Paradise Towers

Paradise Towers

Author : Shweta Bachchan - Nanda
Publisher : Harper Collins India
Pages : 184
Price : 250/- INR
Buy : Amazon India
Rating : 3/5 Stars

Blurb :
Dinesh opens the door to the Kapoor flat to find Lata, the enchantress who works at Mrs Aly Khan's, carrying a hot case with freshly made gaajar ka halwa. On the first floor, the inquisitive Mrs Mody wipes the dust off her precious binoculars to spy on the building's security guard. The Singhs open the doors of their SUV, their four boys creating a ruckus - they are the newcomers, the outsiders. Through the peephole, the ever-watchful Mrs Ranganekar observes their arrival. Welcome to Paradise Towers, an apartment building in central Mumbai. Everyone here has a story to tell. Or maybe they have stories to hide. Shweta Bachchan-Nanda's quirky, intimate debut explores the intertwined lives in this building - a forbidden romance, an elopement, the undercurrents of tension in corridor interactions and an explosive Diwali celebration. Bachchan-Nanda's is a dazzling voice that will draw you into the intoxicating, crazy world that is Paradise Towers.
Review :
An engaging book with simple and easy read style of writing that from point blank
Introduces us to writers main goal. Towers full of life and activity . The book is short and sweet. There is lot happen in the book. I think the book is for young boys and girls. The book is good in parts but author has done a great job ( as debut author). The language of the book is simple and easy to understand and the cover of the book is apt to the story. An easy moderate and quick read.

The Wild Pack

The Wild Pack Devises A Plan

Author : André Marx
               Boris Pfeiffer
Translated by : Anya Malhotra
Publisher : Puffin Books
Pages : 122
Price : 199/- INR
Buy : Amazon India
Rating : 5/5 Stars

Blurb :
The Wild Pack is a band of animals living in abandoned rail tunnels and caves under the city. Led by the wolf Hamlet, they have just one goal: to live in freedom as they once did in the wild.
Following Hamlet's dramatic escape from the zoo, this sequel finds the Wild Pack outsmarting humans time and again, even sneaking into the city's natural history museum in the dead of night, on a quest to discover where they are from. But there they are faced with the cruel zoo director, Mueller, once again. Scampering to safety-in a church, of all places-the Wild Pack hits upon a brilliant idea . . .
Review :
A beautiful read. There is no other way to say it. Light but direct to the point like all other children book should be. A fantasy story so well told. The writing is beautiful and the scenes are awesome. Language is simple and easy to understand. Cover of the book is beautiful and compelled you to pick it up. Definitely a must read book for children. A book for everyone .

The Biggest Fan Of Virat Kohli

The Biggest Fan Of Virat Kohli

Author : Shobhit Virmani
Publisher : Blue Rose Publishers
Pages : 84
Price : 199/- INR
Buy : Amazon India
Rating : 3/5 Stars

Blurb :
Virat Kohli has millions of fans and this is a story of just one of them. This book captures my journey till now on being a big fan of Virat Kohli and reasons why I strongly advocate cricket. To achieve your Dreams, you need to be passionate enough and have the self-belief that nothing is impossible. I can proudly proclaim that Virat Kohli is my idol and I derive immense positivity on following him and being his 'Fan'. He has always inspired me to work hard enough to achieve my goals. I dedicate this book to Virat Kohli for showing me and today's youth the right direction and changing my life tremendously...You will read about, how motivation plays an immense role in our daily life.This is a must-read for each Cricket fan, Virat Kohli fans and people who are dedicated towards their dreams

Review :
Average writing style , no surprise among the Virat Kohli fan. Language is simple and cover of the book is apt to the title. Thou the book is a quick and good read.
Book is written by a non author. Book is full of writer pictures and anecdote. Over all a quick book to read about Virat Kohli stats and records.

The Mind Game

The Mind Game

Author : Devika Dad
Publisher : BlueRose Publishers
Pages : 203
Price : 205/- INR
Buy : Amazon India
Rating : 4/5 Stars

Blurb :
“Happiness, stress, ecstasy or depression, it’s all a mind game. As long as our mind is under our control, everything else is. That’s what The Mind Game is all about. It is not an average self-help book that preaches life-enhancing methodologies based on complex science or long philosophical verses. The book’s genius lies in its simplicity. It offers quick, actionable and instantly applicable tips that will help readers lead better lives, instantly.”

Review :
The mind Game is all about really going deep when reading the book and trying to understand and just get through it. The book was refreshing and encouraging This was a very fine book and I enjoyed it immensely. I am a great great fan of self help book and author has done a great job. The cover of the book is bright and beautiful. The language is simple and easy to understand. I think it's an instant favorite and hope I can convince a lot of other people to read it. Definitely worth your time. Highly recommend.

In Pursuit Of A Family

In Pursuit Of A Family

Author : Shilpa Menon
Publication : Notion Press
Pages : 283
Price : 310 /- INR
Buy : Amazon India
Rating : 5/5 Stars

Blurb :

Zsofia Lakatos was orphaned early in life. Hardships forged her into becoming strong and independent. With her wit and determination she fulfilled her dream of becoming a fine architect. She never allowed anyone to break down the fences she had created around herself.

