The Stranger in the Mirror - Memoir of Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra

I have been reading Bollywood-based books for the last 4 years. Just like Its movies and songs, Bollywood books also provide unparalleled sources of interest. Especially if you are reading some informative content like behind scene stories, success stories, and biographies of interesting characters. With similar hopes, I have selected "The Stranger in the Mirror" by Rakeysh Mehra. The hardcover book is designed so beautifully that after finishing it I kept it in a seperate collection of coffee table books.

The book covers the following aspects of Rakeyesh's life

• His early childhood days and few interesting incidents of that time
• His initial struggle from ad-film director to movie director
• His way of visualizing story, characters & people's perception
• His strategic thinking about field marketing
• Behind scenes of movies like "Rang de Basanti"
• Other Bollywood personalities' view or say about Rakeyesh's life from a personal as well as professional front

The book covers many more things than I have listed above. Though it is a biography you will find it as interesting as a storybook. My observations about the book

• Easy language usage makes a smooth reading experience.
• Just like parallel timelines common infections, a biography is written in more than one timeline.
• Book is not just about Bollywood gossip but full of business insights in and around Bollywood.
• You will surely enjoy narration covering behind scenes as well.
• A must-read for movie buff for sure

I will give 4.25 out of 5 to this book.

Book links - Goodreads and Amazon

Five Reasons Why One Should Read - Rajinikanth a Life by Vaasanthi

Your taste needs to be special to read & enjoy biographies. Otherwise, you have to wait for special occasions it is about the character you follow or from the field of your interest. From time to time you may find some inspirational biographies which are adored by the larger group. Rajinikanth a Life by Vaasanthi is one such book. 

Five of my favorite reasons why one should read this book

1. Though the book is a biography, it is written as a story.
2. The story of a superstar covered in this book is an inspirational one.
3. Simple and fluid writing style makes the book the lightest read.
4. Language usage is simple and caters larger population.
5. The book not just covers the life of Rajnikanth sir, but the social and economical aspects of the southern states of India.

Coming to the content of the book, it started from the childhood of Shivaji a.k.a. Rajanikant sir. It shows his struggle throughout his childhood and his relationship with his brother & sister-in-law, his liking for stage, and theatrics. Then comes the portion of his life as conductor and side by side theater performances. Then comes the portion which I liked the most. It is the section explaining social, emotional factors which had helped Rajinikanth to get a fan following, even though till his entry Tamil film industry was majorly dominated by actors with a fair complexion. The author has a deep understanding of the industry and social scenarios of Tamilnadu which is prevalent in her writing. The remaining portion might be more common because that covers his life after he became a known celebrity & later superstar.

One can get much eye-opening Information not only about the film industry but about the whole culture through this book. A must-read for movie buffs. 

I can give 4.5 out of 5 stars to this information as well as an entertaining read.

Book links - Amazon and Goodreads 

Manmatha Nath Dutt: Translator Extraordinaire by Bibek Debroy

There were three main reasons why I selected "Manmatha Nath Dutt: Translator Extraordinaire" by Bibek Debroy

1. The author Bibek Debroy 

2. Wonderful cover design in a hardcover edition

3. Wanted to read a biography as the last I read was around a year back.

Due to a positive case in the family, reading of the book was delayed. I am happy to share the review now.

As I mentioned, it is a kind of biography, of Manmatha. But the author had not personally met or interviewed Manmatha to write the memoir-style biography. It is more of documentations-based biography, I mean, the author has taken various references and cross-references related to Manmatha and given the shape to this book. Taking just an example of how biography started, the author has taken a reference from Manmatha's grand daughter's autobiography. The tone of the book is neutral, you may feel like following a documentary. The author has tried to stick only and only the professional life of Manmatha. It is like reading a complete work-life journal of a translator. Bibek had taken all major and minor references when Manmatha's is mentioned. 

Coming to the overall feeling, for me, the book is more of historic records than a biography. You will find an exhaustive list of books translated or written by Manmatha. It also covers a list of patronage for some of his major works. The language used in the book is pretty simple. You can easily read it within 1 day of the subject interests you.

Not completely up to my expectations, but I liked to know about this forgotten personality. Overall I will give 2.75 out of 5 to this book.

Book links - Goodreads & Amazon

 

Book Review - Sanjay Dutt: One Man, Many Lives

I have been reading since I can read (literally from the age of 8 or 9). I read so many fictions that now I reached a level where fictions don't fancy me much. Rather I started reading more nonfiction. Among them, biographies have taken the front seat. I have read more than 25-30 biographies in the last 3-4 years. When I watched Sanju movie I wanted to read Sanjay Dutt's biography "Kuch to Log Kahenge" but I didn't get the book at that time. So when I got the chance to read the book on Sanjay Dutt by another author I didn't miss it. here I am to discuss the book.

The book is written in a simple context. Lucid language and medium pace made me turn page after page. The author has covered parts and packages of many incidents of Sanjay's life. These incidents are what makes Sanjay Dutt that we see today, whether they are good or bad. In a neutral scale, you may find book slightly towards Sanjay side. So those who see law above stardom may criticize the book just like they did it for movie Sanju.

Talking about the book design, hardcover book with a classy image of Sanjay Dutt make the book a nice attraction for your bookshelf or coffee table. Special moments of Sanjay's like are pictured in the book for fans in color glossy pages. 

Talking about the ratings

1. Cover - 4.5/5
2. Content - 4/5
3. Overall - 3.75/5

Book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Book Review - Life in the Sunshine by T Sathish

If you ask any person brought up in India between 1980-2010s, which organized game they played in their childhood, they will say Cricket. Though national level status is never given to the game by authorities, country citizens have given Numero Uno status to Cricket. India is one of the country (or I would say the only country) where the number of people watching cricket match when India playes against Pakistan would be more than the number of people vote in Parliament election. So it was clear that the same craze would be passed on to the younger generation. Same was the craze of cricket in my childhood. We used to dream/act/pretended like a future cricketer.

Book Blurb

Sat, Sam, and Trib (a.k.a Triple Sundae gang) are teenagers and they love the sport of Cricket. They spend most of their time watching and playing the sport they love. They dream of making their living in the sport. When they are not playing the game, they put on their thinking cap and come up with alternate versions of important matches or provide parodic answers to questions that have plagued cricket fans over the years. However, fate intervenes in their idyllic life. On 18th April 1986, Javed Miandad hits Chetan Sharma for a six in Sharjah and leaves their cricket viewing life in tatters. The after-effects of this fateful event, continue to haunt them for many years. Their problems don’t end there. 

"Life in Sunshine" is the story of such 3 friends. One was Sam a good player selected at different levels. Another was okay-okay (out protagonist - author) Sat who was trying his best to become a better player. The last one was Trib who as crazy about the sport but cannot give physical efforts for the same. So he wanted to be a cricket commentator. The story covers their life in different phases in between cricket.

My observations

1. You will find many relatable incidents while reading the story.
2. You may get nostalgic feeling due to similarity with your childhood.
3. Funny incidents, hiding weakness on the ground of excuses and getting the help of friends to prove you correct, does sound familiar? 
4. Funny narration will make read lighter
5. Easy language. Light read
6. Best for traveling

I will give 3.5/5 to the author.

Book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

We would like to thank WritersMelon for providing us the review copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review - Engineering a Life by Krishan K. Bedi

We selected "Engineering a Life" by Krishan K. Bedi on the advice of a friend from a publishing house. It is not that we don't like memoirs but our preferred genre is different. We had confidence in the advice of that friend. And our confidence was proved correct. The book turned out a wonderful treat for us.

Book Blurb

In December of 1961, twenty-year-old Krishna Bedi landed at a port in New York armed with only 300 dollar in his pocket and a resolve to study engineering in the United States. What transpired then is a story of one man's perseverance and determination to create the life he had always dreamed for himself as a little boy in India—a place where his options seemed anything but limitless. Krishna K. Bedi’s memoirs reflect the hardships and the triumphs on his path to fulfilling his dream of becoming an engineer and returning home to India as a successful man. A lesson in attitude, survival, perseverance and grit, Bedi brilliantly narrates the story of the immigrant experience, his close-knit relationships and enmeshing cultures—a story that not only affirms the American dream, but also resonates with millions.

Before I got to the content part, let me tell you our first impression of the book. As we are a big-time fan of hardbound books, we loved the design and format of the book. It is gonna be part of our hardbound display shelf.

Coming to the content, unlike today's students who got to the USA for higher studies with all background knowledge and emotional-financial support, in 1960 a young guy Bedi decided to get an engineering degree from the USA. He had almost no knowledge of what he was gonna face. He made his mind for that American dream. To support him his family took a loan. With 300 USD he reached America but life was not easy for him, from Rural India to Urban USA he saw a gigantic culter difference. He had to fight a war on all front (I didn't mean to fight with goons) He failed initially in college and dropped out. Worked with a local restaurant with no appreciation. It was his friendship with a professor that had helped him to stay focused and get recognized for his work. He got a degree in 1969 (almost 8-9 years after going to the USA) He came to India in 1971 and got married. He came back to states and then till 1991 stayed there working and achieving his dreams.

Our observations

• The book is written with simple language usage and lucid flow
• What the author went through can easily visualize through his words
• The light tone and humorous incidents give many interesting turns to the book
• Though many things given in a funny way, it shows the author's struggle in day-to-day life, his acceptance in society and his hard work and determination
• Those who don't like fiction, but love to read real-life stories can take this book

A perfect choice for corporate gifting. Would give 3.5/5 for this book.

Book can be found at - Amazon & Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Book Review - 10 Success Secrets - Kumar Mangalam Birla by Drimi Chaudhuri

Being a post graduate of business & operations non-fiction based on business success stories or business tycoons were always our personal favorite. ABG (Aditya Birla Group) used to come to NITIE for placements and at that time it was one of my dream jobs, due to its dynamic work culture. Well, I didn't get that chance but I didn't want to lose a chance to read about the guy who made that or I would say brought that culture of the company.

Book Blurb

Famously shy and unbelievably humble, Kumar Mangalam Birla is not one to talk about his achievements, whether in private or in public. That’s why this book is invaluable to anyone who aspires to reach the heights the Birla scion has attained.

Author Drimi Chaudhuri expertly combs through the rise and rise of Kumar Mangalam from the day the 28-year-old took over the reins of the group and weaves a splendid account of how the young heir managed to revamp the corporate culture at AB Group and elevated the company to the level of a conglomerate it is today. With the help of the industrialist’s close aides, associates and family members, Chaudhuri unearths what makes Kumar Mangalam Birla a successful mogul. 

Read on to know more about the man who leads one of India’s biggest multinationals and his business mantras.

