The Superhero Soul: Quest for Inspiration, Happiness, Success and Greatness by Dilip Bathija

"The Superhero Soul: Quest for Inspiration, Happiness, Success and Greatness" by  Dilip Bathija is first book in series of "The Superhero Soul". This book is all about rediscovering yourself. It tells what you should do to fulfill your dreams and of course what you shouldn't.

What you know and how you apply your knowledge is very important. There is super hero in yourself that works as your subconscious mind; and make universe do like that. It is 'You' who can control your situation and its only 'You' who is remedy for your worst situation. The book is all about "you" who can do anything.

The quotes author has written has given more meaning to writing. His motivational writing is also easy to understand. It gives inspiration to see yourself in new dimension & give encouragement to work accordingly.

Talking about rating:

1. Cover Page : 3.5 / 5
2. Content : 3 / 5 (One full star for quotations)
3. Language : 3 / 5 (Very easy to follow)
4. Overall : 3 / 5 

Book can be found at - Amazon & Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at - GoodReads

From Tiggie, With Love - A Love Story

"From Tiggie, With Love" by Nitin Sharma is my 8th or 9th love story of this year. It is a sure-shot miss for potential reader because of title and cover design.

Story started with a journalist named Saarika who was in LA with her husband Adeel. Rehaan (Billionaire) visited LA for some events and Saarika was supposed to take his interview. Saarika was excited for given opportunity, but her husband was not happy about it. She overheard her husband when Adeel was abusing Rehaan for taking something from him. From that moment onward Saarika tried to find out the answers behind his husband's hatred.

Saarika took a step further to take Rehaan's interview and went to India with him. Rehaan told Saarika about his life before he became billionaire. He told about his school and college life. Then Rehaan's story became intense where he told Saarika about his past relationship. 

Though author has tried to give a good shape to story, I found it very very very (I mean it) complex relationship between Rehaan and Ishaani. Story keeps revolving around their break ups and patch ups. Every time Rehaan narrated their break up with line 'that was the last time we hope to see each other.' But they kept meeting and when you get high hopes for them to meet they never met each other.

Talking about rating:

1. Cover - 2 / 5 (Not just cover page but also title required rework)
2. Concept - 2.5 / 5 (Nothing new)
3. Language - 3.5 / 5 (Can be finished in few sittings)
4. Story Line - 3.5 / 5 (Smooth)
5. Characters - 3 / 5
6. Overall - 3 / 5

Book can be found at - Amazon & Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at - GoodReads

When Shadows Turn Dark by Vidya Anand

As subtitle says 'Karma Follows Beyond Death', Vidya Anand has written a story of reincarnation in her book 'When Shadows Turn Dark'.

Story starts with a young architecture Anirudh. He was successful in his professional life, but his personal life was shadowed by his regular nightmares. He was witnessing murder/death of a girl called Chitrangada. Unable to have a decent sleep in last 10 years made him reserved and disturbed person. His friend Madhav was his only support in this struggle. Twist came to Anirudh life when he shifted to Bangalore and joined Madhav's firm. He met Trisha, with whom he opening his nightmares. At the same time, in London Sanjana and Abhimanyu were have really happy college life. They were preparing for a drama on reincarnation based story. 

Book has another parallel almost a century back where a mere painter Arjun fell for princess Chitrangada. Though Chitrangada was engaged in her childhood, she also fell for Arjun. They started meeting secretly with help of Chitrangada's sister Nayanika's and maid's help. Story became complex when Nayanika also wanted to relation with Arjun. On other hand Chitrangada's childhood fiancee also came to know about this love triangle.

Interesting point came in story when Sanjana and Abhimany came to India for drama performance and Anirudh went to watch drama. Suspense behind Chitrangada's death and role Arjun, Nayanika & Chitrangada's fiancee revealed at the end.

In short, the story has all what it takes to visualize as normal Bollywood movie script. Drama, Thriller, Suspense, Love-triangle, Betrayal, Revenge. One liner about book would be "A light read, which can be finished in 3-4 sittings" 

Talking about rating:

1. Cover - 4 / 5 (Explain initial phase of Anirudh's life)
2. Concept - 3 / 5
3. Language - 3.5 / 5 (I finished it in 3-4 sittings)
4. Story Line - 3.5 / 5 (Smooth)
5. Characters - 4 / 5
6. Overall - 3.25 / 5

Book can be found at - Amazon & Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at - GoodReads

I don't wear sunscreen by Kavipriya Moorthy

'I don't wear sunscreen' by Kavipriya Moorthy an unusual title for one unusual story. I got this book as gift from Author in exchange of unbiased review. Frankly speaking if I had to buy this book I might have skipped it for sure, looking at only title.

This is the story of a normal girl Laksha, whose life was pretty normal and sorted out beautifully. Her best friend Pallavi was all she had when story started. When they were about to enter to college life, Pallavi met a boy and started having feeling for him. Laksha being over-possessive forced Pallavi not to talk to that guy. They both went to different cities for studies, Laksha to Mumbai for architecture and Pallavi near Pondicherry for engineering. Life after that became completely different at both end. 

Laksha went for internship and met a guy, built a good relationship with that guy. She also got a job offer from that boy's cousin firm. Her relationship with Pallavi was becoming weaker because Pallavi was getting depressed for not getting placed. Story went in both parallel, and suddenly one fine day, the boy Laksha fell for stopped talking her; and when she when to join her job she found out that she was sacked. Other side Pallavi suddenly disappeared from Laksha's life. 

Life became hell for Laksha. She broke down to the core. Her parents showed great support and made her came out of her depressing state. Reasons behind twist happen with Laksha were kept in Gray just to increase interest, and it was revealed in last 3-4 pages.

I read 100 pages to know what exactly happened but author hinted few things and left readers to guess remaining parts. I personally found it dis-satisfactory. Could have been much better. Talking about rating:

1. Cover - 2.5 / 5 (Cover and title both are dull)
2. Content - 3 / 5 (I expected better ending) 
3. Language - 2.5 / 5 
4. Story Line - 3 / 5 
5. Characters - 3 / 5
6. Overall - 2.5 / 5

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

Do you Know Any Good Boys? A Woman's Guide to the Arranged Marriage

"Do you Know Any Good Boys?: A Woman's Guide to the Arranged Marriage" - I won this book two months back and received it last month. Author Meeti Shroff-Shah has recollected experience of her husband seeking years. 

Just like my wife as Meeti was a hardcore Mills & Boon's stories' fan; and always wanted to have love marriage. But like many other Gujarati Jain family girl, she didn't find a character of her dreams. She gave this responsibility to her parents. Her parents like any other Indian parent accepted this new job profile and from there the journey of Meeti v/s Mr Perfect for Meeti started.

During these 2 years Meeti been through almost all means of arranged marriage that Indian use to find proper partner. Be it mouth-to-mouth publicity, news advertisement, marriage bureau, matrimonial sites they tried all means in short span of 2 years. She met her Mr. Perfect on her 41st coffee date. During which she rejected many candidates while many had rejected her. She went through depressing phase at many points. But her parents had kept her hopes high. She had mentioned incidents happened with her or her friends in witty tone and presented in sarcastic words. 

Though book was written with serious subject in core, Meeti has tried her best to keep it as lighter and funny to stick her readers to the last. A good book for any age group. Talking about rating:

1. Cover - 4 / 5
2. Language - 4 / 5 
3. Story Line - 3 / 5 (Smooth no major ups and downs)
4. Overall - 3.5 / 5

Book can be found at - Amazon & Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at - GoodReads

Work High, Sleep Low by Vinay Singh

"A mountaineer's foray into management and education" as subtitle tells about 'Work High, Sleep Low' by Vinay Singh is collection of author's experiences in personal & professional life along with his adventurous activities specially hiking, trekking, cycling, skiing. 

When I received this book as gift in exchange of unbiased review, I had thought book might be either autobiography or hiking adventure. To my relief book was not normal autobiography, because usually I avoid biographies. And after reading 'Monkeys, Motorcycles, and Misadventures' by N.S.Harsha Vardhan, adventure non-fiction became one of my favorite genre; again I was disappointed when book was not complete adventure journey. It was mix and match of author's life experience. 

