Book Review : When Thoughts Invade the Cancer Conqueror by S Nilakanta Siva and Rajalakshmi Siva

Book- When Thoughts Invade the Cancer Conqueror

Author- S Nilakanta Siva and Rajalakshmi Siva

Genre- Non-Fiction

Publisher- NotionPress

Blurb-

No one can predict the future and this inability makes us do things which we would have wanted to undo when the outcome hits the nerves.

Kuppuswamy is in distress over the deadly disease that had hugged him hard. Fighting through, Kuppuswamy tries to keep calm.

Will he sail without drowning? Or would the disease break him?

Title and Cover-

The title of the book is better than the cover. The whole idea of the author behind writing the book is making people understand the depth of the diseases which are caused by the bad habits, prevalent in the present scenario. But the cover doesn’t say the same. Though the tale is non-fictional but it is said in a fictional manner thus more imaginativeness would have added extra stars to its credit.

Characters-

The whole bunch of family is present in the book. The far relatives, the kids, the grandkids, team of doctors, physicians and the list continues. Every person had a very distinct role to play and as it was a real life story the characters felt more close to the heart while reading the tale.

I loved Kuppuswamy for his bravery and his wife Pramila for her patience. Also all the minor characters were helping the tale in a broader sense and thus every one must be characterized as the soul of the tale.

Narration-

The narration of the story is in third person. Well, I was hoping it to be a first person narrative because the emotions were laid back. If and only if Kuppuswamy would have taken the strings in his hand to depict his side of the tale then maybe reader could have reached the deepest cores of his mind.

Review-

The story started without any delay in proposing a background or a setting. The tale was cut short to the phase which needed the most attention. From the very start it was certain that the tale wouldn’t be that easy to grasp. With all the details and the pain from the initial level, the book has came up with high splendour.

Minuscule images were brought in light and every element came up really beautifully due to the highly provoking story. The finish line can never be touched without the help of supporters and cheering people in the pavilion. Kuppuswamy was always surrounded in crests or troughs to move ahead with determination and author has penned this part of the story well. There were many people who came in front from time to time to show the same.

The tale becomes really inspiring when the second stage of the treatment process is in movement. The post dilemma is much-much dangerous then the pre one because one knows all the ins and outs. It was the first experience for me to read all this in detail and every turn was hard to inhale because it gave deep pain to know how much one would have suffered. Such was the intensity of the tale.

Whole book seemed like an arena where on one corner were Kuppuswamy and his family and on the other end was this deadly disease. The book can be used as an inspirational and a meaningful novel for those who are addicted to such ill practices or for those who are associated with such people. So, all in all motive of the author is achieved. They have generated awareness by sharing their experience.

Summing up- The book was a great summation of the journey of a family who were chosen to fight. It can be used as a guide. Kudos to the author for going back in the time and experiencing each and every thing again for writing this book.

Eye-catchers-

•“He would not simply exist but live.”

•“He believed goggling medical conditions was the biggest blunder made by patients.”

•“...to err is human, to forgive is divine.”

Turn-on’s-

•The depth in which the topic is dealt with.

•Thought process behind penning this tale by the author,

Turn-off’s-

•I thought that the details were much and emotions projected through the story were less. Though I don’t support an emotional tale, I just wanted to sniff a little more deeper intensity.

Recommendation-

A never dying spirit rules on every page of the book. It is a must read for those who are fed up of their life or those who have people around who are diagnosed with such dangerous diseases.

About the author-

S Nilakanta Siva was born in Mumbai. His early education was in Delhi. Sivaram graduated in physics and mathematics and did his post-graduation. Sivaram led several public awareness programs to highlight the benefits of atomic energy. Sivaram, along with his wife Poorna aka Rajalakshmi Siva, narrates the tale of how they together conquered the disease.

Buy the book-

•Amazon link- http://www.amazon.in/gp/aw/d/9352069315/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468784284&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=when+thoughts+invade+the+cancer&dpPl=1&dpID=410YSDJOrhL&ref=plSrch

Book Review : Destiny of Shattered Dreams by Nilesh Rathod

Book- Destiny of Shattered Dreams

Author- Nilesh Rathod

Genre- Fiction

Publisher- Rupa Publishers

Blurb-

Atul has rose from ashes and is in the league to become the best in town. Though he is leading his life like a king, he is falling in his personal life.

