Review Diaries (The Speaking Stone by Ratnadip Acharya)

Name of the book - The Speaking Stone by Ratnadip Acharya.
Stars given - 5 on 5 stars.
My take on the book-
So imagine reading a mystery.
You did?
Now imagine reading one that you can actually relate to…
Aha. This is the same problem I have with most mysteries, they are based on places that, well I have not been to.
Coming back to the story, it starts of in a very every day kind of a way but then baam… everything kinda happens one after the other and you are glued to your seat and your alarm clock is saying it's time to wake up.
The story aptly named The Speaking Stone, is about how the said stone brings people together and effects their lives.
I remember being 10 year old and wanting to find out vampires in my city. Needless to say this trip to my own nostalgia Lane has made me a tad bit partial to this one.
PS do you have any such book that reminds you of your good old days?

Review Diaries (The Girl with blue eyes by Vaiibhav Nigam)

Name of the book - THE GIRL WITH BLUE EYES by Vaiibhav Nigam.
Stars given - 5 on 5 stars.
My take on the book-
Firstly the cover is amazing!!!
If you walk into a bookstore and there are 10 books displayed, trust me this one will catch your eye.
Now one more thing I should mention here, I started this book after dinner and finished it and then went to sleep.
Need I say more?
Hehe.
I would.
I believe that everyone has a story and those stories make them interesting in their own way.
This particular one made me take a minute and think and that is the best part about this book. It's not just a love-love story but a love story that makes you notice things that you might just miss out.

Review Diaries (Borderless by Indrajeet Dasgupta)

Book - Borderless
Author - Indrajeet Dasgupta
Stars given- 5 on 5 stars.
My take on the book-
QOTD- Do you write poems? From where do you take your inspirations from?
For me it's everyday life, specifically my reasons for sadness that inspire me the write my heart out .
A collection of poems, that covers a vast number of topics. Ask me what is the best part about this all!!!
There is a picture before every poem that gives you a gimpse into the topic that had inspired the poet to write the said poem.
Most of the poems rhyme, which is my all time favorite kind of poems.
If you have a love for poems, you can give this one a read.

Review Diaries (The Leeway Towers by Abhih Singh)

Name of the book - The Leeway Towers by Abhih Singh.
Stars given - 5 on 5 stars.
My take on the book-
We all have our very own favorite genre right?
This one even though is a fictional story, but many things in the book are so real that one can see it happening in their everyday life.
The language of the book was nice and simple and the narration was smooth sailing.
A friend suggested I give this one a read and I am so thankful for it. @_biblio.bing_ thanks again for suggesting I read this one. Ps do give me book a read. #SuchaManalithingtodo
Reading this one made me realize one thing that we really need to be the change that we want to see around us, cause evil like corruption will not go away easily. We are already seeing that there are instances all around the globe about resources drying up. Countries are already at war for these former mentioned resources. The protagonist, Kal, even witnesses a civil war due to many political and social problems. Clearly it's time we clean up our acts so that any distopian situation can be avoided.

Review Diaries (The Void by Rohit Sethi)

Book - The Void
Author - Rohit Sethi
Stars given - 5 on 5 stars.
My take on the book-
I have read quite a few self-help books and this particular one makes it's mark.
Imagine having a conversation with a senior of yours who dishes out tough love, much needed and very helpful one.
The book is divided into many chapters and these are aptly named.
In short if you need the correct push, this one gets the job done well.
The language used in the book is very simple and straight forward. It helps break down any situation well and also talks about how to properly deal with it.
PS I have an exam on Saturday, wish me luck.

Review Diaries (Aks by Ranveer Tanwar)

Book - Aks
Author - Ranveer Tanwar.
Stars given - 5 on 5 stars.
My take on the book-
So as someone who has Hindi as her third language this book could have been challenging had the stories not been so engaging.
I read and realised how many times in your lives do we say what if, or had it.
There are only a very few people who do not have such regrets.
Kudos to them.
Imagine a world where there are people in your life, relationships that you can define and put them in their designated boxes, but somewhere deep down there are some of those relations which have no name. They just exist to make us smile or remember with some deep seated sorrow. And life kinda is more beautiful for the culmination of it all.
QOTD - If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?

