Though as a couple we are hardcore bookworms, my husband has made a strict rule about book acquisition because of our impulse book buying. The is the reason "Mrs. Funnybones" & "The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad" I had to read from borrowed copies. So this time I was all set to buy a copy of "Pyjamas are Forgiving". But thanks to our star & our consistent blogging we got our own copy of the book during Mega giveaway of Juggernaut.
Book Blurb
There sitting on that porch, that light-eyed man, a pitta like me, was my ex-husband and that woman whose inner element I was unaware of, unless bitch is accepted as an undiscovered fourth dosha, was his young wife.In the serene sanctuary of Kerala’s Shanthamaaya spa where food is rationed, sex forbidden and emotions centred, Anshu meets someone familiar and deeply unsettling – her ex-husband. Bittersweet, funny and wise, Pyjamas Are Forgiving confirms Twinkle Khanna as one of our great storytellers
Unlike first two books by Twinkle Khanna, this book is focused on a single story or I would say a proper novel. The story revolves around a divorced lady (Anshu) in her forties reached to her 28 days of stay at Ayurvedic ashram. She met her ex-husband along with his wife. Determined to stay in Aashram, Aashu decided to fight her emotions. Then followed the emotional turmoil of Anshu whether she would fall for the same guy again or she would forgive & forget him.
Good points about the book
Simple & straight narration style
Witty storytelling of author which is her USP
Light in content & deep in context
Ideal gift for light readers as well as serious readers
We hope to have many more books from Twinkle Khanna. Once again, Thank you so much Juggernaut for providing us review copy in exchange of an honest review. I cannot give less than 5 stars to my favorite English author.
Frankly speaking, if you would like to read historical fiction of a region (state or city) then look for a book written by locals in their native language. If you can not read in the native language, then check the translated edition. You will not get the same level of satisfaction from non-native's work. At least that is my experience till now. I have read K M Munshi's "Glory of Patan", "King/Master of Gujarat" & "King of King". Same way I have read Kalki Krishnamurthy's Ponniyin Selvan's translation by Sumeetha Manikandan. "The Silent Witness" by Anuradha has touched the same level for me. I loved the book.
Book Blurb
A thrilling saga of loyalty, deceit, love and war. Seventeenth century Malabar. Law and order lay in shambles as the Portuguese terrorize the locals. Native kings troop in separate camps for and against the foreign invaders. The rift is so deep that Samoothiri of Calicut, the sworn enemy of the Kochi kingdom, has finally decided to join forces with Kochi to fight the outsiders. In a dramatic turn of events, the heir to the Kochi throne, Kerala Varma and his brother, Veera Kerala Varma, go into exile in guise of sanyasis to escape the Portuguese. During their journey, Veera Kerala Verma falls in love with Unnimaya, the gorgeous niece of the army chief of Chempakassery Raja, a major Portuguese ally. Another storm is brewing in the horizon. The Dutch, seizing the opportunity to topple the Portuguese rule, plan to partner with Kerala Varma and Samoothiri. Will they succeed. Who will rule Kochi next. Will Veera Kerala Varma’s and Unnimaya’s love triumph above duty.
Focused around the Seventeenth century when the Portuguese were losing their control over Indian (southern) nations due to Dutch aggression & local government/kingdoms' freedom struggle. The story started with Portuguese were still trying their best to keep things in control. The kingdom of Kochi was about to receive its beloved king in form of Prince Kerala Varma. But due to the betrayal of a minister & rival royal family, the prince was denied his due rights just an hour before his coronation. The prince along with his brother Veera Kerela Verma went into the exile (underground) for time being. On the other hand, the king of Samoothiri Kingdom has extended his hand of friendship towards Kochi over years of rivalry. There were many other local chieftains & minister who may give support to Prince. But fighting a war in open with Portuguese was a major concern for the prince. Would be able to overrule foreign invaders? Would be able to handle Dutch inclusion if takes their help? Read the book to know more.
The more I read the book, more I was convinced that inspiration behind Anuraadha is same that was behind Munshi & Kalki. The way story unfolded with characters, it will take you on a historical movie. My personal favorite characters are Prince's brother Veera Kerela Verma & his lover Unnimaya. Lovers' story & struggle gives entertainment/softness to the book. Wherein war, strategies & conspiracy gives an element of engagement & interest. On top of that sketched prepared by artist Namboodiri for various character also let you visualize how they would look like. (Again same in Munshi's original edition has many characters' sketches)
The only problem I faced was following character & locations' name, it took me 50% of the book to follow without checking important character page.
Have you checked out the book review of Jack Dawkins by Terry Ward? If not check it ASAP. As today we are here to publish the interview of Terry Ward the same author.
Let us welcome you to our blog. Can you please brief our readers about your background?