Roshni and Atul had a love marriage but things are not that pretty as it seems. Even the happiest ones have some spots of uneasiness.

What happen when one moves ahead in life very fast? When big names are associated what hindrances pops in front?

Title and Cover-

Where the title had a larger appeal, the cover fails to impress me. The line of demolition showcase the shattering but nothing else the background shows to gave an insight about what the book contains.

Characters-

The characters were technocrats, politicians, family members, friends, policemen and what not. There were so many that the tale became gripping due to the efforts and actions which people had to bestow.

The major characters were not much, just a man who had to say a lot about all that was happening around him. I loved Atul for what he was, what he became due to himself and others and how he made things around him. I loved his thought process and far-sightedness.

From the minor characters I loved Aarti, Roshni, Ananya, Jyoti, Qazi, Shalikram and many more. Every person had a different state of mind and a different side to bring in front.

Narration-

Third person narration suited the tale well. The atmosphere of a big house or office, a country, state or situation, whatever came in front was done with utter preciseness. The narrator made every point, turn and situation crystal clear by maintaining a serene flow.

Review-

“Destiny of Shattered Dreams” is the tale of a man who has seen various phases in his life and is still in the run to explore new dimensions. Atul is on the move from the very start and the tale is revolving around him and his ventures from the first page. His life is shown at large and thus the author have stuck to what he wanted to project in majority.

The tale has moved from one phase to other with ease. The first section of the book has taken in notice the personal life and the people who are surrounding the main lead Atul. Excellence, intelligence and a want to achieve what he needs is shown on every page in the book.

Corporate world is shown at large and thus the layers can enchant any reader. But at the same time the excess usage of terms of high order can disturb the essence of a fiction tale.

When one moves to achieve heights then what comes in front of him/her is oblivious. The fact was always prominent in the tale and thus changes of same order came in front from time to time.  The tale moves from one politician to other, one location to other and one setting to other.

Also apart from the business sector, the novel has some extravagant love stories that took turns which were not very usual. I loved the way the author has tried to show the dark sides of different tales in a very normal way. The realizations which the characters experience makes the novel rise to a different level. The speeches which the characters used to support their point of view makes one wait and realize the depth with which the author has tried to connect with the readers.

The end of the novel is my favourite part because it was nowhere near a normal ending chapter of any book. Unexpected ends, mind-blowing turns in the middle and a gripping tale of what one wants from life makes the book stand in a corner with pride. The ending speech by the lead seemed like a summation of the whole tale.

Summing up- Destiny of Shattered Dreams is a book with similar elements yet different mixtures. An amazing ride of complexities and tragedies with constant desire of more is what the book contains. A perfect showdown made the book reach tangents of different order.

Eye-catchers-

•“Every crisis looks shallow in the prism of faith.”

•“Love itself is an illusion. We misuse the word so much we forget what it means.”

•“Identifying hate in oneself is probably even more difficult than identifying love.”

Turn-on’s-

•Different places, characters, situations, atmosphere and stories, making the tale a perfect cobweb.

•A well planned design to show the outcome in the upcoming chapters.

•Smooth and easy going flow.

•Perfect pauses and amazing pick-ups.

Turn-off’s-

•There were a lot of business related terms, ethics and explanations. One can happen to avoid such paragraphs without missing much of the story.

Recommendation-

The book can target any audience without hindering their choices. So, I can recommend it to any book lover who is looking for a simple yet gripping tale.

About the author-

Nilesh Rathod is a businessperson, writer and poet. Co-founder of Ensemble Infrastructure India Limited, Nilesh’s company currently employs over 2000 people. Destiny of shattered dreams is his debut novel. Nilesh is currently working on his second novel.

Connect with the author-

•Nilesh@nileshrathod.in

•https://www.nileshrathod.in

Buy the book-

•Amazon link- http://www.amazon.in/gp/aw/d/8129139758/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468784232&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=destiny+of+shattered+dreams+nilesh+rathod&dpPl=1&dpID=51o%2BJijJjnL&ref=plSrch

Book Review : Kaleidoscope - Colours of Life by Inderjit Kaur

Book- Kaleidoscope: Colours of Life

Author- Inderjit Kaur

Genre- Non-Fiction

Publisher- Notionpress

Blurb-

There are many layers in our life. We need to look forward towards the different arenas and need to learn all that life has to offer.

Kaleidoscope: Colours of life is written to make one understand the different situations and probable way to make one’s path less cumbersome.

Title-

An apt title working well for the book. It certainly has that magnetic effect to attract a reader who is in search of some self help book.

Cover-

The cover of the book is really interesting. A lady with shades of different order mixed in unequal proportions is shown on the cover. It suits well with the book which shows different shades of life and with a monotonous background things reach another level because the book has the same sort of concept.

Review-

“Colours of life” is a sort of self help book. The author has divided the book in two parts and I was impressed by the way the realizations were done in order to draw the inferences. I saw many things which are often heard from the elder ones. I felt nice while reading it. It felt I am talking to an aged person one on one and he/she has opened up her treasure of good talks in front of me.

Part 1- Rainbow, has taken reference from VIBGYOR and every colour has shown its sheen in the form of a story which is both inspirational and good for the soul. The smoothness with which it was done is highly commendable. Out of seven stories or essays or small talks whatever one refer it to be, I loved “Confident Blue” and “The Courageous Red” the most.

Part 2 had a lot of quickly wrapped up thoughts. The titles were convincing and half the work was done for me by that only.

There were more than 30 chapters and after touching every aspect in a jiffy I had to wait for a minute for a personal realization. Many things will stay with me and I might forget a lot too but the essence which the book created around me will always be cherished. It felt the author is touching every pained nerve in a reader’s heart and trying to console him/her with the book she has penned.

From all the chapters in the second part I loved, “At the right time”, “Darkness will fade away”, “Master your path in simplicity”, “Success Walks in”, “Walk like a warrior”.

Will I ever return to this book? Well yes I will because life is painful and psychiatrists are expensive.

Summing up- The book is worth having in your book shelf. Books are one’s guide and it is zillion percent true with “Colours of Life”. A lot of positivity is felt while reading it and one gets a break from the ever moving fictional tales which has the ability to run your imaginations but don’t allow to look beyond the limits which a non-fiction like “Colours of Life” can do.

Eye-catchers-

Well the book was full of inspiring and heart touching quotes. Every chapter had some unusual saying tickling your nerves. Kudos author for writing such radiant one-liners.

Turn-on’s-

· The topics covered were vast.

· The book sounds really caring and soft, giving a feel of vintage talks with the oldest member of the family.

· Quotes at the end of some chapters.

Turn-off’s-

· With happiness counted at such great level, there must be miseries of high order. If there was kept a balance between the two sides then a grip could have been maintained. Reading the same essence over and over can make people reach boredom.

· The thoughts appeared repetitive, said in a different way every time.

Recommendation-

Darkness can be removed with the positivity shining smoothly in the whole book. It is a must read for loners and pessimists.

About the author-

Inderjit Kaur is an author, a motivator with a powerful voice capable of spreading positive words through her writings. A highly influential blogger and an inspirational guide, who with her tag line: Keep smiling keep shining, has brewed the original concept of living through her books of living series. Inderjit Kaur, a full-time writer whose other books include “Living a more meaningful life” and “Elements of life”.

Connect with the author-

· Follow Inderjit Kaur @inderjitlmml @Alivingseries

· Amazon author page- https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00TJHMCH4

· Good reads author page- https://www.goodreads.com/inderjitkaur

· https://inderjitlmml.wordpress.com/

· https://alivingseriestalk.wordpress.com/

Buy the book-

· Amazon link-

https://www.amazon.in/gp/aw/d/9352067088/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468412930&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=kaleidoscope+colours+of+life+by+inderjit+kaur&dpPl=1&dpID=51dUC31HvvL&ref=plSrch

Book Review : A Road not Travelled by J. Alchem

Book- A Road Not Travelled: Can the world be a single country?

Author- J. Alchem

Genre- Fiction

Publisher- Storymirror

Blurb-

Niorgast Stinvins, Doilin Flenk and Bakintin Lenit are trying to solve the mystery for such sudden summoning at a hotel. They didn’t know that they are going to be really important for someone who has an unrealistic mission.

They found themselves in hard situations while dealing with different people who are influential and powerful.

What will happen to this dream of “Can World be a single country?”? How will the quest turn out to be? Which aspect will turn their lives unexpectedly?

Title-

The name of the book is literarily sound. It says a lot about the uniqueness of the book which can impel anyone to pick this book for having a good look.

Cover-

I felt that the blue background is an analogy to Earth. Then there is an image of earth which has been centrally put in front in all respects, i.e., not only on the cover but also in the story. A heart, signifying brotherly love between the three leads or between the only romantic couple or maybe also for the world, a patriotic love sign maybe. I fell for it.

Characters-

The novel had enough characters of vivid orders. People were divided according to phases and they didn’t intrude the pathway of others, taking complexity away. There were students of college in Nior’s life. Then there were officials from the professional sphere. And most importantly there were these three friends who bonded quickly and thus started a very blossoming tale of friendship.

From the major characters I loved Niorgast.

From the minor characters I loved Mrs. Hamilton and Nior’s mother.

Narration-

The book was in first person narrative. It could have been better if third person was used because I really didn’t get to know the mind-set of many people at different situations, especially Lenit and Frank. The narration was based more on what the narrator Nior was thinking rather then what was required from the viewpoint of the story.

Review-

“A Road not travelled” is an out of box book, with drifting and unpredictable situations of high order. The book was ought to be different because that is what author promised. And I was not disappointed. It was different but was this difference worth it? Well, this can only be answered once the sequel is created. Yes, a sequel and thank God I knew this before writing this review.

The story starts on a very dramatic turn. The mystery is built up in the initial chapters itself. I was very eager to unleash it but sadly I was left with a lot of statements from the narrator. When you read a fiction, the whole responsibility is on the story. But in this book I was left with explanations, theories and one’s outlook over different matters.

Book released some air of freshness only when the lives were dealt in particular of different characters. It was a great change within the story. There were three sections in particular where the flashbacks were in action and it helped the story a lot in respiring.

Some queries were building up but I have to control my nerves till the author is ready with the answers in his second book.

So, I can conclude that the middle portion was better than the starting. I took a day in reading the initial two or three chapters and another day for the rest of the book.

Though the starting had concepts of unimaginable level but things can work only with a proper background. I thought that there was a lot of randomness in the story, of every order. Everything was happening in a jiffy. Things were moving faster than ever and success was touching the leading characters quite easily. Well, at corrupted places such serene movements are inhibited (strictly my opinion).

The scenes of “The Library” and “The Cafe” were well framed. It gave more area to peep in the lives of the characters which were else working in a different dimension.

When the end arrived, I was ready for a sudden change in the plot. Climax has to be great, isn’t it? An extra half point goes to the end. Unexpected tales must-must-must possess an unexpected ending and I was again not disappointed. I was impressed by the middle and totally in shock with the end. I liked the way things edged ahead but again the same thing happened I became a victim of quick movements in the tale. I wanted to grasp more but a showdown was executed. So, that means I was hoping to read more. Kudos author.

Summing up- A road not travelled was an interesting and unusual read. A tale of revolution and revolution is not of normal order; it’s one of a kind. With characters so deeply indulged in the tale, the reading experience became quite radiant. If the start up was equally levelled as the middle and end, the book could have left a great remark.

Eye-catchers-

· “...time never runs fast. It is we who are slow to stand up and achieve all that we want.”

· “When God wants us to do something then he pits strange things in our way, in our dreams, in our imagination so that we can pursue them.”

· “...when something begins with the compliment you have less pressure to impress.”

Turn-on’s-

· The subject matter was unusual and one of a kind.

· Easy language and smooth flow.

· Different concept blended with emotions of friendship and love.

· Flashbacks.

· Speech delivered by Niorgast, really inspiring.

· The three way concepts to every problem or theory.

Turn-off’s-

· Fast forward movements.

· Lot of explanations, less of story.

Recommendation-

Bored of old genres, "A road not travelled" can be a refreshing pick for sure.

About the author-

J. Alchem is a voracious reader and a critically acclaimed author. He is the winner of story mirror-2015 (a nationwide writing competition), NaNoWriMo-2015 and superhero storyteller (2014). He has written in several magazines and newspapers and received the appreciation for the same. His stories have been published in numerous anthologies such as Blank Space, Love Bytes, and Mighty Thoughts and on various online channels.