Talking about the content, the author has created magic by combining 3 different genres in the same book which are biography, self-help and business case. If a reader is comfertable with any of these three can easily gulp it down. The book is divided into ten chapters, as given in subtitle, each chapter dedicated to one success mantra that Aditya Birla used. He entered into business at a very early age of 28 with little or no business experience. But they said 'You don't need to color eggs of peacock" Young Birla had dream and conviction for the business direction. He brought many innovations and 360 degrees changes in on-going practices. Results of his efforts are in front of us, Aditya Birla Group is now leading conglomerate of India.

Two gems of the book are

1. Dialog/quotes of Aditya Birla given throughout the book
2. Success mantra based quotation given at the end of each chapter

All and all following points make this book ahead of other reads

• Easy language & straight narration style
• Light read
• Full with inspiration with practical tried examples
• Give food for thought
• Fertilizer for corporate guys for their better organizational strategies
• The best material for management students for their placements and corporate career

I would give 4 stars out of 5 to the author for his efforts.

Book can be found at - Amazon & Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

A Book Review - Mahakavi Kalidas - Ek Ankahi Katha

After going through a series of countless books, I decided this time to actually checkout something in Hindi. A fresco made in water colour like painting of Kalidas with Vidyotama and Malini behind him and a colophon which sort of gave some perspective over his life and a lot of suspense over his death got me eager and I decided to checkout this book.

Book Blurb

महाकवि कालिदास एक ऐसा नाम, एक ऐसा व्यक्तित्व है, जिनके बारे में सारा विश्व सदियों से जानने-समझने के लिए उत्सुक रहा है। समय-समय पर विद्वानों द्वारा उनके महाकाव्य, उनका जन्म काल, उनके जन्म स्थान एवं उनके व्यक्तित्व के बारे में चिंतन, मनन एवं लेखन किया है। जिस तरह सागर के गहराई में छुपे मोतियों को हर मनुष्य पाना चाहता है, उसी प्रकार महान व्यक्ति के व्यक्तित्व एवं जीवनी जानने की लालसा हर मनुष्य के मन में ज्वार-भाटा की तरह हिलकोरें खाती रहती है। महाकवि कालिदास की जीवनी जानने से पहले उनके जन्म काल एवं जन्म स्थान संबंधित रहस्य का पर्दा उठना अत्यन्त आवश्यक है। विद्वानों द्वारा चिंतन मनन करने के उपरान्त उन्हें अलग-अलग प्रांतों एवं अलग-अलग काल का बताया है। मैंने अपने तीन वर्षों के परिश्रम एवं प्रयास के उपरांत अनेकानेक साक्ष्य के अनुरूप उन्हें गुप्तकाल का एवं मिथिला देशवासी प्रमाणित किया है। मैंने साक्ष्य कल्पना एवं अपने अनुभूतियों के माध्यम से उनकी पूरी जीवनी को उनके व्यक्तित्व के अनुकूल एवं अनुरूप अपनी लेखनी में व्यक्त करने का प्रयास किया है। उनका जन्म-स्थान, जन्म-काल, बाल्य-सखा, माता-पिता, गुरूजन, उनकी मूर्खता विद्योत्तमा संग विवाह, उनका अपमानित होना, माँ काली का वरदान, महाकवि का सम्मान,राजनीति इत्यादि। साथ ही उनके जीवन से जुड़े पात्रों की ममता, स्नेह, आर्शीवाद प्रेम, अहंकार, ईर्ष्या, त्याग, क्रोध इत्यादि ने उनके जीवन में किस प्रकार उथल-पुथल मचा दी, इस पुस्तक में वर्णित है। और आरम्भ से अंत तक वो कौन थी जो दूध में जल की तरह थी और उन्हीं के हाथों महाकवि की हत्या? कब? कहाँ? कैसे? क्यों?

“Mahakavi Kalidas...” is a documentary-cum-biography of one of the greatest poets of India, Kalidas. This books is sort of a cinematic summary of his life, his major works, his achievements and ultimately his untimely death.

The initial part of the book focuses on Kalidas’s birth place. The author researched into Kalidas and others to arrive at a conclusion about his birth and life. The next part focusses on scripts from his major works and a brief history behind them. To some extent, we are able to catch the richness of Kalidas’s creation and marvel at the ease with which the author lays it out for us to enjoy. The next major part of the book is his visual biography which narrates Kalidas’s story using creative liberty to set a good plot and give us a mesmerizing inside-look of this life.

The book’s initial part is written in second person perspective and the biography is written in third person narrative. Kalidas’s journey from his days as the dim-witted Matrugupt to the blessed, talented and famous poet and king is portrayed superbly and is kept in focus for most part of this book. Every character is given sufficient detail in the story. The author successfully captures the beauty and mind-set of Vidyotama and Malini and their every emotion ranging from grief, arrogance, penance, love, suffering is penned superbly.  Hemchandra as a repenting and supportive friend is given proper portrayal. King Kumardas’s attachment to Kalidas is depicted superbly. Other characters such as Varruchi, King Viramaditya have been given sufficient space and depiction. 

Personally, I loved the use of original works from Meghdoot, Raghuvansh and Abhigyan Shakuntalam.  I felt the initial focus on his birthplace felt like a drag, but once the story starts the pace sets and plot moves seamlessly. 

In all, Madhu Jha delivers an engaging work that is rich in research and content

Overall Verdict:- A treat for Kalidas fans

My overall rating would be 4/5

Book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Winning Like Yuvraj: Think & Succeed Like Singh - A Book Review

There are some stalwarts which are associated with our memories because they are part of those moments that we cherish dearly. Yuvraj Singh & Mohammad Kaif entered Indian Cricket team when I was a fan of Cricket. That read (2001-2006) was the era when Tendulkar, Ganguly, Dravid & Laxman were the backbone of the Indian Cricket team. Yuvraj with his style of cricketing had taken place in my heart. Though I left the following cricket then after (except occasional WC finals / T20 finals), Yuvi's matches always kept in my heart. Last month I saw this sweet little book on Yuvi and we didn't waste a moment to think whether go for it and here we are discussing a book based on Yuvaraj Singh a real-life fighter.

