Book Review – Metamorphing

DETAILS

Title : Metamorphing
Author : Kunal Pancholi
Publishers : Frog Books (An imprint of Leadstart Publishing Pvt. Ltd.)
Genre : Fiction (Crime Thriller)

THE AUTHOR

A graduate from SRCC Delhi, Kunal Pancholi completed his MBA from NMIMS Mumbai. An ex- banker and co- founder of READO- an audio book publishing company, Kunal Pancholi has also done a marketing stint with a film production company . At present he heads the marketing division of a technology start-up and is based in Chennai.

Wish to contact the author, email him at kunal.pancholi@gmail.com.To connect with him on twitter click here

THE BOOK

The cover is simple. The outline of a person on the floor with a red spot and the tagline ‘The Hunt Begins’ are suggestive of the book being a crime thriller.

Blurb of the book

28th April ,2000

Flight No. 9×4876 bound to Srinagar has crash landed into the Everest Base camp. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the flight mysteriously went off the radar for few minutes and missed its landing. All passengers are feared dead… except for three bodies that are yet to be recovered.

8th December, 2050

This, without doubt is the most gruesome murder in recent times. Early this morning, an unidentified woman was found mutilated at the western gates of the abandoned Victoria Terminus Station in Mumbai. Authorities report her head was …well… semi- decapitated and she was drained of all her blood. The shocking part- the crime scene was devoid of an signs of blood spatter…

The Main Protagonists

Rohan– “ I was shorter than the shortest girl in school. I had to be ahead in the game…”

Rudra– “ Was I a private detective? What kind of sinister case am I getting into?”

In short

A thrilling tale of two men bound by an untraceable yet undeniable fate, one running away from his past, another unaware of his own.

WHAT I FELT ABOUT THE BOOK?

HIGHS

Story line – Interesting, part relevant and part paranormal. The Author takes us through a maze of twists and turns and keeps us guessing till the penultimate page.

Presented in dual monologue, the story is set in two different timelines, and alternates between Rudra and Rohan who present their side of the story in first person. The author has been able to do justice to both these characters and the timeline they are set in.

One can easily relate to the various events and characters that unfold in the story. Though the existence of vampires is unbelievable, I find something relevant in this too. For me the blood thirsty vampire is a reflection of that part of the human mind that is agitated by the instances of injustice taking place around it. It is a mirror of the desire of the agitated soul to wreak vengeance on the perpetrators of injustice and to provide justice to the hapless victims.

This is not just a story of crime and justice but is also a story of intense love. It is a story of love that does not wilt away with the passage of time.

Language and Length – Simple, lucid and engaging. One can visualize the scenes as the story progresses.

Characters – The characters are well etched with all their imperfections. One can relate to each one of them. There is a Rohan, a Rudra, a Gina, a Danny, a Zoya and an eccentric Professor in the world we live in.

What struck a cord within me – The helplessness of both Rohan and Rudra. Both are victims of their mind. While one is unable to control his desire for blood and is out to mete justice outside the legal system, the other is unable to recollect anything about his past. For him his very existence is a big question mark.

LOWS

The beginning is a bit slow. However by the time you cover 1/3 of the book, the story picks up momentum and from there it is no looking back till the end.

My Recommendation/ Rating

If you are looking for a crime thriller with twists and turns then this is for you. I give this 4 on a scale of 5.

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I thank the author Kunal Pancholi and Ms.Nimi Vashi who blogs at The Readers Cosmos, for being kind enough to send me a copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. This book review is a part of ‘The Readers Cosmos Book Review Programme.’

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Buying links

amazon.com / amazon.in / BOOKadda / infibeam / CROSSWORD / flipkart

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Please leave your footprints in the form of comments and suggestions. Your words mean a lot to me.
Buying Links

ENERGIZERS

ZEST ADDS BEAUTY AND VIBRANCY TO LIFE

Walking down the path of life
I’ve stumbled, I’ve fallen, I’ve been hurt
But falls and hurts apart
Life has been kind, life has been full

Yearn I not for riches or for fame
Yearn I for simple pleasures of life
Pleasures my family, friends, nature and books provide
They zest up my life

‘THE SPICE’
SOUNDS, SLIGHT MOVEMENTS, SIMPLE THINGS MOTIVATE TO ACCEPT NEW CHALLENGES WITH THE BREAK OF EACH NEW DAWN

A distant caw, the croak of a frog, the chirp of birds in my backyard, the bark of a dog , the ring of the temple bells awaken me each morning before the first rays of the sun kiss the earth. Each little sound, each little movement infuses in me new energy. They remind me of how lucky I am to be alive and around. They stir me out of my tardiness and propel me to get moving, look up to the challenges both known and unknown, awaiting me outside. These little sounds, these little movements though seemingly insignificant are actually the first things that come to my mind when I think of life and all that adds spice to inspire me to move on.

