Book Review : "The Bogus Read" - By Divyamaan Srivastava.

Genre : Fiction

Publisher : Frog Books

Book Length : 290

Price : Rs.97

Cover : The cover of the book has been designed in news print graphic along with the animated images of some of the most controversial and popular politicians of the present era,in Indian democracy.Some humourous quotes has been picked up from this mindbending piece of work and has been arranged randomly on the front cover,to portray an array of headlines.The title of the creation gets its place in bold uppercase fonts,on the top edge of the front cover,completely resembling to that of a newspaper.At the lower edge we find the name of the author in regular red fonts.The back cover primarily consists,the blurb of the creation along with the name of the publisher and price of the book.

Title : The title absolutely goes with the content of the book.At the very first glance, a reader may wonder why any budding author would choose such an off beat,out of the box title for his debut creation? This simple yet mindbending question must have fascinated every reader including me myself.It was an absolute provocative move on the part of the author that intrigued it's readers to peek into the pages of his creation.The book has a diverse flavour of fiction that will twist and crush your sense of reasoning and rational thinking and will compel you sink into illogical humour backed by politics and some real events from history.The book will blunt your senses and bestow you with the vision of the author who intended to convey the graveness of politics and war between two nations,in a very light and humourous way.

My Verdict : " The Bogus Read ", by Divyamaan Srivastava is enriched in its unique flavours of humour, sarcasm and politics.This book is something​ out of the box,for its a humourous fiction with the amalgamation of politics in it. I would personally​ like to tell every reader of this book to settle down and relax your senses before you start reading this book.This is absolutely essential because the upcoming events of this book could seriously make your whole world turn upside down,leaving you in a state of utter exuberance and irrationality.
            There are two parallel plots of the book that switches alternately in consecutive chapters, thus keeping it's readers stick to the book, to find out the outcomes of both plots.This very concept warms up the brains of it's readers to keep right tracks of how the plots are moving ahead. Gradually and consciously the parallels merge and thus the creation keeps increasing its pace.The subplot centres around the lifestyle a group of friends who are spending high time of their independent lives,studying in an engineering institute.Suddenly, some trail of events starts occuring out of the blue that completely blows away the conventional mindset of the reader and contradicts rational thinking.Similarly,the major plot commences with the portrayal of a battlefield and further discussions amongst the generals, majors and higher authorities regarding the insurgencies, threatening a nation. The book is soaked in humour and sarcasm from the very beginning to the culmination.There is usage of 'Hindi jargons' at various places to add that 'typical Indian tinge' to the creation.The setting of the plot is purely Indian and is relatable by most other Indian youngsters of late 90's.The present political scenario both inside and outside India has been given a whole new overview through the insights of the author.The theme of warfare has been contorted by sarcasm into a whole new shape to criticize war as well as politics.Not even the so called "Great leaders" of India and Pakistan were excused or left without getting pierced by the reality checks of Divyamaan.
               The reverse psychology used by Divyamaan to increase his count of readers was indeed an enigmatic move that worked out well for him.The graph of the creation completely resembles a sin curve with sinuisoidal crests and troughs,throughout​ the journey of the book.The creation is an irony over its length because, 'The Bogus Read' has upheld a situation and adapted it as a plot that in reality intervenes with grave incidents taking place out there, in present times. Overall the book was a daring attempt on the part of a debutant,with an unique overview of politics and it's varied aspects affecting a nation,in a hopelessly prosaic manner.

Ratings : 4* / 5*

© Diptendu Mandal.

Book Review : "Jim Morgan and The Seven Sins" By Bharat Madan.

Novel : Jim Morgan and The Seven Sins

Author : Bharat Madan

Book Length : 308

Publisher : NotionPress


Review :


When I picked up Jim Morgan and The Seven Sins I didn't read the blurb. That's what about me, I never read blurbs because they often set false expectations. What do my eyes behold in this book, now that I have finished it, Must appreciate the beauty and the eloquence in the style of narration which would have made even a simple plot interesting. But what do we have when we put together Good Representation + Good Language + Excellent Plot + No beating about the bush? Jim Morgan and the Seven Sins.


Cover :


The cover is a minimal one and I think the cover designer could have done a way better job that he has avoided to. However, we shouldn't judge a book by it's cover but considering the normal masses, the cover is the first impression of any book. The half uncovered face of a person may be the representative of Jim Morgan or God, because the later also has a significant role in the book.


Title And Plot :


The Title and Plot are basically the same thing for this novel and it is a very perfectly chosen one for which I couldn't really point out a mistake. I must begin to wonder at the enormously innovative idea of the authors presentation of another authors life, whose sins for past lives has been penned down in his novels. Time and again, the story certainly makes me wonder which genre does it fall in? Because it has all the elements of thrill, psychotic thriller, mystery as well as partial dystopian fiction. I must bring my hands together for appreciating the author for such a wonderful concept, unfolded.


