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[nayna-bansal]

Book: Bravo, My Brave Little Puppy

Author: Lalitha Balasubramanian

Genre: Fiction (Children’s  Book)

Format: Paperback

Pages: 20

Rating: 5/5

 

The story runs into just 20 pages but is so heart-touching that I loved every page of it. Though the book is for children but being an adult too, I really enjoyed it. I am sure Children would love it even more.

I would like to read more books, written by the author, for children. She  really touches heart through these cute stories . This is the second book, I am reading of the author. And, I am really loving it. I feel that even adults should read Children Story books from time to time as these books have such vibes which cherish and energize.    

 

The Story is about a little, cute  pup gifted as birthday present to a seven year old boy ,Raju by his parents. Raju, his family and his friend, Tim together take care of the pup. One day, as they are walking in the garden, an old tree cracks and starts falling. A pram with an infant is right under the tree. Before it came to anyone else’s notice, Bravo runs and pushes the pram but falls down. Is Bravo safe? Read the book to know more.

 

The language is easy .Writing style and story -telling are really captivating. Characters are well sketched and dialogues are well-penned. The story was really eventful. Narration and execution of the story is done beautifully. The Title catchy and raises the curiosity like ‘what could the story be about?’

 

I feel that book would touch the children more if there were pictures in the book alongside the story. Also, a more beautiful cover page could result in reaching more audience. All in all, loved this book and highly recommend this book to you and children.

Happy Reading!!

 

 

 



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Date: Fri, 9 Jul 2021 14:06:57 -1200

Subject: Book Review Bravo, My Brave Little Puppy

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Thanks And Regards,

Nayna Bansal

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From: Nayna Bansal <[email protected]>

Date: Fri, 9 Jul 2021 at 14:06

Subject: Book Review Bravo, My Brave Little Puppy

To: <[email protected]>

Book: Bravo, My Brave Little Puppy

Author: Lalitha Balasubramanian

Genre: Fiction (Children’s  Book)

Format: Paperback

Pages: 20

Rating: 5/5

 

The story runs into just 20 pages but is so heart-touching that I loved every page of it. Though the book is for children but being an adult too, I really enjoyed it. I am sure Children would love it even more.

I would like to read more books, written by the author, for children. She  really touches heart through these cute stories . This is the second book, I am reading of the author. And, I am really loving it. I feel that even adults should read Children Story books from time to time as these books have such vibes which cherish and energize.    

 

The Story is about a little, cute  pup gifted as birthday present to a seven year old boy ,Raju by his parents. Raju, his family and his friend, Tim together take care of the pup. One day, as they are walking in the garden, an old tree cracks and starts falling. A pram with an infant is right under the tree. Before it came to anyone else’s notice, Bravo runs and pushes the pram but falls down. Is Bravo safe? Read the book to know more.

 

The language is easy .Writing style and story -telling are really captivating. Characters are well sketched and dialogues are well-penned. The story was really eventful. Narration and execution of the story is done beautifully. The Title catchy and raises the curiosity like ‘what could the story be about?’

 

I feel that book would touch the children more if there were pictures in the book alongside the story. Also, a more beautiful cover page could result in reaching more audience. All in all, loved this book and highly recommend this book to you and children.

Happy Reading!!

[nayna-bansal]

Book: Grandma’s tales of Shri Krishna

Author: Lalitha Balasubramanian

Publisher: Bigfoot Publications

Genre: Mythological Tales

Audience: Children

Format: Paperback

Pages: 80

Rating: 5/5

 

 

I have always been fond of children’s books. These books have a feeling which is missing in adult books. It is like being enveloped in a blanket of love and care. In old times, grandparents used to tell bedtime stories to children. But due to nuclear families, this is not possible. As a result of which , children are becoming addicted to mobiles and other technological gadgets. This book bridges the gap . I really appreciate the author for coming up with such a beautiful book which gives the feeling that as if Grandma herself is telling the stories. Loved it immensely!

 

The book contains mythological tales of Shri Krishna’s Childhood which are narrated by a grandmother to her four grandchildren. One Story each night before going to bed. Stories are about birth of  Shri Krishna , his childhood pranks, how he defeated various asuras ,his moving from Gokul to Vrindavan, lifting of Govardhan Giri and many more. Although , I knew many stories already but reading them from this book was such a pleasure. Some stories were new to me like the test by Bhrama.

 

 The language is easy and lucid. Writing Style is captivating and flowy. The illustrations/pictures in the book make it even more attractive. Narrations are vivid and execution is done beautifully. All the stories were very eventful, which held the attention very smoothly.

