The Switch By Aleena Qureshi

Everyone at the book launch had one question they yearned to get the answer to -

When is the next book coming up? That the book has tackled the subject very serenely and skidded through the sticky spots. That it takes courage for a person to publish the 1st book but courage + talent to publish the next one. 

Many had already read the book and knew what it was about, but I didn't know... I'd just taken a chance to be around, as it turned out- I believe it was worth it!!! 

Innocence is splattered across in each page of the book. Sombre expressions are mollified. Sub-plots are presumably left unfinished. Emotions are dealt with nonchalance. Basically, it is meant to be so since its a debutante author with her debut book.   

The Switch, as its been termed, is quite a raging phenomenon. It isn't new. It is viral. An author must remember though that mentioning her own name as a  character in her novel is deliriousness exposed, thus, must be avoided. 

The plot of the book involves, a young teenage child -high society, floating through the air unaware about the cruelty and hardships of life when an economic crisis dawns upon her life exposing her to another life altogether. A high society rich wealthy family downtrodden to nothing but something close to those just touching or above the poverty line. 

The challenges she faces and how she and her family overcomes that crisis. 

For Aleena's age, the content of the book is apt. Those who do not know the poet cum author is only 21years old, may disagree. The book is written in a way which is very plausible and pure. 

I wish the book all the best!!! 

May lots of success come your way. 

There is a long road ahead, don't you give up on this.... 

And if you wish to publish your next book on the poems you wrote - You can always give me a shout ... Poet's Choice!!! 

StarDust and Sheets By SAIBER

Just how one gulps down a glass of juice in no time, I was done reading this book even before I knew it. Its a nice addition to your collection and adds a different shade of color - making your bookshelf even more vibrant.

So here's bringing you  a scoop whoop into this little bundle of thrill. 

                                                                 COVER DESIGN 

Cover Design : Front side - Quite Astronomical 

                         Back side - Cute and Innocent 

Undoubtedly, its an excellent attempt by the writer to make the reader adorn the aroma of " A lover's kiss in the pages of a book." 

The first baby step is, always,  the purest. 

Leaving behind the confinement of your home and stepping out into the world to explore, this book delightfully sets the stage for the poet to be much adored  and be congratulated for having broken that invisible glass barrier that differentiates a person penning their thoughts out of passion for pass time to becoming a writer. Now, the journey involves understanding your social responsibility to feel accepted into the realm/world of authors thought -ocean. 

Brevity in her words , keeps the essence strong- in her poems. The book becomes a quick read , giving the readers the liberty to just flip a page in their own sweet time. At the same time, driving up a pace in the reader turning pages so fast sacrifices on the "gripping" element in the book. The expressions are marvelous like a drop of diamond into the sea of readers thoughts. 

Poems I Liked -  Fingertips ..... flares up erotic thoughts. 

                            Love Games .......... Bravo !!! 

Few lines I picked  -   " Paintbrush of my lips " ...  

In the poem , Naked , I thought there was a word missing before - naked. 

 "   "     "      ,  First Love,  The first line should it be 'fall' or 'fell' ?? 

I wish the author all the very best with her book. Incidentally, I have a poetry book publishing venture called "Poet's Choice" , which is a platform for getting your poems published. I have launched 3 books till now ... all of which are available on amazon and flipkart. 

You can like our page by the same name on Facebook. Check out our book Launch videos on  Youtube by searching - " Book Launch of Poet's Choice " 

This brings me to the end of this review!! 

The Forbidden One By Zaarra Khader

The Forbidden One … is a collection of well-chosen short stories. Her writing is infused in an essence that spells out – Discipline, Focus and Clarity. Just like the brush strokes of the practiced hand that has mastered finesse in their work, she diffuses her stories with very subtle endings, which is almost soothing.

I discovered a new style of writing a story through her book. Without plunging into much specific details, she manages to beautifully bring out the motto of her story. Every story has just one character as the focal point. Other characters are mostly kept in the shadows yet their presence is made – just as much as needed – to ensure the smooth flow of the story.

“Flawless!!”, that’s the word that comes out when I pause to think critical. Spelling mistakes also go unseen, when the reader is so engrossed into simply ingesting the juicy contents of this book. Curiously enough, the same stories that would be found in the screenwriters trash bin, makes her book  worth exemplifying  the fact that – “ If you  just organize your work and use it efficiently then every piece falls in place making it a masterpiece.” It is an art to create value out of nothing  that takes a person a long way in life. My mother taught me this.  

