Sunday, August 23, 2020

Fix it with food by Kavita Devgan - Book Review

The author Kavita Devgan is a nutritionist and her books are not mere some textual content, but properly designed training material. I have read and reviewed both of her past books "Ultimate Grandmother's Hack" and "Don't Diet". She preaches healthy habits and nutritional food and strongly opposes dieting and other harsh measures. Her books are like a pedagogy where she covers every aspect of a said topic using only food. Starting from the selection of food to prepare and schedules etc. In our home, many of her suggested recipes are taken under regular food items. So when I saw the book, "Fix it with Food" I didn't wait for a moment and I selected it.

Fix it with food by Kavita Devgan

As usual, Kavita has divided the book into segments. There are three segments in this book

1. 40 superfoods to get super insights. List of superfoods, their nutrition level, benefits, and usage. Not just the myth of fasting, in this part author, has also explained myth around these foods. These chapters cover more than 75% of the book. The good part is "fun facts" and "at glance" pointers. If you feel lazy to read the whole book, you may point down these pointers and that's also enough. This segment also contains mini-chapters and covering 100 fixing tips for various conditions.

2. 10 Tools - I would say confusing titled but cleared with the subtitle "foods to become healthier" Again eye-opening section for me.

3. 40 quick and healthy recipes that you should add in your daily diet plan. This section will be found in most of Kavita's books and one for which I look forward the most.


Not just physical ailment that Kavita has covered, but problems related to mood swings, mental stress, hormonal imbalance, fighting pollution, and the hottest topic immunity boosting. Read the book to know more.



The ingredients covered in this book don't burn your pocket instead most of the ingredients are available to the majority of the population with minimal cost. The language is simple and straights. Advice is practical and easy to use. The structure of the book will make you engaged until the last page, rarely a self-help book deliver such content.


I will give 5 out of 5 to this book.


Book links - Goodreads & Amazon


Must-read Scientific Book in Layman's Language - Clues to the Cosmos by Shohini Ghose

Shohini Ghose that was the word I catch when I saw this books detail. I googled about her and came to know she is a TEDx speaker. Then I went through the blurb of the book and I came to know that this book is an effort to explain facts of the universe in simple language, something that a normal person can understand, something which is full of both the equations and theories. So I had high hopes when I received this book. Unfortunately due to lock down the book review was delayed and I am really sorry for the delay. Unlike normal fiction where my expectation from the book was to entertain me or lighten my mood, from this book, I was expecting more information that I can understand or grab faster. I am from a science background and I have been introduced many of these theories during the studies, I always wanted an easy explanation of the concepts so that if someone, who is not from a science background, asks me about them then I can explain it with ease.


Clues to the Cosmos by Shohini Ghose


The content of the book is divided into eight chapters. Each chapter covers the aspects of the proper methodology. The author has started with early beliefs about the existence of the universe. And how those beliefs were broken down by different theories with different methodologies with different measurement tools how everything unravels to your mankind. It explains how a various scientist has explored these facts and brought us the modern day's knowledge to us. If you want to read these points from the scientific view you will find a book on each of these topics and a lot of theorems but when it comes to getting crux in layman language then this is the book. The author has taken chronological order of various inventions and facts. She has also shared many hidden faces behind these discoveries whose recognition is still due or recognized after years of the invention. 


Those who are reading this book, take my advice and give time to read this book. Don't rush towards the end. If you like to write down facts then take a marker and keep noting points after each chapter as there are many things to note down. The author has used plain English to reach the maximum audience. Still, the topic related scientific discussions so maybe many souls find it difficult to digest, not due to complexity but due to the nature of readers. 


I will give 4.5 out of 5 to this book.


Book links - Goodreads & Amazon

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Colorblind by Aditya Chowdhury - Book Review

There are few genres where Indian authors seldom venture. Dystopian is one of them. I have read and seen only a single digit of such books to date. Maybe my knowledge of the field is limited but if such books didn't get my attention means they were not tried with proper efforts. That's why I always give a chance to such books by an Indian author. "Colorblind" by Aditya Chowdhury was provided to me in exchange for an honest review. I plunged into the book within 5 days of adding to my shelf. 

Color Blind by Aditya Chowdhury

I would like to start my review with this line I got from the book. 

"Sometimes, to get some real insight, you need to risk a complete change in your perspective.”

I am not aware of how many of you know about the book blurb. But the book brings us a world where color blindness is a norm. A person can see three colors black, white, and one more color. The last color decides everything for a person. People are divided as per their color. Also, an ability to see more than one color is considered an illness and it is a capital crime to hide this fact. In such a world, the above line makes a good context whether you are willing to get real insights or not. 


The protagonist of our story is Lohit. He belonged to the red community. All his life he was connected with only red people. But one fine day he found an interesting girl who was not red but applied red lipstick, which was rarest of the rare. When he met that girl she told him something which I found true even for our normal world. She said

"We become the lies we tell ourselves daily, it won’t be too late for us to change.” 

