The Guilt Of A Lie

The guilt of lie is always heavy to carry. A lie can rescue us from a trouble temporarily but the truth can never be hidden. Lying is always an easy escape from any problem but will lead to a dead end where one must regret the decision. My father used to tell me, ‘One easy lie always followed by numerous more and one tough truth can clear lot of hurdles.’ After getting an opportunity to write about an experience, I can recollect only one incident which I regret from the core of my heart.

I was a teenager then and like all others of my age I was careless. That age is always one tough time for any kid, the first glimpse of college, the new attire instead of boring uniforms and of course new friends. My parents always used to tell me to take wise steps but in that immature age my friends decisions and plans are much more important than my parents’ and lying was a style. Like I have done that and I lied so smoothly to my parents that they can’t even guess anything.

My parents was never over protective or stopped me for anything. One day, I along with my friends decided to bunk college and go to a nearby cinema hall because of a Shahrukh Khan movie. I didn’t informed my parents about the plan. I know if I inform them about my plan they won’t stop me. But in that age lying was fun. I thought. Call it fate or my luck but my parents somehow came to know about my bunking college and going to a movie. I still remember the eyes of my mother. He was not angry but hurt. They questioned me if they ever asked me not to do anything or stopped me going out with friends or to movies. My only answer was a pregnant silence and shameful eyes.

That night my father taught me the value of a truth and the wrath of a lie. He told me how shocked they were to know that I lied to my own parents, how one lie can make a man liar for the rest of his life, how one single innocent lie can broke a whole lot of trust. If I could have informed them about my plan or could have told them the truth, that situation can never arrive. That day I learned from him that a naked truth can come with a temporary trouble or after hearing the truth our parents can get mad on us but it will serve a greater good and will reinstall their trust. If I were given a chance I would go back and change that one day where my one lie have hurt my parent.

Note: This is a part of Kinley 2014 TVC and Indi Blogger Happy hour.

Lord of Darkness by Vikrant Shukla: Review

Title: Lord Of Darkness
Author: Vikrant Shukla
Publisher: YS Book International
Page Count: 267
My Rating: 4/5

Blurb: Arpita, a studious, grade seeking student from Pune University, finds it really hard to get a replacement for her old hard disk under a thousand bucks. But, when she finally finds a second-hand disk through the help of her friend, Shipra, she couldn't help but notice that things in her life are no more as they used to be-  the horrifying death of Anwar, the one who installed the disk, the presence of a mysterious, password protected folder in that disk, named ‘Billycan hill’, and a presentation that vaguely mentions a location where one can travel through past and future. After numerous efforts, they finally locate this bizarre spot and decide to visit Moghal Empire to sell a few electronic items to these ancient people to make some money. But, Dobler, an ardent follower of Satan, bullies them to change their plans at the last moment. Finally, Arpita and her chaps end up in the Satanic era near the ‘Church of Satan’ in the pursuit  of the mighty  Ring of Beelzebub, and this is where the deadly game of lust and power begins.

Verdict: ‘Lord of Darkness’ is the third novel by Vikrant Shukla. This plot of the book is different from the regular with spine chilling thrill and twists.

The first thing the reader will notice the wonderfully designed cover. The black theme and the blue face generates and eerie feeling among the onlookers. I loved the name not just because it suits the cover but it goes with the content too. The page quality was good but the book is pretty heavy to carry.

The forwards has a lot of eminent personalities praising the book which will raise the bar of expectations among the readers and gave the book a well needed start. The start of the book was a bit hazy and was looking like an unsolved puzzle. Several plots are running simultaneously and each plots has its own excitement. The thing I loved the most is the way the author linked the plots.  

The author very efficiently distributed the story in small and crispy chapters which keeps the flow alive and force the readers to complete the book in one go. The change of scenes in every second chapters maintains the buzz among the story. When the readers starts to get the missing part of the jigsaw puzzle the book becomes unputdownable.

The narrating style is not very good and remains in the down side of the book. The author has chosen a very simple narrating style, which is very much in the trend but the misplaced words or the average sentences disturbs the flow of the plot. I could have call the book a perfect if the narrating have been a bit more mature.

The characterization is exceptional and executed in a well-disciplined way. Almost each characters have a specific role to play. The detailing of the dark characters and the magic hexes makes this book all the more interesting.

The readers will appreciate the author for the amount of research he have done to frame such a delightful plot. This book is wonderful blend of science, history and imagination. There are few editing and proof reading errors are spotted but the twists in almost every page makes the readers overlook the errors. Overall a nice effort by the author and kudos to him for showing courage to come with something different.

