Game of Life – Book Review

This is written as part of BlogChatter Book Review program.

The book was sent to me by the author under this program for the review.

Book name – Game of Life
Author – Arpan Ghosh
Genre – Young Adult, Romance

Link for purchase> Click Here The Blurb and few abouts author as found in the link.

Blurb:
Suhani , a brave beauty who took pitfalls at almost every step in life finally finds a soothing corner in form of love.
Nonetheless she could never really know who he is until someone decides to take advantage of their innocent bond and the only good thing about Suhani’s life gets into jeopardy.
Will she ever discover who her true love really was? Or would she have to live with a void for all her life?

About the author:
Arpan Ghosh is one of those writers who have the need of writing just as much oxygen. This time, he comes with an all new romantic tale. He’s fond of travelling and believes writing is a way of expression for the language of not only mind, but hearts too!

This book is a very short read and can be finished in a single sitting. A very good companion while travelling or while waiting somewhere.

As the blurb says, the story is about the love-life of a girl Suhani in her teen years. How she falls in and out of love and why, are the main plot along with the friendship she makes on the way. The story deals with breakup as much as love.

I appreciated the fact that she moves on with her life, despite the setbacks and demoivating family background, though it made me wonder how a girl from such a simple background could decide to go for an internship to USA just like that.

The second half of the story moves intriguingly and feels much better than the early stages of her life. And the first half seems to be very rushed, much like an extended prologue. 

The language and style of the book could use a good upgrade. But you eventually get used to it and the emotions are conveyed through.

For people in the age group of late teens, and those who are not so immersed in literary world, this would be a very interesting read and If you are looking for a light read this might be your choice.

The author deserves an appreciation for his story-telling skills and I believe he tells them even better in person.

Silver Hair Sins – Book Review

This is written as part of BlogChatter Book Review program.

The book was sent to me by the author under this program for the review.

Book name – Silver Hair Sins
Author – Saumick Paul
Publisher – The Write Place
Genre – Fiction, Visual story telling

The Blurb along with purchase link > Click Here

The story is set in future. Where the world is being completely taken over by technology, and even each individual’s thinking is being controlled by the tech and the team behind it.

The world as we know, is supposed to be changed by enormous leaps. Though is it for the better?

The story is set around characters which are doing something, yet declared as the role models of the future, with an entirely different backstory.

And thus the next generation sees the rape committed to the pioneer, Meera, as the ultimate form of sacrifice, when subjected to it voluntarily. And they also take up only the popularised and shallow versions of the ancient scriptures, which are completely ridiculous as the base idea was totally lost during the transition.

The story is supposed to redeem itself by showing that the idea behind the tech, resets the balance once in awhile. This part includes some good acronyms for Adam, Eve and Eden and also brings out the concept of Dasavatharam and / or the base fight of good over evil, where good wins eventually, but evil is never ever dead in the complete sense.

By reading the gist, the story might seem to be all in all on good note, but I’m afraid that, the narration doesn’t let you think so, while reading it.

I appreciate the effectiveness of the writer in making the reader captivating. Because for someone who isn’t new to dystopian novel, some sequences of the story makes me revolted. Guess there lies the success of a dystopian writer.

The part which gains my appreciation is for the effort put behind the pictures and also the video trailer. The main feature of the book is visual story telling, which in common terms mean, half the book is for photographs, which are supposed to improve the impact of story telling.

But my personal opinion is the pictures didn’t speak to me, despite being a wonderful work, as much as the pictures in Jonathan Livingston Seagull or the Little Prince.

If you are into exploring dystopian worlds you might try this and appreciate it better than me!

Review of “A Case of Connections”

I received the book through “Blogchatter Book Review Program“

Book Name: A Case of Connections
Author Name: Sayan Battacharya
Publisher: White Falcon Publishing
Link to Buy: Amazon

About the Book:
The story of three individuals, spanning different eras, different geography, and different political and societal conditions, connected by some memories and a Brief-Case full of papers. In other words, individual stories of grandfather, uncle, and grandson.

This book is split into three parts.

Part 1 – Why and what are all the events that led the grandson to chase the story of his grandfather Satyen.

Part 2 – What happened to the grandfather, Satyen, that made him so far away from his family. This also covers a very vivid glimpse into the conditions existing during the period of second world war, in India as well as London, and also how it affects the family.

Part 3 – The story of uncle / son of Satyen, shows insights into the life of Satyen as a father. Also explains how the connections are packed together inside a case.

Thus, we get insights into the lifestyle of those three person’s period. Even if the story is said in three perspectives, it is actually the story of Satyen.

In part 1, as a grandfather and a relative living so far away, geographically, yet so close in the heart’s of his family. This is conveyed through Satyen’s brother’s grandson. And through his interactions with grand parents and other relative’s memory of him.