She gave him a strange spectacle which had changed Lohit's life forever. Anything more from my side and it may spoil your reading experiences. Read the book to know more.


Coming to writing style, the author has used simple language and kept content engaging for readers. With its medium pace, the book provides a sweet read that won't bore you out. A book which you can take on your short trip. Though the book is dystopian in the genre, it is different for the normal dystopian category which usually goes around action and thriller sequences. Instead, the author has delivered a good message. The author's intention of telling people to venture out and experience something new is very well delivered. 


I will give 3.75 it of 5 to the book. 


Book links - Goodreads & Amazon


The Saga of Shom and Raima by Tapan Ghosh - a book review

"The answers to our questions are all there in our mind but we choose not to notice them. The trouble is, we don’t know what to look for unless we have a problem." 

I think it's one of the best pieces of advice I read in recent times. The line I read from "The Saga of Shom and Raima" by Tapan Ghosh. I have recently read poetry books by Tapan and added many stanzas into my Kindle clipping collection. So I took "Shom and Raima".

Saga of Shom and Raima

As clearly mentioned in the blurb, the story revolves around Shom and Raima. They are having a relationship that we cannot explain in simple words. In the usual world which people may say adultery, is a lifeline for them. Though they have their normal life and priorities, they have kept their feelings unaffected towards each other. The story started in 2018 and traveled from 2008 to 2018 about how their relationship developed over 10 years. Apart from Shom and Raima, we have two more companions who understood their relationship, like Harry, Khush, Natasha, and Swapna. Each character is portrayed with a unique brush of traits. The most eye-catching of the character was Harry. The title given to Harry was Love guru, but he was more than that. He was a spiritual guide, mentor, poet, successful entrepreneur, and whatnot. He was always there to help his friends. Below is one dialog between Harry & Raima

"Bad experience teaches you a lot because you have to deal with it. It disciplines you. Good experience teaches you nothing, it just makes you happy and lethargic. No challenges and you take life for granted."

Coming to writing style, just like it's characters' writing style is also different. The author has used mixed writing styles. At places, he used play style dialog exchange, at some places he has used poems and some places he has used normal writing. It will keep you entertained. If you like to read something new, this is a good recommendation. One thing that I found lacking was the relatability of characters in real-life. They are shown so carefree, you will find such people in only Osho-camp.


Fun apart, a nice story deserves 3.75 out of 5.


Book links - Goodreads & Amazon


Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Must-read Mythological Fiction - Firekeepers of Jwalapuram by Vamsee Juluri

I had finished "Saraswati's Intelligence" almost a year back. I was completely awestruck by Vamsee Juluri's imaginations. The first part of the book shows how civilized monkeys and other animals actually fought barbarism humans. And help them civilized. This novel concept itself made me liked the book. Though the book started in some cryptic ways once I got grip on the story it was a smooth story. I think in February I saw the post of WritersMelon that review copies of the book are available in exchange for an honest review. I was glad that I had finished the first part a few months back at that time. I instantly applied for the review copy. Keeping finger crossed I came to know that I was selected to review the book, but then COVID happened and started a long wait. I think after a long long wait of 4 months, I got my copy in the last week of July. And I finished it within 2 weeks. And here I am discussing my experience.


Firekeepers of Jwalapuram by Vamsee Juluri

The sequel "the Firekeepers of Jwalapuram" started after 7 years from the war with Creatures. Creatures (human) were taken as new Kishkindhans under the care of Kamdhenu's. Hanuman and Vaishnavi were about to enter their third ceremony when nature took its destructive form. A gigantic volcano erupted somewhere in the depth of the ocean, which brought Tsunami and black clouds with it. Following which came sticky and polluted rain. This rain was followed by sickness not just within animals but in trees as well. Hanuman and Vaishnavi took things in their hand and divided rishis into groups and went to Fire temples. On the other side, Riksharaja who was already was depressed volatile due to loss of Vali, took extreme steps and went on unknown adventure after prisoning her own son Sugreeva. Things were becoming scarier each day with a scarcity of food. For many following Parma Dharma became imminent death. How will Kishkindha survive? Read the book to know more.


I loved the story, not words to describe it. I liked this part more than the first one. It took me 1 month to finish 1st part but I finished this part within a week in just 4 sittings. 


I will give 4.75 out of 5 to this book.


Book links - Goodreads & Amazon


Thursday, August 13, 2020

Love, Life & Everything Else: Poems by Tapan Ghosh - Book Review

Boredom is your biggest burden 
It’s bound to crush you for certain 
Step out of your comfort zone, go for a variety 
Don’t be stuck with monotony, a life of anxiety 

This poem from "Love, Life & Everything Else: Poems" by Tapan Ghosh has enthralled me. I have highlighted more than 12 couplets from the poetry book. 

Love, Life & Everything Else

Before I talk more about this book, let me tell you how I encountered this book. I have seen the suggestion of the book on Amazon a few days back and got the copy during prime day sale. I finished it in single sittings and really enjoyed it.

Just like a deck of cards, this book contains 52 poems. The way you can never devalue a card from a deck whether it's a 2 or an ace, same way each poem delivers a good and unique message. It covers various aspects of human life, love, relationship, motivation, dedication, spirituality, and whatnot. 

Good points
1. Easy language usage, no complex stanza
2. Relatable context
3. Poems will relax your mood and negativity, you will feel calm and will try to relate with our life
4. If you don't find any poem of your liking you can always skip, as they are independent small snippets
5. Barring 2-3 poems all are age-appropriate and can be read by as young as 12 years ago well.
6. Those who like to try poems should start with books like this, as it's easy to understand and continue with interest.

I will conclude my review with below snippet

When balance between the muse and the purpose is achieved Work becomes play, happiness is conceived.

I will happily give 4 out of 5 stars to this lovely poetry collection.

Book Link - Goodreads & Amazon

Monday, August 10, 2020

Hinterland by L.M. Brown - a Book Review

I have been provided ARC of the "Hinterland" by L.M. Brown in exchange for an honest review. As the cover was that of a flower vase on a chair, I didn't get any idea what to expect. So I checked the blurb, I got a feeling that book is a semi thriller and semi drama. Finally, I took a chance and read the book.


Hinterland by L M Brown


As mentioned in the blurb, the story is formed around a small family. Central characters of our story are Nicholas, his daughter (Kate), his wife (Kathleen), and Ina (his neighbor). The story started when Ina came back to town as her mother, Tilly, met with an accident. But Kathleen who was already unstable took it in the wrong manner and had a fight. Few days after that Nicholas found Kathleen in a suspicious position with evil intentions. Authorities took Kathleen away, but nobody told Kate what actually happened.  Fearing that truth would destroy Kate, Nicholas hide the truth from his daughter. He went into extreme, hampering his relationship with her daughter. Ina who knows truth helped Nicholas but the gap between father & daughter was something out of her hands as well. Read the book to know more.


Few facts about the book

1. The book portrays the unconditional love of a father who wants to protect his daughter. If you are a father yourself you may find yourself in a fixed situation and may like to debate what you would do in his position.

2. The book is written uniquely. Though it is an emotional drama, the author has unraveled facts in thriller fashion. For example, an actual event that occurred during Kathleen's accident was mentioned multiple times but every time only a fraction of information reveals each time.

3. The pace of the book is slow. Except for the last 20% section where pace improved. 


I found a few weak points here and there. But those are about character, not about the plot. When I inquired about cover design and message behind it, I came to know that the current picture of a flower on chair represents dysfunction, something off with the picture and not right.


Overall I will give 3.75 out of 5 to this emotional drama.


Book Links - Goodreads

Saturday, August 1, 2020

The Green Signal: Poems of Virtue, Positivity & Emotions by Manishi Gupta - Poetry Book Review

I have been recommended "The Green Signal" by Amazon suggestions engine. I have recently bought few poetry books on Amazon Kindle (though mostly free or below 19 rs), that's when I saw this suggestion. I took my chances and bought the book. 39 pages long book was a short and sweet read, it has lightened my mood.

The Green Signal by Manishi Gupta

There are a total of 17 poems in the book divided into 3 sections, Virtues, Positivity & Emotions. And poems of each section follows the theme of that section. Three poems of virtue will make you face the mirror and think about gratitude & morale. The poems containing in positivity section can boost the reader's confidence and morale. And emotions section can remind you of your upbringing and may bring tears in your eyes. I have lost my dad when I was away, though I never had arguments with him (mentioned in the poem ) it still made my eyes moist. The best part of the poems is simplicity in which it is written. Limited use of exquisite words, which makes poems available for a large audience. I think this is a very important aspect because many poets use the choicest wording which deters normal readers' interest quotient. If you were not able to take a poetry book in the past due to its complexity you may try this book, you may be able to relate easily and read it with ease.

My favorite poems are
1) Everyday learning
2) Believing in yourself
3) When my father was alive
4) The power of love

Coming to the book design, the cover of the book was aligned with the title. But when I checked the book in colored screen (mobile/iPad Kindle app) I was blown away by the page design. A unique background on each page captivated my mind. 

You may take down 20-25 couplets in your diary which may be useful for your day to day life. A quote or stanza from these poems and you can give a different touch to your gifts or belongings. With a uniquely designed product, you may also gift this book to your near & dear ones. 

I will give 4 out 5 stars to the simple yet deep poem collection.

Book Links - Goodreads and Amazon

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