It is the story of a boy from small town, whose dad was in police department. Author had spent his early life in various small cities. Being good in studies he went to IIT-Roorkee (University of Roorkee at that time) for engineering. He wanted to join army and got call letter from govt. But his father's consistent efforts made him changed his decision. He joined mountaineering club of college and started mini treks near Gangotri region. His expedition became serious when Capt. M. S. Kohli lead their camp for proper hiking. This part of the story was my favorite. Author joined IIM-A for his PGP, where he had another experience. He cycled all the way from Mumbai to Goa. 

Then came full section of author's personal - professional life, where he switched few companies to understand what he actually wanted in life. He also got married and had daughters. He got divorced and remarried. Story was pretty dull during this section. Story became interesting where author again went back to his adventurous nature and started trekking and travelling, which brings us to last 3rd of the book. Book from there to his efforts for social cause was really nice. A good read for any age. 

Talking about rating:

1. Cover - 4 / 5
2. Content - 3 / 5 (Details lacked when I expected more) 
3. Language - 4 / 5 
4. Story Line - 3 / 5 (Could be more organized specially first 50 pages)
5. Characters - 4 / 5
6. Overall - 3.5 / 5

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

Aashka Mandal by Ashwini Bhatt

A book of Ashwini Bhatt is always a gem. Beauty, danger, courage, suspense, love story, sacrifice all aspects in one book. His books always make in my 'must-read' list. Aashka Mandal is one the wonderful creations of Ashwini Bhatt.

Aashka Mandal story starts from Hamirgadh Rajasthan goes to Chambal region and comes again in Rajasthan. Main protagonist Sigval Singh found out a skeleton and tried to find out whose skeleton it was. He found out murder at his place along with some important papers missing. He ended up in deadly treasure hunt when he tried to solve the murder mystery. During his treasure hunt he met with a beautiful and brave heart girl Aashka. Treasure hunt was infamous for 0 % success rate in past, but people join the quest for various reason with very low hope of finding treasure.

Storyline is very smooth. There are few writer in Gujarati literature of this genre who writes with such amazing skills that bring readers back to his books again and again. Reader wishes his books never end. No one can describe person or location better than Ashwini Bhatt. His detail description can help reader to visualize each and every incident in their mind just like watching a movie. 

Must read in Gujarati literature. Talking about rating:

1. Cover - 4 / 5 (Better than Aakhet)
2. Concept - 5 / 5
3. Language - 4.5 / 5 (Easy read)
4. Story Line - 5 / 5 (Sure-shot page turner)
5. Characters - 5 / 5 
6. Overall - 5 / 5

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

It Doesn't Hurt To Be Nice by Amisha Sethi

Spirituality bundled with simple story of a girl Kiara was wonderfully penned down by Amisha Sethi in 'It Doesn't Hurt To Be Nice'

The book talks about Kiara’s life. Kiara came across many problems in different phases of her life. Problems at each phases were typical to the problem faced by every individual during their life. Problems like which career to chose, in-laws issues, indifference with life-partner, irritating boss, etc. Amisha has beautifully described all such events of the Kiara’s life and had showed how they shaped her life. 

The best part of the book is simplicity and smoothness. Though the book is philosophical, it not just so called self-learning or 'Gyaan'-filled book. Author has given enough emphasis on story at same time to stick reader to book. Book generally speaks of life and their importance with help of incidents from Kiara's life and supported her action from Vedas or Upnishadas or Gitas teaching. This made book an easy and speedy read. Book will leave a positiveness in readers mind. Those who cannot stand philosophical books can read this book. A good food for thought. 

Talking about rating:

1. Cover - 3.5 / 5
2. Concept - 4 / 5
3. Language - 3.5 / 5 (Easy read)
4. Story Line - 2.5 / 5 (Smooth similar to many family drama story)
5. Characters - 4 / 5 (Specially for Kiara)
6. Overall - 3.5 / 5

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

The Devil and the Deadly Peace by Sindhura Chamala

Sindhura's debut book The Devil and the Deadly Peace is a interesting thriller set in a fictional land called Khaga. I would like to congratulate Sindhura on debut book; and thank for a copy in exchange of unbiased review.

