It's All About Books!!!

Saturday, 11 October 2014

Best SELLERS by Devang/Tanveer (Book Review-4*/5)!!!

Enter into any bookstore and you will find many books asking you to pick them up because they are a great reference on how to sell your product. Selling and marketing has become a new phenomenon globally because of which competition is very intense among rival these days. Every company needs few new principles which can show them a direction they are missing out from their meetings and modus operandi. "Best Sellers" is a book that makes people into selling and marketing realize what mistake they do because of which they find it hard to make their mark in the current race where a pinch of mistake can take you far behind than others.

Devang Kanavia and Tanveer Shaikh chose to share their message through a fiction story where Aditya and Ryan are the heads of selling and marketing department of Maxima. They find that their company is incurring only losses and every principle that they applied have failed severely. Finally, they hire a consultant named ENTITY who helps them for 6 weeks. He suggests new key principles which helps Aditya and Ryan notice their mistakes and adopt the new findings. The book also has a tagline "Because everything is about selling". Easiest language is used to make the message reach everyone who picks up the book. Story is not made confusing and wanna-be in quest of making it more interesting. Focus on the plot has been kept right from the first word to the last.

If someone would ask me what I would say about "Bestsellers" in a sentence, I would say "It's The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari for sales and marketing professionals". Yes, it is that good. The way both the protagonists find the answers themselves creates an excitement within you as a reader. The important sentences are underlined and even mentioned at the end of each chapter. The intention of authors are clear. They just want to make you aware and serious regarding your product. They are asking you to create a brand of your product, make yourself unique so that anyone meeting you once remember you for life etc. With each sentence, the book goes in a mode where you want to start beginning on yourself and the organization desperately using the principles shared in the book. I would suggest every Sales and Marketing guy to have this book with them. I give the book 4* out of 5.

Thanks.

ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU!!!

Operation Mom by Reenita Malhotra Hora (Book Review-2.75*/5)!!!

"Operation Mom" is Reenita Malhotra Hora's 4th book. Published by HarperCollins, this 234-pages novel is a perfect and typical chick-lit that the Indian audience enjoys, specially girls. Operation Mom is an attempt to encourage youths to think about their mother's life which becomes nothing more than a prisoner's after we are born. Though the protagonist of this book, Ila Isham does it to keep her mom busy as she wants to stalk the pop star, Ali Zafar, but still the book says a lot about the relationship between a mother and daughter and especially about the kind of transformation our mothers have to see to bring up their children in the right way.

Reenita Hora has used good language which makes you even more interested in the story. I wasn't sure by the plot that the story would be able to impress me enough but the way first half has been written creates enough excitement in you to know what happened in the climax. Few scenes are wonderfully described by the authoress. My personal favorite is the one where she gets to know about her mother's history and get surprised as to why is she being restricted to get obsessed by Ali Zafar. The attitude of discussing the three generations is also well done by the authoress. I personally liked the character of Deepali which gives the book a momentum whenever it starts falling down. Aunty Maleeka is another interesting character that keeps the book alive.

The cover page of the book is uniquely crafted which secretly speaks a lot about the story. I loved the way chapters were kept limited as it allows a new reader to grasp the tale easily. I just wished second half to be more delighting and catchy. I hated the parts where SMS conversations were discussed briefly. It could have been cut short. The book got stuck in between and remained at the same spot until author realized that the climax has to be begun. It is then that the story is suddenly given pace. My summary of the review would be an amazing story skewed by its second half after a wonderful excitement generated by its first half. I give it 2.75* out of 5. But still, it's a light read and chick-lit lovers would appreciate it for its genuineness.

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Thanks.

ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU!!!

Friday, 3 October 2014

And We Remained by Asad Ali Junaid (Book Review-3*/5)!!!

