Mukul Ranjan’s book title, ‘Cold Cock’, is both unusual and unconventional. It is confusing an effortless attention-grabber, yet as it’s very uncanny to be a title for a book. If taken metaphorically, it justifies the events in the story accurately. But that is something that the readers can understand only when they read through the book. It is mainly focused on the teenage audience as many of them nowadays want to get into the entertainment industry and may be drawn towards it by the glamor it shows. However, the grown-up audience can also read the book due to the subject matter it contains. The story starts in December, on a rainy day featuring Dakshina, Imran, Swapan, and Ram Charittar, who are shown to be discussing a new plan and also having conflicts of opinion while trying to convince each other. In a short span of time, the plot changes its course, and the focus shifts to Ashwin, a boy from Bhopal who is looking for a job as an FCP machine manager. Ashwin is rejected by Dakshina during his job interview. While unfolding the plot of “Cold Cock,” keeping Ashwin at the centre, the author explores the hurdles and problems one can encounter when they plan to begin something new (here being the channel, Birha). Even after the launch of the channel, after much struggle, the readers get to know how difficult it is to run it smoothly as there are plenty of forces that would try to prevent it from happening. Ranjan shows this face of reality in an unfiltered and starkly realistic manner. The characters in “Cold Cock” are more or less the everyday people who have all the features and vices which would be present in any person. The affair between Ashwin and Mynah, the disagreement of people on different opinions, Dakshina’s act of running away with the money all show the acts any person would commit. This makes the characters realistic and inspired by real life instead of being fragments of the author’s imagination. The writer’s choice of words is very intriguing as it would attract both non-readers and bibliophile readers. The story mainly revolves around the launch of the Birha channel and all the situations that come as a package deal. Despite the presence of other characters making their mark, Ashwin is mainly the character in focus. The relationship between Mynah and Ashwin is very passionate and adventurous. The love affair of Ashwin and Mynah results in some amusing moments. The character of Mynah will provide readers with many funny scenarios as she handles every situation in a quirky fashion. This again reinforces the fact that the book being strongly inspired by reality, and this touch of reality would give the readers a lesson in the true sense. It would also show the unseen side no matter how it is. The first half of the story has some very well-placed humor elements, but the second half is deprived of it. The later part shifts to a rather serious mode which altogether balances the overall work. The writer in “Cold Cock” has also greatly focused on providing very minute details, which makes the important scenes feel more real. One of the instances in this regard could be providing some very authentic sounding names for the shows, such as Bhaujaiya de da dawaiya, etc. There are plenty of incidents where the readers would feel the essence of reality pervading the atmosphere of the book closely. Overall, the story is very well researched. It does a great job of showing us the harsh realities of the entertainment world and how hard it gets to sustain as a worker in this industry. The writer does not compromise with the work culture of Bihar. It also gives us an insight into how women’s harassment takes place in reputed organizations. It depicts perfectly how overwhelming this industry is. And, what toll it will take on oneself living with people who don’t have good work ethics. While many may know of the reality from hearsay and conjecture, Ranjan talks about it vividly in “Cold Cock” and even if he uses a fictional framework, the readers forget that it is anywhere a work of fiction. While the work may for once appear mainly for a particular set of readers, it remains open to reading for all who like to read reality-based content which is born from the present-day world and the contemporaneity of it would continue as long as there is the presence of the entertainment industry. The dynamics of the entertainment industry are likely to remain the same in whatever time it is placed; hence “Cold Cock” and the relevance of Mukul Ranjan’s work would also continue in whatever time it is read. Therefore, it is recommended to all readers whether they read fiction or non-fiction.
