart from explaining numerous beliefs and suggestions the story also demonstrates practically how one can achieve tranquility of mind and joy while leading a meaningful and creative life. The analogy that has been expressed in the book is commendable. It reminded me of this famous quote:
“The reason birds can fly and we can’t is simply because they have perfect faith, for to have faith is to have wings.”

This is a highly recommended book especially for those who are keen to find answers of their inner requirements or want to explore a fully different viewpoint of life.

Rating : 4/5

Reviewer : Shivani Chauhan

Review of Mad Money Journey

Author : Mehrab Irani

Money-the most demanding thing in today’s era. Who doesn’t run after money? In reality we all run after money to get all the possible comforts and pleasures. But the question is how to earn and spend money so that money would always accompany us? Let’s find out the answer.

Many people learn how to earn money but most of them fail to learn how to use that money. Author Mehrab Irani’s book ‘Mad Money Journey’ broadcasts some fundamentals and his theory on ‘money’ in a witty manner portraying a wonderful story.This book will provide you financial knowledge of how to manage money and could also change your perceptiom about ‘money’.

This book will make you learn how to become financially independent through portrating the tale of John Pinto’s tale.

As the back cover says ‘Mehrab’s latest book is sweeping tale of mystery and adventure , with deep revelations on the nature of man and money.

Tired of his energy- and money- draining middle-class life, Dr. John Pinto decides to end it all by walking into oncoming traffic. But Life has other plans for him! Through a quirky twist of fate, John finds himself saved and launched into a financial pilgrimage across the world.Through a whirligig of exotic, shocking and sometimes dangerous encounters, he learns what it means to be financially independent.

The school of Life introduces him to people who have learned the 10 commandments of financial freedom the hard way. From Afghani terrorists to Kenyan marathon runners, from Bangkok prostitutes to Chinese mystics and many more- each soul on this incredible journey holds a key insight into the relationship between man and money. To achieve true freedom, John will have to face it all- a turbulent odyssey of hair- raising adventure, unexpected teachers, monetary rewards and an overarching mission.

A dazzling novel, written with wit, compassion, intelligence and deep humanity; travel with John Pinto to unearth the secrets of a rich life.’

From the very beginning story seemed interesting and it played well throughout the reading journey. I was very much inquistive to turn the pages and unfold the facets of the story and unleash the mystery. The way author has outstandingly melded fiction with reality rules over my heart.

Writing style has a constant flow and the story goes in a smooth flow.There is a charm in author’s writing style which kept me glued to it throughout the reading journey.The story was all the time stick to its theme. It was clearly seen that the author’s thoughts were clear and lucid while writing this book.

The combination of finance and fiction is really commendable. It feels good to read such books where a beautiful story teaches you some lessons which are way required for leading a happy life.

‘Money’ the most prioritized thing living in everyone’s head. Who doesn’t want to be rich? Who doesn’t want to see the richness of life? The way author has splendidly defined this small term through this engaging story gained my vote. It’s not just a story, its not just a theory book on money. Its Mehrab Irani’s gift to everyone who wants to learn money- management fundamentals.

A worth-read and recommended to everyone who wants to learn some finance management tactics along with a wonderful story.

Rating : 5/5

Reviewer : Shweta Kesari

Review of THE ARCHITECTURAL SERIES BOOK

THE ARCHITECTURAL SERIES BOOK BY JAICO PUBLISHING HOUSE

These five architectural series book by Jaico Publishing House is really a treat for one who loves histor and is more than interested to know about historical places sitting at one place.One could also refer these books while travelling to these places as these books work as a guide for you and will let you know more than a guide can tell you.

Title : Hampi Vijayanagara

Author : John M Fritz and George Michelle

1

As the back cover says ‘Hampi is one of the most beautiful and evocative of all historical sites in south India.Austere yet grandiose, it was established as the seat of the Vijayanagara empire in the mid -14th century,a time when art and architecture flourished.Contemporary chroniclers from Persia,Italy,Portugal and Russia visited the empire during this period and left glowing accounts of a city that was conquered by Sultanate troops in AD 1565, pillaged for six months, and abandoned.

Hampi Vijayanagara examines the temples renowned for their florid ornamentation,intricate carvings,magnificent pavilions, stately pillars and a wealth of iconographic and traditional depictions.The book also includes site plans and three-dimeensional reconstructions.

Title : Elephanta

Author : George Michelle

2

As the back cover says ‘ The 6th- century rock-cut cave temple on Elephanta island, in the middle of Mumbai harbour, is the home of Shiva, the greatest of all Hindu gods.Elephanta leads the reader through this magnificent cave temple, examining its overall architectural scheme and interpreting the myths of Shiva that are depicted so forcefully in the extraordinary stone sculptures.The outstanding photographs capture the beauty and magic of the cave.

This book also contains fascinating accounts of European travellers , documenting their discovery of Elephanta from the 17th century onwards, and includes information on the ongoing efforts to preserve this monument that was designed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987.’

