tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78470038351841003042024-02-07T19:45:31.035+05:30Sugar N Spice CookiesSome Stories |
Some Quotes |
Some Books |
Some Reviews |
sugar N spice cookieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13319146307448488299noreply@blogger.comBlogger250125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847003835184100304.post-73856102290816202032022-05-26T18:22:00.000+05:302022-05-26T18:22:00.348+05:30Book review : Anxious people by Fredrick Backman<div>Anxious People...The most talked about book of 2021 and one I started in 2021 but finished it in 2022. Anxious people is a treat!</div><div><br></div><div>I wanted to read this because of the chatter that was going on around...where I tried not to hear any discussions because the title was intriguing enough to make me want to read it. And I never go by the reviews be it anything...I kind of tend to form perceptions soon.. and hence I sometimes like to call myself 'the most influenced'.</div><div><br></div><div>This is the first time I read a Backman too and man! I am in love with this man's writing style. The way the story enfolds, every character and their characteristics. The little details he mentions and the little things he specifically misses out just to make the story ever more interesting. And I will like to believe to keep the reader guessing and forming own perceptions and conclusions.</div><div><br></div><div>I am a romantic genre geek and hence I don't have any favourite characters from this book, despite the book being full of love. All the characters are intertwined by not just what is happening but what once happened too and it is fascinating to read such a story...with every chapter unfolding another revelation or just another one's guess coming true at times.</div><div><br></div><div>As Alex Schulman said to Backman...how it can feel when a text completely floors you...this is what this book made me feel....Complete...wholesome, after reading it.</div><div><br></div><div>I will just finish it off saying…this book will tell you something about you too.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Image source: Goodreads</div>sugar N spice cookieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13319146307448488299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847003835184100304.post-70488254497386423712022-01-11T17:45:00.001+05:302022-01-11T17:45:24.247+05:30GOALS 2022Happy New Year!!<div><br></div><div>And happier to have a new notebook to write my new goals...yay!!</div><div><br></div><div>I have always been in love with fresh new notebooks, journals, diaries...the fragrance is what keeps me lingering onto them for long.</div><div><br></div><div>So 2022 is the first year I set out to do this entire process of goal setting and breaking it down into bits of actionable tasks, distributed over the entire year to do. In short...a TO-DO list ...another thing I love to make..made out in advance.</div><div><br></div><div>Reading and writing have been two of my constants since the past couple of years. I have had this blog for long...yeah never consistent blogger though...and have a writing personal blog on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kadambarisingh_ks/">Instagram</a></div><div><br></div><div>I always want to write but somehow the day job and mindless scrolling takes over sitting and writing.</div><div><br></div><div>Reading...something I have pursued from childhood but again with the "adulting" is lost somewhere. I have been setting a TBR target on goodreads for 2 years now but never touched the half either.</div><div><br></div><div>But this year has to be different.</div><div><br></div><div>So to be an responsible adult, I have decided that I'll achieve all of my Goals for 2022!</div><div><br></div><div>Starting with...re-starting my blog website.</div><div><br></div><div>As someone wise once said to me - "If you are not reading and writing...then what's the difference between you and an illiterate".</div><div><br></div><div>So I Have taken up the challenge to read 24 books for the year 2022.</div><div><br></div><div>And for writing...I will be writing about each of these books on my blog. No it is not going to be a review of these books..but what I learned, what I felt on reading that book.</div><div><br></div><div>Already running a bit behind the schedule but not the least in spirits.</div><div><br></div><div>Book 1 - Anxious People by Fredrick Backman</div><div><br></div><div>Cheers 2022!!</div>sugar N spice cookieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13319146307448488299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847003835184100304.post-49995915102313741282021-08-13T19:53:00.002+05:302021-08-13T19:53:21.757+05:30Book review : How to be a Bawse By Lilly Singh<p> </p><p><br /></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">So I got this book in 2017 because I loved the title and
since then have tried 5 times to read it. The first 4 times I just couldn’t get
past chapter 3. While purchasing it I thought its Lilly Singh’s autobiography
but it is actually a self-help book. This is a beautiful book like
literally...bigger font, glossy pages, cool pictures of lilly Singh and cute
caricatures and one of the reason why I decided on giving it a final try in
2021 before I DNF it for-forever.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And to my surprise I liked this book almost like a second
best to my favourite self-help – The power of habit by Charles Duhigg.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Maybe previously I was not in the frame of mind to relate to
what was written and now when I have connected with the content I know this one
is a gem to treasure and read as and when I feel the need. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Lilly has written it in a simple, easy going language, using
examples from her life as well as what life throws at all of us. The book is
quite motivating. And Lilly with her anecdotes is so action-inspiring.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The book is divided into 4 parts of a total of 50 chapters
of life lessons that Lilly learned on in her journey. The book also has some
exercises that one can fill out as one progress hence putting what one learns
into action there and then. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This book shows one a different perspective of thinking and
seeing things. And to apply the new found observation and thought to life
situations and ourselves.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are several pointers which if thought of daily can
revolutionize one’s life. Some that I remember very strikingly are - </p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Self control</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Know yourself deep down and clean</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Accept yourself.</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Be driven by goals not emotions</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Take ownership</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Reflect on how things happened, good or bad</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Put a 100% into everything you do...try to make
it different, add an edge.</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Don’t lose your focus</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Consistency is the key</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Create deadlines and stick to them</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Invest in yourself</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Be open, honest and respectful</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There’s so much to learn from this book but if there’s one
daily mantra that I have adapted from the book it is – </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><b>Say what you mean but don’t be mean and Smile, stand tall
and be as adorable as you can.</b></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Way to go Bawse!!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVKHmOi9z4FI_gXH18EcUqcBCw4vjsGyaik2uymiT565zQ_frDfGSVkWeaiupaFdPSryIwMubbI28jPD8WCgVaADzNTz6fzCyTYa1z8svCqwrXYdm0iOpCy0naSgsvmQTKo8V4Fay0nPE/s336/How+to+be+a+bawse-+review+by+Kadambari+SIngh.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="336" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVKHmOi9z4FI_gXH18EcUqcBCw4vjsGyaik2uymiT565zQ_frDfGSVkWeaiupaFdPSryIwMubbI28jPD8WCgVaADzNTz6fzCyTYa1z8svCqwrXYdm0iOpCy0naSgsvmQTKo8V4Fay0nPE/s320/How+to+be+a+bawse-+review+by+Kadambari+SIngh.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><br /><p></p>sugar N spice cookieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13319146307448488299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847003835184100304.post-11899005377134992452021-07-19T20:04:00.001+05:302021-07-19T20:04:12.853+05:30Book review : The power of habit by Charles Duhigg<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal">H.A.B.I.T.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Do you love binge-watching?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Do you live in the moment and love it that way?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Do you want to make a new habit (waking up early, be on
time, visualising...) but you give up in a couple of days?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Do you want to give up on an old not-so happening habit (say
too much drinking, just can’t let go binge-watching, too many selfies in the
phone no time to clean the phone...)?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Are you lazy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the answer
is a YES then great because so are all of our brains.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><b>Yes our brain is lazy</b></i> and if the answer to any or all of the
above questions is a yes or maybe then the book ’The power of habit’ – by Charles
Duhigg becomes a good read for you.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #800180;"><b>Here’s the theory - </b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our brain is the laziest organ of our body..and smart
too..even if you don’t want to admit..it will continue to be smart. The brain
is always on a lookout to save effort and do less. Hence it relies on routines
where one simple action stimulates several other related subsequent acts
without thinking much. Hence once you learn something...like using your
phone..doing it or using it in this case, becomes second nature to you..like
texting, taking selfies or scrolling through SM.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The author has used simple language..ofcourse with some
technical terms..to explain the way our brain functions and why habits are
powerful. How habits make us and how we can use habits to be the person we
always wanted to be.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Habits make life easier for the brain and in turn for us.