Awake and ready as I step into the kitchen I have someone by my side. My better- half, my spouse since the past three decades, he makes it a point to help me out in my duties in the kitchen. A great cook himself, his presence, his advice, his anecdotes and the small morning talk we make as we cook for the day all add to the taste of the dishes we dish out together. If he is not around I feel lost. A great motivator, he has always stood by me through thick and thin. He knows how to buoy my spirits when I am down. Life without him I am sure would be meaningless. He is the salt in my life. He spurs me on.

‘SALT n SUGAR IN MY LIFE’
SPUR ME ON

“Tring…, Tring…”

I pick up the phone. That’s my daughter calling. Breakfast without an early morning call from her is like tea without sugar. One who enjoys life, doesn’t mind laughing out loud, loves the best of the old and the new, she is like fresh air in our lives. Her laughter is infectious. It acts as medicine when I feel low. I call her my doctor for she knows how to heal me, help me build up my defenses and look up in life. She stands for all that is sweet. She is my sweetener.

Books and my blog are my strongest link with the real , the unreal, past and the present. They help me identify myself, my strengths, my weakness. They provide me an outlet to vent my feelings, share my thoughts, connect with the outside world and above all prove myself. They are like condiments in my life. Days without them taste bland and boring. They season it to make it tastier, attractive and mouth- watering. I don’t know what I would do without them. They keep me going and help me discover myself.

‘CONDIMENTS/ SEASONING’
A DISCOVERY OF SELF

But wait, I am not done as yet. The dessert is yet to be served. Want to know what’s in store? Well let me break the suspense. It is a ‘she’. I call her my lemon zest. She adds flavor to my life with her love, her reprimands. Her counsel, her appeals, her warning, her smile create a ripple in my heart and my life. Though I call her my lemon zest she is nothing short of the icing in the cake of my life. She is my ‘Janani’, my mother of 73. A very strong woman she has gone through tough times always with a smile. She has taught me how to be strong and survive. She has helped me see and enjoy the brighter side of life. Hats off to this lemon zest of mine!

‘MY LEMON ZEST’
BEST MENTOR

SUMMING UP

Small sounds add spice to my life
In spouse I have the salt I want
Sugar in plenty, courtesy a wonderful girl
Never short of seasoning thanks to my books and blog
But the best is here for all to know
She is my dessert, my biggest and best zest
She is the woman who brought me into this world
MY MOTHER

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This post is a part of the #ZestUpYourLife activity in association with TATA Zest and BlogAdda.com

Queen of all colours

Image courtesy of Photokanok / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

They say it is the colour of night
They say it is foreboding, not bright
They say it is ugly, repulsive
They say it is depressing, oppressive

But for me it is attractive and bright
Colour of beauty, colour of might
Makes heads turn, Is shiny and clear
Black for me is classy and warm

Queen of all colours if there is any
Black it is! Black it is! Black it is!

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“Tring….Tring….”

“Hello Mom, breaking news!”

“What?”

“There’s going to be an addition to the family.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“Congrats………”. Unable to contain my happiness I immediately rush to my husband’s side and break the news to him. After all he too will be elevated from father to grandfather in a few months.

As the day progresses I find myself dreaming of the new member due in a few months, I find myself making plans right from the pre-natal care to post–natal care of both the mother and child. The TV is on. But I am in a world of my own. Time flies, I drift off into deep slumber. I dream….

I see myself holding my grandchild in my arms. Two shiny black eyes look into mine. The teeny- weeny fingers clasp mine. I take out a dozen small black bangles and slide them into two rosy, round hands. They looked beautiful. The baby gurgles in delight. My eyes get moist.

Suddenly I feel a pressure on my shoulders. I wake up with a start. The dream was broken. But a dozen small black baby bangles bag the topmost slot in my ‘black- wish-list.’

The rest of the day passes off as usual. Dusk sets in. Doors are locked, the car is taken out and we set off for the dinner reception being hosted in honor of a dear friend’s son’s marriage. Suddenly a car whizzes past. I draw on my breath. Oh no … it’s not the speed that has that effect on me. It is the sheer beauty of the vehicle that leaves me breathless. The sleek, shiny black look is breathtaking. I cannot help feeling envious.

“Touch gold, what a beauty,” I say. “Next time we change our vehicle, we must go in for a shiny black one.” My husband smiles. “So do you plan to add a black car to you black- wish- list?”

“Sure, it is gonna be item # 2 on my wish-list. A sleek, black car. Need not be an Audi or a Benz. Even a Chevrolet spark will do. But it must be black,” I say.

Image courtesy of graur codrin /FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The hall is teeming with guests in their best; voices vie with each other to be heard over the din. We step onto the tastefully decorated stage and greet the newly wed. Greetings over, we move towards the dining hall. Suddenly I feel someone nudge from behind. I turn around and lo and behold who do I see, a childhood buddy, someone who I am meeting after a gap of five long years.

Plates laden with delicious smelling food in hand, we move to a quiet corner of the room. I know its bad manners talking while having food, but then we are so overwhelmed that we cannot stop ourselves. The next half – hour or so is spent catching up on bygones. Finally it is time to say goodbye. Hugging her, I whisper, “You look gorgeous. Black suits you.” She smiles and asks, “Do you still have at least half –a – dozen black sarees in your wardrobe.”

**I think I will let you into my little secret, a secret shared till now only with select few. I love black sarees. Of course, not just plain black but black with designs, embroidery, border, etc, etc. And of course I am choosy while selecting them. So the talk among my select group was that at any given point of time there would be at least six black sarees in my wardrobe. I must admit they were right. Black always catches my eyes whenever I go saree shopping.**

“Yes, but then it’s time to replace one or two. Hah! Now that I’ve seen you I know what is going to be item #3 on my black-wish-list.”

“What?”

“Black Kancheevaram saree with yellow zari border.I love the combination.”

“Wow! No one can beat you when it comes to clothing. I am sure you will dig it out from somewhere. So, good luck. ” Saying this she hugs me once again and leaves.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Next day

Coffee in hand I pick up the morning newspaper. Something falls off from the folds of the newspaper sheets. I pick it up. “Another bit notice!” I mumble under my breath.

Comfortably settled in my chair, I go through the paper. The Malayasian Airline crash, the resignation of the speaker of the state assembly,…….all read in detail, I fold the newspaper and put it back on the coffee table. The bit notice falls off the table. I pick it up and am about to crumple it and throw it away in the waste basket when a picture suddenly catches my eyes. Among the various household items advertised is the entire range of Hawkins Futura Cookware. Now let me tell you I am a great fan of the Hawkins Futura Range. I have a ‘tawa’ of course of the futura series, that is more than a decade old and is still a beauty. The range of black utensils I must say is beauty combined with quality and durability. Recently I made an addition to my Hawkins Futura Cookware collection. I bought a 5 litre pressure cooker. The bit notice tempted me to make some more additions, a kadai, a handi, a frying pan……

I now know what will be item #4 on my black- wish-list. The remaining items i.e. excluding tawa and pressure cooker, of the Hawkins futura cookware series take slot #4.

Image courtesy Hawkins

Household chores over, I open my laptop. There are a number of eBooks I have downloaded from Amazon, waiting to be read. I open one. But mid-way through I start feeling tired. Now to be frank, I love paperbacks for the simple reason that I can just curl up somewhere a bed, a settee, a rocking chair or even a cane basket swing and read it without getting tired or bored. Time flies and I am unaware. But reading books on the computer or laptop is tiring. The neck starts crying then the back starts aching and finally the legs start getting restless.

Interest gone, I get up, shut down my laptop and go off to read a paperback copy of a book I have received in the day’s post. My husband looks at me with questioning eyes.

“eBook is not my cup of tea.”

“Why, it’s convenient. You don’t have to worry about storing and maintaining it. It’s easy to carry too on a journey.”

“Yes, I agree. But it’s so tiring to sit there in front of the laptop and read. You know I prefer curling up somewhere while reading a book.”

“Who says you must read eBooks on your laptop only. Why don’t you read it on my tablet?”

“No.”

“Why?”

“You know I hate being disturbed when I read. If I take your tab I have to return it as and when you want it.”

“Okay then, why don’t you buy one for yourself.”

“What about a Kindle reader? Any idea how it is?”

“It’s useful I hear. You can easily buy it online.”

“So then it’s finalized. Item #5 on my black- wish-list is a sleek, black, kindle reader.”

Image courtesy of adamr / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

It is tea time. I walk into the kitchen. The tea is put to boil. A song plays on my lips as I go through my wish-list once again.

Black baby bangles
Black car
Black Kancheevaram saree with yellow zari border
Black Hawkins Futura Cookware (entire range excluding tawa and pressure cooker)
Black Kindle Reader

Black coffee ready, I pour it out into two black coffee mugs. Placing them on a black tray I walk out of the kitchen into the garden humming all the way.

Image courtesy of khunaspix /FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Black for me is uplifting and light
It is a colour that catches my eyes
Brings sparkle in them, makes them wide
I love this colour that is vibrant, classy and bright

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This post is a part of #WhatTheBlack activity at BlogAdda.com

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Do leave your comments in the comment box below.

Book Review – Bubble Wrap

DETAILS

Title : Bubble Wrap
Author : Kalyani Rao
Publishers : Harlequin
Genre : Fiction

THE AUTHOR

A travel junkie who believes that she imbibed life’s lessons while on the move, Kalyani Rao is a young entrepreneur. She runs a theme based travel company near Pune and is a big fan of Haruki Murakami. She blogs at TwinklingPebbles.

Bubble Wrap is the first novel from Kalyani’s desk.

THE BOOK

The cover is simple yet attractive. It speaks volumes. The figure of two young girls holding hands and moving as if on flight as well as the tagline “Sometimes the only way is escape” give an insight into the story.

Blurb of the book

Twelve year old Krishna Singh has been married off to Shyam Singh of Rokhagadh, Rajasthan. Before the wedding, Krishna’s grandmother gives her a box filled with expensive jewellery, telling her to sell it in times of trouble, but otherwise to hide it from her parents and in- laws.

Accompanied by Gudiya, the fifteen year old widow of her cousin, Krishna realizes that her cold marital home is a far cry from the loving one she left behind. The world outside had modernized and is beamed via television into her home. But she is not allowed to go to school. Instead a female tutor comes home to teach her. A dubious father- in- law, a husband away at boarding school, and a mousey mother- in – law clearly show Krishna what is a woman’s place in the family.

An unfortunate incident leads Krishna and Gudiya headlong into a series of events that change their lives forever. As they deal with one situation after another, the girls discover each other and learn much about the world they live in. Bubble Wrap is a story about their fight for survival against impossible odds in a shallow male- dominated society.

WHAT I FELT ABOUT THE BOOK

HIGHS

Storyline – Relevant given the fact that there are still some states/ places in India where child marriage,female foeticide, denial of formal education to girls and cruelty to widows are rampant. The story is an expression of the desires of the female race shackled within the four walls of their homes, forced to blindly follow traditions much against their will. This is a story of two minor girls who plunge headlong into an unknown world unaware of the dangers, trials and tribulations awaiting them. While one tries to protect the other by forming a bubble wrap around her, the other puts at stake her life, her luxuries and comforts in an attempt to save the former from a life worse than that of a dog.

What touched me is the helplessness of the young girls who are left to fend for themselves in this wicked world, their desire for a better life and their unfailing love for each other.

Language – Simple, engaging, easy to understand. One can visualize the scenes as the story progresses.

Characters – The characters of the protagonists i.e. Krishna and Gudiya are well etched. However I feel the character of the tutor is a bit hazy.

Message – The story is a wake-up call to society, the Government and the parents of girl children in particular to educate the girl child/ their daughters, sensitize them of the dangers lurking both at home and outside and equip them to deal with such situations effectively. The story is also an appeal to the authorities to ensure the ban on child marriage and female foeticide effectively. The story gives us food for thought.

LOWS

Blurb – The blurb could have been made more catchy and interesting.

Editing – Could have been tighter.

RECOMMENDATION/ RATING-

If you are looking for a light read then maybe this is not for you not because it is heavily loaded in terms of vocabulary or content, but for the simple reason that the book reveals the stark truth of the ills prevailing around us. Hence it needs to be read and understood in all seriousness.

I give this 4/5

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I thank the author, Ms.Kalyani Rao for being kind enough to send me a review copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review.

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Buying Links

Harlequin । flipkart । amazon । infibeam । landmark । Home Shop 18

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Please leave your footprints in the form of comments and suggestions. Your words mean a lot to me

Hand that wielded the stick

“Whack!Whack!”

Heads turned, eyes wide open people looked on at the scene unfolding before their eyes, in amazement. Time stood still in the stationary bus.

Twirling the hockey stick in her hand, eyes blazing, she gave him a piece of her mind and stepped out.

“Come on girls, let’s move,” she said.

The small contingent moved ahead in silence. Of and on a girl would throw a furtive glance behind afraid that the victim or his goons may be following them. But she moved ahead, head held high, an epitome of grit and guts. She was none other than Mumtaz Begum, my friend and classmate, the captain of our college hockey team.

Wondering whether I too was a member of the team? No. Hockey and me? No way. I was never the tough type. But Mumtaz was. A troubled childhood had made her rough and tough. Not one afraid of calling a spade a spade, this wonderful lasso of nineteen knew how to handle a rogue.

Now if I was not in the team how did I come to know this one ‘little’ incident? What was it that made Mumtaz wield the hockey stick off the field? Here’s the story-

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It was a cool winter evening in January 1981.Dusk had set in. Sitting in my hostel room, deep in my books I did not notice her enter until I heard a loud guffaw. I turned around to see her doubled up on my bed, squeals of laughter escaping her lips. Finally spent, she looked up at me a mischievous smile curling her lips. My eyes met hers questioningly. She tapped her hockey stick. My eyes widened in horror. “Oh no, don’t tell me you’ve beaten up a rival on the field,” I said.

She gave me one of her sweetest smiles. “No, don’t worry. The situation did not warrant any such aggressive reaction.”

Worry lines writ large on my forehead I asked “Then what? I know that smile of yours. You’ve been up to something I’m sure. Come on, out with it.”

“Tap, Tap.” There was someone at the door.

“Come in.”

A bunch of six stepped in. A look at them and I knew they too were in it with it with her. Suddenly she sprung up and with one deft move swished the hockey stick with full force. Then leaning against the side of my desk she said, “The guy will think twice before he meddles with a girl in future.”

“Which guy? What have you done? I hope you have not invited trouble,” I said.

“Hey, stop fretting like a mama- hen. Calm down it’s nothing serious, just a little practice session in the bus.”

“What? You’ve been wielding the stick in the bus?” My eyes once again widened in horror.

Placing her hands on my shoulders she narrated a tale of guts.

Mumtaz Begum and team were returning after a grueling match. Sunset was fast creeping in. The first bus that arrived was full. Yet the team decided to board it not wanting to get late entering the hostel. The first half of the journey from Calicut city to Malaparamba was uneventful. The bus being jam- packed, the team was standing in the aisle. Slowly one by one with each passing stop, the commuters started getting off. Half – way through the journey, a young chap of around twenty five or so entered the bus and stood near the girls. The bus gained speed. Suddenly, Mumtaz who was standing behind the others noticed one of the girls squirm and move to one side. A few seconds passed, another girl let out a small yell. The man moved away and looked the other side pretending to be unaware of the cause of uneasiness of the girl. Nothing happened for the next five minutes or so. The man shifted position. One hand came to rest on the girl’s back. Suddenly she turned around, eyes blazing in anger she mumbled something below her breath. Mumtaz who was a mute spectator till then, took a step forward. The bus came to a halt. It was time for the team to disembark. They trooped out one by one, Mumtaz making up the rear.

Suddenly there was a movement. A hockey stick was raised only to come down with full force. The man let out a yell as the stick came into contact with his legs. Taken unawares he doubled up in pain. The stick was raised a second time. It landed on his back. Then without a word the ‘Mardaani’ of the team got off. The bus sped away carrying with it a man who had maybe for the first time, faced the might of a girl.

It’s been over thirty three years since this incident took place. Yet it is still is fresh in my mind, as fresh as the morning dew. Graduation over Mumtaz and me parted ways. The last time I heard of her, she was working in a bank.

Today when I think of her, I feel proud to have had her as a close friend and at the same time feel sad to have lost contact with her. Now as I narrate this incident I am tempted to salute her and others like her who do not give in to fear but stand up and fight against crime perpetrated against women. In honour of these brave souls I pen the following –

They come, they think
She is hapless, she is weak
Forget they
She is power, she is steel

She cries not out of pain or fear
She cries out of empathy and love for a dear
She is no weakling nor loser is she
She is a fighter, a winner is she

But for her, the human race would be a story long forgotten
She begets, she raises, she is patience personified
Love her, respect her, she’ll stand up for you
Tease her, trample her, she will hit back at you.

BEWARE OF HER. SHE IS WOMAN POWER. SHE IS ‘MARDAANI.’

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This is written as a part of I am Mardaani activity exclusively at BlogAdda.com for Indian Bloggers.

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Please leave your footprints in the form of comments and suggestions. Your words mean a lot to me.

Book Review – Anti-Social Network

DETAILS

Title :Anti-Social Network
Author : Piyush Jha
Publishers : Rupa Publications
Genre :Fiction (Crime Thriller)

THE AUTHOR

Acclaimed film director, ad filmmaker and author of bestselling novels, Mumbaistan and Compass Box Killer, Piyush Jha was actively involved in politics as a student .He started off his career in the field of advertising management only to switch tracks later on and pursue a career in film making/ direction. The beginning started with a few commercials for some of the leading brands in the country. Later on he moved on to writing and directing feature films. His films include Chalo America, King of Bollywood and Sikandar. Anti- Social Network is the third novel in the Mumbaistan series b the author. It is ‘an up-all-night crime thriller layered with suspense’ according to Ashwin Sanghi.

THE BOOK

One look at the cover and you know what to expect inside. The figure with a blood dripping knife in hand and blood splashed all over the background definitely suggests that the book is about crime and that too of the gory kind. But what crime? Read the blurb for that.

Blurb of the book

When college students across Mumbai are murdered one after another in gruesome ways, Inspector Virkar from the Crime Branch is called in. As Virkar investigates, he stumbles upon a ruthless gang of young tech- savvy miscreants who use social networking sites and the Internet for blackmail and sextortion. But how are the two cases linked? And who is the mastermind behind these killings?

As the case grows murkier, the computer- challenged Virkar finds himself greatly out of depth, chasing a killer who always seems to be one step ahead, and a group that soon trains its sights on him. He must race against time to unmask the gang and to find the murderer before his reputation is ruined forever.

Thick with suspense and layered with grit, Anti-Social Network brings to you Virkar’s toughest case yet.

WHAT I FELT ABOUT THE BOOK?

HIGHS

Storyline – Relevant with Internet and social media playing a prime role in one’s life. The story brings out the darker side of technology and highlights the dangers these two i.e. internet and social media, pose to our privacy and security. It is also a wake-up call to those involved in crime investigations to keep themselves abreast with the latest technology. The book is not just another crime thriller, it is an eye-opener. On the one hand it deals with drug abuse, extortion and murder and on the other hand it is the story of commitment to one’s duty.

The pace and ease with which the story unfolds is wonderful. The twists and turns add spice to the story.

Language and Length – Simple, engaging, lucid. The length is right, not more, not less.

Characters – Well etched with all their imperfections. Inspector Virkar, the main protagonist is a man committed to his profession. He is no super-cop but just a normal human being. He has his strengths and weaknesses too. His greatest handicap is his lack of thorough knowledge of the computers, the internet and the social networking system.

Richard, the drug addict and computer genius is shown as a hacker ready to assist Inspector Virkar but for a price. He represents those young minds that are willing to do anything just to be able to get high.

Sharad Lal, Kshitij Bhatia, Nayantara, Rajesh Chawre, Akhbir and Philo are young college students out to make a fast buck using their computer skills but in the wrong way. They are all a part of the sextortion racket. The author highlights the dangers posed by the social networking media through these young, tech-savvy students.

Ms. Naina Rai, Assistant Professor of Counseling Psychology is a mystery.One wonders what interest she has in the crime that unfolds.

Message – The book is a wake-up call to those innumerable professionals who are reluctant to update themselves with the latest technology and the latest in their area of operation. It is a wake up call to all those actively involved in the social networking to guard themselves from unscrupulous elements ready to go to any length just for the sake of money and all that it can buy.

LOWS

Language – 1) The Marathi and Hindi transliterations need some editing. 2) Foot notes for the colloquial usages would have proved helpful especially to those who come across them for the first time/ do not know the language of the usage.

WINDING UP

If you are looking for a page turner then, this is definitely one you can place your hands on. The layers of suspense will keep you hooked.

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I thank the The Tales Pensieve and the author Mr.Piyush Jha for being kind enough to send me a review copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. The book brings in focus Mr. Jha’s knack for churning out some wonderful crime thrillers.

This review is a part of The Book Review Programme at The Tales Pensieve.
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Buying Links

amazon । flipkart । rediffBOOKS। crossword । infibeam । bookadda । Uread

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Please leave your footprints in the form of comments and suggestions. Your words mean a lot to me.

Book Review – The Helpline

DETAILS
Title : The Helpline
Author : Uday Mane
Publishers : Frog Books (An imprint of Leadstart Publishing Pvt. Ltd.)
Genre : Fiction

THE AUTHOR

Born in Pune and brought up in Mumbai, Uday Mane is a social media marketer during the day and a story-teller at night. An avid reader, Uday Mane loves collecting classics. The Helpline is his debut novel.

Uday Mane blogs at The Allegorist . He is also on twitter @ The_Allegorist

THE BOOK

The cover is simple and lacks colour. This very aspect along with the picture, gives us an insight into the plot within.

Blurb of the book

Samir is suicidal. Rachael works for a suicide helpline. Fate connects them through a phone call. And so begins Samir’s story of love, longing, errors, regret and a girl who changed his life.

As his story reaches its conclusion, Rachael will know the true reason behind his suicidal tendencies. But this suicide helpline is not any ordinary service. There is more to the mysterious and yet so convincing voice of Rachael. As this new mystery begins to unfold, Samir is going to discover three things :

What is The Helpline?
Who is Rachael?
What is Samir’s own identity?

Every year several teenagers in India attempt suicide because of failing relationships, dwindling careers, parent pressure or the competitive world.

This story is about one such teenager, his early problems and the hurdles to cope with them. This story is about finding hope in the early struggle. This story is about fighting for what you believe in and discovering your true identity. This is not a story about falling in love. This is a story of rising from a failed love story.

WHAT I FELT ABOUT THE BOOK?

HIGHS

Story-line – Interesting, intriguing and one you can relate to. This is not just the story of Samir the protagonist, who shows suicidal tendency on account of his inability to cope up with a guilt but is also the story of a sister who’s world revolves around her one and only brother a victim of Down’s Syndrome. The Helpline also introduces us to a true friend in the form of Neha. Her worries, her concern for the protagonist are something that endears her to the readers.

But is there anything as failed love here? Well I wouldn’t use the expression ‘failed love’ for the simple reason that the choice of parting ways was a conscious decision made by the protagonist himself. Instead I would say this is a story of rising from the trauma of a disaster that gave rise to guilt.

The suspense surrounding the reason for Samir’s depression, his suicidal tendency, Rachael and her helpline are all maintained well till the very end. No hints, no clues are dropped anywhere in between. And this is exactly what engages the reader.

Language – Simple and lucid. The narrative flows freely.

Characters – The characters are well etched with all their virtues as well as flaws. Each character contributes to the flow of the story.

Message – The story conveys a strong message to both parents and those suffering from depression/ suicidal tendency. 1) For parents – Don’t force your dreams on your child. It can boomerang. 2) For those suffering from depression/ suicidal tendency – Suicide is not the only way out of your problems. We dream. Some dreams come true, others fail. Accept it and move on. When you are low speak to a dear one. It helps.

LOWS

The beginning few pages seemed to drag, but then from the 4th Chapter onward the story gained momentum keeping me hooked till the end. The editing is wanting in a few places.

MY RATING/ RECOMMENDATION

Looking for a light read. Then, this is definitely one you can place your hands on. The story touched my heart. I give this 4/5.

WINDING UP

Some quotes, some thoughts from the book that I must share here.

Page 106 – “A smile is motivation enough to keep us going.”

Page 128 – “Failure is a part of life. Don’t be afraid of it. Embrace it. Face it. Don’t be ashamed of it. You must learn to overcome your fears and build up on your strengths. ………..”

Page 139 –“Seldom do people get multiple choices.”

Page 201- “Relation is a thin thread held by two souls at each end. It takes just a scissor of misunderstanding to cut this thread.You may be very compatible for each other, but if you cannot compromise, then it is only a matter of time that things start falling apart……”

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I thank the author Uday Mane and Ms.Nimi Vashi who blogs at The Readers Cosmos, for being kind enough to send me a review copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. This book review is a part of ‘The Readers Cosmos Book Review Programme.’
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In service of the child

“Proceedings of Rs. 5 per book will be used for child welfare through The Rotary Foundation ”

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BUYING LINKS

amazon । flipkart
infibeam । crossword

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Please leave your footprints in the form of comments and suggestions. Your words mean a lot to me.