In the next part, Satyen, as an individual who has aspirations beyond the routine life, how he follows through them, the struggles and dilemma he faces before few decisions and how they impact his life and to what extent are delivered from his perspective.

In the final part, Satyen as a father is explained by his son. Also this part explains what made this story plausible.

Though this make it seem like a common story, the content makes the book special as it gives the reader an insight into history, without the monotonous nature of school books, but in the most effective way, by explaining with individual family’s impact from world politics.

The lucid writing style makes it an easy read. Though it took me some time to grasp what the terms of relationship meant, (I presumed many) the content makes it easier to understand the relationship. Kindly note that this is a personal issue as I’m not familiar with the author’s native language.

Overall the book is a good read, and a great find for those who like to learn history.

Rating – 4/5

“Just Thinking”

A Book by one of the dear friends, I got from blogosphere, Mr. Colin Chappell. This book is a collection of poems by him and few others.

The little blurb on the cover exactly summarises about the book, while the image on the cover sets the tone for the book.. Pleasing to view, Comforting the soul and a beauty to cherish!

The book is a very short read, if you want to finish in a single siting. But it is best enjoyed, when read one at a time and pondered upon, as each of them provokes something inside.. To emote, to inspire, to laugh and sometimes create a new post!

The book is divided into Five Parts.
Part 1 -My friend Ray: It talks about thoughts that influenced the life of Ray just as Ray influenced the life of Colin!
Part 2 – Relationships: Every reader could find some connection with at least one of them. This section is a fine example of how our personal life impacts turn out to beautiful creation.
Part 3 – Life’s Journey: The largest collection of poetry falls within this section and the prelude to the section explains / justifies why very aptly!
Part 4 – Tina and other stories: This is where stories unfold as poetry. And the stories are rich!
Part 5 – Just thinking: This is a collection of random poetry, which are not falling into any of the previous categories..

When I received the book and skimmed through the titles, indeed I was drawn to the “Ripples” and I was astounded for that conveyed my exactly thoughts on why I named my blog as Ripples.

And the poem that became a favorite of mine in the collection is, “The Old man’s lament“. For this one was beautifully inspiring to start living the life right now, or lament later. It is so practical and doesn’t exclude the base of our necessity to be a social being as well as the necessity to live for one self!

There are few written by his daughter, Melanie-Anne Chappell, Dr. Phoebe Chi and Carolyn Shelton. There is some invisible thread tying those poems into the book, very much in sync with the tone and theme of the book. Especially “The Toque (Knitted Hat)! “ by Melanie and “I’m sorry I couldn’t do more” by Dr. Phoebe had a lasting impression on me.

There is an important feature laced all through the book. The poems (not all) starts with a short (or sometimes a page-length) note. It is more like setting the stage for the show. For those notes play a vital role in setting the context. As it eases understanding them on the first read and doesn’t leave any space for misinterpretation by reader, from the perspective of writer.

I have always pondered whether my writing is ever understood, the way I conceived it?! And this seems to be the best solution for that. I might be trying it in the future! Thanks for the idea!

As for acknowledgements, which was at the end of the book, I read it last and was most surprised! For Colin has included me in it, as my Header Image in the past was an inspiration for his poem, Ripples.

The joy of seeing my name in print, along with a very clear understanding of the idea behind it was one of the personal favorite moment of my life. Thank you Colin, for the understanding and the joy you created in me!

The book is a real treasure to ponder upon various facets of life and provides a good meal to the hungry of the mind!

Do grab your copy of the book is available here!

Do we need BookReviews?

Today I am deviating from my theme – nostalgia, apologies, if you were expecting it!

A recent conversation with a friend lead to the topic, why book reviews are important and here is my personal, non-researched view on that question.

I’ve been reading books for years and still haven’t bothered with reviews until the past few years.

It was when I started picking books myself rather than read what’s recommended by dear and near. When I started exploring the plethora of categories and titles, I was literally confused on what would suit me and what wouldn’t.

So, I started searching for the title in Wikipedia, to get a gist of what is awaiting in the content. But that wasn’t a helping, when I started picking up books that aren’t very famous. And thus I stumbled upon Goodreads.

Until, I was part of publishing a book, I didn’t realise the impact of reviews completely.

Now my perspective of reviews are much different than what I started with..

I feel the reviews are important because of these points.

• It conveys the emotion of reader.
• Helps a new reader to pick a book more often than a book without reviews.
• Constructive criticism helps the author improve their writing.
• And honest positive review is to the author, what the sound of first clap to a live performer is.

There are few downfalls as well to book reviews.

• Reviews by amateur/immature readers, doesn’t give an objective review.
• Also, when the reader is not familiar even with popular books of the same genre, they couldn’t identify the inspiration/theft of ideas from other sources. (And it’s really disheartening to read huge praises being misdirected)
• Paid reviews – it’s true that it’s very very hard to get genuine reviews for new books by persons, yet to become famous. But considering an author famous, only based on paid reviews is totally unfair.