Characterisation :


Though there are quite a few characters in the story, their needs to be more of depth in them. In other words, the characters are mostly one dimensional with not much of revelation about them. Specially, Kathryn, whom I would have wished to know more about. However since Jim Morgan is the central character, the author does complete justice in providing all attributes to him. I am infatuated by his wit and wisdom presented through time as he revisits his past selves.


Memorable Quotes :


1) It was that time of the year when
autumn was turning into winter. I savored every drop of the wine, but it did not do much to take my feeling of being unsettled.


2) Water spouted in a mélange of
rainbow colors from the artistically made fountains. The mist of the fountains covered me pleasantly.


3) It was a beautiful morning and the weather was clear. I took my coffee and offered him some. That morning, I had the best coffee of my life.


Points To Be Noted :


1) The page 300 pun.

2) The reporter Nathan from the Daily Bugle, in case you don't know, The Daily Bugle is Spiderman's office.

3) Jim Morgan's witty answers


My Verdict : I would have given this book 5 stars. However, it falls short due to the cover, and the slowly drooping style of narration towards the end of the story because of its length. A lot of thought has gone into the novel and I hope Bharat Madan soon comes out with an even better novel.


Ratings : 4.25* / 5*

© Diptendu Mandal.

Book Review : "When Arya Fell Through The Fault" - By Reenita Malhotra Hora.

Genre : Fiction

Publisher : Om Books International

Book Length : 207

Price : Rs.195

Cover : The cover of the book is quite fascinating.An animated graphic representation of the mythological characters of 'Ramayana' along with the 3D image of the protagonist of the novel,a twelve year old boy Arya is very beautifully presented on the front cover of the book.The title of the book is imprinted in glossy white, in uppercase font on a fading crimson background,at the upper edge of the front cover.The name of the Author is also inscribed in at the very bottom edge.The back cover primely consists the blurb about the novel along with the invaluable view of national award winning actress,Kirron Kher.

Title : The title is apt to the content of the novel.The novel has a balanced amalgamation of mythology and a streak of moral teachings which definitely has come up with the positive note of the glory of good over evil.The plot of the novel mainly centres around the life of a twelve year old boy Arya from San Francisco who is ridiculed by bullies,in his middle school days due to his ethnic way of living and things.The author has done an excellent job as the novel is a well synchronised one and lucid in language.Moreover,the pinch of realism in the cuisine of fantasy features the novel as a magnificent creation to tender aged.

My Verdict : 'When Arya Fell Through The Fault ' by Reenita Malhotra Hora is a worthy attempt on part of the author to uphold the core preaching of the victory of good over evil irrespective of the circumstances or the time they live in.The story mainly fosters to provide its young adults with the knowledge of striving over all negatives in their lives,even in the most grave situations.The novel essentially revolves around the life of the twelve years old boy Arya,who has turned up to be a bullied character by his classmates because of his ethnicity and uniqueness.The constant humiliation that he had gone through day after day gradually changed him and compelled him to take up the ways of evil despite his mother's rigourous warnings.Ultimately one day Karma paid back and it was because of Arya that his mother faced a severe accident,which left his mother in the state of coma.Arya soon regained his conscience through this massive jolt from destiny and gets back to his senses,leaving behind his evil ruins.It is in this part of the novel where the plot takes a dip into the ocean of fantasy as Arya struggles to defeat the evil lord Ravana deep within himself to save his mother.An unexpected culmination of the novel which will leave its readers in a bit of distress and mystery about the happenings.Overall the book was a brisk read and is a real treat to its young readers.

Ratings : 3.5* / 5*

© Diptendu Mandal.

Detailed Analysis : "The Unpredictable Heart : You May Be a Victim" - By MoKSh.

Genre : Romantic Fiction

Publisher : Partridge India

Book Length : 130

Price : Rs. 250

Life is unpredictable and so are human emotions.Being an aftermath of the conspiracies of circumstances, their outbursts are often unforeseeable and sporadic. Amongst the flair of myraid feelings that an individual relishes throughout his lifetime,love is the most obligatory and unpredictable one. Thus,when it hits an individual,it obtunds him out of his senses to shift him into a state of utter exuberance,where he seeks nothing but a mere approval in return of his needs.However,in this being of hit in trail, it is "The Unpredictable Heart" that often gets deceived,out of its self-made illusion to get reciprocated in love.Even after its perpetual downfall,the imprudent heart never learns,never retreats.It reassembles it's shattered ruins,mends it and rekindles the lamp of its unfurnished desires with the slightest glint of hope,that illuminates it's trudge.
                "The Unpredictable Heart : You May Be a Victim", by MoKSh delineates an analogous tale of a typical Indian youth who struggles to find his true love and gradually intervenes with several deceptions,whom his vernal heart fails to recognise.

