Cocktail by Vikram Karve

Tonight I'm going to review a book which, though has a very senior person by age, is a debut book. It is written with the playfulness of a blissful child who simply seems to be enjoying indulging into nuances of romance.

This book must be read one story at a time. It isn't meant to be read whole and soul in a single date that you fix with this book.

Each story dives your spirit into the life of a salaried employ. Pen strokes seem to be using the wand(pen), gesturing motions as though conducting an orchestra of music.

Two other thoughts drove past as I gulped down the contents like a eager prey.

1. Characteristics of doggedness. The stories expose it with excessive use of meaningless phrases and expressions.

2. Slice of the same fruit. Each story is like a slice. So if u eat the next slice, it more or less taste the same.

The writer is brave to have published the book. Many people whom I know with similar personalities as him, have drowned themselves engaging themselves into diffidence totally limitless.

With that said I come to the end of this review.

Good Bye Girl By Sheeja Jose

I met the author of "Good Bye Girl" a few weeks back when she launched her second book called - 'Gone With The Bullet'. Her voice itself tremors a prophet of what one could expect in her books.

The book has a ravishing appeal attached to it which soaks the reader into pouts of gruesome circumstances which expresses the authors overindulgence and emphasis on extremism, with little space for reason to enter. As the story unfolds, one is showered with disgust and injustice that is rubbed into  each and every page of this book.

As the title suggests, this book is definitely not for children. It speaks of adultery in the most cruel and meanest context. If i were to count the pages splashed with abusive language and shitty content then it'll cover almost 95% of the book.

There are several places where the authors thoughts projected via the victimized girl, the protagonist, are downright faulty and therein the reader believes it is a fiction novel. Her soul is pored out in the novel where she declares how distrustful life is to her.
It is quite common to find a switch in  use of  "reality" with "torturous". The most interesting bit is the pivotal vital points which swing the story around are the weak links which do not connect well. Had those spaces been used properly the story might have a different face to it.

There is definitely no denying though that the book  is gripping. It possesses a lustrous pull to engulf the reader and I actually shelved the book away after I saw that "thing" reaching out to me, if I'd choose between self integrity and justice. I would opt for the integrity.

I have experienced the Power of Nature and its ways of serving justice. Sometimes, the arena of our thoughts get jailed within our own existence. Which is what the author got trapped into whilst working with her characters and the subject she deals with. Predictability spake as no transformations happened to the characters.

Her descriptions of homosexual relationships also falters many places. The author forgot her protagonist is fighting for her innocence to be proven and gets carried away in proving it do all the tests and trials she undergoes for the sake of her friend Anus' soul to rest in peace.

After reading this novel I wouldn't want to opt to go through reading her next. I wish  the author all the best in her voyage.

When one digs into a well, one has chosen to dig into a well at the outset on their own. When one digs into a drain one has chosen the path and what follows is only a revelation of what ones subconscious is dimly aware about. The story is linear meaning having a straightforward tale told written in one go, if one decides to layer it - there is effort involved there. 

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!!!