The Dumb and the DumbFounded by Abhinav Shrivastava and Prerna Varma!!!

             The fourth book of 2013 is been read. Reading is the best habit that I have and hence, I keep on promoting as much as I can so that others reading this medium can also indulge into this habit as it is been said to be the best Habit by many great men in history. :-) This time, I have read "The Dumb and the Dumbfounded" which also has the tagline "Life as we see it!". This is 231-pages novel published by ABC Publishers. This is the first time when I have picked up this publisher and I am satisfied with the quality of the cover page, pages, binding etc. I would like to specially mention that Cover Page of the book is something that I have seen very rarely- 5/5 to it.  The book is written in co-authorship by Abhinav Shrivastava and Prerna Varma. Both of them are debutantes and it is the first time when they have written a novel. Both are writers who have pursued their education from Amity University and Delhi University. They have written over 500 articles for local sections of leading newspapers and websites while freelancing for magazines. They work for causes like cerebral palsy, fight against female feticide and right to education. 

For few, college is the temple of learning, for some it is their ticket to romance, for others it is a place to make new friends, creating countless memories !
What does 'college' mean to you?Does it remind you of your 'best friend?'The friend who has been there, shared your dreams, acted as an advisor and an agony aunt!
But what if this same 'friend' betrays you, tries to sabotage your career and threatens to reveal every single detail of your life?
Would you sit in a corner and sob? Or would to stand up and retaliate?
'The Dumb and the Dumbfounded' is a tale of two friends- Aarav and Dhruv, who embark on a thrilling ride of life.But soon the thin line between thrill and fright starts to dissipate.
Aarav begins to lead a 'dual life.'Dhruv gives a new meaning to IIT.And one of them discovers other's plans.
Would they forgive and forget? Or would they seek vengeance? But first, they have to make the ends meet, without actually making them meet!
This is a journey where there's nothing right or wrong.

                 Coming to the authors- As they are young debutantes, I did find some drawbacks in their writing but I was satisfied with no grammar and spelling mistakes in the book. They have kept the book as simple as possible. They have generally targeted the age-group of 16 to 22, it seems. Because, the book is too simple for anyone who has passed out from college. The college children would love to read the book. Narration is fine. At few places, it seemed as if authors wanted to touch a landmark but missed it by couple of steps. They'll have to work little more before writing their 2nd novel. I would suggest them to read more books in this genre. It will surely help them to get the real way in which one should carry forward a story which has suspense hidden in it. Else, I would say that their writing skills didn't disappoint me. 

              Coming to the review, the first chapter of the book itself gives a feel that we are not going to read something that young authors publish these days. The initial pages of the book are very interesting when it's about lying to the stranger by the characters of the book and later meeting him/her co-incidentally and then dealing with it casually. The characters are defined very well. What I liked about the book is that authors haven't inserted sexual and intimate scenes to add spices in the story even when the book is about flirting, loving, committing, ditching etc. They have kept it decent. Kudos. College life ends soon in the first half itself. Another exciting feature of this novel. As soon as the ambitions and career's talks comes in the book, my reading pace fastened. The fights that both-Aarav and Dhruv keep having with their girlfriends in respective relationships are funny and cheap. Haha! The second half of the book is, actually, the winner. And the best part of the book is its climax. It saved the book.

             Coming to the drawbacks- The book is very slow. I felt that they should have added more ingredients in these 231 pages than the very few that they have. The diary part should have been written in some different form and format rather than in the same tone as the whole book is been written. Narration sometimes felt weak, I think its because of the lack of co-ordination between both the authors at times. I felt that there wasn't any need of describing few things in detail as they are already understandable. As the book is about unfolding the suspense in the end of it, authors should have made the plot little doubtful at times so that it would have been fun when the story unfolds in the end. 

             But still, the climax is the winner and for me, it saved the book, literally. I can say that this is a book-form of the comedy movie- Garam Masala where two males keep fighting for girls and also against each other. If you enjoyed watching Garam Masala, you will love reading this book. :-) I would give it 2.75/5. One-time read? Yes, for the age group of 16-22. 

 Thanks.

 ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU

Spicy Bites of Biryani by Ashwina Garg!!!

            Third book of this year is also been read. This book was a short read because of its simple language and narration. I am talking about newly released book “Spicy Bites of Biryani” which also has the tagline “because life needs a little masala”. This 225-pages book is published by Srishti Publications.[And Yes, this is the first review of this book on InternetThe cover page is beautifully done. The title of the book is too creative to go with the content of the book. It has been for the first time when I have seen that Srishti hasn’t given the biography of an author on the other side of front cover but it is scribbled at the back cover just like Rupa publications does. Suddenly, I am seeing a good change in Srishti through this book but I am too disappointed to see the price of the book rising from 100 to 150 Rs. While the books of Srishti are available at 60 to 70 rs on E-commerce websites, this one is available for more than 100 rs. When the number of pages is the same that the Publication has been publishing since years, why this hike in price? Isn’t it injustice to this debutant author? This is my serious request to the Publisher to please not to hike the price of your books because readers have been attached to Srishti because of its reasonable pricing in market when compared to books by other Publications. 

            Spicy Bites of Biryani is written by the debutant authoress- Mrs. Ashwina Garg- who lives in Hyderabad with her husband and two kids. She studied accountancy and has worked as an entrepreneur, a German translator and a technical writer. Coming to her writing style, I would say that she has handled her first book with utmost care and concern which readers will surely love to read. The successful female authors in our country who writes in this genre are famous because of the way they have been writing by portraying what a female thinks about men- married and unmarried. Ashwina Garg has just categorized her in this classic group which includes great names like Preeti Shenoy, Varsha Dixit, Komal Mehta etc. She has kept the book funny at times while too thoughtful in some other parts of it. She has given a perfect shape to each character that made me imagine all of them as someone whom I know from a long time. In short, I would say that she has excelled in her first book and I would love to read more books from her which is women-centric. 

              

               The book is about four characters. The synopsis of the book is perfectly done hence I would not try to define the story in my language. It’s here- “Sanjay is a US- returned software millionaire determined to have an arranged marriage after selling his company and breaking up with his two-timing girlfriend. Aditi is a commitment-phobic writer who can’t figure out what her next book is about but has perfected the art of break-ups. Mayank and Jayshree are the perfect couple. If only they weren’t dealing with rude relatives, killing deadlines, procreation pressures and those ultimate romance-killers..Monotony and boredom! This light-hearted story traces the lives of these four successful, thirty-something friends who all come to the same conclusion… The hardest thing about having the perfect life is keeping it that way!” 

                Coming to the review- It’s a typical stuff that one would expect from a married female author. And that’s the good part about it. Mayank and Jayshree’s relationship makes us think about how we would be after our marriage. Sometimes, it makes us feel good about it while sometimes, it scares. She has portrayed their married relationship very well. The complications that they meet when it comes to giving birth to baby is also handled respectfully. Author has made it sure that she is not letting anyone’s sentiments towards marriage and having baby hurt. The confusion that is shown in the relationship of unmarried Sanjay and Aditi is the USP of this book. I just loved reading their parts. And wonderfully, they are given the whole coverage in the book. Aditi has turned out to be my favorite character. Beautifully portrayed! Even when the authoress is the first time author, she has managed to narrate Aditi’s writing journey perfectly. I related with her Writer’s character very easily. Even Sanjay’s character is given full justice. 

                 I loved the scene when Aditi goes to Sanjay’s new flat and the scene of both of them sitting together with both their knees touching each other with scraps all around. Then, the marriage proposal is also another beautiful scenario. Also, all the reasons why Aditi does not want to get married are also done perfectly. Sanjay’s rich life and middle-class relatives scenario is something I would say I loved authoress for. The flat thing between Sanjay and Sheetal is too cheap to be discussed and I seriously enjoyed and laughed like anything in all those parts. Also, the climax of the book isn’t ended with marrying of the couples but by something unpredictable that I didn’t think book would end like. In all, everything that the author wanted to put into the book has been done without stretching the story for a single page. Yes!

                 Coming to the drawbacks, initially the book does not pick up nicely nor does it make you confident that you might like it in future. The sub-plots in the first half does irritates as the story does not move forward. It seems to be boring. Though the book had one-liners, it would have been better with more humor. Mayank and Jayshree ‘s part should have been little more in the book, at least by 10 pages. And I didn’t like Aditi’s character’s assassination by mentioning again and again about her innumerable ex-boyfriends. Yes, I am little emotional and sentimental when it comes to this.  In all, I would rate the first attempt of the debut authoress- 3.75/5. If you have loved reading any of the top 3 authoresses I have mentioned, you can definitely pick up Mrs Ashwina Garg. 

                

 Thanks.

 ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU

Te Amo... I LOVE YOU by Rohit Sharma!!!

            Reading the title and seeing the cover page of the book, you would have understood that this space is going to turn monotonous for some weeks. Right? :-) I am not sorry because reading is a good habit and I am trying to build this into everyone coming across this space. At 4 AM in the morning, I am done reading Rohit Sharma's "Te Amo.. I LOVE YOU". The cover page also says," Join Isabella and Aryan in their journey of love". I have finally ended reading the whole journey of 310 pages. This book is by Mahaveer Publishers. They usually publish books of less than 200 pages but as they have surpassed their limit, they have also increased the price of this book from their usual 125 Rs to 175. Something that I won't appreciate but I have nothing in my hand except pleading them to not to do this again. The cover page of the book is excellently designed by Pinaki De. Cover page itself looks like a 50 Rs stuff- the amount that the publishers have increased. Haha! 

              Let's know the Author first. Rohit Sharma is born in Amritsar, and brought up in Faridabad, Rohit Sharma is a Senior Software Engineer by profession. Working with one of the world's top MNCs, Rohit has successfully represented his organization in USA and England. Apart from being a Gold-Medalist in Engineering (Honors), and earning the title of the Hall of Fame of his college, Rohit successfully represented his college at various dancing and sketching competitions. His debut intense romance fiction, Te Amo I Love You began in 2009, after an extensive research on the Spanish culture, which enchanted him completely. 

              Coming to his writing style, I would say I prefer reading someone who can form such sentences and use such words throughout the book. While reading any book, I concentrate over the language that the author has used. If I get to learn something, I appreciate it and hence, Kudos to you debutante. Writers always say that they are not English teacher, I agree. But you aren't even meant to write an English book which while reading seems to be written by a 3rd grade child. Hence, I would say that Rohit Sharma has worked hard upon his English and the book. His efforts are easily visible. But only a request, next time, please don't write a love story again nor a thriller. I want to see a totally new genre this time. I would love to explore your writing style in new genre now. 

                Te-Amo is a passionate love story of Aryan and Isabella. While Aryan is Indian, Isabella is Spanish. He meets her for the first time in London. Love at first sight happens. He tries to meet her again and fortunately, he finds her in her University. Then, they start meeting each other and finally end up in a committed relationship. Their world seems to be beautiful and perfect when Ethan enters. He is already been committed by Isabella's father that he'll get Ethan and Isabella married together. Ethan has no attachment with Isabella. He just wants to use her body for his lust. And once Isabella and Aryan are back to her hometown, the whole twists and turns in their love story begins. And from here, the story takes a totally new fold. To know what happens, get the book. :-)

              Coming to the good points first. It's good that author has divided the book appropriately whenever the regions are been changed by the couple. The first part when the protagonists meet for the first time is wonderfully written. Initial pages of romance is the best part of this book. If not for anything, I would ask everyone to read this book for its LONDON part. Romance is wonderfully crafted every time couple gets cozy and physical. Rather than the love for body, author has been successful in portraying the boy's love for girl rather than for her body even when he is physically involved with her. Very few Indian authors are able to do this. Then, the meeting of Aryan and Velan is another beautiful segment. The entry of Ethan isn't as scary as it should have been but later on, when he attacks Aryan and takes away Isabella, it is something that makes us visualize a Bollywood movie villain. 

              And then, I would say that every time Spanish is been used in the book, the part has automatically turned cute, cuter and cutest. Birth of a child in the book is also beautifully handled. And then, I would directly go to the 23rd chapter- Life Goes On. Angel and Aryan's chat and relationship is wonderfully portrayed. 

               Coming to the drawbacks now. I do understand that an author feels that the amount of creativity he can show while describing the nature tells how good a writer he/she is. But unfortunately, over description irritates sometimes. It happened often in the book. Then, physical intimacy for the first or second time in full description excites us to read more. But a physical intimacy in the second half of the book didn't attract me a bit. While the first half of the book is something for which I will rate the book very highly but the second half is too dragged and stretched. The book could have been short by 50-60 pages easily. It shouldn't have crossed 250-pages mark. Though the author tried to show how Aryan fights against Ethan for his love-Isabella, the fight is been dragged for a very long time. Then, the ending of the love after reading such a long story isn't something that I was expecting from the author. He tried to compensate the tragic part by the entrance of a new character in the end but still.. I am heart broken. 

            In all, I would say that the book is the mixture of all the Bollywood hit romantic movies. Every page will take you to some part of some Bollywood movie. The whole part of Ethan in the story made me remember Ek Tha Tiger where both the protagonists keeps on running throughout the movie. If you are a fan of Bollywood romantic movies of 1990s and even those that releases now, this book is surely meant for you. And as Valentine's day is coming near or at any point of time, you can easily gift this to your partner. He/she'll start caring for you more after reading this saga. :-) To the first part, I would give 4/5. And to the second, 2/5. Overall, it's 3/5 from my side. 

Thanks.

ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU

Nobody Dies a Virgin... by Sanjay K Shukla!!!

           So finally, I am back with much awaited Book reviews. No, not from your point of view but mine. I was waiting from a long time to get back to the world of reading and write about them in my Blogs so that those trust my reviews can get the recommended books for themselves without worrying about their pocket money getting wasted. Because of my First Semester MCA exam I had to leave the world of books and novels in the end of October 2012 itself. Since then, I am just waiting for the day when I would again begin with my reading. Finally, the first book is done and I am up with the first review of this year. Enjoy!!! 

             I am done reading "Nobody Dies a Virgin.." which also has the tagline "Life Screws us All". The book is been published by Srishti Publication. And its the debut novel of Sanjay K. Shukla who hails from Pantnagar, a reputed university town in the state of Uttarakhand. After his post-graduation from Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur in 2007, Sanjay spent four years with General Electric - Aviation. Recently he has joined Aeronautical Development Agency, Ministry of Defense. Between the chores of corporate life and his personal commitments, he completed his first novel titled 'Nobody Dies a Virgin'. Apart from writing, the author makes time to pursue his interest in dance, swimming and gliding. Sanjay also pens short poems from time to time. Every time I read a book that is a combo on an IITian and Srishti Publication, I expect a lot from it because I have always loved reading such desi material. With this book, I had the same expectations and I enjoyed reading this novel.

               NDAV is the story of three friends- Aadi, Tapan and Harsh. Aadi- the main protagonist is one of those ambitious students who fight with the whole world for getting the dream fulfilled. He makes it sure that he is not working on a project alone but with the help of both his friends. Tapan and Harsh takes time to decide if they want to work on this project along with their studies and academic project but somehow, they agree to work on this kind-of-fictional project(from their point of view). And from here, the real journey starts. They get into the bad books of a Professor who decides to screw their degree and career while Aadi makes it sure that he is not giving up. Since friends have to suffer because of him but he still makes it sure that he is not letting any one suffer because of his dream. This is one of the few books which will make you realize what a passion is and how one fights against the world for it. Do read the book to get into this journey of passion.

              Coming to the writer, Sanjay K Shukla seems to be a passionate himself for Aeronautics as he works in the same field. He has embedded his knowledge in the field very appropriately in the book. While reading "Nobody Dies a Virgin...", I remembered the National Bestseller "Wings of Fire" by most respected former President of India- APJ ABDUL KALAM. I got almost the same feel that I got while reading the Wings of Fire. The only problem that I had with the author was- the language throughout the book is very technical. Even while specifying the scene among the friends and campus stories, author still uses a language that isn't very smooth. It's little twisted. Else, I loved the way whole passion for aeronautics has been displayed in these 225 pages.

               I would like to point out some good parts of the story. The first scene where Aadi discusses Aeronautics is passionate. The party scene where Jaswinder slaps Sid is a laugh-out-loud moment. Sonia's entrance in the story is not kept quite glamorous but reserved which I liked. Aadi and Dr. Subbarao's argument in the classroom is something that I would like to try in my college life against some grass-headed teacher. Harsh's tragedy in the middle of the story is something that makes us cry. After 189th page, you get involved with the process of the project in a high intensity which leads to the increase in speed of reading. :-) Flymoto becomes our own project in the same way as for the people involved with it in the book. Flymoto's success in the pre-climax is kept balanced without letting it get filmy, the way I wanted it to be. Rounding up, the best part of the book is that even when its all about Aeronautics and Science, you won't feel left out. You will still love reading those parts where science is involved. 

               Coming to the drawbacks- Author has used a technical kind of a language even in those parts where no technicalities were needed. As the author kept the whole story on a plot, he didn't add some fun into it which we expect while picking up a College campus story. The character of Sonia isn't used much which I wanted to. The protest scene isn't done with the kind of enthusiasm I was expecting from it. The sex scene is little too much but I understand the plight of author as publisher demands such scenes in book. But still, the scene went on extremely explicit side. 20 pages after Flymoto's success in the end are stretched without meaning. Except that, author should have added some funny scenes as fillers in the story. And in the end, the title of the book should have been something related to plane, sky or something in spite of someone not dying as a virgin. Complain!

              Overall, it's a recommendable book for those who are in the Aeronautics field itself, for those who love reading Campus stories, who love Science and for those who have been waiting for a long time for a good IITian stuff. I would give it 3.5/5. 

 Thanks.

 ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU

The Bankster by Ravi Subramanian!!!

            It often happens that you hear an author's name continuously by the bunch of good readers but still you never get a chance to pick up their book and read. Same happened with me in the case of Ravi Subramanian. I have heard his name a lot but never got a chance to read his book because none of my friends are into reading habit. And even if they are, they are either interested in foreign authors or Indian chick lit. No one reads such intellectual and interesting books. :-) Finally, I got my hand on The Bankster- latest release of Mr. Ravi Subramanian- an alumnus of IIM Bangalore, has spent two decades working his way up the ladder of power in the amazingly exciting and adrenaline-pumping world of global banks in India. It is but natural that his stories are set against the backdrop of the financial services industry. He lives in Mumbai with his wife Dharini and daughter Anusha. In 2008, he won the Golden Quill Readers Choice award for his debut novel, If God was a Banker. Recently, I missed an event in Mumbai- The Economist Awards where the author won the Popular Choice Award for his book- The Incredible Banker. Awesome CV! :-) 

            The synopsis of the book- THE BANKSTER says: Bankers build their careers on trust, or so everyone thinks, till a series of murders threaten to destroy the reputation that the Greater Boston Global Bank (GB2) has built over the years. Who is behind these killings, and what is their motive? When Karan Panjabi, press reporter and ex-banker, digs deeper, he realizes that he has stumbled upon a global conspiracy with far reaching ramifications a secret that could not only destroy the bank but also cast a shadow on the entire nation. With only thirty-six hours at his disposal, he must fight the clock and trust no one if he is to stay alive and uncover the truth.

             Ravi Subramanian does not need any review, that is what I personally feel. When an author starts writing into a genre which never got the amount of respect before, but got once he landed with his masterpieces, he should be kept in a different category to which no one can criticize. :-) But as the universal law says, positive and negative are in equal amount, one has to place their views on God too. :-) The language that the author has used in the book is very easy to understand. Though the initial pages has some vocabulary for which I had to run to dictionary but after few pages, the language is kept simple until the end. Though, authors get descriptive at times, boring sometimes and stretches the story, I loved some sequences for which I'll always remember this book for. Reading the author for the first time, I now know the mistake I have committed for not reading his previous successful works. 

             When the word "thriller" is used, it itself says that all the interesting matters are left for the last pages and you are made to get confused and irritated for rest of the pages. :-) The same follows here. Though the initial chapters of the book generates interest but it dies once all the murders that are plotted in the story are done. After that, the book gets too boring for a long time until the character of Karan enters to investigate and unfold the whole thing within few hours. The humour quotient is too less but everything that is attached to Zinaida made me laugh. You know I'm naughty. :-) Initially when Vikram fools Nikhil and Divya with the flat is another amazing part. Haha. Zinaida's entrance in the book is the most crazy thing. The first scene after the murder when Karan tells about the possibility of the incident being a murder and not suicide amazed me. Some portions where intellectualism is used to solve the case made me know why the writer is so renowned. 

             The biggest problem with the book is too many characters and not even one being described so that it can remain with you after the book ends. The climax is not as hardcore as you expect it to be. It's as if a fresher is been made to sit in the placement cell and recruiters are taking him on with confusing questions. The 50-60 pages in the middle of the book were too boring to handle. Too many sequences going on simultaneously is very interesting to read but I wanted all of them to be connected as if a screenplay of the movie is being written. But still, I want to compliment author for it. It's not easy to signify so many parallel sub-plots in a plot that needs such sub-plots to add special effects. In the end, I would like to say that Ravi Subramanian deserves all the fame that he has. I would rate this book 3.5/5. 

This review is a part of the Book Reviews Program at BlogAdda.com . Participate now to get free books!

 Thanks.

 ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU

The METH by Tanmay Kulshrestha!!!

           Reading two novels in a day is the best productive day for me. Once I read 4 novels in a span of 24 hours. That day still remains unforgettable and memorable for me. I need to experience something of that kind but I am seriously saying, this academics being the only option to survive in this world is a very bad idea. Whoever created it would not have been a fan of reading books. If he would have known power of reading good books and novels, he would have made a course where our job would have been just to read books and give a review as an examination. :-) At least somewhere I would have ranked favorably. Haha! After Durjoy Datta's latest, I have finished reading Tanmay Kulshrestha's "The METH" which also has the tagline of "...when a lie takes away a life". This book was initially self-published by the author but lately the charge was taken up by Mahaveer Publishers- one of those publications who love publishing debutantes. 

TANMAY KULSHRESTHA: is as different as can be from the popular image of other authors. He is a natural gentleman who lives austerely, litters his conversation with fellow mates and sails with young and ambitious friends to professional and delightful harbours where sky is the limit. Tanmay is currently pursuing his B.Tech in Information Technology from KIIT University and is set to graduate in 2014. Right from his school days, he had flair to write and pen down his feelings and expressions. This dream has today come alive in the form of 'The METH' - When a lie takes away a life..!! Being an Engineer who has now become an author, Tanmay's personality demarcates the truthfulness within him. He has much more in his bags than just drafters, dreams and documents..!! His good points cannot be enumerated as he has plenty of them. Many a times, Tanmay has turned out to be a perfect mentor, motivator and guide to a number of his fellow mates, friends and colleagues. Amongst all these, Tanmay is also a motivational speaker..!!

SYNOPSIS: The Meth -When a Lie Takes Away a Life Overview

It is a tale about Arush and Trisha, who though they love each other, fall victim to the snares of the 'METHAMPHETAMINE', the bond of love may be as strong as they wish it to be, but nothing or no one can withstand the buffeting of the craving for this drug. It is a fact that nobody will deny. It has been the ruination of innumerable lives and continues to be. Most live in denial by lying....hence the punch line that 'a lie takes away a life'. The people who embark on a course of this drug abuse are bound to cause ruination of families, of partners and most importantly, life itself. The message is strong, unambiguous and very powerful. The Meth is the cry against any more loss of life due to 'METHAMPHETAMINE', especially students, and is a remarkable way to launch the campaign, so that no student can fall prey to this drug.

          Tanmay is obviously a writer who wants to bring a change in society through his writing. He may have seen something during his Engineering days that led him to speak on the consumption of drugs by youth in his debut novel itself. Though I would like to suggest the author to improve his language a bit more. He has a beautiful thought process but because of lack of reading habits or I must say, grammar and language too, he couldn't speak exactly what he has in his heart. As I am myself a writer who wrote miserably, I can easily understand what writer wants to convey and what he couldn't because of lack in grammar. Mr. Tanmay, read more books and I can surely say that you will come up with a surprising element in your next. 

            The first chapter has an excellent language. I was too happy to read it. It was written as great journalists write. But just after that, author has written in the same manner as few young authors write these days, often. The story starts with a great story of how a boy scores in examination and move out of his home in a quest to study from a great institute from where no one has ever studied in his home town. Finally, he finds a good friendship in Trisha and the saga of friendship starts. The whole segment is beautiful described. But the conversations that both of them have with each other are so childish that I wanted to skip them all. But later the description of personal experiences of the protagonist after consuming Meth is described fine up to an extent. I am happy as writer hasn't dragged story after 150th page. I liked the way he directly came to the Post Script part where he tells all the information related to Meth and how it causes destruction to a human body. 

           In all, I would give the book- 2.5/5. .5 extra for the message that the writer has tried to spread.

 Thanks.

 ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU

Till the Last Breath by Durjoy Datta!!!

             Being honest to self is the best that one can do with himself. I am no different. Though last time I reviewed Durjoy Datta's book and got landed up in an unwanted controversy of which I am still guilty of, I am again reviewing his latest book after fighting all my dilemmas. First, I thought of just reading the book and not reviewing. Then I thought "For whom do I review?" Obviously, it's for my Blog readers first and then the author if he wants to take something from the review to improve himself. No, I am not a boss to tell but sometimes a weaker element can also give a lesson to the one who is mighty and powerful. Because my review has no sense as this book has already got its 35,000 copies sold till date. I thought if I won't review I may be called coward which has no sense. If I would review I may again be called a Publicity-seeker, which again is senseless. So finally I thought I'll review the book because Durjoy has been one of my favorite writers though he disappointed me with his 6th book- "If it's not forever...". Let people say what they want to, I seriously don't care. If I like a book, I would review it to let my readers also buy and read it to get an experience. 

              With his 7th and the latest book- "Till The Last Breath", Durjoy Datta has almost transformed himself as a writer. Remove the name "Durjoy Datta" from the book and you won't identify if it's the same person who has written the last 6 books. You would certainly guess the mysterious writer as Preeti Shenoy, Novoneel, Ravinder Singh etc but certainly not Durjoy Datta. I am once again proud of him in the same way as I was after reading "Now that you're rich" and "You were my crush...". This book does not have a fancy title like his previous books. This book does not have a bright and sexy cover page. This book, surprisingly, shockingly, does not have any sex sequence. WOW! With this, Durjoy Datta has proved that he can write an unforgettable book without including a bit of sex in it. Respect! With age, Durjoy has also shown maturity in his writing skills this time. Not for a moment would you feel as if story is fictitious. It is inspiring, transitional, motivational, a guide, philosophy, theory etc. Durjoy, you better write books without any co-writer. :-)

               The whole story line is based in a hospital ward. Keeping this as a base, writing 237 page novel isn't a joke or a game. One needs to have a sense of writing, creativity, story-formation to make it interesting up to the end. Though initially, I felt it hard when the connection of each character was shown with each other but later when I got it embedded in my mind for next few hours, I got the real fun of reading the book. After 50th page or something, I don't remember if there was a single moment that I didn't have tear in my eyes. Though all the characters are in depression, you can't say that the book is depressing because every chapter is a message in itself. The life given to each character signifies some or the other traits of human behaviour. With it, directly or indirectly, author also tells how can one get out of the bad and unwanted traits and how can the most required and wanted traits can be possessed and followed even in the moments of challenges and controversies. :-) Excellent! 

             For the characters- Pihu and Dushyant, I would say you have bought 100 times more memories and feelings than the over-rated Deb and Avantika. Your stories, pasts, current situations, the way you struggled for the last breath, waited for it, cried in loneliness, made others love you even after this and many other activities that you kept yourself involved in even after being on bed continuously for days has bought too many changes in my outlook towards life. You will be forever remembered. For the character of Zarah, I have deep sympathy. But I am happy the way you ended all the problems of life with smile and move-on theory. Arman, if some day I would be a patient, I would love to have a kind doctor like you. No, not the way you behaved with Dushyant but the way you treated Pihu. Disclaimer: I am not inviting for a gay love story. :-) Kajal, you teach how wrong decisions can end up isolating us from the loved ones. I hope I would never take a wrong decision like you and end up losing everyone I love. For the parents of Pihu, it happens. For the parents of Dushyant, please tell other parents that child is not always as bad as he/she seems to be. 

              The pain of patients, the hard decisions of doctors to save patients, the trauma of those who love the one who is patient and still accepting the truth that they are just a few-days guest and the incomplete LOVE that comes in between patient and that one person is so perfectly described by the author that I would say "Till the Last Breath" is a perfect book considering these points. With the story line that guarantees not a single smile, Durjoy Datta has still managed to make me laugh at moments and smile continuously at others. There are many terrifying moments in the book while there are some very lightning moments too. I am not describing any of them because I want you to read the book. The biggest drawback of the book is the worst quality of pages. The initial books that I ordered of Grapevine Publication had milky-white pages while this one has surely disappointed me. Please work on it, publishers. In the end, I would give the book- 4.5/5.

 Thanks.

 ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU