Author Name – Dr. Raghavendra FN

Book Name – Raaghuism (Kannada)

Blurb – The book is a collection of quotes and poems which covers most of the events of life, love, philosophy, spirituality.

The way the author has weaved every word with the string of meaning and beauty is praiseworthy. All Kannada literature lovers will really appreciate this book. Some of the quotes and poems by the author really hit home and gave me a sense of introspection. The quotes and poems are mainly on life and the lessons we learn through this journey. It is not a bed of roses, we all have our share of thorns, however, we should all learn how to deal with these thorns, even when they have hurt us. The writings are wise and well-thought and easily depict the depth of the words used.

Cover – ⅗

Title – ⅘

Rating – ⅘

Book: The One I Love

Author: Nivedita Vedurla

About the book:

Dear Mr. Ajay Khurana,

Before I started on the cruise trip where I met you, I was uncertain about travelling by myself. You changed my outlook towards travelling, and towards life.

Despite all the wondrous changes you made in my life, I have a complaint; I can’t stand your son. He is arrogant, mannerless and a complete womanizer. I am not sure why and what made him like that, but I wish you could take control of his life and train him to become a better person, someone who is respectful towards women.

Thanks,

Advika.

If you don’t believe me, you can read this book and find out why I hate him so much. However, don’t judge him by his looks, and don’t kill him. After all, he is Ajay Khurana’s son; my favourite man in the world.

Review:

The plot was very very predictable and the narration was not that great. There was so much more you could’ve don’t with the protagonists instead of the normal fake love turns into real considering their family backgrounds, past lives, etc. I’ll give the book the credit of it still being interesting enough for me to read on. It was also nice to read a novel with very little or no cheesiness. The part were the heroine gets molested is depicted very poorly and taken lightly but the author did a great job in explaining the mindset of middle class families. The author portrayed the hero as a creepy ill mannered person in the beginning which kind of just stayed with me so that made me think there would be something wrong in their marriage contract or something. I’d suggest this to beginners interested in romance. Also the blurb gives a total wrong impression of what to expect from the book.

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Qotd: do you like romance novels?

A conversation with Anand Raj, author of Impact of cricket on the youngest Indian, published by Bluerose Publishers

 

 

Ans.Mr. Anand Raj is a workaholic and common man in his life and career. He works on the philosophy of “Work is worship”. He has a great dream for India. Let him get success for the same.

 

 

Ans.Life is nothing without dream and a man should see the dream bigger than his vision. So, I was an author, am an author and will be an author. It is the boon of my elder brother. However, if I were not an author, would be a great leader to the world to lead towards truth, propriety, harmony amongst people and selfless service to societies and bring the healthy economic too. 

 

 

Ans.My mentor Smt. Mamta Bharti and great leader of my life (late) Shri Mahesh Kumar.

 

 

Ans.Of course, I would like to convey only one message to my dear readers i.e. utilization of priceless “TIME” in the right direction; and discarding hate, greed and egoism.  Treat everything is the boon of God on the earth. Love the nature. Respect your parents as well as all of us. Because, there is no separate heaven in the sky except our home and societies.  So, sustain it (home and societies) as heaven instead of hell.   

 

 

Ans.I am unable to give the answer in one sentence; though I want to summarize it in two or three sentences. 

 

a.People’s insane towards cricket.

 

b.My wife as well as mentor Smt. Mamta Bharti and some of my friends especially Mr. Shaitan Singh, Mr. CP Ray & Aman Bhaskarinspired me to write this book. 

I got the opportunity to ask a few questions to the best selling author of Kalki series whose new book Narasimha has been very recently released! (Started reading it, expect a review soon)

In conversation with Kevin Missal:

1. Considering the fact that the story of Narasimha is very popular and is fixed in our minds and that Kalki is more of an ambiguous story, which one was more difficult to write and which one do you think will be more loved?

Narasimha. Because Kalki could be twisted, Narasimha couldn’t. The overarching mythology had to be similar and yet different and that was tough.

2. Do you have plans to write the story of more Avatars? When can we expect them?

Soon. And yes I do have plans. Awesome plans!

3. Which is your favourite Avatar of Vishnu and why?

Krishna in the last years. If you see his life after Mahabharata, you’ll know yourself why I like him the best.