Title : Bombay Gothic

Author : Christopher W London

3

As the back cover says ‘The Gothic Revival architectural style, innovatively adapted to local conditions, was introduced to 19th century Bombay by Governor HBE Frere.Famous architects, theorists and prominent Indians of the era asssited him in the realization of his vision for Bombay as the country’s first city.Tracing the evolution of its distinctive architectural style, Christopher London reveals the fascinating history of a developing metropolis.

Lavishly illustrated with color photographs as well as rare archival material, and drawing visual comparisons with both contemporary and medieval European models, Bombay Gothic presents a comprehensive perspective of Victorian architecture in Bombay.’

Title : Badami · Aihole · Pattadakal

Author : George Michelle

4

As the back cover says ‘ The town of Badami, the nearby villages of Aihole and Pattadkal, and the pilgrimage site of Mahakuta, in the Malprabha valley of central Karnataka, are celebrated for their magnificient rock-cut shrines and structural temples.These Hindu and Jain monuments are associated with the Early Chalukyas who reigned over this part of the Deccan during the 6th-8th centuries.Together with a profusion of maginificient sculptures, mostly found in situ, these shrines and temples may be considered among the earliest, best preserved vestiges of temple art in India.

This guidebook, the first ever for the Badami region, is authored by a scholar whose PhD was on Early Chalukya architecture.The text is illustrated with regional and town maps, building plans, and more than 130 splendid coloured photographs.’

 

Title: Gulbagra · Bidar · Bijapur

Author : Helen Philon

5

As the back cover says ‘ The maginificient monuments of Gulbarga, Bidar and Bijapur in northern Karnataka are manifestations of a vibrant culture that flourished under the rule of the Bahmani and Adil Shahi sultans during the 14th to 17th centuries.The wealth of these the Deccan plateau, while the splendour of their courts owed much to an open immigration policy by which gifted individuals from other parts of India, as well as from the Middle East and Central Asia, were encouraged to settle.

Though the Bahmanis were supplanted partly by the Adil Shahis at the turn of the 16th century, and the latter were annihilated by the Mughal invasion of the Deccan in the 1680’s ,their capital cities preserve many splendid buildings.These include the imposing fortresses of Gulbarga and Bidar,the grand audience halls and ornate residential apartments in Bidar and Bijapur, the mosques and Sufi shrines in Gulbarga, and the beautifully decorated royal tombs on the outskirts of Bidar and Bijapur.For more adventurous travellers there are the abandoned ruins of Firuzabad and the decaying pleasure resort at Kumatgi.

All these monuments and sites are described and profusely illustrated in this guidebook, the first ever to be published in this region.

All these archietectural books are enriched with lavish pictures and quality content that let you travel on some great historical places. Along with the rich quality of content, the quality of pages are also excellent offering clear and beautiful pictures of historical places.

It is worth to read about each and every places that has camouflaged in these books.Albeit all the books are written by different writers every writer has their own charm to present their work and feed reader’s mind.

These books will travel you to places where your heart gets nourished to a good extent and also feed your brain with the historical information of these places. The information about the places are neither too descriptive nor too less.It has been maintained in a precise fashion. It was interesting to know about all these eye-catching places and the journey is really worth to have.

Summing up the features of these books ,I could only come up with these words aesthetic, releshing, powerful,sound, beautiful, worthy and precious.For history lovers this would surely be a worth read.

Rating : 5/5

Reviewer : Shweta Kesari

Review Of The Other Side

The Other Side

“Some of the stories will leave the reader in a daze, others will have him/her stupefied while the rest will have him/her cringing in horror”- The Assam Tribune on ‪‎TheOtherSide‬ .

Review

Get a copy with free shipping and CoD here: http://www.flipkart.com/other-side-english/p/itm9789350880760?pid=9789350880760

Faraaz Kazi is on Facebook, Twitter, Wikipedia and Johntext. You can write him here: contact@faraazkazi.com or on the “contact” – part of his website www.faraazkazi.com.

Review of Losing my Religion

Losing My Religion

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Author : Vishwas Mudagal

“Losing my Religion” by Vishwas Mudagal is a fascinating story of a young lad, Rishi Rai, a gamer & an entrepreneur. The book deals with how he gets involved with some unforeseeable events which change the entire state of his life. A fast paced novel with multitude of elements such as adventure, friendship, success, failure and romance which as a whole enrich the storyline.

The book presents you an absolutely passionate tycoon, Rishi Rai. The story begins with the Rishi’s financial predicament where he feels totally dispirited by seeing his gaming revolution declining. He failed in his attempt to make his dreams come true because of which he was totally shattered and disheartened. As a result, he went bankrupt & his life had gone haywire.