About the Author : MoKSh is an IT postgraduate.After the success of the social website www.acebloodbank.com, which created a buzz in his last organisation,he shifted his focus to his next dream,i.e. to covert his creativity into a substantial novel.He loves exploring new places.At present,he is working with Indira Gandhi National Open University, currently posted at Headquarters.

Cover : The front cover of the book features the image of a disintegrating heart that illuminates us with the idea of heartbreak in love,on its unfulfilment.The use of contrasting hues namely glossy white, cherry red and pitch black in the front cover makes the cover soothing and albescent to look at.The title of the novel is inscribed in pitch black and cherry red,in the upper half of the front cover.The name of the author finds its place at the lower extremity of the front cover, inscribed in glossy white on a red hued stretch.The back cover features a number of appealing quotes from the creation along with a brief bio about the author, following it.

Title : The title is apt to the content of the novel."The Unpredictable Heart : You May Be a Victim", portrays the theme constant struggle to discover and attain the true love in ones life,after several deceptions that one goes through,in their early jejune. The naive heart often follows its intutions to commit the fallible and that's what the author has highlighted in his creation,through a fusion of realism with fiction. A number of subtle realisations peeks through vacant spaces between the words that outcries to convey the spasm of 'a jilted heart'.

Plot : The main plot of the creation centres around the life of a self sufficient guy,Mrinav who constantly struggles to ascertain the true love of his life.Meanwhile,as he works in an IT company to earn his living,he develops several infatuations, particularly on his newbie female colleagues.The weary and mundane routine of his life was thus gradually stained in streaks of love,along with the alluring influences by several eves, simultaneously. However,every time deception came his way to decieve him and leave him devoid of feelings.But this was not the end of the story.Mrinav gradually overcame every mirage to find his real world,his soulmate at the very culmination of the novel.

Glitches : An ample number of typos along with some grammatical errors in framing sentences are observed. Precisely,the typos consists of missing quotation marks, commas, interrogation marks, exclamation marks and full stops at required places.

Memorable Quotes : 1. All of us are eager to express what we feel at least once,no matter what will be the outcome.
 2.  These little things which she did for me made me realise that happiness can be found in the darkest room if you are lucky enough to have a company of jolly person.
 3. She was crying and I was laughing.But the emotions were same,the reason was same.We both were in love.

My Verdict : The novel has been narrated in first person singular number,which makes it easier for the author to depict and also for the readers to apprehend.The use of flashback concept to write this novel,has been thoroughly conducted by the author,which makes the novel even more appealing to its readers.The language of the creation is lucid and the speeches delivered are straightforward in approach, which makes the novel asscessible to a wide range of readers,from adolescents to the matured brains.Some appealing quotes are to be seen highlighted within dotted cursive brackets,at irregular intervals throughout the book.These are the very quotes that acts as an abstract blurb for the book on the back cover,which defines it all.
            Speaking about the story of the novel,is a known one with a typical Indian background.The narration is loose at the beginning but gradually develops as the pace and gripping over the plot increases,with the incorporation of  author's insights.The use of 'hindi jargons' should have been preferably avoided keeping in mind about the international readers of this book.Alternately, translations would have been preferred.
            The characterization of the novel is quite upto the mark. Mrinav is the male protagonist of the novel.Apart from Mrinav,there are a few subsidiary characters, namely Jatin, Suzi, Om, Shoeb, Sanjay and Sameer who have often came up as a support system to the main protagonist and also provided it's readers with some comic relief at moments. There are a number of female protagonists, depending upon the various sections of the novel.At the very commencement of the novel the readers come across Jiya,who actually is Mrinav's true love.Then in the first chapter the readers come across Neeti,a newbie at Mrinav's workplace.After this,in the following two, three chapters the readers get acquainted with the gorgeous Dr. Rati,who happened to be Mrinav's first infatuation.Latter the readers come to know about a small misunderstanding that led to the meeting of Alka and Mrinav. Now almost at the middle of the plot the readers come across Ankita,the girl who changed Mrinav's life, completely. In the final chapters, the readers get to know Jiya in her true aspects, until the much awaited climax astounds its readers in the last chapter of the novel.The impeccable twist along with the suspense ending,at the culmination of the creation has literally pushed ahead the limits of this book,beyond expressions.
                   Overall,the book was a brisk read and an average attempt on the author's part. I wish MoKSh all the best for his literary career ahead,for I believe he possesses immense potential and will definitely stand out to match his reader's expectations, through his upcoming creations.

Ratings : 3.5* / 5*

© Diptendu Mandal.