An important peace treaty was schedule by king of Jalika between two nations named as first nation & second nation. Just a week before the treaty unexpected chain of events started and lead to death of king. One of the main protagonist called herself as devil found conspiracy in kings death. The Devil joins hands with the long forgotten Brotherhood and embarks on a journey to uncover the secrets lying buried in the corners of the palace.

Author has given great deal of time on conceptualization of surroundings like palace, rooms, quarters, meeting rooms, etc. But she was not able to give equal justice to describe characters. Well as a debut work it is still good piece of work.

Talking about rating

1. Cover - 2.5 / 5 (It should be more attractive for a fantasy book)
2. Concept - 3.25 / 5
3. Language - 3.5 / 5 (Easy read for any age group)
4. Story Line - 3 / 5 (Nothing extraordinary. Seems more like building up background for next part)
5. Characters - 3 / 5 (Again nothing extraordinary apart from innovative names)
6. Overall - 3 / 5

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

"Keeping the Promises" - A love story by Dhruv Gajjar

"Keeping the Promises" - A love story by Dhruv Gajjar , I read this book in valentine week. 

It is a light read and smooth story to finish book in 2-3 sitting. Story revolves around Dhruv (aka Gajju) and his promises given to his girl friend in the last phase her life. Unlike normal love story author has tried to bring different narration style. Story timeline flows in three parallels.

One when Dhruv fell in love with her college mate; Second when Dhruv found out that her girl friend was suffering from cancer and counting her last day; and Third where Dhruv came out of trauma of losing her girlfriend and finding new aspects in life.

Phase-1 (I will call as romance phase) was full of college life experiences. Where Dhruv made deep bond with his friends and his girl friend. It was a phase where Dhruv met his love of life (jounier to him). They fell for each other after a year of friendship. Things were wonderful in this phase until one day M (Dhruv's GF) suddenly asked him to leave.

Phase-2 (Meaning of love) was phase where Dhruv found out reason behind M's decision to leave him. She was suffering through cancer (which was hereditary) and she decided not to take treatment to stop cancer re-appear in future generation. Dhruv a tall, handsome and well-built guy in phase-1 was bulky, fragile, heavy drinker and lost guy in beginning of this phase. But the moment he found out truth, he once again came back to M's life and moved into her home. They spent wonderful last days where M forced Dhruv to make promises everyday. 

Phase-3 (Recovery and new start) was phase where Dhruv came back to his original track as he promised to his GF. He completed his MBBS, brought back Angie and Ansh back together, rebuilt his physique. At end he also got in relationship with his first love as M had planned.

In short, sweet love story. Perfect timing for me as I completed within valentine week.

Talking about rating

1. Cover - 3 / 5
2. Concept - 4 / 5 
3. Language - 3.5 / 5 (Easy, read for any age group)
4. Story Line - 4 / 5 
5. Characters - 4 / 5 
6. Overall - 3.5 / 5

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

Bhadrambhadra by Ramanbhai Neelkanth - Sarcasm Till Last Word

If we name top 10 best book available in Gujarati literature, I think Bhadrambhadra (ભદ્રંભદ્ર) by Ramanbhai Neelkanth will make it in the list for sure. And if we talk about one of the best book in humor / black humor / sarcasm genre, I don't think anyone can beat Bhadrambhadra.

The book was first published in 1900. I still remember we had a small chapter of book in our curriculum years back in our schooldays, I always wanted to read this book. It was one of my first Gujarati book-buy. I read it twice in last three years, and I will always try to re-read it once in 2 years.

Story was written about 1890 era of India, where Britishers & few social activist were trying to remove some centuries old orthodox traditions. Author had created a wonderful character 'Bhadrambhadra', who considered himself as self-proclaimed savior of society against activist. Bhadrambhadra had a follower named Ambaram, who trust Bhadrambhara and his logic unquestionably. 

Bhadrambhadra along with Ambaram started his journey from Ahmedabad. They went all the way to Mumbai to attend public gathering against social activist. Incident and people they met during their journey to Mumbai make segment very comic. Their experience in Mumbai, starting from station to 'Chawl' as their initial stay to gathering, lecture in gathering, meeting with same thug who cheated them in train and got fooled again, meeting with Prasannmansankar and helping them to complete his book/literature. Each and every character and incident give enough laughter and interest to make book a sure-shot-page-turner.

Using laughter as medium, author had wonderfully tried to throw lights on issues like caste system, touchable-untouchable, use of mixed language, resistance against change in social traditions, etc. Book seems humors in current days when many of them became talk of past, but writing something in age where these issue can make or break you, it would require hell lot of courage to publish such work.

A must read for all Gujarati. Rating :

1. Cover - 4.5 / 5
2. Concept - 5 / 5 
3. Language - 5 / 5 (Very very pure, at times Gujarati mixed with Sanskrit, need 2-3 reading at some point to understand crux)
4. Story Line - 4.5 / 5 
5. Characters - 4.75 / 5 
6. Overall - 5 / 5

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

BookReview - Monkeys, Motorcycles, and Misadventures by N.S.Harsha Vardhan

Firstly Congratulations on Completing Humongous task of the trekking & biking and then finishing this wonderful book. Also thanks for providing such a wonderful book describing your adventures. I would say this was one of the best giveaway book I got in last year (after multiple love stories)

Coming to 'Monkey, Motorcycles, and Misadventures' - It is the journey of Author - Harsha along with his two friends Sri and Sam from Hampi (Kiskindha) to Sri Lanka (Lanka). The journey Hanuman made to locate Lanka and Sita. It took them 73 days (Walking (in India) & Biking (in Sri Lanka)) to finish their journey. But more than destination their journey was wonderful to read about. Along with story they showed many faces of people and animal they met along the journey (mostly positive incidents except 1-2 bad experience)

Journey was started with different motives for each individual; and it shows how they find answers and faith in their path is written nicely.

Except few para - where author went to self-discussion mode and get me bored I loved book. I will definitely refer this book to others along with multiple re-read from my side. ;) Talking about rating:

1. Cover - 4 / 5
2. Concept - 5 / 5 (Many fragments from known stories)
3. Language - 4 / 5 (I finished it in 3-4 sittings)
4. Story Line - 4.5 / 5 (Smooth)
5. Characters - 4.75 / 5 
6. Overall - 4.25 / 5

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

The 3 U-Turns of My Life: • LOVE-RACE-DESTINY • by Jeet Gian

"The 3 U-Turns of My Life: • LOVE-RACE-DESTINY •" by Jeet Gian, First impression of the book would be another Chetan Bhagat style The 3 Mistakes of My Life. Well to begin with there were some similarity between story-telling. Specially when it comes to girl, rivalry, revenge & fall. 

Book blurb

LOVE-RACE-DESTINYManav Modi and Deepak Mehra are poles apart – one down to earth, the other flamboyant; one introvert, the other overtly loud; one aspiring to be rich, the other born with a silver spoon. Except their feelings for Urvashi, they have nothing in common. Yet, they are ‘friends’. They part ways, only to come together in a web of destiny that puts them against each other, testing their friendship, love, patience, and even their choice of a profession!
Will this race between CA and MBA lead them to a fall, or do they need something more to pull them out of the mess created by The 3 U-Turns of My Life?

Humorous and simple narration made story-line unambiguous. Author himself is CA and has given enough insights about devils of CA profession. Manav Modi a middle class CA aspirant is the protagonist of the story and the author, Jitendra, has shown the struggle of his family through various phases of his life. He has a friend, Deepak Mehra, his arch-enemy. Deepak always to provoke Manav to achieve his goals to become successful CA. Manav also considered Deepak to be a competition for Urvashi Doshi, his love interest. A typical story of good winning over evil with lots of twists and 3 U-turns.

Book was written for an Indian audience and it contains all the Masala required to engage typical Indian readers. There was love, drama, betrayal, hurt, rain and many more!! 100% Bollywood content!

