Friday, November 28, 2014

Review: Personal by Lee Child (Jack Reacher, #19)

When you reach at the pinnacle there is very little left to do. But times are always testing and there are some blind spots in life when don't know what's going to be thrown back at you. Author Lee Child in his latest book "Personal" takes the journey of Jack Reacher forward in a quest to satiate some personal vendetta. So is it going to be really personal? Let's find out. 

Jack Reacher has had enough with the army, but the army isn’t quite finished with him yet. When a long-range shot threatens the safety of the French President, Jack is pulled back into service. This time, he serves the State Department and the CIA. However, he faces an expert marksman whose work looks oddly familiar. How could anyone make a shot at a distance of three-fourths of a mile from the target? To make matters worse for America, the bullet is one of theirs and the gunman is an ex-convict with 15 years of prison time behind him: John Kott. Jack must once again track down the man he put away years before. This time, the stakes are higher. Jack continues to be haunted by memories of a woman he couldn’t save. He is teamed up with a young analyst named Casey Nice, and he begins to feel like the situation is repeating itself. However, he is desperate to keep it from happening this time. This time, he tells himself, the killer made it personal.



First look at the title and the cover and the man walking in the distance on an empty road is always an eerie sign. The title in short tries to tell us something but keeps it hidden from the prying eyes. The blurb talks about Reacher and his latest exploits which is a bit more than it should have been. 

The story is back to square one as Reacher is on the move and on an instinct he is back among action when he finds his calling on an assignment he least expects to be involved in. But with some past involved and a certain favor to be returned Jack Reacher is all set to catch the master assassin who is a bit out of the reach as of now. So will Reacher find it easy or will his nemesis prove to be a tough nut? Will it be a game to finish or Reacher will be tamed? That's what the story is all about. 

The story as all Reacher series has to offer gets on with action,suspense and drama and an uncanny ability to produce goods out of nothing. The adversary, the care free attitude of Reacher and the intensity of the situation it all grabs headlines and tries to capture the minds and heart of the readers. The story has some surprises up its sleeves and does manages to deliver them in right proportions. The newer approach to the story is always appreciable and keeps it clean,easy to read and more to relate to. 

The downside of the book is it finds its adversary in the backdrop for a very lengthy period of time. The adversary doesn't has a personality or personal indulgence which pales the book for a certain period of time. Also the sidekicks involved from the opposite side play too much of a role leaving nothing for a one to one showdown of Reacher and the nemesis. A definitive end to the story also lacks and fails to pack a punch to a promising endeavor. 

All in all the book promises old style action as expected from the story line but fails to provide an extra edge to the newer idea. The book moves in circles but doesn't capitalizes on what one expects it to be an outright thriller. For the marquee delivery it has certain charm but it fades with time. It won't leave a lasting impression but it won't fail you as a reader completely either. A sweet-bitter affair. 

RATINGS: 

3 OUT OF 5  

Review: Your Dreams are Mine Now by Ravinder Singh

Everyone has a dream. Dream to do something big, a dream to change the society and a dream to give the world something for which you will be remembered. Is it that easy to live a dream? The answer is no it isn't. Author Ravinder Singh in his latest book " Your Dreams are Mine Now" sets on a trail from where there is no coming back. It's not a journey that gets easier any day or anytime soon. So how well the author has traveled into this less traversed path? Let's find out.


Your Dreams are Mine Now explores the romantic relationship between Rupali and Arjun. They are complete opposites and have nothing in common when it comes to their interests and priorities in life. Rupali is a small town girl and an idealist, whereas Arjun is a Delhi guy with keen interest in youth politics. A major scandal on the college campus brings them together and somewhere along the line they fall in love with each other. Set against the backdrop of heavy campus politics in Delhi University, Your Dreams are Mine Now will make for an engaging and riveting read for those who enjoy love stories.



First look at the title and the cover and a reader will deem to fall in love with it. An exquisite dreamy sequence awaits a reader and the title is a proof to it. The blurb talks about two people and their whirlwind life which will unfold in many ways. The blurb is a witness to what you can expect as a reader and leaves a lot to imagination. 

The story is set in D.U where Rupali has arrived from Patna to relieve her dream. As time flies she gets to know the inner delicacies of matters in the campus. A chance meeting with Arjun sets tone to a blossoming friendship cum love but with it comes an unknown destination which will engulf her and embrace her like her own child. The politics and love walk hand in hand and try to become a dominant force. So will Rupali be able sustain it? Will Arjun be present by her side all this while or will she walk alone on this treacherous path? Only time will tell. 

