BookReview - Bayoneting with Opinions by Bhopinder Singh

I was attracted to "Bayoneting with Opinions" by Bhopinder Singh while going through war-politico books on Amazon & social media. Lt. General Bhopinder Singh has consolidated current and eye-opening articles he has published over time in one book.

Book Blurb

The following collection of articles are a reflection of the unique and inspiring perspective of a soldier, who has both served in the Indian Army, and also acted as the Military Secretary to two of the foremost Presidents of Independent India – 

​ KR Narayanan and A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. These articles deal with matters of a political, military, economic and psychological nature; not simply through an intellectual lens, but through the prism of experience. Interspersed with anecdotes from the personal life of the author, drawing upon all that he has witnessed, and partaken, these words take the reader through a journey filled with dragons, fighter jets, newsroom warriors, and even, Sufi saints. 

They are a celebration of the human spirit, and an invocation for the betterment of society, and the world that we inhabit. Although, the topics that find mention, are often filled with suffering and bleakness, the element of hope is ever-present. Veering away from the pit-falls of gross over-simplifications, the author delves deep into the topics he has chosen to write about, offering a nuanced and conscientious approach to a wide range of subjects. As comprehensive and varied as the topics are; they are also extremely relevant given the current hyper-nationalistic word-view. The author seeks to remind his readers about the importance of critical engagement and multiple perspectives, and appeals that the spirit of “cooperative federalism” be considered as paramount in these trying times.​

Lt. Gen. Bhopinder Singh has had multiple combat experiences & held diplomatic positions too. He has served as the Military Secretary to the president of India, Shri K R Narayanan & Shri APJ Abdul Kalam. Based on his wide experience in the army, of war & the political domain he has written numerous articles in India’s top newspapers. His articles on foreign policy, international affair, defense, governance & serious social issues are consolidated in this book. 

Talking about the depth of articles. They are pure gems. His vast experience and high position enabled him to provide insights and harsh truths. To talk about the first two sections. Articles wonderfully describe how India is placed among countries who are more cheque-book-style led. Our second biggest neighbor (Pakistan) plays cards as per their convenience and goals. How our biggest neighbor China threatens half of the world with border  issues. The book also covers how various countries fulfill their economic & political motives through international treaties & donations. 

It took an extra effort for me to digest the information & the thought process of these articles. Normally a person can read and absorb 3-4 articles in a day, reading 80 such articles required dedication on my part.

Those who love politics, diplomacy, international relations and are looking to go into Civil Services will love it. I can vouch for it. It is so revealing and informative.

We hardly understand the motive behind international politics but this book can help you understand it.  Just grab it.

Talking about ratings

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

Book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

The Perplexing Theft of the Jewel in the Crown - Baby Ganesh Agency Investigation - Vaseem Khan

A few months back I got two fantastic books. Unexpected inheritance of Inspector Chopra & The Perplexing Theft of the Jewel in the Crown two books in series of “Baby Ganesha Agency” by Vaseem Khan. I loved the first part & was equally enthusiastic to read second part but during my relocation, I misplaced this gem. It took me three months to find back this book & every minute spent on finding this book was worth. I found it damn interesting & gripping. In spite of heavy workload, I finished this book in 3-4 sittings.

Book Blurb

For centuries the Koh-i-Noor diamond has set man against man and king against king. Now part of the British Crown Jewels, the priceless gem is a prize that many have killed to possess. So when the Crown Jewels go on display in Mumbai, security is everyone's principal concern. And yet, on the very day Inspector Chopra visits the exhibition, the diamond is stolen from under his nose. The heist was daring and seemingly impossible. The hunt is on for the culprits. But it soon becomes clear that only one man - and his elephant - can possibly crack this case.

Last part ended with Retired Inspector Chopra starting his detective agency & restaurant. Both of his plans were instantly hit. But life is not that grateful for Chopra. As the restaurant was managed by her mother-in-law, he had to be on his toe due to her harshness. On other hand, detective jobs were not as great & interesting as his unofficial case of human- trafficking. In his quest, his ex-subordinate also joined him. There were many changes came into Chopra’s life after human trafficking case, which kept the story interesting. Introduction of Irfan’s part was a warm heart touching.

The narration of Vaseem Khan is simple yet powerful. It can take you on the ride of Chopra’s life with as realistic touch as possible. The characters’ development makes you fall in love with the story. Talking about detective part, Vaseem Khan has again created an impossible looking case of Jewel Theft, the beginning of which even made me think how it happened.

This books or I would say series have emotion, drama, sarcasm, humor, thriller & suspense, I think many books with just one of this ingredient became a big hit. And this book has each ingredient in the perfect mix. I am glad my 2018 started with this book. A perfect read for any age group.

Talking about ratings

1. Cover – 4.5/5
2. Characters – 5/5
3. Concept – 4.5/5
4. Overall – 4.5/5

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

Book Review - Rankshetram: Asureshwar Durbheeksha Ki Wapsi

I know I have given average ratings to Rankshetram - 1 - Raksh Raj Markesh Ka Ant. That doesn't mean I cannot read next part. The author provided me ARC of the book to get my suggestions as I bombarded with issues in part-1. He wanted critical inputs to improve Asureshwar Durbhiksh Ki Vapsi. And I am glad author has improved a lot compare to part-1.