4. As the book is now published and released, do you regret/ want to change any part of the book?

Book: Impact of Cricket on the youngest Indian.

Author: Anand Raj

Publisher: @bluerose_publisher

About the book:

The people of the world have become puppets in the hands of technology, internet, telecommunications, and visual media.. Games and sports are the only activities today that are undertaken in the real sense, that make us fit, fine, and healthy, round the year. So, the book “Impact of Cricket on the Youngest Indian” is explicit in itself. Though, the book has been written in three parts keeping its essence for the readers.

These are:-

a.Genesis of Cricket.

Genesis of cricket as sport since 1597 in England. Details of first ODI in 1844 and first test match played from 15-19 March 1877 at MelbourneCricket Ground between Australia and England. History of Women cricket in the world and how Indians cherished cricket; discarding indigenous sports. Role of Coach is pivotal character; can be read in this part.

b.Impact of Cricket.

Impact of cricket on youth Indian. Its pros and cons has been delved and brought under this part. Misappropriation of power, money and corruption in the BCCI may be the focal topic to study. Crazy of cricket fans and their attitude have been : analyzed and brought into notice to the parents of such youth. Factual value and benefits of sports can be understood by reading this part.

c.Gist of Cricket.

It includes Rules, Laws and summary of cricket which were followed in the past and being followed in the present.

Review:

It’s World Cup time and a book about cricket is a must 😂. I actually wanted to post this yesterday but was completely immersed in India vs Pakistan match.

The book is divided into three parts:

Genesis, Impact and Gist.

Genesis follows the history of cricket form the very beginning, Impact explains the pros and cons and the impact of cricket on a large and populated country like India whereas the Gist has all the rules , laws and summary of cricket (must for fans). The author has done a thorough research on the subject. The narrative is simple and catchy considering the dry subject. Midway I felt that more interesting and juicy stories of cricket could’ve been included. On the whole, I enjoyed it but it purely depends on your interest in the subject and the genre if you’ll enjoy it.

🌟🌟🌟.5

Book: The Belated Bachelor Party

Author: @thisisravinder

About the book:

It’s been twelve years since Happy, MP, Raamji and Ravin graduated. Well into their married lives, they realize that none of them had a bachelor party before their weddings. But it’s never too late to set things right. They go about planning their belated bachelor party – a Euro trip which, well, ends up becoming the trip of their lifetime. Picture this: It’s the middle of the night. The four friends wait to be strip-searched by the border police. They are stuck in the no-man’s land between Croatia and Slovenia, without valid visas, but with banned party drugs and a rifle cartridge … Welcome to one hell of a reunion!

Bestselling author Ravinder Singh returns with his friends in a hilarious, moving story of friendship and adventure.

Review:

This book is by the author of the best selling book “I too had a love story“ which means I had high expectations from this. The story follows the four best friends’ on their belated bachelor party – their Euro trip. The story is narrated by Friendship! That was very creative. (Adding a star only for that). I like how Friendship explains how it is greater than love but they go hand in hand too.

Beginning was a little slow but their conversations about gender discrimination, stereotypes, homosexuality, homophobia child-parent is very much needed for young Indian readers! Here are some of my favourite lines regarding the same:

(underlined, keep in mind they’re taken out of context)

I guess I expected a little more adventure in this story, but I enjoyed the book and was reminded about my school friends and memories. It felt cheesy at times but better than the famous book ‘I too had a love story’. As I’ve told above the talk about gender discrimination was very good but at some points women were objectified and told that ‘fun’ means sex (not directly but it felt like that after I discussed the book with a friend , reducing .5 stars for this )

Recommended for a light, humorous read and a trip down the memory lane. ( preferably for beginners in reading)

🌟🌟🌟.5

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Huge thanks to @harpercollinsin for this book!

Book: Where will man take us ?

Author: Atul Jain

About the book:

The first person who will live to be 150 years old has already been born.

The screen that we peer into will soon be within us.

We could soon be taking happiness pills before breakfast.

The perfect partner might need to be charged before bed.