You have nailed it. Forbidden is great. Forbidden is good. Forbidden is a threat. Forbidden is a loss. All these stories revolve around human beings who actually exist in the society. Due to  the closeness of each story to reality – there’s an instant connect – between the reader and the characters and their stories.

Since I’d attended the Book Launch of this book... I heard Shekhar Suman( Guest of Honor)  say something of which what I derived was, “ Success washes all fibs, muting it out for the better from the otherwise raised voices that pulls one down.” I kept looking for which story narrated that moral. The last story seemed to outline the same, somewhat vaguely. But nowhere was that specifically mentioned in the book. I think, he was referring to the occasion at hand i.e. the launch ,  in order to say what is aptly befitting the current situation then.

Practice and industry footprint is speaking boldly in your writing. Influences that surround you seem liberating, yet are captivating, in a manner where bliss becomes the nature of one’s existence and emotions the jail. You enjoy  splashing tidal waves , which may go as far and deep whence they retract but have to come and hit the shore in the end. What if you were made to believe and consider  that that cycle can be broken ?

Each story has been structured with a different set of words, giving it the identity to stand out from the rest. The flavor and feel is unique. Hats off to you!!

With this I wish the author all the best with her book and future releases. 

BLUE BOY By Rakesh Satyal

My journey towards reviewing debut writers is really becoming an exciting one as this is helping me expose myself to new colors , or rather unexplored or forgotten colors, that sprawl around me and maybe even inside me as I journey through a lane which isn't at all recommended by anyone credible enough; to give me  confidence that its safe or that its going to be worth my time.

That mystery of trying out something - OUT OF THE BOX - or unique is what drives me towards the books that are written in gullible ink which craves for reaching the eye of a reader. How  I connect with those who spill such ink onto paper is  because I myself find the same anxiety within me..(To know more - check Poet's Choice ... my book. )

So today, I'm going to be reviewing another book that's called " BLUE BOY " ....

Blue Boy By Rakesh Satyal 

How I came across this book was also very interesting. It happened when  I attended a book discussion on " The Fountainhead " which was followed by a book exchange session. Obviously, I'm about to compliment the artwork and content showcased on the cover design. It is impressive and I connected with things like " lover of music " , " a boy who doesn't understand his lot " , etc, ... I had a feeling that there's something I will be able to relate myself with in this book. 

Unlike other books which I gulp down my throat in about 3-4days MAX ... I sort of had a invisible barrier repelling me from reading on. For instance, I just read the prologue and virtually left the book for a week coz every night I would tell myself  I'll read it tomorrow.  I remember, I've read the prologue at least three times to get myself on track with the story which was to follow. 

I expected the book to be witty from what the cover page said and what the prologue wafted my senses with. When I finally dipped into the pool of wild words and phrases this author has used. I met with many breaking expectations. Firstly, I did not come across much emphasis anywhere in the book to show Kiran's love for music. Next, the queer side of him glinting homosexuality was too rubbed all throughout the book but what was irritating was that the author left the question dangling in mid air - whether the boy was actually so or not? I dunno as a reader, I expect an acceptance which can sink in on either side .. like a firm YES OR NO... 

Jump plots .. The problems or sub plots that were created were not given a conclusion. That again shows the emotions of the author justifies those plots as concluded (assuming the reader to presume the most obvious conclusions)  not knowing that the readers can only read whats printed on paper, where they are being expected to read the unwritten heartfelt emotions of the author too. That is highly unlikely. 

After sometime, I actually started counting the number of pages each chapter is having. wherein, if I'm truly enjoying the book I don't end up doing that. There were few places where I stopped counting the pages though, but that was a rare case. From page 75-80 I would actually count the number of pages I had to finish. The story was dragging.. it was too descriptive and less interesting 

I did not completely opt out of the book, believe me, if the book has been totally rubbish I've stashed it in my library until dust starts to accumulate over it or if i have returned it back to its owner.  The book has been written with the hands of a person who has worked hard, and that's probably what kept me going. 

It looks like the book is an auto biographical with  excerpts from the authors life which he's shared with the world. I honestly felt dissatisfied with the ending of the book, at least that could've been made fully enjoyable. Even there, the author gave half satisfaction or joy to the reader. It was very abrupt. Is the reader supposed to expect another sequel to this book? Amongst many other questions this one is the most likely one.. there were more questions raised in the readers mind than answers. 

Kiran's parents perspective and life  is left unexplained.... The teachers and school perspective is left open... Did the duo who hooked up n brought embarrassment to  Kiran when he exposed their attractions to their parents shown justice with their true colors getting exposed to their parents later? 

What was the fate of the competition in which he participated taking all risks upon himself .. who won ??  

All in all, if I had to recommend this book to anyone I will tell them that they better be prepared for a slippery bashful ride into a story with many unconnected dots and yet very organically youthful. 

Best of Luck!!! 

Thoughts Translated By Goldie Nanwani

So this time I attended a Book Launch of an author who is from Barcelona, Spain but is of Indian Origin. It was yesterday at Title Waves Bookstore in Bandra...

Akshay Sonthalia, Author and Publisher of Poet's Choice with Goldie Nanwani, Author of Thoughts Translated

All that I now say will be directed straight to you, dear author - Goldie. And I say this, it is going to be a toughened up blatantly slashing rough  review as you walk down the road tiled with my words. 

Save two steps from action, the Book Launch became a family affair with casual small talks and emotional linkages gaining significance, which I must point out makes the others attending your event find themselves "unwanted" and worse " uninvited". I do not speak of myself here, that was the general observation I made. The conversations which were happening there had the interest shifted from your book , to elsewhere. 

Your Friend and guest of honor - Rohit Verma, was side stepped away. The event lacked enough planning and proper organizing. 

One step from the Book........  before I delved into the ocean of your thoughts I was asked to not waste my time. That came from a person who did not know you, never met you and judged your book from what was there in it. She actually slapped the book on the table and I was surprised to see that. 

Now that we are ready lets spring into action .. rubbing my hands together!! 

             

                                                                                                     HERE WE GO -----------

1. NO PREFACE : A Preface, Prologue, Author's Note forms a crucial part of a book. I know, it is generally perceived as neglected but that doesn't mean it is not important. Within the writer's world and book readers associations, 40% of the sales of your book takes place via these things since the people get to know you, decide whether they want to invest their time and money into the book by looking at it.
Who have you published this book for? Is it your friends, relatives and your followers only or is it for a larger world out there.

2. Editing and Content Design :  There are a few foreign language content, punctuation errors, typo's which are not understood by a unknown reader. They need explaining. The book must be proof read and edited. Publishing a book is a very serious ball game and very different from writing a blog.

3. Observations :The content of the book is very personal. It is a narrative of the most organic thoughts. That reminded me of my early days when I first started writing - 9 years back . I consider those my nursery years when I was just learning A-B-C with a blissful composure just like a baby and that is the stage you are in right now . Each word in your book, "EACH WORD" , is expressing something so you have to choose them carefully. The content will only make complete sense to you, right now- there are several instances when I found myself lost (for there were underground thoughts unexplained which were assumed to be known to me).

You have thrown too many words and phrases not giving them enough value.

You used "Truly,Madly Deeply" in one of your poem - which is a song by Savage Gardens.

Generalizing your opinions and beliefs with " We" and "You" , is a very disastrous error and puts off the reader. You must give the reader their space and let them feel comfortable reading rather than involving them - personally - into you.

4. No Visuals : The book is too philosophical. There is no visuals one can create in their minds. You need to give a reader a ground to walk on. With no location, no house, no sky, no nothing your chapters do not connect with the reader. You're living in Spain, and have spent much of your time in UK, you would've done well to describe the places and setup where you discovered these experiences.

For conclusion, I congratulate you for fulfilling your dream of being a published author and wish you all the very best with your book. However, my strong recommendation would be that you re-write and structure your book at least two more times before you re-publish this.
Do not make yourself so vulnerable and naked. Make your characters that.

You have a long road ahead, you'll walk alone, before mixing into the social world of writers!!!

BE PREPARED!!!

Catching The Departed By Kulpreet Yadav

As one plunges into the sea of thoughts, there is no where to go except either to panic or enjoy the very moment of unforeseen surprises sprung upon one and pray for the very best to happen. From the very first page itself, this book whirled into action leaving the reader curious to know what was going to come up next.

The story is ideal for being filmed into a Bollywood action thriller, seeing a lot of village gangster stories are trending these days. One has many questions running in their minds, on the outset,  the most striking one being  - what is the hidden aspect of the local lawyer which made a worthless drunkard into such a significant person? Did he lead another life except what was portrayed to his family? 

Andy Karan, the protagonist of the book faces much danger and sees death in its face to uncover the truth of what can possibly be spinning in the small village of Tilakpur with the training of the Indian Army behind him. 

The author has put his heart and hard work into putting the plot together with much support and encouragement, that does not go amiss. Distrust and Suspicion reels the story into delirious backstabbing, striking off every character as their purpose gets fulfilled; at the same time, bringing the antagonist closer to revelation. 