Until meeting Kevin.

Kevin Percy had everything going well in his life - a loving family and living his dream of running a successful architecture firm in London.

Kevin's first meeting with Zsofia leaves him intrigued. He hatches a plan to bring her closer to him by offering her a job at his firm.

Will the two be able to resist their attraction to each other? Will their differences be too big to overcome? Will Kevin's past hurt their plans? Will Zsofia finally be able to dream of having a family of her own?

Review:

Stunning, beautiful writing, perfectly chosen words,a story presented with all love ,high and lows. I adored every page. The characters are strongly written, paired with wonderfully written story line and you get a totally enjoyable and entertaining read.

Author Shilpa Menon has done a great job. The way she write is tremendous. In Pursuit of a family is the kind of story that captures your imagination and keeps your attention. The book revolves around Zsofia and Kevin. This book also has the characters from her previous book Scars do heal. The language of the book is simple and easy to understand. The cover of the book is apt to the story and compels you to pick it up. The book is engagingly written. A must read book.

Dissected

Dissected

Author : Naveen Kakkar
Publication : Notion Publication
Pages : 135
Price :199/-
Buy : Amazon India
Rating : 4/5

Blurb :
Medicine brings forth images of dour, grave looking faces with heads buried in thick books. Naah....not at Dale. Set in an era much before hyper-connectivity made us social recluses, this is a hilarious take on the lives of fifty teenagers. Walk with them as they face the challenges of a treacherous first term at a medical school in Damsar, through the landmines of the anatomy hall, the eccentric physiological concepts and the endless biochemistry cycles that most did not give a damn for; well nearly most. This is a saga of how the class survived the adventure of a bus trip with a sloshed driver, the dressing down by teachers, the quirks of their own characters and still found time to shake a leg or two. Find out if Podgy and Palak will be together right till the end? Will Lego find his balance and Joy his joy? Will Tazo survive his class? Will people keep falling off the South Pole? Rohan needs this answer, desperately!

Review :
I really enjoyed this book. This book is well written, easy to follow and hillarious.
The stories are innocent and have a dash of humour, which is subtle and tickle your senses. Some stories in this collection could give you moments funnier than in comedy movies. Language of the book is simple and easy to understand. The cover of the book is apt to the story. Author has done a great job and wrote the stories in realistic manner. I recommend this book for those who need to burst their stress.
Highly recommend !

Scars Do Heal

Scars Do Heal

Author : Shilpa Menon
Publisher: Notion Press
Pages : 328
Price : 315 /- INR
Buy : Amazon India
Rating : 4/5 Stars

Blurb :
Sonal Kapoor is a reserved, hardworking entrepreneur running a florist boutique in London. She fights a paradoxical battle between her responsibilities at work and her only family there - her mother. And caught in between these is a story of Sonal's past - a terrible event that got her to flee India. Scars from her troubled past continues to manifest in multitude of ways, reminding her constantly about that horrific event.
Serendipity happens when Dr. Ryan Percy enters her life and Sonal is challenged in ways she had never imagined. Ryan turns out as everything from Sonal's quintessential definition of the man of her dreams - BUT, Ryan too comes to the party with his own baggage from the past. A pivotal piece in the jigsaw of their lives appears to be missing. Could their puzzling lives be ever completed by each other? Do they complete or destroy each other?
Review :
I honestly don't know where to start with this review. The book is one of the best I have read so far this year. It completely and absolutely blew me away. I applaud author Shilpa Menon for the remarkable writing and the compassion with which she wrote the story.
Scars do Heal is a moving story about Sonal Kapoor , how she overcome her traumatic past and repair herself with the help of. Dr.Percy. Nothing is permanent not even  scars. The story line was fresh and dealt with a difficult topic but it was amazingly written which keeps the reader eagerly turning the page till the very end.
Language is simple. Cover and title of the book is apt to the story.
Highly recommend.

Re - Script Your Life

Re - Script Your Life

Awaken The Voice Within You

Author : Reeta Gupta
Publisher : Rupa Publication
Pages : 146
Price : 395 /- INR
Buy : Amazon/Flipkart
Rating : 4/5 Stars

Blurb :
Being unkind to yourself is a form of violence…
Reeta Gupta emphasizes that ‘you become what you believe in, not what you want’.
She not only provides an effective and unique five-point plan to change your life for the better, but also shares her own experiences to illustrate these points. The book asks you to observe and reflect upon how you treat yourself, what you tell yourself and the environments you expose yourself to, every day.
If you constantly undervalue or blame yourself, you cannot be at peace. Judging yourself in a negative manner creates stress as well as illness in your body and from this disturbed emotional space, you cannot perform at your highest level. Being unkind to yourself is a form of violence and the cause of all kinds of violence in the world. Within you is the capacity for imagination, connecting the dots and creation. The one thing your mind needs most is to be free to expand, reach out and embrace miracles. Kindness towards yourself is your first duty, and the first
step in a journey of self-belief and achievement. Whether you’re a professional, a student, a homemaker or an entrepreneur, you can rescript your thoughts to rescript your life. This book is a practical guide to self-appreciation, acceptance and a peaceable future. Let a new mental monologue guide your life.
Review :
Book is a dynamic and super charged book that will awaken the voice within you. This book is beautiful book with great information inside it . Language is simple and easy to understand. Book cover is beautiful and compelled you to pick it up. I really enjoyed this book it gives the reader beautiful positive energy.
A must read book.