The story uses it's strong suit i.e love to perfection. The delicacy with which the emotions are handled is plain joy to read. It revolves around budding campus life, the excitement along with it is a thing to which a young collegiate can relate to. The D.U setup adds to all the love and friendship drama and makes it a worthwhile structuring. The book also has a political agenda somewhere in it which gets a voice in the first half and is carried on with a purpose. It lends a tone of harsh reality and sets the stakes high in this embroiled scenario. The end becomes the USP of the book as it unwinds some not so distant memories. 

The book fails to capitalize on the political angle and fizzles out with time. The strong portrayal of an antagonist and carrying forward the agenda is what should have happened which is completely amiss in the story. The pompous start pales in the second half where it turns into a love story and loses its purpose entirely.   

All in all the book is not able to create a balance between love and politics. Love thus gains an upper hand and politics becomes a mere footnote in this saga. The book turns out to be decent on aspects of love and emotion but what it promises it fails to deliver in entirety. As a love story it offers you the similar college romance which can be enjoyed to but it comes with striking similarities, on the other hand the word to which no one relates to as much i.e politics is a distant entity and turns out to be half baked effort. A decent but not so strong deliverance. 

RATINGS: 

3 OUT OF 5

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Review: Lost in Pattaya by Kishore Modak

How many of us believe in something and give it all to hold on to it. It can be a person or a thing. It's never easy to lose it and get it back. Author Kishore Modak in his book "Lost in Pattaya" manages to lay hands on a sensitive issue and tries to shed light on it by tightening the noose and working overtime on it. So has he been successful in delivering a master stroke? Let's find out. 

For Palash, the sorrow compounds from the incessant replaying of the critical minutes when his ‘Daddy-eye’ faltered, distracted by his own weakness, substance abuse. The loss and the ensuing search sends him spiraling into a divorce and the loss of a steady corporate job. Scouring for his little girl in the brothels of Pattaya he is ensnared in the web of mafia that runs the sex trade of Thailand. When he eventually finds her, will he be able to build back a wasted lifetime, or, is it too late for rescue, for him and his child?




First look at the title and the story and the grieving face is an eye catcher. It definitely looks grim and the title adds to the effects. The blurb talks about a man and his mission to save his daughter from the clutches of the evil. There is a hint as to what is there in the book but the rest it's all bleak and unclear which is a good sign. 

The story starts off in Pattaya where Palash loses her daughter on the streets. He is junkie and a drug addict and insane. His wife blames him, his work suffers and he loses all hope. But he is not ready to accept the inevitable yet. Somewhere a hope flickers in his heart and he sets off again to the land where he might end up meeting her daughter or she might have lost her identity already. With no help by his side he is all alone and it's up to him to turn the tide in his favor. So will he be able to do it? Will he be able to go back and correct it all? Will life ever be the same again? That's what the story is all about. 

The story is a slow turner and rakes up a lot of time to catch a whiff of air and gain momentum. It certainly keeps the suspense and drama at it's bay and manages to throw readers attention on multiple subjects. The story is presented in a descriptive manner which itself drives and builds up curiosity and take it to the hilt. There are moments of anxiety and moments to cherish because it's like searching for a needle in a haystack. The characters have been executed well and the word jugglery produces magic. There are dark shades to it and it only adds to the feel of the entire outlook. 

The book gets diverted in the second half and loses it's shine and fails to sustain the momentum. It gives away too soon and pales towards the end. The plot moving away from the straight line and wavering in circles and giving angles which don't deem fit in the entire scenario. There's a desire to see it through to the very end but it all gets jumbled up in the personal quest. The suddenness of few events in the story is out of the place and could have been given a long narrative handle. 

All in all the book has a blend of both good and bad and with the good trying to force the issue it still manages to outscore the bad 51-49. There are times when it looks for a befitting finish but the capitalization on a great start becomes an issue and from there on it gets dragged along on a rough and unsteady path. But the glorious parts of the book are there to be cherished and savored and its all in there to be felt emotions,drama,suspense and a broken soul. A good and grave mix of cheer and sorrows. 

RATINGS: 

3 OUT OF 5   


P.S: THE BOOK IS PART OF THE REVIEWERS PROGRAM ON "THE TALES PENSIEVE". 

Review: Nine: Vengeance of the Warrior by Shobha Nihalani (Nine, #2)

Fantasy always has that lasting effect on the mind. It creates an aura of awe and inspiration and leads is to believe in the fiction. It all becomes real in front of the eyes as it mesmerizes and captures it all even with the tiniest of thoughts or long prose. Author Shobha Nihalani in her second book of the Nine trilogy "Nine: Vengeance of the Warrior" brings back the age of barbarism mingled with modern day fears and some good old fantasy. So has she been able to provide an all conquering story? Let's find out. 


All future is defined by the past.
And therefore, the end is only the beginning.
After burying the vicious Kalingan warrior, Akash, Tara and Zubin are continuing their lives as before, hiding the fact that they are a part of King Ashoka's exalted Nine and that each of them has powers meant to be used for the benefit of mankind, when needed.
Except, things are not as quiet as they seem to be.
The Kalingan warrior has risen once again angrier and more vengeful. And this time he knows each one of them. If they don't destroy him now, they will be hunted down and the world will be battling its worst, most terrifying chemical warfare yet.
This second book in the Nine trilogy will change the way you look at time and space.




First look at the title and the cover and the exhilarating look gives a great feel to it. The title itself speaks volumes of what is bound to be part of the book. The blurb is short and sweet but it gives away the important scenario of the story which should have been completely avoided at all costs.  

The story starts off from where the first part of the book as the Kalingan spirit has returned to earth more deadly and filled with rage and revenge. But the Nine are weary and they are banking on their Three's past experience to finish it off once and for all. But the path is not so easy this time. The determination of the Kalingan with the quench to conquer and rule the world is insatiable and it will only rest till the time it doesn't destroys the legacy of Ashoka. So who will prevail in this all out war? Will it be the evil or will the good will prevail once again? That's what the story is all about. 

The story is set off in a similar motion as it was in the first part of the book. It expectantly has a lot of action and a very strong antagonist and given the challenge and the methods to achieve the desired destiny it manages to pull off quite a few heart pounding scenes in the story. There is a good old battle with a lot of fantasy and angst that will help the readers move along with excitement and curiosity. 

The book clearly lacks a great story line as all the action and pent up emotions goes waste. It's predictable nature gives it away all and the deadlock becomes too monotonous and exaggerated. Not to forget the character build up and the time taken to provide appropriate momentum snatches away crucial points away from the story. The lackluster end also doesn't adds up to the entire cause and what could have been a vengeful story turns out to be a pauper in the end. 

All in all what promise lay hold by the first book fails to ignite the same passion in the second. The story is way too much straightforward and messed up and not laced with hard hitting pointers. The individual ramblings of the characters is a huge sore and eats up a lot of the main chunk. It could have been a vengeful revenge but the lack of proper approach fails it all and leaves it absolute shambles. 

RATINGS: 

2 OUT OF 5    

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Review: Marry Me, Stranger by Novoneel Chakraborty

There have been times in life when a person encounters something extraordinary and life sets to take a turn be it good or bad. The implications are many but the scuffle to reach the end just plays down the entire thought process. Author Novoneel Chakraborty in his latest book "Marry Me, Stranger" ties you up with a story which will get on your nerves and gives you jitters. So has he been able to create that eerie magic? Let's find out. 

Marry Me, Stranger follows the life of a young and independent girl, Rivanah Bannerjee, living by herself in Mumbai. She has loving parents, adorable boyfriend and an amazing job. But there is just one problem – her life is in danger! Someone has been stalking her, watching her every move and trying to manipulate and control her just about perfect life. She initially thinks that it is a harmless admirer, but soon things start to get ugly. Who is this stranger? Marry Me, Stranger is a racy, spine chilling thriller with some mind-numbing revelations.



First look at the title and the cover and it might lure the readers into believing that it's an outright love story. But then there's more to it that meets the eye. The ring is the catch which has been designed in such a way that it acts as handcuff or a chain too. That's the first element of mystery. But the cover is still quite pale. The blurb is precise and it works on the formula of giving out very less which is a striking aspect. 