If I talk about rating

1. Cover - 3.5 / 5 (Cover is too simple to be ignored by potential buyers)
2. Concept - 3.5 / 5 (Many fragments from known stories)
3. Language - 3.5 / 5 (Simple to finish book in 3-4 sittings)
4. Story Line - 4 / 5 (Smooth)
5. Characters - 4 / 5 (Specially for Deepak and Manav)
6. Overall - 3.75 / 5

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

Destiny of Shattered Dreams by Nilesh Rathod

'Destiny of Shattered Deams' - by Nilesh Rathod - story about rise & fall of 'Atul Malhotra' - a business tycoon in his personal and professional world. Being an entrepreneur Nilesh knew devils of the corporate world. In his debut novel he has used this knowledge to create story around a struggle Transmech Telecom Limited from a small scale startup to a telecom giant.

Story starts with an entrepreneur - Atul - sentenced to jail for financial misconduct and money laundering. In jail he went through the events happen with him during his professional career. Atul being an ambitious man, starts his career with India's biggest telecom company, worked there for few year and leave the company to start his own venture. He made some wonderful friends in his previous company, who had joined hands with Atul for startup. In parallel Atul got engaged and married with Roshani (daughter of a wealthy Father)

TTL prosper with time and they diverse business from consulting to telecom service. And in 10 years span, they became strong player in Mumbai circle. On the other hand, Atul started facing lot of problem with his relation with Roshni due to work load. 

Story took turn when Atul started thinking about expansions and applied for telecom licenses auctions. Unavoidable political bull entered TTL which finally took Atul down. On the other hand, Aarti entered in Atul life which brought turmoil to Atul's married life as well.

In short, nice story. One can finish this book in 4-5 sittings. Congratulations Nilesh on debut novel and thanks for giveaway copy.

If I talk about rating

1. Cover - 4 / 5 
2. Concept - 4 / 5
3. Language - 3.5 / 5
4. Story Line - 4 / 5
5. Characters - 4.5 / 5
6. Overall - 4 / 5

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

Suspense Thriller - Let the game begin - by Sandeep Sharma

Firstly I would like to thank Author for wonderful book and congratulations on awesome debut novel.

"Let the game begin" - is an amazing suspense thriller by Sandeep Sharma. The suspense it creates at each & every page was good to keep curiosity in reader's mind till last page. The amazing thing about book was when reader starts conceiving character's traits, new twist will be introduced to prove reader wrong. That was among the top reason for me to finish book in 3-4 sittings.

Concept is awesome chess is central attraction and subject of the story. Chess is called Chaturanga in Hindi and in ancient times. Story is between two nations call Chaturanga and Sarprakt. Story tells war and revenge between these two nations. The story indicated the fact that the history can repeat and conspiracy can be continued, which brings parallel to story in current time.

I think no one has think about the chess's game like Sandeep Sharma has thought about it. Amazing concept and story-line.

Eagerly waiting for next part with thought what will happen with Vyapi or I would say King Viratha? Does curse will take revenge? 

If I talk about rating

1. Cover - 3.5 / 5 
2. Concept - 5 / 5
3. Content - 4 / 5
4. Language - 4 / 5
5. Story Line - 5 / 5
6. Characters - 4 / 5
7. Overall - 5 / 5

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

Ajaya - Duryodhana's Mahabharat - What if Duryodhana was not evil?

AJAYA : Epic of the Kaurava Clan by Anand Neelakantan brings one question in our mind "What if Suyodhana or Duryodhana was not an evil person?" 

From childhood we heard heroic stories of Pandavas & Krishna, along with evil stories of Kaurava specially Duryodhana, Dusashana along with Shakuni. Mahabharata from Duryodhana point of view was never brought to us.

Anand has depicted how story could be if Suyodhana was not an evil person. Like many other alternate-mythological-historical novel this one also written considering all characters were mere humans. Anand used all loopholes in conventional Mahabharata epic presented as divine intervention either by Krishna or God, and presented them as how it would be if there were no divine force other than tempering actual fact. Starting from birth of Pandavas, to burning down of Khanva-forest, to Jarasandh-killing etc.  

The story is written keeping Suyodhana as protagonist. So it was obvious that Krishna and Pandava will end up as antagonist. Well few people will always end up on evil side, yes I am talking about Ghandhara king Shakuni. Author has wonderfully colored Suyodhana's character; and circumstances that made him look evil. Characters like Karna, Ashwathama, Eklavya, Jara, Jarasandh, Balarama, Bhishma, Vidura and many more were given proper direction to keep story page turner.

I hope next part that I am going to start is as thrilling as this one. If I talk about rating

1. Cover - 3.5 / 5 
2. Concept - 4.5 / 5
3. Content - 4 / 5
4. Language - 3.5 / 5
5. Story Line - 4.5 / 5
6. Characters - 4 / 5
7. Overall - 4.25 / 5

Book can be found at - Amazon & Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at - GoodReads

"Happiness is rising in love" - Guru with Guitar by Vikrmn

"Happiness is rising in love..." - Guru with Guitar by Vikrmn was the last book of 2015, which I finished on 31st December evening.

Though it took more than 1 month to start this book after I received, but I finished the book in 3-4 sitting. Before I started review-reading, I rarely read novel based on only love story, GWG was one of the first book in romance genre. Well book was not only about love story, along with sweet love story between Viktor and Kim, author had maintained struggle of Viktor from being corporate person to author and music healer.

Books starts with Viktor, us based financial professional, who thinks he life is completely engulfed in professional world. His creative mind always keeps him uneasy about boring life. Then he met Kim and she inspired him to chase his dreams. During this phase they fall in love or in author's word 'They rise in love'. But after Viktor's first book release things become difficult. One fine day Kim asked Viktor to leave her and to break their relationship. Story became somewhat so called "drama" and comes on predictable-normal-Bollywood style story track.

Book cover of the edition we read was more appealing than older one. The best part of the book is wonderful quotes that Vikramn has used at various point of the story. One full star for quotations, and remaining for story and characters.  

If I talk about rating

1. Cover - 3.5 / 5
2. Concept - 2.5 / 5
3. Content - 3.5 / 5 (1 star for quotations)
4. Language - 3 / 5
5. Story Line - 3 / 5
6. Characters - 3.5 / 5
7. Overall - 3.5 / 5

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

આખેટ - 1 (Aakhet) by Ashwini Bhatt

If I am asked to translate one book from Gujarati literature to English, I will recommend Aakhet - આખેટ by Ashwini Bhatt for sure.

It took me more than a year to start this book after my wife recommended it to me. I was reluctant to start this book due to font format. Small size font and less than 1:1 line spacing makes this book longer than what is looks like. 452 pages of book will be more than 800 if it is reprinted using normal book standard. Well I didn't regret after starting this book. Each and every page was worth reading.

If I talk about writing style, Ashwini Bhatt has detailed almost each and every major, minor and side character of the story. He had even detailed most of the locations which can help reader visualize it to last point. 

Coming to story, author has narrated 3-4 interrelated stories in this volume. Each story is full of thrill and twist-turns. Starting from background of Vasant Gaonkar and his dark background; to his rebirth and adventure as pirate and businessman; to Jagjitsingh Hara's freedom fights, to Gulshan Rai's struggle in police department to blackmailer; to love story shaping between Shemal and Urja; each story was sure-shot page turner.

If I talk about rating

1. Cover - 2.5 / 5 (Though hardcover but looks boring)
2. Concept - 5 / 5
3. Content - 5 / 5
4. Language - 4.5 / 5
5. Story Line - 5 / 5
6. Characters - 5 / 5
7. Overall - 5 / 5

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

FirstRead - Naked Wisdom of the child by Sarvesh Jain

Naked Wisdom of the child by Sarvesh Jain was among our few first reads. We got book as goodreads giveaways. 

When we received the book we were really impressed by book cover and title. Book was different from normal fictional - nonfictional novels. We were expecting it as collection of quotations, but it was somewhat different that just quotations.

400 page book was description of 365 quotations with meaning and a short story in support of each quote. It is a good read for any age.

Things we liked about the book :

1. Nicely conceptualized: Quote - Meaning - Story 
2. Some really good quotes and stories

Things that can be improved :

1. Few repetitive narrations 
2. 5-10 stories I found irrelative
3. Author had tried to give credits at many places but forgot to cover that at many

If I talk about rating

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

Book can be found at - Amazon & Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at - GoodReads