The author has used several case studies on individuals, organizations and
society to elaborate on the habit loop and what are the causes or triggers for
a particular habit/process to happen and how can one mould/change or remove it.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #800180;"><b>What I want to say is – </b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The power of habit by Charles Duhigg is a self help book.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Most of us don’t like to read and for the people who like to
read, most of us don’t like non-fiction and specifically self-help. I won’t say
this book is a game-changer in that way but yes it is definitely something not
just to ponder over but put into action ASAP.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You want to change something about yourself...this book has
the answer</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You want to change something about someone else...this book
has the answer.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You want to bring a radical organizational change...this
book has it.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You want the society mindset to change...this book has
examples to tell you how it was previously done. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #800180;"><b>Impactful & interesting pointers from the book – </b></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Keystone Habit</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Chunking</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The habit loop</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The understanding of habit and role it plays in
generating business revenue</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The golden rule of habit change</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Bringing a change in the group mindset</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I don’t like non-fiction much but I LOVED this book. The
case studies kept me hooked and the best of all it has helped me understand
myself and gave me a different outlook to look at things. I have even succeeded
in some puzzle solving. Yay!!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Read on and share your views.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeGIB10TO9a9PDxrT7dvWixZPjF8ZuXxatYtB7OaXaMSQG8SaaJrrESmZmPdrIhWMYjr309grU5F_4RkAlhbKi8hy0PNyNfdGfRf6zG5MJGv7l-ragydtz5Z9vqoyUCxECPpE38z8JoAK/s1280/Book+review+-+The+power+of+habit+-+kadambari+SIngh.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeGIB10TO9a9PDxrT7dvWixZPjF8ZuXxatYtB7OaXaMSQG8SaaJrrESmZmPdrIhWMYjr309grU5F_4RkAlhbKi8hy0PNyNfdGfRf6zG5MJGv7l-ragydtz5Z9vqoyUCxECPpE38z8JoAK/s320/Book+review+-+The+power+of+habit+-+kadambari+SIngh.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><o:p><br /></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><p></p>sugar N spice cookieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13319146307448488299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847003835184100304.post-51634946464882349202021-02-17T19:20:00.000+05:302021-02-17T19:20:05.698+05:30Book review : A dash of romance by Paullett GoldenDo you know what is a FLASH FICTION?<div><br /></div><div>A dash of romance written by Paullett Golden <span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;">is (of course) a romantic novel.</span></div><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;">The story is set in 1795 - Devonshire. It revolves around Ms. Abigail Walsley - a young aspiring novelist and Mr. Percival Randall - a fun-loving Londoner.. And how a fib becomes a fact. </span></div><div><br /></div><div>The author has described all the chapters in detail and it takes one directly to the 18th century life and lifestyle. The simple language and all the little details set in 18th century makes it easy for one to relate. Though once you start reading it, the end is totally predictable but the storytelling is not.</div><div><br /></div><div>Though the book is called 'A dash of romance' - but there's a lot of romance from admiring each other silently to taking long routes just to spend more time together to realizing one's life purpose through the other to finally becoming a better person and the teasing camaraderie. It is a well-written and well-said story.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, coming to the QOTD...the author has made this an anthology i.e. when you buy the book, you not just read this novel but also a good number of flash fictions.</div><div><br /></div><div>The flash fictions in this book are fictional stories from 500 - 2000 words. Each is based on a theme and a treat to read. I loved these more as, though the stories are succinct but they give you the complete experience of a good novel. </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;">A word of caution - given the era it has been written in, it may not be enjoyable for all romance genre lovers but still I'll ask you to read and slow down and feel the love - the charm and wooing of the days gone by. </span></div><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;">I can simply sum it up as - LOVELY!</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I will rate it a 4.5/5.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ53moOjQyMQ9YcLKvrbAyo2L_8oNcd9DFO5r3n79di8b-gzLZhcaF9Rt5VXbC2fVVEomsuG4-sAH8LAg46BDmM0m38iEa6HnqXD2GbjYC0bD47oG4UJid78EAA_TXTjx2ys8-QePZP6Ca/s2048/Kadambari+writes+book+reviews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1532" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ53moOjQyMQ9YcLKvrbAyo2L_8oNcd9DFO5r3n79di8b-gzLZhcaF9Rt5VXbC2fVVEomsuG4-sAH8LAg46BDmM0m38iEa6HnqXD2GbjYC0bD47oG4UJid78EAA_TXTjx2ys8-QePZP6Ca/s320/Kadambari+writes+book+reviews.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>sugar N spice cookieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13319146307448488299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847003835184100304.post-56788076451041235162020-10-30T15:39:00.000+05:302020-10-30T15:39:12.273+05:30Book review : What they don't teach you at Harvard business school by Mark H. McCormack<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">What they don’t teach you at Harvard Business School written
by Mark H. Mccormack is a non-fiction.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">There are so many books to read and it is always tough to
decide what to read and what not. Personally I have made some lists for myself
which covers the various genres, styles, authors etc so that the most reading I
do, is diverse and vivid. And so I go for buying books in a similar fashion.
October is a month which I have kept for non-fiction reading. So this is how I
picked this book.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">As I am not a big fan of non-fiction, I bought this book
last Diwali and as in October I have to buy a new non-fiction so I thought I
should be done with postponing this one and now just read it. But once picked
up, it is a wonderful book to read. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The author is a Yale passed lawyer and runs his own
business. The author has divided the book into 3 parts for the ease of
understanding and application. He elaborates every point with examples from his
real-life experiences which are insightful and given the author’s sense of
humor is fun to read too. The book was first published in 1984 and yet all the
pointers mentioned are 100% relevant today. The author goes in details from one’s attitude towards oneself, to others, to the approach towards work and to looking towards the long term plan. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">If I have to sum up the content of this book in one sentence, I will say -</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"> <b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">The better you think you are doing, the greater
should be your cause for concern.</span></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> - What they don't teach you at Harvard business school</span></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">It is a non-fiction, a self-help book and a keeper for those who work
