Another Story by themarsbeing - a Poetry Book Review

Though I use poetry as an escape from my emotions, this is the first that I am reading a poetry book. And surprisingly, each and every word is written in this book has hit home. It took me a long time to read this book as I have to stop after reading each poem to process it cause the writing is so deep and emotional. The poems written in this book has real, pure, unfiltered, dark emotions. All the emotions that people generally hide from others and yet it's written so beautifully and recklessly. I am saying it again I had to take a break after reading each poem, as for me the words felt like staring into a mirror.

The book contains a lot of poems about suicide, heartbreaks, depression, and mental illness in general. So at any point of time in your life, if you have suffered through any mental illness, you'll be able to connect to most of the poems.

In my opinion books like this should exist more, just to start a conversation about mental health causes in some parts of our life. Everyone has gone through difficult times which affects our mental health. And especially in India, because mental problems and discussions on the same considered taboo, nobody talks about it. Books like this can at least start a conversation about it and at the same time provides a way to escape the chaos as well.

If talking about the structure and rhyming some of the poems could have done better in that department but the emotional story behind the poem reciprocates for that.

I liked all the poems in the book but some of the poems which I liked and I relate to more are Maze, End of the story, Impulse, Dream scrapes, Anxious mind.

I think the book deserves 4 out 5.

Book links - Goodreads & Amazon

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. 

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

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.

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

Book review - Road to Absolution by Karan Pillai

We are back with another book review, a poetry book called "Road to Absolution". Poetry books are my breaks in my onslaught of fictional reads. I take it from time to time to keep myself attached to other genres. This time I took 2 poetry books back to back. The first one was Bleak Hope and now this one. 

Book blurb

Don't we all crave for those moments when we could break free from feelings that hold us back or bring us down? In moments like those, all we need perhaps is someone or something that could show us the way.

"Road to Absolution" is written with simplicity. Poems are written as straightforward as lines coming out of a person. The poet has avoided using complex word phrasings. I feel if you can convey your message with simplicity there is no need to confused your readers. The subjects covered in poems are human relations, emotions, and desire. And I would say poems are on proper theme, earlier poem books I read were a compilation of multiple subjects, wherein here I found direction. I am not sure whether to call it a theme poem or title poem, absolution is one of the top three best poems I liked in the book.

I would say if you want to start reading poems then you can start with this. It will not bore you down but encourage you to take more books in the future. Those who don't fancy poems can also easily read it. Having said that regulars can also relish these poems. Take your diary, you may need to write down a few for future quotes. A recommended read. A short read which you can take during your travel, but I suggest you take it where you can find peaceful/calm environment so that you can digest and understand the poem's message.

I would rate 3.75 out of 5 to this book. 

Book links - Goodreads, Amazon and Flipkart

Review - Bleak Hope: A Teenager's Collection of Poems

Even though I loathe self-help, I read that genre more often than poems. Due to its complex nature, you need more concentration & patience to read & digest poems. One or twice in a half year I take poetries because more than that I won't be able to give justice. But I think a book like "Bleak Hope" has increased my curiosity for the genre, I think I will work on the overall quota of poetry books now.

Another thing that I cannot comprehend was the fact that the poet is just a teenager. The vastness of her understanding of the world is visible in her poems. Coming to poems covered in the book, the poet (Anwesa) has taken some burning issues like humanity, violence, terrorism, human trafficking, pollution, rapes and many more and woven poems around the subject. She has used simple wordings so that her message can reach to even novice readers. The messages were clear and can show us the ground reality of today's world and situations. Poems that touched my heart are

1) House of ice breakdown 

2) Through a Child's eyes

3) See the Light

4) Stolen Childhood 

I liked the small image of a girl given on each page. Surprisingly I visualized that girl's emotion was set as per the tone of the poem, but in reality, the girl drawn has a natural posture. Talking about the selection of the title, I think the poet must have seen the severity of issues discussed in her poems, and unless God intervenes there are bleak possibilities of correcting/handling those issues. Well, this is my assumption, the actual reason may be different. Given a chance, I would like to know her reasons for the title.

For me, it is 4 out of 5 for these beautiful poems.

Book links - Goodreads, Amazon & Flipkart

Thoughtfully Written Poems - Wake Up Oh! Indian Wake Up Please - Book Review

When I first checked the cover of "Wake Up Oh! Indian Wake Up Please" I thought the book would be based on the political situation in India. But the blurb of the book made it clear, from the blurb I got to know that the book is dedicated to the ground issues that India faces India. It took me not more than 3 days to finish this book. 