Book Review : "The Soft Target" - By Kalyan Nanda.

Blurb : Is God good? Or is He a manipulative villain who plays with the lives of his creations in the name of karma? As far as Mohan Mishra is concerned, God is a villain. Mohan is God's soft target, for He 'blesses' him with a strange mental problem and kills his support system when he needed it the most. The Soft Target is the story of a boy's journey into manhood, as he takes on God with his mental prowess, defeating Him at every stage, thus making God his soft target. Supported by great friends and a loving wife, Mohan fights an epic battle against the murderous society, the conniving legal system and ultimately God himself, with remarkable courage and spirit.

Genre : Fiction

Publisher : Notion Press

Book Length : 212

Price : Rs. 249

The existence of God in true aspects is still a mystery to be solved or in words of science can be quoted as a hypothetical approach to define a colossal source of neverending energy,that can only be presumed but never can be fathomed.Does Almighty really exists or not in certainly unknown fact to everyone but the mere thought of his existence has bifurcated humanity into two stratum of people.The theist and the atheist.As far as Mohan Mishra is concerned he falls into a totally different category of people who believes God to be the manipulative foe of his life.Mohan, the protagonist of the novel,"The Soft Target" has a deep repentance of God's conduct over his life.Out of the disabilities he is cursed with and the prevalent conspiracies of fate,under the muffle of the name 'Karma' has turned out to be one of the prime causes behind his hatred towards the supreme.God's turned out soft target,Mohan inspite of his cumbersome difficulties in life stands out of the box,quarantines himself from every pain he was "blessed" with and ultimately emerges out as a valient personality,with a sturdy mental stature,which finally led him to accomplish his desired goals in life.

About the Author : Kalyan Nanda lives in Mumbai with his wife. He enjoys theater and movies of all genres, and is a voracious reader. His favourite authors are Sir P G Wodehouse and George Orwell. He can be reached on kalyan.nanda@gmail.com.

Cover : The cover has an appealing and classy overview with the use of the bold Colours of the spectrum.The glossy steel hued dummy with its hand and head held high towards the zenith symbolises his high goals which he believes to achieve someday or the other,despite the predicaments that destiny brings in his path.Moreover,the pitch black background of the cover of the book adds an additional contrast with the steel hued dummy in the front and also highlights the title inscribed in white,red and blue,on the right hand upper corner of the book.

Title : The title is apt to the content of the novel.The main plot of the story revolves around Mohan Mishra who is bestowed by God with a rare mental illness of unable to express his opinions and feelings by the correct synchronisation of words.Moreover,the repetitive deprivations in the society and the losses of his close ones, during his good times has led him to apprehend God as his sole enemy, for he believed that The Omnipotent has made him His "Soft Target".

My Verdict : The plot of the novel deciphers the story of a boy's journey into manhood as he takes on God with his prowess despite of the innumerable difficulties he faces,in every stage of life and thus making God his soft target. Though suffering from a rare mental illness Mohan was blessed with an exceptionally genius mind,which was the master key to overcome all the contortions of his life,thus progressing towards a better tomorrow.His story starts from a village in Orissa which ultimately takes him to the high societies of Mumbai.His life has been through various turmoils before he became an established scientist and cracked a rare code,called the Maze which turned up to be the boon of his life.Betwixt the struggle to establish himself,Mohan apprehended a lot from his real life experiences and realisations that life made him witness.
             The literary elements in the novel is quite upto the mark.At moments,the humorous and satirical approach of the author is also one of the unique features of this creation.However,the systematic events of the novel are quite predictable but constant pace of the novel will not spoil your overall experience of reading.As a debut novel,it is an average approach from the authors side.Though the unique plot behind the novel surely makes it a little special for its readers.
             Overall this book is a good start to the journey in the world of literature from the authors side and will surely not disappoint it's readers for the rich flair of literature it is bestowed with along with a varied attempt to portray a not so common story of Mohan,the soft target.

Ratings : 4* / 5*

© Diptendu Mandal.

Book Review : "Elements of Life" - By Inderjit Kaur.

Genre : Motivational

Publisher : Notion Press

Book Length : 166

Price : Rs.299

"Life is beautiful.Say yes to a meaningful life! " - this simple theme has been very flawlessly portraited through the motivational book "Elements of life" by Inderjit Kaur.The author very wisely chose to relate the simple yet so effective properties that the main elements namely Air,Fire,Water and Earth bear ; which are behind the existence of life,to influence our mindsets, thought processes and thus provided us with a willful purpose to live.As soon as you surf through the pages of the book,you will gradually discover yourself,a new you,a better you and thus you will be bestowed with a vision where predicaments of life gradually subsides and the reality unravels it's wings of fire to kiss the zenith.

About the Author : Inderjit Kaur is an author,inspirational guide with powerful voice of spreading positive quotes through her tweets.At an very young age of 9 years she ended as an editor of a college magazine during her post graduation in science,Mumbai University.Considered as a peace messenger,she has inspired thousands to make positive choices that impacts not only their lives but also those who are associated with them.

Cover : The cover is quite eye-catching,with the vivid use of colours.The front cover is partitioned into four compartments which is filled with vibrant and lively images of the four elements namely air,fire,water and earth.At the centre junction of the compartments the title of the book,"Elements of life" is highlighted on an off white background,along with the author's name beneath it.The word "Life",highlighted in Crimson red very closely symbolises to blood,which is customary to most living organisms and thus relates to life.

Title : The title is apt in accordance with the Materials of the book."Elements of Life" deciphers a vibrant reflection of the positive approach of the author towards life.Not only does she upholds the core preachings of life but also let her readers to apprehend the value of life,the value of our existence in this geoid ball of ether.The amalgamation of the aspects of nature to life and the power to accept,adapt,refocus and reinvent ones own self is what the author has expressed through her creation.

My Verdict : "Elements of life" is one of the guide books of 'A Living Series ' by Inderjit Kaur.The book comprises of highly motivational elements along with simple and meaningful excerpts which redefines life, in it's true terms.
Life is a priceless gift from the Almighty and it is the nature around us which nurtures and nourishes life with its four prime elements air, fire ,water and earth and provides us a better environment to live in.Thus,the author relates the righteous virtues of the nature and upholds a statement of to live a more meaningful life,with a purpose.The excerpts at the introductory part of the book,

"Air - Adjust - Live purely like the Air.
Water - Adapt - Flow courageously like Water.
Fire - Acquire - Glow compassionately like Fire.
Earth - Accept - Move gratefully like Earth."

confronts the readers to the essence of living a healthy and meaningful life,no matter what life throws at you.These statements boosts up and imparts confidence in its readers and makes them learn to accept a problem as one of the numerous lessons that life teaches them and to move on in life.
         The book is categorised into three parts.
              "Part A - Study", comprises of the descriptions regarding the basic questions that every individual faces in life. The author,very minutely has stressed onto every details of the twist and twirls of queries regarding life.Moreover,the comparisons with the elements of life and how to live life better through implementations of those principles are the core materials of part A.In addition to this,"Pearls of Wisdom" at the end of every major chapter is like a bonus tip from the author which helps in self realisation and imparts enormous amount of self belief that strengthens the dilapidating roots of a human character.
            "Part B - My Journal", comprises of some of the affirmations that helps a lot to transform and rejuvenate ones life.Here,the author enriches every reader to take the pledge and
"Say Yes ,
To live with a purpose
To live in today
To live in wellness
To live in positivity
To change perceptions."
Through these big little affirmations the author tried to inculcate discipline,values and set goals in ones life.
           Finally at the very conclusion in "Part C",the author culminates the book with a stupendous poem along with her tag line,
"Keep smiling
 Keep shining
 Keep LIVING
 For life is Awesome."
              The core material of this book portrays it as an increasing curve on the graph of our self realisation vs time.The more we get into the book,the more we come closer to a better and stronger self,with less deviations in our paths and a more focused life.The literary elements of the creation is quite up to the mark and impressive.In my view,the true essence of this masterpiece can only be obtained by them who have a fairly relevant experience about the hardships that life brings in and has faced real life situations.Thus,its a treat for the matured brains and not really meant for the blooming children,who still live in their fantasies.Overall,this book gets a thumbs up from my side and is worth a read to the people who want to redirect their passions and rediscover themselves as a successful individual.

Ratings : 4.5* / 5*

© Diptendu Mandal.

Book Review : "In God's Wishlist" - By Pradipta Panda.

Genre : Fantasy

Publisher : Frog Books

Book Length : 250

Price : Rs.225

About the Author : Pradipta Panda,a thinker and entrepreneur simply portrays characters among us in the story.He did post graduation in Journalism and MBA in HR.Presently he is working in Bank of India.

Cover : The cover of the novel features an auspicious amalgamation of divinity and mortality with the lively appearance of an angel,shadowed by the glimmering shafts of the rising sun.The aura of the lazuline shades in the firey streaks,skirting round the angel provides an absolutely spectacular picturesque,which readily goes with the content of the book.The title along with the name of the author is inscribed in ivory white at the bottom end of the front cover of the book,highlighted on the golden savannah meadows of the mystical nature.The back cover consists of the blurb about the book.

Title : The title is apt to the content of the book.A totally unique attempt to rediscover the essence of fantasy,through the eyes of Almighty as He reshuffles His orthodox prescripts with His divine ideas of create heaven out of earth.A world without the fear of death might seem initially alluring for an instance but practically is not a fruitful idea to endeavour upon.Life of a creature is not quarantined or bound within the spheres of his own living.It is linked with the lives of several counterparts belonging to different species,either the straight way or the other way round,which maintains the equilibria of nature and it's creations.However,the world of fantasies is totally a diverse land of dreams which knows no limits.Hence,an extraordinary attempt to bring forth the precursor to everything, to reframe a dreamworld of His Own,without the pains of adversites or doubts of anxieties,was indeed a commendable approach,on part of the author.

My Verdict : "In God's Wishlist" is one of those creations which could have been a grand breakthrough in the genre of fantasy novels but the path-breaking thoughts by the author were not well interpreted through his creation,which ultimately resulted in its failure to unravel it's charm.God's ethereal appearance as the protagonist of the novel adds an additional gleam to the plot of the story.The portrayal of factual reality under the muffle of fantasy is indeed a rare facet to be witnessed in a piece of literary work.Love and Beauty with its imperishable attributes has ruled the world through eternities and had conquered territories which couldn't have been subdued with might.Thus,the author intended to foster this Love as his prime weapon to amputate the malignant catastrophes of the mortal fears and cherish his idea of a meliorate world.The Omnipotent believes to implement His vision through His actions.He thus invited humankind to join active politics as it has a sturdy influence and control over human life.He also performed several experiments to validate his divine realisations regarding human behaviour.He released all the spirits to the world,except for the twenty one top leaders of the world whose worthy minds were still to be mapped or programmed in order to ascertain the actual reasons behind their activities,for they all changed the world in some way or the other.New conclusions were drawn regarding the aspirations of a youth towards life and the way tender blood dares to cross the conventional boundaries set by the society to reach new heights of their fantasies.Finally at the very culmination of the novel,God devises a new figment to sow the seeds of love between a spirit and a mortal being for He earnestly believed that it is none but unconditional love of the spirits towards humans that is sure to create a difference and transcend human behaviour to its pinnacle.
                The lucid language of the creation facilitates it's access to a wide range of readers and is a special treat to fantasy lovers.A new flavour to tryout comprising of all positive elements which either might leave its readers absolutely stunned or might not really keep up to their expectations.This book could have crafted wonders with the elements it possessed but unfortunately failed miserably due to lack in synchronisation of the contents of the creation.Thus, though being an average read,"In God's Wishlist" will surely keep a mark in the memories of its readers because of its unique approach to perceive fantasy.

Ratings : 3.5* / 5*

© Diptendu Mandal.

Detailed Analysis : "Romance Shorts" - By Sourabh Mukherjee.

Genre : Romantic fiction

Book Length : 61

Price : Rs. 99

Romance has always been an appealing genre to world of readers for its ambiguous link with the feeling love.Love,an intangible ineffable feeling,as conventionally interpreted,entwines with our lives from the days of our adolescence,when we first start to apprehend the utmost necessity of someone's presence in our lives.Love being a global feeling,has it's myriad shades with which a large stratum of people are already acquainted and has their varied interpretations regarding its existence and necessity in ones life.Moreover, who still are to taste the essence of love also ponder to gather sufficient knowledge about this literally weird feeling,before living it themselves.Thus,the genre romance has always turned up to attract a wide range readers for its less critical approach towards a plot as compared to other genres as well as it's direct or indirect connection to love,which has always been an intriguing fact to explore.
               Love being a relative concept is non judgemental and is devoid of circumstances.Thus,it turns up to be a challenging task for the authors to decant the real essence of this feeling through their creations.Sourbh Mukherjee is one of those artists who by his economic selection of words let's his readers live through the plot of his creations.Yes I would like to acknowledge him as an artist rather than an author for his unique ability to present his outlook towards defining love,through the perspectives of his characters of his stories.
         " Romance Shorts", by Sourabh Mukherjee comprises of four contemporary romantic stories,which provides its readers to manifest the genuine essence of love and it's myriad shades in lives of different individuals.The worthy effort of this man clearly reflects down his works as each story is equally beguiling and promises a lasting impact through the varied significances perceived by its readers.

About the Author : Sourabh Mukherjee works in a senior leadership position in a leading consulting and technology service firm.He has several publications and blogs on emerging trends in business and technology,and has spoken in a number of national and global conferences and technology summits.He has penned several short stories and was the recipient of the Golden Pen award in Monsoon Romance Contest 2014.His debut novel,"In the Shadows of Death" has won accolades from readers,reviewers and the national media.Mukherjee loves travelling and is a keen observer of human behaviour, cultural diversities and is an avid reader.

