DEATH OF A DISTRICT MAGISTRATE BY NACHI

 

TITLE- Death of a District magistrate

AUTHOR- Narasimhan Eswar Aka Nachi

GENRE- Mystery/ Thriller

NUMBER OF PAGES- 278

PUBLISHER- Notion Press

FORMAT- Paperback

About the book-

The death by gunshot of a powerful and controversial District Magistrate brings in the idealistic and puritanical DSP Arjun Iyer to the District Magistrate's residence, where his large joint family lives. It seems like a suicide at first glance, but is it really one?

And if it isn't, then..

Along with his assistant, the deeply loyal but irascible, devil-may-care Inspecter Munuswamy, DSP Arjun leaves no stone unturned in the investigating the case where surprise upon labyrinthine surprise awaits them until they arrive at the final conclusion. 

My rating- ★★★.5☆☆

My review-

The story starts with the death of District Magistrate of Tamilnadu, Mr.Govind Pratap which falls upon our protagonist DSP Arjun Iyer and his sidekick Inspector Munnu to investigate. Both the officers initially conclude that it is a suicide by gunshot but as they carry on with their investigations they find out that its a Pandora's box giving way to new angles to the death. All the family members and the househelp come under the radar of suspicion- the question remains who is the murderer after all?

The story mainly focuses on the investigation that is carried out in this case- a meticulous one at that, with even the most minute details explained. The writer has tried to set up scenes which gives the readers a very detailed experience of police investigations. The question- answer session between the officers and the suspects are on point thereby building up a case layer by layer where its revealed that most of the characters have a motive for murder. DSP Arjun Iyer's quirky analogies and his constant bickering with his sidekick Munnu makes the plot more enjoyable at certain places. A lot of family secrets are exposed one by one- which somehow reflects the lives of politicians in real lives too. Also the theories that each of the investigating officers come up as the investigation progresses are not only smart but also completely out-worldly at times.

All said, as a lover of thrillers or detective stories i feel this story had a lot of potential which went unused because in the initial half of the book, the story is almost painfully over detailed, leaving very little to the reader's derivation- the suspense of "who is the murderer?" remained till the end but a big chunk of the story felt irrelevant thus deviating the readers instead of taking them deeper in the mystery. Also the second half, in contrast was equally rushed.The characters in the first half seemed to over-share their thoughts and deductions but in the later half were tight lipped only to reveal the murderer and their motive in the end. The second half was crisp and more engaging. Had the first half been similar the story overall would have been more engaging thus making it a much more interesting read. 

Characters-

DSP Arjun Iyer- he is the protagonist of our story, a well mannered, intelligent, observant and head strong character for whom justice matters more than anything else. At places there are instances from his past which help the readers to understand his overwhelming passion for his work. A smart and quirky character who is highlighted because of the contrast between him and his teammates.

INSPECTOR Munnuswamy- also known as Munnu, he is the Watson to Arjun Iyer's Sherlock. An obnoxious, devil may care attitude, but smart nonetheless. More than Arjun's partner, he was his friend and confidant, who always had his best interest. 

GOVIND PRATAP AND HIS FAMILY- Govind Pratap, the DM who was brutally murdered was perhaps the filthiest character of the entire story. Corrupt, power hungry and a pervert- it was his actions that had brought upon his death and was the cause of sorrow to most of his family members.

His wife was Sudha Pratap, his elder son Sushant, younger son Sujay and a daughter Suhasini. His daughter in-laws were Pramila and Asma, elder and younger respectively. Along with them his nephew Amartya and their housekeeper- Shalini played crucial roles in the investigation.

Other characters include the gardener- Mayavi, cook- Khaleel, maid- Amudha, driver- Ravi and gatekeeper Kabali.

Throughout the story all these characters have complex interactions with each other which propels the plotline forward and adds to the murder- mystery.

Writing style-

The story progression is very slow in the beginning and too fast towards the end. The language though easy to comprehend doesn't have that captivating nature of a murder mystery. This being a debut novel is pretty good but it lacks a certain crispness expected from thrillers. Perhaps the over-sharing or under-sharing at different parts has disrupted the flow thus not invoking a response that was due after the last twist- i personally feel that the build up to the end was not at all adequate, the twist at the end should have been mind boggling cause of its unsuspecting nature but it totally fell flat.