But as it is said that there are winds of destiny that blow when we least expect them. Something similar happened with Rishi. During his venture to take a break from everything as he had lost all his belief in all that he had been doing, he met Alex, a hyperactive, crazy, American hippie. Subsequently they together set out an unexplored journey across India, which changed the entire course of Rishi’s life. Their expedition covered several places in India. Heading towards Malana Valley had proved to be one of the most horrifying and mysterious trek for them. The story deals with how they got trapped in strange cultures or traditions of the place, thereafter dealing with an extremely freakish crowd in Malana valley and eventually getting out of it. Following to it, they moved to Om beach on the west coast where they started a shack and here Rishi met Kyra, a cryptic and enthusiastic gamer. Apparently, this turned Rishi’s life upside down. The book depicts that how this lady with a secret perfectly alters the circumstances in Rishi’s life in an imperfect way! The story also involves a fully clever and crafty entrepreneur, Mr. Wolf. His ideology related to business was thoroughly different from that of others. Besides, he played an essential role in the story. The climax of the book leads to a huge mahakumb where a series of odd and perplexing events take place. An unanticipated end of the book will certainly leave you in an extreme shock and amazement.

It is truly an amazing piece of literature with a different chain of events that ultimately lead to an extremely startling conclusion. Each character that has been represented in the book describes a strong emotion & image. All the constituents involved in the story are powerful and gripping. Such as an intense friendship shared by Alex and Rishi is remarkable, also an exceptional bond between Kyra & Rishi is a true illustration of love and affection.

It is a well written tale without stretching any of the portions, either the adventurous trip of Alex and Rishi or the ultimate finale of the story. The book is a mixture of fine segments of human sentiments, thrill, romance, dreams, ambitions, failure and victory.

This is a fresh story with an extensively new plot. The writing style of the author is utterly wonderful. The kind of sentences and expressions used in the book clearly demonstrates author’s sheer brilliance. The life of a young, zealous entrepreneur is been portrayed here which undoubtedly can inspire many energetic youngsters out there. The courage or the calculated risk taken by Rishi surely describes the zeal for success.

For me, it was an immensely interesting and addictive read. I never thought that business could be so much fun! I enjoyed each and every fragment of the story. The places, temples, valleys, beaches, and mountains across the India are illustrated in a phenomenal manner. The title of the book didn’t give me the hint of the storyline but as I got linked to the book, it was completely engrossing. After turning each page, I was more anxious to know the eventual outcome of the story. I liked the theme of the story i.e. never give up for any reason. You gotta believe yourself to achieve anything in life. Set yourself free. Confront your fear and turn the mental blocks of your life into building blocks.

A highly recommended book for everyone especially to those who want to read something new and captivating. It would definitely make your day!

Concluding with some terrific lines in the book :
“Leap out of the existence you have wrapped around yourself & take the plunge without thinking of the consequences. You’ll fall, no doubt. But sometime during that, you’ll witness a miracle taking shape around you. That’s called losing my religion.”

Rating : 4.9/5

Reviewer : Shivani Chauhan

Review Of Untruly Yours

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Author : Smita Shetty

“Untruly Yours” is a simple story of modern era’s female’s life and how relationships take their turn in a twisted way, leaving one unable to put throw any decision. A simpatico tale which can take you on a short ride of evaluating the importance of relationship.

As the back cover says “To some Natasha Iyer has it all- Living the life of an affluent NRI, wife of a prominent psychologist and mother to a cheeky 11 year old.However,behind closed doors,cracks are beginning to appear in her seemingly comfortable relationship with her professionally consumed husband, Rakesh.”

Although Rakesh seems content with his alpha neatness-fetish,melodramatic wife and bright son; Natasha yearns for romance, passion and excitement.Ironically,the psychologist husband fails to read between the lines and Natasha is left to her own devices to deal with her unresolved emotions.

An unexpected call from India takes her through a journey of self-discovery with her devastatingly handsome work colleague,Steve.She uncovers in some aspects urban India has changed considerably but equally, deep- rooted social issues still prevail in the so called modern,educated,changing society. A chance encounter with her ‘blast from the past’ – Veer, adds to the emotional rollercoaster ride.Her one-man-woman status of many years has failed to equip her with vital tools to deal with the unanticipated surge of attention from Steve and Veer.

As she attempts to master the finer points of courtship,flirtation and seduction; her life spirals out of control.Natasha is compelled to make tough decisions about her love, friendship, marriage and parenthood.”

The cover design is nice,the one who loves to read love story could easily pick up the book seeing it’s cover.On the other hand, I found title well suited for the story and it also gives slight idea about the theme.Also,the synopsis gives the complete reflection of what the story holds.

Story is portrayed in a facile way ,albeit I couldn’t call it a light read,but it maintains it’s aura with the power of emotions it displays.Nothing so new and out of the box added in the plot,but is served in a different order.Several ups and downs are a part of the story.First half is dull and next half gives a meaning to the plot and is fairly able to conclude the story.I really liked the way story ends.It very clearly gives a message to the readers about understanding relationships and it’s totally upto oneself how he/she wants to handle it.

I felt that story is bit stretched at some places and unnecessary description has been given which seemed like story has been drifted from its path many a times,which could be the reason for reader’s lacking interest in the book.Once it sway high in the air,and the next moment all the interest vanishes when lewd description took a part.Also, I wish the page quality to be a bit better,it would become pleasant to eyes.

All in all, a short read and a good book for those who like melodramas and some witty strands hovering around in a relationship based story which could be read while travelling or on weekends.

Rating : 3/5

Reviewer : Shweta Kesari

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