I started reading "And We Remained" by Asad Ali Junaid on 1st October. After completing half of it, I began reading "Half Girlfriend" which got delivered on 1st itself. After completing/reviewing it, I completed 2nd half of it today. So many Halves in the above sentences, right? Haha! Before starting to talk about the book, I would like to inform you that this book is not just written by the author, but he has himself designed the cover page of the book being a designer himself and also went on publishing it on his own. For this tremendous efforts, author should be applauded irrespective what the book is all about.

Coming to the book, it is one among many that discusses college life of a group of friends and how they face that all of us do in our college lives- identity crisis, friends, girls, crushes, bunks, bad scores, semesters, parents, joblessness etc. Author has tried to write it in a most specific way without getting deep into something that is not part of the main theme of the story. It basically talks about the inclination of 3 friends towards a girl named Wardha who studies with them. Well, it sounds little illogical and unbelievable but that's what author has decided to write on. With that, this book also doesn't indulge into drama where 3 friends fight for this particular girl whom they wish to get committed with. They are fine with the competition. Distinct, isn't it? Haha!

Each character of the book talks in first person and therefore, you get an insight from everyone's view. Also, every alternate chapter includes "mail conversation" where these friends keep informing each other about their developments in life after college. It's a good idea but I felt it an interruption many of the times. Book could have been shorter by 50 pages if little more editing could have been performed in this email section. Otherwise, the main story is indulging, charming and beautiful. It's one of those light reads that you love during train journeys. If you have passed out from college, this book will provide enough nostalgia that you will end up calling your friends on conference.

Sahir Hussain's character is my favorite from the book. I felt his state of mind quite stable and clear in comparison to others. Therefore, I feel that it's a character based on author himself. Am I right, Mr. Asad? :-) Also, the joblessness even after 2 Master Degrees and settling to work in a restaurant as waiter is something that touched my heart. I just wished that Wardha's thing could have gotten a proper ending. It's fine to add little drama even if the story is based on your real experiences in college. I also wished character to be little more insightful so that it could have given a flavor to each of them. Like, I personally felt that David's character was given the least focus. That's all. I would ask author to edit bit of the portions from the email section and then go for the next print of the book. I give this book 3*/5.

Thanks.

ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU!!!

Thursday, 2 October 2014

Half Girlfriend by Chetan Bhagat (Book Review-3.25*/5)!!!

The most awaited book of India’s popular author Chetan Bhagat released yesterday. As per their promise, Flipkart delivered the book on the day of release itself. It took me flat 6 hours to finish “Half Girlfriend”- the tale of Madhav, a Bihari boy and Riya, a rich Delhi girl. The cover of the book itself tells how the boy must have been ignored by a girl just because he isn't considered cool for not speaking fluent English. When it’s Chetan Bhagat’s novel, you know it’s reflection of society in some way in the form of a humorous story that doesn't let seriousness of the issue overcome your fun of reading a pulp fiction novel. HALF GIRLFRIEND, in that sense, is an average attempt.

There are two issues that CB has tried to reflect through this book. 1. A Class system where people are divided into two sections: Superior being the ones who can speak fluent English while inferior being the ones who cannot speak English properly. 2. A modern relationship in today’s time where a boy and girl are more than just friends but they do not find it appropriate to call themselves a committed couple. The 2nd message has been beautifully portrayed in comparison to the 1st which also keeps the interest level high.

As always, Chetan Bhagat uses simple English to narrate his story. He keeps the plot easy so that the readers do not find it heavy to remember the names, scenes and happenings. The 260-pages novel is divided into three parts: Delhi, Bihar and New York. The college days is described funnily by the author as he masters in telling college and campus stories. But as soon as the book reaches Bihar, you find a sudden transformation in the writing style and even the story. For the research and minute analysis that Chetan has done on Bihar and the whole culture, attitude and priorities of locals living there should be applauded. The mindset of people living in small towns or non-metro cities is very well portrayed in the 2nd part of the book. Coming to the last part of New York, I found it to be the weakest link in the book because of which I find the book falling down to the mediocre level even when it was moving excellently in its first 2/3rd part. Therefore, the novel neither let the message overcome your previous assumptions (related to class system based on English speaking skills) nor the story impresses you at the end of the tale.

There are few scenes that definitely stay with you: When Madhav’s friend asks him to make Bihar proud by sexually involving with his high-notch metro-city girlfriend. How it keeps echoing in his mind that he has to make his state proud makes you laugh. Another moment when Madhav reciprocates to interviewers makes you jump off your seat. CB purposefully inserts scenarios that we wish to do in real life but couldn't and therefore, his story clicks with younger audience. Another thrilling experience is the moment when you realize Riya has disappeared suddenly leaving Madhav behind. Moments like this keeps Half Girlfriend in your hands until you don’t finish it off in one go. There are several drawbacks too; biggest being the anti-climax and climax. It is so stretched that you will find yourself skipping pages to find that one page which would give story a final turn. Also, the characters except Madhav and Riya aren’t being involved much otherwise it could have been more fun finding Madhav fighting against everyone’s demon of demeaning people with bad English.

Overall, Chetan Bhagat has somehow succeeded in what he wanted to deliver through this book. If you aren't speaking fluent English, you won’t be ashamed in future and will give reference of the book to the people/group of people judging you. If you hang around with a girl, kiss her and still, cannot call her your girlfriend, you have got a new term to refer what your relationship with her is. I give this book 3.25/5. I wish climax would have been a bit shorter and better. Half Girlfriend can also be called “Book version of Raanjhanaa(Sonam Kapoor statter)”.

Thanks.

ABHILASH RUHELA – VEERU!!!

Friday, 26 September 2014

Light Denied by Mangala (Book Review-3.25*/5)!!!

Mangala Nagarajan is one authoress whom I adored since the release of her debut book "Amidst The Tides Lies a Beautiful Island". I was so impressed with the book that I had to rate it 4.25*. She has again got herself self-published but this time with Gargi Publishers. The curiosity to read her 2nd venture "Light Denied" has been on high since its announcement and finally, I can breath sigh of relief. Mangala has a very simple and sober way of conveying her story to readers which reflects innocence in each and every word scribbled. Right from the 1st page to last, you understand the intention of the author and the message she wants to deliver.

Light Denied is a trial of Mangala to make the common people understand the plight of people with disabilities. Here, she discusses about a girl "Mukhi" who's blind and can't see since her birth. Her parents offend her every now and then and treats her as a servant. It is her grandparents who understand that Mukhi needs love and she is capable of doing many things but depression has made her under-confident. Her friends help her to grow and show her real talent to the world. To know what Mukhi does in the end and in the process, get the book. :-)

I liked one thing about the author that she didn't over-exaggerate anything to uselessly generate emotions. She didn't mention a single scene where someone had teased the girl for being blind or disabled(except parents). She has focused just on how a blind girl too has the same emotions as us and how love and support can give a better life to such people. The role of grandma is perfect and that's a memorable character that shall stay with me for a long time.

Summarizing, author's narration is very friendly. Book is just 186-pages and hence you can complete it in one sitting. The message that author wanted to deliver has been told well. There are few editing mistakes. But that's always an issue with new and small-scale publishers. Also, I still find author's first book far better than this. It had some really mind-boggling sub-plots whereas this book is very simple in comparison to that. Light Denied is also predictable at most of the times. Cover page of the book is very beautiful and it's something you would like to keep above all your books in the desk. I give this attempt 3.25*/5.

Thanks.

ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU!!!

Thursday, 18 September 2014

Beyond Forever..in love by Kiran Joshi (Book Review-2.5*/5)!!!

Out of my busy schedule due to the last semester of college, I am getting quite less time to read this month and this shall continue for all the months to come in 2014. Somehow, I am done reading Kiran Joshi's debut 184-pages novel "Beyond Forever ...in love" published by Pustak Mahal/Cedar Books. It is another attempt by an Indian author to write a love story and touch hearts of the audience who believe in simple and heart-touching stories. As a debutant, Kiran Joshi has given a fine attempt which can be kept in consideration that the writing will improve with books to come. Anyone who attempts chick-lit or love stories in India aren't expected to be great writers with their first book and hence I won't be very harsh on Kiran Joshi. Considering her age and experience, it was wonderful to find that the plot of the book had something into it which can keep me excited to read the book till the end of it.

Kiran Joshi's writing style is very Indian and simple. You will not run for dictionary even once. If you love teenage love stories then Kiran Joshi might be one of your favorite authors in future. But if you have already progressed and have started exploring other and bigger genres then Kiran Joshi will remain unattended. The story that she has narrated focuses on how Kamna, who is about to turn into a physiotherapist, has already faced harsh truth in love with her ex-boyfriend, Pratik. The experiences she had with him makes her believe that love would be the last thing she would be looking for. However, she meets Varun and finds herself attracted towards him. Later on she comes to know that he is son of one of the richest businessmen of India. What happens next is why this book has to be purchased by you. :-)

With Kamna and Varun, even other friends are discussed and their character is treated extremely well. If this is how authoress has treated characters in her first book itself, with refinement and exploration, she can develop better characters in her future ventures. I found few drawbacks too: Starting with, I didn't like story to be as simplistic as this. Everything was very predictable from the word GO. Also, there are few grammatical and spelling mistake for which I would like to thrash the publication house. What were their editors doing? But overall, I appreciate that Kiran Joshi didn't drag and stretch the simple story and made it boring. I give this attempt of her- 2.5 out of 5 stars. Specially written for the audience between 15-23 age group.

Thanks.

ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU!!!

Thursday, 28 August 2014

Just For You by Rahul Saini (Book Review-3.25*/5)!!!

Rahul Saini's new book "Just For You" is out by Penguin Publishers. As the promotion is in full swing, even I got myself attracted towards the book and I am happy that I picked up a very interesting book that discusses what an aspiring author goes through. The specialty of the book is that it not only discusses this but also about what established authors and even the developing ones are going through in the literary industry. Reading this book will change your outlook towards the book-publishing industry. A fictitious version of real scams, you can say. Haha! Kudos to authors for attempting something as gutsy as this.

The book tells how writers play foul against each other. How innocents become victims while the corrupted ones end up winning the race of Bestseller's List. As I have also closely watched the industry from 3-4 years, I could understand exactly what Rahul Saini wanted to speak through this book. This book could have become talk of the town for writers if Rahul would have added "Inspired from true events" on the cover page. Haha! Because I have myself observed a publisher who's quite gay in approach, an author who always writes love stories and a team that organizes award show themselves and feature all their friends and everyone walks away with a trophy. :-)

Coming to the writing style, Rahul Saini has provided an insight into his own industry very cleverly with usage of right words and phrases. You can sense how big and real things are spoken gently so that it doesn't offend someone directly and even the truth is spoken. Many characters could have jumbled the tale but the way author have set graph for each of them states their version of story perfectly. Writing as a first person for several characters in a book is very challenging but author has done a phenomenal job. Although characters are based in same working environment, the power of characterization and uniqueness gives distinctness and face value to each one of the characters and thus, all seems to be protagonist after a point of time. The bit of love story plays its part well. Several emotions displayed are also realistic and touchy. In all, the nature that the author has created with this book towards world, relations, dreams, emotions and competitions is applaudable.

The first half of the book isn't very fast and hence you find it very unconvincing to read but as soon as Nisha leaves Rohit, story accelerates and many events that takes place between authors excites you to know what happened and how did your favorite character manage to survive. Karun's character is wonderfully portrayed. I also liked the way climax is handled because it could not have been easy considering the way narration progressed with display of each character's proceedings. I also liked a particular scene of a book fest because I have found many a times that authors try to pull down their competitor by counter-attacking them and getting personal. (I call it the famous Number Page 177.)This book is certainly a fine attempt by Rahul Saini. Overall the book is readable and light in words and length which makes it easy to read. I give it 3.25*/5.

Thanks.

ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU!!!