The story of the ordinary

 Story of the ordinary- Deepika Bhalla

Though the book is titled Story of the Ordinary but its not ordinary in any sense. The book comprises of three short stories but had subtle details of surrounding. But this is not what makes this book different and unique but blank illustrations that require coloring and identifying the vivid moods of characters. Books target audience is parents who would end up reading bed time stories that has nuances about our society and in a way we end up introducing our tiny torts to the world around.
This book is specifically meant for hyper active kids and my 5 year old absolutely loved it. Every alternate page has blank illustrations waiting for kids to intercept perceive and show there imagination. The illustrations are artistic rendition of the story and contains objects and articles briefed in the course of stories telling. The book is must have for Kids to explore the unexplored and try something new.

LOVE STORYWALLAH

 

Some book finds a permanent place in your bookshelf and undoubtedly” STORYWALLAH by Kumar Ganesan was one such book. The simplicity and rawness of Storywallah left me wanting for more and when I laid my eyes upon LOVE Storywallah I had to read it.  Ganesan is a writer who has made sure that the language of the book is simple and yet he leaves and everlasting impression. Chapter wise representation makes it super easy to read. Unlike the first book where the characters were influenced by Ganeshan’s character this book is a work of fiction but a thoroughly entertaining one. Ganesan has been eloquent in describing the love stories and all his stories have humor vitality and a connect with changing times.  Every story for me either represented a social value, a social stigma or a human behavior and it was cynically and humorously written. The odyssey on which Ganesan took the readers was enthralling and exuberating. Every story had wit and quirkiness and was serious when required. Kumar Ganesan’s work in Love STORYWALLLAH is humorous and breezy read that can give you a company over tea.

The book comprises of eight small chapter on love stories, some tragical some funny and some quirky but they all have one thing in common Kumar Ganesan’s humor. Out of all the stories I likes particularly three of them. Mehandi rang layi, ek ajib si prem kahani and lockdown love.

Read the book to get a different love vibe and specially these three books.  

Death is My Only Beloved

 Death is My Only Beloved 

#poem 

To weep

as if there is no tomorrow,

to sob in happiness, 

to blubber in sadness, 

to snivel for a reason, 

and to whimper for no reason. 

To shed tears in one’s own pain, 

to bawl in someone else’s pain, 

and to wet one’s garment 

with tears of blood. 

Death is My Only Beloved is a book of poems penned by Laudeep Singh. The books is 270 odd pages long and has some half sketches that are quite relevant with the poems. I liked the feel and the vibe of the book. Though it usually talks about some of the most difficult phase of life we hardly tend to accept. I liked Laudeep's approach and his deep rooted meaning in all these verses. Death is certainly a forbidden topic which we usually choose not to discuss but our fate is inevitable.  This book and it's poems vividly cover various other complicated and simple life nuances like love loss and companionship and how one can overcome these setbacks. Laudeep's reference to his father is touching and I can easily relate to the loss he talks about. The language is simple yet they leave a profound experience. 270 odd pages look too much but believe me you would end up this book in a ziffy and would not complain a bit. I you have lived a life you would certainly come across these life phases and had his share of struggle. A few poems can be considered as dark but yet this is how life is.

This book is a definite read and Laudeep's courage is laudable. More power to you and may you end you writing many more books.

To end with this is how he dedicated the book 

"  ‘Everyone who has a heart that bleeds and eyes that weep.’" 

The Chronicler of the Hooghly

 The Chronicler of the Hooghly 

This book is a short but a crisp read. Book has four short stories all fast paced and leave you satisfied. The stories spann through different era and the description is vivid lively and quite realistic. He amount of detailing and plot speaks for the tumultuous research and hardwork writer would have gone through. Few of the story oscillate between the present and past timelines with outmost ease and relevance, it is nearly impossible to find a flaw in the stories. 

The highlight of the stories are intricate human relations and convoluted human psyche resulting in the chaos. 

Ashtami

Ashtami is the 8th day of durga puja festival. The story is set in pre independence India and post independence India. On the auspicious day of Ashtami a boy was born, born with physical and mental disabilities but with high human values and the story end with death of the mother.  Life comes full circle in this story and beautifully narrates the life of a Bengali family settled in Delhi. 

Pandemic 

Centuries apart how two different Pandemic shaped the life of a family and it's decedent's and how they cope with the loss and challenges. It also signifies the venerability of a man when he is alone broken or careless. 