Book Blurb

There are many achievers and great sportspersons whose lives have inspired millions, but India’s star cricketer Yuvraj Singh is special among them. How many sportspersons have achieved so much despite facing mountainous challenges? Yuvraj grew up in a broken family, suffered from critical illness twice, had frequent injuries, break-ups and worst of all–-was diagnosed with cancer at the peak of his career in 2011. Anyone else would have buckled under the onslaught of afflictions, but not Yuvi. He emerged a winner each time and his list of achievements speaks for itself. His impressive record in cricket and his personal achievements are truly inspirational even to accomplished individuals.

So what makes Yuvi this special? What can one learn from his life, struggle and his success? Winning Like Yuvraj offers insight into the qualities of Yuvi’s life that make him a winner amidst adversities. It offers a peek into Yuvi’s personal and professional life to learn important lessons for achieving momentous success the way he did.

The book promises not only to inspire, but also show the readers how to nurture winning qualities the way Yuvraj did. Readers of all ages, but more importantly the youth who are studying or in the earlier phases of their careers, will find this book very useful towards achieving higher goals in their lives.

I was surprised once I started reading the book, the author has done an amalgamation of Yuvi's life records along with self-help. I was under impression that book would be a biography, but the author has proved me wrong by converting star's life into a motivational guide for others. The book is divided into 7 different chapters, each chapter starts with struggle/achievements of Yuvi. Then focusing on his strength/values that made him or let him fight his war. Last part of these chapters is self-help material discussion how we can apply similar values or discipline in our life. In short, content justify the title "Winning Like Yuvaraj"

Good points about the book

• Easy to follow language usage
• Short & Sweet in content
• Self-help needs examples which are ample in form of Yuvi's life incidents
• Ideal for beginners at the same time equally good for regular readers
• Serious topics discussed in a light tone

Overall a good pick if you would like to read a short, informative, inspirational self-help book. A must-have for cricket fans and sports buff.

Ratings

1. Cover - 4.5/5
2. Concept - 4/5
3. Content - 3.5/5
4. Overall - 4/5

Book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Dharmendra: A Biography: Not Just a He-Man by Rajiv M. Vijayakar - A Book Review

We usually don't read/review biographies, we have done some memoirs time to time, but biographies are still less preferred. Recently we started taking interest in Bollywood - movies, and actor related books. During one such hunch, we were reading "The Legends of Bollywood" by Raaj Grover which was a compilation of various legends of Bollywood. In that book, 15-20 pages were dedicated to Dharmendra and I liked whatever information was given about the star in that book. That short description was not enough for the legend, so when the opportunity arose to read a dedicated book on the star (that to his Biography) we jumped for it.

Book Blurb

A teacher’s son from the hinterlands of Punjab who dreamt of doing what Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand and Raj Kapoor did on screen and expecting to own ‘a flat and a Fiat’ consequently, has emerged as one of the most loved icons of Hindi cinema.

This ever-humble Jat attributes his hard-earned superstardom and global following to parental blessings, the Power Above and the love of the people. It’s been over fifty-five years of blockbusters like Phool Aur Patthar, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Sholay, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Pratiggya, Chupke Chupke and Dharam-Veer, with fabulous performances in many of these and notable productions including Satyakam, Betaab and Ghayal.

What’s more, this Padma Bhushan awardee has also dabbled sincerely albeit fruitlessly in politics and writes poetry that comes straight from his heart. There may be a million stars, but there can be only one Dharmendra.

Before we go to the content, let me tell you if you are looking for a book that can give distinctive view to your shelf/table/compartment then this book is a perfect choice. It is hardbound, with a wonderful cover picture of the actor. The book contains some legendary pictures of the actor with different cast & crew. A perfect gift material to a movie buff. 

The content of the book is designed in a semi-structural way. By semi-structural I mean, though the author has started with how Dharamji's life started from Dharminder to Dharmendra, at every stage, few important characters were quoted in narration along with their recent / after star era of Dharmendra. The book takes you through how he got succeeded in his second attempt (almost after 5-6 years of previous struggle) through talent contest. Then comes era when he started working with that eras legends as side role or second lead. His innocent and humble nature has won hearts then and it is still true today. Authors second inning with Apne and continuous devotion to a greater cause (keep working in subline movies to help families dependent on him) touched my heart.

I know 300 pages are still not enough to describe Dharamji. But I would say the author has done commendable efforts to bring information from various sources and to compile it into an interesting narration. 

A-must-have-copy for the movie buff. Ratings

1. Cover - 4.5/5
2. Content -4/5
3. Overall 4/5 

Book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

A must read - Into the Great Heart by Kamla K. Kapur

Recently all the spiritual, business and/or selfhelp books that I have read, Jaico had an upper hand from the content point of view. "Into the Great Heart - Legends and Adventures of Guru Angad the second Sikh Guru" by Kamla K. Kapur is a unique combinational master peice. I haven't read the first book so I was not aware of the beauty of Kamla Kapur's writing. The book is amalgumation of biography, fiction, philosophy, and spirituality. You will not notice when you will be taking a turn in the subject. After reading the first 30 pages I have added the first book in the series on my wishlist.

