Book Review- #IAm16ICanRape

Book: #IAm16ICanRape

Author: Kirtida Gautam

Genre: Ficton

Publishers: Read Out Loud

Blurb of the book says,

Rudransh Kashyap is a self-made billionaire and man of high moral fiber. His life is shattered when he returns home one day to find that his prodigy, his 16-year-old grandson, Aarush, has been arrested and accused of a brutal gang rape. It is easy to say, “Kill the Rapist” but what if the accused is your child?

This case takes an unprecedented turn when Aarush’s identity is made public on social media. Rudransh finds himself living a nightmare as he fights against tremendous odds to get justice for Aarush, to save him and to bring him back home… But what if the unthinkable is true? Can Rudransh save his grandson, or will he end up fighting a different battle altogether?

Characters of the book:

Gayatri, Aarush, Shubhangi Tyagi, Ananya, Mrigank, Rudransh Kashyap, Meghna, Pihu, Shirni , Harry , Priya, Dr. Samvedana, Vijay.

My Review:

This book was received by me few weeks back. I had instantly agree to review this book as the title of the book won my heart. I couldn’t wait much to wear my reading glasses and unfold the story. I took around 7-8 days to complete this book. Yes, this book is unusually massive, but the length can be ignored when the story has potential to steal the show.

Blurb of the book is captivating enough to force you to pick this book. When I read bio sketch of the author, first word that I uttered was IMPRESSIVE! I had high expectations from the book, because from the title of the book, blurb, cover of the book and even the author’s introduction impressed the reader in me. Let me tell you, Kirtida surely lived upto my expectations.

There are few books who literally juggles your though process, it hits you hard on head and you can’t just escape. You need hours or few days to come out of it, one such book I read recently is written by Kirtida Gautam #IAm16ICanRape.

I firmly believe, talking something about social issues like rape needs a lot of courage. Not everyone is good is doing justice when it comes to narrating such sensitive tales but Kirtida has won my heart through #IAm16ICanRape.

This story is different because it is been told by 15 perspective. Each character blurts their feeling out and the narration is indeed appreciable. At the end of each chapter author managed to bring in a new twist which makes this book a ” Page Turner.”

Positive Points:

Sensitive topic:  This book talks about Rape and its suffering, Juvenile Justice System of India, Media etc. I truly loved the concept of the book, Applauds to the author for penning down such an soul stirring tale.

Realistic: Though this book is a fiction, I could very much relate to the scenes that were brilliantly inscribed in the book. Overall, this book shows the real and darker side of the society.

The best part of the book is, it talks and discusses the issue from various perspective. This quality shows that the book is well researched and its definitely not written hastily.

Characterization: Pihu’s character is my favorite. As I always say, when a reader can connect with your characters you can say you’re successful in building characters. Yes, I could feel the pain of Shubhangi Tyagi. The description gave me goosebumps.

Negative Points:

Psychological description in the book could have been easily eliminated. It’s only because exaggeration shouldn’t be felt by the reader while going through a story.

This book had grammatical errors and typos. When you’re reading such sensitive topics, grammatical errors and typing mistakes hinders your thought process which somehow hampers your pace of reading. These errors can be rectified in the next edition.

This book could have been divided in 2 parts. Reading 590 pages is not everyone’s cup of tea. Though this book deserves to be read by masses, size of the book can be a reason why people will ignore to read it.

About the Author:

Kirtida is a clinical psychologist turned screenplay writer who completed her education from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, India. Her passion for psychology and writing inspired her into writing psychological thrillers. While the readers are reading this introduction, the next thriller is in the making…

Rating: 4 out of 5

Book Review – Tamanna ( A Story Of Forbidden Love) by Tejeshwar Singh

Title : Tamanna
Author : Tejeshwar Singh
Pages : 247
Publisher : Fingerprint Publication

Blurb of the book:

True love is like a permanent state of madness, one that makes us end up doing things we always thought ourselves incapable of.

The same happened with Delhi-based Arjun Singh. As a teenager, he made fun of romantic movies and love songs. Even when he got married, he only gradually fell in love with his wife—their love was mature and pure and had none of the madness that love stories are made of.

But his story only begins here . . .

One day at a party, he meets Tamanna, who looks breathtaking beside her overweight and pompous husband. Her arrival turns Arjun’s life around. He does everything love-struck teenagers are known to do—from writing poetry and letters to checking his phone every few minutes. He pines, he sings, he cries, he obsesses, he hyperventilates, he regrets, he scolds himself, he broods, he dreams, and he loves—truly and helplessly.

And as time passes, the gradual revelation of Tamanna’s maturity, her thoughtfulness, and her witty personality leave Arjun completely awestruck. But his is not a usual love story, for he is married, and so is she.

