The Heroes Among us by Sanjeev Sanyal/Sonia Mehta (Book Review: 5*/5) !!!

4^th Book of 2025

 

I remember my parents purchasing me small biographies of famous personalities during our train journeys in childhood. I would read about them and feel the possibility of achievement and success one can reach in their lifetime. It helped me become disciplined, punctual and a routine-person right from my college days. The impact that such books have on children in their growing years is immense. I still get such books to read for nostalgia as well as dose of inspiration even now. I am glad that Rupa Publication keeps on releasing such books hence I always go through their latest collection on Amazon. My latest read has been “The Heroes Among Us” which consists of small chapters each dedicated to an extraordinary Indian.

 

The book has been written by Sanjeev Sanyal and Sonia Mehta. This 200-pages book is specifically created for children aged 8 and above – exactly the age when I had become friends with such motivating and inspiring books. Authors have ensured that they write it in a friendly language so that it’s understandable by children easily. Even as an adult who is in his mid-30s, I was able to enjoy the book and never felt it’s not for my age. Authors have kept it relevant for everyone.

 

The chapters don’t talk about every personality in the same tone or follow the same pattern while narrating their heroics. It is written in a casual approach with short divisions in the chapter based on a particular event associated with the personality, a major experience or just an incident which impacted them to become what they are. It doesn’t consist of the basic details such as their birth date, birth place, name of parents etc. the way we, millennials, were taught in our school books which only bored us whereas this book makes us want to read more even after we finish it.

 

Another appreciable initiative by the authors are the 25 personalities they chose to cover in this book. It doesn’t speak about the popular or modern public figures only but also talks about some lesser-known personalities who made an equal effort to transform India towards betterment. For e.g. every one knows about Indira Gandhi, Narendra Modi, Dhirubhai Ambani, Rakesh Sharma, Kiran Bedi, Vishwanathan Anand, Mary Kom, Neeraj Chopra but not many knows about Nambi Narayanan who helped ISRO with his technologies to make Rocket launching easier, E. Sreedharan whose expertise in railways helped India develop metros in several cities and build lines on difficult ghats of Konkan railways, Verghese Kurien whose willpower and management helped India bring a white revolution and made it capable of providing milk to its big population on daily basis.

 

Authors have also concentrated upon ensuring the coverage of Indians from different fields such as sports, politics, engineering, management, space missions, aviation, literature etc. This will help open the mindset of children towards developing their interest in any field and excel in the same. Overall, this is one of the best children books based on small biographies of multiple personalities which is suitable for adults as well for a short-read. I give this book 5 out of 5.

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WRITING BUDDHA

The Ayodhya Alliance by Ashwin Sanghi (Book Review: 4.5*/5) !!!

  

3rd Book of 2025!

 

There are few authors whose announcement of a new book brings you the same excitement as Tom Cruise’s fans who wait for his Mission Impossible series. Ashwin Sanghi, one of India’s top authors, have created the same fanbase and cult following where every new book seems like an opportunity to read the same conceptual novel but with a completely different storyline using the elements of ancient knowledge and strong Indian culture. I just completed reading one of the thickest books of my life named “The Ayodhya Alliance” which is Sanghi’s 8^th book in his Bharat Collection. This book has the same flavour as his previous books and right from the word- GO- you can start feeling nostalgic of all his previous works read by you.

 

The Ayodhya Alliance mixes fact with fiction seamlessly which makes us question what is real and what has been written using creative liberty. The story navigates from 7000 years ago till the present time. It also makes you travel to different continents and countries such as India, Korea, Syria, Europe, Damascus, Switzerland etc. Even within India, it travels to different states and historical monuments. The way it ties all these places with the concept of Dvaitalingam which has the power to create harmony as well as massive destruction with its unique feature of managing the duality of everything under the umbrella is interesting. Every time the reference of two-fish design enters the story, the reader in you gets glued to the book.

 

The blend of history, mythology and religion is common in such books but the way Ashwin further marinates it with science, geopolitics, spirituality, anthropology, philosophy, archaeology and many other such concepts is unbelievable. His hard and smart work behind researching for this book is evident in every chapter. I was astonished at times that how could he even think of a concept and then find about it in subjects which are enough critical for us to understand it properly to blend it in our fiction story. This is what makes Sanghi a unique author and the reason why he is compared with popular foreign authors as well.

 

The book could become heavy and boring if it would consist all the above concepts that has been covered by Ashwin in his novel but he knows that he has to keep the readers hooked for more than 500 pages which makes him narrate his story bringing in the human emotions at play. The story revolves around friendship, betrayal, love, romance, childhood issues, jealousy, relationships etc. This makes him create few important characters who form the crux of this book such as Soju, Mithra, Suriratna, Bhadraketu, Padmasen, Indumati, Kulasekara etc.

 

The characterizations are wonderfully handled considering different personas belong to different region and language spread over different continents and timeline. I was completely engrossed in how the characters in different timelines are fighting for themselves and bigger purpose at the same time. The character of Aditya and Somi are equally important in the modern context. I just wished if the modern antagonists were also narrated as dangerous and powerful as Talhae who is based 2000 years ago.

 

Ashwin Sanghi’s respect for Indian culture and religion is evident from the way he narrates the characters and stories whenever it involves references from Ramayan/Mahabharat or mentions the names of Gods and Goddesses. Even the book starts with the plot where Ravan is on his deathbed and Ram sends his younger brother, Lakshman to learn whatever he can from a knowledgeable being like Ravan.

 

Talking about the drawbacks, I must say that the regular shift of story’s timeline with short chapters makes it difficult for readers to read it in fast pace. It takes an extra effort to regularly remember the storyline in each timeline and region. There are few chapters wherein I had created notes to refer later on in the story but I identified that there wasn’t much fallback to those subplots at all or didn’t have that impact. Sanghi could have easily shorten the book by 80-100 pages to make it more fast-paced. I was expecting a surprising revelation in the climax but it isn’t as thrilling as few books of Sanghi such as The Krishna Key.

 

Overall, reading this book has definitely given an unforgettable experience with its vast research and beautiful characterization based around the story distributed in several timelines. The mixture of multiple concepts blend into a single book keeps you in awe of both- the creator and the creation. The title of the book- The Ayodhya Alliance is very strategically handled in the story on how several countries are involved in safeguarding a concept that keeps them and the world harmonious. I give this book 4.5* out of 5. Recommended for the readers who have read similar books before. Beginners might find the story tough to read due to complex timeline shifts.

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WRITING BUDDHA

The Champion Within by Samir Parikh/Divya Jain (Book Review: 4.5*/5) !!!

 

2nd Book of 2025! – “The Champion Within” by Samir Parikh & Divya Jain

 

The reading journey in 2025 has started on a slower note for me, and I found myself searching for a book that could offer both positivity and ease of reading. With the IPL season in full swing, what better theme to dive into than Sports? That’s when I picked up The Champion Within by Samir Parikh and Divya Jain, published by Rupa Publications — a compact read at around 202 pages, but packed with impact.

 

The book carries the tagline “Life Lessons from Sport Psychology,” and while there are many titles out there that try to draw life lessons from sports, what sets this one apart is the authors’ credibility. Both Parikh and Jain were appointed as Mental Wellness Officers by the Indian Olympic Association for Team India at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games — an impressive credential that immediately raised my expectations.

 

And I must say, the book lives up to it.

 

From the first chapter, it becomes evident that the authors bring in deep psychological insights, but present them in a way that’s relatable for everyone — not just athletes. Whether you’re a student, professional, entrepreneur, or simply someone navigating everyday challenges, the lessons from the book transcend boundaries. The authors back their perspectives with scientific reasoning but avoid overwhelming readers with jargon, making the content accessible and impactful.

 

One refreshing aspect is that while most Indian sports books lean heavily on cricket, The Champion Within takes a diverse approach. Yes, you’ll find familiar names like Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag, but there are also inspiring references to Pete Sampras, Cristiano Ronaldo, Michael Phelps, and other global legends. This not only keeps the narrative engaging but also introduces readers to elite mindsets across different sports — some of which we might not follow regularly.

 

Structurally, the book is thoughtfully organized. Chapters are broken into clear subheadings, making it easy to digest key concepts. One chapter that stayed with me talked about the importance of practicing in realistic and varied environments — something we often overlook in our preparation routines. Another great takeaway was around the concept of self-talk, and how being consciously present with our thoughts can reframe our mindset during high-pressure moments.

 

Every chapter starts with an inspiring quote from a sportsperson that sets the tone and ends with a summary section titled “Podium Finish”, which encapsulates the core takeaways in concise bullet points. These sections act like motivational and mental bookmarks — easy to return to when you need a quick boost.

 

Despite its sporting base, the book is universal in appeal. It’s not just about sports — it’s about resilience, mindset, focus, and growth.

 

🌟 Final Verdict: 4.5/5 Stars
This is a book that motivates without preaching and educates without complicating. If you’re seeking that extra push to break out of a rut or just want to adopt a champion’s mindset, this book is a must-read. Highly recommended! 

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WRITING BUDDHA

Trishul: Book 3 of KAVAACH Trilogy by Pranay Bhalerao (Book Review: 4.5*/5) !!!

  

1^st Book of 2025

There are few books which makes you miss them as soon as you are done reading them. You are not able to move on from it to be able to pick your next read. There are few authors who are able to create this magic every time they release a book. I remember the phase when there were ample of trilogies releasing after The Shiva Trilogy’s success but none could create the same energy whereas some of them couldn’t even release all the parts as the initial books didn’t sell. One Indian author who has brought the same magic again with his trilogy is Pranay Bhalerao undoubtedly. I have just ended up reading the 3^rd and the last book of The Kavaach Trilogy named “Trishul: The weapon of Lord Shiva”.

 

I completed this 328-pages book in just two days which is enough to explain how engaging it is. Pranay has been able to give a perfect closure to the story which was running for 3 years through 3 different thick books. He is a great craftsman who knows how to engage the millennial and Gen-Z readers in a mythological tale by embedding it with modernity. His writing style is very friendly wherein he ensures that he proves his mettle only with his story-telling rather than complicating the language of the book to sound intellectual. All the characters are created by him in both the timelines- 555 BCE and the present world yet when you read it you feel that these are famous characters which are being rewritten.

 

Bhalerao’s research work is phenomenal as his own reading experience of the ancient Indian stories is evident in the way he has created his own. He ensures that even when he is using the names of the ancient historical characters such as Karna or reference of Gods such as Lord Shiva, he is doing it with respect. The way he builds connection between the real characters and his characters’ storyline is again something a very good narrator can only do it. Like the previous two books, even this story is written where both the timelines are written in parallel but the transition is seamless. You never get confused while reading and enjoy moving into both the stories back to back.

 

All the cliffhangers and secrets that Pranay had held in the first two books are nicely disclosed in this book one-by-one. The 3^rd book is very action-oriented and emotional – both at the same time. The past of Kaal which was a great interest is finally disclosed. Author explains the origin of the darkness behind his character and reading the whole part was such an exhilarating experience. The romantic angle between him and Nandini is one of the best love stories you would read in a book which is not even marketed as a romantic book. Haha! The scene when both of them gets apart in one of the sections is very tragic and you’ll have to fight tears to control yourself. The whole writing moved me and the impact of it is still with me.

 

How Kaal gets disassociated with his own teachers and how they become enemy for him is a nice twist to the story. Pranay also ensures that he hits some of the societal issues through his stories. For e.g. he discusses about menstruation and people’s reasoning of it for not letting females enter the religious ceremonies or temples during these 5 days. He does it so smoothly that it transforms your own thinking and doesn’t even sound preachy, forced or pretentious. He has regularly given insights into the lives of Aghori sages which helps us relate with them and understand their point of view as well.  Similarly, all of us have heard about Konark Temple but the way he has made its relevance and importance justified makes you visit it and feel its spiritual importance.

 

The Mahakumbh is one of the important backdrop of this book and reading it was such a beautiful feeling as the same is currently in talks every day on News channels and Social media. Kaal’s initial story is based in Mahakumbh and you will feel goosebumps while reading about his dip in the water. Author has helped us understand about this religious event in a very subtle manner. Pranay’s writing makes us imagine all the eventful scenes- whether its action-packed, violent, emotional or something completely based in fantasy set-up. This is his main USP which makes this trilogy an important milestone in the self-publishing context.

 

I have rated both the previous books above 4 and I am going with 4.5 stars for Trishul – the 3^rd book as well. This speaks enough how consistently beautiful this trilogy has been written. Pranay has never gone out of touch or tried experimenting with it differently than his original plan. I recommend the same to everyone who is interested in mythological books with a modern set-up. I am eagerly waiting to watch this story in its visual format as revealed by the author in the book. On top of that, I want to learn what next is Pranay writing. 😊

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WRITING BUDDHA

Ullu Bhai Ki Jagmagati Barat by Swati Sinha (Book Review: 4.25*/5) !!!

  

36^th Book of 2024

Well, and finally I complete my reading target of 36 books by reading almost 22 books in last 2.5 months. After an unbelievable reading marathon, I chose to read Sonalika Publication’s Ullu Bhai Ki Jagmagati Barat which is a short Hindi story book for kids. This year I have read many books from their publications house which are meant for kids and I am jealous of the fact that I didn’t get such story books in my childhood to read.

 

This book is written by Swati Sinha with a great support from the illustrator, Sachi Shukla. Her illustrations and graphics bring life to the story. This book is perfectly designed for kids who have just started reading properly from the year of 5 and above. Swati Sinha’s story is about the King Lion announcing the marriage of an Owl which rejoices everyone. But it comes with a challenge wherein the owl’s marriage shall be performed during night when it becomes difficult to travel. A Small mongoose then comes up with an idea which helps them beat this challenge.

 

Any story meant for kids is incomplete if it doesn’t come up with a moral. Swati takes extreme care about this and involves a lot of lessons in this short story. It teaches about the teamwork as to how everyone can sit together and come to a decision. It also signifies the importance of considering everyone’s intelligence equal and allowing everyone to speak.

 

It reflects upon how even the smallest of insects can also help the whole group of animals in the jungle for which even the King Lion didn’t have any solution. Author emphasizes on friendship and how it helps everyone in the process.

 

The book further ends with few DIY exercises for children which will push their creativity. Overall, this is a good initiative Sonalika CSR group to spread knowledge among young kids and develop them into better and compassionate human beings. I give this book 4.25 stars out of 5.

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WRITING BUDDHA

The Heart of Understanding by Thich Nhat Hanh (Book Review: 4.5*/5) !!!

  

35^th Book of 2024

Well, there’s a tendency I have observed in my reading marathon where I always start and end my year with either spiritual or self-help books. And this is definitely not planned but a pattern that I have observed. After reading Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet, I picked up “The Heart of Understanding” written by Thich Nhat Hanh today and completed it within two hours with slow and mindful reading. This book by Aleph publication also comes up with a tagline that says “Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy and Liberation”.

 

The book starts with a foreword by Shantum Seth who tells how he got intrigued by Buddha’s teachings and went through trainings like Vipassana etc. after which the teachings of Thich started inspiring him. The foreword gives the book a good start as you are first taken into confidence before starting with the real content. Then there’s a second foreword as well written by Peter Levitt. Here he introduces us with Prajnaparamita Heart Sutra which is one of the Buddhist teachings through which you can discover a way for peace to be realized. This Sutra is basically what this book is all about.

 

As I have myself been to Vipassana meditation recourse for 11 days, I was able to relate with the concepts being discussed in the book. The chapter starts with making us understand how all of us are tied together as Interbeing. None of us can survive without each other. Author helps us understand it with a great example of paper as to how a paper can’t exist without wood, cloud, water, sunshine, soil, time, space, the earth, the river, the heat etc. It gives immense clarity behind the logic that we have the whole Universe within us as well as being a part of the whole Universe as well.

 

Further, author explores the concept of emptiness and breaks down the concept of duality for us. It makes us comprehend how every positive thing exist because of non-positive elements and vice-versa. It realizes us of the fact that when we get the food, it is because someone else is not able to. That makes us understand the term called “Inter-are” where all of us are present because of someone’s absence.

 

The concepts are definitely new and gives the Buddhist vibes throughout. It helps us understand the law of nature and appreciate everything- good or bad – because the beauty of life is such. It also explores the fact that just life and death are not our starting and ending point but we continue even before and after that. It helps us understand that just as wave is water and water is wave, similarly we are just a wave which shall keep on occurring and dissolving.

 

Overall, the book is full of spiritual wisdom which is enjoyed by someone like me who has always believed in it. It ends with the topic on meditation and chanting as well. I never read anything by Thich Nhat Hanh before but after this, I am sure I am going to explore more of his writings and learnings. I give this book 4.5 stars out of 5.

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WRITING BUDDHA

 

The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran (Book Review: 4.5*/5) !!!

  

34^th Book of 2024

It’s very rare when people gift me book or even exchange books for that matter. I have mostly been dependent on my own when it comes to books. Incidentally, someone gifted me a book when I met them on this Christmas and I ended up even finishing it today as soon as weekend began. The book is none other than the popular Kahlil Gibran’s most popular book called “The Prophet”. The book was originally written in Arabic which has been translated into many languages. Obviously, I read the one in English.

 

The book is a very short read which you can easily complete within an hour or two. More than its quantity, what matters is the quality it reflects. This is not just a one-time read but something you can read every now and then. Every time, you will find something new which you must have missed in your previous reads. Similarly, you’ll find new meanings to the same text with each read. Such is the philosophical outlook of this man, Kahlil Gibran!

 

The book seems like a blend of spirituality, philosophy, poetry, prose, wisdom etc. Though a prophet talks with the people of Orphalese in this book, I felt as if a soul talks in a similar fashion with our mind when we get enlightened or reach the Kundalini stage which all of us aspire for. There are few sentences which aren’t distinct as many authors or poets have spoken the same facts of life in different words but there are few of them which Kahlil has said a century ago but is yet so defining and transformative.

 

All the chapters are short but covers the philosophical and spiritual aspects on the topics such as love, marriage, children, giving, joy/sorrow, buying/selling, reason/passion, pain, reaching, friendship, talking, time, prayer, beauty, religion, death etc. I wish if I could read a detailed explanation to all of these which would help us explore more of Kahlil’s insights towards these social and internal issues.

 

This book is definitely difficult to understand in few sections but wherever it engages you, it teaches you something you didn’t know before. Even though it has been written a century ago, the ideology is very profound and modern which can be applied even in modern times. This is what makes this book special for being relevant even after the changes a human psyche has gone through.

 

Overall, I give this book 4.5* out of 5.

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WRITING BUDDHA