Review Diaries (A HICCUP in love by Nivedita Vedurla)

Name of the book - A HICCUP IN LOVE by Nivedita Vedurla.
Stars given - 5 on 5 stars.
My take on the book-
No love story is picture-perfect.
They have their own ups and downs and their very own version of happily ever after.
I love rom-coms and love stories cause they give you something to fight for. To battle it out in the worst case scenario where you are the underdog and still come out as a champion. Here I would like to mention one single fact, that the end result or goal is different for everyone. So the next time a friend says they did something in their relationship that you don't like, spare them the judgement and try to lend them an ear.
Coming back to the book, it was a very Mills and Boons kinda read, which everyone knows is my favorite kind of read and this brings back fond memories of my #m with my darling girl.
Love the book, trust me you really want to add this one to your TBR list.
QOTD - What is your favorite romcom?

Review Diaries (Book - I am born successful By Pradeep Kumar Sharma)

Book - I am born successful
Author - Pradeep Kumar Sharma.
Stars given - 5 on 5 stars.
My take on the book-
Ever heard the words, self help is the best help?
Well that's why one needs to read self help books to realize that we all are capable of being great at whatever we want to.
There are certain ways one can opt to fulfill their dreams and each individual has different dreams to fulfill.
I for one found this one to be a very profound read.
The language is very lucid and simple and thus nothing gets missed due to misinterpretation.
Anyone who wants to see life in a different and more successful way should give this one a read.

Review Diaries (Shivi & Satty: And the Warriors of Death by Anupama Gupta)

Book - Shivi & Satty: And the Warriors of Death
Author - Anupama Gupta.
Stars given - 5 on 5 stars and lots of candy floss.
My take on the book-
Who likes mythology?
I do…
Who likes to hear retellings of this stories?
I do…
Now imagine a retelling of these old is gold stories but all of them based in modern day life.
Me so so so likey.
I mean they are riding Ninja bikes *swoon*.
The story begins with a running start and holds it's momentum throughout the book.
Anyone who likes retelling with a twist should give this one a read.

Review Diaries (Nehru Saga by Arun Bhatnagar)

Book - Nehru Saga
Author - Arun Bhatnagar.
Stars given - 5 on 5 stars.
My take on the book-
I am really surprised that I not only finished a non-fiction but a historical one at that and now I really am looking forward to reading more about it.
This book gives you insight about many historical figures, about whom we read in books.
Trust me, going in I was a tad bit apprehensive but this book was the highlight of my day.
This is the author's second book and I am going to read his first one soon.
QOTD - Any historical figure you would like to meet? But there is a catch, you can only ask one question.
I will definitely be meeting the one and only S.C.Bose and my question is a secret, for his ears only.
#su

Author Interview (Priyam Marik)

Question 1- What made you want to write and choose this particular topic?
I chose the ideas of love and time because I have always felt intrigued by them and feel that they share a symbiotic relationship, even if they maybe antagonistic to each other. I think time emboldens and challenges love, and love breaks the intricate patterns of time.
Question 2 - If not a writer, how will you express yourself creatively?
If I am not writing, I usually express myself creatively through public speaking. I wish to compose music, too, in the future to fulfil my creative potential through a different outlet.
Question 3- Your inspirations?
My inspirations would be life itself and its myriad circumstances. In terms Of writing style, John Keats and Oscar Wilde have had a considerable influence on me alongside a few of my peers who are also creatively inclined.
Question 4 - Your go-to genre?
My go-to genre is poetry, I feel it's therapeutic.
Question 5 - All time favorite book?
All time favourite book in terms of fiction would be The Great Gatsby. In terms of non fiction, it would be Homo Deus.
Question 6 - If you could talk to any personality, dead or alive, who will it be?
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose
Question 7- Any pointers for newbie writers?
Just be honest and perseverant with your creativity. Keep things simple.

Review Diaries (Scinitillae - Sparks caught in the web of time by Priyam Marik)

Book - Scinitillae - Sparks caught in the web of time.
Author - Priyam Marik.
Stars given - 5 on 5 stars.
My take on the book-
Hiya!
My name is Manali Dey and I am addicted to poetry.
Now that was fun but this book is real interesting.
Broadly divided into three major parts this book talk about a lot of things and emotions.
The first part, named Rhapsodic Rhythms is the collection of poems that rhyme, just like the name suggests. And since I am partial to this genre of poems it was my favorite part.
Next is the freewheeling feelings that is written in free verse and the third one called Four and more, has lines of four stacked together,one after another.
Over all it was one cool read.
QOTD - I have many weird food habits, like today I put crushed ores in my egg sandwich and loved it.
#
What's your crazy weird soul food?