towards the bigger picture. It helps one think, grow and adapt. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I will rate it 5/5.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbakIFxEzVQNXf7A3BzUOV2CbDCtSm5kMIVdsEns_riLatbdMItEQUikG0c05Cja8AlmB7byZKCAR0SDACi1iLxb2yMN2yUQ637eATXnxDUQJWp7j14UJBIMv-jVFgy0ETYjjtFAYgzo1/s355/Book+review+-What+they+don%2527t+teach+you+at+harvard+business+school.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbakIFxEzVQNXf7A3BzUOV2CbDCtSm5kMIVdsEns_riLatbdMItEQUikG0c05Cja8AlmB7byZKCAR0SDACi1iLxb2yMN2yUQ637eATXnxDUQJWp7j14UJBIMv-jVFgy0ETYjjtFAYgzo1/s320/Book+review+-What+they+don%2527t+teach+you+at+harvard+business+school.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>sugar N spice cookieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13319146307448488299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847003835184100304.post-17396617715707736712020-09-18T13:35:00.000+05:302020-09-18T13:35:29.175+05:30Book review : Kintsugi By Anukrti Upadhyay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When you have it all, do you really have it all?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763;">Kintsugi</span> by Anukriti Upadhyay is a work of fiction.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The novel is a story about women, how they are defining their worlds and how men find it difficult to know and understand their way of defining the world. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The story revolves around it's three main characters - <span style="color: #073763;">Haruko, Leela</span><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span>and<span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span><span style="color: #073763;">Meena,</span> the three women coming from entirely different background and going to different destinations yet tied together. What I love the most is the beauty and subtlety with which the author detailed the emotions and feelings that a woman goes through and what all she endures to get what she wants. A woman can be confused, can be ambitious but the society never readily accepts them or comfort them. The society includes the people who are close, too. An independent woman - the phrase is endearing but only a woman knows what it really means.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The language is simple. The author has a strong influence of Japan and it reflects in the writing. The descriptions are vivid and eerily calm...maybe that is how Japan is..I am intrigued to go there. Usually I skip the descriptions but Anukriti didn't let me.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A word of caution - The novel is not for everyone, it is written simply but is way too profound. In the middle section it does seem slow paced and gets a bit puzzling towards the end. I wont suggest this for people seeking romance or just the happy endings because it goes beyond that. Actually it is a practical book and talks about what happens around us and not the hypothetical ideal world. And I will definitely suggest people to read who are inclined towards art, everything about Jewels and Japan is how I look at this book and kind of liked it for these bits. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Overall, a book that provokes critical acclaim maybe...and hence not everyone's cup of tea. Besides when you see it that way, it is a good good book. It is something which will not just stir your emotions but your mind as well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ill rate it a 4.5/5.</div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgub3FDiFJaigETxUeEkoSzFw6oBodgJN2O3LPzAzlda5F93oeCh-C6zInvDH6H8XCXgjtWHQsahEIB2pJuFA73yXmS-cEqPyGyn6FbO0jnOPC0Nj8prYf6QohD4d1uQ8tur4XWCOnGSjy7/s2048/Kadambari+Singh+-+book+reviewer+-Kintsugi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgub3FDiFJaigETxUeEkoSzFw6oBodgJN2O3LPzAzlda5F93oeCh-C6zInvDH6H8XCXgjtWHQsahEIB2pJuFA73yXmS-cEqPyGyn6FbO0jnOPC0Nj8prYf6QohD4d1uQ8tur4XWCOnGSjy7/s320/Kadambari+Singh+-+book+reviewer+-Kintsugi.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">P.S. - The book is reviewed as part of the <a href="https://www.theblogchatter.com/" target="_blank">Blogchatter</a> book review program.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div>sugar N spice cookieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13319146307448488299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847003835184100304.post-40902613318185237422020-08-14T13:29:00.001+05:302020-08-14T13:29:59.376+05:30Book review : Tarikshir - The awakening By Khayaal Patel<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Do you believe in haunted places?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Tarikshir by Khayaal Patel is a mystery/fiction.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The story revolves around Rudra, the newly crowned King of Devangarh and the secret of Tarikshir - a ghost or a demon or... nobody knows what.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The author has written the book in simple language. His storytelling is detailed yet not boring and leaves good enough instances for imagination. The characters are well placed. The tone and style of each character is distinct and takes transitions as needed along the storyline.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">This been Khayaal Patel</span>'<span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">s first book, the storytelling is impressive. As the book is a thriller it does keeps you on edge with the mystery but the subtle love story or I should say, the hint of budding love and its nuances, is what impressed me too. All credit to the author for not letting the love story overpower the crux of the book.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you read the book closely there are several lessons too. Though these lessons are for the king but they are still applicable to our current situation. One of my favorites is - </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">"Every weapon has two facets - the weapon and the object that powers it."</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">So what I like, the story, the characters and the twist...I like almost everything about the book except it's cover. The cover, though related to the book does not relate to the story and its mystery. Any day the cover could have been better leading to more people picking onto this one.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I will rate it a 4.5 /5. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I will say don't look at the cover, just pick it up. It is a nice easy and engaging read and it may make you want to research somethings further.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90wgSIvYmrVHu75hWSDrhw9aBceDcT1Rf2UFZvUsXhbTDeWxk-yGNxRdNveLdORtzlFz_xQOj5rDdrdh7nfOWuC_FLFWYjB0pbd_4SO5i7czyTC7qTNZCgBg7fKyIwiqfb08iN2X2o07h/s448/Sugar+n+Spice+cookies+-+Book+Blog+of+Kadambari.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90wgSIvYmrVHu75hWSDrhw9aBceDcT1Rf2UFZvUsXhbTDeWxk-yGNxRdNveLdORtzlFz_xQOj5rDdrdh7nfOWuC_FLFWYjB0pbd_4SO5i7czyTC7qTNZCgBg7fKyIwiqfb08iN2X2o07h/s0/Sugar+n+Spice+cookies+-+Book+Blog+of+Kadambari.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>sugar N spice cookieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13319146307448488299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847003835184100304.post-29244279839913113782020-07-17T21:30:00.002+05:302020-07-17T21:36:58.118+05:30Book review : Faith And The Beloved by Kochery C Shibu <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Are you someone who trusts easily or you find it hard to trust people? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Faith and Beloved is written by Kochery C Shibu is a thriller. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">'When you trusted ones betray you, you must learn to turn betrayal in to trust'. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The story starts with a murder. Tony D'souza is murdered and Alice is on a run. Alice finds two underworld men reaching the flat just as she tries to escape.
Well, I cannot even write the blurb and the author has written the entire thriller so intricately. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So the story starts with a murder. And then the author lays out the characters and the story that led to the murder, chapter by chapter. So with the first two chapters the story has just begun and it doesn’t make full sense. But as one reads the following chapters everything starts making sense. As the name suggests, it is about love and treachery... and the author uses the entire plot to explain how one thing leads to another and how we all are interconnected. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The story is thorough and well laid. The events are linked to real life events that happened in India like – Mumbai Taj hotel terror attack, demonitization. So it keeps one on the edge as well as makes one assume more than once that it might actually be a true story. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At the beginning, the story seems confusing but as one gets to know the characters the plot becomes clear and the story line interesting. Every character is given proper respect, as in he/she gets a chapter and the chapter details on how the character is related to the plot as well as what was his/her point of view during the incident or situation. So for every incident and situation the thought of all the concerned parties is well laid out. It is like a puzzle and every chapter is a piece of the puzzle. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The language is simple but I hate those editing misses of grammar, font style and even spellings. But yes, the storyline is amazing, engrossing and hence the glitches can be ignored. I loved it from cover to cover. It would have been a perfect 5/5 sans the editing. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I will rate it 4.5 out of 5.