The Alpha Yeti

The Alpha Yeti

Author : SUM
Publisher : Author House UK
Pages : 215
Price : 250/- INR
Buy : Amazon
Rating : 4/5 stars

Blurb : Every tribal land has its own tribulations and the Kasis were way beyond any hope or help, for what they were undergoing was terrifyingly unspeakable. It wasnt any myth or taboo. This one was true. The One God was as real as the White Giants. But, all the suffering and trepidation came from the impossibly aggressive Grey Giants. They were a deformity: a fallen imprecation on the Kasis. Somehow, a sensible Bhirendi, the elderly last of the Kasis, addresses the tragedy and rushes his people into the underground chambers of Ravaial before they are forced to face the wrath of the monstrosities that lately have begun to roll down from the White Mountain. With the situation only getting worse by the moment, the tribes hire a pack of ace hunters from the West. But, one of them freaks out and abducts the daughter of an estranged but once-upon-a-time famous hunter to only earn his ire. The hunters are drawn together into a strangely unwelcome land of doom with their fates sealed under the White Mountain. They soon realise that time is all they have left in the entire world when the Grey Giants begin their vicious play. SUM brings to you, The Alpha Yeti!
Review :
SUM delivers great action and woven a solid world here. The titular monster is a classic. The story is gripping, well written action sequences.The Adventure was non stop and I had a hard time putting the book down. All characters are amazingly drawn. The cover of the book is apt to the story and the title fits the story perfectly. Language is simple and easy to understand. Overall the book is a excellent read. Highly recommend.

Tarikshir : The Awakening

Tarikshir

The Awakening

Author : Khayaal Patel
Publisher : Westland Publications
Pages : 332
Price : 399/- INR
Buy : Amazon India
Rating : 5/5 stars

Blurb :
A small princely state in Rajasthan is the last bastion of resistance against the might of the British Empire. While unrest surrounding the sudden death of the king of Devangarh grows, young prince Rudra Pratap Chauhan prepares to ascend the throne.

But the kingdom is in turmoil. The Devangarh army is outnumbered and the British forces are closing in. To make matters worse, Rudra discovers the king’s death may not have been accidental after all. The strange appearance and disappearance of a mysterious hooded stranger and a series of ritualistic murders in which the bodies have been drained of blood, spread panic across the realm.

As Rudra struggles to manage his new responsibilities and investigate his father’s death, dark secrets will be uncovered that will disrupt life as he knows it.

Review :
This book is really good, from the very first page i was engrossed. The book has interesting and entertaining cast, intriguing protagonist and full of mysteries. This is a captivating novel from a brilliant new writer. Book is both compelling and riverting and is destined for the best seller. The characters were one of the reasons this book is so good. Beautiful cover and title of the book sets the tone for a brilliant epic story. Author creates scenes and characters using direct and lively language thats makes his story powerful and hard to put down. I heartily give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

We Never Know

We Never Know

Author : Bhumika Monani
Publisher : Half Baked Beans
Pages : 118
Price : 225/- INR
Buy : Amazon / Flipkart
Rating : 3/5 stars

Blurb :
Jigisha, hailing from the small city of Ajmer, and a fresher at St. Edmunds College, has a lot in store for her for the next three years of her life.
Would her friendship with Shantanu, and love for Nikhil turn her into a different person?
Or would she gain a new perspective on life?
Will the iterations of ever changing circumstances leave her high and dry?
Read this gripping saga that will take you back to your college days and make you nostalgic.
Review :
This was an awesome and quick read. A great blend of college life, romance , friendship, a bit of angst , a touch of drama. This book has everything to make you feel nostalgic. Some scenes were very relatable.The story revolves around Jigisha and Sushant. The book is well written and engaging. Language is simple and easy to read.Overall the book is a good light read. Definitely one i recommend.

Twenty Three

Twenty Three
A Collection Of Short Stories

Author : Bikramjit Sen
Publisher : Notion Press
Pages : 161
Price : 175 /- INR
Buy : Amazon India
Rating : 4/5 Stars

Blurb : Everyone has a story to tell or a story that deserves to be told. Since no person is the same, everyone’s life is a unique tale. 

This uniqueness of different lives is honoured by Twenty Three: Collection of Short Stories that narrates the lives of various people. 

Twenty Three tells all kinds of stories, ranging from stories of ordinary people to those of paranormal entities. So, step into different dimensions as you flip through the various stories of Twenty Three.
Review :
Loved this collection. The great collection of stories, observational , character driven , brilliant in style and tone. Many stories are whimiscal that makes them incredibly beautiful and sad at the same time. The characters are interestiing. Language is simple and easy to understand. The cover of the book is beautiful and compel you to pick it up. The title is apt. Language : Greatest of all ? and Platonic love are my favourite. A must read book for those who read short stories. Highly recommend !

Paradise Towers

Paradise Towers

Author : Shweta  Bachchan - Nanda

Publisher : Harper Collins India
Release Date : 10 October 2018

HarperCollins India to launch Shweta Bachchan-Nanda’s debut novel, Paradise Towers, on 10^th October 2018

HarperCollins India is delighted to announce that Shweta Bachchan-Nanda’s debut,Paradise Towers, will release on 10^th October 2018, with a book launch event in Mumbai. A heart-warming slice-of-life novel set in an apartment building in Mumbai, Paradise Towers, is a riveting read brimming with the drama and intrigue of everyday lives. The book is now available for pre-order on major online retail sites.

About Paradise Towers: 

Dinesh opens the door to the Kapoor flat to find Lata, the enchantress who works at Mrs Aly Khan’s, carrying a hot case with freshly made gaajar ka halwa. On the first floor, the inquisitive Mrs Mody wipes the dust off her precious binoculars to spy on the building’s security guard. The Singhs open the doors of their SUV, their four boys creating a ruckus – they are the newcomers, the outsiders. Through the peephole, the ever-watchful Mrs Ranganekar observes their arrival. Welcome to Paradise Towers, an apartment building in central Mumbai. Everyone here has a story to tell. Or maybe they have stories to hide.

Shweta Bachchan-Nanda’s quirky, intimate debut explores the intertwined lives in this building – a forbidden romance, an elopement, the undercurrents of tension in corridor interactions and an explosive Diwali celebration. Shweta Bachchan-Nanda’s is a dazzling voice that will draw you into the intoxicating, crazy world that is Paradise Towers.

Speaking about how she came to write Paradise Towers, Shweta Bachchan-Nanda said, ‘I grew up with my grandfather who was a poet and a writer. Writing and reading was always a very important part of our lives. I’ve been writing a diary ever since I was a little girl, and wrote stories that I never shared with anyone. Then, one day I just said, I am going to take this plunge. I started writing a column for a newspaper in Mumbai and it gave me a lot of confidence to go ahead and do this full time, and that’s where Paradise Towers comes from.’

Latitudes Of Longing

Latitudes Of Longing

Author : Shubhangi Swarup
Publisher : Harper Collins Publishers India
Pages : 331
Price : 599 /- INR
Buy : Amazon India
Rating : 4/5 stars

Blurb :
‘Intense, lyrical, and powerful … This is a remarkable debut.’ – Jeet Thayil An astounding exploration of intense longings, Shubhangi Swarup’s novel begins in the depths of the Andaman Sea, and follows geological and emotional faultlines through the Irrawaddy delta and the tourist-trap of Thamel, to end amidst the highest glaciers and passes of the Karakorams. The story sweeps through worlds and times that are inhabited by: a scientist who studies trees and a clairvoyant who talks to them; Lord Goodenough who travels around the furthest reaches of the Raj, giving names to nameless places; a geologist working towards ending futile wars over a glacier; octogenarian lovers; a superstitious dictator and a mother struggling to get her revolutionary son released; a yeti who seeks human companionship; a turtle who turns first into a boat and then a woman; and the ghost of an evaporated ocean as restless as the continents. Binding them all together is a vision of life as vast as the universe itself. Richly imaginative and irresistible in its storytelling, Latitudes of Longing announces the arrival of an incredible new literary talent.
Review :
Enchanting , whimisical and Beautiful. What an incredible read. A beautifully written novel that will give you a strong setting and feeling.I realize i think about the book many many times since i read this book.Enjoyed the book through for its lovely imagery of land and people. Language is simple and easy to understand. Book cover compell you to pick it up. Title is apt to the story. A must read book.
Highly Recommend !!

** I received a review copy of the book from Harper collins and the curious reader ( thecuriousreader.in) for a honest and unbaised review. **

Hungry Gods

Hungry Gods

Author : Richa Lakhera
Publisher : Rupa Publications
Pages :196
Price : 295/- INR
Buy : Amazon / Flipkart
Rating : 4/5 stars

Blurb:
Beaten and brutally raped, her body is never found. However, the killers make one mistake. They leave a witness, a witness who has nothing to live for except revenge. And when he crosses the boundaries of time to make the guilty pay, a whole lot of dark characters come to light. There is Valentine, the superstar brand ambassador who sells anything for a price; there is Medici, a pharmaceutical company fraudulently manufacturing banned drugs; there is the perverted and sinister minded Dr Ranga and there is Este, the prostitute whose dark secret will blow up a daughter’s sanity. So, is there another murder waiting to happen? Will Police Inspector Dorab Silva be able to connect the clues to prevent another crime? Will these gods of greed be exposed? And yes, you will be surprised by who you will find there, finally. Deeply unsettling, Hungry Gods takes a hard look at greed for wealth and power.
Review :
Hungry Gods is a tense, gripping and somewhat disturbing story for me.This book looks like a fluffy crime thriller because of its colourfull cover but its grittier than its look that is more dark and black. The book is filled with wonderfull characters and a great plot. This fast paced story covers many aspects at times somewhat predictable but is so entertaining that i had hard time putting it down infact it took me only two sittings to finish it. The naration is smooth. Language is simple and the title is apt to the story. I greatly enjoyed the book.