Connect with the author-

· www.authoralchem.wordpress.com

· www.facebook.com/Jalchem

Buy the book-

· Amazon link-  https://www.amazon.in/gp/aw/d/8193237609/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr3_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468411062&sr=8-1-fkmr3&pi=AC_SX118_SY170_QL70&keywords=a+road+not+travelled+by+j+alchem 

Book Review : The Guest by Mitali Meelan

Book- The Guest

Author- Mitali Meelan

Genre- Fiction

Publisher- Black Ink

Blurb-

Neha is in shock when she learns that her house will be receiving a guest named Cecelia. 

Her life flips and all her activities cease, though not completely.

What role does this new guest plays in forming or deforming Neha’s life? Will things sort or become more entangled?

Title-

An appropriate title. Working well with the tale. Giving proper insight to peep in the story. Worked for me in all senses.

Cover-

I loved the hue of the book. Lot of baggages on the trolley are added to show the arrival of someone in full form creating extra spice. A perfect segment is shown.

Characters-

There were characters of vivid characteristics. I met dancers, musicians, actors and singers in the book. I loved the way their lives moved according to the role they were playing.

There were many major and minor characters which fitted with the movement of the college phase perfectly.

I loved Cecelia the most from the major characters.

And from the minor ones, I loved Purti and Mr. Ranade.

Narration-

The narration of the book was a first person narrative and thus I could live the life of Neha for some hours. Such was the mood created by the author. I liked the perfect breaks and pick-ups which the author planted. There were no hitches and no flashbacks creating any second thoughts. All in all it worked well.

Review-

The initial inspection doesn’t give any information about the book and thus I started the book on a very happy note. I was expecting a sort of mystery involved in it. Well, there is mystery but of other kind. From the very start, the book was sorted. There were chapters which had incidents of different order, connecting all the strings.

Eye-catchy is the behavioural instincts of various people, a 40 year old and a 17 year old is shown in great depth. I won’t deny that I was losing interest in the book when I reached the middle. But let’s first talk about the starting of the book.

Mitali tried her best to build up an essence for a perfect tale. There were easy conversations, many characters and situations were of high interest. But sadly, that was only in the start. The good part is the simplicity and a clear plan of action which was penned by the author. It demands sheer attention and hold on the story by the creator.

Further, when I reached around the middle portion, I was highly disheartened because things were moving just for the sake of moving. There was no spark. The incidents were getting mundane too. I have heard all these sort of things on various teenage shows. I found Neha very adamant and repetitive. She too showed the expected traits.

If and only if something different would have been planned then maybe there was a hope of an ignition. Nevertheless, I was happy with the end.

Books can either leave you speechless or can tickle you somehow. This book comes in the latter section. The ending was nice but again not extra-ordinary. I was enjoying the speeches which were delivered by Cecelia. It was not new but it was nice to look over the matters which not many notice.

Summing up- The novel made presence in my mind because of its fluidic language. The aura created by the author around some bunch of students was making me nostalgic. There were few ironical phases in the novel which were impactful. If and only if the story could have been moulded in a less casual way then it would have done wonders of all sorts. Still, I enjoyed the easy going reading experience.

Eye-catchers-

· “...every person is the world’s most loyal employees as long as he works for his passion, not his pension.”

· “Beauty is very short-lived and overrated.”

· “It's just how the relationships between parents and children work. It is even more complicated when the child is a girl.”

· “The belief that you belong to someone, that your absence will be felt, is what keeps you going every day.”

· “What matters is whether you smile when you’re with the person; whether you feel like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders....”

Turn-on’s-

· The ironical situations created by the author were great.

· I loved the part of story revolving around Purti.

· Loved the end. The realizations, the opening of truths and the final segment headed by Cecelia.

· The easy flow of language.

Turn-off’s-

· Found the story to be a lot familiar.

· The pieces were joined properly but they felt a little under-nourished.

Recommendation-

It can be a light read for beginners, worth a try.

About the author-

Mitali Meelan was born in Thane and brought up in Mumbai. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Economics and pursued her master’s in English Literature, while working with a magazine as an editorial coordinator for a short while. She has a couple of short stories published in anthologies. When she is not telling stories, you can find her writing blog posts, reading etc.

Connect with the author-

· Twitter handle- @mitalimeelan

Buy the book-

· Amazon link- https://www.amazon.in/gp/aw/d/819298222X/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468408313&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX118_SY170_QL70&keywords=the+guest+by+mitali+meelan