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jZRlDWYgtGVGz-NqpbE6WSEQkkOXHYXmsVNIqyj0Ul0ijBlGzzS3vFxSfRMtH8mT6js_XRy8R24bM3saxA_xxhpzpoYV-NMYASU3ZSbtMTa8wF3hLUSaET4JhMz0EgGmvWphYJmpklgk/s448/book+review+of+faith+and+the+beloved+by+Kadambari+Sngh.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="336" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jZRlDWYgtGVGz-NqpbE6WSEQkkOXHYXmsVNIqyj0Ul0ijBlGzzS3vFxSfRMtH8mT6js_XRy8R24bM3saxA_xxhpzpoYV-NMYASU3ZSbtMTa8wF3hLUSaET4JhMz0EgGmvWphYJmpklgk/s320/book+review+of+faith+and+the+beloved+by+Kadambari+Sngh.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>sugar N spice cookieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13319146307448488299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847003835184100304.post-65086481906243446392020-06-26T13:37:00.001+05:302020-07-17T21:31:26.622+05:30Book review : Tarkash by Javed Akhtar<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Life – the more
you understand, the more you realise, you don’t understand.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Tarkash,
written by Javed Akhtar, genre - poetry.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">The book is
in Hindi and Urdu and I really don’t like writing the review in English but
this is the medium which can reach masses, so be it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Tarkash is a
collection of gazals and poems. Mr. Javed Akhtar has written down the life phases
he went through, his sorrows, his joys, his life in general and his opinions
about people and situations.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">The book
starts with Javed sahab</span><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">’</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">s introduction of self and this is the best </span><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">’</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">ABOUT ME</span><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">’</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> I
have read to date. Written by the master storyteller, the about me is a story
in itself. Written in clear language and with full honesty is what puts through the real emotions from paper to the reader. It is indeed a story unveiling </span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">in front</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> of ones eyes.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">The gazals
and poems bring one close to the reality which was prevalent then and is even prevalent
now. This context and content connection is what will draw and connect readers
of all generations. Several pieces are close to my heart, sharing a few here...</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24.5333px;">A must read for a reader as well as a writer.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24.5333px;">I will rate it a <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4/5.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7XrQXQwHDr7eO1onGUhX4nBGj5b6sTvV1BhH7k-5IZPwdCX8WeGR2CbA7bepX3pP8zlQq25WuvqWPUaa-DWA0NwbYuw3ZhOmWDiLEOm7izMaHc9ARIoDCwSkqvkpsPF87PBX0u0Oyne0/s4160/Author+Kadambari.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7XrQXQwHDr7eO1onGUhX4nBGj5b6sTvV1BhH7k-5IZPwdCX8WeGR2CbA7bepX3pP8zlQq25WuvqWPUaa-DWA0NwbYuw3ZhOmWDiLEOm7izMaHc9ARIoDCwSkqvkpsPF87PBX0u0Oyne0/s320/Author+Kadambari.jpg" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNPxHKL9J5u1Av7XJm1JQKKTrnctmyPLGihyW8y8a1t81YcrrsG18ZLNI9NP8_xqZaABXByUwfV9oUmX8Q3nA2CxNLK9m4ANVW-QNnJ5Y0iJpQVpIVFQlkboityQYSOdFOWzeIQ8r9sH9/s4160/Kadambari+writes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNPxHKL9J5u1Av7XJm1JQKKTrnctmyPLGihyW8y8a1t81YcrrsG18ZLNI9NP8_xqZaABXByUwfV9oUmX8Q3nA2CxNLK9m4ANVW-QNnJ5Y0iJpQVpIVFQlkboityQYSOdFOWzeIQ8r9sH9/s320/Kadambari+writes.jpg" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBXMEDFx1cSsWtkl5L37m_WplDS-OuXk7bLdfQCn8DUMMPijcy40ycssaU6jZlYqb7-Vp7ajparRawEVFw1Vkal2fWlzrI_rHqxh_PpNY5xdUctAZGiWfcpdZPBzEpkX4YkIDo9WIjPU0/s4160/Kadambaris+blog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBXMEDFx1cSsWtkl5L37m_WplDS-OuXk7bLdfQCn8DUMMPijcy40ycssaU6jZlYqb7-Vp7ajparRawEVFw1Vkal2fWlzrI_rHqxh_PpNY5xdUctAZGiWfcpdZPBzEpkX4YkIDo9WIjPU0/s320/Kadambaris+blog.jpg" /></a></div></div></div><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div style="text-align: justify;"></div></div><span><br /></span><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div>sugar N spice cookieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13319146307448488299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847003835184100304.post-17834751048776582612020-06-18T21:03:00.001+05:302020-06-20T20:19:47.422+05:303 things I learned in lockdown<br /><div><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> How did the lockdown treat you?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">For me
lockdown was ok-ish BUT it did taught me a lot! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Before
lockdown began in India, I assumed lockdown to be a vacation...I know I am still
a kid! hehe. And once it began, the reality set in.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">We Indians
are a spoilt breed. We go to work in offices and think that is tiresome enough
and can</span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">’</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">t work at home and hence we need to have household help around. From
cooking to sweeping to dusting to laundry we don’t do a thing at home.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">So, with the
prime minister announcing a complete lockdown there was no household help
coming our way. To make matters worse, for a family of 4, my mother was at my
naani</span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">’</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">s place and now she couldn’t return and my father, my brother and I...none
of us knew how to do any of the household chores.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">So on the
first day, the three of us decided that we will prioritize the chores and move
forward. So cooking cannot be ignored and will have to do it every day, maybe not
3 times but at least once a day has to be there. We can wash the utensils on alternate days.
Cleaning, sweeping, dusting and laundry were decided to be done once a week.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I don’t know
how to cook but then that is the reason we have YouTube. But when everyone is
at home, cooking once a day is a myth. But I am blessed, as my father and my
brother willingly took up to help me with cooking. Sweeping and doing the utensils was
delegated to my brother. We never wanted our old man to do anything but he
insisted that he wants to help, so washing the laundry in washing machine was given to him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that</span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">’</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">s how it was decided how we all will
#sharetheload.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>The first
thing that lockdown taught me is that doing household chores can be fun when
you have ready to help hands around. It is so rightly said #sharechoresmultiplylove.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">On the 5<sup>th</sup>
day of the lockdown, when my father decided to wash our clothes we got to know
that our WASHING MACHINE BROKE DOWN! I mean what! I mean how...nooooooo.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">So till the
time our machine got repaired we had to wash our clothes by hand. Trust me when
I say - <b>WASHING MACHINE makes the task way way way easier.</b> It was a good over 15
days before the washing machine got repaired and so we did our own clothes that
no one person was overly loaded with work...so yes #sharethelaundry did make
it a bit easier. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>So another
thing that lockdown taught me is – take care of your household machines as you
do of yourself... THEY ARE VERY VERY IMPORTANT AS WELL.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Now post
lockdown, my mother is back home with us. And we are now accustomed to doing
office work and house work together...and #sharechoresmultiplylove is our new
motto to live by. So I help my mom in cooking and doing laundry. My brother and
my father help in cleaning the house and doing the utensils. But I guess my father
has adopted the washing machine as one of his child now because the moment he
sees anyone nearing washing machine he reaches there, takes the clothes and start
sorting them and putting them in gently. </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">And then he will be the one to run the
tap and the timer...hehe </span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24.5333px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">I know he is cute.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7TCrWknyZ0f90agh_hgp7LbAMQy2lKczOARBzOofKhNXYgAmxmtOMJE0-DxerYc3iAqZavy1EuWD5MPyai8Syqhhj0zxgbBzI_RjHLsfvbhFf03VwSVI4zsFMjBtFdxTTwNuWNT1G1fT/s4160/3+things+lockdown+taught+me.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7TCrWknyZ0f90agh_hgp7LbAMQy2lKczOARBzOofKhNXYgAmxmtOMJE0-DxerYc3iAqZavy1EuWD5MPyai8Syqhhj0zxgbBzI_RjHLsfvbhFf03VwSVI4zsFMjBtFdxTTwNuWNT1G1fT/s320/3+things+lockdown+taught+me.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBK5NL6FBDg2zlsdXWVOkIpZwlbSzxbMObos5ZtJ17BOXx2_307UJQItAnE2j__z2vP8vYkRSPzaZmJXjns0_S59pYBhjoISHm_mBhzz4JDqvuko03r4oYRssomltDzhGm-XfcI-sZI54E/s4160/lockdown+lessons.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBK5NL6FBDg2zlsdXWVOkIpZwlbSzxbMObos5ZtJ17BOXx2_307UJQItAnE2j__z2vP8vYkRSPzaZmJXjns0_S59pYBhjoISHm_mBhzz4JDqvuko03r4oYRssomltDzhGm-XfcI-sZI54E/s320/lockdown+lessons.jpg" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>SO the third