Fault lines 

This is my favourite story among the lots. Reading this reminded me of Mitch Albom's Five People You Meet in Heaven. Anjan is battling life after an unfortunate accident but bed ridden he had visions of the beautiful time he has spent with his family and wife and then these visions are interrupted by an old school friend Savio who reminds his of his miss deeds. How selfish Anjan had been for smaller victories in life and how he altered the lives of his friends and ruining a few. The story highlights the importance of karma and past catches up no matter how successful you are. 

The Chronicler of the Hooghly 

This story is based around the myth of cursed pearl necklace and how it altered the fate of Bengal kingdoms and zamindari and how it resulted in the British dominance and rule in India.  The story starts in the present era and mark tragedy sicken family and how there I'll fate was result of an old curse. The story takes us back into the Bengal zamabdari era and narrates 250 years of ordeal and how the 

It shaped the political dominance. This story is particularly well researched and it's intelligent of the writer how the entire story is based on a folklore of cursed pearl necklace.

Chasing Sunset

 

Chasing Sunsets 

#poem

A Coffin is not always made from

wood and nails 

but sometimes from

doors, windows and concrete walls 

other times, flesh and bones. 

No escape from this loop 

until there lives an urge to run away 

from one place to another. 

Reading Chasing Sunsets set is a profound experience, the poems reflects someone's life which he lives or aspire to live. The language is simple yet the poems convey a deeper understanding of the phenomenon life. Vaibhav's understanding of life is unapologetically true. Some of his poems are going to resonate with every individual at some point of time. His poems on love loss and Life choices. I could easily correlate to Vaibhav's poems on more than one occasion. The poem are lyrical the words written are metamorphic and unwraps deep-rooted meaning of the verses. When the reader let himself soak in these poems without any prejudice the real meaning become visible. Chasing Sunsets is like a rainbow encompassing of vivid emotions and thoughts. A few of the verses are stuck with me and are definitely going to be in my diary for future reference. 

A good book to read which hardly takes an hour of your time. I am leaving you with one of the verses from the book to read and rejuvenate. 

that causes a dark thick cloud 

hovering in the sky to not rain. 

Why is it that the dearest thing  

you always wanted to do becomes meaningless 

when there comes an opportunity to do it? This is the numbness 

that starts to feel like home. 

This is what depression does to you. 

Mountain Mist & Meghalaya

 #quote , “Nobody can manage time. It's time that manages us. It flows like a flowing river where you cannot touch the same water as it is never constant. Once we flow with it, things are smooth, but when we try to rule over it, we fail miserably.”-- 

I have traveled to Meghalaya in 2016 and was awestruck with the sheer beauty of nature and humbleness of the people. When I came around this book title I instantly had to pick this one up. 

Why you should read this book 

1. If you like travelogue this book is definitely for you

2. If you like a book on intricate human relations and interaction this book is for you

3. If you believe in legends myths and folklores then it is a must read. 

Narration of this book is crisp and gives a new take to travelogues. Our writer duo has narrated an enticing story woven around travel, local believe and humane nature. Our protagonist lives a typical Mumbai life and a mundane job that keeps him busy. But apart from his regular life he is a completely different person while traveling. He likes to travel slow indulge in the surrounding and absorb the maximum. Travel is his refuge from a monotonous job.   I really liked the description of the surrounding nature and miniscule details taken into account while writing the book. I was amazed to see the seer grandeur of mystic Meghalaya but reading this book made me realize what all I have missed visiting. The book serves as an ideal itinerary for someone planning to visit Meghalaya. The book gives us an insight of the people the tribe there cuisine and there holistic approach towards living a simple life. How there life value are based around nature and there way of life based out of folklores. Yes folklores are the real highlight of the book, the chapters of the book is based around folklores and how they have shaped the life of these indigenous tribes. These folklores are interesting entertaining and relevant even in these modern times. 

Life Version 2

#quote You determine how you want to spend your moments, which ultimately shape your life. Every moment brings in front of you new challenges, and opens up new opportunities. You have total control over your future and you can mould it the way you want. You can build on your strengths and improvise on your weaknesses, enabling you to conquer unattained heights. Remember, the end will come whenever it has to come. No one has ever escaped the clutches of death. So, why be afraid of death?