Table For One

Table For One

Author : Neha Bindal
Publisher : Half Baked Beans
Pages : 171
Price : 245/- INR
Buy : Amazon India
Rating : 4/5 stars

Blurb : Taara Maheshwari, a single woman in her thirties and a successful lawyer, is tough from outside but a die heart fan of romantic movies from inside. She grew up seeking her “happily ever after’ but amid various heartbreaks andculture of modern age short term relationships,her believe in “true connections" got replaced by the comfort of being “emotionally disconnected.” After she turned 31, her parents persuaded her into meeting a guy for marriage who sounded just perfect for her. Acting on impulse,she told her parents that she would meet him only if they let her go on atrip to Europe. As Taara went on to explore the world, she experienced what actually happens when a single Indian girl travels to Europe all by herself. Is it only about dancing, singing or falling in love? What happens after you fall in love? Does love conquer all? Only her story would tell.
Review :
The book Table for one was all in all a good read and as a avid  reader it was refreshing and very realistic. Protagonist Taara Maheshwari is a single woman in her Thirties and a successful lawyer. Taara Maheshwari faces her own struggle before the journey.The storyline is just different than the routine plot line. The book was an adventure. Although it was a little boring at times.I really liked the book. The language is simple. The cover of the book is simply awesome and compel you to pick it up.The title is apt to the story. Author  Neha Bindal unique and refreshing story telling is going to get her far, very far.I would recommend picking this book up for a refreshing read.

Rakshasas

Rakshasas

The Shadow Warriors

Author : Rajiv G.Menon
Publisher : Westland Publications
Pages : 442
Price : 399/- INR
Buy : Amazon India
Rating : 4/5 Stars

Blurb :
Rise, o mighty Rakshasas! The time has come for us to give these warriors of Light a reason to fear the Dark.’

The world is in turmoil. Naraka and his formidable Asura war machine march unhindered across it bringing once great nations to their knees. They have now set their eyes on the ultimate prize — Bharata, the land of the seven rivers. Indra and his Devas struggle to contain this threat, even as they battle their own differences and the temptations of Swarga.

In Bharata, Jayanta, the son of Indra, is the new ruler. Even as he prepares for the Asura invasion, a potent threat is rising in the vast forests of Dandaka. Vidyutkesa — the only survivor of a genocide perpetrated by Jayanta — has journeyed into its heart and made contact with the Order of the Sarpa. An ancient and powerful secret society headed by Queen Manasa. With the blessings of Raksha, the Earth Spirit, the Sarpas transform Vidyutkesa and his companions into supernatural beings called Rakshasas. Their mission: to protect their land, forests, and way of life.

In this second installment of his Vedic Trilogy, Rajiv G. Menon weaves a rich and vibrant tapestry of the epic struggle between earth-worshipping feminine cultures that live in harmony with nature, and the patriarchal forces that seek to tame her.
Review :
The book Rakshasas by Author Rajiv Menon is engaging and fascinating. Book is a fast thrilling read with a good plot and excellent usage of mythological characters. The characters are strong. The blend of facts and fiction was good. The first half was so so but was glued in the second half. The book is a pageturner from start to finish. The language of the book is simple and cover and title apt to the story. A must read book for those who love mythological fiction and adventure. Eagerly waiting for the last book of the series.

Broken Jars A Fistful of Dreams

Broken Jars A Fistful Of Dreams

Author : Amal Charles
              Dolly  Koshy
              Merina Diana Morris
              Pinaki Ghosh
               Shelley Das
Publisher : Self Published
Pages : 259
Price : 480 /- INR
Buy : Amazon / Flipkart
Rating : 3/5 stars

Blurb :
Dr. Meghna Goel is a renowned Psychiatrist with an unblemished track record of helping the troubled get back on their feet. Up until now. This year she is about to face her biggest challenge in the form of seven individuals on the brink of self-destruction or worse.

Razia, a single mother hides a traumatic past. Ahmed is in prison for a heinous crime he has no regrets about. Jivan is burdened under the weight of the dual life he is forced to live. Satyananda, a self-styled Godman believes in justice, swift and cruel. Deepika seeks solace in drugs and sex. Shubham harbors thoughts of revenge and resentment towards a part of society he believes shouldn't exist. Sulochana withers away in silence carrying within her a terrible secret.

'Broken Jars, a Fistful of Dreams' is a coming together of five authors who weave parallel tales of love, betrayal, injustice and revenge. Issues that plague society are showcased with their inimitable style. The book also takes you on a journey around the metropolitan city Bangalore where the characters currently live and eight places in India where they were born and brought up.
Review :
Well, the book contain seven stories of seven different people. The book is well researched and kudos to all the authors for writing on such sensitive topics. Excellent stories- covered all the basis of story development, setting , characters and mood. The stories arouse a multitude of emotions. Highly recommended.

Adi Shankaracharya : Hinduism's Greatest Thinker

Adi Shankaracharya
Hinduism's Greatest Thinkers

Author : Pawan K. Varma
Publisher :Tranquebar Press
Pages : 364
Price : 699/- INR
Buy : Amazon / Flipkart
Rating :5/5 stars

Blurb :
What is Brahman? What is its relationship to Atman? What is an individual’s place in the cosmos? Is a personalised god and ritualistic worship the only path to attain moksha? Does caste matter when a human is engaging with the metaphysical world? The answers to these perennial questions sparkle with clarity in this seminal account of a man and a saint, who revived Hinduism and gave to Upanishadic insights a rigorously structured and sublimely appealing philosophy.

Jagad Guru Adi Shankaracharya (788–820 CE) was born in Kerala and died in Kedarnath, traversing the length of India in his search for the ultimate truth. In a short life of thirty-two years, Shankaracharya not only revived Hinduism, but also created the organisational structure for its perpetuation through the mathas he established in Sringeri, Dwaraka, Puri and Jyotir Mathas.

Adi Shankaracharaya: Hinduism’s Greatest Thinker is a meticulously researched and comprehensive account of his life and philosophy. Highly readable, and including a select anthology of Shankaracharya’s seminal writing, the book also examines the startling endorsement that contemporary science is giving to his ideas today. A must read for people across the ideological spectrum, this book reminds readers about the remarkable philosophical underpinning of Hinduism, making it one of the most vibrant religions in the world.
Review :
An outstanding book.I highly recommend this book to any educated adult, in order to get a rich  and insightful look at one of the great hinduism's thinker Adi Shankaracharya.Book is a wonderful, clearly and engagingly written to understand the vast ocean of hindu philosophy.The philosophy of advaita vedanta first preached by Adi shankaracharya is beautifully explained by author. The book changed me for better. A must read book for one and all. Highly recommended.

God Won't Help

God Won't Help
Affirmations Of The Reluctant God

Author : Rajiv Grover
Publisher : Notion Press
Pages : 105
Price : 249/- INR
Buy : Amazon India
Rating : 4/5 stars

Blurb: A chance meeting with a former US Army Special Forces officer AKA Candyman in war-torn Kabul sets Shiv, a disillusioned civil engineer, from the comforts of Mumbai on a journey to find his inner peace.

The craggy peaks and troughs of the Karakoram Range echo the ups and downs of Shiv's life as he seeks answers to questions of life, destiny and happiness. In a way, Shiv's travails are no different from that of millions of others seeking answers to the apparent unfairness in life's distribution of bounties and miseries.

Keeping him company in this quest is Nasir, a dour-faced Pashtun, who struggles with his own torments as he despairs at the caprices of fate.

But what is a former US army officer doing amidst the ruins of Kabul living in a tent house, and why does the American go by the moniker "Candyman"? The answer to this innocuous question hides in itself the purpose of life we seek and how and why happiness eludes most, despite religion, religious structures, gods and godmen and most important of all... why God won't help! Or will He?
Review :
I believed this book moved me more than any other before.The chapers contained in this book is timeless and profound. The contains four chapters.Chapter 1 : Disbelieve the belief! , Chapter 2 : Awaken the warrior within, Chapter 3: Expunge and Re-boot, Chapter 4: Be the source.The book revolve around Shiv and his search for inner peace.Language of the book is simple and easy.Cover and title is very apt .I finished this wonderful book in one night.If you need anything to lift your spirit , this is one of the many books that will be helpful.

Life Is What Matters

Life Is What Matters

It's time to be happy again

Author : Alka Dixit
Publisher : Srishti Publishers And Distributors
Pages :150
Price :195/- INR
Buy : Amazon/ Flipkart
Rating : 4/5 stars

Blurb :
Our daily lives keep us so occupied that all we see in it is chaos, and not the
blessings that come with it. We see the problems that stand in our way, and
forget the ones we have crossed and moved on. Isn't it!
To understand life, we need to first value our life. In simpler words, we need to
take care of our life. What if we raise both, our kids and our own life,
simultaneously?
When the author first met the enigmatic Dr Aditi, she was intrigued by her
profound understanding of life and penned this book on her effective and easy
to adapt plan for a happier life. You will also learn to:
! Walk through crises of life with positivity.
! Realize the true happiness that life holds.
! Overcome fears, shortcomings and hurdles.
! Exercises and guidelines to build a stronger 'you'.
! Achieve big with available opportunities and resources.
Life is What Matters is an incredibly motivating tale of a girl who embraced her
imperfections and succeeded in life, against all odds. With mantras for living a
better life, this book is a treasure.

Review :
There aren't many non - fiction book i can claim have truly changed my way of thinking about life but this book did. Author did a great job. There were so many great points its hard to sum-up. The book is divided into three parts.
Part A - Your Life is your kid
Part B - Other factors beyond control
Part C - Odds to Life
The Language of the book is simple and easy to understand.Cover and title is apt to the content of the book. The book gives you mantras for living a better life. A must read book. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

I Shall Always Love You

I Shall Always Love You

Author : Shilpa Jain
Publisher : Srishti Publishers And Distributors
Pages : 214
Price : 195/- INR
Buy : Amazon/ flipkart
Rating : 4/5stars

Blurb :
Shiv Sanyal is a celebrated artist. When he meets an enigmatic
woman, he creates a sculpture of her, his masterpiece. He is shocked
when he is publicly humiliated for copying a Khajuraho figurine that
looks just like this mysterious woman. He decides to visit Khajuraho to
unveil the truth.
Stumbling upon revelations and facts long hidden, he discovers his
connection to the glorious past of Khajuraho. Unexpected events in
Khajuraho and Mumbai force him and his friends to go on a quest to
find a hidden treasure with clues in a missing Khajuraho sculpture.
They travel across India and visit various ancient temples to find clues
leading to the treasure.
What is this treasure? Who is compelling them to seek it? Who is
Shiv’s friend and who is his enemy? How has the universe woven the
lives of his friends into his life?
I Shall Always Love You is a thrilling tale of love that never dies,
treasures that lay buried, and truths that go deeper than the seas.
Review:
Powerful and beautiful , raw and heartfelt.This book is like dreams.
The book is about Love , friendship and reincarnation. The story revolve around Shiv Sanyal a celebrated artist.Nysa the mysterious woman.
The author just know how to use just the right words to spank an image or emotions. You never feel like you dont know the characters. The storyline and narration is great.Language is simple and easy to understand.Cover and title of the book is apt to the story.This book is a must read book.Highly recommend.

Love A Little Stronger

Love A Little Stronger

Author : Preeti Shenoy
Publisher : Srishti publishers and distributors
Pages : 164
Price : 175/- INR
Buy : Amazon/Flipkart
Rating : 4/5 stars

Blurb :
Life is a collection of moments, some memorable and some mundane. Often it is the tiniest things that bring the greatest joy, even though at that time, we have no idea that what we are witnessing may be magical, something that we will talk about and laugh over after many years.
Packed with her hilarious narratives, poignant observations and a writing style loved by millions across the world, this book is certain to strike a chord with anybody who has children or who has been a child, themselves!
For those who have read 34 Bubblegums and Candies, this is a new version, with many additional stories. For others, it is a heart-warming, hilarious, and inspiring collection of true anecdotes from the author’s life, telling us to Love A Little Stronger, no matter what happens.
Review:
This book was a delight to read.Love a little stronger is a beautiful book from start to finish.This book is full of so many simple life truth.Preeti Shenoy's book uplifts you and help you to sincerly appreciate every moment of life no matter what.Author want to convey that life is not amount big moment or things but several little memories which bring smile on face.The stories in the book are very relatable.
Language is simple and easy to read.Title and book cover is apt and compel you to pick it up.Overall,this book is a must read book.

Imperfect Misfits

Imperfect Misfits

Author: Devanshi Sharma
Publisher : Srishti Publication and Distributors
Pages : 188
Price : 175/- INR
Buy : Amazon/Flipkart
Rating :4/5 stars

Blurb :
Tiasha: I am very annoyed.
Aakaash: That’s your job, Tiasha. Good that you are doing it well.
Tiasha: And I am very serious.
Aakaash: When are you not!
Tiasha: Argh! I hate you, Aakaash.
Aakaash: Thank God for small mercies!
Just like a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes the sizzling chocolate brownie delicious, these best friends complimented each other. A chef by passion, Tiasha jumps and waves through her professional choices, while Aakaash, the witty stand-up comedian, knows exactly what he wants.
He was the tranquility which refugees crave to stay in and she was the refugee, who wanted to wander and explore. Imperfect Misfits is a story of perfect misfits, food, frolic, emotions and their endless imperfections.
The question is, will their friendship survive through this wavy journey of love?
Review:
The story revolves around two best friends Tiasha and Aakash. Tiasha a chef and Aakash a stand Up comedian.This book is about friendship, Love and Dreams. The author Devanshi Sharma book is 187 pages of sheer delight.The story is very relatable.Language is simple and easy to read.The book cover is nicely designed and compel you to pick it up.Title is apt to the story.Overall book is a good light read.

The Diamond Crown

The Diamond Crown

Author : V S Rao
Publishers : Srishti Publication and Distributors
Pages : 119
Price : 150/- INR
Buy : Amazon/Flipkart
Rating :3/5stars

Blurb:
Lakhs of devotees have gathered at the ashram to celebrate Swamiji’s shashtipoorti, his completing sixty years of age. Arrangements are in place for the many followers from all over the world who come to seek blessings, as also for those crooks who come with hopes of stealing the diamond crown – a gift of love from a wealthy devotee.