This is a new world we are walking into. And the man who began this journey won’t be the man who ends this journey. Where Will Man Take Us? explores the changes technology is bringing about in us-as a society and as a species. What will the next generation turn into, what will it be like, how will the new Adam and Eve live and love?

In this book, Atul Jalan tackles nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, quantum computing and genetics, seamlessly weaving the future of technology with the changing dynamics of human love, morality and ethics.

Review:

The future of man with the development of artificial intelligence has been a great topic of debate. This book also elaborates on the same topic about how technology is developing every moment and where will we ‘human beings’ end up? The author has used the theories of various scientists and scholars to make the book interesting. This brings us to the conclusion that science is the ultimate knowledge of life.

The moment we accept this, we are filled with question about God and religion. Please share your unique opinions on these subjects. But we should agree to disagree 😉

The book tell us how human brain and heart will always be different. Brain is made up of chemical material which responds to stimuli whereas heart is the seat of emotions which technology can never provide which brings us back to the question of are we all God’s creations

The language used was sometimes difficult and I had to use the dictionary here and there. It also requires more than just minimum knowledge of science and technology at times. Overall, I enjoyed reading it.

Recommended? Only if you’re interested in the genre

🌟🌟🌟.4

Book:The Anarchists’ Club

Author: Alex Reeve

About the book:

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?

Review:

This sequel to ‘The House on Half Moon Street’ ,a historic crime fiction series set in the Victorian era, follows Leo Stanhope who just wants to lead a quiet life after the previous year’s events when he came close to losing his life. Leo was born as Charlotte Lottie , daughter of a vicar. Those were dangerous times to be transgender, if the truth about his life comes out Leo’s life will be ruined.

Leo’s life is disrupted when the police take him to the Anarchists’ club , the scene of murder of Dora Hannigan. They’ve met only once but she has his address in her purse. There he meets John Thackery, who knows about his past life and threatens him. From that point on Leo gets involved in solving this even though he initially just wants to stay away. He risks his life and security to get her children’s life to safety.

I sometimes found it difficult to get the context since it takes place in Victorian era but it gives a lot of insight to the politics, power and the state of people LGBTQ+ community at the time. The fact that a person with power and money can get away with anything and justice favours that person is true to this day and age.

Murder mysteries are always fun when someone other than a detective is trying to solve it without the complete authority. Leo along with Mrs Flowers starts to investigate the matter in hand. The chemistry and understanding between them was amazing. Leo likes her but doesn’t acknowledge it because of the fact that she knows who he really is.

Leo stays with Alfie and his 12 year old daughter, Constance. Constance was my favourite character as she brought light humour to this dark story. She’s a bold young girl ready to face the world and supports Leo and practically considers him family.

I loved the part where Leo gets confused about his maternal instincts to take care of Dora’s children and when he decides to meet his father as Leo and not as Lottie. The book was page turner and I finished it one go but at the end I felt a little more explanation would be nice regarding a few things like the address in her purse and Aiden’s (Dora’s son ) behaviour.

Recommended: Mystery lovers PLEASE pick it up.

🌟🌟🌟🌟.2

Book: Satyayoddha Kalki: Eye of Brahma (Book 2)

Author: @kevin_9695

About the book:

After a defeat at the hands of Lord Kali, Kalki Hari must journey towards the Mahendragiri mountains with his companions to finally become the avatar he is destined to be.

But the road ahead is not without peril . . .

Not only is he trapped by the cannibalistic armies of the Pisach, he is also embroiled in the civil war of the Vanars. And in midst of all this, he meets a face from the legends.

Meanwhile, Manasa, the sister of the late Vasuki, plots to overthrow Lord Kali by bringing a massive war to his kingdom. But Naagpuri, her homeland, has been infiltrated by their sworn enemy, the Suparns. Not only does she need to protect her kingdom from the Suparns, she must also protect her close ones from the league of conspirators at her own home. Who can she really trust? And will she be able to put an end to Lord Kali’s rule?

As the plot thickens and Lord Kali sees his ambition crushed right before his eyes, he comes to know about his race and its history that threatens to destroy the very fabric of this world’s reality.

Kalyug has begun.

Can Kalki become the avatar in time before it finally unfolds?

Will Manasa fight through the internal politics to bring an invasion against Lord Kali?