Available at –

Flipkart – http://www.flipkart.com/lord-darkness-english/p/itmdzndx87gtg9hf?pid=9789383793242&otracker=from-search&srno=t_1&query=Lord+of+Darkness+by+Vikrant+Shukla&ref=76bc50f4-9b86-469b-8aa1-d54a8ee3ef3c

Amazon – http://www.amazon.in/Lord-Of-Darkness-Vikrant-Shukla/dp/9383793244

Review of 'Warrior' by 'Olivier Lafont'

Blurb: JOIN SAAM, LAST SON OF THE DESTROYER, ON HIS EPIC QUEST TO SAVE ALL EXISTENCE.

In Mumbai, driven to its knees by a merciless blizzard, Saam the watchmender is corneres into an intolerable position. As Shiva’s only earthly demigod child, it falls upon him to stop his indomitable father.

Bred to war, the son of destruction Saam rides with six extraordinary companions into the horro of a crumbling world to face Shiva. He is forced to join hands with Ara, his half-brother he can never fully trust, and take with him his own mortal beloved, Maya, on this desperate attempt to stop the End of Days. But his path is littered with death, danger and betrayal.

Interweaving mythology, epic adventure and vintage heroism, this enthralling novel will change the way you see gods, heroes and demons.

Verdict: ‘Warrior’ is the first work of fiction by Olivier Lafont. This book is a nice thriller with a touch of Hindu mythology, history and fantasy.

The cover looks different and catchy. The sketch of a well-built guy holding a sword in hand gives this book a perfect action thriller look. The cloudy back ground and the grey flavor in the cover makes this book looks more appealing to the readers. The label of ‘Shortlisted for the Tibor Jones South Asia Prize’ will also tempt the readers to sneak a peek inside the content. The blurb is wonderfully written and gives a nice outline and start for the story. Overall the first impression of the book is impressive.

The author hasn’t wasted a time with boring introductions and has jumped into the story from the very first page. The first chapter is enough for any reader to judge that this book is going to be a roller coaster ride which they will enjoy on the edge of their seats. Snow and blood is falling from the sky in Mumbai city to indicate the end of the times when Saam (the main protagonist), the son of the destroyer, rises to the occasion to fight with the enemy to save the world. Saam commences his quest with a team of two more demigods and two mortals. The readers will love the whole story because this book has everything, from action to romance, from the unusual special power of the demigods to the wonderful touch of Hindu mythology. As the story heads towards the end the book becomes unputdownable because of the authors' efficient skill to maintain the thrill and speed. The readers will close the book with a satisfying sigh.

The narrating style is eloquent and goes with the story perfectly. The characterization is fascinating and the way the author has described all his characters with utmost clarity, they become visible to the readers quite easily. It is not easy to make the readers believe a character leaping a building or taking ten trained men single handedly or piercing through his gaze, but the author has done this effortlessly. There was not a single character which I can point out to be created unnecessarily, all characters has a special role to play in the plot or a special task to complete or an important clue to deliver.

At times I felt the author has exaggerated a few scenes with the descriptions to make them more clear to the authors, which I think could have been avoided. Apart from these scenes, there is no more error to talk about. The book is wonderfully edited and for that all the credit goes to the editorial team of the publisher. I would recommend this book to everyone who are looking for a thrilling and speedy read.

Final Words: The prompt narrating style and the way the author has framed the whole plot is a remarkable job by a new author. Such a story framing ability will take this author to a notable height.

Title: Warrior
Author: Olivier Lafont
Publisher: Penguin
Page Count: 375
My Rating: 4.5/5

Available at –

Flipkart – http://www.flipkart.com/warrior-english/p/itme2cfq3eg5ybuf?pid=9780143423638&otracker=from-search&srno=t_1&query=Warrior+by+Olivier+Lafont&ref=9fe1a615-450d-490f-8431-65edb9ef5d50

Amazon – http://www.amazon.in/Warrior-Olivier-Lafont/dp/0143423630/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1418655568&sr=8-1

Review of 'Letters from an Indian Summer' by 'Siddharth Dasgupta'

Blurb: A love story between an Indian photographer and a French artist, Letters from an Indian Summer is suffused with a strong sense of serendipity and spiritually liberal doses of the things Arjun Bedi and Genevieve Casta hold dear in this world. The past, though, lurks constantly around every chosen corner. Will the secrets they harbour end up destroying them, or will the unspoken belief in their entwined cosmic paths be much too strong a force . . . ?

Verdict: ‘Letters from an Indian Summer’ is the debut work of Siddharth Dasgupta. The most unique thing of this book is the author’s story telling skills.

After holding the book physically the first thing that left my mouth was the word gorgeous. It is one of the best cover I have seen for a story like this till date. The font in which the name is written, the color of the back ground, the dry rose and leaves scattered all over the cover, makes this look blissful. The name is different as the cover and will invite the readers to grab it. The blurb is small but gives a glimpse of the plot. The first look of the book is so good that it will definitely attract the reader’s eyes.

The books starts with Arjun Bedi (the male protagonist), an Indian photographer, meeting a French artist Genevieve Casta (the female protagonist) in a café in Pune. The first thing the readers will notice is the author saying Pune as Poona, but as soon the author describes why, it starts to sound perfect. The story moves on with their first meeting in Kathmandu and with describing exotic places like Kathmandu, Paris, Istanbul, Banaras and of course Pune, in small and charming chapters. The readers are going to like the way the author has framed the whole story and specially the end.

The thing that takes this book to a new height is the effortless describing style of this debut author. The narrating style is poetic and expressive. From describing scenes to conversations all through the story, the delightful words will keep the readers hypnotized. The chosen words are a treat to the reader’s eyes and they will appreciate the author for the rich literary touch. When the author describes outlandish scenes the readers will feel an urgent urge to visit the places or witness the beauty. The author has the ability to mesmerize the readers by his beautiful and calm narrating story telling style.

The way the author created his characters is perfect for a story like this. I loved the names of the characters because those names suits their personality and doesn’t confuse the readers.

There are a few scenes which can make the readers feel a bit bored because of the continuous descriptions and the slow speed. The speed being the one and only drawback of the story and I would say a story and a narrative like this should be enjoyed slowly by sinking himself totally under the author’s brilliantly created atmosphere. A story that will be loved by all those who can appreciate good literature and are in search of a wonderful and pure love story controlled by fate.

Final Words: The serenity and the composure of the author's narrating style and the author's command over the language will enthrall the readers to the core. Kudos to the writer for writing such a book in his debut attempt.

Title: Letters from an Indian Summer
Author: Siddharth Dasgupta
Publisher: Fingerprint!
Page Count: 317
My Rating: 4.75/5

Available at:

Flipkart – http://www.flipkart.com/letters-indian-summer-english/p/itmefgecsxgmxeyh?pid=9788172345495&otracker=from-search&srno=t_1&query=Letters+from+an+Indian+Summer+bu+Siddharth+Dasgupta&ref=b7b64bff-c32b-4c37-8034-f1bd31a0f2ce

Amazon – http://www.amazon.in/Letters-Indian-Summer-Siddharth-Dasgupta/dp/8172345496/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418398949&sr=8-1&keywords=Letters+from+an+Indian+Summer+by+Siddharth+Dasgupta

To bring smile in every face

The smile on a child’s face is always as fresh as the warm breeze in a winter morning. No human being can turn their face against a smiling child but now a days this sight is nor more visible in our surroundings. One cannot smile with hungry stomach. And while cleaning a car a for the sake of food and watch children of his same age have the pleasure to go to school wearing shinning uniform and have the luxury to buy or eat anything they want, one definitely cannot smile.

When I came across this initiative by Blogadda I can’t stop myself to write because my one blog post can feed a child for a year. When I step out of the house whenever I turn I can see children working either to help their ailing mother and drunken father or because of the sake of food and shelter. The Mid-day Meal program is one wonderful program to feed the child and bring them to school. I feel only education can improve this situation and I often hear my Kaamwali Bai say to his six year old girl, whom she brings sometime to help her, ‘schools are not going to feed you’. But this program is changing the scenario. Any parent will sent their children to school just because they don’t have to work to earn food and education will be able to reach to all those children who are forced to leave school to earn.

I think education is the only medium which can change the current condition of child labor. When a mother gives birth to a child, she have dreams for him but soon because of their financial condition the child have to drop the school and work for food. But this program meets all the necessity – education and food. If we can educate every child they will not force their next generation to work for food at early age and the scene will change. Only then we can see every child smile and only their smile can bring the lost charm of India.

• Note: I am going to #BlogToFeedAChild with Akshaya Patra and BlogAdda.

Review of 'Life in a Rectangle' by 'Sujit Sanyal'

Blurb: Author Sujit Sanyal rambles down the memory lane in his candid memoir and narrates some revealing, some intriguing and other wacky stories about the advertising world from his Clarion days, his first agency, which he joined as a trainee and whose Kolkata branch he later went on to head.

Verdict: ‘Life in a rectangle’ is a yet another wonderful novel by Sujit Sanyal. This book has a charm of its own which makes this special to the audience.

Any reader are bound to fall for the book at the very first glimpse. The hardbound cover with a colorful jacket looks fascinating. The mention of the compliments this book has got from various eminent personalities on the cover completes the look and will attract the readers. The thing I loved the most is the feeling which one will get after opening the copy, lasts till closing of the book.

Only the author with such credibility can narrate a story like this. The author has narrated a story of that time which created history. Being a memoir of his own life, the author’s detailed description of the condition of advertising industry in seventies and eighties and the life of people of Calcutta is appreciable. Sujit Sanyal’s journey from an employee to the head of the company is definitely worth reading. The mention of the Bengali words inside the story and the constant presence of Calcutta in the backdrop helps me connect with the book but I can very well say that any reader with the urge to read something different can connect with the book.

The narrating style chosen by the author is not a trendy one but goes with the flow of the story. The words are wonderfully chosen and added to the charm of the book. The chapters are short and delicate which will help the readers complete the book in one go. Being a non-fiction, this book makes its way to the reader’s heart because of the flawless narrating style.

The characters are equally well described and came alive at times. The mention of well-known persons of that time will entice the readers to read more.

The eloquent descriptions and the way the author framed the whole plot, reflects the authors command over the language. The book is error free and there is not a single thing to point which disturbs the flow. The teenagers might not like the book because of its different content but apart from that this book is definitely one fascinating read.

Final Words: This book will take the readers to a journey down the memory lane filled with nostalgia. An absorbing read.

Title: Life in a Rectangle
Author: Sujit Sanyal
Publisher: Fingerprint!
Page count: 260
My Rating: 4.75/5

Available at:

Flipkart – http://www.flipkart.com/life-rectangle-world-around-55b-mirza-ghalib-street-english/p/itmdepn4rbgahrcf?pid=9788172343989&otracker=from-search&srno=t_1&query=Life+in+a+rectangle&ref=26b8856e-37e5-42cc-932b-acb9996335a8

Amazon – http://www.amazon.in/Life-Rectangle-Sujit-Sanyal/dp/8172343981/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418202359&sr=8-1&keywords=Life+in+a+rectangle

Review of 'He Fixed the Match She Fixed Him' by 'Shikha Kumar'

Blurb: Shreya – I'm a highly qualified Delhi girl earning an enviable salary. My parents are having a tough time finding a suitable groom for me. However, recently they have a proposal from this very interesting guy from Mumbai. I almost get mesmerised when he starts talking to me. I think I like him very much.

Kunal – I'm owner of a textile company in Mumbai. My Mom wants me to get married. Again. She has recently suggested a suitable girl from Delhi. What my Mom doesn't know is that I've met Shreya before once in my life and I've been looking for her ever since. I have a vendetta to settle.

The author takes you along on a journey via roads of revenge, agony, remorse, attraction, titillation, tantalisation and romance. Do Shreya and Kunal make it, or do they fall prey to their past?

Verdict: ‘He fixed the match she fixed him’ is the debut work of author Shikha Kumar. The author has attempted to pen down a fresh story in the genre of love story.

After giving a single look at the cover, the first thing that came in my mind is, cute. The cartoon characters, the pink heart and the pink flavor on the cover gives this book a much needed feel  and will indicate the readers that this book is going to be yet another love story. If you hear the name without looking at the cover, you may guess this book is on match fixing but it is not and this name suits the content perfect. The blurb seems interesting too and I can say the readers will pick the book by its appearance.

The story starts with introducing the female protagonist Shreya and her family. Her recently retired father was searching for the perfect groom for her beautiful, elegant and intelligent daughter when the Kharbanda family form Delhi knocked their door. Just after Shreya’s marriage with the charming KunalKharbanda, the author landed up with a grand twist which will left the readers awe-struck. The story moves on with Shreya trying her best to cope up the challenges thrown by Kunal. But the main essence of the story lies under the way the hatred between these two transforms into love. The author hasn’t shown any hurry while portraying the transformation which makes this story different. There was a wonderful message for the readers at the end.

The narrating style is lucid and engaging. The simple words and the witty conversations will make the readers entertaining till the end. At times the readers might feel the narrating style is a bit slow but it goes with the story.

The characterization was good and to the point. I would appreciate the author for not dragging scenes and for not introducing unnecessary characters to make the story lomg. But apart from the main characters like Shreya, Kunal, Mahesh, Anuradha, Astha, Vineet, who have come alive by the description style of the author, other members of the two families lacked the lime light at times.

This book has a good story line and the author has narrated the whole story in an easy going language. The book has started with a regular note and hadn’t promised anything bigger in the first few chapters.The speed of the story is a bit slow and I felt the constant use of Scavin Eyewear instead of spectacles or sunglass is pretty annoying. Apart from this minor drawbacks, I felt this book is good and any type of readers can enjoy the book.

Final Words:  The debut writer has done a commendable job in jotting down a different love story and successfully dodged the chic-lit tag. A story that tells how divine the relationship of Husband and Wife is.

Title: He Fixed the Match She Fixed Him
Author: Shikha Kumar
Publisher: Vitasta
Page Count: 284
My Rating: 4.25/5

Available At –

Flipkart – http://www.flipkart.com/he-fixed-match-she-him-english-1st/p/itmef9bprgwj3c3g?pid=9789382711506&otracker=from-search&srno=t_1&query=He+fixed+the+match+she+fixed+him&ref=01d3c14e-3c1d-459c-831d-50e392cd6bbe

Amazon – http://www.amazon.in/He-Fixed-Match-She-Him/dp/9382711503/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1417013695&sr=1-1&keywords=He+fixed+the+match+she+fixed+him

Review of 'Of Course, We Are Best Friends' by 'Sonia Bansal'

Blurb:  Aditya and Aditi, both bid adieu to their sheltered existence and walk in the world loaded with challenges.
When they began to sketch their perfect ending laden with joys and smiles then all of a sudden…
BOOM!!
Destiny gifted them another picture.

Have you ever fallen in love with your best friend..??
If yes, then fasten your seat belts and get ready to experience the most thrilling ride of your life, ride from the love to out of it, from school corridors to college campus blended with a maze of swirling emotions.

A true yet unusual saga of Aditya and Aditi imbued with traces of pleasure crunchy moments of happiness and togetherness.

Beaware!! It may change your definition of love and friendship.

Verdict: ‘Of Course, We are best friends!’ is the debut novel of author Sonia Bansal. The book is yet another tale of friendship and love in the backdrop of high school and college.

The cover looks very simple to me but goes with the title. The cover is not gorgeous enough to drag the reader’s eyes and I feel the book can easily be lost in the crowd of numerous romantic novels by Indian authors. The name sounds good but not intriguing and doesn’t help the book to stand out from the rest. I would say the first appearance of the book is pretty ordinary and nothing remarkable.

As the blurb suggests, the book starts on a regular note with the Aditi (the female protagonist) joining a new school and soon finds out a good friend in Aditya (the male protagonist). Without understanding the depth of the emotion, it was love at first sight for Aditya. An introvert guy at nature Aditya, can feel butterflies in his stomach whenever he talks to Aditi. Soon they became friends and started sharing every tiny details about each other. Like always, after few days Aditi starts to like him and soon they were dating. Their relation faces the problem when they were promoted to college and have to part ways. Can their relation survive the long distance? Can Aditya, who was more involved in the relation, find a solution to save his love? All these answer lies inside the story.

The narrating style is the main force behind the story which will keep the readers engaging. The author seriously got some skills to narrate a story but she have to work on framing a better plot. The narrating style is simple and very much in the trend. The narrating style helps the readers to understand the point of view of both of the protagonists which I like the most. Apart from Aditi and Aditya, the other characterization is not that impressive and would not be able to create any effect on the readers.

The book has few silly spelling mistakes and few grammatical mistakes too which disturbs the flow of the story. The story is not new and very much similar to the high school romance book available. The narrating style is remarkable for a debut writer. I will definitely be looking forward to read from this author in the future. Those who have experienced a school crush or teenage love, can enjoy this story. I would recommend this book to those who are in search of a light and refreshing read after a tired day. 

Final Words: This is a teenage love story with a sweet and simple narrating style. Kudos to the author for her wonderful skill of describing emotions. A light read.

Title: Of Course, We are Best Friends!
Author: Sonia Bansal
Publisher: Blackbuck Publishers
Page Count: 200
My Rating: 3.5/5

Available at –

Flipkart – http://www.flipkart.com/course-best-friends-english/p/itmdyz7gegzyrncf