Book Review : Mystry of happiness: Enigma of hapliness by Misbah Salim Qazi
Happiness is something that every human being seeks and wants more and more every time. This is the sole motivator and drives their efforts in the direction which would take them to happiness. While materialistic objects bring joy to quite an extent, a significant portion of happiness is attributed to abstract things which require more mental and emotional work instead of physical work. “Mystery of Happiness: Enigma of Happiness” by Misbah Salim Qazi explores the idea of happiness and the factors that influence a person’s happiness. At the same time, the author also explores the steps that a person can take to ensure they are heading towards happiness without making any mistakes. The cover of Qazi’s book is simple, vibrant, and catches the eyes of the readers in one instant. They are drawn to the book due to its simple illustration and combination of colors that have been used. This clarifies the fact that even though the subject chosen by the author is abstract, yet the approach she would be taking would be concise, practical, focussed, and to the point. Although the subject of “Mystery of Happiness” is abstract and something which may have found mention in books now and then, the author takes a unique approach which is a blend of the pragmatic, experimented ways and also has a touch of emotion while also being based on both individualized experience and social observations. Qazi divides her short book into two sections wherein she focuses on different subjects related to happiness at an individual level and what one should do in their attempts to be happy. She tries to talk about all the possible subjects that would be resonating in the minds of the readers, which she could record on the basis of her observations. Since “Mystery of Happiness” is based on the author’s observations and experiences, it becomes all the more significant for the readers as it is replete with learning. What is interesting is the clear division of the sections done by the author. It is difficult to define and categorize the things or people who can define a person’s happiness, but the author does this effortlessly due to her insightfulness and understanding. Through her clear and precise division of the content, the author handles the abstract subject with skill. Emotions are one area where authors have to be very careful while constructing a plot when it comes to fiction. Of course, the same challenge pervades in non-fictional texts too. But the readers do not sense any discomfort or difficulty in understanding this subject when they see it all through Qazi’s words. This also makes her work stand apart from the books that may have been written earlier on the same subject. While in the first section, Qazi explores happiness, its definition, and meaning on an individual level, the later section talks about how one can find happiness in life through different relationships. Whether it is through family or friends or through strangers, the author shares takeaways to be a winner in all relationships. In this manner, the book becomes a guide for the many who struggle with making relationships work or find themselves out of ideas when they have to interact and involve. “Mystery of Happiness” is a personal and reflective account in words that are easy to understand. Since it is a product of personal experiences and observations, it becomes a product of introspective thoughts. Through her personal experiences, Qazi shows the universality of human emotion and also highlights that everyone may react differently, yet everyone feels things one way or the other. This helps humans connect and understand each other. Everyone wants to be happy but how to be happy remains a mystery for many. The unraveling of that mystery by the author makes the book an essential read for the many who struggle with this question. “Mystery of Happiness” attempts to unravel the keys to joy in a person’s life. In a time when there is negativity and stress in the lives of many, this book could come as a guide and a happiness-saver. To make it easy for the readers, the author keeps her words less and the message more potent. The young author handles the challenging subject with skill and precision. This would also attract youngsters towards the book since it is through the eyes of a youngster. In a few words, she conveys a lot of thoughts and ideas that the readers can easily understand and apply in their lives. So, all readers, whether old or young, can try reading Misbah Salim Qazi’s keys to happiness which she substantiates in “Mystery of Happiness: Enigma of Happiness,” and infuse those keys in their lives to enrich it with joy, hope, and optimism to make their journey smooth and stress-free.
Book Review : SAMRAT: Who never gives up by Suchi Smita Sahu
The spirit of never giving up and going on steady is what is the main purpose of any person’s life. Everyone, from their childhood, is inculcated with the spirit of striving to thrive even in adverse circumstances. “Samrat: Who Never Gives Up” by Suchi Smita Sahu has the resonating effect of this philosophy, which the title character signifies and the subtitle substantiates. In her short book, Sahu captures the life of her protagonist and the different stages that occur while addressing different themes and issues which are prevalent and familiar in the lives of many. At the same time, she may have chosen to keep her characters concentrated, yet the book conveys many ideas apart from the message of the subtitle. The subtitle also becomes an essential attraction for the readers as it gives a vibe of positivity and an idea that what they are going to read is going to transport them away from the negativity of life and despite showing situations that may affect the protagonist in a negative way, yet they would see the positive that comes out of it. When the readers begin with the introduction as given by the author, they know that what they are going to read is be a work of fiction, yet the effect and validity it will have will be on a universal level. She gives just the required details in the introduction and touches the nerve of interest of the readers in no time. Although they know a bit about the plot, yet they are drawn towards reading the book due to the suspense and uncertainty with which the author packs the book. The story majorly revolves around the protagonist, Samrat, and the events of his life. Through one character, the author shows the different shades of life that occur in the life of an average human being and how they shape their personalities as a whole. She also shows that even a simple life can be eventful and filled with unimaginable changes and also shows the versatility of human nature and behaviour. “Samrat” comes across as a story that would be a characteristic of an average Indian household, and the circumstances the protagonist faces can also be found. This makes Samrat a representative of the many who would be like him. Sahu’s capturing his life right from his early days to the days when he looks at the early days of younger ones shows how life comes in a complete circle as time passes. In the midst of this, the author explores many themes and thoughts that incarnate Samrat’s life and the lives of many. These include the importance of family, compassion in relationships, complexities that life can throw at a person, the ability to adapt and adjust to new situations, and the significance of living on specific standards. Other thoughts that the readers may trace in the book include the world above materialistic madness; the marvels hard work can do in someone’s life, human beings and their emotional vulnerability, and the fact that those who live for others while living for themselves are remembered later. The story of “Samrat” touches the hearts of the readers both due to the purity of emotion with which the author portrays his life and also the faithfulness with which she builds it. At one juncture, the readers reminisce their lives with Samrat’s habits and mischief, and on the other hand, also see the mature version as times change. They would also be able to relate to it as they would have gone through similar circumstances. This opens Sahu’s book to reading by people of all ages. Younger readers would be able to enjoy the younger days of Samrat and learn about life in the later phases of the story, while the grown-up readers would be able to both reminisce and relate to the protagonist’s life. In addition, the author uses a language that all readers can read. Parents can also read this book to their children or choose this book to be read by their children for the content and the values the book imparts. These values would be instrumental in shaping their sensitivity as a human, therefore, “Samrat” would be a good book for children too. At the same time, the subtitle, “who never gives up,” also becomes significant since it teaches a crucial value of striving to thrive in life and not giving up no matter how challenging life becomes. In this light, the book also becomes a piece of motivational writing, and the readers carry the impression of taking life head-on in all circumstances. It also instills the readers with optimism even when Samrat faces adverse events.
Book Review Hybrids: Clash of The Elementals By Prisha Dixit
When life presents unimagined circumstances and unpredictable situations, the undiscovered side of a human personality comes to light. This could be for both the positive and the negative, but as it is considered that untold circumstances bring untold reactions. “Hybrids: Clash of The Elementals” by Prisha Dixit is one such book in this regard. As interesting as the title is, the book does indeed present a plot which rich with hybridity and depicts a unique story altogether. The blurb of the book is enough to get a reader hooked on it. It is interesting to see how the author uses a few words but builds up an entire universe that both suffices the imagination of the readers and excites it at the same time. The readers would notice the author using the term “annoying twin sister” and understand its significance because it is so relatable in a sibling relationship. This is from where the readers develop a connection with the book. As a result of this, the readers give all their attention from the beginning to the very last pages of the book. The plot is woven in a fascinating and intriguing manner at the same time. It is full of suspense, mystery, plot twists, and anticipation of what is going to happen next. At the same time, the mystery behind the unpredictable nature of life and how it can change the situation into something else permanently lurk in the background. This makes the book all the more relatable and gives it the necessary humanitarian touch. “Hybrids: Clash of The Elementals” is one such book that would give a unique kind of experience to all readers after they have completed it. Dixit writes a book that is vast and massive in its content and yet concentrated in terms of the book-length. At the same time, the readers would find a lot to gain from this book; it would give them a sneak peek into a lot of different things, things that belong to the fantasy world, a journey into the untold world, a journey of self-discovery and simultaneously, discovering the strength of human bonds. Towards Chapter 4, the readers may be reminded of Percy Jackson and how they had to fight off the monster before entering Camp Half-Blood. There are many mythological elements that the author uses in the book. The readers observe and admire the bond between the twins. Battling against all odds and displaying a united front, the author shows the bond in beauty, purity, and it’s not being tainted by the evil ways of the world and at times entertaining too, especially with Jackson and Selene in the picture. While the novel is serious and hovers between life and death in the novel, there is also a hint of comedy and entertainment in the other level. So, there is no space to be bored with this one. Another unique feature of “Hybrids” is the technique that Dixit uses in writing the book. She hands over the narrative to the central characters, and they speak for themselves. They become the showrunners of their lives, and the author abstains from pulling strings. This helps them appear more individualistic and true to life. Since they speak to the readers directly, the lines between a reader and character are blurred, and hence the readers feel closer to them as a person. The plot is constructed in a manner where the story is quite consuming, unfolds at a fast pace, and keeps the readers hooked throughout. Through the narrative technique, characters, and the plot, the author introduces her writing to the readers, and they would be left hoping for more. Although there are many things in this book, the author has woven them in such a way where they blend in and make the book a great read. There is a little bit of everything in this book. Mystery, suspense, excitement, fear, worry, being united by blood are just a few things among the bunch that the author packs up the book with. Also, The writing style of the author is very clear and straightforward. It can be understood by anyone out there and can be very well perceived. She uses a language that can be understood by readers of all age groups, and hence the book can be read by all readers, irrespective of their ages. The chapters are short, crisp, and leave the readers in suspense and wonder. This adds up and enhances the theme of suspense and reinforces the excitement in the readers. Overall, the book can be read by all those who are looking for some refreshing and new content for reading and also those who want to have an experience of the new worlds which are shaped by the unpredictable changes in life. Reviewed By: Akhila Saroha
HEART Сердце – a medical bilingual book by Ashutosh Vats | Book Review
As everyone is well aware of the heart and its significance in running the human body, ignoring this fact is both undeniable and unignorable. Research has been done in plenty to find out how to ensure the smooth working of the heart and a comfortable life free of any diseases. As it is taught to children and elders are equally aware, the heart should be taken care of religiously. The basic fact that it is the heart which pumps and purifies blood for the whole body is in itself the loveliest thing that God has created it. In the aesthetic sense, it is also said that the heart feels emotions and yet, its capacity to bear the whole body and ensure life in it is a thing of both beauty and wonder. The book, “Heart: A Medical Bilingual Book” by Ashutosh Vats is about heart. The author has written the book after doing an in-depth research about heart. “Heart: A Medical Bilingual Book” is divided in to sixteen chapters has some difficult vocabulary as well which makes the book a good read for someone who understands medical vocabulary easily. Since the book is a part of the medical course, the presence of jargon is expected. This makes the book a treasure for those belong to the medical industry and also those who have some knowledge of the heart and all the dynamics related to it. The author begins by writing the history of the heart in the first chapter of the book. The heart is the most important organ of the body this is identified by a Greek philosopher. The author has written different perspectives on the heart and its history in the first chapter. He further goes on to explain about the heart in biological terms and how it benefits the whole body and mind. Vats has written Harvey’s ideas about heart in “Heart: A Medical Bilingual Book” which were widely accepted by the end of seventeenth century. A person who has the slightest knowledge of these ideas would be able to understand all that the author has to say with ease. In the second chapter, the author has explained the simple and meaning of heart. How it works and why it should be taken care of. Since all know the why factor, the how factor becomes one of immediate interest to the readers. Intricacies of how heart is made and what it is has been written in the book in a wonderful manner. This makes reading the book an interesting experience and even readers who may not be much aware find their knowledge base being expanded after reading “Heart: A Medical Bilingual Book.” In further chapters, the author has written about functions of heart and has explained each and every function in detail from all perspectives. Vats has written about physiology of the heart, physical treatment, heart failure, congenital heart disease, fun facts about the heart and many such an intriguing and an important aspect about heart. As the language of the book is an academic the book would be easily understandable for medical students. The author has explained everything in detail with a slow-paced writing style which makes the book a bit lengthier to be read. But at the same time, it ensures a clarity in the concepts and the readers and hence, a better understanding of all that should be known accurately. The book has a lot of information and hence is a must read for someone who likes to read informational content regarding heart. Medical industry has advanced a lot and people have made revolutionary efforts to create an awareness among people about how to make the human body. Therefore, even people who do not belong to the medical fraternity can try reading Ashutosh Vats’ “Heart: A Medical Bilingual Book.”
Book Review: Haunted Girl – No My Baby Never. Author: B. Anilkumar
Uncategorized
Destiny is a fascinating, and scary term. The best and the worst thing about destiny is that it is not in our control, and thus, all we can do is go with the flow and face everything with bravery and positivity. When destiny throws a problem at you, it depends on you how you deal with it. Some people give up, some stay and do nothing, and some fight back with bravery. But, what will you do if your life is full of twists and turns, and the twists and destined to mess your love life, and at times, sanity?
Book Review : Armories and Arsenals by Antara Bhattacharya
Uncategorized
Mental health is one of the most important topics to be addressed, especially in the current times. The number of patients suffering from various mental health issues has taken a surge and at a very alarming rate. People are suffocated with the troubles going on. Some address it, take help, and some cannot. But, have you ever thought about how it feels? Feeling depressed? No energy? Lots of pain in heart, but unable to express it? How does it all feel? Also, it’s not just about the inner conflicts.
Book Review : Business Business: The Untold Story by Avinash T V
If you want to be realistic about business success, then books about business failure must adorn your bookshelf. The Story conveys the cautions that most of the youngster has forgotten nowadays in the rush of opening a startup. A study, revealed that aspiring entrepreneurs can learn from business failures only if they understand the consequences of decisions, assessments, inactions or actions that caused past failures. This is beneficial if they realize how to use this knowledge to successfully run their next enterprise. And it can only happen when aspiring entrepreneurs read books like “Business Business: The Untold Story” written by Avinash T V that teach the value of success. Beginning from the middle class family story, four friends lived with their parents with an aspiration to become successfully and get installed into a latest version of adaptive technology, but they were in a dilemma. They wanted a company registered the same day, but were at level zero gain. All their research for the entire week went into the drain, and nobody willing to take their name back. With Naveen’s drastically nature, all were in a shock, when someone own ditches. This book goes deep down into the darker side of launching a start-up business, and the innumerable pitfalls that Indian entrepreneurs have to overcome. The book is full of derisive observations, fascinating anecdotes, and some stunning customer insights. And ofcourse you wouldn’t like to miss those behind-the-scenes happenings in the start-up ecosystem. This is one of the must-read books about business failure for industry professionals, investors, business school graduates, aspiring entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in India’s fast-growing start-up environment. A compelling narrative, “Failure to succeed” is all about the search for ways to progress and achieve success, despite repeated setbacks. If you are planning to launch a new venture or dream to become an entrepreneur or working in a start-up or a non-fiction or biography reader or a reader looking for a good book or a student. This book is for you. “Business Business : The Untold Story” is a one-of-a-kind book that suggests its readers to learn from their mistakes. According to author Avinash T V, learning from mistakes is the only way to ensure that the same mistake is not repeated. A guide for entrepreneurs and business professionals, the book offers knowledge, and the necessary tools to craft success by embracing every failure, be it large or small. It inspires budding entrepreneurs and offers them strategic actions to convert failures into rewarding gains. Avinash TV’s book unveils both inevitable and likely setbacks and also gives readers practical approaches to quick self-judgment. It’s not a business book nor a fictional novel, instead of a mix of both, I loved the way Author put his entire story – hhe got an amazing style of expressing things. Going through the book was more like I was in her shows and living the moment. We just get to know more about his continuous struggle, trying to figure out what needs to be done to sustain – ultimately meeting her failure in the end. The book also talks about seed capital, fundraising, pitch deck, product-market fit, go-to-market plan, business plan, where to find investors, bridge round, EBITDA, Business model calculation – but no were in-depth details about the concept. It is not often that I read a book where I learn something valuable on every page. Avinash explains in down to earth terms the rise and fall path of mistakes and what type of mind set you need to turn them into fantastic learning experiences that make you a better person. They describe in detail what it took mentally and emotionally to overcome and transform their inner landscape via understanding their failures. I thought this would be a quick read but I was wrong. I took me almost two weeks to read it. It took so long because I needed to digest what I was reading and then self reflect. Avinash does not suggest I do this, I took it upon myself and I am grateful I did it.The benefits are amazing. Don’t be afraid to fail. In fact, failures often lead to success. Take inspiration from the failures, all of these failures were followed by perseverance and enormous successes. Stories in the book, too, offers important lessons one can relate with. Some of them are politics that play out in office every day or how insecurities drive people to act in a certain manner. Everyone would face or are bound to face such hurdles in an office atmosphere. Many of the characters in the stories show courage and deal with those situations with dignity, and mostly succeed. This book shows how it’s not just hard work and talent that determine entrepreneurial success. An unfair advantage is something unique and internal to each person that gives a competitive upper hard, and exists even without having worked for it. Even adversity can be converted into an opportunity, as the frameworks and examples in this book show. The authors’ framework for entrepreneurs goes by the acronym MILES: money, intelligence/insight, location/luck, education/expertise, and status. This book would inspire you to retain a certain amount of goodness in you while you aim for or occupy the corner office. That is the most important message of this book. It doesn’t pretend to tell you how to get there or be there. Avinash’s work is a great reminder that the rules for running a strong business and creating value haven’t changed. For one thing, there’s an essential human factor in every business endeavor. It doesn’t matter if you have a perfect product, production plan, and marketing pitch; you’ll still need the right people to lead and implement those plans. That is a lesson you learn quickly in business foundation. Which people are you going to back? Do their roles fit their abilities? Do they have both the IQ and EQ to succeed? Business Adventures is as much about the strengths and weaknesses of leaders in challenging circumstances as
Book Review : Grandest Revelation – The Exordium by Anubhav Anand
A work of fiction that is a blend of diverse genres and characters from varying backgrounds gives the book a richness of its own kind and also keeping a reader excited throughout. A reader has such kind of an experience while reading Anubhav Anand’s blend in his book, “Grandest Revelation: The Exordium.”
Book Review : The Viceroy Villa – Ashwini U. Nambiar
The Viceroy Villa is a cursed palace and the centre of the book, around which, the story revolves. The protagonist couple moves in to stay in the villa, along with their pair of girl kids. The female protagonist discovers an underground dungeon in the premises and decides to pen down a story based on that. All the adventures that she plans for the characters of her story, becomes real in dangerous ways for her daughters. Various twists and turns unfold, leading the kids and their friends to an island previously unknown to the world.