Can the secret that changes everything change Lord Kali as a person too?

Review:

I enjoyed this one more than the first one in the Kalki series! The first book ended in a cliffhanger about Kali’s sister, Darikti and her favourite assistant, Symrin. We get to know about this only after like 100 pages in the second book. Again homosexuality and homophobia was tackled very well in the story.

I really loved how Kali (the villain) is not just an insane evil person but actually a better king than the Manav king and his daughter. In his own words” No one knows why I behave the way I behave. They choose to me now, the way I am, but they don’t see who I was.”

I’m so glad Arjan didn’t die in the palace as we expect in the first one and his story becomes another subplot.

Eye of Brahma (the object which connects the stories of Kalki, Kali, Arjan and Manasa (Vasuki’s sister) consists of four parts which shows the past, present , future and alternate realities. I’m waiting to know how the author will take it forward. Kripa was the most intriguing character and I absolutely loved him in this one. The truth about Kalki’s father was heartbreaking at the same time it shows Kripa is not what he seems to be (I knew he was an amazing person ,I just wished he told his story of Mahayudh.)

The arguments between Kalki and Hanuman about what is the right thing to do : to keep your word to a dead man or to protect your own people was very intriguing. I had hoped to finally hear the prophecy of Dharm and Adharm in this book but we just hear a lot of interpretations of it. I’m still curious how Kali is

Adharm because I think he’s a good person who has made a few bad choices.

We also get to know that everything that happens in the first book is because of this mysterious man , the scarred man. Kalki is finally going to meet him. I’m looking forward to reading the third book and hopefully it’ll give us clarity on Dharm and Adharm .

Recommended : Yes Yes YES

🌟🌟🌟🌟.5

Book: Dharmayoddha Kalki: Avatar of Vishnu (Book 1)

Author: @kevin_9695

About the book: Born in the quiet village of Shambala, Kalki Hari, son of Vishnuyath and Sumati, has no idea about his heritage until he is pitted against tragedies and battles.

Whisked into the province of Keekatpur, which is under the fist of Lord Kali, Kalki sees the ignominy of death trumping life all around him. He learns that he has been born to cleanse the world he lives in, for which he must journey to the North and learn the ways of Lord Vishnu’s Avatar; from an immortal who wields an axe.

But trapped in the midst of betrayals, political intrigue and forces that seek to decimate him, will he be able to follow his destiny before the Kaliyug begins?

Review:

The book captivates you from start to end. We follow the story of Vishnuyath’s sons Kali and Arjan (named after Arjun) in their attempt to save their father and later their village only to discover that Kalki is born for bigger things and he must move on no matter what. On the other hand Lord Kali is suffering from a deadly disease and his sister is ready to do anything to save him even if it means destroying an entire village. In the midst of all this there is constant war between different tribals and they all want complete power. Too many characters were introduced in the very beginning which was confusing for a while and was a little bland at the beginning but other than that it was an amazing read. The narration could have been better. The best thing is how the book brings the topic of homosexuality even though it’s a mythological/historical fiction. Credits to the author for that. These kind of books are very famous in India right now , so if you’re looking to read mythological /historical fiction please pick this one up. The idea of the world of the book is beautiful. I can’t wait to start the next one!

I heard a lot of people say that this book didn’t leave up to their expectations and I could see why. Firstly all the tribals and their politics is extremely confusing and you’ll be confused as to why the author is even giving that much importance to them. I finished the second book and I can confirm they’re pretty important. Next we expect a lot from Kalki because he’s the Avatar of Vishnu but he loses his battles and fails to protect his loved ones. Again, we’ll know why this happens in the second book (it’s not who we are born as it’s what we do). The major point is this is fiction and the author has thoroughly used his imagination to create this world where Rakshas, Yakshas, Nagas are all tribals. We tend to expect the story of Kalki as we’ve heard in stories but a little more detailed and interesting. This is also the story of Kalki but I’m a different world. Lastly Mahabharata is frequently referred to and everybody keeps talking about the Breaking and not much is told about that or the prophecy regarding Kalki. For example I we don’t know who Kripa is , the whole point of his character becomes confusing . There could’ve been explanations for that but again I think there will be in the coming books.

🌟🌟🌟.9

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