The story is set in Mumbai where Rivanah Bannerjee a young girl from Kolkata arrives for a job. Her journey is in splits when she encounters an obnoxious development which lets itself lose on her mind and soul. Its presence so dreary that Rivanah is not able to contemplate her next move or channel her thought process. What is that lurks in the dark and tries to instill fear in her mind? What Mumbai has to offer to Rivanah, peace or chaos? Will it ever be the same again for her? That's what the story is all about. 

The story is a classic romantic thriller which works overtime and feeds on the fears and element of uncertainty of the characters. The story is a breezy affair yet it provokes the readers and challenges the mind to be on your toes all the time. There's an air of gloom and there's sadistic pleasure yet there's happiness too which is the hallmark of the entire hoopla. The story doesn't dies down, in fact it drags the readers along a dark path which is illuminated only when required. It's soul stirring story.The uncanny knack of the author to pick up and assemble a befitting cast and story line works wonders for the book. 

The couple of downsides which are encountered in the book are some annoying spacing issues and the sexual encounters which have just gone a little overboard. The sexual excitement could have been suppressed to a minimum. 

All in all it's a heart stopping thriller which has a dark and a bright side to it. It spreads fear,gloom,cheers and smile in palpable amounts. It stops at nothing to toy with the mind of the readers and makes you believe in every word,every line and every character. The quandary in which the author leaves the readers towards the end hints at something big planned for the next part of the story. It's a legalized way to create doubts in your mind and deliver a book so magnetic that you won't be able to rest until its ultimate destination. A pure entertainer. 

RATINGS: 

4 OUT OF 5  

Review: Hackster by Sankalp Kohli & Paritosh Yadav

Technology has swallowed our lives like a lump of rice and made us dependent on its know-how's. Though it's a man-made affair it still has managed to spiral out of control. Authors Sankalp Kohli & Paritosh Yadav in their latest venture "Hackster" have tried to put together a technology inspired thriller to woo the readers. So will they be able win the battle of wits? Let's find out. 


What happened when people lost faith in the system? One stood up and opened the doors of a revolution. 
History has it that such men have the power to bring a nation to a standstill.Revelations of the past have shattered Vikram and left him in extreme agony. Fueled by the universe of vibrations and his father’s legacy, he must now trigger a digital revolution that will leave India leaderless. A special unit, CIST has been set up by the President to take on the growing cyber threats. Led by Arjun, CIST tracks down its target, but soon finds itself helpless in the kaleidoscope of cyber war.The Kingmaker of Indian politics shivers at the sight of the upcoming war. Who is right? Who is wrong? Who will reach the kill switch first?





First look at the title and the cover and one can see thriller written all over it. The cover looks good but not rock solid. A touch reality was required to it. The title just says a bit too much about the book. The blurb talks about the system and the nuisances of it. The blurb has few important insights about the story which could have been completely avoided. 

The story is set off in Mumbai where techie Vikram Singh Bedi is a hapless victim of the corrupt system. He seeks vengeance not old fashioned but something revolutionary. On the other hand a special task force CIST is on its toes to stop the waging war and bring things back to normalcy. But it's not easy. So in the world of tech. and internet  who will win back peace and who will have the upper hand? Only time will tell. 

The story is a wave of fresh air in the midst of some blooming genres. A critical catch is the blend of technology and thrill which adds spice to the story. Drama and emotions run high and all kinds of action is over loaded in the story. The unrelenting pace and the cat and mouse approach adds excitement to it. There's a whiff of "needle in a hay stack" kind of situation which sets it apart. 

The downside of the book is a weak and almost obscure antagonist. The sudden ness of events not matching up and let it drift into an awkward zone. The lack of punch and the obvious finish down marks the entire set up. 

All in all the book comes out as a presentable package. Though it loses out on some critical points but still keeps the sanctity of a tech. thriller alive. It's a change and that too a positive one. It breaks the monotony and goes on to justify its presence among the readers. A good attempt. 

RATINGS: 

3 OUT OF 5

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Review: Before I Go to Sleep by SJ Watson

Science it seems has not been able to decipher one of the most baffling mysteries i.e human mind. Our mind is a complex subject with endless possibilities. There are few answers but not all of them come up as satisfactory explanation. Author SJ Watson in his book "Before I Go To Sleep" raises questions once again about human mind. So what holds the book? Let's find out.


'As I sleep, my mind will erase everything I did today. I will wake up tomorrow as I did this morning. Thinking I'm still a child. Thinking I have a whole lifetime of choice ahead of me...' 
Memories define us. So what if you lost yours every time you went to sleep? Your name, your identity, your past, even the people you love — all forgotten overnight. And the one person you trust may only be telling you half the story.
Welcome to Christine's life.




