Review of Exile by Taslima Nasreen

Book: Exile

Author: Taslima Nasreen

Available at: Flipkart

Exile is the poignant story of the fire-brand author Taslima Nasreen, who does not shy away from calling a spade a spade, despite the risk of repercussions. I got this book as part of the Flipkart Book Review Program.

The very first words and sentences of the book will hook you and reel you in as you read this surreal book, which chronicles the life and times that Taslima Nasreen led as a result of speaking or rather writing her mind. She has been on the run for more than 20 years and hence, Exile is the apt name for her memoirs.

She lived in India for just 7 months and this book is about the dark and sometimes unrealistic times that she saw during that period. The political factions wanted to oust her and silence her and drive her out of Kolkata.Taslima Nasreen paints a poignant, surreal and sad picture with her powerful words and horrifying experiences at the hands of the political-public who don't have the intellectual capacity to appreciate her mind, words and liberated thoughts.

She is called names, she is insulted, she is driven out of her home in Kolkata, but she just can't be silenced. And that is proven with this powerful book, which opens a Pandora's box of those harrowing seven months.

The writing is taut, crisp and will always keep the reader on the edge as to what is about to happen next. Some of the words will distress the reader and some will make them hang their head in shame because of the treatment meted out to the fiery author is inhumane, at the least. But one thing is sure, this book will remain with the reader for a long long time, in their minds and in their spirit, even after they put it down after reading the last page.

Review of "Fables from India" by Uday Mane

Book: Fables from India

Writer: Uday Mane

Available at: Flipkart

"Fables from India" by Uday Mane is a book, which will get you nostalgic to boot. I got this book as part of the "Flipkart Book Review Program."

The book will single-handedly remind you of your childhood days and the various bedtime stories of Kings, Princes and Castles that you read as a child in the night, till you were forced to switch off the light by the parents and admonished for being up so late. All the kings and their various kingdoms with their own eccentric characters will come alive in your world again.

This book is a collection of 22 short stories and it begins with a poem, which showcases the creative talent of the author, to boot. All in all, it is a good book for teenagers and for nostalgic adults. 

Each story is simple and the plot is quite straight-forward, many times. It is not at all for all those readers who are looking for a twist in the tale or for a more complex plot. Each story has a simple message, which would appeal to all those readers who are interested in mythology and want a trip to their lovely and innocent childhood.

It is a good gifting option for pre-teens and teens who are mostly unaware of the Indian mythology and want to learn more about the traditional times, instead of the Harry Potters to which they are accustomed to. The writing is simple and has clarity, which benefits their target audience immensely.

Review of Skyfire by Aroon Raman

Book: Skyfire
Author: Aroon Raman
Available At: Flipkart

Skyfire is a fictional thriller, which talks about using the weather as the ultimate weapon of mass destruction. It is a decent effort from Aroon Raman and written in a lucid style. I got this book as part of the Flipkart Book Review Program.

The most redeeming quality of a thriller ought to be that the real culprit should only be revealed in the final pages of the book. There should be enough deviants and false clues for the reader to keep thinking about the actual culprit, whose identity should only be revealed in the climax of the book.

However, this is where Skyfire actually misses out totally. The identity of the actual culprit can easily be predicted in the early stages of the book quite easily as there is no other actual suspect. Despite this obvious flaw, you may want to keep reading the book just to know how the whole scheme comes to an obvious end.

The writing is easy and breezy. What the book lacks is "Tautness" and a more tighter plot to make it a thriller worth remembering. It is typically a one-time read and maybe that was the aim of this book.

The plot revolves around a journalist, a professor and a corporate head honcho who are all trying to solve the mystery of a missing child along with some unexplainable weather phenomenons, which are wrecking havoc in numerous cities. The bizarre weather technology is explained over and over again, which makes the reader want to skip those portions. But apart from that, the writing is easy though the characters could be better etched out.

Review of "What Lies Between Us" By Nayomi Munaweera

Book: "What Lies Between Us"

Author: Nayomi Munaweera

Available At: Flipkart

"What Lies Between Us" is a poignant tale of a Sri Lankan girl who grows up in an idyllic world surrounded by natural beauty and innocence. Her life, as she knew it, is turned topsy-turvy in a matter of moments and it has far-reaching repercussions, which haunt her for life. I got this book as part of the "Flipkart Book Review Program."

Childhood trauma plays a pivotal role in our being and in our soul, so much so that the mind tries to block it completely and in doing so, concocts a completely different reality, which we realize, oh so late! "What Lies Between Us" is a tale, which is told in a hauntingly beautiful tone by Nayomi Munaweera. Even though it is not a thriller per-se and i am a hard-core thriller-buff, yet i finished the 304-pages book in a single-sitting, turning page after page in anticipation of what is about to happen next.

It is also a sad story about mothers and daughters and how far they go to protect each other and how strongly they love each other. Perhaps the ending will leave you sad, depressed and disappointed and wanting a little bit more, but it speaks volumes about the way a mother perceives the danger to her child and the lengths she would go to protect them.

The writing is crisp, the descriptions are beautiful and the plot is intriguing. The characterizations of the main pillars of the story are done with precision and with clarity and they come alive in the pages and they you abroad the tale, which spans Sri Lanka and then the USA.

The racial discrimination and the racial bias that one faces in USA, being born of brown skin is also dealt with a deft hand and shown in its true colors, without any kind of remorse and preachy monologues.

All in all, a book, which will keep you hooked to the edge of your seat, till the very end.

Review of "Faster, Smarter, Higher" By Utkarsh Rai

Book: Faster, Smarter, Higher

Author: Utkarsh Rai

Available At: Flipkart

"Faster, Smarter, Higher" is a very good book for all the mid-level corporate employees, who are clueless as to how to advance their careers. This book details the various strategies that they can use to rise ahead. I got this book as part of the "Flipkart Book Review" program. 

Perhaps the best part of Faster, Smarter, Higher is that the book not only provides guidance on the various situations that one faces in corporate life, but it also provides examples, which reinforces that learning all the more. An insightful guide, which lives up to its name - "Faster, Smarter, Higher." 

It is no secret that Utkarsh Rai, the author has used his immense experience to write vividly and objectively about corporate careers. Newbie employees and even the mid-level employees can learn a tip or two from this book. 

One thing that really struck me about the book was the lucidity with which it is written. There is no heavy narrative and the simple, clear and concise way of writing does strike a chord in the reader's heart. Utkarsh Rai's advice to share your vision with others is another example of what we actually don't do. We hide our dreams, visions and ideas thinking that people will steal them. The reality could not be further from the truth. 

When people know your vision/goal/mission/dream then on the contrary they might help you out to realize it, instead of being an impediment. They may have the solution to the road-blocks that you might be facing while realizing your dream. 

Thus, the book opens your heart and mind to the various possibilities that lie in front of you and most importantly, within you. The power to achieve greatness is within us and it just needs to be tapped and harnessed in the correct way.

Review of "Losing my Religion" By Vishwas Mudagal

Book: "Losing my Religion"

Author: Vishwas Mudagal

Available at: Flipkart

It is said that "if you want to make God laugh then tell him your plans." The same can be said about this book, which takes the reader on a wild and unpredictable ride altogether. I got this book as part of the "Flipkart Book Review Program."

Rishi Rai wants to make his name in the field of gaming and revolutionize the lacklustre industry altogether. However, as per the above-adage he goes on a wild and unpredictable ride as all spheres of his life get affected and fall flat one after the other. 

Then he meets Alex, who is as different from him like chalk from cheese. What's even more surprising is that the both of them click off in a very bizarre way.  Alex influences Rishi's life to such an extent that the latter decides to chuck up everything and go on an unpredictable journey with him across the length and breadth of India.

They traverse the length and breadth of India and see the country in a whole new light. This journey opens up Rishi and makes him see not only the country but himself also in a whole new light. He also meets the vivacious Kyra and falls in love with him. Little does he know that with Kyra he will embark on a whole new adventure altogether.

The narrative keeps you hooked and as you turn one page after the other, you want to understand the new twist in the story and savour it, before the next one comes along!

The book reinforces the belief that the more you make plans the more they fall flat. It encourages you to live in the moment and live life to the fullest.

Book: The Thirteenth Day
Author: Aditya Iyengar
Available At: Flipkart

"The Thirteenth Day" is a fresh new perspective to the Mahabharat that will force you to think again. The new perspective is set in the present times and is relevant in the social scenario as well. I got this book as part of the "Flipkart Book Review Program."

The tale is told by three persons - Yudhishthira, Radheya and Abhimanyu. It is a fresh new take on the age-old story and it forces you to think. Yudishthira is seen since ages as the administrator but in the book he is revealed as a person who did not have the people's vote of confidence at all. Instead the people's choice winner was Bhima and Yudishthira was actually seen as a spoilsport by all. The book is also humorous to boot and its uncanny gems force you to lighten up, when you least expect it. He is clearly one of the most under-rated and misunderstood characters in the whole story. This novel does bring his contribution to light and correct the injustice, but it is a long way to go before he finally gets his due.

Radheya or Karna, the king of Agra also takes part in the story and shares the story from his view-point. He is ridiculed no end for his supposed humble ancestors. The book is a stark reflection of the present day society as well. Never mind the fact that thousands of years have passed since Mahabharat took place. There are some things that haven't changed and will never will.

The book is fast-paced and keeps the reader hooked till the very end. However, the ending does seem a bit abrupt.

All in all, a remarkable debut by Aditya Iyengar. The book is littered with some remarkable humorous gems and some great anecdotes. It is well-researched and authentic to boot.

Review of “The Wedding Photographer” By Sakshama Puri Dhariwal

Book: The Wedding Photographer

Author: Sakshama Puri Dhariwal

Available At: Flipkart

First of all, being a through crime and thriller buff, i do “not” enjoy chicklit books, at all. But the surprise is that this breezy, wonderful read by Sakshama Puri Dhariwal may have just converted me. I am astonished to say this, but its true. I got this book as part of the “Flipkart Blogger Review Program.”

I finished this book in just two sittings, as it has a complete hold over the reader. It is the story of a journalist-cum-photographer Risha and her billionaire beau Arjun Khanna. They meet on a flight, sparks fly and the rest, as they say is history? No, No, not so soon. It is a tale that is woven with care over real-life situations like misunderstandings and the fragile ego. 

The punjabi influence over the script will keep you in splits and sometime during the narrative, you might also crave for a Patiala Peg. Don’t say that i didn’t warn you! The typical punjabi pronunciations will also humour you, no end.

Arjun Khanna is a typical businessman and a super-successful one at hand, who hates journalists with a vengeance. It’s too bad that his lady love’s main profession is also the same, which doesn't appeal to him at all. He thinks that she wants to make money out of him, by splashing his private pics all over the Page 3 tabloids, but he couldn’t be far away from the mark.

The gurus and all the sundry guru-mas’s sect is also made poked, prodded and made fun off, in this hilarious book. Arjun’s mom is a die-hard fan of a particular guru-maa who seems to have an affinity for Tanishq diamond sets, botox injections, perfect selfies and high-rise apartments. 

Review of "Sialkot Saga" By Ashwin Sanghi

Book: Sialkot Saga

Author: Ashwin Sanghi

Available at: Flipkart 

A thriller, a page-turner and a lesson in history and mythology all rolled into one! It is an interesting parallel story about the Indian business industry and the old Ashokan times. Both the stories are intertwined beautifully and they come to a homogenous conclusion at the end, which surprises and shocks the reader no end.

It is the story of two businessmen - Arbaaz and Arvind, who detest each other to the core of the Earth and want to upstart the other. The book is a Bible for anyone who wants to learn some con-games and how to carry them off, with aplomb! Arbaaz tries to do deals and get revenge in the shady financial world, whereas on the other hand, Arvind knows the ropes of the financial world, like no other!

Another twist is added in the book when the children of the protagonists fall in love with each other. In the backdrop of the 9/11 attacks, they realise their deep love for each other and marry in Sin City. Both the parents are of course furious and a uhde cold war starts. 

While reading the book, the reader can also re-visit all the important historical events that happened in Independent India upto the present times. The independence saga, the Emergency, Indira Gandhi's assassination, Rajiv Gandhi's assassination, Latur earthquake, Mumbai blasts, train blasts, Gujurat riots, the dotcom bubble, Taj attacks etc., all find mentions in the book.

The old Asokhan story talks about sanjeevani and the desire to stay immortal, for ever. The centuries-old secret is carried forward from generation to generation and finally finds itself in very capable hands in the current times. All the tangram pieces of both the stories finally fall in place, at the end of the book and reveal to the reader a wonderfully crafted book, that is intriguing, to say the least!