Review Life Version 2

Have you ever read a story that is multi layered. A story that has individual tales that later converge to form a bigger story. Reading Life Version 2 was a different yet overwhelming experience. It's just not a story but it has some important life lessons and theology through which one can simplify the life complexities. The story starts with a business tycoon in epicenter of a successful business empire. Mr. Deshmukh a person with sheer conviction and extraordinary hardwork created an empire with around 4500 crores annual turnover. His story is from rags to riches and yet he has maintained a balance and humble personality. He has a great family and who understands his life choices and abide by his principles. The story has all the possible elements that can make it intricate and appealing from larger than life characters to business rivalry to unprecedented future revelation that has the potential to alter the courses of Mr. Deshmukh's life. From a astrological prediction that jeopardies Deshmukh's life and we're he comes to terms with his death and beautiful description of dilemma of a person who is aware of his time on earth. Suhas Imandar's storytelling is relevant and compelling, tells us how a person should lead his life fruitful and live with utmost dignity. Loved this one for its plot and beautiful characterization. Also the contrast and depth in Mr. Deshmukh's character, his transition and acceptance of death is amazingly described. If I write any more I would be a spoilsport.

A Quest Called Life

The Greatest Loss

The greatest loss is not when you lose a job, Lose a loved one, Lose a match, Lose out on that important contract that could have changed your life, Lose a game of lottery, In fact, the greatest loss is when you lose your dignity, Lose your self-respect, Lose your values to fit into the society, Be unique. Be different, Because there never was and will never be anyone like you.

A Quest Called Life is a short breeze read. It takes maximum of an hour and leave you with a pleasant smile. The book covers vivid life experiences narrated through poem. The language is simple yet the poems leave a casting spell on its readers. I usually read poems after a few fictional reads to change my reading like and mood. Quest called life dealt with some of the phase of life with utmost ease and lyrical satisfaction. Loved the writers take and stance on multiple occasions. He metamorphically compare experiences with object in personified way. For instance  "The first laughter, Like the pleasant sound of a waterfall. As a new day dawned upon, A new star was born." Such phrases are soothing to read and helps it readers to transcend in lyrically modified world. The writer covers various important and relevant issues in one's life such as from first love to heart break. From achieving success to scumbling to failure and yet he manages to be positive every time. He also talks about people who are important in our life's and about first life experiences such as travel and happiness. It was overall a good read and left me overwhelmed. Leaving you with a passage in the end. 

PositiviTEA: Take a bowl of emptiness, Add a cup of clear ideas, Sprinkle the powder of joy, Add the bitterness of your obstacles, Pour a cup of peace, Add the sweetness of your memories, Let it simmer away till all the flavors combine, And voila! A strong PoistiviTEA is ready to make you fresh as a blossoming flower.

The Second Chance

 

#quote ‘Material happiness is always transient’. All the pleasures and luxuries of this material world have a shelf life. The outer beauty of a man or a woman fades away when they get old. The strength of a body builder withers away with age. So, how can one be proud of something, which one cannot possess forever?

Review

When Radhe Shyam Colony in Delhi was celebrating excellent results of three 10th graders little did they know they were meant to do great things. When they were asked for future aspirations there answer did surprise plenty and made sad a few. One wanted to be a lawyer other one a journalist and the third one a doctor. There conviction and firmness regarding their goal was affirmative. Years passed by and they did eventually charter their way towards there aim. They all wanted to uplift the poor be their voice and lend support to the needful. But reality is bitter and when it hits it hits hard. They did pass the respective fields with excellent results but their initial struggle showcase the struggle of every deserving candidates who misses opportunity not because he is not capable but because system doesn't let them. Eventually the ends meet and they start their endeavors towards bright and prosperous future. The writer beautifully describes there dilemma and highlights their conviction. There journey is eloquently narrated and it seems playable to me. There modest background and the struggle makes story more entertaining. All three get hands-on experience of the evil side of there profession and there comprising there inner conscious was not easy but yet when power and money pumps in from all directions only the brave let survive there inner conscious. All the three friends indulged in mischievous ways and in return earned hefty money. The journalist blackmailed the influential, the lawyer save the culprits and the doctor exploited the sick. The book second chance gives an insight of all what is wrong with these profession. The second half of the book is gripping when the friends encounter there school teacher and change of heart takes place. The real trouble for them begins when they decided to forego evil and start practicing the principles and oath of there respective jobs. The book tactfully uses the existing incidents to weave book around it like the hospitalization of jay Lalita, Kedarnath catastrophe media house mal practice. The book is entertaining and it's a easy read. Though my favorite portion was there encounter with Swami ji at Kedarnath rescue camp where they were shown the right path. The Kedarnath catastrophe is also intelligently described. Yes there are some flaws but at times a good story like this one needs to be read.