First look at the title and the cover and one cannot comprehend as to what the book wants to tell us. The cover image are few shocked and intense faces so it's not a hunky dory story it seems. The blurb talks about Christine and her anamolies which make her suffer everyday and devours on her helplessness. The blurb has been kept precise so as for the readers to assemble the jumbled pieces. 

The story is set off in London where Christine wakes up everyday with no memories from the past. Her doting husband Ben with his patience and grit stands by his wife to help her overcome Amnesia. But a silent storm brews inside her as with the help of a journal and Dr. Nash Christine sets out to uncover her past and secure her present. So what lays in the past that continues to evade her memories? Who's on her side and who's the enemy? It's all there in the mind but to be found out. 

A pretty old subject of Amnesia has been put forth by the author but the deliverance is a bit different. The questionable and repetitive aspects of the story drives and thrives the plot. The silent chaos and the overpowering helplessness feeds and allures the brightest of the minds. The intrigue and suspense combined produces a gem of a story and the startling revelations keeps the progress aggressive and interesting. 

The only downside of the book it fails to provide an exciting end to the book up to an extent. Few guest appearances in the book feel a little incomplete and out of place and time. 

All in all if you are strong hearted then you can willfully fall into the trap. The book weaves a series of webs from where there is no easy way out. In time it numbs the mind and make you succumb to its harsh realities. It's a daring story with a degree of eerie and the calm which is enough to cause turbulence in many innocent lives. A picture perfect affair. 

RATINGS:

4 OUT OF 5

Review: Gods Kings and Slaves by R.Venketesh

There were glorious days in Indian history when coffers overflew with wealth and kingdoms were at peace. But there was a silent storm brewing in Delhi and Madurai where there were rifts and conflicts within and ambitions and reputations were at stake. Author R.Venketesh in his book "Gods Kings & Slaves" takes history to a new and an unconquered level when two mighty powerhouses of India rode their destiny and only one could come out unscathed. So what new touch the author has given to the already glorifying tale? Let's find out.   

War is coming... An ancient kingdom will meet a devastating new enemy.
Peninsular India, fourteenth century. The Pandyan empire is at its peak, its enemies subdued and its people at peace. Having left behind his step-brother Sundar in the race to the throne, Crown Prince Veera Pandyan is set to rule from Madurai, reputed to be the richest city in the subcontinent. But invisible fractures within the kingdom threaten to destroy it, and a new enemy approaches, swifter than anyone can imagine.
In Delhi, Sultan Alauddin Khilji’s trusted general, the eunuch Malik Kafur, has trained his eyes on the distant south, fabled for its riches. A slave captured by the Khiljis, Kafur is renowned for his ambition and cunning. None, not even the mighty Mongols, have defeated him – no empire can withstand the trail of destruction he leaves in his wake. And all he wants is to see Madurai on its knees, its wealth pillaged, its temples destroyed.
As an ancient city combust in flames of treachery, blood, lust and revenge, brother will battle brother, ambition will triumph over love, slaves will rise to rule, cities will be razed to dust, and the victor will be immortalized in history..



First look at the title and the cover and there's glory written all over it. Along with it comes massacre and brutality. The cover is a picture perfect idea and the title complements it well. The blurb takes about the Pandyan Empire and Malik Kafur in tandem. The blurb should have been kept short and sans tag line. 

The story is set in Southern India when it was ruled by the powerful Pandyans but the greed of the throne mars it's two brothers. Politics, jealousy, coup and the whim to stop at nothing threatens it's existence from inside. There's rise of Khiljis in Delhi but their meticulous rise is the brainchild of Malik Kafur. So what will happen when two mighty powers will collide? How are their fates entwined? What will become of Madurai and who  will be the real victor and glorified for the generations to come? That's what the story is all about. 

The journey from Delhi to Madurai is a thorny one and the author has left no stone unturned to make it more defining and brutalizing. The power play, the struggle to rise, the meteoric rise to the throne, the pomp of kingdoms and not to forget the individual destinies which will bear the flag and witness it all is an uncanny remark on the judgment of the people of that time. It manages to capture the entire scenario with ease and succumbs to nothing. The dictating tone and the mellowed speck to it leaves the readers in daze. 