Even the dialogues between the characters were so interesting to read. I felt as if had my Grandma told me the  bedtime stories , it would have felt the same.

 

Special appreciations for the beautiful cover page . The very sight of the cover page is so captivating. Everything from the image to choice of colors to fonts is highly appreciated. I really don’t know who on earth said ‘ Don’t judge a book by its cover.’ The reason  I lay my hands on this book was because of its beautiful cover. If being an adult I could be attracted that much, imagine what it would do to children!!

The title has  a warmth in itself. Special appreciations for title too.

Four reasons children should read this book:

1.       Know more about Lord Krishna and have deeper faith in God.

2.       Make reading not just a habit but a lifestyle from the early stages of life

3.       Reading also helps in technology detoxification

4.       Improve vocab and imagination

 

I highly recommend this book for children! Adults too would love it. I am thinking to re-read it as I found it a very joyful read

 

 

 

[nayna-bansal]

Book: The Rage of the Immortals: The Caretakers 

Author:  Kanika

Publisher: Notion Press

Genre: Action & Adventure

Format: Paperback

Pages: 358

Rating: 5/5

 

 

A girl gets a job offer from a mysterious stranger and she finds herself in the magical world of immortals. She is bound by a life term contract. Her boss is such a strict and angry person. This is the story about the immortals and their fight against each other to seek revenge for happenings of past. Who wins, who loses, who is right, who is wrong…..a lot more to know .Do read this book . I would recommend this book to all .

 

 

The narrations and executions are done in a beautiful manner. Not for one second , I felt that I am reading fiction. It all felt so real. The appreciation goes to narration and execution, without which I would not have loved it as much as I love it now. Besides the story, there are some philosophical thoughts too in the story.

 

 

The book has many characters. I really appreciate the way characters were sketched. Their names, introduction in the story, their characteristics were so well penned. The names were really eye catching.   

The dialogues are well crafted . Apt as per the situation, clear or subtle as the situation demanded.

 

 

I would like to give special appreciations for language and writing style. The language  was so much like foreign authors and yet to lucid and clear. The writing style was so engaging that I found glued to the book and turning the pages of the book. The way author raised curiosity of reader through her writing style is really appreciated. A lot of events simultaneously kept the read engaged and glued. The thoughts like ’what next?’ compelled me not to put the book down.  Narration were so vivid that I could see and hear things right in front of me. Creating a magical world was not easy but the author has done it so beautifully that it looked so natural and flowy. I was flabbergasted at many scenes but the one which delighted me most was the fight scene between Kara and Wolf. It was wow. Also, the places where magic was used were beautifully executed.

 

 

I feel if this book is made into a movie (animation or otherwise), it would do wonders on Box officers. Even, I feel that this book and movie based on it can capture international markets also.

The Cover page and its design is highly alluring. It was the cover page and title, that made me lay my hands on the book. It was only after reading the book from cover to cover, I understood  the connection between the title and story in full sense. The quality of paperback is really good. As a paperback lover, the quality of paperback means a lot to me. Holding this book in hands, felt angelic.

Constructive criticism: I feel no review is complete without constructive criticism. The only thing I felt it as a reader at few places I found it difficult to connect the dots. Having said that, I accept that it might have a lot to do with my comprehension skills. But  I consider myself an average read. There is a possibility that even few other readers face the same. The only suggestion is , when it is time to connect the dots , I would appreciate if reader is more spoon fed.

If you are someone who loves magical world with thrill and lots of events, this is a must read for you. All the Harry Potter lovers must try it too.

 

Some Lines from the book:

“The world is not usually black and white, Kara. It has more greys than you would believe.”

Why? Why did you let him get away with it?” “Isn’t it obvious, Kuh? It’s because I love him.” Atom felt as startled as Cifer looked. “Love forgives, doesn’t it, Kuh?”

Love, Kara. Love is always the answer. We just don’t trust it enough

[nayna-bansal]

Book: United We Stand

Author: Santosh Nair

Publisher: Notion Press

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Format: Paperback

Pages: 188

Rating: 5/5

 

 

 

The story is about a girl who runs away from her home in Aligarh to fulfill her dreams. Though, there is nothing wrong in fulfilling ones’ dreams but running away from home, that too without any prior information is not the right way. After many years she returns with a news which disturbs the whole family emotionally. To know more, read this gripping tale.

 

 

Though this book is a work of fiction, one gets to learn a lot of things. Inoder to fulfill  ones wishes one should consult the family members , who are more matured and experienced. Following the advices given by same age group/inexperienced friends can land a person in trouble and might one take wrong path. Also, One gets trapped in ones’ own dirty games if greed takes over. The support of family in our hardest times can change our life journey. The author has shown two contrasting situations showing what happens when family stands besides us and what happens when family is against us. No one can save in the later case. This is well portrayed in the story.

 

  

Also, a lot depends on the choice of life partner. The Life partners of Nivedita and Vinod were opposite in their ways. That is what made the whole difference. One can make your life as worse as heal and other can make your life a bed of roses. However difficult the situation make be, if family stands united things become easy. The importance of education and being proficient in ones’ profession is also well highlighted in the story. I am really impressed by the character of Esha and Karuna. Marriage should not be done merely for the sake of benefits.

 

Two characters of the story loose their husband to untimely death. But they stay strong and fight all adversities to take care of their children. Reading this, made me emotionally stronger. Also, just because there are no reasons to doubt someone doesn’t mean you end up trusting them. Only if there are reasons to trust people, then only they should be trusted. One should knock at the doors of judiciary to seek justice.

   

The Storyline was really interesting. Narrations were vivid. The way story was executed is really appreciated. As a reader, due to storyline and its wonderful execution, I had a reason to turn the pages. Events one after another kept me glued to the book. Story was flowy too which made it a perfect page turner. The detailing was apt to the situation. While reading, I dint feel as if I am reading fiction. The story felt so real. I guess this the charm of a good author.

 

The Language is easy and lucid. Writing Style is so matured and captivating. Author has quoted reference of legal sections also in the book where needed. This shows that a lot of research work is done before writing the book. Also, this reference made me believe strongly that as if I am reading a true story.  Glossary is highly enriched. I really like the way characters are sketched. Also, the way author has sketched strong, educated and independent women in the story is really appreciated. Such female characters motivate me a lot. I loved all the female characters in the book as each one of them had a message to teach me through their own lifes. The names given to them are such that reader is convinced that it is a true story. Names of most of the characters start either from N, R or A. We get to read most of the story through dialogues among the characters. Dialogues are well crafted.    

 

 

The cover page is really beautiful with all bright colors. The image of three people hugging each other is line with the story. The bright colors are representative of the fact that when the members of a family unite, then life becomes happy and colorful. Special appreciations for the beautiful  cover and title. The quality of paperback is really good. The font size, style, arrangement into paragraphs and chapters makes it an easy read.

 

I feel this story could be made into a movie. I believe it will really do good on box office. I  have not  read contemporary fiction much . But when I read this book from cover to cover , I feel that I should be reading this genre often.

If you are someone who loves this genre in a flowy manner, then you would love this book for sure.

Few  lines from the book:

“ A family is just about a group of people living together, it’s more about the harmonious existence, the love for each other and the sacrifices they readily make for each other’s sake. “

“ We are in this together and we will put up a fight together.”

“We might loose many battles , but we will win the war.”

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks And Regards,

Nayna Bansal

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[nayna-bansal]

Book: A dead man’s shelf: SELECTED SHORT STORIES

Author: Naushad Valiyakath

Genre: Short Stories

Format: Kindle

Pages: 74

Rating: 4.5/5

 

This book is  a collection of various interesting short stories . If you discuss about the storyline of each story then it would kill the charm of reading these short stories. Thus, I will discuss about things other than storyline in my review. While reading the stories I found few common things. Firstly, there is a suspense in every story. Appreciation also for writing and story telling style to make the suspense more interesting. Secondly, every story has atleast one lesson to give to reader, which the reader can retain for long duration. Also, Author has embedded  various philosophical thoughts every now and then in the stories which shows that the Author is pragmatic, pensive and thoughtful. Thirdly, emotions are so well knitted in the stories that they made me emotional and I could feel emotional connect with the characters.

 

 

I feel that all the stories were very close to the reality. Author has discreetly given various messages or portrayed various emotions. Would like to share a few. A small misunderstanding can ruin a perfect relationship. Bribery and corruption is the new culture. Children also feel all sorts of emotions like jealously and hatred but they are equally empathetic and sympathetic. They might be arrogant at times but they come up their own solutions. They have high emotional intelligence. Poverty is a curse which makes people helpless. There is no bond as sacred as true friendship. What reality can’t do, a simple nightmare can do.       

 

The language used was easy and lucid. Writing style was engaging. The stories were very flowy. Narrations were vivid. I feel it is difficult task to sketch characters in short stories but author has done so well. Also, author chose to sketch them of different age groups, belonging to different economic backgrounds and different relationships. Besides storylines, narration and execution of stories was good.

Stories were enough eventful.

 

 

 

The cover page and title are attractive, depicting the first story in the book. I am a lover of short stories. I am really glad that Indian authors are writing such marvelous stories. I would like to read more short stories penned by this author.

 

 

No review is complete without constructive criticism. The only thing I felt that narration at one place was not as good as I expected. Rest , this book was a perfect read.

If you love short stories, this is the book for you. Do Read!

 

Few lines from the book:

“What is life? It is not more than a dream. Life has two faces, in the night, a false dream and in the day with real dreams.

 We can’t go back to our night dreams as same as to the fact that we can’t able to go to our past days. Both dreams are the two sides of a coin, some dreams we remember for a long and some we can’t recall at all. People are hopeless in this world; they like to see false dreams while sleeping, but afraid to face real life.

Never ever believe in what you see, always remember that we are blind in one eye. Many times, there may be two possibilities in what we see to the fact we have two eyes to see.

If you want to reach the sun, you must have the strength to be not burned yourself.

[nayna-bansal]

Book: Nursing a dream 

Author: Santosh Nair

Publisher: Notion Press

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Format: Paperback

Pages: 204

Rating: 4/5

 

The story is about a women , who is fighting besides all odds to nurse her dreams. She undergoes a lot of adversities in life but she never succumbs to such situations , rather she keeps on doing what she should be doing. A very gripping tale ! Must Read!  

 

I feel there are lot of things author is trying to convey through the book. Let me put them one by one. The way poverty and alcoholism impacts the peace of the family. Everyone’s present behavior is framed by the past they have undergone. During adversities, when relatives are meant to help they take advantage of the situation. Sometimes, strangers offer more care and love than the family itself. Ones decision should not be based on hear-say experiences of other people, but one should be able to their own decisions.

 

Two parallel and contrasting situations have been shown . One, where the mother elopes with her lover and child has to face harsh realities of life. In the other situation, the love of the mother was so much so that she worked extra hours to nurse her dream for the success of her child. These contrasting situations make the author think that how by the behavior , attitude and action of just one parent , the lives of children are heavily impacted. Sometimes it is the parents , other times it is the children who are after the wealth of their parents and wish them death soon.

 

 

The way love is redefined by the story. Standing besides each other and helping each other in the times of need, caring for each other is real love. The love stories we see in movies seem so insignificant in front of these books. I used to think that life ends after thirty years of age, it is only after reading the books by the author is then I realize that life actually starts after that. Also, One might one talk to beloved for many years but emotions remain the same. Trust is an important foundation for building any relationship. Lacuna in communication can hamper a relationship to a great extent.

 

It is very difficult to understand what our parents do for us, how much effort they out in for us. When the children understand and reciprocate the same, happiness is bound to come.

 

The language is lucid and clear. There is lot of maturity in writing style but it is easy to comprehend. Though the book is a work of fiction, but author has given nuggets of wisdom and really powerful messages through its characters. The glossary is highly enriched. The characters are well sketched out and dialogues well written. The number of main characters are handful.

 

Author has shown lot of audacity in sketching the character of women who is not only intelligent, upright, loyal, trustworthy, a person with integrity and who knows to take her own decisions. This is one of the reasons I loved the book. Strong female protagonists always attract my attention as I get to learn a lot from them.

 

The cover page is beautiful and the title is even more beautiful resonating the very theme of the story. The quality of paperback is really good. The font size, style , spacing, segregation into chapters ease the reading experience.

 

If you love  reading contemporary fiction which has strong female characters and nuggets of wisdom, then this is a must read for you!

 

 

[nayna-bansal]

Watch "'Shady Affairs At Spruce Jungle' Book Review" on YouTube

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Watch "The Hidden Letters Book review" on YouTube

[nayna-bansal]

Book: The Hidden Letters 

Author: Purba Chakraborty

Publisher: Srishti Publishers

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Format: Paperback

Pages: 200

Rating: 4.7/5

 

 

This is the story of a woman who loves her partner with the depth of her soul . She is doing every possible thing to  make her family happy. One day she receives letters which have the capacity to destroy her relations with her family. What is that in those letters? Why did she hide them? Read the book to know more.  

 

 

The author has very well penned down the relation between a daughter and mother /mother-in-law. Various dimensions of  a woman  as a wife, mother, sister, daughter –in-law, friend have been beautifully narrated as we get to see life mostly from the perspective of Anu, the protagonist. The struggle a woman goes through while choosing between the role of a mother or a wife. Need of a good friend is well portrayed in the story. The way misunderstandings can complex situations are well captured in the story. The struggle that a human face to choose between happiness and peace is well narrated.

 

Author has sketched some really firm female characters. She has laid the emphasis on a woman to be independent, career oriented, strong , dignified, intelligent and beautiful.

 

 

The language is easy and lucid. I would really like to appreciate the writing style of author. It is so impactful. As I was reading, I felt  the words were permeating my heart and soul. The  story telling was really captivating. Various figures of speech have been used every now and then. The way she has captured various fragile emotions and relationships in her story is really recommendable. The nomenclature of the chapters is also appreciated.

 

‘He had aged tremendously, half with time and more with pain for his daughter.’

 

 The narrations are vivid. The characters are well sketched. I could relate to characters and felt emphatic and sympathetic toward them. I went through various emotions while reading the book. Like I found myself smiling, blushing and crying while reading the book. There was always a curiosity to know ‘what will happen next?’ which made it a perfect page turner.

 

I feel that this book could be made into a good commercial movie. Like name of the movie could also be same. This book has everything : sweet romance, first love , sisterhood,confusion, motherhood, library, books, friendship, secrets and the hidden letters.  

 

 

The cover page is so attractive that I could not take away my eyes from it. It is really alluring, enticing and captivating. No other cover could be better than this.  The  title aroused my curiosity at once . I was bombarded with questions like what is on those hidden letters, who wrote, why were they hidden and many more.

 

Though the book is a work of fiction but author has also given nuggets of wisdom every now and then which can help reader to learn. It is like reader gets to know ‘words of wisdom ‘ through the story, which he/she can apply to her life. Referring few such motivating and inspiring lines here:

 

 “Everything changes: situation, people, time, place and feelings too.”

“There is no solution in complaining, but rather it is wise to accept the changes occurring around us and within us”

“When life keeps no other options for us, it’s better to move on”

“I wanted to convey that true love reigns over first love. And also that when someone gives up hope, they give up on life too soon”

“On one side, I have peace. On another, I have happiness. I have chosen happiness over peace for the last eighteen years. Today, I want to choose peace at the cost of happiness. Don’t make me weak, Zee,”

 

If you are looking for a captivating story with lots of emotions and suspense, this book is for you! Go grab it! I am really glad our Indian writers are writing such wonderful books at such young age . I am proud of them. The day is not far when Indian writers will have international readers in abundance.

[nayna-bansal]

Book: The Art of being Best from people

Author: Dr V K Sharma

Publisher: Clever Fox

Genre: Self Help/Non Fiction

Format: Paperback

Pages: 175

Rating: 5/5

 

 

This is guide  to people management with case studies. The very theme of the book is that in every organization very few are excellent performers and very few are worst performers. Mostly there are average people. The art of getting above average from these average people is what determines the success of any organization. Must read for all to know the principles on People management.

 

Though the book belongs to non-fiction genre but I found it a perfect page turner. The way sixteen principles are given with various case studies relating to life of author, his acquaintances , of famous people made the book really interesting. The use of bold words for firm quotes and sentences made them eye catchy. The summary at the end of chapters made it easy for reader to retain the leanings of each principle.   

 

I really liked all the principles talked about in the book. The approach was really pragmatic. I love the ‘Kite Rule’ and ‘Carrots and sticks’ . Also, the reference of our holy books is taken. The instances of people management from the holy books have been explained so well. Loved it!

 

The use of colored photographs made the book very alluring for the reader. The narrations are really vivid. The writing style is such as of author is talking to the reader on one to one basis. I used to think that writing Non fiction in such alluring manner is difficult. But, this book proves me wrong. I am glad for that. It has lots of nuggets of wisdom to offer on people management.

 

The cover page and title are is line with the theme of the book. The quality of paperback is good. The book is highly structured.

 

I would like to read this book over and over again as it has lot to offer. Also, I would like to suggest everyone to read it as someone or another each one of us is dealing with people and there is need of people management.

“In people management, mistakes by subordinates are opportunity. At that time, whether you support the subordinate are opportunity. At that time, whether you support the subordinate or penalize him, decides subordinate as well leader’s future and future performance.  It’s like power play in cricket, whether you score runs, or you lose wickets or just waste them. It all depends on you.”

 “Some decisions will go wrong; you can’t be right all the time.”

 

 

 

 

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