It appears that, this book has been a stage setter for a volley of books to follow on similar tales with Crime, Police, Detectives and Intelligence Bureau to be evicted meticulously all over the place. The readership is bound to rise, with the book being shortlisted for Hachette DNA  " Hunt of the Next Bestseller". 

The first book of the author and it is graciously praised with the presence of Mr. Amish Tripathi, the bestselling author of Shiva Trilogy, at the book launch at Press Club, Mumbai - giving him a nice head start already. 

The author being the founder -editor for The Open Road Review, a literary journal and being the founder member for Asia Pacific Writers and Translators Association is well equipped to craft an interesting novel to entice the reader to gobble down his words in one go. 

The most hilarious moment in the book comes when the ministers and politicians are shown as coconuts asking for suggestions on the course of action they should take from a soldier, at the moment of threat to the National security of the nation. 

The sensual love making at Murud is worded well enough for any guy to get an adrenaline rush into their pants, leaving them disappointed at how soon it ended. The passion between the two had been surmounting for over a 150 pages. 

There can be a lot of hidden stories ( for the subsequent books) as the backgrounds of all the characters are just tapped on the surface. From Monica aka Ramya to Andy Karan and KB . It will help work as a strategy to lay trust upon the loyal readership base, who in turn  are adept with  "Word of Mouth ". 

Go Figure the Brilliance and grab the book Today !!!!!

                                                 Kulpreet Yadav @ Press Club, Mumbai

Chocolat By Joanne Harris

So after a while now, I decided it was time to add another post to this blog , but this time its not a new book I've read but rather a very old one and that too - a novel that got the courtesy of having a film made of it AND  which won quite a few Academy awards at that time.

This book was a real feast to read. No really!! I mean the language was mulled over with  recipes so smooth and cherishing, that one truly floated in Chocolat with its soft hearted romance and light minded penning. 

The dramatic chain of events and characterization was truly nostalgic as it took me back in time, into the small town life which consisted of such simple people and which, people actually lived then in real lives too. .I could relate with a lot of people in the book especially Armande, the old lady with mischief in her eyes , she reminded me vaguely of my grandmother. 

As I reached halfway through the book, The writer in me, started prodding me with the thought clearly showing the dramatic style in which the writing was done. As though the book was originally written scene by scene with the futuristic intent of getting filmed.... LIKE A DRAMATIC PLAY!!!

All issues were tapped and addressed with mild sprinklers with the authors main focus and passion being drawn towards protagonist and her chocolate shop. Which goes to say that the author was quite clear about the purpose; for which a reader picks up her book to read, is for entertainment and not enlightenment. 

The best tact was the way she tackled the messy bits where circumstances might've become gruesome had she not used the third persons' viewpoint whilst telling it, so that the reader did not find themselves amidst the roughness. Somewhat like a vague indication she managed  expressing the main details of what really happened from the eye of a far standing spectator, quite well. 

But her masterstroke, was in ending it with the poise with which she concluded her book. It left a soothing sensation almost healing into making me believe in the presence of humane societies. 

The word territory was well chosen and equipped firmly to each character. 

The dialogues were simple and easy to grasp, like a river of sweetener spreading peace, love and joy every place it may go. 

Many times the movie attracts viewers to go for the book, which is why  books are made into films - my marketing instincts tell me- but over here,  it looks like the gates opened the other way round. which is to say, I'm drawn towards getting my hands on the movie after reading the book. 

I used to be drooping away to sleep (since i generally read this book at night), but would want to push myself a little further just to absorb the essence flowering out from the book. The practical approach of the woman with a smile on her face carried all the way on my face too as I swam in it. May God bless the damsel  for the romantic dreams I had on some of the nights after going off to bed. 

The marketing streak I picked from her book asks me to share over here that : 

I TOO HAVE WRITTEN AND SELF PUBLISHED A BOOK OF POEMS, WITH MUCH COURAGE.. just the way she opened her chocolate shop during the season of Lent opposite the church in the book. 

So, please do check out the following links and order your copies. 

http://www.amazon.in/s/ref=nb_sb_noss/275-9816025-8416820?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Poets%20Choice%20Free%20spirit

You'll also get e-books for the books if you search : Poets Choice  Free Spirit

You may also like me on Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Poets-Choice/107353709333040?sk=manager

For conclusion, I'd thank the person who lent this book to me with well meaning  generosity and sincerity. You must also read it. 

Well, I guess that completes this review!! 

I hope you like it and if you do please do share and subscribe. 

Have a nice day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Adios