The only downside of the book is it's hurried finish and not able to give Malik Kafur a befitting finish. It could have been easily extended and readers could have been enlightened more about the aftermath of Khilji dynasty when Kafur rose to the throne. 

It's a heart stopping affair as every page bears a seal as to what everybody went through when gods kings and slaves they all were in power together. It's a cumulative affair and the book manages to give equal importance to all. There is no mistaking that it was not for one but it was for all. A grand affair with an apt storyline. 

RATINGS: 

4 OUT OF 5

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Review: Digs Dogs & Drama by Rachna Singh

Humor is one dose of medicine which with time has able to distinguish the good from the bad. It has led by example and done at the expense of the others or your own. Author Rachna Singh in her latest book "Digs Dogs & Drama" takes humor to a new level so as to establish an immediate connect with the readers. So is she successful in achieving the same? Let's find out. 


The neighbour’s dog. The dramatic ultrasound scan. The wedding reception. Aloo parathas versus curd rice. 
100% shuddh Indian.

Events. Happenings. Experiences. Just day-to-day stuff. 

Traffic Jam? Angry boss? Ruined Haircut? Power cut? Need instant cheering up? Any chapter will do. 

Rasam? Burger? Rangoli? Bollywood action? Want a desi smile? 

Start from anywhere in this book. 

You won’t be able to put it down.





First look at the cover and the title and one can feel amused with the title but the cover looks plain and uninspiring. A more creative imagery could have lent a sparkling shine to the book. The blurb is short excerpts from the book and there's not much to decipher on that forefront. It leaves some hints as what to expect from the book though. 

The book is a series of 46 short stories each laced with different elements of humor and wit and the everyday life of an average man acting as a source of inspiration. 

There's a certain charm to the stories when you hop from one to another. It's a blend of sarcasm and humor mixed with witty shots at life and then churning out a larger than life scenario. It communicates and connects with the readers on different levels and has fair share of laughs and falls. The tone is decent and the narration simple with no over the top representation. 

The only folly of the book is it's punctured act in few stories where it fails to create an amicable atmosphere. The story number could have been toned down easily so as to strengthen the basic element on which it works. Dull moments are there which at times creates a rift in the emotions felt by the otherwise humorous take. 

All in all there's the fun and charm element which carries the book. Hopes lift high as one tends to go on with the flow. The book doesn't comes out as a perfect runner but a few stumbles doesn't harms it's purpose i.e to keep things easy and make it a laugh riot. It all comes from the experience and wit of the author's pen. It's a harmless ride with a rhythm of its own.


RATINGS:

3 OUT OF 5

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Review: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

There's chaos and then there's collateral effect. What happens when you bring both the entities together? It becomes a disaster. Author Gillian Flynn in her book "Gone Girl" has tried her hands on creating a man made disaster which brings a long chaos of the highest order and collateral effect of a harmful nature. So has she been able to recreate a picture perfect book? Let's find out.


THE ADDICTIVE No.1 BESTSELLER THAT EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT.Who are you?What have we done to each other?These are the questions Nick Dunne finds himself asking on the morning of his fifth wedding anniversary, when his wife Amy suddenly disappears. The police suspect Nick. Amy's friends reveal that she was afraid of him, that she kept secrets from him. He swears it isn't true. A police examination of his computer shows strange searches. He says they weren't made by him. And then there are the persistent calls on his mobile phone. So what really did happen to Nick's beautiful wife?



First look at the title and the cover and there's nothing to talk about. It's a pale and a pretty dull cover for the thriller. The title itself tries to speak volumes about the book but it allures away from the honest truth. The blurb is short and sweet and keeps readers interested with a girl gone missing and people in question and the nature of the conspiracy. 

The story is of Nick & Amy Dunne, a happily married couple whose lives are turned around when they lose their jobs respectively and have to move back to Missouri. Nick struggles to make ends meet and keep the sanctity of the marriage alive with the help of Amy but it doesn't bears a healthy fruit. When Amy disappears on their fifth anniversary from their house under mysterious circumstances, Nick's world comes crashing down. The sleepy and recession hits town comes alive as it becomes a cat and mouse game and brings together locals, police and Amy's loved ones to determine the fate of the girl. So what happened to Amy? Will Nick be able to shun the suspicion and co-operate with the police? Will Amy return or has she gone for good? This is what the story is all about. 