Book Blurb

From the bestselling author of Classic Tales from Mystic India, The Singing Guru and Rumi: Tales to Live By, comes the second book in the Sikh saga series about Bhai Lehna’s journey from being Guru Nanak’s constant disciple to becoming Guru Angad (1504 – 1552), his successor and the second Sikh Guru. 

Into the Great Heart carries forward and concludes the stories of Guru Nanak and Bhai Mardana, his favourite minstrel, from the first volume of the Sikh saga, The Singing Guru. History, legend and fiction merge to populate this book with fascinating personalities from Sikh history. Pivotal to this narrative are forgotten female luminaries such as Guru Nanak’s wife, Mata Sulakhni, his sister, Bebe Nanaki, Bhai Lehna’s wife, Khivi and daughter Amro. Brought to the foreground, their wisdom and insights as they overcome obstacles to spiritual growth embody the basic tenets of Sikhism in everyday living. They enhance Guru Nanak and Bhai Lehna’s tale with their diverse approach to life. 

Filled with captivating characters that enrich the tapestry of this compelling narrative, Into the Great Heart is a must-read for anyone who loves a rich story about human nature in its search for spiritual awareness.

The story or the book is written on Guru Angad succession over Guru Nanak. A priest of Maa Durga Temple came to Kirtarpur just to see Guru Nanak out of curiosity. His name was Bhai Lehna and he had herd one of the Poem composed by Baba. When he met Baba, both came to know that they were bound to meet. The first half of the book covers how the selfless act of Bhai Lehna and his devotion towards Baba Nanak had won Baba's heart. Baba had already decided that only Bhai Lehna could take the place of the successor after him. But Baba's family was against it, so Baba had to send Bhai Lehna away till the time was proper. That is the 1st part of the book. It was pretty well maintained with medium pace.

The second part started rather slow. Even the story part reduced by 30-40% in the first 50 pages of the second part. But slowly the story part picked up. The starting events of the second part were rather sad. This part ended with Guru Nanak announcement of Bhai Lehna as his heir (as Guru Angad) followed by Baba's demise.

All the characters in the book are painted with the brush of reality. You can feel their mind as if they are your closed one. The devotion of Bhai Lehna, Wisdom of Guru Nanak, Grasping and understanding of Bhai Buddha, the Inner turmoil of most of the women won my heart. Each page is filled with wisdom and spirituality without affecting interest quotient. In just 280 pages you can learn so many things. Those incidents of Baba's journey with Bhai Mardana, the hidden message behind Baba's statements or reactions, the conversation of Buddha with Bhai Mardana and family. There are so many things that made me love this book, I have listed only a few here.

A must read. Just go for it. I am not eligible enough to rate this book anything below 5/5.

The book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart

Reviews from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Book Review - The Silent Reformer: A Biographical Novel on the Life of Revered Pandurang Shastri Athavale

My wife was interested in reading "Shri Pandurang Shastri Athavale". So she requested "Kaya Bani Chandan" Gujarati translation of original Marathi work by Rajendra Kher. But by mistake, we got English edition. So responsibility came to me to finish the review. Though I have read biographies of a few personalities, spiritual leaders' biographies are not my forte. Still I too the challenge.

Book Blurb

English translation of best-selling Marathi biographical novel on the life of Revered Pandurang Shastri Athavale, founder of Swadhyay Parivar, who introduced universal way of life, way of worship and way of thinking to achieve spiritual height. Revered Pandurang Shastri (Dadaji) was an activist philosopher who formed the family (parwar) of millions of Swadhayees World-wide. He was recipient of 100s of awards including Magsaysay award, Templeton Award, Gandhi award, Tilak award etc. This novel is entirely based on his life, thoughts and work. Mr. Kher had personal interviews with Rev. Dada ji within the period of 3 & half years and then and then he wrote this novel. Hence, this book presents firsthand information about Rev. Dada ji and has become historical document of Rev. Pandurang Shastri's life and work

I read this book at a snail's pace. I was reading around 35-40 pages a week. Yes just 5-6 pages per day and it took more than 3 months for me to finish this book. It is not a boring book, but due to the depth of the subject that made my pace slow. The author has done a detailed research of Shastriji's life, it took him 3 and a half year of interview rounds face to face with Shartiji. So there is nothing else to comment on the profundity of the subject.

A serious work which requires serious efforts from readers. If the translation is as good as this book I may think about giving it to my elders as well.

English edition can be found at Amazon & Flipkart
Gujarati edition can be found at Amazon & Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

This Does Not Leave This House by Julie Coons

A 1970’s album like the cover, a colophon describing the author’s journey from torment to recovery. I didn’t know Julie Coons and I was skeptical of what was to come (The title had two “This”’ after all).

Book Blurb

How does a little girl survive an abusive mother, Catholic school, rape, and a near-death experience? 

Raised by an abusive, narcissistic mother (who once tried to trick her into having an abortion), Julie Coons was also raped in college by a stranger and later married an abusive man who threatened to kill her if she ever tried to leave. 

Suffering from physical and mental torment resulting in very low self-esteem, Julie often felt so completely alone during the many struggles of her life that she tried to take her own life. 

This book is her true story—telling all the secrets she was never allowed to tell to encourage and motivate others to heal their own lives and break the cycle of abuse. 

Her story shows that there is hope and life after abuse. 

Now that the secrets are finally out, Julie has found freedom. 

So can you. 

This Does Not Leave This House is a raw, poignant, and secret-revealing memoir written to lead a movement to break the silence of abuse and finally end its vicious cycle. With strength and resiliency, Coons provides a voice for the silent abused, letting them know they’re not alone. Justice and hope can prevail. The abused can become victorious. 