Book Blurb

चार खण्डों में फैली रणक्षेत्रम महागाथा का दूसरा खण्ड राजकुमार सुर्जन पर केन्द्रित है जो जन्मा तो मानव रूप में किन्तु नायक असुरों का बना। उसके मुख के तेज को देखकर कोई यह अनुमान भी नहीं लगा सकता कि एक दिन वह असुरेश्वर कहलायेगा। किन्तु प्रश्न यह है, कि क्या वह वास्तव में दुष्प्रवृत्ति का है? या फिर यह उन योद्धाओं द्वारा फैलायी गयी एक भ्रांति मात्र है जिन्होंने उस अट्ठारह वर्षीय युवा को छल से पराजित किया था। जब वह लौटकर आया, तो सुर्जन से दुर्भीक्ष बन चुका था परन्तु अब ऐसा कोई जीवित नहीं बचा था जिससे वह अपना प्रतिशोध ले सके। किसी प्रकार उसने अतीत में अपने साथ हुए अन्याय को विस्मृत करने का प्रयास किया। किन्तु परिस्थितियों ने उसे हस्तिनापुर के युवराज सर्वदमन (भरत) के सम्मुख ला खड़ा किया और सर्वदमन से सामना होते ही अतीत के सारे पीड़ादायक दृश्य दुर्भीक्ष के समक्ष आ खड़े हुए और उसकी प्रतिशोध की प्यास फिर जाग उठी। वह सर्वदमन का वध करने दौड़ा, किन्तु एक स्त्री उन दोनों के बीच आ खड़ी हुयी, जिसे देखकर उसे अपने शस्त्रों का त्याग करना पड़ा और एक बार फिर उसका प्रतिशोध अधूरा रह गया। दुर्भीक्ष का सर्वदमन से क्या संबंध है? कौन थी वह स्त्री जिसके पास दुर्भीक्ष के सामने खड़ी होने का हौसला था? क्या होगा आर्यावर्त के सबसे बड़े योद्धा के अपूर्ण प्रतिशोध का परिणाम?

The first part ended with "Mahayudhdh" a great war. The second part started at the beginning of Durbhiksh background. The story also portrayed a good part of Markesh, his wife Shivanya and their love story. The story then switched back to Tejaswi's time, where again things went hay wired due to Bhairavnath's cunningness, which led to another big war. In that deadly war, the return of Durbhiksh was known to the world. After the war, the story advanced and new generation entered into the story. Sons of Akhand and Tejasvi led there on. Another kingdom entered the scene which is Hastinapur. Along with Hastinapur new sets of characters added to the story. To know more read the complete story.

Firstly I would like to apologize to the author as I was not aware book audience last time. If I have known the fact I might have reviewed differently. Well, the book is targetted for young adults and middle grades. Content maturity and writing style is aligned with the audience. Some highlights of writing style & characters.

• To the point story. No extra line apart from the main story.
• No abusive language
• Simple language usage for beginners
• Good linking of characters as story evolves

I had many negative points in mind while reading previous part even halfway through this part but author's style also evolved and improved after Tejaswi's chapter. The impatient behavior of characters steadied in later part. Though some bricks lose here and there but looking at the targetted audience I think content is strong enough. Looking for next part in series.

Talking about ratings

1. Cover -  3.5/5
2. Title - 4/5
3. Characters - 3.5/5
4. Content - 3/5
5. Concept - 3.5/5
6. Overall - 4/5

Book can be found at Amazon

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Super Food for Awesome Memory by Shipra Khanna

Though I like to experiment various recipes at home, I have never read any food book seriously. Super Food for Awesome memory by Shipra Khanna is my first book in the genre and I really enjoyed the experience. Book or I would say ingredients & recipes were focused towards improvements in mind power.

Book Blurb

We are what we eat and so our memory is linked to food. The helplessness that overwhelms us when one forgets a name can be embarrassing. In this age of instant googling, this is just the start of the ebbing process where memory is gradually relegated to a shrinking space in our brains. Enter Master Chef India shipra Khanna who tells you about the fish that helps you meditate or a walnut that prevents you from going nuts. This amazing book of recipes brings to us on a platter the food that helps us in strengthening our mind and memory. And this food is to be found not in some exotic location but in our own kitchen. Try her recipes and see for yourself how you can fight the complacency and sloth that come in the way of your exercise and positive action, thereby making for a better life. From chicken recipes that keep ageing away to recipes made with coconut oil that help fight memory loss, super foods for awesome memory is the book you will never forget.

Shipra has provided 15+ ingredients & related recipes. Each ingredient started with it benefits & background. That was followed by recipes using that ingredient. Recipes were “simple”, I am giving emphasis on simple because many of them can be cooked in less than 10 minutes, including preparation time. Many of those recipes were mouthwatering & worth trying by anyone. For me 90% of the recipes were new. I would like to try some of them personally. I think comparing with general recipes book, this is a different book in the following manner

• Main ingredients pros were enlisted initially & recipes following that ingredient
• Not all recipes were pictured supported. Only 25% of them images supported.
• Cooking methodology  was considered above normal households

Once again, it was a different read for me. I tried something new in 2017 and I am happy for the same. Talking about ratings

1. Cover – 5/5
2. Title – 4.5/5
3. Concept – 4/5
4. Artwork – 4/5
5. Overall – 4/5

Book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

BookReview - Marketing By Adit Chouhan

I rarely review technical books. Last technical book that I reviewed was “Six Sigma – 6 Steps”. But the subtitle of this book "Tricks of the trade they won’t teach you at b-schools" caught my attention. I checked the blurb & instantly took the copy. I am glad I took this book as it gave me good insights. Being a data scientist many times we get sales & marketing data. This book has given different ways/matrix to look similar data.

For those who are looking for some text reference books like Kotler, this is a pure marketing implementations book. No BCG matrix, no rural-urban marketing is discussed in this book. It covers a day-to-day job of a marketer. What all he needs to do for a product/service/offer before the event, after the event & during the event. What kind of advertisement medium can a marketer use in what mix-match & when? What should be processed to select a vendor and how to decide working structure with them? I think 250 pages have touched most of the part of marketing profile.

Once again, not a reference book but good informative read to get an idea of marketing profile. Though the author could have used few more examples to keep it more interesting, I found it gripping enough & I think it can be referred to any serious reader or person with marketing interest.

Talking about rating

1. Cover – 4/5
2. Content – 3.5/5
3. Concept – 3.5/6
4. Overall – 3.5/5

Book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Meet Kumar - Author of Interstellar Science Fiction Earth To Centauri

Today we have Kumar L. to discuss his book "Earth to Centauri: The First Journey". We will have a quick round of question & answers to know about the book.

Can you tell us about your schooling?

I am an engineering graduate. During school time, I was focused on studying and building my general knowledge

What are some day jobs you have held?

Have worked in various factories in production, QA and engineering

Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors? Which author inspire you the most?

I read two or three books at a time. My favorites are Robert Ludlum, Jeffrey Archer and JK Rowling

When did you start writing? 

In 2014 with short articles on management on Linkedin.

When did you decide to become a writer?

There was no deciding point. In 2017 I had been toying with an idea in my head of aliens raising earth children and I just went about developing the story in my head before I started writing it down.

What are your ambitions for your writing career?

To put down books which get the readers hooked and thirsty for more.

Do you have a special time to write?

I generally write late at night sitting in my favourite spot. I generally develop plot ideas throughout the day and write once or twice a week. Its all a bit unstructured I am afraid.

Can you describe your current book in few lines? What’s it about? 

The book is what I like to call realistic science fiction with a lot of explanations on technology. But its also a thriller in which secrets are revealed slowly. I have tried to make it simple to understand even for laymen.

A secretive signal is received on Earth in the year 2095 and thereby sparks a quest to reach the nearest star Alpha Centauri. The crew of spaceship Antariksh brave attacks to uncover the mystery and make an astounding discovery.

Give us an insight into your main characters.

The protagonist is Captain Anara – she’s risen from the ranks in the IAF and led many space missions before the voyage to Centauri. A complex character – firm and stubborn at times and then beset with self-doubt at others. Very human in her emotional state but very brave and every inch an explorer.

Commander Ryan – the provider of stability to the captain and the crew. Very intelligent yet emotionally balanced.  Loyal to the captain.

Major Rawat of the Indian Army – Strong, fearless yet pragmatic.  An astute tactician.

Where did you get idea for this book?

I am a science fiction fan and my favourite show is Star Trek. That forms the base for obsession. I toyed with the idea of putting some realism into science fiction and trying to write for masses with India firmly at the centre. There are too many shows, movies and books which are western centric. That’s where I thought of connecting realism with an India theme and the story took shape.

How much research did you do for this book?

Years I would guess but my back ground as an engineer meant that I was already familiar with many concepts of physics and could put them in my story. I believe my third book would require at least six months of basic research.

Who is your favorite character in your book and why? 

This would be Lt Manisha. She reminds me of a number of young engineers who have worked with me – passionate, smart and highly dedicated to making a mark in their field.

What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?

Editing and pace without a doubt. There are some many errors which creep in and sometimes the dialogues makes you go to sleep.

Do you have a trailer or do you intend to create one for your own book?

Your book release date. 

May 2017,

What are you working on at the minute?

Book 2 of the series – Alien Hunt and researching for book 3.

What are your thoughts on writing a book series?

I believe each book must satisfy the reader on its own and yet leave a thread open to make them come back for the next one –the final hook so to say.

Links for your book readers

• Website: www.captainanara.com
• Blog: www.captainanara.com/feed/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/antarikshanara
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/captain_anara
• Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2CAQfEu

Book Link - Hindi Version & English Version

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads