Book Review - My Father Is A Hero

Author - Nishant Kaushik

Publisher - Srishti

Genre - Fiction

Pages - 199

Price - Rs. 195

First Impressions

True to its title, the book's cover welcomes readers with a humble picture of a father taking her daughter to school. Just like our fathers try to bear all our burdens on themselves, the father on the cover too, is seen carrying his daughter's school bag. Our parents are the guiding lights in our life, who hold our hands and show us the path...just like the father on the cover.

Since for me, my father is indeed my hero, I knew the book would be an emotionally enriching experience.

My View

Ask any girl about her picture of an ideal man, and she would often end up describing her father. It has often been observed that women often draw parallels between their fathers and partners, looking for positive qualities they have grown up witnessing. If there is one man who influences a girl the most in her life, he is her father. The sacrifices, the care, nurturing, guidance all make fathers role models for their daughters. After all, haven't we all heard phrases like "My Daddy strongest"; "My Daddy is the best"?

My Father Is A Hero is a touching story of Vaibhav and his daughter Nisha and the bond they share. Circumstances force Vaibhav into being a single parent. But the love for his daughter overpowers every other aspect of his life. For Vaibhav, fatherhood is not just a responsibility, it is his badge of honour; a role that empowers him to face any obstacle in life. Like all parents, Vaibhav too puts his daughter's happiness before his own. While we often witness kids being ignored by overambitious parents, here is a sacrificing father, who doesn't think twice before risking his professional growth for his daughter's career.

As one progresses through the story, one is touched by the simplicity and sacrificing nature of Vaibhav. A man of simple means, he foregoes his comforts and desires to ensure his daughter has a comfortable life and a bright future. With his own dreams long buried in the past, Vaibhav now has only one aim in his life - to make his daughter a successful singer. His obsession for fulfilling his daughter's makes him go to extremes

While destiny has been cruel to Vaibhav in terms of his profession and marriage, his daughter Nisha is the saving grace in his life. As they say in Hindi, "Doobte ko tinke ka sahara". A bright kid, Nisha too never ceases to acknowledge her father's sacrifices and tries to do everything to make him proud. Vaibhav fills her life with so much love that Nisha never feels her mother's absence.

It is not a story one reads to know the end, but a beautiful tribute to all the fathers who live for their children. While we all read various stories of sacrificing mothers, this is a unique story of a father who goes beyond than being a parent to being his child's role model. Being very close to my father, the book made me very emotional since for me too, My Father Is My Hero!

Hits

• Simple yet impactful narration
• The story strikes the right emotional cord without going overboard

I received a copy from Writersmelon in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Book Review - Lanka's Princess

Author - Kavita Kane

Publisher - Rupa

Genre - Fiction

Pages - 296

Price - Rs. 295

First Impressions

Ugly, evil face, with eyes that reflect the devil - that was the impression of Surpanakha I expected to see on the cover. However, the dusky beauty displaying innocence in her eyes made her seem anyone but Surpanakha. Perhaps her long, devilish nails were the only sign of her identity. My focus quickly shifted to the burning golden city of Lanka in the backdrop. Clearly, the book had a vey strong story to tell and I just couldn't contain my curiosity!

My View

Ramayana is one epic we have all grown up on. While the story reinforced in our minds revolves around the Ayodhya princes, their wives, the war and of course, the mighty Ravan, we fail to notice one character without whom perhaps the story would have been different. That character is Surpanakha, Ravan's sister and the root cause behind the war between Ram and Ravan.

The very mention of Surpanakha reminds us of the asura lady who, attracted by Ram and Laxman proposed them marriage. However, upon facing rejection when she attempted to attack Sita, Laxman cut her nose and ears with his sword. An injured Surpanakha rushed to her brother and not only did she complain to him about the two brothers, but also manipulated the incident to describe how the two brothers disrespected Ravan's status and how beautiful Sita was. Agitated, the short tempered Ravan decided to teach the trio a lesson, and the rest we know is history.

While we all conveniently shift focus to the others characters hereon, we never bother about who Surpanakha was and why did she instigate her own brother when she very well knew the outcome won't be a pleasant one.

Well, it is here that the book attempts to answer many questions about Surpanakha. It is a very different version of Ramayana than the ones we all know, one from the eyes of Surpanakha, who always got overshadowed by her powerful brothers, particularly Ravan.

The story has a wonderful prologue wherein one is surprised to know that Surpanakha was reborn as Kubja and Lord Krishna himself lands up at her door to release her of her suffering. The story then rushes into flashback unraveling aspects of Surpanakha's life that we never cared about before.

The story underscores the fact that an evil mind is not born. Sometimes, circumstances cruelly bring the worst out of a person. Sadly, Surpanakha was such a victim of neglect and deceit. Born to Rishi Vishrava and Kaikesi as Meenakshi, Surpanakha was just like any ordinary girl with dreams, hopes, desires and affection. However, the goodness inside her falls prey to neglect by her own family. Overshadowed by Ravan, she struggles for her parents' attention, but gets nothing but rejection. Her feelings are trampled by her mother's ambitions. The only people who she finds solace in are her maternal grandparents however, unfortunately they end up misguiding her more than doing good.

She finally finds the love she had been looking for in the Kalkeya prince Vidyuvijaya. Just when life seems perfect, tragedy strikes her. Enraged by the death of her husband and son, Surpanakha decides to take revenge for her loss from her very own brother Ravan and eventually becomes responsible for his doom. 

At times, one feels sympathetic for her pain as she suffers for no fault of hers; while at times, one hates her for her wickedness and wonders how can someone be so blinded and manipulative to meet one's selfish interests. Throughout the story, one gets to see various shades of Surpanakha's personality - compassionate, rebellious, revengeful, dejected, guilty and forgiving. I feel the book is a lesson to all parents that neglect and undue criticism can turn even the best of child to the worst person.

Overall, a well researched and beautifully penned book which you just can't miss!

Hits

• Well researched book
• Mythology is not an easy genre, considering one has to consider the religious sentiments of masses and there is no scope to play around with the facts. However, the author does full justice to the story and proves that mythology is indeed her forte. Impressed by her attention to details and sensitivity in narration, I am enticed to read her other books. 
• Powerful narration. In no time, one starts imagining herself in the era of Pushpak Vimans and rishis.

The book is available at Flipkart and Amazon.

received a copy from Writersmelon in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Book Review - Colorful Notions - The Roadtrippers 1.0

Author - Mohit Goyal

Publisher - Srishti Publishers

Genre - Fiction

Pages - 194

Price - Rs. 175

First Impressions

Three travellers and an SUV in a desert make for an apt cover, given that the book is about road trips. I was skeptical if this was a road trip guide, when the blurb on the back saved me. When the story is about three crazy youngsters giving up their high paying job and comfortable personal life to drive ten thousand kilometres across India, just for fun, you just can't miss this story.

My View

Being a travel enthusiast, I was super excited when this book came for review. After all, those who have been on road trips know there is nothing more rejuvenating than discovering new places and taking the road less travelled. I have often been on unplanned road trips and believe me, the kind of kick it gives is phenomenal! 

Perhaps a similar thought came in the minds of Ab, Sasha and Unnati when they decided to fulfil their long cherished dream of setting out on a road trip. And this was not to be a simple Delhi-Jaipur road trip. This was about travelling across 25 destinations across the length and breadth of the country; a whopping 10,650 kilometres, 75 days and a road tripping experience that could be made into a movie! Now that is ambitious, I say.

As they travel across destinations like Corbett, Haridwar, Ladakh, Bhangarh Fort, Goa, Sundarbans and many more, they realise the journey was to be more than just a road trip. Gradually the trip transforms into a journey of self discovery, of facing the inner demons and of fighting the fears that were holding them from following their heart. The journey also gave them some important lessons about relationships, but most importantly it gives them a fresh perspective on life. It is the journey that matters more than the destination and their experience in a way reinforces this saying. The baggages of the past are gradually done away with, for present is all that matters.

What fun would be a trip when all goes as planned. So the book is full of comedy of errors. Somewhere along the way, the reader too becomes a traveller, for the characters and events are so well portrayed that one gets glued to the story. 

Whether you are looking for a travelogue or a light read, I recommend this book as a one time leisure read. A lot different than the travel books on bookshelves yet each one of us would be able to identify some or the other aspect with our life. A book that teaches one to live in their present and throw emotional baggage behind. 

Hits

• Refreshing change from the usual travel books I have read. The story has a certain fun element to it which binds the reader to the story. You don't realise when you feel like a part of this crazy gang.
• I loved the way the journey gives an entirely different perspective to the characters’ lives. Yes, road trips often take one on the path to self discovery.
• The narration is simple yet engaging.

Misses

• The travel enthusiast in me was left looking for more insights on the destinations. I was curious if the author has indeed traveled to these destinations.

This review is for Writersmelon

Book Review - A Thousand Memories

Author - Vibha Vyas

Publisher - Amaranthus Books

Genre - Fiction

Price - Rs. 200

First Impressions

A mug of steaming coffee and a book in hand makes for a perfect winter day. The cover instantly gives the feel of that perfect winter day. Often, such quiet times spent with self rings in nostalgia and we end up reflecting on the times gone by. I decided to treat myself to a hot cuppa and explore what the book had to offer.

My View

True to the cover, the book indeed is all about memories and nostalgia. It is the story, rather memoir of Richa. Often, we sit back and reflect on the good and bad times gone by, analysing what we did and what could have been done. More often than not, the refection is about the relationships in our lives. 

A Thousand Memories is one such memoir where Richa looks back at the men in her life. She recollects how with each relationship, her heart graduates to understand the meaning of true love, before finding the right man. Perhaps "Diary" would be a better description, for reading the book one gets a feeling as if reading Richa's diary. 

Like any girl of her age, for Richa too her first experience in love is of a one sided crush on Roy. Although the madness inside her goes beyond a simple crush, it also gives her some very important lessons in life. If you've ever had a crush, reading this segment will indeed make you smile with nostalgia.

Before Richa's wounds are healed, The Mr. Perfect Rajiv enters her life. A life with Rajiv sounds like a dream come true, however the past haunts Richa enough to shadow her present. 

Richa eventually does find true love, but not without her share of struggles with her inner self and painful moments. 

Grab this book for an honest narration, sans any frills or drama. For most readers, this diary will surely ring in some their own memories. 

Hits

• Unique narrative
• Simplicity 
• No unwanted gloss to add tadka to the book. The emotions and events are presented unedited.
• Beautiful anecdotes to suit the situation.

Misses

• Not all fiction lover will find this book his/her cup of tea.
• True to being a diary, the story runs flat and straight, sans any drama and struggles to hold interest of the reader.

This review is for Amaranthus Books. 

Book Review - Secretly Yours

Author - Vikrant Khanna

Publisher - Penguin

Genre - Fiction

Price - Rs. 175

First Impressions

Having read Vikrant's last book Love Last Forever, I picked up this book expecting a romantic story. However, the lady looking in the mirror hinted at something mysterious. Since I avoid reading the back cover blurb, the mere mention of "What if you could read the mind of the person you love?" got me enthusiastic and curious. 

After all, who wouldn't want to read the mind of his/her love ;) Of course, little did I know it's much complicated than it appears. 

My View

Sometimes, it takes one event to rephrase the story of our life. For Sahil, it was the death of his mother at the time of the birth and subsequently, his father's suicide. Though technically, he was not to be blamed for their deaths, yet the people around him ensured he carried the burden of guilt throughout his life. His grandmother left no occasion to rub in the guilt. The helplessness, agony, irritation and sadness transformed Sahil into a rebel. He found solace in music, writing and often vented out his anger in the form of self inflicted injuries. 

Little did Sahil know that another turning point awaited his boring life. Love blesses his life in the form of young and beautiful Tanya. Smitten by her beauty and personality, Sahil soon opens up his life to her over coffee dates and Tanya becomes his friend, philosopher and guide. However, the series of events that followed next shouted at something beyond the pretty face. The gruesome murders in Simla by serial killer,  the tension in the air, the arrival of Tanya's mysterious friends began to concern Sahil. Like a knot, the more he tried to solve the mystery, the more complex it seemed. The more he tried to find about the sad bone in Tanya's life, the more she seemed to slip out of his reach. Still, he couldn't deny the fact that Tanya brought balance and positivity to his life. She was the "know it all" types who would often counsel Sahil about having a positive outlook towards life. 

Indeed Sahil was destiny's chosen child. As if the stress wasn't enough to handle, the accident further shattered his life. But life, like a true roller coaster ride throws a surprise. When Sahil rises from coma, he discovered he could now read people's minds! And the reader in me marvelled at the liberty fiction writers take! 

Seems Vikrant wanted to throw some more surprises at the readers. So, in come the revenants or "people back from the dead" and the story takes its flight of supernatural! while many readers lost interest at this point, I actually got hooked on to the story. Vikrant impresses us by steering away from the cliched romantic stories and instead experiments with thrill, crime and supernatural. 

What really kept me hooked on at this point was the seamless shifting of gears to supernatural. Whether Sahil and Anya's love finally saw a happy ending, or whether the cycle of murders finally ceased is for the readers to read and find. But, the story here makes one ponder about karma and the true purpose of life. The same Sahil, who took his life as a punishment, learnt to count his blessings and cherish the beauty of life and relationships. The book also gives a very strong message against suicide. 

When I finished reading the last page, I really loved the fact that the book ends up going beyond just a story. It gives a positive message about looking at the glass half full, and not cribbing about the empty half.

Thumbs Up

• Crisp narration, sans drags or redundant characters

• What matters is not the years in life, but the perspective towards life and the book beautifully conveys this message. It makes one think about Karma and the purpose of our life.

• Amazing combination of romance, emotions, drama, supernatural, thrill and crime in one story.

And now, my favourite lines from the book -

"Love isn't a decision, love isn't even a choice and love certainly can't be based on conditions. It's a breathing, living being that seeps into our lives, spreads and gradually takes full control of it. It brings immense joy and sorrow in equal measure, but once infected by it, we can never be the same again."

"Apologies have an expiry date. If you wait long they lose their magic."

About the author

Vikrant Khanna is a captain in the merchant navy. He is the bestselling author of When Life Tricked Me and Love Lasts Forever. Apart from writing, he is fond of composing songs and playing the guitar. He lives in New Delhi.

I received a copy of the book from the author for an honest review.

Book Review - A Broken Man

Author - Akash Verma

Publisher - Srishti

Genre - Fiction

Price - Rs. 195

First Impressions

The ordinary figure of "A Broken Man" becomes rather special due to the multitude of colours running in his veins. Just like a rainbow, our life is an ensemble of various hues, each painting a different emotion on the canvas of our heart. A Psychedelic man had me totally impressed!

My View

The book begins on a beautiful thought by the Buddhist philosopher Daisaku Ikeda, "As long as one has hope, there is nothing one cannot achieve; everything is born from hope." Beautiful thought to begin a story that feeds on hope.

There is something about campus romance that makes stories an instant hit with the readers. Perhaps it is their ability to take us back in time to our college days and envelope us in the warmth of their memories. What makes the story more special is campus romance brewing amidst politics, casteism and issues faced by people in remote villages of our country.

A major part of the story runs in flashback, with the rich, popular and successful script writer and lyricist of the Hindi film industry, KK remembering his journey from rags to riches. From a poor Dalit boy who is a nobody in the campus of Lucknow University, Krishna Kumar, alias KK is now the most sought after writer. True to the popular saying "Behind a successful man, there is a woman" KK too attributes his success to Chhavi, his college sweetheart. Though physically not present with him, her memories inspire him each day just like the many inspirational stories she had told him when they were together. The only spark of happiness and hope remained in his life is an yearly email from Chhavi wishing KK on his birthday, the only remaining communication between the two. Like prized possession, KK reads the mails again and again to feel the lot unsaid behind those two words. So one year, when he finds the usual birthday message missing from his mailbox, anxiety and the fear of losing his love grips him. Without thinking twice, he sets out on a road trip from Mumbai to Lucknow - a trip that is also a trip down the memory lane, as he narrates his tragic love story to his driver and confidante, Ram Singh.

The story exposes the dark side of casteism in UP and Bihar, as young Dalit student Krishna Kumar has to endure many insults and exploitation due to his lower caste. He leaves his village in remote Bihar for good, hoping for a bright future in Lucknow university. However, to his shock the laws passed by government for equality of all castes is merely a tool used by the politicians on campus. The very leaders who use him as a pawn to play caste politics, inflict caste based insults on him when not in public view. 

However, his faith in honest politics gets restored by a chance meeting with Chhavi, the daughter of a veteran Brahmin politician. What surprises and impresses Krishna about Chhavi is that despite coming from a popular political family, she has no air about herself. She is committed to serve for student welfare and unlike everyone else doesn't bat an eyelid before befriending a Dalit boy. In no time, Chhavi breezes her way into Krishna's heart and love blossoms. Chhavi not only embraces Krishna for who he is, she also reaches out to his family which has him assured of her true love.

Besotted by Chhavi's charm and lost in her love, Krishna forgets the curse of his low caste. It returns to haunt him, this time taking away from him the love of his life. However, before going away, Chhavi ensures to lay the foundation of Krishna's bright future by recommending him to her cousin working with an ace advertising agency in Mumbai. 

After every few pages, the author pampers the readers to Hindi poetry, something I found very unique about the book.

Whether Krishna reclaims his love or not is for the readers to find out. But after reading the book, I felt that the end of the story doesn't matter much in front of the Krishna's journey that keeps us engrossed throughout. If campus politics, romance and social issues interest you, you will find an interesting company in the book on a Sunday afternoon.

Grab the book for 

• The warmth of your hometown and the smell of village soil
• Genuineness of the characters. 
• The awesome Hindi poetry giving guest appearances after every few pages and the street play slogans reminding of JNU.
• Sheer simplicity of Krishna Kumar. He reminded me of Dhanush from the move "Ranjhana"

Scope for improvement

• As a reader of fiction, I had huge expectations from the ending. When the story finished in a very plain jane manner, I was left looking for more. The ending could have been thought better.

My Rating

3/5

This review is for Writersmelon and Srishti Publishers

Book Review - The Heart Listens to No One

Author – Purba Chakraborty

Pages – 64

Price - Rs. 68 (Kindle edition)

First Impressions

At first, when I looked at the cover, I got a feeling of something mysterious or supernatural. At least the dark hue of blue and the forest signalled so. But very soon, the bird, violin and the title hinted the otherwise. As they say, one can never judge a book by its cover!

My View

Poetry has the ability to uplift our mood and transport our heart to faraway places. It was on a boring, rainy afternoon that I picked up Purba's book. Listening to the sound of raindrops dancing on my window, in no time I found myself lost in the world of love, longing, pain and memories.

"The Heart Listens to No One" is a collection of 35 poems about love. Purba rightly mentions that the heart listens to no one, for it is governed by love. Each poem is like a spice in a spice box, adding its distinct flavour to the dish of love. So, while reading "The Soul Tale", one is reminded of that first magical meeting that transforms the lives of two individuals. "Painting" depicts how love paints the canvas of heart with colours of commitment, care and passion. "kaleidoscope" tells of that moment in love when eyes do the talking and words lose relevance. Reading "Musical Silence", I could imagine myself sitting next to lovers on a starry night, witnessing the music of silence, when feelings are miles ahead of expressions. "A long winter night is all about preserving memories of precious moments. Having retained many sarees worn by my mom, I know how old clothes and characteristic fragrances ring in nostalgia. Being sincere in a relationship also amounts to watering the memories, so they become immortal. For each union, there is also a separation. Time flows like a river, transporting the once inseparable lovers to different shores of life. Often, the separation isn't pleasant (Well, when has separation been good, anyway?). Sometimes, the very same gifts that remind us of the good moments are like thorns pricking us every now and then by their presence. The traces of the burnt days then, have to be wiped out (Traces and fragments).

Since Purba has been wise enough to divided the book into themes (Love, longing, Romance, fond reminisces and separation), one doesn't feel as if reading a book. Lost in the world of love, I felt as if I was a spectator in a theatre, witnessing a romantic play! The beautiful words magically weaved the imageries, like the scenes of a play. 

If you enjoy reading romance, the section "romance" will find a place in your heart; when a mere gaze makes up for love letters and moments spent apart. It is amazing how one can experience the joy of a lifetime in those few moments spent with her beloved. But then, such is the magic of true love!

If you have ever been in love, the book will take you to the magical world, where soul is the boss and love, the only logic. If you are yet to be lucky with love, the poems like raindrops will sprinkle the divinity of love!

Thumbs Up

• This is Purba's first work that I have read and I am impressed by her ability to express the most intense emotions so effortlessly. 
• Real beauty lies in less and simple and going by the simple language and short poem format, she has used the simplicity well to her advantage.
• The poems strike an instant chord with the readers. Some tickle joy when they rekindle memories, while some strike the blow of refreshing unpleasant memories. 

But then, umm...

• I would have really loved if the cover spoke about love as much as the poems did.

My Rating 

4.5/5 

About the author

Purba Chakraborty is the author of two novels “Walking in the streets of love and destiny” (2012) and “The Hidden Letters” (2014). “The Heart Listens to No One” is her first poetry book. She has also contributed her poems and short stories in several anthologies such as “Rhymes and Rhythm”, “Minds @ Work 4”, “Kaafiyana”, “Mélange~ a potpourri of thoughts”, “Fusion~ a mingled flavor mocktail”, “Stories for your Valentine” etc. You can visit her blog www.reverieofpurba.blogspot.in to read more of her writings.  

I received a copy of the book from the author for an honest review.

Book Review - Corpokshetra - Mahabharata in the MBA Yug

Author – Deepak Kaul

Publisher – Westland, BGB

Pages – 124

Price -  Rs. 200

First Impressions

The minute I picked up the book, my eyes were glued to the charming and smiling face of Lord Krishna on the cover. Here's our lord in the modern times, looking dapper in corporate attire! Few things of course changed with the times - the Sudarshan chakra seemed to be replaced with car keys! Soon, my attention went to the familiar figures of Pandavas and Kauravas all set to break each other's heads with cricket bats. Poor Bhishm pitamah too stares helplessly, as Lord Krishna gives a typical "Sab Maya hai' smile! Wow, couldn't wait to get started with this book!

My View

Having read many versions of the Mahabharata, this I must say has by far been the most unique experience. Since childhood, Mahabharata to me meant the epic TV series, grand courtrooms, royal costumes, headgears, horses, chariots, and of course, liberal use of shudh hindi.

I was somewhat in a state of amusement and shock while reading the first few pages. What if I were to tell you that Hastinapur was in fact Hastinapur enterprises, a business conglomerate; Duryodhan was the CEO who was against the Pandavas claiming their equity stakes  in the company; during the 13 year Vanya vaas, the Pandavas were to run a NGO; and Krishna actually owned a consulting firm? Before, you jump on and think I have lost it completely, let me tell you this is the set up of the modern Mahabharata as told in the book. 

For the generation that was born much after the TV serial Mahabharata became popular, Mahabharata is just an epic. To modernise the whole concept by drawing parallels with the corporate world is then a very unique attempt by the author. 

Like a blockbuster movie, the first half impresses us with the Corporate jargons. In fact, I was mostly in splits, appreciating the author's out of the box thinking! 

Picture this -

• Krishna dancing on the head of Kaliya Nag, the MD of Yamuna Corp, to relent and set up a co-operative to be run by cowherds

• Krishna raising mountains to get Indra, the chairman of Govardhan Ltd., to stop scorching fertile land to set up a cosmetics factory

• Duryodhana and Karna discussing the state of affairs over a cup of Starbucks coffee

• The battle of Kurukshetra is actually an attempt by Pandavas to reclaim their lost equity stake from the Kauravas through a hostile takeover

• Kurukshetra, where the Mahabharata took place was in the fact the largest conference room in the offices of Hastinapur enterprise

• Kauravas inviting Pandavas for the historical Poker game over Watsapp!

While I would refrain from revealing more about the book, the above hints are enough to invoke your interest in this interesting book. Throughout the first half I was in awe of the creativity, holding my stomach and laughing throughout the story of Mahabharata in the MBA yug. 

However, it was the battle of Mahabharata that finally woke me up from my comfort for I was beginning to get somewhat confused. We all know the battle of Kurukshetra was the deciding factor, however, whether the fate of Hastinapur Inc was to be decided by boardroom battle, golf match, or cricket was something I was thoroughly confused about. One moment saw Arjun throwing things in the boardroom to avenge the wrongdoings against Abhimanyu, while the other saw Pandavas and Kauravas using sports to decide who shall control Hastinapur Inc. 

Finally, I did what the reader of fiction should do, stopped drawing parallels with the story I knew and enjoyed the story with the fresh mind. By the time I flipped the last page, my heart was shouting "this is entertainment, entertainment, entertainment!" Lol!

I recommend this book for its sheer uniqueness. The apt use of corporate lingo will leave you in splits. 

The book is unique for another reason. Did you know this is a crowd curated book? Bloody Good Book is a unique eBook publishing venture, wherein the aspiring authors are invited to submit their manuscript at www.bloodygoodbook.com. The first 3 chapters of their manuscript will be made available to readers, who will read and review them. The top rated and most popular books are reviewed by BGB (eBooks) and Westland (print) editors and considered for publication.

Thumbs Up

• Very unique concept

• Apt use of corporate jargons

• Brevity

• Seasoned with the right amount of humour

• I particularly enjoyed reading the afterword for its sheet honesty and recommended readings by the author.

But then, umm...

• The Kurukshetra war could have been more realistic than a combination of verbal spats, physical fights, cricket and golf match deciding the fate of a business conglomerate.

My Rating 

4/5

This review is for Writers Melon and Westland.