Myths of old – Tantric Trilogy #3

Blurb:

‘Where is a Adri?’
‘Hiding, somewhere in the darkness.’
‘I AM Darkness!’

Come forth, come hither. It is finally time.
Fairy tales, and spit and blood and bone and venom.
Promises of revenge, the smell of fear, the ever long hunt.

And the stories.

Oh, the old stories.

The Serpent and the Dragon. The Tantric and the Horseman.

There was time, once. All the time in the world, for the world. Yet you still claw at illegitimate hope; the Blade Saint, the Demigod, the Hammer of Numen, the Paladins of Light.

Stop. Look.

The skies are black, the rivers red. For the last time, the sun sets.

The Dark Master rises. Gaze into his hypnotic coils, for it is here.

The end of the beginning. The beginning of the end.

Review:

Myths of Old is the third book in the Tantric Trilogy after Tantrics of Old and Horsemen of Old. It is a blend of fantasy and mystery with elements of mythology.

If you love fantasy as much as me, this book is an absolute treat. The world building is good. You can see that the author, Krishnarjun Bhattacharya, has perfected his writing over the course of this trilogy. This has to be the best one. All the lose ends are tied up.

Coming to the plot, it was gripping from the first to the very last page. I will not talk about the story because I don’t want to spoil anything.

Also, kudos to who ever has done the covers. It is really catchy and intriguing.

I definitely recommend the book to all fantasy and mythology lovers.

🌟🌟🌟🌟.3

(I’m not giving 5 stars only because I’m not adding this series in my reread list. )

I’m looking forward to read more books by the author.

About the Author:

Krishnarjun Bhattacharya is a storyteller, film-maker, and game designer. He’s a graduate in Film and Video Communication from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, and a post graduate in Video Editing from the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune. Determined to make a career out of exploring dark, grotesque, and cosmic horror, he’s quite an optimist, believing firmly in romanticism, dreams, and the raw power of stories. A fervent gamer and a very, very passionate DM in his D&D sessions, he lives and works in Mumbai. His email id is krishnarjunbhattacharya@gmail.com and his IG handle is krishnarjun_b.

Thanks to Fingerprint publishing for the copy of this book.

Stay home, stay safe.

Mohini – the Enchantress

𝙈𝙤𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙞. 𝙈𝙤𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙞. 𝙈𝙤𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙞. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙚. 𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙖 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙤𝙬𝙣. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙚𝙩, 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙩 𝙘𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙞𝙩, 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙮 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩.

Blurb:

Elusive as a fragment of a beloved dream, she slipped in and out of the consciousness of the fortunate ones who had been either arbitrarily chosen or were part of the intricate cosmic design. These willingly allowed themselves to be bedevilled, consumed by a passion that would not be denied, existing only to serve her will, content to be moulded to suit the purposes of the most enchanting creature in all of creation – Mohini.

Distilled from the essence of Vishnu, Mohini, the Enchantress is a part of him and yet she revels in the autonomy and extraordinary powers of beauty, magic and enchantment that are hers to wield. Vivid and ephemeral, she is beloved and desired by all in existence. But she is elusive as the fragment of a forgotten dream, a tantalizing temptress, traipsing her way across the topsy – turvy realms of fable and myth. Her meandering path will see her in the thick of things as the Devas and Asuras churn the ocean of milk to get their hands on the nectar of immortality, blunder into a love triangle that will spark a bloody war, fulfil the last wish of a dead hero, melt into the arms of Mahadeva, the only one capable of enchanting the enchantress and become the mother of Shastha, who will serve as a beacon of hope for all who are considered oddities by a spiteful society that recognizes only two genders amongst the vast multitudes…
Set against the tumult and intrigue of a celestial quest for immortality, Anuja Chandramouli brings the extraordinary saga of Mohini to vivid life. Balancing delicately on the tightrope between mythology and reality, she takes the reader on a dizzying ride through the shifting sands of time, gender, love, and desire, deftly intertwining the threads of the past and the present, blurring the lines between fact and fiction while spinning a deliciously entertaining yarn for the ages.

Review:

I’ve heard the story of Mohini since my childhood. When I think of Mohini, the only thing that comes to my mind is beauty and seduction. I was really curious how the author, Anuja Chandramouli, will narrate this well known story from the point of view of Mohini. I was not disappointed in the slightest.

I feel like Indian mythology has so many strong and feirce female characters but they’re mostly misrepresented. One such character is the Enchantress, Mohini. She is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. As we know, Mohini stands between Devas and Asuras. But are Devas good and and Asuras bad? It is more grey than black and white.

It was also fascinating to read the stories of other amazing women from Mohini’s POV. I knew most of these stories. The book would be more captivating for someone who does not. I’m glad stories of Aditi, Diti, Anusuya and more are now becoming popular again with newer mythology books.

The book is around 250 pages. I was amazed at how much information we get in this short book. I felt that a lot of information was dumped in very few times at times.

Overall, I enjoyed reading it. It also comments about how gradually the perspective about these women have changed and has become only about physical appearances.

🌟🌟🌟🌟

Thanks to Rupa Publications for the copy of this book.

Stay home, stay safe!

Boons and Curses: Legends of the Mythological Mother

Boons and Curses written by Yugal Joshi follows the story of one of the strongest women of Mahabharata, Kunti. The bloodbath is over, Pandavas have won the war but for what? Kunti once filled with ambition is now filled with guilt. She turns to Krishna for help. Krishna becomes her guide and her friend, narrating different stories from Purana.

I’m impressed by the author for covering almost all of Mahabharata in the first 30 to 35 pages. I’m also impressed by his ability for covering so many stories from our Puranas in a 250 page book. These are the stories of of resolve, exploits, revenge, sacrifice, love affection and more – taken together they give us a deeper understanding of the legendary women of Indian mythology.

My grandmother used to tell me many of these stories when I was younger. I did know many of these stories in bits and pieces. Krishna narrates the story of Aditi and Diti from the inception of earth itself and the role of these primordial mothers. He narrates the story of Soorpanakha, Sanjana and Tara, Anusuya, Gandhari, his own mothers : Devaki and Yashoda and more.

The book talks about parenthood and what it means to be a mother. It talks about love, life and death. The author uses these stories and things from Vedas and Puranas to give us a new perspective on life.

“Brahma realized that death is hunger and hunger is associated with desire. Now, you know that desire involves killing, for it makes something disappear. Therefore, death becomes inevitable if the longevity and perpetuation of life were desired. The moment Brahma understood this secret, he defeated Death. “

My only problem with the book is with the narration. The narration on the whole was good and the language easy but more polishing and editing would have made it better. Maybe even some things could have been worded better.

Recommended to all mythology lovers. 🌟🌟🌟.9

Thanks to Rupa Publications for the copy of this book.

Hiranyakashyap: Dharm vs Adharm ?

#indianmythology #supportindianauthors

A vengeful Hiranyakashyap seeks to destroy Indra’s kingdom, but he’s haunted by his son Prahlad’s decision to oppose him. Narasimha is on a quest to find Prahlad but, on his way, he comes across an old friend and an ancient poison that threatens to derail his plans. A furious Holika hunts for her nephew, only to discover painful details about his childhood that make her rethink her actions. Will Hiranyakashyap be able to defeat Indra? Can Holika forget her rage against her nephew? And will Narasimha find Prahlad and fulfil his destiny? The adventure continues with the second book in the thrilling Narasimha Trilogy by bestselling author Kevin Missal.

‘𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢,’ 𝙂𝙖𝙧𝙪𝙙𝙖 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙. ‘𝙄’𝙢 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖 𝙗𝙖𝙙 𝙢𝙖𝙣, 𝙢𝙮 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙. 𝙄’𝙢 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙖 𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙙𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙗𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚…’

‘𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙙𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙣,’ 𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙖 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙, 𝙘𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙟𝙖𝙬. ‘𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚, 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙥𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙. 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙨, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩?’

𝙂𝙖𝙧𝙪𝙙𝙖 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙜𝙖𝙯𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙢. ‘𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩?’

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙖 𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙚𝙙. ‘𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙨, 𝙂𝙖𝙧𝙪𝙙𝙖. 𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙨. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙬𝙚 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙩.

– 𝙆𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙣 𝙈𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙖𝙡 (𝙃𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙖𝙠𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙮𝙖𝙥, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙢𝙝𝙖 𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙮, 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 2)

The book picks up right where it left off in Narasimha (the Narasimha trilogy, book 1). [Spoilers for book 1] Hiranyakashyap has managed to survive through the three trials and obtained the Brahmastra. He has also learnt that his wife was infect killed by Indra but through Narasimha. Holika kills Prahlad by drowning him in water. At the very end, it is revealed that Andhaka is still live.

I have read all of Kevin’s books. The world is familiar and well constructed. This book was a little disappointing than the first book in the series. It is shorter than usual and maybe could have been combined with the third book in the series. I think the Kalki series worked better because there is no fixed story for Kalki in mythology and the world was introduced as the story went on.

I really liked how the famous boon by Brahma was explained in this world and the story of Holika and the story of Holi. I’m really curious what’s next in book 3 because the story of Narasimha as we know it has kind of ended. There is the conflict of Dharma and Adharma but there wasn’t a huge cliff hanger like book 1.

The narration is good and the language is easy. Holika and Andhaka are my favourite characters from the series. I wish they were explored more in this book. Holika did have a character development which was great. I really wanted more of Andhaka and what is going on his mind.

You should definitely read this if you’ve read Narasimha. Otherwise, I would suggest Kalki series first.

🌟🌟🌟.2

Stay home, stay safe!

Thanks to harpercollinsin for the review copy.

Destination Wedding!

From the internationally bestselling author of The Windfall. . . . What could go wrong at a lavish Indian wedding with your best friend and your entire family?

Blurb:

Tina Das wants to belong, but she just isn’t sure where. India or America? Brooklyn or Bombay? Manhattan or Delhi? Or start from scratch in London–she still has fond memories of her one-night stand with Rocco Gallagher, the handsome Australian, as they traipsed through Covent Garden and Seven Dials, but he never called back so maybe it’s time to let that dream go, and focus on finding the next big story for her streaming network instead.

She’s hoping she’ll find it at her cousin’s lavish, weeklong Delhi wedding, and has taken her best friend Marianne Laing along for the ride to Delhi’s poshest country club, Colebrookes. Marianne has always had international tastes, in life and in love, yet can’t help but think of sweet, steady, khaki-clad Tom back home in New York.

Also in attendance are Tina’s divorced parents: her mother, Radha, who’s bringing her American “boyfriend,” David, to the wedding, and her father, Neel, who’s using the visit to India to explore the idea of dating again, only to discover it and he have both changed completely in the decades he’s been away.

Infused with warmth, charm, and wicked humor, Destination Wedding grapples with the challenges of work, love, and finding the people who make a place feel like home.

Review:

Many people struggle with identity especially if you are living somewhere you look different. Tina has grown up in America but never really fit in there. She wants to feel at home in India but does not fit in here either. She also struggles at her job where she is trying to come up with a show on India but does not know what part of India to show.

Her parents, Radha and Neel Das (now divorced), have come back to a different India. Everything has changed.

“And why should India only get poverty if other countries are allowed complex and varied representations?”

Tina sat up in her bead and said, “This works,right? I mean everyone’s already done the documentaries on India’s truck drivers or, I don’t know, pesticides in local alcohol, or sex workers children “

Here are some of the conversations and instances in the book worth a mention regarding India and how it’s portrayed.

Coming to the plot, it is really slow moving. I enjoyed reading it but I didn’t want to go back to reading it when I wasn’t reading it. (It wasn’t really captivating is what I’m saying I guess). I also had some conflicting opinions on the way India is portrayed in the book.

The narration is a little weird. It switches to the person in focus in the middle of the chapters. I just found it a little confusing.

It was a fun read which left me wanting more but also left me with some thing to think about.

🌟🌟🌟.2

Thanks to Bloomsbury for the ARC.

26 Ingredients of Power Blogging: Get ready for massive fame, money and freedom

If you have a blog or thinking about writing a blog, this book, 26 ingredients of power blogging is for you. The author Sunita Biddu takes you through the A to Z of blogging (literally A to Z: the 26 ingredients).

A : Action Plan
Blogging or not, an action plan is a must. The book gives you 5 steps to come up with a plan for your blog. You need to start by asking yourself some basic questions like “Who will my readers be?” Plan out your blog. Do not always look for monetary gains.

B: Brand
It is important to let your personality come through in your writing. It helps your identity and building a brand for yourself.

C: Calender
Consistency is key.
D: Design
.
.
.
ABCDE……………….YZ

Y: Yes
Yes unlocks opportunities
Yes gets you mentioned and recognized Yes opens the way to new friendships and relationships
Yes gets you out of your comfort zone and discover newness
Yes reassures you about your strengths and potential
Yes makes you stand out because of your risk and ability

Z: Zeal, Zest and Zing

I have only mentioned few points from the books as you can see. Read the book for the full insight into blogging. The book is not just a step and step guide to blogging. It helps you to improve all aspects of a blog and take your blog to the next level.

I do already have a blog and some of the points mentioned were pretty obvious like choosing what you’ll blog about and who your readers will be. I think any wanting to start a blog will know that much. We do know that consistency is key but it is difficult to keep up. The chapter about Calender was insightful and helpful. I have highlighted some of the points I’d love to implement on my blog.

If you are reading this, you have found our blog. Do follow it 😉

J K Rowling!

“I am what I am, an’ I’m not ashamed. ‘Never be ashamed,’ my ol’ dad used ter say, ‘there’s some who’ll hold it against you, but they’re not worth botherin’ with.'” – JK Rowling, Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire

There is nothing worse than to find out that the author of one of the best written fiction series ever is not a great person after all. It gets worse when she uses her platform to alienate a particular community. I can only imagine what trans people felt. Honestly, we should take away Twitter from her!

There is so much more than that. I highly suggest you watch the video discussing this by James Tullos ( https://youtu.be/UG4P04KTNN0) and the videos by Sarah Z on youtube. https://youtu.be/m-rh-N4eFDU and https://youtu.be/A6qJXLNL8Ik

This is probably the last time I will be posting pictures of Harry Potter books or buying things that will directly profit JK.

I might still read the books once or twice. I will definitely support the artists that make merch etc based on Harry Potter.

Authorial intent vs Death of author is a fascinating debate. I can’t decide where I stand mostly because it all depends on the context and varies everytime.

What do you think about this? Do you still support Harry Potter? Do you believe in Authorial intent?

Radio Silece – So Fu*king Relatable

Radio Silence at its core is a coming of age novels of students who dont know what they are doing in life. I can really relate to this so much. It’s like the book is written about me but a version of me. At this very moment, I don’t know what next in life. Reading this has actually helped me a lot.

I wonder sometimes whether you’ve exploded already, like a star, and what I’m seeing you is three million years into the past, and you’re not here anyore. How can we be together here, now, when you are so far away. When you are so far ago? I’m shouting so loudly, but you never turn around to see me. Perhaps it is I who have already exploded. Either way, we are going to bring beautiful things into the universe.

Alice Oseman, Radio Silence

Blurb:

What if everything you set yourself up to be was wrong?

Frances has been a study machine with one goal. Nothing will stand in her way; not friends, not a guilty secret – not even the person she is on the inside. Then Frances meets Aled, and for the first time she’s unafraid to be herself.

So when the fragile trust between them is broken, Frances is caught between who she was and who she longs to be. Now Frances knows that she has to confront her past. To confess why Carys disappeared…

Frances is going to need every bit of courage she has.

Review:

Anyone in the age of 16 to 18 ish know the struggle of choosing what to do next. It is easy to believe that a degree that everyone thinks is good is what we must do in life. It is easy to think that academics is everything.

I can relate with Frances on so many levels. I used to be the topper of my class. I felt like that was the only thing I had. I did have other hobbies and interests but I was mainly identified with how I studied. As Frances had Universe City, I have Bookstagram.

Being clever was, after all, my primary source of self-esteem. I’m a very sad person, in all senses of the word, but at least I was going to get into university.

Alice Oseman, Radio Silence

Another thing I love about this book is that there is absolutely no sexual tension or love story between our protagonists, Frances and Aled. It is a beautiful friendship.

And I’m platonically in love with you.”
“That was literally the boy-girl version of ‘no homo’, but I appreciate the sentiment.

Alice Oseman, Radio Silence

I think everyone’s a bit bored with boy-girl romances anyway,” he said. “I think the world’s had enough of those, to be honest.

Alice Oseman, Radio Silence

Coming to the plot, it is well paced and interesting. The writing is great because not all authors can write about teenagers and nail the ‘teenage language’. (Though Tumblr is out of fashion) Alice Oseman has nailed fangirling and fan theories and how we get obsessed popular shows and internet stars. The author has nailed the working of a fandom. There have been many incidents of us invading the privacy of internet celebrities.

Overall, a must read for everyone. I can’t explain in words how much I loved the book. I’ve tried my best to keep this spoiler free.

Do you feel the same about any book? I’d love to read your favorite books.

The Signet Ring by Kapil Dabur

The plot takes us way back in time, infact to the start of human life on earth as per the Vedic mythology.

It revolves around a brotherhood trying to avenge the injustice meted out to Asuras by Lord Vishnu. If you didn’t know, Vishnu becomes ‘Mohini’ in order to get ‘Amrita’ (elixir) from Asuras and give it to Devtas.

It revolves around the Ten avatars of Vishnu and his fierce battles with demons during these avatars on earth. The ten avatars are Mathsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parashurama, Rama, Krishna, Buddha (or Balrama) and Kalki. The story covers many stories from these significant characters in the Hindu mythology. (Btw would you like to know these stories if I post them on my blog? )

I have been reading a lot of Indian myhtolgical fantasies lately. We switch between two story lines. One in the present and the other in past, as you expect.

The story begins with Black Plague plaguing humanity. We get introduced to Dr. Indira. Her character is well done.
The language is simple and narration is good. I feel like you will enjoy the plot more if you know some of these stories and the legends of lord Vishnu. The thriller elements keepss you on the edge of your seat. The title is apt which will be revealed through the course of the book. Overall, I enjoyed reading it. You will definitely like the book if you love mysteries, thrillers along with mystical elements. It also gives you a different outlook on Vedas and Purana.

I am thinking of writing a series of blog posts on Indian mythology and stories. Would you be interested?

Sakthi – the story of a fierce warrior

Sakthi by Vignesh SV is the first book in a new mythology series.

War, coupled with impending doom, lurks in the distance as the trio of Kings get ready for the battle to save the world – Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma must race against time and fulfil the prophecy that calls for the six members of the Chosen Hexad to face the ominous threat, death, and destruction promised by the Greater Evil. Can they summon their warriors and get them ready before it’s too late?

Sakthi, a young beauty, and the only daughter of Devaguna, was a smart, fierce, charming, vivacious, and optimistic princess of Meghavazhi. She was also the fastest, strongest, and the bravest woman of the Thevas.

Sakthi is the hope for women in her village and the whole world. She is determined to prove her worth to her tribe. But, destiny has more in store for her. A series of tests shows that Sakthi is one of the Chosen Hexad. She has to leave her village and world as she knew it to fulfill the prophecy.

Fear intermingled with the amorous charms of the wonderful land of Kumari Kandam brings forth a stimulating new experience for Sakthi as she gets completely taken in by the people, magic, and wealth of new changes that she has to face. Can she, a young innocent from an obscureead the book to know about Sakthi and what happens in Kumari Kandam village, navigate through the trials and tribunals to earn her place as a worthy member of the Chosen Hexad and stand with the Kings to face the wrath of the Greater Evil? What astounding adventures await the brave princess of Meghavazhi?

Read the book to know about Sakthi and what happens in Kumari Kandam.

It is a story of strength and hope in the world. I think anyone with a interest in mythological fantasy will definitely like this. It feels good to read the story of a woman who paved her way and stood up for all women. The narration is good. I found some details unnecessary in the beginning chapters. Once the story picks up, you can’t stop reading. I can’t wait for the next one to know what happens next.

Mythology is always fascinating to read.