A clever child, due to poverty, I was obliged to leave school at the age of 15
What were you like at school/college apart from studies?
My father being a restless soul, I attended no less than 22 different schools in 10 years, so I had little time in which to form friendships or become involved in activities; just kept on reading!
What are some day jobs you have held?
Served with the elite Trucial Oman Scouts in the Seven Sheikhdoms, now the UAE; experienced more active service in the Aden Protectorate, now Yemen; became an award-winning Chef de Cuisine in civilian life; CEO for a university’s hospitality and catering services.
Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors? Which author inspire you the most?
I have been an avid reader all of my life. I love the 19th and 20th century classics; Anthony Powell’s ‘Dance to the Music of Time’ series of novels are among my favourites. I knew that I had to become a writer after reading ‘Treasure Island’ when I was eleven year’s old.
When did you start writing?
I have written poetry and short stories for the amusement of my family for many years. After winning two ‘Creative Writing’ awards in competitions, I took early retirement and began to apply myself to become a published writer. When did you decide to become a writer?
What are your ambitions for your writing career?
A bibliophile all my life, I know, and my literary agent knows, that ‘Jack Dawkins’ deserves to become a best-seller. If it does, it will encourage readers to buy my next novel, Between Cancer and Capricorn a post-Second World War drama.
Do you have a special time to write, or how is your day structured to accommodate your writing?
I love my wonderful wife-but- ‘The married writer’s lot, a happy one is not, for he suffers interruptions by the score!
Is this your debut work?
Many years ago, I won two creative writing awards from the University of Kent. I self-published The Levelling Dust, As Far as I can Remember which, together with poetry and short stories, provides an account of the first twenty five years of my picaresque life. I also collected together the reminiscences of those who served with me in the Trucial Oman Scouts, together with a plethora of rare photographs and self-published Are You the Man?’ All the royalties are paid into the TOS Association’s account.
What genre are your books?
Historical fiction
Can you describe your current book in few lines? What’s it about?
To quote a reviewer, Jack Dawkins follows on seamlessly from the end of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist . Saved from being transported to a penal colony by the intervention of Oliver, the Artful Dodger, Jack Dawkins, embarks on what proves to be a perilous quest to discover his roots; finding his own true self in the process.
Give us an insight into your main character(s)
Forced to survive on the streets of London from a very early age [‘You ought to try it sometime, it’s an education.’ Quote, unquote] Jack becomes thick-skinned and loses a good deal of his humanity. His protective armour is gradually stripped from him after he meets Lysette Godden, the first human being he has ever loved.
Where did you get idea for this book?
I have always wanted to turn the Artful Dodger in to a real human being rather than a mere cypher, a counterpoint to the angelic Oliver Twist.
How much research did you do for this book?
Over a period of a year, I checked every historical fact as the need arose.
Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
Apart from being eminently satisfied with Jack, my favourite character is the feisty Lysette Godden, a girl who is determined to throw off the chains that ‘society’ shackled females with in the early 19th century.
What was the toughest thing about writing your latest book?
Finding the time.
What are you working on at the minute?
Between Cancer and Capricorn
What are your thoughts on writing a book series?
I am considering writing a sequel Jack Dawkins and the Savages, set in the United States, Jack encounters the pirate Jean Lafitte and Jim Bowie, who is known to have traded with him.
We have read & reviewed "This Does Not Leave This House" by Julie Coons a few months back. It was an emotional memoir of the author which has touched us deeply. We would like to welcome Julie Coons on our platform to know more about her latest book.
What were you like at school/college apart from studies?
I was very social in school. My friends were what I called my “love supply” since I didn’t have a very loving mother. My social life replaced the love I was missing. I also studied hard because I wanted to be a doctor someday.
What are some day jobs you have held?
I started babysitting at the age of 11. I also worked in a cannery during green bean season. I worked in a hair salon on weekends during the school season. Later, when I realized I wasn’t going to be a doctor I worked as an admitting clerk in the emergency room for five years. When I realized I was bringing all the sadness of what I saw home with me I quit and became a Mortgage Loan Officer.
Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors? Which author inspire you the most?
It’s funny, I used to read a lot as a child. I used to escape into my books. My favorite author was Danielle Steele. Today, I don’t have time to read as much. I enjoy reading horror, mystery and true crime from authors like Stephen King and Ann Rule.
When did you start writing?
I started writing when I was asked to do an article for our local business journal. My husband and I own a commercial janitorial business. It has been in our family for many years in the same town, so the article was about our family and how the city has changed over the years. I am the fifth generation to live in our small little town.
When did you decide to become a writer?
It wasn’t my idea. I was told by a psychic medium I should write about my life. I didn’t want to write my story because I didn’t want to relive my painful past. After she told me it would really help others, that’s when I decided I needed to write it.
What are your ambitions for your writing career?
I didn’t realize it at first but I enjoy writing. I am almost finished with my second book. I have about three more books planned after the second one launches.
Do you have a special time to write, or how is your day structured to accommodate your writing?
I am really bad at budgeting time to write. I really need to get better at disciplining myself. I just write when the mood strikes me. Some days I write all day long. Some days I don’t write at all. I think I need to be more balanced. Maybe that should be my New Year’s resolution. My New Year’s resolution has always been to never make resolutions.
What genre are your books?
Non-fiction for my first book and fiction based on a true story for my second book. My third book will be a horror story based on my own experiences.
Can you describe your current book in few lines? What’s it about?
My book is about my life. The title is a quote from my father and the first two lines in the book are quotes from my mother. It’s about the abuse I experienced from my narcissistic and mentally ill mother. I’m also hoping to inspire others to break the cycle of abuse in their own families.
Where did you get idea for this book?
I had a near-death, out-of-body experience when I was 15 years old. After that happened, about a year later, I was able to see into the spirit world. Because of my abilities, scary things sometimes happened to me inside my home. I needed help so I went to see a local medium. After about 5 minutes she told me she had a message for me from spirit. She told me the message was that I needed to write a book to tell my story.
What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?
Reliving the past.
Book Trailer
Release date.
My first book was released January, 2018. My second book will hopefully be released in February, 2019
How good the book is faring on Amazon?
My current book’s rating averages 4.0 on Amazon.
What are you working on at the minute?
My next book is also based on my personal story. It will be shining a light on the epidemic of human trafficking.
Today we have Shilpa Menon with us to discuss her recently published book, "In Pursuit of a Family". Those who are reading this post first time can check the author's previous interview where she had discussed her previous book "Scars Do Heal"
As we have already covered Shilpa's personal & professional background in the last interview, we will jump to "In Pursuit of a Family" directly
So you are back with another female-centric story. Can you tell us how you have perceived the concept of the book?
My first novel, Scars do heal, was published in December 2015. I had dedicated that novel to the survivors of sexual assaults. I had used fiction as a means to achieve two aims - The first was to increase awareness and sensitise people about the rampant crime against women and its aftermath and provide an understanding what the victims of sexual abuse go through. The second aspect was regarding self-healing. The research that went into the work behind the writing of Scars do Heal all paid off. Scars do Heal has been well received by readers across many countries. The reviews were very encouraging and that fuelled the desire for me to pen my second novel, “In Pursuit of a Family”.
For the storyline of the second novel, I maintained my stance of wanting to write about less discussed topics. I chose to write about a topic which is close to my heart – about orphans, those who have no mother or father to guide them, protect them or love them. Unless adopted or taken in by an orphanage, these children are left to wander the streets, beg or steal for food and find shelter wherever they can. This cycle results in a high rate of suicide, physical and sexual abuse, the need to turn to organised crime and prostitution for survival. Their rights to adequate standards of living, health care and education are often violated.
Once I backed myself with a fair share of research about the main challenges orphans face, I started writing the story. In the second novel also I relied fiction and used it as a medium to table the issued faced by orphans.
The lead protagonist in the plot is, Zsofia. She had lost her parents at the tender age of 4. By the time she got to her twenties, she had gone through so much of struggles on her own that she turned into an introvert. What kept her sanity were the walls which she built around her over the years to keep herself protected and her determination on building a bright career for stability. She then meets Kevin, someone who shares similar career aspirations with Zsofia.
The story revolves around them — how they help, challenge and complement each other despite their having radically different upbringing. The story also focuses on how the lead protagonist brings out her suppressed desire of having a family of her own.
How much time did it take for you to complete this book? Any specific moment you would like to share from writing period of this book?
My journey of writing my second novel began towards the end of 2016. The first step was to do a fair amount of research about the main challenges orphans face. Once I was satisfied with the kind of issues I wanted to table in the novel, I started developing and weaving the story. It took me around a year and a half to bring the novel to fruition.
I find writing very therapeutic so there are so many moments I cherish from having penned this novel. I, however enjoyed immensely in the area I challenged myself on this book. I took the risk of using a different style of writing whereby I oscillated in between the point of views from the two main protagonists from chapter to chapter. That was unique, exciting and simulating for me as a writer. Maintaining the flow in the story while playing with the point of views was invigorating.
We visited the same family with Zsophia which Sonal visited. Have you been to such family from which you have taken inspiration? Also, similar Birmingham home that you have visited?
The lead protagonists from my first novel, Scars Do Heal, were cherished immensely by the readers so I was pretty sure that I wanted them back in my second novel as side characters. Though the second book can still be read as a stand-alone, for those who have read the first novel will be happy to see their loved characters back in the scene.
I have been to London many times but I never got the opportunity to visit Birmingham, although it has been a place I have been wanting to visit for a long while. I am a big fan of historical novels and I have always been fascinated by buildings with heritage. It was therefore, not a coincidence to have the Percy’s house in Birmingham as one with legacy and passed over by generations.
Assume that a Bollywood director selects your story for a movie with slight Indian touch, who would you like to play Zsofia & Kevin?
I would love to see Alia Bhatt and John Abraham play the roles of Zsofia and Kevin respectively.
What you are working on right now?
I have started conceptualising my third novel. The topic I have chosen to write around is domestic violence. The initial reading I am doing around domestic violence are shocking, to say the least. I feel the urge to write around this sensitive topic as soon as possible. This novel will be having a fresh crew of characters. If all goes by plan, I hope to see this novel published by end of 2020.
Thank you so much, Shilpa, for providing us with time to get this article done.
For our readers, links related to the author and book as follows:
"A Long Way Home" by Mitali Meelan was a challenge read given by my husband for me. He asked me to select my last read of 2018 just by the title & cover, which means no blurb, no reviews & no Googleing. I have been given 4 options. "A Long Way.." was one of them. A catchy title & an interesting cover picture of feet on the road helped me made my decision.
Book Blurb
The Adhikaris are a regular, happy family - or so they will have you believe. But at the dinner table, a silence hangs heavy over the three children, especially Arihant and Ishaan. Twenty-three-year-old Arihant possesses a secret talent and a shattered heart. He yearns for his muse and ex-girlfriend, only to surprise himself when they finally meet after a long and difficult time apart. If only Ishaan could share some brotherly advice rather than sneak about, aloof and increasingly suspicious.
Ishaan, twenty-eight, seems to have the job of his dreams - or at least, his parents' dreams. But how long can he stay torn between two worlds? How long before someone finds out about his evenings: about the place he goes to and the woman he sees. Here is a story set in the calm before a storm - after which nothing will be the same for this seemingly happy household.
The story is based on a family drama. Adhikari family & its younger generation is portrayed in the book. So we have a Maharashtrian family where the father was working hard to provide his children with ways to get them settled in their life. Another hand mother was a perfect housewife, maintaining the family's need. Their children (main characters) were Ishaan (eldest son), Arihant & Saloni. The story covers how two brothers have completely different personality but similar inner goals & dreams. It shows how they are achieving them either by staying with or away from family.
Mitali has good control over words. Through the story, she will make you feel how each character is going through. This is a different kind of read for me. I have read romance, thriller, suspense & what not. But rarely I have read a book based on family bonding/relationship. Don't worry it is not another Ekta Kapoor SOP, you will have enough elements of a good read.
We have just entered in the year 2019 & looking at technological evolution, it is not possible to live without the internet. Even our book blogging is dependent on the same technology. So when we saw the cover & the title of the book "The Internet Trap: Five Costs of Living Online" by Ashesh Mukherjee, we were bound to read it. We couldn't say no to the book. Let us take you through what we found after reading the book.
Book Blurb
Whether we are checking emails, following friends on Facebook and Twitter, catching up on gossip from TMZ, planning holidays on TripAdvisor, arranging dates on Match.com, watching videos on Youtube, or simply browsing for deals on Amazon, the internet pervades our professional and personal environments. The internet has revolutionized our lives, but at what cost?
In The Internet Trap, Ashesh Mukherjee uses the latest research in consumer psychology to highlight five hidden costs of living online: too many temptations, too much information, too much customization, too many comparisons, and too little privacy. The book uses everyday examples to explain these costs including how surfing the internet anonymously can encourage bad behavior, using social media can make us envious and unhappy, and doing online research can devalue the product finally chosen. The book also provides actionable solutions to minimize these costs. For example, the book reveals how deciding not to choose is as important as deciding what to choose, setting up structural barriers to temptation can reduce overspending on e-commerce websites, and comparisons with others on social media websites needs to be cold rather than hot. The Internet Trap provides a new perspective on the dark side of the internet, and gives readers the tools to become smarter users of the internet.
As the title suggests, "the internet trap" is divided into five sections. Each section covers one cost. These costs are
Too many temptations
Too much information
Too much customization
Too many comparisons
Too little privacy
If you look at headings, few may look problematic & few may look helpful. Same was my opinion when I checked the index. But once I read the book, I came to know the pros & cons of each cost in detail with examples & proper research support.
Let's start with good points first. The author has not done just complaining about these costs. He has explained following aspects in depth
the importance of each cost
how it could be helpful
how it is currently affecting us
and at the end of each chapter, he has also shared how to avoid becoming a victim of these costs & how to take maximum benefits of them.
The book is written in semi nonfiction & semi academical tone Though research support to understand the importance of underlying facts it also hampers the overall reading experience.
Having said that, it is a deep studied informative book. Ratings
Posts
