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Thursday, December 11, 2014

Book Review - Love Kills by Ismita Tandon

Love Kills by Ismita Tandon is a murder mystery where there's a dead girl and a dead man but it's not your normal whodunit. Admittedly it's a little slower but slow burner of books are also good.

The story begins with Johnny Will who runs a de-addiction center called 'Thy Will' where he treats rich and famous of country.

The story begins when Johnny's girlfriend Mira is found dead with an overdose of Morphine and a drawing with the exact replica of crime scene near her dead body. Johnny is the prime suspect in the murder, who naturally claims innocence. Then who killed Mira and why?

The books is told from different perspectives where in each chapter is told through perspective of different characters and which instantly turns this book into a very interesting read because every voice has a different style and almost everyone appears  to have a motivation to be the killer. 

All the characters have their motivations to be vicious and we don't know the identity till the very end. My only concern with the book was slightly slow pace which wasn't up to my taste, so I have deducted one star for that otherwise it has been a wonderful book which every book lover should give a try.

My Ratings for the book 4/5 i.e. ****/*****


Saturday, December 6, 2014

Book Review - Henni

I was loaned/provided this DRC e-Copy for an honest review by NetGalley 

This is kinda a YA graphic novel about a girl called Henni who lives in a world of Cat-people. Using cat-people the author has drawn a wonderful world which tells the story about two societies. One where Henni grows up is filled is religious zealots and when she grows up run away from her village she reaches another village which is filled with cat-people who are ruled by fear and forced in submission and agreeing with their wish. This graphic novel tells us about Henni's continuous journey to different villages. 

This time we cover two of them and promise of continuous story. Very nice and different presentation. Very good read for all. Will wait for next installments and like most I will post full review once the book is published.


My rating for e-ARC of this Graphic novel is 4/5 stars or ****/*****

Monday, April 14, 2014

Book Review - The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman is a story about childhood. It's fantasy, YA, Horror, Drama its everything our childhood was. I admit I wanted to read this or any of Neil's books for a very long time so I was very happy when it finally became possible.

The story starts with a middle aged man attending a funeral and then he goes to look at his old home which is no longer there and then he goes to the end of the lane to the place where he had whale of a time when he was 7 years old. This book starts as a simple memoir and jumps head first in the world of supernatural and all powerful beings and an ocean which is just a duck pond. But he was convinced by Lettie who was 11 that it was an Ocean.

This is truly a magical book which would take you back to your childhood which was filled with magic and the moments which you can no longer believe to be absolutely true or may be that would happen to me and you when we are little more older. Till then enjoy the ride again its a fairly small book but you would wish that it would've been longer. But as all things perfect it is the way it was supposed to be neither too short nor too long, it is just right. If you get a chance by all means do read this book you won't be disappointed.

My Ratings  - 5/5
In Stars        - ***** / *****


Since this my first book by Neil Gaiman it would go for First Reads Challenge 2014.

Book Review - Girl Alone by Rupa Gulab

'Girl Alone' is a book by Rupa Gulab. At 204 pages it's a fairly small book.

Our protagonist  Arti moved to Mumbai from Kolkata for a job and lives in a hostel with her best friends Monica and Jo. Together they go through life and relationships. But its all the way through Arti's story and thus her snobbery and cynicism rules over. 

Arti's solution for life's tests and troubles is simple Cough Syrup. You are alone - Cough Syrup, Break-up - Cough Syrup, Feel like crying - Cough Syrup, you get the idea. As a voice Arti accepts that much and she really is a snob who feels that she is so superior to all the other less read people. Though I must say that I really liked the numerous references and quotes from classic literature and rock songs.

In all I liked the book enough to finish it and didn't feel like throwing it across the room. It is an enjoyable read so if you feel like it go for this Chic Lit.

My Ratings - 3/5
In Stars      - *** / *****


My review for this book is part of IQRC 2014.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Book Review - The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

I bought this book because I heard a lot of good things about it. And word of mouth is very important factor with books. I hoped to learn something good through this book. Oh! how mistaken was I. 

First of all this is not a book as it is just a transcript of the video by the same name, with few quotes thrown in between for good measure. 

The Secret is 'The Law of Attraction' but the philosophy is quite simply dangerous. All's good and well when we are told that the Law of Attraction is most important and powerful law in the universe. But how do you benefit from the law oh do nothing just believe and it would be done.

Want to be a writer then do nothing just believe you are a writer and as per this book you would get your book deal. What a Joke.

My Biggest issue with this joke is that also claims that we attract all the bad things which happen to us with our thinking. 

Wonderful so the kid who got cancer got it because he or his parents thought about it. The Girl who got raped because she was thinking about it. Dangerous in the word. This book is dangerous and it doesn't deserve one bit of praise it got. 

Avoid this at all cost, avoid it like plague..

My Ratings - 1/5

In Stars     - * / *****

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Book Review - The Treasure of Kafur by Aroon Raman

One thing which I don't like much about Indian authors is that they seem to focus only on one type of subject love stories. That is why I am always interested in the books which are different. Just like the one I have got today. 

'The Treasure of Kafur' is a tale centered around India of 16th century about 1580s. This is a historical fiction and its a lovely book. There I said it, I loved it absolutely loved it for the language, for the flow, for the characters, for the story, for the research for everything the author has done.

The story as the title suggests about a treasure of lore and legends actually the original treasure wasn't lost and it was huge (241 tonne Gold, 20000 Horses and 612 Elephants all laden with looted treasure of South India). But that's where fiction element come into the picture, its historical fiction and it works beautifully. 

Our Hero is Dattatreya a 21 years old man living with his Grandmother Ambu who are both Guardians and can communicate with animals. Datta is always with few animals Aditi - his Cow, Manas - his Tortoise, Kanka and Shukra - Ravens and Sheherazad - a parrot. Ambu comes to know of the location of the lost treasure of Kafur and the cruel ruler of country Khandesh wants that treasure to wage a war against Mughal empire. So Ambu is kidnapped by him and Datta races against time to reach Agra to Akbar to alert him of the treasure and get his Ambu free.

The story progresses like a fantasy novel and there are certainly few elements. In all I simply loved this wonderful effort by the author. Hoping to read more of his writing.

My Ratings - 5/5
In Stars     - ***** / *****



Note - I received an author signed copy by Aroon himself but that hasn't changed any of my words or review I genuinely loved the book. I even forgo sleep to write this review.



This review is part of First Reads challenge 2014 and IQRC 2014.

Monday, March 31, 2014

Book Review - Under The Dome by Stephen King

Image Credit - Goodreads.com
What if one fine day you wake up to find yourself trapped? not only you but everyone in your town with you? Your Entire town covered by an invisible force field which can not be crossed over. Same thing happens this novel.

'Under The Dome' is a horror/suspense novel written by Stephen King, an author known worldwide for his horror novels. This is one of his newer novels and also one of the biggest ones clocking more than 1000 pages. 

As the name implies the story is about Chester's Mill a small US town in Maine which suddenly gets trapped under a dome and no one has any idea about how or what happened. And people try to find out about life being trapped inside an invisible mysterious impenetrable bubble which can not be broken away and the town people try to live their trapped under it.  

Since its big novel there are lot of characters from animals to lot of humans. Our hero is Dale 'Barbie' Barbara and villain is town's 2nd Selectman Big Jim Rennie. There is constant struggle throughout the novel from Rennie to get total control over town. 

There are lot of secrets spread around town and what can happen to a town if its cut off from everywhere and people are scared. Government tries every trick but can not get through. 

As I said earlier its a big book as it deals with lot of characters major and minor. Its an enjoyable read and if you like Stephen King's writing you would like it too. For me it was my second King novel looking to read more of his works.

My Ratings - 4/5
Stars Rating- ****/*****

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Book Review - The Reader by Bernhard Schlink

What if, You fall in love with a woman more than double your age? What if, she turns out to be a criminal? What would you do? What should you do? What is right? What is wrong?

Such is the story in this beautiful book where Michael, 15 our protagonist meets Hanna 36 and he falls in love with her. They make love and he reads to her. 

The book is divided in 3 parts each focusing on three different times in their lives. 

Michael meets and fall in love with Hanna. Who loves to hear him read to her hence the title. They spend time together and enjoy each other's company. They fight, make up and then fight some more. But then one day she is gone.

Michael sees Hanna again after many years as a criminal who is awaiting trial and he attends the trial as a law student. The book is full of sadness and love. Our hero struggles with himself and his love for Hanna in light of her crime. But can you ever forget your first love?

Michael continues to try to find meaning with his life and this love for Hanna and trying to find why she did what she did and her life as a Nazi.

I loved this book may be you would too.

My Ratings - 5/5
In Stars       - *****/*****




P.S. - This is part of First Reads Challenge 2014
  

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Book Review - Israel by Sarah Glidden

Ok the full name of the book is 'How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less' and its Memoir/Travelogue by Sarah Glidden. 

This book is in Graphic Novel format where in Sarah shares her experience from her Birthright Trip to Israel. This is something which is offered by Israel to Jews living in other countries to introduce them to Israel.

Through out the Journey Sarah battles with the idea that this entire trip is nothing but a ploy by Israel to brainwash her with Israel's ideology. Throughout Sarah fights with her ideas and her expectations for the trip.

She also poses few tough questions about Israel's policy with Palestine and other neighbouring countries. 

In all the book is quite enjoyable as reading a travelogue in Graphic Novel format was a different experience. I know there are other memoirs too in Comic or Graphic Novel format and I am keen to check them soon too. I am no expert on Israel situation but this book does introduce you to few questions from an American born person. You should check the book if you want to read a non-fiction/Travelogue/Memoir in a different format. You should be able to enjoy it too.

My Rating - 4/5 

In Stars - ****/*****



P.S. - This is part of First Reads Challenge 2014

Friday, January 24, 2014

Book Review - The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks well who hasn't heard of the book. Many of us have watched the movie and many more of have read the book. And now I am part of many more who have done both. This was my first read by Nicholas Sparks. 

This is a classic love story of lost and found love. The book starts in an old age home where in an old man narrates a story from 'The Notebook'. Story of Noah and Allie. They met one summer as 17 and 15 years old and had  a summer of whirlwind romance. But like always Allie's rich parents take her away to another city away from Noah. 

Now 14 years later finally then have found each other. Both have been unsatisfied since losing each other and haven't truly found love. Allie is engaged and is about to get married. But then she sees Noah in a newspaper and comes down to meet him. 

I believe that its very easy to make someone laugh in a book but very difficult for a writer to make readers cry. Well I certainly got tears in my eyes not once but many times. This is a wonderful first book. If you haven't read this book do it now. You will not be sorry. 

My Ratings 5/5 --- Stars go as *****/*****


P.S. - This is part of First Reads Challenge 2014

Book Review - The Bro Code by Barney Stinson with Matt Kuhn

So here comes "The Bro Code" by none other than our Bro Barney Stinson. Now if you do not watch US TV series you may not know him. Yes TV and he is fictional but very funny. From the episodes of 'How I Met Your Mother' comes this book which Barney quotes every chance he gets. 

How do your character write a book when it doesn't exist, simply hire a writer. So this book here is by Matt Kuhn.

Basically this book tells you:

1. Who is a Bro?
2. How to be a Bro?
3. What are the ways of a Good Bro?
4. How should you behave with other bros?

and many more .... many many more, codes for a bro to live by. 

There are around 120+ codes with small explanation to help the bros. Now if you have seen the series you already love Barney, more so now more than ever when the series is not so funny now. Fear not the book is funny and light read. In fact very light read. Most of the pages would have only around 2 lines text so I was able to finish the book in flat 2 hours. Real page turner with very light on reading but full on heavy with fun.

But yeah this book with would make much more sense if you have seen the TV series. But it is fun and that's what matters.

My Final rating for this funny book is 4/5 in stars ****/*****


P.S. - This is part of First Reads Challenge 2014.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Book Review - Hexagon by Ishaan Lalit

Image Credit - http://priyankazneverland.blogspot.in Thanks

So there you have it a Sci-Fi book by an Indian author. That was my primary motivation to buy this book and it was like a breath of fresh air seeing this book among all the myriad kind of love stories which were on offer. Kudos to Ishaan on thinking out of mold. 

Now coming to the review of the actual book. In a word 'Meh' don't get me wrong I liked the book but its not kind of book which would linger in your thoughts by the virtue of being that good. Though the concept is good but the treatment is lacking. 

The story is about a thief Rahul Oberoi who was never caught but his luck runs out when he is caught with his girl friend. But rather than taking them to police station they are taken to a secret base where Rahul's Grandfather worked and we have a secret structure called Hexagon which is a portal between 6 parallel worlds. We come to know that all the worlds are under attack by a vicious people who are called Moths and only Rahul can save all the worlds. And then we are taken through all the different worlds in order to save them all. 

Story is okay but again execution is poor. There are so many mistakes that it appears that there was no editor who worked on the book. Also so many continuity mistakes that it also appears that there was no proofreading done. To top it all there is an entire chapter repeated word to word. Totally unacceptable. 

So in all the book was Okay but could have been better if worked on pace and also if the spelling and other errors are corrected. In all there can be a v2 of this book with corrected mistakes.

In all my rating goes 3/5 ***/*****



P.S. - This reviews is also eligible for "First Read Challenge 2014" and IQRC 2014 (Indian Quill Reading Challenge 2014)

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