Final Verdict-

Being a debut novel it was a decent attempt and pretty enjoyable too- the plot was very intriguing with some glimpses of Bollywood influence, however the execution has dampened the effect of the climax. This book would be suitable for readers who are starting off with thriller genre, but those who are well versed with the genre- not so much, probably a light or one-time read for them.

I would like to thank Writers Melon and Narasimhan Eswar sir for providing me a review copy of the book.

Purchase link-  https://www.amazon.in/dp/B09LDCDHMZ/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

About the author-

Narasimhan Eswar a.k.a Nachi, until very recently, was the CEO of an FMGG multinational in India. Over the last twenty-seven years, Nachi has worked and lived in India, South Africa, Switzerland, England, Spain, Hong Kong and Thailand, accumulating wonderful friends and experiences around the world. While on sabbatical from work, Nachi grabbed the opportunity to fulfill his long cherished ambition of writing a murder mystery. He now lives in Gurugram with his wife, Meenakshi, son Arjun and their Golden retriever. This is his first fiction novel.

 

 

NECTAR OF ALL WORLD RELIGIONS BY ISHWAR JOSHI AWALGAONKAR

TITLE- Nectar of all world religion

AUTHOR- Ishwar Joshi Awalganokar

NUMBER OF PAGES- 203

GENRE- Theology

FORMAT- Kindle e-book

About the book-

This book is a collection of 1000 selections from 11 spiritual leaders.

My rating- ★★★★☆

My review-

"More than intellectual meaning, i found that this process just made me feel good and calm".

The author at 21 yrs of age stumbled upon The Bhagavad Gita, what followed was a journey of spirituality coursing through the different religious texts of the world.

This book is a compilation of all the teachings of major religions. Divided into 13 chapters, the author tells us first how he started the journey and how we should continue it- this book has to be read over a period of time so as to understand the verses he has compiled.

With each new segment he introduces the origin, the symbol and the main verses from their religious texts- the religions covered being Bahai, Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam,Jainism, Judiasm, Sikhism, Taoism, Zoroastianism.

This book is not a sermon or an explanation of the various religious texts, it contains the verses for the reader to decipher them on their own, on the whole echoing the same sentiment of "God is one".

While reading through the pages i came to realize that most of the scriptures mainly focus on an individual's development leading to the development of their whole community.

Thus the fights over supremacy of one's religion is totally uncalled for. 

Also i came to know about the origins of religions like Bahai and Judiasm about which i had no idea at all.

The only thing i found difficult in this book was the lack of interpretation. Though the writer wants the readers to realize and delve into the deeper meanings of the verses on their own, it would be difficult for readers who are not so well-acquainted with the subject of Theology liked myself.

Writing style-

The writing is an introduction followed by verses each time, the introduction being very compact giving a background of the origins, the founder and the symbols used which makes it rather interesting to read.

The verses that follow are straight taken from scriptures- which could be termed as "to each his own".

One of my personal favorites being 

"One should do what one teaches others to do; if one would train other, one should be well- controlled oneself. Difficult, indeed is self control" ~ from the Dhammapada of Buddhism.

Just like bees collect nectar which are enjoyed by humans, the author has made our lives easier by compiling the wide-spread knowledge for us to relish, just as the title of the book indicates. 

Final verdict-  This book is an informative as well as a spiritual one, written in an absolutely new format and would be loved by readers interested in theology. Though this book is not for everyone but one can try to enjoy it, reading it over a period of time, but to understand the verses multiple readings and introspection are an absolute necessity.

Purchase link- 

 https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B09KRQHDH8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_d_asin_title_o00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

A WRINKLE IN TIME BY MADELEINE L'ENGLE

TITLE- A wrinkle in time
AUTHOR- Madeline l'engle
NUMBER OF PAGES- 256
GENRE- Science fiction, children's book
PUBLISHERS- Puffin books
FORMAT- Paperback

About the book-

Charles and Meg, and their friend Calvin, travel through a 'wrinkle in time' in search of their missing father. But can they beat the evil forces they meet on their dangerous journey through time and space?

My rating- ★★★★★

My review-

"That isn't Charles! Charles is gone!"

With this Margeret Murry aka Meg realized the grave danger she was in.

The story starts with the struggles of Meg and her little brother Charles Wallace coping through the harsh wordly ways in the absence of their father- a scientist on a far away mission and supposedly dead.

The story takes a turn when Charles Wallace comes across Mrs Who, Mrs Whatsit and Mrs Which who have come to help these two children save their father. Thus begins their cross-galaxy adventure of saving their father.

Will they be able to save their father? What new world will they come across on their path? What are the qualities they would require to overcome the evils on the way? 

In all essence this is a children's book but has a lot of other elements woven into it. The author has, in very simple words described the concept of time travel, the art of "tessering" and has introduced the readers to another galaxy of living beings where there are both good and bad elements.

This book is a story of survival- where the children inspite of being different try to carve their own niche in the world, it's a story where three children get to be the heroes, which portrays the immense love between siblings, the trust between friends, the courage that is required to rise above evil, the comfort that some strangers can offer and the determination which can help to overcome even the biggest of complexities and self-doubt.

Characters-

MARGARET MURRAY- Meg as she is known by everyone is a girl with a very low self-esteem who yearns for her father. Highly protective of her family, particularly her little brother Charles, she portrays the determination that one requires to find their destination in life, this book is her journey towards accepting her faults and finding her good qualities in a new light.

CHARLES WALLACE- he is the one who is considered stupid but has a strange way of feeling the other person's thoughts. Gifted though he may, even he falls into the traps laid out during their space travel. Fiercely protective of his mother and sister, he portrays the pride in oneself which can result in dangerous repercussions.

CALVIN- he is a side character who just "happens to be there", a calm simple minded character who helps in the plot development and perhaps represents luck which makes things easier to fall in place.

MRS WHO, MRS WHAT'S IT, MRS WHICH- Three ladies Charles comes across who are weird as such. Later they help the kids in the quest of their father and it's only during their time travel that these women reveal  their true identity.

IT- "it" is the villan of the story.

Thats all I can say right now, how it is the villan and what obstacles does it throws in our heroes paths, you have to read the story to find about that.

Writing style-

Aptly written for children with lucid words, picturesque narration and simple explanations of concepts of time- space travel, this book with it's simple yet effective narration can not only hold the attention of the readers but can also connect with them through varied emotions. The author takes the readers on a journey with the characters where the plot development takes place gradually and every aspect is revealed just at the right time. The writing style is simple yet just so effective that it keeps the readers hooked on.

Final verdict- it's a must read for children- it is highly enjoyable and educational at the same time. Even adults with interest in science fiction can take up this book- it's has a simple plot, picturesque narration, amiable characters and a thrill to know the ending. 

It gives the same giddy feeling of watching a Marvel movie.

Purchase link-

https://www.amazon.in/Wrinkle-Time-Puffin-Book/dp/0141354933/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=a+WRINKLE+IN+TIME&qid=1564227477&s=gateway&sr=8-1

About the author-

Madeline l'engle was born in New York City in 1918. She wrote her first stroy at age of five- about a little gurl( she was a poor speller). She did poorly in most of her classes because she wrote reams of stories and poems when she should have been doing her homework. When she was twelve she moved to the French Alps with her parents and attended an English boarding school in Switzerland. She returned to the United States when she was fourteen, where she graduated from University with an honours degree in English. Still passionate about reading and writing, she wrote her two published novels, and became an actress in order to improve her skills as a playwright. 

She wrote over sixty books and is the winner of the highly prestigious Newberry Medal. She died in 2007, aged 88.

SNAKES IN THE MEADOWS BY AYAZ KOHLI

TITLE- SNAKES IN THE MEADOWS
AUTHOR- AYAZ KOHLI
GENRE- FICTION
NUMBER OF PAGES- 276
PUBLISHERS- RUPA PUBLICATIONS
FORMAT- PAPERBACK

About the book-

Jammu and Kashmir, 1987. In the hilly village of Pathri Aali, where legends appear true, Aslam and Ashwar, two young lovers, dream of marriage and good things of life. But that is not to be. Unable to cope, Aslam leaves Pathri Aali forever.

Years later, as men migrate to Saudi Arabia for employment, Pathri Aali is populated mostly populated by women and children. Soon they realize the Mujahideen, who guise themselves as their liberators, are the worst perpetrators, and misery seems inescapable. Ashwar refuses to be cowed down by this reign of terror and is determined not to let it devastate the once peaceful village. The only one she can bank on is Aslam- and she calls out to him across the distance of time and space, to return and live up to the legends of their village. This is a saga of the onset of militancy, the suffering and the resilience of Pir Panjal- the 'and' of Jammu and Kashmir.

My rating- ★★★★.8☆

My review-

Set in the beautiful valleys of Kashmir, this story initially speaks about the little yet mesmerizing village of Pathri Aali and the innocent lives that lives here. As the story progresses we come across the harsh realities, the dreadful conditions that the inhabitants face there.

Starting from the rise of militancy, to the schemes of Pakistan against India, to the lies fed to young boys forcing them towards "freedom" to the events that follow- this story brings to light not only the simple yet tragic love story of Aslam and Ashwar but also focuses on cross continent sentiments and the daily struggle to survive at any cost.

This story doesn't exactly focus on a particular issue- it tells the readers of the exact situation in Kashmir in 1987- the struggle among the masses to earn their living, their exploitation at the hands of the so called Mujahideen, the plight of the ones who lost their way, the short comings of the Indian army, the struggle of the women left behind to protect their children, their failed attempts to protect their dignity- the courage of a single woman to stand up against the hooligans and the bravery of a single man leaving behind his settled life abroad to return to his Homeland to freed her from the occupants.

This is the story of courage, bravery, brotherhood, patriotism, revenge, love, hatred, sorrow, sacrifice and everything else which are valued by humans.

This book is not only absolutely well researched but also contains every human emotions in just the right amount. From the plight of the villagers to the tragic love of Aslam and Ashwar everything appeals to the readers' emotions. 

The only minor problem is the last few pages- the resistance is a bit rushed though the major part of the book has steadily built up the events leading to it in a great detail but nonetheless this book is an absolute page turner.

Characters-

Aslam- a simple boy with a proud father, who falls in love only to be rejected but later on moves away from his Homeland to make a living. However he doesn't hesitate to return at the call of duty- he is a brave man, his pride equivalent to that of his father, he possess all the virtues possible.

A son seeking revenge, a skilled and confident leader, an ever waiting lover- he is the reason Pathri Aali finds peace.

Reading his heroic accounts will send shivers along the spine.

Ashwar- a determined girl since a young age yet she accepts her fate easily when separated from her love. Years later, when things come down to saving her family she single handedly takes on the responsibility to fight back. A valient lady, a loving mother, an eager lover and a dignified woman- she is one who forsake her most precious things to save her people.

There are a whole lot of other characters including Lal Jaan, Major Sakeera, Zuber, Khalil, Zaitoon and other who played their own roles major or minor to add to the depth of the story- who infact hold the story and take it forward.

Writing style-

The writing style is absolutely gripping, with twists and turns at every point. The author introduces the characters at appropriate times which increases the intensity of the story.

The story is well researched, well formed and most importantly well narrated. The simultaneously occuring events, the fights between both the sides and the emotional turmoil of the characters is palpable throughout the book.

This book is a must read, not recommended for beginners though. It invokes into the readers all kinds of emotions, particularly a calm, a satisfaction when the story ends- a particularly simple yet complex narration, a bold plotline and endearing characters - this book is the perfect balance of everything readers are looking for- a highly satisfying read.

Thanks to bookscharming for the review copy. This was such an awesome read.

Purchase link-

https://www.amazon.in/Snakes-Meadows-Ayaz-Kohli/dp/9353333601/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmrnull_3?keywords=snakes+in+the+meadows&qid=1558353892&s=gateway&sprefix=snakes+in+the+meadow&sr=8-3-fkmrnull

About the author-

Ayaz Kohli is a 2007 batch IRS officer, presently serving as Joint Commissioner- GST, Mumbai.

He was born and brought up in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. In 2007, he became the first person from his community and region to qualify the civil services. Having seen the rise and repercussions of militancy from very close quarters, and moves by the plight of people on the border districts of Jammu and Kashmir he decided to pen down his first novel, Snakes in the meadows. 

LOVESWEPT by PRASUPTA ROY

TITLE-  Loveswept

AUTHOR- Prasupta Roy

NUMBER OF PAGES- 125

GENRE- Romance

PUBLISHERS- Half baked beans

FORMAT- Paperback

About the book-

Anushka, the only daughter of her parents, is a librarian of an esteemed institute but she has a dream of becoming an author. 

Kaushik, the younger of the two brothers, is a lecturer of a college is Siliguri. They meet, fall in love and wish to marry. They think and believe that one completes the other. But, things go awry and separates the two love birds.

Though apart, they keep their love enflamed in their hearts. The pangs of separation tears apart their hearts but they stay firm to the sacrifices made. While, Anushka becomes an acclaimed novelist and Kaushik principal of a college. But, they both have one wish to see each other again. And they do. But fate had other plans in store for them.

My rating- ★★☆☆☆

My review-

A guy meets a girl, falls for her, persues her and wins over her, eventually they plan their life together but destiny deals them a hand whereby they get separated. Yearning for each other they meet each other after a long time but even then they remain the victims of fate. 

This is about the storyline which in itself is  emotional and heart breaking but only if executed properly. Inspite of not being very fond of this particular genre I was looking forward to how the story unfolds and truth be told it's downright pathetic.

The plot development has the most number of loopholes, it's like switching between the past and present without any correlation between the two- just when the reader starts feeling for a particular situation the author inserts another one whereby both the situations loses it's essence. The author seems to have just written whatever came to her mind- introducing characters somewhere, providing their details in another place, shifting between timelines according to her will.

Not only the plotline, even the characters are very confusing- they feel downright plastic, the author has just failed to convey the agony of separation and the will required to move on- there is no character development at all.

The only good thing I found in this book was the language used- perhaps the efforts should have been put into making the story more sensible and lucid, a bit more emotional perhaps.

The plotline had all the potential but the writing has just ruined a beautiful story.

Characters-

Kaushik- the hero of the story, he is the typical Bollywood Romeo that Indian audience is so familiar with, however in this story he is the epitome of sacrifice.

Portrayed as a perfect lover, a responsible son he perfectly plays the role of the victim yet keeps his head held high till the end.

The best thing about him is the ability to withstand all adversities and choosing family over self.

Anushka- she is the love interest of Kaushik- who after much persuation finally gives in. She is initially portrayed as this brittle girl, the one whose sole reason of existence is the love of her life. Later on she too deals with her fair share of adversities, however that has been overshadowed by Kaushik for a majority part- also her side has not been portrayed as should have been considering both were the victims of fate.

The characters didn't appeal to me at all, not only they are fictional to the highest degree but also they just seem to speak their dialogues without much feeling.

Writing style-

The language used is quite good, lofty words have been used but they didn't play any part in improving the narration. A confusing narration, whimsical turn of events and poorly edited text,  this book is one which murdered a beautiful plotline literally.

Thank you Half baked beans for the review copy. Honestly, this was one difficult book to read.
Would really not recommend it to anyone- but for those of you who don't care about plot or narration or characters, you can try this out.

Purchase link-

https://www.amazon.in/LOVESWEPT-Prasupta-Roy/dp/B07PMK27NG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=Loveswept&qid=1558027850&s=gateway&sr=8-1

About the author-

Prasupta Roy had worked hard as an English teacher in schools before she quit her job five years back to persue her dream of writing a book. Many of her short stories, articles and poems have been published in magazines, newspaper and online. She is a contemporary romance writer. Besides reading and writing she loves listening to music.

BESTSELLER BY AHMED FAIYAZ

TITLE- BESTSELLER
AUTHOR- AHMED FAIYAZ
GENRE- FICTION, SATIRE
NUMBER OF PAGES- 190
PUBLISHERS- RUPA PUBLICATIONS
FORMAT- PAPERBACK

About the book-

Akshay Mathur, an out-of-work editor of a defunct literary magazine in UK, has moved to India to turn around Kalim, an ailing Indian publisher. But, he has just one year to do so. 

To complicate things further, Akshay has to contend with a motley crew of has- beens and misfits working for the publishing house as well as wannabe writers including an aging Bollywood heart throb. In a trial by fire, where he has to make it big or go bust, he also has to clear his head on whom he truly loves- the free spirited and practical Zorah Kalim, who is the only daughter of the founder of Kalim publishing, or the flighty and vivacious Anya Malik. More importantly, he is yet to decide how far he is willing to go to succeed and adapt to this unfamiliar world.

My rating- ★★★★☆

My review-

Being dedicated readers we delve into the books straight away without giving much thought about the process involved into formation of that book. Starting from the author's feeling while writing the book to the package that comes out in the end- the whole process is nothing less than a struggle which often remains behind the scenes.This book takes us on a journey to this behind the scenes where the author makes us familiar with what goes around in a publishing house, particularly in one based in India.

Our protagonist Akshay Mathur has been sent to revive the sales of Kalim publishing house which was once a super power in the business but at present is nothing more than a ghost house. He is given the responsibility to bring out at least five bestsellers by the end of the year- and thus begins his struggle.

He comes across various newcomers, wannabe writers, some petty opportunistis and a maddening staff, all of whom take the readers on a hilarious journey mixed with a good amount of sarcasm from our protagonist- to make us understand the real struggle of publishing a book.

Will Akshay be able to reach his target? What all circumstances does he comes face to face during this time? Is he able to overcome the hardships? How do they affect his life ? All these questions are answered in this book.

This book takes a dig at the publishing industry, where the author has given the readers a detailed view of the inside- but in a funny, light-hearted and sarcastic manner. The characters are absolutely typical each resembling a particular type of people. The interactions are outright hilarious, some characters are cringe worthy and our protagonist works his way through them like a boss.! This work of fiction shows the true face of the publishing houses where most of them are just business organizations with a very few of them soughting out true talent.

For me this book was the key to understand why the same repetitive storylines become bestsellers, how they become bestsellers and how the publishing houses today are nothing more than business organizations with a targeted audience who are happy with the same kind of shitty writings.

For me this book was an eye-opener. Of course it has it's flaws.

A few printing mistakes here and there and almost a complete generalization of the publishing business, however the most important flaw that I found was the characterization of the females- they have been portrayed as petty, with little substance of their own, who inspite of being some of the major characters have become just a sidekick with a air of ridicule in their descriptions.

Characters-

Akshay Mathur- he is our protagonist who has been given the responsibility of delivering 5 bestsellers from the house of Kalim and his future depends on it. He is a witty, sarcastic practical editor who later in the story understands the importance of his job and areas he should be concentrating upon while deciding to publish a book- his misery, his business calibre and his witty comebacks keep the story running.

Zorah Kalim- the daughter of the founder of Kalim publishing, she is the advertising head of the publication house and the love interest of Akshay. Inspite of being one of the main character she is not so strongly portrayed. Good at her work, gullible, the typical ' all is fair in love and war' attitude and sometimes with a voice of her own- somewhere her character has been overshadowed by Akshay's.

Roshan Khan- a former Bollywood star, hell bent on writing his biography to wash away his negative image, he is one who uses his power and money to get his way around. In this story does the same thing happens? Well you have to read to find out but one thing's for sure he is a completely toxic, non-talented person who would go to any extents to satisfy his male ego.

Anya Malik- she is another wannabe writer with two love stories (the typical ones) in her bag, decides to write a third one. A shrewd opportunist, she adds the extra spice to the story with her antiques.

Sudhir- another wannabe writer, he is one of those nagging, desperate self important people who go about blaming every other person for the mishaps in his life. The way Akshay deals with this particular guy is just amazing.

Vinod Dutta- a great writer of his times, on his deathbed he decides to approach our protagonist with the last work of his life. Does it get published? What is it about?

Suryakant Joshi- he is another so called writer, a politician by profession who wants to improve his political images by means of his writing, however it is our protagonist who has to write "his biography" for him.

Other characters include the people as Akshay's staff, a rival publishing house chief and some other small characters who take the story forward.

Writing style-

The story since it's inception just flows- easy lucid language, quirky dialogues, smooth transitions- this book shows the journey of the characters throughout the year in a seemingly effortless manner. The characters, their interactions, their failures, their success, the shrewdness and the self introspections makes this a light hearted yet important read. This book has saas at it's best.

A definite recommendation from me- this is absolutely suitable for a light read- it has both light and dark humour, most importantly it has a refreshing idea and an absolutely brilliant writing style.

I would like to thank bookaholics for providing me with the review copy.

Purchase link-

https://www.amazon.in/Bestseller-Ahmed-Faiyaz/dp/9353332648/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=3A2LUCH0B1J55&keywords=bestseller+ahmed+faiyaz&qid=1555785163&s=gateway&sprefix=bestseller&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

About the author-

Ahmed Faiyaz is the best selling author of love, life and all that Jazz..., Another chance, Scammed and the editor of Urban Shots. He was born and raised in Bengaluru. Apart from being a passionate writer, he dabbles with filmmaking and travels to lesser known destinations to better understand life and the times we live in. He lives and works in Dubai, with his two boys and the cabin cat named, Bob.

WALK THE WIRE BY VIVEK ISHWAR

TITLE- WALK THE WIRE
AUTHOR- VIVEK ISHWAR
GENRE- SELF HELP
NUMBER OF PAGES- 106
PUBLISHERS- NOTION PRESS
FORMAT- PAPERBACK

About the book-

A strong reason why we fail to achieve our goals is our inability to comprehend our minds. We sometimes tend to over- commit to multiple goals and set ourselves up for failure or lose direction of where we want to go. History is important because it reminds us of mistakes from the past, the knowledge of which prevents us from repeating the same. Similarly, our personal history with goal- setting and goals achievement is salient in understanding what we could have done better in the past, and implementing them into a more effective present and future.

My rating- ★★★★.5☆

My review-

The fast paced world today doesn't have time to reflect on their actions- they just work towards their perceived goals. Is that the right thing to do? Are they following the right path? If it's so then why are most of them dissatisfied? Why does their actions don't give the desired results?

This is the very point the author explores in this book. Divided into four sections, this self help book takes the readers on a journey towards understanding their real goals, the course of action required and the method to tackle the problems- this is a journey which helps the readers understand their own mind.

This book is divided into-

1. Too many distractions, too little substance- where he helps the readers to identify the causes which become obstacles in their paths of goal- achieving.

2. Dealing with the beast- here in he tells about different approaches to different problems which needs to be individualized.

3. Putting into practice- finding the solution is not the end, it is only practice that is going to incorporate the changes in our lives and finally

4. Finding balance- perhaps the most difficult part. Here the author explains not only the necessity to find balance but also shines light on the ways of doing it.

This book, with little anecdotes and practical examples not only addresses the individuals' problems but also gives time to ponder upon them. Along with guidance this book at the end of every chapter has exercises for the readers which can become very useful, for if the readers do these self introspective exercises they might find clarity in their own minds.

I have come across quite a number of self help books but this book is something else- from being easily understandable to being practical this book addresses the exact points that this generation struggles with.

The only problem that I faced was to stop reading to indulge in the exercises- this is quite difficult for the text is so engaging in itself. Other than this the book can be perceived as too real for some readers who are not fond of this genre.

Writing style-

The writing style is very engaging- the little examples and anecdotes are identifiable very readily. The best part is the conversational tone used throughout due to which the readers will feel an instant connection. It felt more like a guide you talk to instead of reading a book. 

I just loved this book- hadn't expected it to be so amazing. I would like to thank vinfluencers for giving me the review copy and having patience with me. 

This book is a definite recommendation for all- read it, it will come in handy at some point in time.

Purchase link- 

https://www.amazon.in/gp/aw/d/1684661951?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_image

About the author-

Vivek Ishwar is a coach and author by passion, Chartered Accountant by qualification, and finance and strategy professional by occupation. Vivek believes happiness is seeking excellence in multiple aspects of life. A person who looks at life in different ways -work, professional goals, Health, self-actualization, family, love, contentment, inner peace and learning to name a few. He has cultivated a systematic structure to pursue multiple goals and enable continuous growth, and has seen the benefits of incorporating it into his life and the people in it.

Vivek is looking to actively spread awareness about what he has learnt through his writing and coaching and help shape of better future.