Saturday 30 November 2019

Chaos

Chaos
In Romance, Sexuality And Fidelity

Author : Raksha Bharadia
Publisher : Rupa Publication
Pages : 218
Format : Paperback
Price : 295/-  INR
Buy : Amazon/Flipkart
Rating : 5/5 Stars

Blurb : 
Most urban couples today experience some amount of chaos in their interpersonal relationships— whether it be in the struggle to keep the erotic spark alive, trying to balance between the need for intimacy and personal space or in handling the new-age demon called boredom! Long-established patterns of married life are breaking down in a new India where gender equality and individualism have blurred the domestic division of labour and leadership, often resulting in ego clashes between partners. Technological advancements such as birth control, IVF, paternity tests etc., open up options but bring along accompanying complications. It is the same with the Internet and social media. Old rules of couple relationship—both explicit and implicit—do not fit well anymore; new rules are still not in place. In such a scenario, this book seeks to understand the little equations that go to make up a long-term relationship, thereby throwing light on the steps that, if not well managed, lead to chaos for both partners. Some of the questions addressed here are: Why do we feel the need to guard our partner’s sexuality? Why does boredom set in, in most long-term relationships? Why do affairs begin and is it really about sex or love at all? And many more such, that deal with the nitty-gritty of day-to-day sharing of the physical, emotional and sexual space between couples. By the end of this book, you may just revisit all that you have been taking for granted!

Review :
An incredible well written and readable book. This book was such a great read I could not put it down. Author Raksha Bharadia  covered the topic of Romance, Sexuality and Fidelity in depth and her research is simply fascinating. Author takes the reader on an interesting narrative journey. What I personally gained most was an opportunity to reflect on something typically taken for granted what can reasonably be expected to ourselves and our partners in our relationship and the importance of communicating on a subject that is typically left unspoken and forbidden. The coverpage and title of the book is apt to the content of the book. The language of the book is simple and easy to understand. I realise that many people will only read the first and last paragraph of a review, so read this for yourself and make your mind up. What you might find is, if you are willing to accept it, that you may start noticing some of the practices unfold in your own life Or some even reflect similarities of some of the anecdote with your own experience. Highly recommend.

** This review is a part of the Blogchatter book review program **


Friday 29 November 2019

The Sinners

The Sinners

Author : Sourabh Mukherjee
Publisher : Sristhi Publishers
Pages : 191
Price : 199/- INR
Format : Paperback
Buy : Amazon India
Rating : 5/5 Stars

Blurb : 
Vikram Oberoi is found dead in his penthouse. A few hours ago, his involvement in a sex scandal in NexGen Technologies made headlines across the world. Who is behind the sinister conspiracy that destroyed Vikram Oberoi, the philandering India Head of NexGen? Rivals within and outside the firm? One of his many jilted lovers or the miffed wife? A mysterious conspirator laying out honey traps to sabotage his plans? Or, is it the ghost of a sinful past that continues to haunt the Oberois? The Sinners is a fast-paced thriller with a shocking twist that unravels against the backdrop of corporate warfare, illicit relationships and ruthless seduction games.
Review :
I read The Sinners over a weekend and for the last 50 or so pages could not put it down. The author creates an immersive, cinematic world, inhabiting a series of characters in a way that feels deeply candid and real. It is excellent thriller but it is the internal monologue of each characters that drew me in the most. The book revolves around Vikram Oberoi  (The Boss).The story revolves around corporate office involving everyone of the office. Author Sourabh Mukherjee has done a great job here. The book is very gripping and writing is flawless. Well  absolutely love the colourfully cover page title of the book is apt to the story and compell you to pick it up. The characters are all wonderful and flawed in various interesting ways. Language of the book is simple and easy to understand. Well written and quick read book. Definitely worth picking up. Highly recommend!

Wednesday 13 November 2019

Chats With God's In Underwear

Chats With God In Underwear

Author : Eduardo Chapunoff
Publisher : Self Published
Pages : 183
Price : 207 INR
Format : Kindle
Buy : Amazon India
Rating : 5/5 Stars

Blurb :
God decides to visit the Earth disguised as a regular man and holds (among other terrestrial activities) inquisitive dialogues with religious personalities (catholic priest, evangelist pastor, agnostic philosopher, Buddhist and Islam representatives) The conversations deal with life conflicts, happiness and faith and explores religious questions. He selected a psychologist who will be his "close friend" and will share wit him a number of experiences, some of them displaying humorous situations. Some chapters deal with God taming a horse, another doing aerial acrobatics, visiting a gym where he picks up 500 Kg weight with no difficulty whatsoever and nobody ever knows that they are dealing with the Supreme. In another chapter he plays Chopin impromptu as a virtuoso and also attends an Argentine Night Club where he dances a tango as a foremost expert. After leaving the Restaurant Club He and his friends are assaulted by a band of criminal. Again, his identity remains secret except for the man (a psychologist) who shares all of these experiences with Him.The last two chapters deal with an unprecedented conversation between God and his friend and they explore questions of deep spiritual issues and values and the last chapter describes his departure which takes place with an intense emotional farewell.
Review :
This is the best book I have read in years. It required a bit of concentration at first place but once I realized what was happening I was hooked. Chats with God in underwear is a book I will refer to time and time again for inspiration a lift higher and a reality check. Author brings the God himself to earth as God ( Rogelio). He hold a dialogue with religious personalities. Buddhist , an evangelist pastor, an agnostic philosopher, a Muslim religious leaders and a Catholic priest.  The character of John is brilliantly written. The book had a great flow and energy. It was a pleasure to read. The language of the book is simple and easy to understand. The book is quick read that had me coming back for more. Some truly groundbreaking insight into the religion and humanity. I would highly recommend this fascinating piece of literature.

Wednesday 6 November 2019

Immortal

Immortal

Author : Krishna Udayasankar
Publisher : Penguin India
Pages : 246
Price : 399/- INR
Format : Paperback
Buy : Amazon India
Rating : 4/5 Stars

Blurb :
Professor Bharadvaj is more than just another whisky-loving, gun-toting historian-for-hire. Behind the assumed identity of a cynical academic is a man who has walked the earth for scores of years. He is Asvatthama-the cursed immortal, the man who cannot die.
When Professor Bharadvaj is approached by the enigmatic Maya Jervois to search for a historical artefact unlike any other, he is reluctant to pursue it. The object in question, the Vajra, is rumoured to possess incredible alchemical powers, but the Professor does not believe it exists. After all, he has spent many lifetimes-and identities-searching for it, in a bid to unearth the secret to his unending life.
Yet, as the evidence of the Vajra's existence becomes increasingly compelling, the professor is plunged into an adrenaline-fuelled adventure that takes him from the labyrinthine passages beneath the Somnath temple to the legendary home of the siddhas in the Nilgiris, and finally into the deserts of Pakistan to solve a confounding puzzle left behind by the ancients.
But who is behind the dangerous mercenaries trying to thwart his discoveries at every step? And is the professor-a legendary warrior in a long-ago life-cursed to walk the path of death and bloodshed forever?
Review :
Oh ! What a book i say. Spell Binding and refreshing. Fast paced , gripping and wonderfully written. This novel makes a great read. Book is definitely a compulsive page turner. Kudos to the author Krishna Udayasankar the way she blends the mythology with fiction in a contemporary style is simply awesome. The book revolves around Professor Bharadwaj ( also known as ASVATTHMA )who was approached by Maya Jervois to search for Vajra which possess alchemical power. The language of the book is simple and easy to read. The cover page and the title of the book is apt to the story. I cannot say enough good things about the book. A wonderful book with a great plot and a fair share of twists and turn. A must read book. Highly recommend.