Read the heartbreaking true story of her journey to triumph above overwhelming obstacles. 

“This Does Not Leave This House” is the autobiography of Julie Coons where she survives child mistreatment, parental slander, brutal rape, marital exploitation, life-threatening diseases and a lot more; all this time holding herself for her daughter Stephanie until she finally breaks the vicious cycle of abuse with the hope that she inspires others to do the same.

Be it the trauma of rape or be it the happy memories with her Grandma Eva, the author successfully depicts the same in a manner that captures your soul. It wrings your heart and hits you in the right spots as you journey with her through her social injustice, experience her shattered dreams and feel her renewed hope till she pulls through and succeeds.

The book is well written in first person narrative. Be it the lunatic mother, the abusive ex-husband, the almost absentee brother and father, her dearest daughter Stephanie or the divine angel/ savior Grandma Eva, the author is successfully able to channel her emotions through our minds. She successfully narrates her life where she faces the worst and the best of humanity has to offer.

There were times when it became so gut-wrenching that I had to put the book down and stop reading.

There are some portions of the book which I felt were repetitive. Personally, I would have loved some more of her life with her loving husband Jeff. So in the end when she advises us to listen to our hearts and get out of anything abusive, it grills through our heads and we are left to praise her undying and fighting spirit.

Julie Coons really needs to thank her healer Theresa for bringing out the writer in her. Her autobiography can serve as a guideline to people who complain that they have suffered much and a beacon of hope to the ones that actually do. Personally, I am thankful that the book was shared with me and it was my privilege to read her, understand her and admire her through her book.

Overall Verdict:- A silver lining of a dark journey

For Julie Coons’ well inspiring autobiography, my overall rating would be 4/5.

Book can be found at Amazon India and Amazon USA

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

I did it my way - An Inspirational Story of Bikram Dasgupta

I rarely read autobiographies. But "I did it my way" by Bikram Dasgupta attracted me as it is about a thought leadership & revolutionary in the field of system & technologies. Being an IT professional with management degree I like to read such stories.

Book blurb

Story of a middle-class Bengali boy whose impatience became the reason for his success.

Bikram Dasgupta has seen it all—from a boy who joined IIT Kharagpur for ‘serious fun’ to selling oxygen cylinders in his first job; from being dubbed as an ‘ideas man’ by IT doyen Shiv Nadar to co-founding India’s number one PC company of its time, and then going solo with his own entrepreneurial venture.

I Did it My Way is not a rags-to-riches story, but a fascinating insight into the life and times of someone who didn’t shy away from thinking big and, for whom, progress meant creating his own road and establishing new milestones. Bikram reveals his beliefs, ideas, influences, failures, and successes in a rollercoaster journey of over 30 years, exemplified by a single-minded, near obsessive determination to move ahead in life, despite debacles.

The book is ultimately about reiterating the belief that every person has the power to create their own destiny. 

Bikram had got the chance to study at one of the best possible educational institutions in India. Being a grad of IIT Kharagpur he met with equal minds & developed himself. He joined Indian Oxygen as his first job, he learned many things there. He lived Vizag for a short span & met a young manager who has inspired Bikram a lot. Bikram's sales traits built on the job. Soon he joined HCL technologies, where he worked directly with the founder. His journey continues when he shifted to PCL and reached a new high for himself & company. Finally, he started his own venture. With his sons, he is now leading his company. He has also established an NGO & adopted an old age home. Throughout his career, his interest towards drama was always alive, he has actively participated in events.

The best part is the book is hardcover, and hardcovers are my personal favorite.  I didn't feel like reading a biography, it was more like reading protagonist Bikram's life journey. I really liked the book. 

Talking about ratings

1. Cover - 4/5
2. Content - 3.5/5
3. Overall - 3.5/5

Book can be found at Flipkart & Amazon
Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Review of Born to Be Hanged: Political Biography of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto

"Born to be hanged" - Political Biography of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (ZAB) is one of the kind of genre that I have tried the first time. Before I talk about ZAB or author I would like to praise book designer. Hardcovered book & its content is wonderfully designed. It is one of such book which you can keep in your library no matter content is interesting or not.

Book blurb

Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto held the reins of the country from 1971 to 1977. He was overthrown in 1977 by his Chief of Army Staff, General Zia-ul-Haq and executed in 1979. Zia-ul-Haq ruled over Pakistan for eleven years with an iron fist, curbing all dissent until he got blown up in an air crash in 1988. In almost three decades since, Pakistan’s leadership has changed hands fifteen times. An extremely controversial and confrontational politics is associated with the era of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. It is therefore not surprising that, considering his towering stature, not enough has been researched and written about the tumultuous years of his accession to power culminating in what today is best described as regicide. Syeda Hameed delves deep into the politics of Pakistan, meeting Bhutto’s contemporaries, mining information from archives and letters to bring to the fore a rich yet disturbing life and times of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

Now talking about ZAB's life. The book has covered how ZAB son of a Jagirdar (landlord) rose to the top & eventually went down. ZAB's childhood & upbringing was done with great care. He attended prestigious schools & colleges, he was a star performer during his schooling.He was active in politics even during his studies. He had to come back Pakistan due to his father's death. When he came back he joined Pakistan politics & represented Pakistan in UN. From there onwards, there was no look back for ZAB till one day he was imprisoned. Do read for more information.

The book is written with a good amount of research. It is having detailed annexure for those who would be interested in only his major life & political events. 