and the most important thing this lockdown has taught me is to be GRATEFUL.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I am grateful the lockdown happened.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I am
grateful the lockdown is over.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I am
grateful that mom is back home with us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I am
grateful that we took care of each other.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I am
grateful for the numerous easy-to-cook recipes online.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I am
grateful for a functioning washing machine.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I am
grateful that we are safe.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I am
grateful that we could spend more time together.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">This blog post is part of - I will #sharetheload and help in household chores in association with <a href="https://airelindia.co.in/" target="_blank">Ariel India</a> and <a href="https://www.blogadda.com/" target="_blank">BlogAdda</a>.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KAKvjRMcPU0" width="320" youtube-src-id="KAKvjRMcPU0"></iframe></div><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"><br /></span><p></p><br /></div><div>#sharetheload #sharethelaundry #sharechoresmultiplylove</div>sugar N spice cookieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13319146307448488299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847003835184100304.post-43930739365307807512020-05-19T19:19:00.001+05:302020-05-19T19:19:28.312+05:30Book review : Incarnations By Sunil Khilnani<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Non-Fiction is <b>wisdom</b> and much more.</div>
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Incarnations by Sunil Khilnani is a non-fiction book.</div>
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Author Sunil Khilnani is known for writing on India. "Incarnations" is his way of elaborating history of India by 50 celebratory lives.</div>
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"Incarnations" - A history of India in <b>50 lives</b>, is a compilation of 50 essays on people who have contributed to the existence of today's India. It talks about well known people like Buddha, Mahavira, Akbar, Shivaji, Rammohun Roy, Tagore, Jamsetji Tata, Dhirubhai Ambani as well as the slightly lesser known like - Dara Shikoh, Nainsukh, Periyar, Subbulakshmi. </div>
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The book is divided into 50 chapters. Each chapter detailing not just about the contribution made by the person to the Indian society but also gives a peek into lesser known things about his personality. </div>
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The book is very well divided into chapters by eras or years which gives it a form of continuity. It is w<span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;">ell laid out and written in simple language. Each chapter is again structured well with introduction, accomplishments, life in general, rise and fall of the person. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;">The author and his research are commendable. Known or unknown person, almost every chapter had something or the other not widely known. The layout, <b>choice of personalities</b> <b>and anecdotes</b> about them are few things which enabled even a non-fiction reader like me to read it without getting bored. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;">I'll recommend this book to all non-fiction as well as fiction lovers. It will definitely interest you a lot. And to keep a reader, who is averse to non-fiction, hooked onto the book, this deserves a huge shout-out.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;">Overall I'll be rate it a 5 out of 5.</span></div>
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sugar N spice cookieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13319146307448488299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847003835184100304.post-82262966945516340072020-04-14T13:30:00.000+05:302020-04-14T13:30:07.815+05:30Book review : Young Mind Young Body By Sue Vanags<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At 35, one definitely starts looking
at life differently.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Young mind Young body by Sue Ziang, H.C. , is a
self-help book.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The book is narrated in first person
with Sue sharing her life experiences and how from an-adrenaline-pumping-high person
she became a-high-on-dopamine person. Coming from China she brings forth her
culture and beliefs that help Chinese look young and feel young.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I always say and believe, women never
age over 21 but then reality is what we all know and hence picked this one up
to know the elixir of staying young forever. I am in love with the writing
style of Sue. In fact she had a 6 page acknowledgement at the beginning of the
book and I will say, you just have to read it. Reading the acknowledgment itself
will make you fall for the writing style. Written in simple, understandable
language, Sue has a way with words which directly touch ones heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The book answers all the possible
questions that one may have regarding how to live a youthful life. As it is
written in first person, it doesn’t sound prophetic. For you to believe me a bit, I can say, I
have read many self-help books to be talking about the contents of this one.
In fact Sue has quoted a few self-help Gurus of her own that helped her and that
is what makes this read a must-read.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">Though a lengthy read but definitely not a boring one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">I will rate this a 3.5/5.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">P.S. The book was selected by me from @BookTasters collection for a honest book review.</span></div>
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sugar N spice cookieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13319146307448488299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847003835184100304.post-7071886249461324012020-03-22T14:43:00.001+05:302020-03-22T14:43:44.400+05:30Book review : Bikhre Jazbaat By Rana Khan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rana is my
dear friend and a wonderful writer. She pens what she thinks and this book is a
compilation of her quotes. The quotes depict several emotions from pain to joy to belonging to
love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Well, as it
is, a straight from heart book, it is written in Hindi, English and Urdu. It is
a coffee table book with about<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>50
quotes. The quotes vary from 2 – 6 lines, all interconnected with different emotions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This book is
very special and close to me because it is my friends book, plus every quote is
like one of my feelings written in words on paper. I read, re-read and everytime I read I feel the emotion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">P.S. If you want to buy the book, it is available on your quote app.</span><br />
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sugar N spice cookieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13319146307448488299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847003835184100304.post-24894786609658607082020-03-15T18:22:00.000+05:302020-03-15T18:22:53.275+05:30Book review : The secret of Palamu fort By Razi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have
always been fascinated by palaces and forts and royalty.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The secret
of Palamu fort, written by Razi is a detective thriller.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The story
starts in a mysterious way where two robbers see a ghost. And this ghost has
set out on a murdering spree. Detective Horo – as Robin Horo is commonly
addressed is assigned this case by the Ranchi police. And then it all begins....murders,
mystery and history!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Honestly, I
never had heard of Palamu or Razi but the word Fort in the title was intriguing
enough for me to pick this up. The story is engaging and surprising. The author
has written it in simple-easy-to-understand language. The characters, of course
for a detective thriller, one can easily think of the characters and so yes,
the characters were predictable – an inspector, a detective, a sort-of dumb
detective friend. So there was nothing special about the characters but I will
like to give the benefit of doubt to the author, after all it is a detective
thriller and has to have the usual ingredients of the recipe right! Besides the
story have its own unique revelations and unexpected twists. Overall a good enough
book to keep one hooked till one finishes it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I loved it!!
And I love it for the little instances that made me go back to my childhood and
listen to my grandfather telling me tales of years gone by.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will rate
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sugar N spice cookieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13319146307448488299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847003835184100304.post-90150529837339936562020-03-08T17:14:00.000+05:302020-03-08T17:14:42.596+05:30Book Review : The Treasure Syndicate by Jatin Kuberkar<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I love to read fiction.</div>
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The Treasure Syndicate by Jatin Kuberkar is a fiction based on a treasure hunt.</div>
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The story starts with Acharya, the main lead, learning about the treasure and then devising a plan to get the treasure. It also revolves around Acharya and the members of his syndicate, the group of treasure hunters, how they all come together, their lives and how this heist changes their lives.</div>
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The story begins in a cryptic manner leaving one confused. I for one had to re-read the beginning as I reached chapter 3. The storyline picks up from there and it becomes an engaging one too. The characters drawn by the author are absolutely realistic. The plot and the situations are well woven. The story makes one believe the story.</div>
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Overall it is an interesting and engaging read which is well worded and well written barring a few errors. Treasure hunt stories are often too predictable and the author has done a commendable job by giving a storyline not generally imagined.</div>
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I will rate it a 4 out of 5.</div>
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sugar N spice cookieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13319146307448488299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847003835184100304.post-61915439172161317712020-02-06T23:04:00.000+05:302020-02-06T23:22:22.599+05:30Author Interview : Sourabh Mukherjee<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;">Sourabh Mukherjee a</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;">n Electronics and Telecommunications Engineer from Jadavpur University, Kolkata, in his day-job, Sourabh works in a senior leadership position in a global technology firm. Author of publications on emerging trends in business and technology as well as a textbook Big Data Simplified published by Pearson, Sourabh also sits in the Industry Advisory Boards of several premier educational institutions in India. He has spoken in technology summits in London and Las Vegas, as well as at events organized by Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Symbiosis, Kolkata University, IISWBM, Techno India Group, University of Engineering & Management etc. </span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sourabh Mukherjee is the author of 3 psychological thriller novels - The Sinners, The Colours of Passion and In the Shadows of Death. The Colours of Passion was long-listed for movie adaptation in WordToScreen 2018, conducted by Mumbai Academy of Moving Image, and was among Top 10 new releases in Starmark outlets across India during the month of its release. In the Shadows of Death is among the first set of Indian titles commissioned by Storytel, popular global audiobook platform. Eminent book recommendation website MyBookPick.com ranked both the novels among top Indian thrillers for the years 2015 and 2017.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He has also written 3 short story collections. Romance Shorts, a collection of dark-romance short stories, won the Golden Pen Award in the Monsoon Romance Contest (2014) conducted by Sulekha.com. The 2-part Beyond 22 Yards on stories of Love and Crime from the world of cricket was among the first set of Indian titles acquired by Amazon Audible on its launch in India. The 7-part series It’s All About Love is among Readers’ Club All Time Best titles in Juggernaut Books (now Airtel Books), India’s premier mobile-reading platform and has also been commissioned by Amazon Audible for audiobook adaptation.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">His books have received accolades from readers, book critics and several dailies, magazines and websites from the mainstream national media including The Hindu, The Times of India, The Week, Outlook, Yahoo! News, Zee News, Business Standard, Punjab Tribune, Free Press Journal, Absolute India Tabloid etc. He has written columns for Sportskeeda, India’s largest all-sports website, and Yahoo! Sports. Sourabh has spoken in events like the Kolkata Supernatural Literary Festival and International Women’s Day Tri-Series Debate organized by Rotary Club, Kolkata.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1. Tell us about your latest book <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">"The </span>Colors of Passion<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">"</span>.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In "The Colours of Passion", I wanted to talk about how our society has certain pre-conceived notions about human relationships. Any relationship that does not conform to acceptable definitions is quickly dismissed as immoral, illicit, or even illegal. This has been the case with same-sex relationships in our country for a very long time. While the constitutional hurdle has now been cleared, has our mindset really changed? Is the society really open to same-sex relationships? Love, at the end of the day, is love. What we need to realize is that, love and passion come in a variety of colours - it cannot be painted in only one shade.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;">Secondly, the book aims to unravel the dark secrets behind the limelight. I have heard stories of betrayal, conspiracy, heartbreak from my acquaintances in the entertainment and fashion industries, and I felt that, these would be the perfect ingredients for an edge-of-the-seat thriller</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;">.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;">In that sense, "The Colours of Passion" has been truly hailed as India's first alternate sexuality thriller. It was long-listed in WordToScreen 2018, conducted by the Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI). It was also ranked by MyBookPick.com among top Indian thrillers in 2017, and was among Top 10 New Arrivals in Starmark outlets across India in the month of its release. It was also among Amazon bestsellers for several months post-release.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One of my favourite characters from the book is Mayank - rugged and irreverent, yet he is soft and vulnerable within. I put my heart and soul in creating that character.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3. We all fall in love with the characters we read, did you ever felt so for any character you have written so far?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"The Colours of Passion" is primarily about the attitude of the Indian society towards same-sex relationships, and its adverse impacts. My heart goes out to the characters in the story who are caught in that conflict, and also to everyone in real life, who have faced societal resistance, and have undergone hardships and rejection, just because they dared to listen to their hearts, they dared to love - differently.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I would like to tell budding writers that, it is important to create real, identifiable characters in a story. Correct use of the language is essential. An author should ensure that a story progresses at a uniform pace – a story that slows down after an energetic start is a big letdown. Finally, it is not about the length but always about the impact of a story. I have read 1-page stories that have left me thinking for days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I primarily write about human relationships. The many ways in which they unravel end up creating stories that make us happy, that make us cry, that sometimes scare us or thrill us. I find this very interesting and inspiring.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have very recently published a thriller novel in Bengali, my native language, which has become quite popular among readers in this part of the country.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>3 Books</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – Thrillers, especially books by Gillian Flynn, Paula Hawkins, Keigo Higashino, James Patterson</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>3 Movies</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – Too many to name here. Among my Bollywood favourites, I am a die-hard Amitabh Bachchan fan.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>3 fictional characters</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> -- Cormoran Strike in the Robert Galbraith novels, Alex Cross in the James Patterson novels. I find them very real.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">- </span><b>Notepad or Note app</b> – Note app</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">- </span><b>Summers or Winters</b> - Winters</span></div>
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sugar N spice cookieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13319146307448488299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847003835184100304.post-50092439212793916032020-01-19T20:58:00.000+05:302020-01-19T21:26:29.467+05:30Book review : We are like that only: Understanding the logic of consumer India By Rama Bijapurkar<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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For all the people involved in marketing, business development, customer service, "We are like that only" will catch attention for sure.</div>
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Honestly I also picked it up for the same reason, to get some new insight into the Indian consumer.</div>
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The book was first published in 2007 and hence the content, though standing true, has changed as well.</div>
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Nonetheless the book is interesting if you are involved in the market. The author has given great facts and figures to work on and dissected the entire Indian consumer market. She has quoted good number of easy to understand examples to get her point through.</div>
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The language is simple and easy. The chapters are of optimum length. Ample of examples and facts to share, the author herself has helped many corporates and being a faculty to B-School students. </div>
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It is a fantastic read for students as well as young professionals. I won't say "We are like that only" is a must read, as many things mentioned are discussed in marketing and consumer behavior classes. But surely "We are like that only" goes deeper into understanding the Indian market and the consumer dynamics.</div>
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I'll rate it a 4/5.</div>
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sugar N spice cookieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13319146307448488299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847003835184100304.post-2461770130173257942019-12-29T20:58:00.000+05:302020-01-01T21:23:02.694+05:30Book review : From stressed to sorted By Sonam Chamaria<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Remember the days you feel sad, dejected or miserable. We all have those days and staying true to the Book Title - <b>From stressed to Sorted </b>is all about that.</div>
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You will say - another self-help book! Yes, another self help book, but a book written by a millennial not a veteran, so now I see some eyebrows raising, ahem!</div>
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I agreed on reading this book as I was going through a stressful phase and was trying everything to get over it. I was meditating, reading, talking to people and this came along as well.</div>
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It is a small little book where the author uses short instances which are relatable to real life to get her point through.</div>
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<b>'From stressed top sorted</b><b>'</b> is all about today's scenario and our fast paced, over-ambitious lives. Each chapter ends with a tiny <b>'try-me'</b>, an activity to inculcate positivity in our lives and '<b>re-wire</b>' our thought process to a happy, positive one.</div>
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Sonam has written it in plain, simple, easy-to-understand language. Her examples are also simple and hence it is not one of those bulky books, where there are too many words but too less a meaning. But yes, the chapters at times feel a bit streched. </div>
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The activities will barely take 5 -10 minutes and are worth it. Trust me when I say all this, I did try what she has written.</div>
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I have been reading self-help from time to time and based on that, the book disappointed me in the content. As it is written by a millennial, I was expecting some out of the box ideas and new approaches. </div>
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Though the author tried, but I didn't find more than a couple of instances which I had never heard or read before. </div>
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I will wrap it up by saying it is practical philosophy - some easy stress busting activities, which if you adapt in your life, they are going to make your life even more easier.</div>
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For me a self help book has to go deeper and touch the chord. It gets tougher for the author as there are several books on the same content and only depth creates a difference. The book is subtle but needs more depth - I'll rate it a 3 out of 5.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This review was done as part of blogchatter review program.</div>
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sugar N spice cookieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13319146307448488299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847003835184100304.post-81004470256432835092019-12-22T18:17:00.000+05:302019-12-22T18:17:46.101+05:30Book review : The boy in striped pyjamas By John Boyne<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The boy in the stripped pyjamas by John Boyne is one of the most beautiful books I got to read this year. Before reading this I had no clue of it's existence. </div>
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The book is written in first person and the story revolves around a "young man", as he likes to be addressed, 9-year old Bruno. Bruno's father is in government service and a sudden movement requires the entire family to leave their house in Berlin and shift elsewhere.</div>
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With no friends around Bruno feels sad and lonely but being an explorer at heart, sets out to explore new terrains. He becomes friends with a boy, who coincidentally shares the same date of birth and year as Bruno.</div>
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Bruno is happy with the new found friend and a new routine of exploration and finally settled in the new life.</div>
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The story continues with Bruno and his friend and how people around them affect them.</div>
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This was the first book suggested to me by one of the members of a new book club that I joined and I just picked it up with no perceptions attached. I did ask anyone if they has read this book but when I posted the first picture, there were many who said they liked it when they read it.</div>
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This book takes you by surprise.</div>
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The author has written it from the point of view of a 9-year-old, the way he sees the world. Infact the author -John Boyne has gone into great details of elaborating and mentioning each thing from a 9-year olds perspective. Even the chapter titles makes one believe as a 9-year-old has has written them.</div>
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The narrative is simple and it makes one fall in love with Bruno. The author has brilliantly used a child's imagination in depicting his whereabouts, people's demeanor and their character.</div>
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Before starting this book though, I did read a few reviews, which said, 'it is sad' and hence all throughout, my imagination was set on, Bruno getting hurt. Maybe because I am a woman or the brilliance in the author's words, I so wanted to protect Bruno all along.</div>
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And here is the truth - The boy in striped pyjamas is based on the Holocaust.</div>
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Yes, that in itself sounds deadly and scary. But what took my heart was the narration. the author engrosses you from starting to the end into the life of Bruno. Infact for people who love books which set you free to imagine while laying the plot, this is a treasure. I loved it, I could almost see Bruno walking around with his tiny feet and little shoes getting dirty in mud by all the walking and the 'young man' sitting and cleaning his shoes at the end of the day.</div>
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I'll give full credit to the author for being simple yet informative to set the perfect stage for imagination. The way he plays with words and leaves certain things unsaid, unspoken yet known is ....love. A book written on a serious topic depicting it's effect on kids. It does make one think what all we do, have a great impact on children around and we all need to be cautious about it.</div>
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I'll rate is a 5 on 5. </div>
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sugar N spice cookieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13319146307448488299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847003835184100304.post-19004535904318493602019-12-07T23:30:00.001+05:302019-12-07T23:30:29.768+05:30Book review : Do I still have a chance By Dhayakar Reddy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"Do I still have a chance", was sent to me for review. The briefing I took was that it is a romantic book. So I picked this up thinking yet another Indian author writing a love story.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"Do I still have a chance" by Dhayakar Reddy is not a love story <b>BUT</b> "two love stories".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Yes, Have you ever read a story in another story? Wellfor me, it was a first. A shock at first, gradually becoming a surprise.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It is a story of an engineer working abroad - <b>Sriram</b>. Sriram is living the "dream-life" that almost every engineering student dreams of - study hard, get placed abroad, have a house, a beautiful wife, party on weekends.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">But the fact is, this dream never mentioned - Happy. And Sriram is not happy with his life despite having people envying him for the same.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The story starts with Sriram and moves to his encounter with a book - Do I still have a chance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And a new story starts, the love story of an Indian student aspiring to do engineering and go to US - <b>Sathya</b>, College volleyball team player, macho, fun, tall-dark-handsome, the hero beside all troubled college girls. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The love story of Sathya is simple, predictable yet engaging and it does let one forget about how the book - the book one is reading, started. Sathya, a boy, who has two girls falling for him and....who loves them both.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"Do I still have a chance" By Dhayakar Reddy is a simple book, written in simple language with a few grammatical/printing errors. The story of Sriram started at a slow pace. Infact I was about to put down my book few moments down to Sriram - reading his book. But the story of Sathya, kinds of hooks one up. The author, has kept the story of Sathya entirely around his love-life. Though there's nothing new, yet it is engaging.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I will say, grab the book if you want to read light, easy-to-read, typical college romance with loads of dose of a TV soap drama. The story seems a bit streched as it approaches the end but trust me when I say ...go ahead and read it, you'll enjoy. For me, it actually changed lot of my thoughts on the book and the author.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I will rate it a 3.5 out of 5 ...0.5 especially for the end.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>BOOK BLURB : </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The fate of a loser’s life is…</span></div>
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<em style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When you desperately want to achieve your dream, you will be forced to change your dream.</span></em></div>
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<em style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When you fall in love with someone you had anticipated for a long time, that someone will bully you into being just friends.</span></em></div>
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<em style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When you finally fall in love with someone who is meant for you, you will need to find a future because love without a future is a pain.</span></em></div>
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<em style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">One day, you will miraculously find your future, and everything will seem as perfect as a fairytale.</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">But the fate of a loser’s life is…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You won’t get what you want in time. When you get what you want, you won’t need it anymore. Well, that’s me, Sathya! A big loser, from a small town in South India, dreams of becoming a national volleyball player. But is the life of a middle-class boy ever uncomplicated?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It all begins with this beautiful and brilliant girl entering my college. She changed my life, but it didn’t stop there. Another gorgeous girl entered my life, and I was torn between the two. At a point, I was utterly confused about whether I was a friend or a boyfriend or neither!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Against all the odds, do you think I can achieve my dream and hold on to my love? <em style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">Do I still have a chance?</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There’s much more to my story than these few lines. Get ready to experience the roller coaster ride of my life!</span></div>
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sugar N spice cookieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13319146307448488299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847003835184100304.post-21089253450897528882019-09-15T11:00:00.000+05:302019-09-15T11:00:01.622+05:30Book review : Buddha by Osamu Tezuka<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Buddha</b> - is a unique take on the subject, Gautam Buddha, by the author.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I picked up the book as I was intrigued by the title. I know about Buddha through school text books and now wanted to know more. As I opened the book and found cartoons drawn all through I was disappointed. I am not a fan of comics now.... actually have never so been.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">But I never keep away any book once I pick it. I am a budding authour and I believe I should do justice to every other author. Reading this one was easy given the graphics. It is a manga book.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Manga</b> - the Japanese style of cartoons for kids and adults. This was my first experience with Manga. Though I started it with apprehension, as I read it, I liked it and got engrossed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It is short, sweet and <b>gripping</b>. I'll definitely give a good amount of credit to the manga artist as well for the expressions drawn. The graphic images speak volumes. The storyline is same as we all know yet little bits of twists and maybe fiction is added on. It makes one wonder what really happened and what's fiction. Well this review is only of the first two books in the series as I have just read them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It is a critically acclaimed work of Osamu Tezuka and going through the series you'll get the reason why. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">And...I so love the cover. So much thought has been put into the design and detail, how can one not appreciate it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The best part is, though it is a series no part leaves one with the feeling that it is incomplete. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Overall, I<span style="background-color: white;">'</span>ll rate it 4/5.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The classic eight volume graphic novel series from the godfather of the genre an irreverent and humourous rendition of the life and times of Buddha is now available in Box Set. Originated in the 1970s, Buddha is Osamu Tezuka's unparalleled rendition of the life and times of Prince Siddhartha. Tezuka's storytelling genius and consummate skill at visual expression blossom fully as he contextualizes the Buddha's ideas, with an emphasis on action, emotion, humour and conflict as Prince Siddhartha runs away from home, travels across India and questions Hindu practices such as ascetic self-mutilation and caste oppression. Rather than recommend resignation and impassivity, Tezuka's Buddha predicates enlightenment upon recognizing the interconnectedness of life, having compassion for the suffering and ordering one's life sensibly. Furthermore, his approach is slightly irreverent in that it incorporates something that Western commentators often eschew, namely, humour.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Box Set includes</span></div>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Buddha: Kapilvastu - Vol. 1</span></li>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Buddha: The Four Encounters - Vol. 2</span></li>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Buddha: Devadatta - Vol. 3</span></li>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Buddha: The Forest of Uruvela - Vol. 4</span></li>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Buddha: Deer Park - Vol. 5</span></li>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Buddha: Ananda - Vol. 6</span></li>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Buddha: Prince Ajatasattu - Vol. 7</span></li>
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sugar N spice cookieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13319146307448488299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847003835184100304.post-11179510537380676782019-09-08T10:17:00.000+05:302019-09-08T10:17:00.869+05:30Book review : In over her head by Leighan Dobbs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Reading, reading and reading, keeps one engaged and at times glued to the same kind of reading. I have been reading since I was introduced to library in school and neighborhood. In school it started with fairytales, moving on to girl fiction and thrillers viz a viz <b>GIRL TALK </b>and <b>Nancy Drew</b>. The senior years saw <b>Sidney Sheldon </b>and <b>Dan Brown</b> and so the list kept moving ahead.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I always maintained that I love romance and fiction but I read all genres. So recently when my Kindle send me a pop-up about a free book - <b>In over her head</b> it clicked the old cells in my mind which loved - girl talk and I picked up this chick-lit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">In over her head, is the first in the series of corporate chaos by Leighan Dobbs. The book is, literally, sweet and simple.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It is a story of Marly West, a designer, who does<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">’</span>nt look like a designer. She will remind you of the girl next door whom we often ignore. But despite having nothing to gain attention, she does gets the attention of her boss, by her knowledge. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marly, being the main character, the story revolves around her. Leighan has written the entire story like a movie sequence. The storyline is enough to tell you things as well as keep room for imagination of the reader. A perfect chick-lit, teenage/young adolescent fiction (if there<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">’</span>s a word like this).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Though the ending came way too soon, I guess it is because the author or publisher decided to create it in series it did seem to less to read.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Overall, it made me happy and I want to read the series ahead. I will rate it a 4.5/5</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Designer Marly West has one reason for taking the job at Draconia Fashions...and it's not to come up with the latest clothing trends. But when she blurts out a good idea in a corporate meeting, she gets exactly what she didn’t want … an opportunity of a lifetime. Too bad taking advantage of it might reveal the secret she desperately needs to keep hidden. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">But it’s too late to get out of it now, and she soon finds that she’s in over her head with a boardroom full of resentful executives, a hot CEO, and a jealous M&M-scarfing assistant who wants to make sure Marly doesn’t succeed.</span></span></div>
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sugar N spice cookieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13319146307448488299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847003835184100304.post-38635828004257336622019-09-01T09:45:00.001+05:302019-09-01T10:19:25.445+05:30Book review : Unfolding Dreams By Arun Malik<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We all face ups and downs in life. It is easy to motivate others but not oneself. And when one has a strong personality, it gets difficult to have someone who can motivate us. When I get stuck or depressed or frustrated, I take solace in books. Unfolding Dreams - is one such book.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Unfolding Dreams is a collection of inspirational quotes. The quotes are simple and have a starking relevance with the day to day life of any young professional. As I went through the book, each quote struck a chord. It is like facts made diction. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The language is simple and clear. The quotes are motivational and apt for today<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">’</span>s time and situation. All through my reading I had a smile on my lips and eyes wide with wonder. The quotes are motivational at the same time, each of them, makes one think deeper. It helps get more insight into our lives and situtations. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I will rate it a 4/5.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">‘Unfolding Dreams’ is a collection of quotes written by Arun Malik. Known as the master motivator, Arun Malik has filled the book with inspiring quotes on topics as wide as happiness and parenting to interrelated subjects such as success and achievement.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The book has been penned in a clear and concise manner which makes it quite universal. So, whether you are a student or a working professional, you can relate to the words and personalize your relationship with each quotation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">‘Unfolding Dreams’ isn’t meant to be read in a go. The book is written to inspire you and to brighten your life with every sunrise. So, read it slowly, savor every sentence and fight with the worse times to rise above!</span></span></div>
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sugar N spice cookieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13319146307448488299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847003835184100304.post-77004439104294484562019-07-07T13:04:00.001+05:302019-07-07T13:04:36.430+05:30Book review : The Belated Bachelor Party by Ravinder Singh<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Interesting title, lively book cover, written by not-one-of-my-favourite authors but then I wanted to read something light and it seemed the universe took the cue and the book was sent to me for an honest review by the publisher - <b>HaperCollins.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Can love happen twice? - by Ravinder Singh</b> was the first book that I read written by him. Those were the days when I was love bitten and crushed by the crush. I did liked the book but not as much to start reading everything that was written by the author. I can say...it was just a one-book-thing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">So when I took The Belated Bachelor Party, I honestly was not very keen but yes...so wanted a break.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The books is a story of 4 friends who decide to go on a bachlor party. Now the fun part is, they have been married for years, but never actually had a bachlor party and so - <b>THE BELATED BACHELOR PARTY!! </b>Hence t</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">he book will relate to the hundreds of Indian males who have never had an actual bachlor party...guys...someone really feels for you. Infact, I will give the credit to the author here. The book is about the reunion of four friends and considering how </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">'</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">men will be men</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">'</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">, they want to plan a wild and adventurous reunion, their - <b>THE BELATED BACHLOR PARTY. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Another reason why Indian males, married males, will relate to it more is because..these friends try to convince their wives and...nah!! I cant reveal more. But there are these parts, where I really liked the author. He has so sensibly mixed fun and sentiments that it touched my heart as a female.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I like movies and have decades of friendship with my friends, so instances, where one can be totally oneself with friends around and especially with friends who know all your deep secrets from school or college days is always heart-touching. I felt like wanting to go on an all-girls-trip soon.</span></div>
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Ofcourse there were parts in the book where I really didnt feel up to keep on reading. This I am saying for the storyline, as it gets very basic and predictable. For me, the sentence creation, the dialogues did went a bit kiddish, given the age of the boys...sorry men. The parts where they discussed some serious issues too seemed out of the flow and abrupt. Though it made me go down the memory lane but it seemed repetitive of things we have read before or seen in movies and was not captivating enough.</div>
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<b>Overall, I</b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">'</span><b>ll rate it a 2 out 5.</b></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It's been twelve
years since Happy, MP, Raamji and Ravin graduated. Well into their married
lives, they realize that none of them had a bachelor party before their
weddings. But it's never too late to set things right. They go about planning
their belated bachelor party - a Euro trip which, well, ends up becoming the
trip of their lifetime. Picture this: It's the middle of the night. The four
friends wait to be strip-searched by the border police. They are stuck in the
no-man's land between Croatia and Slovenia, without valid visas, but with
banned party drugs and a rifle cartridge ... Welcome to one hell of a reunion!
Bestselling author Ravinder Singh returns with his friends in a hilarious,
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For all the married men, who never had an actual bachlor party, I think you'll love reading this and plan something for yourself...I mean these men can be an inspiration...besides I want you to give your wives some break too. Buy this book here : <a href="https://www.amazon.in/Belated-Bachelor-Party-Ravinder-Singh/dp/9353570727" target="_blank">The Belated Bachlor Party</a></span></div>
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