The thriller works around a chaotic environment and feeds on the fears and darker sides of the characters. Along the lines a hidden trails guides the story and it helps to churn out the best suspense and drama to waiver readers off the line. The slightest scent and whiff of what's going to happen next has been devoured and the past and the present has been jumbled and scrambled across the entire book to come up with the thriller. The idea works and gels well with the perspective of both Amy & Nick in place. A psychotic finish to the characters and constant clammering too makes it a frenzied book. There's a no rush attitude and everything thrown at the reader is done with a careful selection of words. 

The downside of the book is its pale second half which fails rather unceremoniously and gives up on the story too soon. The long handled extension required to keep the story alive goes missing and the thrill takes a back seat. The end too falters and gives up on the story. There are times when too much dragging of events have happened and the story looks like a hapless soul being dragged to his grave. Toning down of few events would have shortened the length and given it a better perspective. It tends to go overboard quite a few times and makes it look a touch too boring. 

All in all the book is a sugary-spicy narrative and has both dark and secretive sides to it. It pounces on the limited freedom with fervor and churns an out of the box idea but fails to deliver the goods as required. The book demands attention and manages to gain it too but at the behest of some unwanted elements and over the top events. But the fact that it does gives goosebumps makes it a picture perfect idea to read and rummage through it once. It's certainly a book with a difference. 

RATINGS: 

3 OUT OF 5

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Review: Because Life is a Gift by Disha

What is life? What it means to you? What it means to those who are not bestowed with the gift fully and have to constantly struggle to pace themselves around? What if there is a change coming? What if some special people want to change the way people look and feel about them? Author Disha in her latest book 'Because Life is a Gift" takes you on a journey where every obstacle is cheered upon and every moment is cherished to full. So who are they and what is their role in the society? Let's find out. 

He is ten years old and confined to a wheelchair. But that's not his identity. To the world, he is India's youngest patent holder for inventing variants of chess for six, twelve and sixty players. Have you heard of the Army Major who was declared dead in the Kargil war, but is India's first blade runner today? Do you think a woman without hands can be one of India's leading painters? What is the first thought that comes to your mind when you see a differently abled person "Pity"? Sympathy real life success stories of fifteen differently abled people charted in Because Life is a Gift will make you think otherwise. You will sense pride replace all feelings of pity and sympathy for they have fought against all odds to achieve their dreams is book is a tribute to their courage, passion and zest for life. Book will challenge your notion of the impossible. Book will inspire you to live life to the fullest, because life is truly a gift.




First look at the title and the cover and it gives wings to your dreams. The title itself is a living proof. The cover is what one seek from life and try to conquer the unthinkable. The blurb is a summation of few excerpts from the book which highlight towards what is going to be part of the book. The blurb manages to put the point across to the readers. 

The book is a compilation of 15 stories. Not to mention these are not just stories its the summation of life, the harsh reality, the will and the power to come across as a gifted soul and lead life on your own terms. Its about those who are part of our society yet come across as outcasts sometimes. The book is not just about them its all about life. 

When a book is written to inspire it tends to deliver the goods. This one is no exception in that case. 15 stories come across as a noteworthy inclusion of people from different walks of the life who have not only overcome the odds but able to carve out a niche for themselves. They are no less than normal human beings. The term disabled or differently able haven't deter from their resolve to conquer the one gift nature has bestowed upon them i.e life. They lead their lives to the fullest some with help others with hope that the time they have been given to spend their parts on earth is something which one remembers and look up to in the future. The stories are not just stories they are the gift of life which has been thoroughly cherished and put together by the author. It's an inspiration for many and a hope for the others to go for the ultimate kill through your desires overcoming the obstacles which tend to bog down few along the journey. 

The book is not the one which carries any downside or faults. 

All in all it's a book with people who might have fault in their stars but the stars have shone bright and spread happiness in the lives of their family and their near and dear ones. The book is a heart rendering narration which opens up a new aspect of life and bursts the mythical bubbles which become cliches of life. The book is an ultimate salvation with the purpose of conveying the fact that come what may our life ours for the taking and no one but only us can make it bigger and beautiful. A colorful narrative and a difference maker. A befitting tribute to those who have captured the hearts of all and given life a new direction and meaning. It's a book to be loved and the people in it to be loved and care about even more. 

RATINGS: 

5 OUT OF 5