Talking about ratings

1. Cover & design - 4.5/5
2. Content - 3.5/5
3. Overall - 3/5

Book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

To the Moon: How I Blogged My Way to Bollywood - An Inspirational Tale of Malini Agarwal

When Vishnu told me that he got his hands on "To the Moon: How I Blogged My Way to Bollywood" by Malini Agarwal, I could not contain my excitement. I messaged him to give the copy to me.

Malini Agrawal aka Miss Malini is one of the top Blogger in India and a role model to many aspiring Bloggers. I also have a Fashion blog (http://edgeofashion.blogspot.com/) so this book was kind of like must read for me.

"To The Moon" is an autobiography of Miss Malini. She has written about her life before the blog and after it. She has talked about people she encountered during her journey to the top, it also covers about how she build a brand. And finally notes from her friends including many celebrities.

Now the most awaited question "Is this book helpful!?" The answer is well both yes and no in terms of what you're asking.

Yes, if you're asking is this book helpful for inspiration and just the way of life than my answer is yes. The notes and all the #MMProTip is awesome.

No, if you're asking about blogging. I don't think so that this book has something that I already did not know about blogging. Yes if you don't know anything about blogging at all then this might help you.

So lastly if you're someone who knows miss Malini and are inspired by her then you should definitely read this book otherwise you might get bored.

Ratings

1. Cover : - 3/5
2. Content : - 3/5
3. Concept : - 3/5
4. Overall : - 3/5

Book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

The Dev Anand Story by Govind Sharma

As the name suggests The Dev Anand Story is the biography of evergreen Dev Anand. This book has covered his ups & downs in the film industry and his personal traits. A very informative book with writing mixed with beautiful quotes and recollections from different personalities & publishing mediums.

Book Blurb

A must-read for Dev Anand fans and students of film history

“A broken nose sometimes makes a great boxer,” said the evergreen Bollywood star Dev Anand after his movie Ishq Ishq Ishq did not work at the box office. In his sixty-five years of unchallenged dominance as the most-loved Hindi film star, Dev Anand gave us several memorable hits like Guide, Taxi Driver, Hum Dono, Johny Mera Naam, and Hare Rama Hare Krishna.

He was not only an exceptionally handsome and stylish hero. His ‘man of the future’ philosophy is worth emulating by persons of all generations. He neither celebrated his successes nor lamented over his failures. A Karma Yogi, in the true sense of the term, he produced, directed, and acted in a lead role in a movie at the age of eighty-eight, which is without parallel in the history of Bollywood.

The book attempts to analyse why his philosophy of life is a source of inspiration for all. It also gives a detailed filmography from Hum Ek Hain to Charge Sheet, with a separate chapter on Guide, and a special write-up on his genius brother Vijay Anand.

The book covers the year-wise classification of Dev Anand's movies along with the summary of few of his remarkable movies. That is appreciable work of the author. 

Though this is  "Dev Anand Story" there is less about "Dev Anand" and more about his films. As a reader, I can understand that film and actor can't be separated from each other. Still, a lot can be done & written over the struggle of Dev Anand. Facts about the movie which everyone knows. In a biography, people would like to know other facts about his relationships with others in the film industry, his ups & downs in his film career. These facts can be researched & written. The author could have added the part which talks about his efforts behind getting a movie or struggle in the initial phase.

The Dev Anand fan would surely love that mini summary of movie & don't miss this great art of work.

Book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

BookReview - Pushing Limits: From West Point to Berkeley & Beyond by Ted Hill

I have received this book almost 8 months back but I was not able to read it on time. The representative from American Mathematical Society didn't convey at that time what this book was. I was under impression that this must be some maths or stats related book. But it was an autobiography or memoir of Ted Hill.

Book Blurb

Pushing Limits: From West Point to Berkeley and Beyond challenges the myth that mathematicians lead dull and ascetic lives. It recounts the unique odyssey of a noted mathematician who overcame military hurdles at West Point, Army Ranger School and the Vietnam War, and survived many civilian escapades—hitchhiking in third-world hotspots, fending off sharks in Bahamian reefs, and camping deep behind the forbidding Iron Curtain. From ultra-conservative West Point in the ’60s to ultra-radical Berkeley in the ’70s, and ultimately to genteel Georgia Tech in the ’80s, this is the tale of an academic career as noteworthy for its offbeat adventures as for its teaching and research accomplishments. It brings to life the struggles and risks underlying mathematical research, the unparalleled thrill of making scientific breakthroughs, and the joy of sharing those discoveries around the world. Hill's book is packed with energy, humor, and suspense, both physical and intellectual. Anyone who is curious about how one maverick mathematician thinks, who wants to relive the zanier side of the ’60s and ’70s, who wants an armchair journey into the third world, or who seeks an unconventional view of several of society's iconic institutions, will be drawn to this book

The book starts with Mr. Hill or I should say Dr. Hill's childhood in parallel to his earlier days in military training.His struggle during training made his a strong character. Then it covers parts of his early postings, Vietnam war and returns phase. Next part covers his journey of being a notable mathematician. His Ph.D. thesis to first Ph.D. student to early retirement to volunteering professor in other countries. Ted has never compromised his personal front for his professional front. Sports and adventure were never out of his life.

I accept that I skipped many pages as I have recently read Vietnam war memoir and I don't know why but I was not able to read those sections again. Some suggestions for publishers design it like a novel, currently, length and width of the book gives an impression of some technical or educational book.