So I do believe that avid readers must come forward to write honest reviews and create a trusted platform for new authors and help the growth of genuine creativity.

And Blogchatter’s platform to bring them together is a right move in that direction. The details of the program are here.

Have you found your “Calling”?

The easiest thing to dish out as well as the toughest thing to receive is advice. For we do keep our hands closed tight, by holding on to the same old beliefs and imaginary feathers of our own crown.

So how do you open up that hand to receive abundance of happiness and contentment, while the closed hand hurts the one holding as well as the stuff being held?

You have to open up one finger at a time, loosen the grip and gently convince to let go of certain things, while still holding on to the thread of life and good things.

That’s how the book by Priya Kumar “The Calling”, calls out to the inner self that has become dormant in the chase of materialistic success at the cost of life itself. By unraveling the knots one at a time, and also by tying the right knots to lengthen and strengthen the beauty and miracle of life.

Life is short to learn everything by experiencing personally. Hence take time to learn from the experience of others. The book speaks of experience of one guy, who could be identified as ourselves in some aspect. But his life takes a blow, bursts through pits and blooms into a promising future. A leaf or two from his life might help in enriching the lessons of experience.

A simple narration, smooth flow, slow and strong introduction of the characters, one at a time, makes the book an easy and happy read. The flow of writing allows you to finish the book in one sitting, whereas the content of the book needs chewing for the healthy digestion and absorption of the profound thoughts, which could be life altering, when taken up at right dosage.

The tough and serious ideas are laced with humor and wrapped up in the finest of sugar coating, for the intake of ideas happen even before the realisation hits hard. The narration is vivid and brings life to the story on its own.

Though it may be argued that it’s old wine in new bottle, this new bottle is comfortable to hold and a pleasure to consume. And it also beautifully serves as a healthy dose of reminder to focus on the very purpose of life in an alluring way.

The book has a feel-good attitude and provokes your thoughts or at the very least brush away the negativity while spreading warmth and cheer. The life altering suggestions are spelt in a very practical and easy-to-follow way.

So go grab your copy of the book and find your calling and step up few more rungs in the ladder of life. Happy reading!

A Jump in Joy with JIMP!

I had been away from writing in the recent past few days, for I’m back to reading..

I fell in trap with this wonderful story by an amazing story teller.. And this story captivated me and got me hooked till the end and is still lingering in my thoughts, long after I finished it..

I do read stories sacrificing my sleep, but there are very few stories, which steal away my sleep to find time for the story, to crawl into the tiny crevices of my mind and get a high chair..

Why just few.. They are totally based on the story teller and the story..

So what’s special about the storyteller here?

A traveller sees and observes more than a non-traveller of any mode.. Yes, I meant the armchair travelers, who travel far and beyond with the words through books.. ; Thus a traveller has many more stories and eventually they become good story tellers.

Here is a traveller, who had travelled places in a map and places unplottable in a map.. Hence the story teller in him is far more nourished and equipped with a great story..

What about the story?

When someone starts saying a story, in general, every human awakens the little kid within them, for stories are automatically related to childhood.. But good stories are the reasons, the kids grow to be better grown ups..

Some stories awaken the dreams for life..
Some stories colors and add shades to life..
Some stories teach you, guide you and enrich your knowledge..
Some stories pave way for opening new horizons..
There are few stories that even change the course of your life, While few polish the path of your destiny..

The beauty of a story is, it changes us even without our knowledge and thus without any pain or resistance from our conscious mind..

So without any more beating the bush, here comes the book..

The book that recently stole my sleep and fits into every type of story listed above is ‘Journey is my path’ by my FRIEND Jithin aka Trablogger.. I’m proud and would happily boast that the author is my friend too.. 😉

I’ve always wished I could communicate with the author on a personal note after reading few books.. I’m very highly fortunate to have this author in MY FOLLOWER list.. How amazing it is.. To have an author I like as my follower.. It’s a dream come true.. 😀

Here I’m enjoying and cherishing the benefits and beauty of the blogosphere.. For letting me know the author and even more happy for having some silly conversations with a good author..

Thanks Jithin! For letting me explore a new travel from my comfy-lazy-armchair.. And for giving me the joy of knowing an author of book beyond the words of his book!

I loved your book and I’m recommending the book to everyone who would listen to me.. I hope more and more people enjoy your book..

I sincerely wish you go places higher and higher, just not because I could boast of having you as my friend and follower.. 😉 But sincerely because you deserve it.. 🙂

Okay folks, now go grab your copy of this ebook here or the paperback through the contact form in here. The free sample is available on the Amazon ebook link and if you want to read few more excerpts, go check in here.. And I sincerely hope you too find this as an amazing read.. Waiting to know your views on the book.. 🙂