Balaram, Kumkum and their allies have waited for this day with bated breath. The crown would change their lives and give them a chance to start afresh.
Will everyone stick to the plan? Does greed for more let them succeed?

When despite strict vigil the diamond crown is stolen, and all clues lead to a dead end, the police officials call out to the man they trust the most – detective Tempo. With a sharp insight and a knack for noticing the unusual in the most mundane of things and people, he is the man who takes it upon himself to find the crown.

Will Tempo catch up with the thieves or are the culprits always a step ahead?
Review:
Well , The book is a crime thriller.The book revolves around the diamond crown.Which is stolen by the Balaram and his men and all the clues to find it leads to dead end. Tempo the detective is hired by the police to catch the thieves.The story is good read and fast paced. The book will appeal to the young generation.The language of the book is simple.The book is written by V.S
Rao  the multifaceted telugu author.
A book for lazy summer afternoon.

Lovestruck

LOVESTRUCK

Author : Prasupta Roy
Publisher : Half Baked Beans
Pages : 130
Price : 245/- INR
Buy : Amazon/Flipkart
Rating : 3/5 stars

Blurb :
Kaatyaani works as an English teacher in a school. She enjoys her job as she finds it both challenging and rewarding. She dreams of excelling in this field and getting some recognition in her life. But, life takes a different turn when she marries Hemant. She now has only one wish-to become a mother.

For, she thinks a baby will fill the void in her life. But fate has different plans! Amidst the turmoil when life seems meaninglessshe meets Siddharth, a tall and handsome man in his mid-thirties. In him, she finds her ideal man, her soul mate. They come closer, fall in love and wish to spend life with each other. But Kaatyaani won’t leave Hemant. For, she thinks he will be shattered if she forsakes him.

Fate plays a game again when Hemant gets transferred to Bangalore. Her heart craves for Siddharth while her mind demands fidelity. In this tussle, between her heart and mind who will win-the heart or the mind?
Review:
Short, but endearing and sweet.Author Prasupta Roy has such an incredible ability to enchant readers with her stories and characters.The story of the book revolves around Kaatyaani an english teacher who leaves her job for family, Hemant (Kaatyaani's husband and Siddharth (Kaatyaani's facebook friend).The story was a quick read.The love story between Kaatyaani and Siddharth is well written.Narration is good.Title of the book is apt to the story. The story is a bit predictable.All in all it was a enjoyable read.

The Trails Of Apollo : The Burning Maze

The Trials Of Apollo
The Burning Maze

Author : Rick Riordan
Publisher : Penguin UK
Pages : 452
Price : 599/- INR
Buy : Amazon/ Flipkart
Rating : 5/5 stars

Blurb:
I was a god, once. Until I was cast out by my father, Zeus. 
Now I'm an awkward mortal teenager called Lester. 
My way out. A series of scary and dangerous trials, of course. 
For my third mission, I must, journey through the labyrinth to free an oracle who only speaks in puzzles. 
Defeat a vicious and bloodthirsty roman emperor the most vicious of three very vicious and bloodthirsty roman emperors. 
Is that all. No, I've to do everything without any of my godly powers. Wonderful. Looks like I'll be needing all the help I can get. From new friends and old.
Review:
The plot was stunning with the seamless execution.A must read book for all Rick Riordan fan.Am speechless.Book is a roller coaster ride.Language is simple and easy. Story is fast paced.Book cover  is simply awesome.Title is apt to the story.A must read book. Highly recommend.

The Buddha And The Bitch : Two Women, Two Worlds, One Practice

The Buddha And The Bitch : Two Women, Two World, One Practice

Author : Rashma & Phebe
Publisher : Hay House Publishers India
Pages : 188
Price : 299/- INR
Buy : Amazon India
Rating : 3.5/5 Stars

Blurb :
The Buddha and the Bitch is an inspiring, autobiographical story of a unique friendship between two women from different cultures, generations and world views, presenting two different approaches to life and art. 

Thrown together by cosmic chance and united by their love for writing and self-discovery, Phebe, a writing teacher from Ohio, retired and a lesbian and Rashma, the younger, independent playwright from Delhi, a wife and mother, meet and travel to South India together. They detail their journey while sharing their ecstasies and woes of making art; the Bitch pushes the Buddha to learn the ways of the world while the Buddha advises the other to enjoy life. 

A quick and easy read, The Buddha and the Bitch touches woke subjects including meditation and spirituality, art and creativity, sexuality and romantic love. The book also addresses challenges of starting a new project, nourishing the artistic muse, going deeper and taking risks and overcoming creative doubts, making it a must-read for anyone aspiring to be someone in this chaotic world.
Review:
A lot of people donot read autobiography but autobiography compel me a lot.Even the poorly executed one give you a glimpse into someone else life and a perspective different than your own.
The book focuses on the authors Rashma and Phebe trips, their struggles as writers and bonding with their near and dear ones.The writers make it look effortless.There is honesty and respect in writing.The book easily connects with reader.The language is simple and easy to understand.Book cover is apt to the story.overall, the book is a wonderfull summer afternoon read.
A must read book.