Heartbreaking and inspired by the author’s life story, Tamanna is a journey through a man’s heart, exploring, as it does, how it is possible to love more than one person at the same time, and how love heeds no reason and no boundaries.

Characters of the book:

Arjun Singh, Sangini, Baabu, Tamanna, Sanjay, etc.

My review:
First impression of this book was WOW! The cover of the book is undoubtedly captivating. The blurb of the book is satisfactory as it unfolds many secrets.

Ever heard or experienced the phrase which says, there’s nothing wrong and right when you’re in love? Well, This tale explains the same. Tamanna is a real life story of author himself, which talks about extra marital affair. Author has tried to define one side love here in the story in a mature way.

When I read the blurb, I expected love making scenes and other such description in the book but nothing such is found in the book. Honestly, I expected this book to be nothing more than a regular one sided love story in which a guy falls for a girl after marriage and he has to go through the complexities of life but this tale surprised me as it is not an ordinary tale. It’s all about Obsession, Pious feelings, gloom, regret, self condemnation etc.

Positive Points of the book are:

1. Intriguing tale! You will not feel like picking up next book till you complete this one.
2. Subject line! Very much sensible and thoughtful story line.
3. The writing style is gripping and you will keep turning pages.
4. As author has experienced all these emotions himself, narration seems realistic.
5. I loved the character the Baabu ( Protagonist’s Friend). This character is my favourite in the book.

Negative point of the book are:

The pace of the book could have been a bit faster. I felt some details in the story were unnecessary and could have been avoided. One of them was defining Tamanna. Her part for was excessively narrated.

Conclusion:

A thought provoking book! Tamanna is a story which will be loved by the masses for the subject that it has. Theme of the story is very much practical hence this book will be appreciated by many.

The writing style is simple and this book can be read by anyone and everyone, which is a definitely a positive thing. Towards the end, the story becomes exciting and it leaves you with wanting for a bit more.

If you are looking for a quick weekend read, Tamanna ( A Story Of Forbidden Love) by Tejeshwar Singh is worth trying.

Rating: 3 out of 5 

About the Author:

Inherently curious about relationships and mysteries surrounding human emotions, Tejeshwar Singh runs a software consultancy firm in Delhi. He was a little late in realizing his passion towards creative writing, but doesn’t regret it. This is his second book and almost auto -writing – it emerged from the deepest confines of his sub conscience. His first book, I’ve had Enough… God!!! was published by Rupa in 2009.

Book Review – Those Were the Days by N.S. Ravi

Title: Those Were the Days

Author: N.S. Ravi

Publisher: Frog Books

No of pages: 249

Honestly, I am not much fond of reading non fiction books. When I was contacted to read and review this book, I was not sure If I can do justice while reviewing. I gave it a try and I am happy I didn’t deny to read this book.

Talking about the title and the cover of the book, it’s interesting and impressive!

As I always say, a blurb and cover of the book shouldn’t be taken for granted. They play an important role in creating an impact on the reader’s mind. Blurb of the book is something that created excitement in me to read this book.

Blurb of the book says, 

I get frustrated when I hear my own people criticizing India.

I feel sad when I realize that more than half of the Indian population is unaware of what we have achieved in the recent past.

It is unfortunate that we seniors along with the government have jointly failed to make our younger generation know how great this country is. We teach them about Ramayana, Mahabharata and few selected leaders during the independence movement. We name all our new schemes after one or two leaders as if they were the only ones who did everything.

India is more than just few leaders. India has been a movement which assimilates everything which comes into contact with it and it is people who live here who make it happen.

The last fifty years have seen tumultuous changes world over. These have had vibrations in India as well.

Let us re-live these years.

About the Author:

N. S. Ravi holds a Masters degree in Economics from the University of Delhi and has had a distinguished and chequered career in senior positions in public and private sector enterprises dealing in jewellery, infrastructure and textiles and apparel in Europe, Africa and India. He speaks Tamil, Hindi, English and French.
Ravi is married and has two children.
‘Those Were the Days’ is his debut non-fiction work.
He can be reached at nuranisravi@yahoo.co.uk

Inside the book:

This book contains in total 30 chapters. Each chapter had something new and exciting to offer. Various positive aspects regarding our country are covered in these chapters which are generally seen but ignored. This book will give you reasons to feel proud for your motherland. Aspects like, music, technology, astrology, banks, property, pets, teachers, schools, pencils, pens and ball pens, tuition, radios,etc. Is being inscribed wonderfully, this shows the mature writing skills and observation skills of the author. These kind of work and stories require a lot of patience and research, the author has done it all and it could be easily seen in his Lexis.

In my view, if there’s any ounce of patriotism within you, this book will touch your heart for sure. What I personally liked about this book is, the author has tried to highlight the positive points of our nation rather than criticizing our motherland.

Positive Points of the book:

1. The language used by the author is easy and understandable. This will surely help author to reach the maximum readers.
2. I liked the concept of the book. I got to read something different. Something unusual and something which is not commonly chosen to read and write.
3. Mature writing skills can be observed while flipping the pages.
4. Simple yet catchy title.
5. The book is written in a letter based conversation. Interesting!
6. No such editing errors were found in the book.

Conclusion:

Uncommon plot. This book can be read if you’re bored of reading the same Chiclets which has nothing new to offer. This book must be read by the youngsters to understand the worth of our motherland, to understand the journey of our motherland.

A great effort done by a debut writer! I would definitely love to read more from him.

My Rating: 4 out of 5

Book Review: I will not regret losing you by Abhishek Agrawal

Author: Abhishek Agrawal

Publisher: Red Ink Publications

No of pages: 207

Blurb of the Book:

Aratya, a guy next door comes from the land of dreams, Kota. His strong and righteous moral character made him unique from other teenagers of his age. But he does a mistake and falls in love with Rithima who reciprocates as well.

It seems that life has become beautiful for them, but then life does not always go by our plans. And the two lovers get separated.

But, life has to move on, so Aratya tries to overcome his feelings by finding solace in friendship. Gaurav and Rohit become his best friends. He willingly takes every possible risk to help his friends in their time of distress. He had once read that friendship is a ship which never drowns. But life isn’t a fiction.

Meanwhile he met Riyankaa online and started liking her as a friend. Though, he was infatuated, the feeling of love was not on his mind. But, Riyankaa had her heart set on him. She proposes to him but he rejects. Later one day he gets to know that Riyankaa has met with a car accident near Hubli.

He is shocked to know this, wishes to search truths about Riyankaa and her accident and asks his friends to help.

Will his friends help him?

Will he be able to find Riyankaa?

Will he be able to regain his lost trust ever?

To know read,” I will not regret losing you.”

The true saga of the dark and complex cobwebs of relationships in today’s fake and treacherous world.

“Sometimes helping the wrong people makes you lose trust on yourself.”

My Review:

I will not regret losing you is a story of a Guy from Kota, Rajasthan. His name is Aratya. This story talks about love, betrayal, misunderstandings, friendship, selfish motives and destiny.

Talking about the first impression of the book, I was really excited to read it as it is published under the banner of Red Ink Publishers, one of the fastest growing publication houses of India. Secondly, I was thrilled and had high hopes from the book because foreword of the book is written is none other than Sudeep Nagarkar – one of the best writers of India.

Talking about the cover the book – I loved it for the simplicity it possess. Side cover of the book had a spelling error too. Which needs to be taken care of.As per my habit of judging a book by its blurb,I read the blurb and trust me,I was still excited to dive in with Aratya in his journey.

Sadly, When I reached half way,I realized I was not able to connect with the story. I couldn’t understand the plot and moreover the incidents sounded impractical to me.

I don’t deny to the fact that author has worked hard to create this plot an interesting one,but somehow he failed to do so.Moreover, innumerable spelling errors, grammatical errors and punctuation errors were found that is one of the reason why this book let me down. Proper proofreading is the solution to this problem. Which can be solved in next edition.

I couldn’t connect to this story much,because so many characters were playing their different roles at same time. As a reader, I got confused with few of them. This story talked more about Gaurav’s and Rohit’s life than Aratya’s life. Rewriting few chapters of the book will do wonders, I guess.

This story would have been much more better if this story had Ridhima’s, Akash’s or Riyanka’s part more in it. Somehow I felt, few characters were unreasonably added like – Bijli (Abhinav), Utkarsh, Arvinder, Zoya etc.

Honestly speaking, I didn’t like the story much but the climax steeled the show. I loved the end. Last chapter and the epilogue is the best part of the book.

Conclusion:

This book can’t be tagged as the best, but it doesn’t deserve to be called as worst. Author’s imagination could be seen through his work. The only thing that didn’t work here is his narration. Proper editing, proof reading and re writing could have made this book a wonderful piece of art.

If you can ignore grammatical errors while reading and it doesn’t affect your mood, you can surely pick this book. This book has several emotions entangled which will make you ponder over your thoughts. Few of them like, mother’s care, Parent’s trust, betrayal of your loved ones etc.

This story teaches you some important lessons like:

1. Life doesn’t stop for anyone. One must learn to move on.
2. No matter how good you are, people around you are going to treat you according to their needs and convenience.
3. No matter what, nobody can love you more than your parents.
4. Don’t ever regret losing them when they didn’t care about your emotions and feelings. If they hurt you intentionally, please note they never deserved you in first place.

About the Author:

Abhishek Agarwal is among the new generations of authors who has created his mark as a writer even before completing his first book. Born in the city of dreams, Kota, Abhishek completed his schooling from Saint Paul school, Kota. Since the beginning of his life, he had a keen interest in writing and reading. Other than being a prolific writer, Abhishek is an anchor and has anchored in a number of book launches, including the likes of Sudeep Nagarkar and Durjoy Datta. At present, he is pursuing his management degree from Kota University and aims to be one of the most successful entrepreneurs of the nation.
He strongly believe in human values and his debut novel “I will not regret loosing you” is a glimpse of his effort to serve the mankind.

Ratings: 3 out of 5

Book Review -He fixed the match She fixed him By – Shikha Kumar

Author: Shikha Kumar
Pages: 284
Publisher: Vitasta Publishing Pvt. Ltd.

Blurb of the book:

Shreya – I’m a highly qualified Delhi girl earning an enviable salary. My parents are having a tough time finding a suitable groom for me. However, recently they have a proposal from this very interesting guy from Mumbai. I almost get mesmerised when he starts talking to me. I think I like him very much.

Kunal – I’m owner of a textile company in Mumbai. My mom wants me to get married. Again. She has recently suggested a suitable girl from Delhi. What my mom doesn’t know is that I’ve already met Shreya before once in my life and I’ve been looking for her ever since. I have a vendetta to settle.

The author takes you along on a journey via roads of revenge, agony, remorse, attraction, titillation, tantalization and romance. Do Shreya and Kunal make it, or do they fall prey to their past?

Characters of the book: 

Kunal, Vineet, Shreya, Anuradha, Madhav, Gurdip, Ridhima,Rohan, Sandhya, Mahesh, Aastha, Saloni.

About the Characters:

Each character is precisely portrayed by author. Proper detailing is much like cherry on the cake, such minute detailing is  something that can make you feel connected to the story. Kunal and Shreya are the lead characters. Vineet plays a vital role in a story as Kunal’s cousin. Anuradha – character I loved the most.

Madhav and Sandhya are Shreya’s parents. Madhav and Aastha plays a role of Shreya’s Brother and Sister in law respectively.

My Review: 

Author has crafted a brilliant story in merely 284 pages. A story that will make you think about the hardships that an Indian girl has to face before and after marriage. Both good and bad side of arrange marriage is depicted clearly in the story.

There were many other points that author tried to highlight like:

1. Couples are made in Heaven
2. Marriage is all about destiny
3. Love is never planned – it happens with most unexpected people at the most unexpected time.
4. Friends and family are forever.

Talking about the positive points of the book:

I adored the language used by the author. Language is something that can keep you hooked up with a book. Language used by the author is simple yet impressive.

Editing is something that is usually not given importance or treated as a priority by Indian authors. Here is the book that can change your perception. No such editing errors were found in the book. That will make your reading journey a soothing one.

Characterization: When so many characters are involved in a story, it becomes a tough job to prioritize their roles in a story and to do justice with each of them. Author Shikha has won my heart in this process. Each Character is defined and used in a way that this story might feel incomplete if any of these characters are deleted. Anuradha’s character is my personal favourite. I truly adore her role in the story. The way Madhav and Sandhya gets restless for finding Suitable match for their darling daughter will make you feel like its your own house story. The way Madhav and Asthaa support, motivate and protect their darling sister is something that you will love to read. Author has also shown the darker side of the society by revealing the fact that despite of being educated, mature and broad minded people are not open and acceptable towards broken marriage and engagements.

Story Line of the book is entertaining too. Each reader asks for thrill, drama, romance, struggle and many such emotions while reading a book. Author is indeed successful in winning my heart through story line. From Tragedy to suspense, from friendship to love, from hatred to care, each emotion that was needed to create an impact on author’s mind is added by author in a brilliant manner.

The only negative point which I personally felt was not justifiable, Shreya who is such a mature, educated and ambitious girl meets a Guy for once in a coffee shop and agrees to get married with him. This thing is nowhere possible practically.

Conclusion:

A book that you can surely pick up while going on a long journey. A book that will surely connect you in some or the other way, a book that I will cherish for the long long time simply because I truly loved the way Kunal falls in love with Shreya not for her looks and money, not for her education or not for her earning capacity but for the qualities she had. Shreya is a character that won my heart and is surely going to stay in my mind for long long time. Each newly wedded bride desires to get a friend and a supporter like Vineet.

Cover of the book is indeed cute. Blurb of the book makes you feel like there’s nothing more exciting in the book but once  you start reading a story, you will be forced to turn pages without taking a break. I bet!

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book written by shikha.
Take a bow lady! Keep Writing!

My rating: 4 out of 5