An okay read for normal readers but memoir readers will like this book. Talking about ratings

1. Cover - 3/5
2. Title - 2/5
3. Content - 3/5
4. Overall - 1/5

Book can be found at - Amazon India & Amazon USA
Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

BookReview - Racing Back to Vietnam: A Journey in War and Peace

Before I talk about this book, I would like to appreciate author John Pendergrass' efforts not just by writing this book but for surviving the bloody war. I avoid biographies or memoirs due to the boring way it is presented to readers. (or maybe I found it boring). But "Racing Back to Vietnam: A Journey in War and Peace" was content-wise nicely formatted which can make readers stick to the last page.

Book Blurb

In 1971, John Pendergrass was seated in the back of an F-4 Phantom, racing across the skies of Vietnam as a United States Air Force flight surgeon. Forty-five years later, Pendergrass boards an altogether different type of airplane and heads to Vietnam for an altogether different kind of race. A veteran of IRONMAN triathlons on every inhabited continent, Racing Back to Vietnam follows Pendergrass as he returns to Vietnam in more ways than one--revisiting a country that, for him, is bound up in a complicated mess of memory and emotion. 

Book or I would say story started with the author being sent to Vietnam as the flight surgeon. He was in Air Force and in Vietnam he was stationed at Da Nag a war sensitive area. Enemy territory was not far from the area where rocket attacks were common. Each chapter in the first half of the book shows different situation or mission or problem of a person going through war. As a doctor, the author was expected to do his medical duty but being an adventurous and fearless personality he also served as co-pilot on war missions.

The reason behind the "Racing to Back" in the title was not only memories of wartime, but the author re-visited Vietnam once again after 40 years. He revisited areas he once knew or visited during the war.

Following things were covered in book apart from authors life

• Background of Vietnam War - In this section starting from end of Korean war to beginning and end of Vietnam war many things were covered in details.
• The strategy of the USA in Vietnam war - The author has strongly shown weak strategy token by the USA in Vietnam war. Apart from that, many personalities (strong/weak/corrupt) were mentioned.
• Social Conditions & Colonization Impact on Vietnam - The author has shown the impact of French drug cartel. 
• USA's fight against drug cartel and black market syndicate
• Life of a soldier in war. Starting from daily life to spiritual to physical & psychological issues were covered.
• The situation of "Prisoner of war" person or family of "Dead in Action" were mentioned.
• Comparison of lifestyle of Vietnamese during war and after 40 years
• Division of old Vietnam into multiple small countries having different way of governing principal

Ideal gift for

• Those who love to read war-related books
• Those who love to read traveling / Adventure / Sport book

A wonderful book covering war era & current era of Vietnam. Talking about ratings

1. Cover - 3.5/5
2. Content - 4/5
3. Overall - 3.75/5

Book can be found at - Amazon

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

A Princess Remembers - The Memoirs of the Maharani of Jaipur

I got my hands on A Princess Remembers by Gayatri Devi in last book fair. At 50 INR in second hand book stall this was a treasure.

Book Blurb

She is the daughter of the Maharaja of Cooch Behar and the widow of the Maharaja of Jaipur. She was raised in a sumptuous palace staffed with 500 servants and she shot her first panther when she was twelve. She has appeared on the lists of the world's most beautiful women. Gayatri Devi describes her carefree tomboy childhood; her secret six-year courtship with the dashing, internationally renowned polo player, Jai the Maharaja of Jaipur; and her marriage and entrance into the City Palace of the 'pink city' where she had to adjust to unfamiliar customs and life with his two wives. Jai's liberating influence, combined with Gayatri Devi's own strong character, took her well beyond the traditionally limited activities of a Maharani. This is an intimate look at the extraordinary life of one of the world's most fascinating women and an informal history of the princely states of India, from the height of the princes' power to their present state of de-recognition.

Maharani Gayatri Devi was the last Queen of Jaipur in Rajasthan. Gayatri Devi was listed in Vogue as one of the most beautiful women in the world.

Gayatri Devi is her highness of Jaipur who considered as the most beautiful women on the earth. In her autobiography, she has narrated her childhood life to her present life. A nicely described book about how kings and queens lived and what difficulties they faced as rulers. The book is divided into three to four parts. The first contains a childhood life of the princess in Cooch Behar and Baroda. Cooch Behar was a kingdom and Baroda was her maternal home of the princess. She shared how her mother single-handedly raised children while coordinating and ruling kingdom. She has nicely described her families' duty along with her life at Cooch Behar.

The second part consists her palace life in Jaipur as Maharani after her marriage. There she confronted a pardah (similar to Hijab or Burqua in Hindu culture) system in India and how free minded women like her face problems in pardah system. This part describes her happy marriage life. There was a sharp difference between Jaipur Palace and Cooch Behar. She had dealt it with a strong and positive mind.

The third part consists situation of various kings of India after independence. They were left without their kingdoms and they felt uselessness. They have dealt situation by participating in elections. Same was the case of Gayatri Devi. Although they have been elected as Member of Parliament from their party named Swatantrata Star, after becoming Member of Parliament her husband passed away. The sudden death of her husband made Gayatri Devi shocked and she made herself busy in fulfilling her husband’s dreams. 

The fourth part consists of the emergency laid by government and its after effects and how she has to go to Tihar jail. She also described her present situation and working. 

She has wonderfully written the life of the princess and its pro and cons. She made it more through beautiful photographs of her life’ memory. Overall nice book to give a look at princess’s life. Talking about ratings:

1. Cover Page: 4.5/5
2. Content: 4/5
3. Story line: 3/5
4. Overall: 3.5/5

Book can be found at - Amazon & Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads