Book Review of SuperCouples - Inspiring Stories of Couple-preneurs by Prachi Garg

After a series of fictions, thrillers and poems, I decided to go for this light read having a cute, cuddly animated picture of a relaxed couple and an engaging colophon briefing about the struggles and success of the couples who dared to merge their home and work.

Book Blurb

In an era booming with the 'Startup' trend and loving this new attitude of breaking boundaries and conventions of a career, one also faces the challenge of being able to partner up with the right people. In lieu of reliable and trustworthy partners, real life couples in relationships have started exploring the idea of partnering up in business too!

Speaking to various couple-preneurs, one realizes that the myth about mixing work and home is just as misty as the one about needing a stable and conventional job for an ambitious career. These dynamic startups break stereotypes and cover a varied range of services: ecommerce, innovative gifts, eco-friendly products, health care solutions, social responsibility ventures, event management, digital solutions and many others.

SuperCouples brings out such lovely stories of enterprising couples. After all, when great minds come together to produce something built on conjoined dreams, the result is eminently successful

“Super Couples” celebrates the stories of 19 couples entrepreneurs; their working methodologies, struggles and finally their success hoping that they serve as an inspiration.

“Super Couples” is written in second person perspective. The start of every story has a picture of the company founders and a small idea of their startup. Be it an arranged or a love marriage, the author is successful to depict the start of the journey as a “match-made-in-heaven” manner. She captures the struggling road to success of these couples in a simple yet effective way. 

There are times when the book becomes monotonous. There are some stories especially of core IT sector which feel similar and personally, I felt more fields could had been covered and more diversity could had been included. Nevertheless, the book leaves its mark as you get inspired from one story to the other.

There are many stories that became my personal favorite. I thoroughly enjoyed “Boring Brands”, “Kitki” and many more. In fact, the moment I finished this book, I made sure I register for cashkaro.com and made a mental note of the various websites to visit next of these fabulous couples with such offstream ideas.

Overall, the author is successfully able to draw common conclusions from all these success stories such as strong belief in the idea, love, mutual support, exclusivity and teamwork amongst these various stories using statistics and numbers to seal the facts to the point some might even be tempted to start something of their own.

For Prachi Garg’s motivational delight my rating would be 4/5

Overall Verdict:- Simple, Light and  Inspiring

Book can be found at Amazon and Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Review of other books in this series - Super Siblings & Super Women

Discussion with Author Chivi Frost About Book The Blogger Trailmap

Last month we reviewed "The Blogger Trailmap - How to Take Your Blog to the Next Level in Easy Steps" by Chivi Frost. Today we got chance to share details about the author on our platform. 

Chivi's Brief Introduction

Chivi Frost did her Master’s in Information Technology, and she has traversed both the worlds of technology and business.  Chivi has worked as a content marketing strategist, SEO expert and as social media adviser for Fortune 100 companies. An avid hiker, Chivi loves to hit the trails in the national parks whenever she needs to recharge herself. 

Chivi reads everything and anything. She is most inspired by biographies, or memoirs of men and women who share their personal experiences. One of the recent books she has read is a biography of the Tao Master Kwan in the “Chronicles of Tao”.

Chivi Frost is passionate about helping independent authors, artists and other creative entrepreneurs succeed. Her work as a free-lance consultant with zavesti.com is dedicated to supporting solopreneurs.

Information about Chivi's writing career

As a content marketing strategist writing has always been an enjoyable part of Chivi Frost’s job. However, she remembers wanting to write stories even as a kid and won numerous essay prizes at school.

Chivi’s goal is to demystify the “business success formulae” for solopreneurs and give them the insider track on how large companies implement successful sales strategies. Her book, “The Blogger Trailmap: How to Take Your Blog to the Next Level in Easy Steps”, distils the experience gained from a thousand sales battles into an easy to understand guide for authors and bloggers.

  

Details on her latest book - "The Bloggers Trailmap"

If book was published 6 months before this conversation you can also tell us number of books sold/distributed with critic and overall ratings. (You can skip if books has not got pace in market)

Chivi Frost’s book, “The Blogger Trailmap: How to Take Your Blog to the Next Level in Easy Steps”, is written to help grow your blog or vlog very quickly to the next level. For many bloggers, that “next level” would mean more traffic and more money from their blog. For others, the “next level” may mean improving their personal brand, sharing ideas with a larger audience, or growing their blog as an “Author Platform”. 

The Blogger Trailmap is meant to be an action-oriented companion on your blogging journey with links to 20+ free tools, templates and resources which were specially created by the zavesti.com team to support this book.

The most wonderful things is that your blogging journey is mapped out in a fun and easy to implement manner. You will be on your way to amazing success very quickly with The Blogger Trailmap as your friendly, companion guide.

More about Chivi's future projects

Chivi Frost is working with the zavesti.com team to create more amazing resources for authors, illustrators and bloggers. 

Chivi's advice to aspiring writers

Learn to sell before you publish your first book!

Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?

Don’t forget to visit zavesti.com and join in the Zavesti Inner Circle to access an ever growing library of amazing, free tools for marketing your books and products. 

Links for your book readers

• Website: zavesti.com
• Blog: zavesti.com
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/zavesti
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/zavesti
• Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J5CN15W
• Book Links:  https://www.zavesti.com/the-blogger-trailmap-a-guidebook-for-bloggers-youtubers-podcasters/

A Thing Beyond Forever by Novoneel Chakraborty - A book review

We have one book "That Kiss in the Rain" by Novoneel Chakraborty which we have bought almost 3 years back, I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Last month we saw the new edition of "A Thing Beyond Forever"s cover in our mail. So there was no reason for us to hold back. A chance to review one of the best selling author's limited edition book.

Book Blurb

What happens when life plays a trick on two innocent lovers? What happens when your first love much against all possibilities comes back to you in the most bizarre and astounding manifestation ever? Dr. Radhika Sharma, for the world outside, is an aberrant and arrogant feminist. But inside, she resides in a far-away world like vulnerable first sketch of an artist. One night an innocuous enquiry by a nine-year-old patient coaxes her to open someones personal diary. And, as she reads on, a bygone era comes to the forefront taking her through a cavalcade of exclusive events that life, love and friendship offer at the noon of adolescence. By the time she finishes reading diary, its already morning. And by night time she finds herself face to face with a question that defies logical explanation. Is falling in love a random act or a planned coincidence? Is attraction the missing link between souls? Will the light of true love outshine the dark shadow of destiny? Even when Radhika gets the copasetic answers there are still two or more chapters to go

Unlike the previous cover, this cover is just fantastic. It is really eye-catching. Though my husband wanted to review this book, the moment he unwrapped the courier I booked it. So here I am to discuss what else I found good in the book apart from the cover.

Coming to the story part, Radhika is our protagonist, an ambitious doctor, who found solace in reading than unnecessary gossiping. She started reading the diary of her childhood friend Raen. It contained how he felt for her & how deeply in love with her. And then there was also a part about reincarnation, which made Radhika feel whether things happened due to coincidence or as part of a greater plan.

Good points about the book.

• Wonderful concept
• Storytelling part is mesmerizing
• The way thing unfolded you can visualize them
• A good way of amalgamation of spiritual discussion as well

Things that can hinder a casual reader

• Heavy vocabulary. At places, you may need to use a dictionary
• At places, the spiritual discussion became lengthy
• New learner/entrants may face difficulty in reading it

Ratings

1. Cover - 5/5
2. Concept - 4/5
3. Character - 4/5
4. Overall - 4/5

The book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart

Reviews from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Super Child!: Unlocking the Secrets of Working Memory by Gayatri Kalra Sehgal

A fabulous cover design, catchy subtitle & cute kids it takes efforts to ignore such book. Though we were over-committed & knee deep (literally) in pending review copies we could not deny to this gem. And let me tell you I am glad that I took the opportunity to review the book.

Book Blurb

Would you want your child to have the one superpower that will not just help in academics but also in life?

Congratulations! As an involved parent, you have taken the most progressive step forward. Super Child! Unlocking the Secrets of Working Memory is power packed with comprehensive, exciting and goal-oriented activities for junior school children. The book empowers parents with the ‘science’ behind each particular game or activity in a manner that enables parents to design the games themselves in order to facilitate learning specific to their child’s needs.

Strategically planned, exercises in this book activate the working memory skills of young learners and enhance their individual learning style, at par with the school’s curricula. The book enhances as well as develops skills to remember, reformulate and assimilate information, giving the child a better edge for the future. What’s more, you can enjoy these activities with your six to eight-year-olds in a casual setting by using recyclable resources easily available at home!

I have read books to improve memories, I have read books to improve IQ & logical reasoning, but in the end, they were like self-help books with a lot of exercises. If you give it as plain exercise book to your kid, they will give you stare. A mature kid (14+) may appreciate but other kids will simply get angry. So how would you handle the case with kids? Simple play game with them. They never say no to the game especially group games. That is what Gayatri has done, in this book.

Basically, the book is nothing but a collection of group games. These games are categorized & grouped based on the nature of how it benefited kids. Isn't it sound interesting? Though we played few of these few of these games during our childhood, if we could have played more of such games, our brain would have been more trained. You don't need a costly educational supplement or branded toys to make your kids engaged. These games are damn easy from a resource point of view. Majority of them can be played with just a paper & pen. Just don't wait for it, grab the book.

I have shortlisted 4-5 games that we can play with my 4 years. An awesome and must have a book on parenting. Ratings

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

The book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart

Reviews from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Time to Read Christmas Fantasy - Alfie the Elf by Shaiju Mathew

We found this little guy (Alfie the Elf by Shaiju Mathew) in old house's neighbor. It seems we missed to get the courier during our house shifting. What could be a better reason than not to read Santa & Elf related book before Christmas? Just look at how adorable cover is? When I clicked the picture to post on our Instagram feed, my 4 years old told me "Did you bought this Character based book for me? I said yes. Unfortunately, it will take 3-4 more years for him to read this book.

Book Blurb

Alfie is a 14-year-old orphaned midget. He has just one wish – to grow tall. He believes that would help him gain lots of adoring friends and even impress Charlene, the girl of his dreams. He tries all tricks and tips to increase his height, but to no avail. Finally, he pins all his hopes on a miracle by writing to Santa and stays ‘good’ through the year. Christmas arrives, but Alfie’s wish doesn’t get fulfilled. Hurt, and deeply disappointed, Alfie runs away from his orphanage to look for Santa. That is only the beginning of a fantastical journey that takes him across mythical lands where he meets creatures straight out of fairy tales. With a wicked wizard out to dominate the universe and a worried Santa with his share of woes, Alfie has his hands full. Will he be able to achieve his dream? With the help of his best friend, Bullet, a pug and Pedro, an owl, he just might!

The story is sweet & simple. Alfie was our protagonist. He was a midget. Being shorter than all his orphanage & schoolmates, he was always being bullied. All he wanted was to get normal like other boys & girls. One day he learned about Santa & Christmas wishes. He wrote the letter & waited for Christmasegerly to get his wish to fulfill. But he was humiliated when his wish was not met. Sadden Alfie met Pedro Owl & Bullet dog, who told Alfie about Santa & how to reach time. Three of them left their city to meet Santa. But accidentally they took the plane of a dark magician. Read the book to know more.

I wish I have read this book a year back when I won it. It would be a best and A sure shot gift material Christmas gift to 7+ age kids. Simplest language usage, straight narration style, proper context (for kids) & full with illustration.

Talking about ratings

1. Cover - 5/5 (for cover as well as other artwork)
2. Concept - 4/5
3. Character - 4/5
4. Overall - 4/5

The book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart

Reviews from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Book Review - The Conquest of the East: Royal Crown Returns by R Durgadoss

"The Conquest of the East: Royal Crown Returns" is the second installment in the series after "The Indus Challenge" by R Durgadoss. Almost one and half year back we reviewed part one. Durgadoss has the capability of delivering a super fast-paced story with high-interest quotent. After reading 2nd part I feel though the book may fall under historical fiction, it should be categorized for middle graders and/or millennials as well. 

Book blurb

The numerous attempts made by the Cholas to capture the prestigious royal crown, the mythical aaram (necklace) and the precious garland of pearls from the Pandyas have failed. Emperor Raja Raja Chola’s grandfather even defeated the Pandyas, but their king managed to escape with the royal jewels and kept these in safe custody with a Lankan king.

Years later, even after Raja Raja Chola’s victory against the Lankan king, the jewels eluded the Cholas as the Lankan king too fled with the jewels. Emperor Rajendra Chola takes it upon himself to finish his dynasty’s incomplete agenda. The jewel trail extends well beyond the shores of Bharat, right up to the kingdom of Srivijaya (modern-day Indonesia). Rajendra Chola’s naval commander Surya emerges as the greatest support to his king. Will Surya be able to restore the Chola pride?

Even with his unbreakable spirit, courage and special powers, Surya must be careful as the enemies may have lost wars but they are hitting back through proxy wars launched by hired mercenaries. He must use every trick in the book to unmask the enemy and save the Chola kingdom from plunging into a civil war.

The Conquest of the East: Royal Crown Returns is an action-packed page-turner that is a befitting sequel to the bestselling book The Indus Challenge.

The protagonist of our story is Surya alone. Unlike the last part where Chanakya had also shared equal canvas with Rudra. Surya was born to an unmarried woman in Rameshwaram jail. He was born with a fish mark on his chest. His mother hadn't accepted him, so he was raised by jailer's brother who was commander in Chola navy. Surya was later on adopted by the same family and treated equally. His adopted father found traits of Surya in water. He wanted Surya to become Jaladhipathi (Supreme Navy Commander / Admiral) Luck was on Surya side & he got chance to learn/train at the prestigious school of Chola kingdom (for Military & Navy) Surya with age became indispensable. Soo he became trusted commander of Raja Raja Chola. He led multiple successful mission for King. But how he had done that you will come to know only after reading the book.

Observations about the book

• Language usage is simple. 
• Narration style is straight. 
• Yes pace is super fast, you cannot skip or leave a paragraph (leave about skipping a page or chapter) 
• The story is full of twists & turns. 
• Less - no violent descriptions

The only thing that the author should take care in next part is line given at the end of the majority of chapters. It goes like this "And then something happened that shocked XYZ character" 

Talking about ratings

1. Cover - 4/5 (Last part's cover was better though)
2. Concept - 3.5/5
3. Characters - 3/5 (Predictable at places)
4. Overall - 3.5/5

The book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart

Reviews from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Humorous Story of Medical Students - Dissected by Naveen Kakkar

One word title, a funny looking guy with a skeleton & blue background, that was all I got while windowshopping Dissected by Naveen Kakkar. Later on, reader-universe gave me positive vibes through their positive reviews. So I went back to book page & checked available reviews. And "Tada" I knew I have to read it. So here we are discussing or dissecting the book & its likable parts with our readers.

Book Blurb

Medicine brings forth images of dour, grave looking faces with heads buried in thick books. Naah....not at Dale. Set in an era much before hyper-connectivity made us social recluses, this is a hilarious take on the lives of fifty teenagers. Walk with them as they face the challenges of a treacherous first term at a medical school in Damsar, through the landmines of the anatomy hall, the eccentric physiological concepts and the endless biochemistry cycles that most did not give a damn for; well nearly most. This is a saga of how the class survived the adventure of a bus trip with a sloshed driver, the dressing down by teachers, the quirks of their own characters and still found time to shake a leg or two. Find out if Podgy and Palak will be together right till the end? Will Lego find his balance and Joy his joy? Will Tazo survive his class? Will people keep falling off the South Pole? Rohan needs this answer, desperately!

Don't worry the book is not nonfiction. The story is a humorous fiction picturized around medical college & its first-year entrants. The story goes like as good & humourous like any of our college life. A geeky guy, an introvert guy, a couple (yet to be) and few more characters. The difference is the environment, mine was engineering, here it was medical college. So the life of our protagonist was more miserable. I don't want to share their adventure. Read the book to know more.

No matter in which stream or college you have studied, you would be able to relate it with the book. Because apart from medical student life, characters also belong to young college going, crowd. So life at that stage is always memorable.

Good points about the book

• Simple language usage 
• Straight to the point narration style
• Witty, humorous dialogs. Specially Tazo inner voice
• Relatable to life
• Nice illustration & title of each chapter
• Short in content. Can be finished in 1-2 sittings

In short, fun-filled witty companion for a train or plane journey. Ratings

1. Cover - 2/5
2. Content - 3.5/5
3. Characters - 4/5 (Tazo & Podgy)
4. Overall - 3.5/5

The book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart

Reviews from other readers can be found at GoodReads

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