Cover : The cover design is somewhat artistic and has an abstract appearance.The front cover primarily consists of a blend of blush red and magenta pink hues,on a white background akin the carefree strokes of a freewheeling artist with an intention to pour out every facet of his wondrous ideas,to incarnate a masterpiece,on his empty canvas.In the upper right hand corner of the cover design,a heart shaped gas balloon flies off signifying the aura of love in air and how its presence make an individual feel - light and rejuvenated at heart.The title of the book is inscribed in a cursive font,in magenta pink and is highlighted on the glossy white background right at the mediastinum of the front cover.The author's name is also inscribed in UpperCase font right above the title.The back cover consists of the picture of the author along with the blurb about the book,printed on a glossy white background.

Title : The title is apt to the content of the book.The book comprises of a compilation of four romantic shorts which elucidates the diverse aspects of love,nurtured through different circumstances in life and conspiracies of fate.All the stories has the magic touch of romance along with the incorporation of a unique flavour of originality,which further pushes the limits of this book,beyond the expectations of the readers.Moreover,the imperishable twist at the end of each story will sure leave its readers in a turmoil of emotions within,shattering past the barriers of the dos and donts in love.Thus,though titled "Shorts" the plots of the stories illustrates much more than mere love stories and is an extraordinary attempt on part of the author.

Glitches : There are no such major glitches,just a minor tense correction in page 19,in the sixth line from the beginning of the page.There would have been "had" instead of "have" in the sentence.Then in page 47,in the eighth line from the beginning of the page,there is a minor typo.It is printed "ehaviour" which will be "behavior" instead.

Memorable Quotes : 

1."I had no idea what she would see if she ever bothered to look my ways.She would perhaps see the gratitude of a boy whose only prayer had just been answered."

 2. "I had two things which not many had - an impossible dream that made every tomorrow worth waiting for,and a pain that not everyone was blessed with."

 3. "I guess there are moments when we are beyond reason or lessons of morality."

 4. "As they say,one does not find one's soulmate - a soulmate 'happens' unannounced in some turn of the deliciously unpredictable journey called 'life',when one is not even groomed 'for the occasion '."

 My Verdict : The tales of "Romance Shorts" entrusts a feeling of living the romance for real,through the viewpoint of the protagonists framed by the author,in each of the stories.The plots regarding the stories are so well synchronised that with each page of progression the readers gets a prominent picturesque of the events taking place on the mind screen of ones own.Moreover,the lucid and manipulative style of writing adds to its pros which makes it accessible to a wide range of readers from adolescents to mature brains.All the stories possesses it's unique aspects of romance which prevents monotonicity from creeping into the empty pages,prior to the stories.The stories have also been put in order in a wise manner taking into consideration about the content of each story.
            An overwhelming commencement of the creation with, 'Nargis Through My Summers' which fosters a tale of unconditional love of a known teenager,backed by the typical Indian society.The author literally nailed it at the very beginning with his amorous descriptions conferring the sublime emotions of a secret lover who stifles the humble velleities of his emotions within himself.Through this plot, the author intended to endeavour the essence of romance in its non fulfilment.
                 The following story,'Mine Forever' centres around the life of an aspiring young entrepreneur who in the limelight of his agile achievements recollects the presence his lost love through the vision of his core memories,in a subconscious drunken state.Mukherjee vindicated the everlasting spasm that one experiences,when loved ones are lost through this tale of two lovers.
              Romance with a pinch of thrill in it is a deadly combo.The third story, ' 'Memories' exemplifies the brutal aspects of love along with the gruesome consequences that betrayal brings forth in love.This story can be conferred with the title of being the climax of the creation,just because it is very moment when the book sets new limits beyond our expectations and reaches to new heights.
            However,the culmination of the creation could not keep up with the pace of the book nor with the exceptions of its readers.Though the author intended to end the venture of his imaginations on a positive note but the last story,'Love came calling again' was an average approach on part of the author as compared to the magnificent streaks of love created by the author in his former works.
             Overall the book was a worth read with the portrayal of relatable emotions,which makes this book even more special to its readers.

Ratings : 5* / 5*

© Diptendu Mandal.

Book Review : "Panorama - A collection of short stories" - By Shilpi Chaklanobis.

Often the neverending size of the novels turn up to be painstaking to non conventional readers,who seek for an instant breakthrough to the climax of the plot.However,this attribute being completely antonymous in case of novels results in the gradual disinterest of the reader,which ultimately leads to the forfeiture of the novel,without its completion.For,such stratum of people who intends to cherish the essence of literature within limited amount of time as well as apprehend the climax of the plot without loosing out their patience,"Short Stories" turn up to be the most appropriate remedies as per their requirements.A collection of short stories provides its readers to go through the diverse works from various authors under the cover of a common paperback.However,a collection might also comprise of diverse works from the same author.
             " Panorama - a collection of short stories" by Shilpi Chaklanobis comprises of fifteen heartwarming Short Stories from different walks of life.A prominent reflection of the typical Indian society along with bittersweet realities,regarding life and relationships has been magnificently portrayed by the author through her creation.Though being simple and straightforward in approach the stories fosters some of the gruesome realities of life as well as  provides its readers with a rare vision of realisation regarding various circumstances life puts you in.

About the Author : Shilpi Chaklanobis hails from the beautiful city of Kanpur and has spent majority of her adult life in Delhi.The amalgamation of her years spent amongst the quiet,calm streets of a small city and the hustle and bustle of a metropolitan like Delhi has lent her a unique perspective towards life.She aims to translate her experiences and understandings of human relationships to stories that not only move people,but also resonate with them.She believes that the beauty of a story lies within its ability to be interpreted by the reader in the way they desire as is evident from her writing.This is her first endeavour as a writer and her writing not only shows promise but also has a sense of sensitivity that compels you to think about the lives you touch everyday.

Cover : The cover design is absolutely spectacular,featuring a soothing landscape of the setting sun at horizon,where a crystal clear reflection of the above scenario comes to life through the static waters of the lake.The whole scenery is cloaked with a shadowy tinge,which conceals the golden radiance of the setting sun.The title of the book is inscribed in bold fonts through slits cut into the shadowy plane,which emanates the culminating beauty of the setting sun.The subtitle of the book along with the author's name is highlighted in pearl white,in between the gaps of the title and on the right extremity of the front cover respectively.Synonymous to the title of the book the cover is well designed and is quite eye-catching,thus compelling the visual stimuli of the readers to peek into the creation.

Title : The title is apt to the content of the book.A compilation of short stories inspired by the lives of the people around us is core theme of the book.The author has taken into consideration about mentioning the nitty gritty details regarding each story and nurtured them sufficiently with her literary elements to endeavour this final masterpiece.Not only does "Panorama" furnishes it's readers with a panoramic view of the events that often takes place in the society but also widens our angle of visualisation towards a matter, from the perspective of the characters in the stories,considering the circumstances they presently lie in.Hence,it can be tagged as a charismatic attempt from the author to uphold the sublime contortions of life.

My Verdict : "Panorama - A collection of short stories" is highly recommended to the people who intend to extricate themselves momentarily from the mundane convolutions of their daily schedules and endeavour the essence of literature and reading,within limited intervals.The  innovative and appealing nature of the stories is cent percent successful in teleporting it's readers to a 'panoramic' world of varied realisations.This commendable piece of work from the author, entangled in emotions and realities of life do hit the dormant intangible notes of the inner self, of its readers.One of the most alluring features of the book is its non monotonic nature.Not even a single instant could be found when the stories appear to loose it's pace or sink in its plot.Moreover,the discrete attributes of short stories provides it with an additional  advantage of a logical overview regarding real life situations,which is relatable to every individual.
                Fifteen heartwarming short stories surrounding the lives of fifteen varied individuals belonging to different status,age and positions in the society is the what "Panorama" primarily consists of.A crescendo of emotions and realisations that life brings in has been very skillfully woven into a systematic piece of literature,through the perpetual efforts of the author.The titles given to the respective stories has a deep link with the content of the plot and fully justifies the core meaning associated with them.From the story of an adorable little girl Rani who unaware of her economic status, craves for a little potato curry at her meals everyday to the story of the most loyal companion 'peanut' who saved his master at the stake of his own life;from the story of a turbulent relationship between a mother and her daughter to tale of an orthodox hindu woman whose life was saved by a Muslim;from the equation of love between the parents and their child to the culmination of an everlasting feeling love,for someone which Supriya nourished within her heart,for more than a decade;from the pathetic reality of an eunuch cloaked with belief to return to his dedicated wife,Kamla to the monstrous urge of hunger of mere child of ten that breaks all emotional connections to finally survive by engulfing her own sibling;from the story of search for unknown answers,regarding the purpose of a professor's life to the tale of inevitable differences in a friendship due to economic barriers;from a mirage of fake affection towards your ward to the undesirable surrender against prevalent conspiracies of fate;from the incident of a sudden downfall of a victim due to circumstances to the amalgamation of personal and professional life in upper middle class society and finally the story of the sealed urn that ultimately unlocks to return Martha what belonged to her.Each and every story is overwhelming with ineffable emotions concealed in it,which will make you laugh and cry at moments.
            For certain, this book is a spotless attempt on part of the author.The simple language along with the extensive vocabulary of the creation is one of the plus points for which it is readily accessible to a wide range of readers,from child to adult.Overall the book gets a thumbs up from my side and is worth a read to everyone who are a genuine admirer of good works of literature.

Ratings : 4.5* / 5*

© Diptendu Mandal.