Book Blurb

A collection of easy to read understand, book of inspirational poetry on India that you can enjoy, mull over, reflecting the everyday reality and solutions. Not long ago, it took blood, sweat, tears & countless sacrifices to achieve freedom enabling us to manage our own affairs. But, haphazard planning, gross mismanagement, lack of genuine accountability, corruption, cronyism, nepotism, lack of a uniform education system, bending rules, and the bribing, have become a part of our everyday reality. This is endured silently by the faceless millions and are slowly & steadily becoming the accepted norm. Introspection without justifications and the ability to swallow one’s pride and pretensions can help one comprehend our reality of today, and also realize that it is possible to cure our present state of affairs. Here is a sample of book of inspirational poetry Garbage bins are not maintained With litter, scattered all around Civic sense we seem to have lost Because most, to it, are blind. We must re-educate our people The only way to achieve our goal We must do it ourselves Our efforts are required, not dole. Will we remain as one? To rebuild and fix our land And maintain what we rebuild To be proud of where we stand.

"Wake Up Oh! Indian Wake Up Please" is a collection of poems that inspire, involve the reader with it's use of simple words elegantly written. Each dedicated to a major issue affecting India. Covered issues: poverty, education, sanitation, communal violence, poverty, corruption, politics, transportation, infrastructure, employment, etc. Forty poems, each start with a depiction of the current condition of the said topic, followed by an appeal by the author to the general public to become aware of the situation. The poems aim to raise awareness and patriotism from children to adults.

Frankly speaking, we all are aware of these situations, but we are so used to them that we take it as just part of our life. We understand the gravity of the situation when it happens with us like in case of corruption, violence, etc. Sometimes we see the stark contrast between our culture and other countries' when we visit them, in terms of infrastructure, sanitation, cleanliness, etc. It is not that we don't have a system for it, but stakeholders are not active. Even we don't consider ourselves as active participants. We always think such things won't matter, and that's what the author has pointed out. Readout poems yourself to get the feel.

Coming to the working style, it is plain and to the point. Language usage is simple. The author has concentrated on message delivery than impressing readers by flaunting words.

I would give 4.25 out of 5 for this wonderful work.

Book links - Amazon & Goodreads

Book Review - Bargad Ka Ped - Waqt Ke Pher Se Phere Lekar Kuch Lamhein Talashne Nikla

We have made a resolution to read at least 20% of our books/pages in the regional language/mother tongue. Under this agenda, we always look out for some good books in Gujarati & Hindi languages. Things that made us go for "Bargad Ka Ped".

• Wonderful cover page/artwork
• Collection of poems & short stories
• Short in content

I wanted to take this book in the first week of January itself, but I received the courier late. Still, we are able to take it in the first month of the year and we are happy about it.

As I have mentioned the book is a collection of around 50+ poems & a few short narrations. Even these narrations are poetic & it would be hard not to call them poems. The topic and theme of poems varied. Most of them are based on memories. They are about parents, home town/village, friends, lost time, childhood. A major portion of poems are around love (or I would say lost love)

My personal favorites are

• Jao Tum - Which discussed breakup of a couple
• Gumsum - A lover recalls his last moments with his partner spent in darkness
• Saath Sapne Dekhe The - Discussed harsh reality when some people in friendship or love uses others for their personal goals
• Woh Char Log - A taunt on gossiping nature of society, which pulls us down most of the time

Each poem depicts its story in a different context. Though the book is short in content it is very rich in context. The word usage is also simple if you have studied Hindi in school and if you are keeping track of Hindi shows, you can easily read the book without a dictionary. Yes, you need to read it with full concentration as it is not a story. It is a poetry book.

The only complain would be the last 8-10 2 liners poems, the author could have reframed them and given as full poems.

Talking about ratings

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

Book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Book Review - Voyages Volume I - A Collection of Poetry by Debjeet Mukherjee

Frankly speaking, I have not read/reviewed poem book in the past, not in English or not even in my mother tongue Gujarati. During Diwali vacation, I received this book from Debjeet Mukherjee in my mailbox. I checked the blurb and 1-2 poems and thought of giving a try. I started reading it during a long train journey and surprisingly I was able to finish it within 2-3 hours.

Book Blurb

Voyages Volume I is a collection of poems written to break the notion that poetry is an art comprehensible only by the elite. Understanding good poetry becomes easy when there is a guide to help understand all those complicated words and lines. Keeping in mind the feelings of the reader, a small quotation has been provided at the end of each poem, carrying a message of what the preceding lines were all about. This style of writing has been chosen as most of the time we fail to understand that poetry is very much a part of our life. 

Whether it be sharing good wishes everyday on social media or going through some lovely quotations to uplift our moods, life is just one big book of poetry that we refuse to understand in popular culture. Just like a ship embarks on a voyage, searching and exploring new continents through vast reaches of the ocean; our life too embarks on a journey of adventures which are best described in poetry.

As the name suggests, "Voyages Volume I - A Collection of Poetry" is a collection of poems, each written at a different time in Debjeet life (I am assuming it) with a different thought. It has poem related love, relationship, friendship, inspiration, society and what not. Wordings of each poem are simple but meaningful. Not at a single point, you will feel that Debjeet is flaunting about his vocabulary.