Review Diaries (More Unfairy Tales: 5 more fairy tales retold (Carthick's Unfairy Tales Book 2) by T F Carthick)

Name of the book - More Unfairy Tales: 5 more fairy tales retold (Carthick's Unfairy Tales Book 2) by T F Carthick.
Stars given - 5 on 5 stars.
My take on the book -
I am someone who is a big ball of contradictions, I love romance and horror, I adore sweets and chillies equally.
Growing up I always questioned my Nani, what happened after the 'happily ever after'. She said then life happens but they stay true to themselves. Years later, now I get what she said. Another weird thing about me is that I believe no one is born evil or even 'all evil', it's their circumstances that made them do all the rotten things they did.
So, I liked the different side of our stereotypical evil club members.
PS today I woke up to a lot of hate posts by a stranger on my feed. Made me upset for a long time. But then I hoped that they get well soon, nope still upset and not yet a saint, just someone who wants to be far away from negativity in all shapes and form.

Author Interview (Priyanka Khetawat)

Question 1- What made you want to write and choose this particular topic?

Writing is something, which is closer to my heart. It helps me express my desire and I write what I  feel in my heart. I don't know how, but since my childhood I had a overpower imagination, and it usually brings a smile to me. I find peace in writing. I choose this particular topic because, fictional stories which have the flavor of mystery, suspense, and little philosophy thrills me. And these things you can find in my novel. My book has life long lessons, with so much mystery that if you read one page then you will be curious to read the next page. The history and civilization with different ideology excite readers to find more about those people. Importantly the journey which is involved in finding.

Question 2 - If not a writer, how will you express yourself creatively?

If not a writer, I would be a painter. In my school days, I was so interested in painting that I use to observe everything from a different perspective and also attempt to draw my views on an unusual topic in an abstract format.  Thereby definitely a painter.

Question 3- Your inspirations?
When I talk about it ordinarily, then off course my parents. My mom is the greatest motivation for me, she uses to say, 'do something that you are proud of, and the thing you like doing. You only have to decide what you want." I've seen my dad struggling with a smile on his face and providing me with everything I required, without any complaint.
When it comes to writing, the person whom, I see every day in the mirror (myself). Inspiration can come from anywhere; a news story; a thing somebody says; anyplace at all. I think I write because I want to leave something behind, a body of practice that’s considered as a motivation for others. My own hang-ups. The desire to get something down on paper that I can feel in my gut. I was a lonely child, it leads to the development of my overpower imagination.

Question 4 - Your go-to genre?

I like well written fictional books which should be a combination of mystery, philosophy, and suspense. I read philosophical books also, but it should contain relatable metaphor with stories.

Question 5 - All time favorite book?

‘The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho. I still remember the time when I was in my seventh class and decided to start reading my first fiction novel. Paulo Coelho writes philosophical and mystical fiction. All his books are written in a way that widens the reader's outlook by taking them on a journey through the eyes of a character who discovers a deeper viewpoint of themselves and humanity through their life experience. As I started reading the book, I could not put it down. I was curious to know the journey of the boy and how it ends.
Have I liked all his books? No! There were times when I have finished one of his books and tried to reason as to why would he have written something like this. But does that make him a bad author? No! Every author has their wins.
So, if you are set out to read one of his books, do give it a try. You will not be disappointed.

Question 6 - If you could talk to any personality, dead or alive, who will it be?

The creator inside me wants to converse with Alan Taylor. I will try convincing him that the narration of my book is ideal for making a movie, and also I will make a pact with him, regarding converting all my books into a movie. I'll love to see how he gives life to the characters, it's like all appears to live.

The writer inside me wants to sit beside Shakespeare and do a brainstorm. I’d need about an hour of drinking coffee beforehand, though. I’ll be taking a LOT of notes.

The compassionate me wants to talk with Mother Teresa, we will unitedly try to help people and make the world a better place, by giving humans a gift of humanity. I want to equip here skills and learn how to channelize my compassion.

Question 7- Any pointers for newbie writers?

Write for youself, don't get attracted towards market scenario's or just for the sake of random story. Listen to your innerself, because a entire creative universe stays within you. Don't get discourage when nothing is coming to your mind, just leave it there, ideas should not be rotten one. Imagination takes time, and importantly don't let flavour of metaphor checked out from your ingredient list of writing.

Review Diaries (Diary of a Twenty-Something: A collection of Teenage Musings by Siya)

Name of the book - Diary of a Twenty-Something: A collection of Teenage Musings by Siya.
Stars given - 5 on 5 stars and a big hug to anyone who needs it.
My take on the book-
I am a tad bit partial to poetry, so imagine a collection of 47 poems. Absolutely amazing….
This kid, a teenager, is talking about so many important issues.
I personally am blessed with an amazing support system.
My Mimi has always been in my corner, giving me the strength to take over the world.
And my friends are absolutely darlings.
All the poems are giving you a glimpse of an emotion.
Took my half and hour to read it and trust me I am gonna re-read it again soon.
PS ask me anything, just don't ask me to share my Bonvita.
#such

Review Diaries (Grave The Hidden Truth by Priyanka Khetawat)

Name of the book - Grave The Hidden Truth by Priyanka Khetawat.
Stars given - 5 on 5 stars.
My take on the book-
Did you like movies in The Mummy series or Lara Croft or the classic Indiana Jones?
Well then you will adore this one.
It has adventures and is quite a fun read.
I had a whale of a time reading this one.
It's only 197 pages and took me around 2 hours, but the end result was like nothing else.
PS I am thinking about publishing something in Kindle Direct Publishing. Any suggestions?

Review Diaries (I will forget you too by Abhilash Aman)

Name of the book - I will forget you too by Abhilash Aman.
Stars given - 5 on 5 stars.
My take on the book-
I cried.
Yes. That's what I want to start with.
My heart broke and cried.
Love is such a precious thing and to not work out is pain enough. But for "reasons" that I didn't like much made me so sad that ate an entire bag of chips.
The things are said in such a way that one is bound to feel the love and pain of the characters.
The narration is smooth sailing.
The story is relatable.
PS I am someone who doesn't like the whole glorifying the 'one sided affection thingy" and no it's not love. Love is when it's from both ends, cause then the hurt makes sense and it is worth it. One sided affection is you taking a big hammer and repeatedly beating your heart with it just cause you got the new hammer.
I know many will disagree but dude trust me, get over that moron and move on and find someone who loves you as much as I love chocolate…nah may be he or she can love you half as much as I love chocolate. #suc

Author Interview (Dipa Sanatani)

1. What made you want to write and choose this particular topic?

The idea came to me when I was lying in bed alone in my apartment in Japan. I was contemplating the vast nature of the universe when I suddenly thought, “How nice it would be if I could invite the planets over for a discussion on life, love and the larger purpose for our existence.” I promptly opened up my notebook and drew a sketch of what the mythological Nine Celestial Beings would look like if they were ‘updated’ for the modern era. The idea ruminated in my head for four years before I finally sat down to write the story.
2. If not a writer, how will you express yourself creatively?

I love dancing and drawing. I used to be a Bharatanatyam dancer. But that was a long time ago.
3. Your inspirations?

My literary influences are: Paulo Coelho, JK Rowling, Haruki Murakami, Neil Gaiman, Roald Dahl, Devdutt Pattanaik, David Mitchell and Antoine de Saint-Exupery.
4. Your go-to genre?

Right now... it's mythology.

5. All time favorite book?

The Mahabharata. You can re-read it over and over again and it always reveals something new.
6. If you could talk to any personality, dead or alive, who will it be?

The Nine Great Celestial Beings, of course! The Sun, Moon, Mercury, Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu. They’ve been gazing down at mankind since time as we know it began. I’m sure they’d have great stories to tell about the history of the earth.
7. Any pointers for newbie writers?

Don't give up. Never give up.

Review Diaries (Do I still have a chance? By Dhayakar Reddy)

Name of the book - Do I Still Have A Chance? : Every Love Story Has Its Own Fate! By Dhayakar Reddy.
Stars given - 5 on 5 stars.
My take on the book-
Ever read a book that seems so real that it can actually be the story of someone you know?
Well, that's what it felt like for me when I read this one.
Beautifully narrated by the author this one took me back to my college days.
Every relationship, be it love or friendship, sees lots of ups and downs. And when all is said and done, and the relationship is still standing is the true test of it.
Moreover, being confused about one's feelings can also happen to just about anyone.
If you ask me which is better, ice cream or cake, I will not be able to make a choice.
This book made me realize that life goes on, so go with the flow peps.

Review Diaries (TALES FROM BENGAL by SOURISH ROY)

Name of the book -
TALES FROM BENGAL by SOURISH ROY.
Stars given - 5 on 5 stars.
My take on the book-
So had someone asked me a year back, if I like short stories or not. My answer would have been a big, fat resounding "NOT".
Things have changed and so have my choice.
Now I look at short stories, as bite sized pieces of delicacies that need to be taken in short amounts to enjoy them fully.
The cover has a quintessential Bengali feel to it. You see trams and can almost hear the hustle and bustle of Esplanade or Dharmotola.
So as a full on Bengali, I have a habit of using certain Biengali words when I am explaining something to someone who knows bangla. Hell I even force my non-bengali speaking friends learn a few words cause sometimes it's more fun in Bangla.
Loved every one of the 9 stories.
It was like having a chat with a friend.
Highly recommended.

Review Diaries (The Little Light by Dipa Sanatani)

Name of the book - The Little Light: A Story of Reincarnation and the Crazy Cosmic Family (The Guardians of the Lore Book 1) by
Dipa Sanatani.
Stars given- 5 on 5 stars.
My take on the book-
I had the wonderful opportunity to talk to the Author and it was an absolute delight, so was the book to be honest.
Coming from a big, joint family the circumstances in the book we're very relatable. Well as relatable as one can be to a family of celestial beings.
The story was very smooth flowing and doesn't look momentum for a second.
Another important tid-bit, I actually read this one to my Mimi and tried to do the different voices in a variety of methods. Yepas, she liked it.
QOTD - Who is your favorite person in the whole wide world, after your parents?

Review Diaries (The Things We Do For Love by Raunak Agarwal)

Name of the book - The Things We Do for Love by Raunak Agarwal.
Stars given - 4 on 5 stars.
My take on the book-
As someone who loves writing in her diaries, this book was one cool read.
The story had love and jealousy, friendship and betrayal.
At times the characters will make you go all 'awww', while there were times they made me a tad bit cringe - especially with the use of "dear" and "cutie".
There are times when you would want to kick one of the characters for their actions and in other times you would love to shake some sense into them.
Overall it was a good read for me and finished it all in less than 4 hours.
Quick question- I recently found out that someone related to me has read my diary. I wasn't home and my Mimi let that person who has no sense of private space read my diary. What's your take on it?

Review Diaries (Dear People,With Love and Care, Your Doctors: Heartfelt Stories about Doctor-Patient Relationship by Dr.Debraj Shome and Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker

Name of the book - Dear People, with Love and Care, Your Doctors: Heartfelt Stories about Doctor-Patient Relationship by Dr.Debraj Shome and Dr.Aparna Govil Bhasker.
Stars given - 5 on 5 stars.
My take on the book -
I am someone who is an awful patient, no honestly I am.
I am always contrary, hypochondriac on steroids and paranoid about everything happening to me.
I have seen way too many doctor series, read too many books with doctors as heros, and also have had personal experience.
I am a very accidental prone person and have had many stitches, torn ligaments and scrapped knees. I always get a good talking to after I get patched up by my family physician. But most importantly this book gave me a line that has changed my outlook towards this nobel profession. A quote from the book, 'Why are doctors put on a pedestal we possibly don't want or need?" by Dr. Tejal Lathia.
Needless to say next time I see him, which will hopefully not be in some time near future, I will behave myself and try and leash in my sarcastic humor.
QOTD- Do you have a favorite doctor, fictional or non fictional.
AOTD - McDreamy is my fictional boyfriend for a long time

Review Diaries (The Chimera by Nitish Sharma)

Name of the book - The Chimera by Nitish Sharma
Stars given - 5 on 5 stars.
My take in the book-
Remember all the times someone gave you an advice and you did not listen to it?
Well it wasn't really your fault, there were times your well-meaning advisor's advice just went out of the window when the time actually came for it, right?
But remember the stories that you have been told long back?
We all remember them and also follow them whenever needed.
And that is why this book was such a huge hit for me.
Self help is the best help in the world.
Cause if you can't help yourself, no one can darlo.
The first step, where you decide or realize you need help, is actually helping yourself.
#suchaManalithingtodo

Review Diaries (Fighting With My Inner Demons by Smita Singh)

Name of the book - Fighting With My Inner Demons by Smita Singh.
Stars given - 5 on 5 stars and a big hug to anyone who needs it.
My take on the book-
In a world filled with big bads, I am glad to tell you that there are amazing peps out there as well.
I am going through a bit of a melancholic period, with my kinda dream job falling through but I learnt one good thing and that is that I have a lot of well wishers in my life.
Many of my friends have reached out and sent their love and warmth and so did a stranger.
I am doing better and this book couldn't have come at a better time for me.
You see the big bads you can see but sometimes it's your own demons that need to be destroyed.
This book goes a long way to do it.
Ps as I always say, I am just a text or a phone call away for anyone who needs a hug or a non-judgemental conversation.