People Places Memories

 

#quote Her understanding, humane, generous and tolerant nature always went far beyond the limitations of her circumstance. Without ever having read a book on psychology, she was a born psychologist. She had an intuitive, wonderful way in dealing with people, both grown-ups and children.

You seldom come across a book that takes you on a journey through time. People Places and Memories is one such book. The book can be divided into two parts 1st one where the writer narrates his different life experiences and he at length talks about people who touched his and his family's life in one way or the other. The first half is indeed filled with Wit humor and some great insight to post independence India. How life was for a foreigner in independent India. He takes us on a journey through different places spanning different eras from Delhi to Shimla to Patiala. I loved reading the part of his stay with Patiala royalty and his adventures with them. I have to admit the author did meet with some of the highly influential people in India. The subtle details make the reading experience more enjoyable and the photographs enhance the overall reading experience. His adventure and education in Germany were quite a tale and a delightful read and his encounter with parsi brothers reflects the Wit and Humor he envied. 

While the second part is what you should never miss. I was amazed by Hedwig's character in the first part but in the second part I couldn't get over the integrity and resilience her character shows in troubling times in Germany. This is a great insight and a beautiful and realistic narration of events leading to 2nd world war. How Hitler have been manipulating masses for genocide and creating a rift and divide in German society. Her journey as a teacher and the challenges she overcome is phenomenal. I did have a resilient teacher in school and can easily correlate with the boy’s attitude and the inseparable bond between them. She writes about how difficult it was for any German who criticized Hitler to survive in Germany, you would be robbed of your belongings and thrown in concentration camps. Yes, she did survive that too. Her travel from Germany. To India is a story to read and experience the firsthand experience of sea travel during those times. She did take us on a time travel and her description of India is so true and free of any prejudice and perception. She open heartedly accepts and embraces the opportunities she has. I have been spell bound by her subtle nuances and minute details of her Stories. She is equally humorous and her comic time is impeccable even in torrid times.

The Girl Next Dooor

 

Why do people born in the 90's share an unspeakable bond and vibe amongst each other? the 90's was an era where technology was a distant dream. People had a few materialistic possessions yet they were happy. We found happiness amongst each other now we seek happiness amongst things. The Girl Next Door is a beautiful romantic story set on the premises of pandemic. The author Arpit tactfully uses the pandemic and a family in distress to create a likeable story. Ishaan the most popular rj call quits to pursue his dream and take some time off his mundane monotonous life. A sudden turn of events and a viral outbreak brings the world to standstill. Ishan travels to his hometown on constant persistence from his separated parents 

He has been away from his family for the past 15 years due to a feud still lamenting and on his life choices and decisions. Arpit writes diligently about the family of Four where everyone hates each other and the mere thought of one incident in the past still haunts them. The family dynamics and emotional connect is described well. Well the story is beyond this; Ishaan accidentally notices a girl dancing on her terrace under the moonlight. He is gob smacked by her ethereal beauty and simplicity and decided to make her aware of his feelings in an old-fashioned way. Ruhi was amazed to see Ishaan’s presence of mind and his aura. They mutually decide to chase their love the 90's way. Ishaan's charismatic personality and Ruhi simplicity make them fall for each other. The book is filled with subtle nuances and beautiful romantic description. Arpit's description of love is profound and likeable. The book is an easy read and entertaining. The book had immense potential and yet I am still puzzled why it was rushed in the last part. Nakul's involvement in aqua virus and the sudden closure disappointed me a bit.  There are loose ends and the end could have been absolutely amazing. Despite all these hurdles the brewing romance is likeable and realistic. Love the 90's soul and kudos to Arpit for letting us revisit good old days.

Wild Card 3

 

 

There are books that leaves you with a pleasant smile at the end. There are books that come across like a cool breeze and pass by leaving its lingering effect. Wild Card 3 is such a book that leaves you entertained yet leaves you with equal number of questions.

Wild card 3 is third book from the Sports fiction. Wild card is about how different individuals excelling their inner discomfort and disbelief to achieve greatness which might not be about winning the grand slam always. Wild Card 3 made me aware of the challenges and hardships a Paralympic or a differently abled sports person faces. I have always been empathetic towards differently abled and yet there were things I had no idea existed. Kudos to Asfiya Rehman and Chetan Soni for bringing this book to light. Roshni is a blessed daughter of a former grand slam winner who has sacrificed his successful career of take care of a differently abled daughter. Being a single parent is difficult yet he does an outstanding job. The story is likable and the characters are beautifully crafted. If you have friends like these there is nothing in this world that is unachievable. The book talks about the struggle and challenges our society poses to a differently abled. We as citizens and as organization have yet to feel the need and importance of facilities that can cater the needs of differently abled citizens. Roshni is naturally gifted Tennis player and secretly watches games, she aided by her parent’s friends starts training and is improving tremendously. The book charts her journey to the Wimbledon grand slam and talks about various aspects of sporting events and players. The sports fiction is weaved around the emotional dynamic of family and friends and is a delightful read. This is overall a good read considering its plot and crisp storyline. There are a few things that could have been better but thumbs-up for writing on trivial issue.

The Five People You Meet in Heaven

 

Fairness doesn't govern life and death, if it did, no good person would have died young.

For every individual who thinks of him as waste, lonely and insignificant should read this book. There is no life insignificant, not even the miniscule of the species. All life intersects and leaves an impact on others. Death doesn’t just take someone it misses someone else and in the small distance between being taken and being missed lives are changed. Threw out life, have there been any situation where you have no idea why a certain result occurred?  Do you think there are any events from your past that didn’t have a big impact on your life, that potentially had a big impact on other person’s life? We normally tend to see and live life in our own perspective yet our decision directly or indirectly shapes the future of a few individuals. This book has the crux of life and teaches the idea of death, life and life’s unanswered questions. Mitch Albom writes a fantastic story that will change everything you have ever thought about life, death and the meaning of life when we were alive.

Plot: Eddie is a wounded war veteran, an old man who lives an average life in solitude. His job is fixing rides in an amusement park. On his 83^rd birthday a tragic incident takes place when he is killed trying to save a little girl from a falling cart. He awakes in the afterlife and has to meet five different people explaining his life. With these five different people we dig deep into Eddie’s life from childhood to his end and learn the significance of each person and their impact on his life. These vivid individuals teach Eddie 5 important life lessons and how it shaped Eddie’s life. This is a classic Mitch Albom story, when Important life lessons are taught in an unconventional yet entertaining manner. The Five People You Meet in Heaven is a beautiful story and its effect on me is heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measures.

Sea Prayer

 

Sea Prayer -Khaled Hosseini

“My dear Martin, in the long summer of childhood, when I was a boy the age you are now, your uncles and I spread our mattress on the roof of your grandfather’s farmhouse outside of Homs.”
― Khaled Hosseini, Sea Prayer

Sea Prayer is about the plight of a refugee family seeking refuge and is left to fend on the mercy of sea and gods for survival. This is a beautifully written book and the illustrations are exemplary and increases the reading experience. Sea Prayer is about everything that can go wrong in society. How millions suffer because of the chosen few. Sea Prayer tells us how humanity and human existence is going to cease because of our sheer foolishness. The ordeal of millions is a pleasure of few. The fight for Religious and Racial supremacy is leading us all towards an infinite abyss. The war for territorial gain and natural resources have left the citizen broken bleeding and empty handed without an iota of mercy is saddening. Khaled Hosseini is a mastery story teller when it comes to migration and its pain. His verses describe the pain of a father beautifully where he is uncertain of the future ahead yet he assures and entrust his son of the better days ahead. Though the book tells us about the Syrian refuge but half of Middle East and Africa is under civil war.

Impelled to write this story by the haunting image of young Alan Kurdi, the three-year-old Syrian boy whose body washed upon the beach in Turkey in September 2015, Hosseini hopes to pay tribute to the millions of families, like Kurdi's, who have been splintered and forced from home by war and persecution.

8 pm- An apolitical love story by Fazle Karim

 

8 pm An Apolitical Love Story is a political satire narrated in accordance with Rahul’s ordeal. The book briefly conveys all the major political developments happening in Indian political and social establishment, the policies and events that have made news and left an impact on citizens directly or indirectly. Rahul’s life tragedies and incidents are largely based around government policies. At majority of instances these subtle nuances is utterly humorous while a few are repetitive. Fazle Karim blends fact fiction and humor to create a humorous read.

8 pm is an odd love story, odd in the sense of its narration and its final outcome. The book is about Rahul’s insecurities in life. It is about how Rahul is beaten in love twice and that to by the same person- irony but true. The betrayal he faced in love and then a failed marriage made him insecure and less reliant on people even if they were true and genuine. This book has some great moments from college life and first kiss and heartbreak. Rahul’s character is beautifully portrayed his arrogance and his attributes all seems genuine. 8 pm is an entertaining read and the side characters leave a remarkable impact on the story. The story lacked closure for me and there a few unanswered questions, guess writer wants us to assume the fate of other characters. I would have love to read more of Rasna …..

DIVYASTRA

 

Quote: - The single greatest cause of happiness is gratitude

Divyastra is a different kind of storytelling, a read that is not going to leave you exhausted will rather leave you elated. The book starts with a promising note, A hall full of listeners spectators comprising of students, professors, delegates, scientists, military personals all eager to listen Dr. Vyas a physics Nobel Laurate speaking of “Future of Weaponry”. Dr. Vyas’s lecture is entertaining and enlightening and gives a different perspective and approach to Indian Mythology and Vedic science. His lecture resembles a class of theology and ancient war craft. The book parallelly narrates the story of Shankar who is disappointed with his life and its outcome. He lives a mediocre life working in BPO and still in pursuit of finding his identity. A sudden news of his father’s accident and his visit to Gopalpur turns his life around for good. Though he ends up loosing his father to discover himself. For me the highlight of Divyastra is the stories narrated by his grandfather, they are captivating and gives us a closure to Dr. Vyas’s lecture and takes us towards the real story. Namish tactfully converges both the parallel plots to one and the convergence is excruciating and enticing. The book Divyastra is an intriguing read crafted by Namish Tanna. The book is divided in smaller chapters which makes it a convenient read and shows its relevance with the storyline. This was a fast yet fulfilling read.

Jean Angel – Atul mohite

Quote: “Between the battle of emotion and reason,what wins? Reason.”

Apart from prologue and epilogue there are 17 chapters in a 74-page book that makes the reading experience easy and it lets the reader get a grip of the story. JeanAngel falls under the category of fantasy and story revolves around 3 kingdoms but mainly focuses on Zesia. Zesia was ruled by a tyrant ruler king Robert who exploited his own people and killed them for no reason. His strict rules of controlling citizens were terrifying. A noble fearless man who did not care of repercussions spoke his heart out against king Robert, he announced about the child of prophecy who will be born and liberate people from Robert’s oppression. The story is based around this prophecy. The story is character driven and some good characters are portrayed in Atul’s storytelling. The only problem I had was abrupt names of some characters in  English while some Hindi made me feel tad disconnected at times. Though I get Atul Mohite’s perspective of inducing vivid culture and racial variety in storyline. The most fascinating character is of Jean-“The child of Prophecy”. He is mature beyond his age. He shows composure and understanding that speaks volume of his character. The storytelling is crisp and engaging yet there were few occasions when it felt rushed. It is quite entertaining when Jean narrates his dreams and when he communicates with angel seeking knowledge and wisdom. Jean is focused and progresses gradually towards his destiny of liberating Zesia and killing Robert. This is the first part of the book and was sad with an abrupt ending on cliffhanger. It is recommended for beginners as its language is easy and the book is a fun read. Though there are few mistakes in editing but it can be overlooked    

Dolly won’t Play-Monisha K Gumber

In recent days I have read three different books by Monisha each of them vivid and significant. Yet Dolly won’t play is a heart wrenching and tormenting tale. Monisha’s work in Dolly won’t play is poignant in describing the ordeals a girl child faces if her parents are emotionally unavailable or not aware of her difficulties. The book serves as an example of a larger problem and clearly states the need of awareness in both parents and children. This book is written in free verse and consists of poetry and some amazing art. The art work in the book are amazing and they enhance readers experience and shed some light on Dolly’s state of mind and her share of fear and anxiety. Dolly our protagonist and the book vividly describe her life its challenges pain agony and humiliation yet she fights them bravely. The book is divided in four parts.

1.      Growing up pains

2.      Love is in the air

3.      Coming of age

4.      Closure

I normally don’t like to give spoilers as it decreases readers interest’s and they create a prejudice evidently losing the connect. Dolly’s parents are going through a rough patch in their relationship and she suffers a lot because of ignorance and lack of emotional availability. When she was kid, she faced some challenges while communicating in school and was diagnosed with ADHD syndrome. She faced discrimination and humiliation in school and hate and disgrace from her father. She is longing for some love and care which she found from her uncle her mom’s friend. She was elated by his presence and felt special by all the love and care he possessed and was heart broken when he moved abroad. With time and some knowledge, she realized it was not love he showed rather he was comprising her modesty and took advantage for her loneliness. He has physically and mentally tormented her to core and beyond repair. The different part of book describes of her struggle for survival and how she overcomes her fear and childhood trauma. In all this chaos Dolly shines as an individual and thrives against all the odds. She is a phoenix who rises from ashes to be born again.

INDRADHANUSH:

Indradhanush is an amazing brief read, the book has some really good stories drawn out of life and realistic character by Gainandra Kumar Bhagel. The highlight of this book is its language written in hindi that is largely spoken by the masses in India. The title of the book Indradhanush is appropriate given as it contains 7 vivid stories and they converge together to form a rainbow. Gainandra Kumar Bhagel’s narration is realistic but very engaging and humorous. Bhagel’s storytelling is different entertaining and has some life lessons and values plus plenty of imagination incorporated in his stories. Gainandra’s observation helps him draw parallel from real life scenario and make stories of them.

FIRST- if u feel defeated deflated turn to your parents become a child again and you would regain confidence and feel like a champion again. A child never fails in the eyes of his parents. This story is full of family values and parenting technique.

Kabra and Jackie- This story is born out of observation and writer find 2 dogs from his locality as an inspiration. Writer outlines traits of personality and character of these 2 dogs and frame 2 basic rules of friendship. this story is humorous and entertaining.

Shapit Katha- This story resembles as if it is an inception through which a character from story takes place of a person from real life and the real-life character gets trapped in the book.

Comics and Bhikari- This short story is based on a railway platform and its chaos where a young boy eager to buy a comics find a boy helpless and begging. Boy donates rs 10 and let go of his desire to buy the book later finds out the beggar purchasing tobacco through the donated money.

Makan no. 401- Describes a supernatural occurrence and the reaction of the fellow flat mates.

Generations gap- Generation gap narrates the difference and fallout between a father and son and later both of them reuniting and sorting out their differences.

Sunsaiba sun: this story talks about a boy who acquires the power to understand the language to different creatures and animals for a brief time and this brings utter chaos and amusement in his life.

Indradhanush is assorted collection of vivid stories.

Bahir

Bahir is a convoluted tale narrating the ordeal of Sawera. Sawera born in a conservative Muslim family in Pakistan and is adopted and separated from her mother by birth. The child was named Sawera as she was considered as dawn for her new family and her father moved to Saudi Arabia for better future prospect and later rest of the family joined him in his quest for prosperous future. This book is brutal and honest effort to narrate Sawera’s struggle for survival. Monisha K’s storytelling is crisp and she moves you with her poignant and persuasive retelling of plight of a migrant family. Sawera is let down by almost every people around her and always find herself in middle of a crisis. 1^st being neglected and physically abused by her mother as escape to her frustration and anger. Sawera has been brought up in an orthodox Muslim family and had to abide by tough rules and regulation. Sawera has grown up to a beautiful 17 year with sexual desires. She has always regretted her life choices 1^st being expelled from a prestigious school because of a love letter and later caught red-handed trying to sneak a male accomplice in her room. Her life takes a complete turnaround when she is married to a distant cousin in Pakistan who is heart broken and suicidal. He exploits her for his sexual needs and results in a marriage with no emotion and feelings. Sawera is left gasping for some air and belongingness and gives birth to 3 children while suffering physical and sexual abuse. She moves to Saudi to take care of her ailing mother while being pregnant and a bleeding heart. Bahir is an earnest effort by Monisha to bring the plight of a migrant lady who is sexually exploited multiple times, who is physically and mentally tormented for mere survival and existence.  It also let us mull on the difficulties and challenges a honest migrant faces just to survive with some dignity. Though Sawera’s never ending struggle and hardship makes the story emotionally exhausting yet Sawera’s positivity and hope will guide you through the story. An unputdownable and crisp story will satisfy your desire as a reader. Monisha has definitely a winner in Bahir.

https://www.amazon.in/BAHIR-MONISHA-K-GUMBER/dp/B07CHKDPK4/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2BXL8T3U9LO7M&dchild=1&keywords=bahir&qid=1590859251&s=books&sprefix=bahir%2Caps%2C439&sr=1-1