Poem topics are selected so nicely that for everyone at least few poems feel /touch on a personal front as if written for that individual. Another good part is a short quotation given at the end of each poem which gives the crux of the poem. I liked many of these quotations. Few even made to my Twitter and Instagram timeline as well.

My personal favorite quotes are

• “Lovely is the shape of the heart in cards Because the real heart has more to bear than fantasy”
• “To take care of your loved ones is not easy. But who said it would be easy keeping a promise!” 

Cover design/selection is also proper for the type of book. Just like poems, cover shows us slow serene and deep mind; and our navigation through a voyage of life. 

Many of the poems are based on harsh reality which shows us the real face of the world. And most of the poems are realistic, very few are imaginative. I would like to applaud Debjeet to write so many meaningful poems at such a young age.

Talking about ratings

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

Book can be found at - Amazon India & Amazon USA

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Poetry Book Review - Her Name is Imagination

A cover which reminded me of “The Fault In Our Stars” and a colophon which gives  some insight of the young poet and the timeline of when he wrote these poems; but nothing grabbed my eyes more than the excellent choice of title, “Her Name is Imagination”. 

Book Blurb

Her Name is Imagination is a collection of well-crafted poems, written by a sixteen year old. Written during a difficult period of the author’s life, this book throws the reader into a gamut of emotions that the author has to go through while writing this book. Even when the reader is thrown into the deep end of love, pain, joy, sorrow, elation, regret, happiness, and sadness, the book’s genius lies in the fact that the author helps the reader maintain hope. Written with a painful honesty and a certain naivety that could be attributed to his age; and a certain complexity and meticulousness, that belies his age, Her Name is Imagination is a book full of conundrums like these. It forces one to think, almost challenges the reader to find answers. However, throughout all this, at the end the reader is bound to feel good and a little liberated.

Alok Amit Abhilash shares his perspective and take on life through “Her Name is Imagination”. It is a collection of 25 poems where he goes down, gets up, is thankful and despite the grim world that he is a part of, maintains hope.

Be it the darkness in “My Name is Imagination”, or the thanksgiving in “Messing Around (I’m Blessed)”, Alok Abhilash conveys his mind and holds nothing back. Mostly,  the poems are written in a simple language, however I must admit I had to look up the meaning of camaraderie in “Happiness/Pursuit of Happiness”. Referring to Imagination as a flirtatious “her” in “Her Name is Imagination” or advising us to be balanced in the fight  “Darkness and Light”, Alok Abhilash makes good use of analogies to narrate his ideas from the first poem itself(“Time”).

There are times where the rhythm does indeed break and it becomes more like a rant. Though it is mentioned that the poems inspire positive attitude, some poems end on a dark note, whereas in some instances the ending is really abrupt. 

Some of the poems are well written. My personal favorit was “My Name in Society” which feels relatable, realistic and perhaps even an eye opener to current modern lifestyle. 

Overall, the Alok Abhilash successfully displays his potential. Indeed, there are some poems which need more effort, but nevertheless they give an impact and leaves a good impression on our minds.

For Alok Amit Abhilash’s maiden work my rating would be 4/5

Overall Verdict:- A praiseworthy effort by a young mind

The book can be found at Amazon and Flipkart

Reviews from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Book Review “Looking Through The Prism Spectrum" by Sujata Chatterjee

Overall Verdict:- Scenic, colorful, soulful and through the heart

As I start to write this review its nearly 1 AM; a time purposely chosen when it’s quiet all around and yet I am contended within, for it’s the third time in two days that I’ve lived Sujata Chatterjee’s lush green wonder “Looking Through The Prism - Spectrum”

A colorful robin in its cover and a colophon which abstracts the author’s love for nature, The book grabs your attention and captivates your heart. In times, where every next person is a poet on social media, I was curious as to whether it will deliver a lush quiet evening as promised. The very first poem ensures that it does.

“Looking Through The Prism Spectrum” is a collection of 17 beautiful poems by Sujata Chatterjee where each poem is accompanied by a sketch that catches your eye.

Be it the sunset in “Newer Horizons” or be it a students frustration in “Exhaustion”, the author successfully pens out her visual wonders and presents them for your mind’s eyes to feast. The poems are written in a simple language, yet they effortlessly enter your soul. Such is the mesmerizing spell of her work that you are forced to take a second look at the accompanying pictures just for the sheer joy of it.

There are times where the rhythm does indeed break, which I personally felt were due to forced extra details in the stanza. But the mood catches on and you’re able to end each poem with a warm cozy feeling inside leaving you to yearn for more.

My personal favorite of all was the “The Rosebud”. The poem resonated with me and perhaps put into words mostly what it feels to be a newly made father.

Overall, the author successfully paints her lush, rich and vivid imagination in a canvas by the name of “Looking Through..” where each and every color including the dark ones stand out and leave a lasting impression on our minds.

For Sujata Chatterjee’s visual delight my rating would be 4.5/5

Book can be found at Amazon and Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads